International Journal of Innovative Research and Scientific Studies

Six Sigma Meets Agile: Innovations in Batik Ecoprint Development in Indonesia

Wed, 11 Jun 2025 00:00:00 -0500

This study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of the Six Sigma method in improving the quality control process of ecoprint batik production among Indonesian micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs), which often face issues related to inconsistent product quality due to the lack of standardized procedures. The research adopts the Six Sigma approach through the DMAIC (Define, Measure, Analyze, Improve, Control) methodology, supported by both primary data from direct observation and secondary data from production records and defect logs. An agile framework is also integrated to design a prototype classification system for identifying leaf types and matching them with appropriate production methods. The implementation of the Six Sigma methodology led to significant improvements in specific production stages. The sigma level in the pattern formation process improved by 39.78%, and fixation quality increased by 41.38%. However, improvement in the scouring and mordanting process was limited to 6.9%, primarily due to the absence of standardized operating procedures regarding raw material usage. The integration of Six Sigma and agile principles successfully enhanced the quality of ecoprint batik production, particularly in critical stages of the process. The findings underscore the need for clear and consistent standards to support broader quality improvement. This research provides a structured framework that can be adopted by MSMEs to establish quality management standards, reduce production defects, and enhance the market competitiveness of ecoprint batik as a sustainable Indonesian cultural product on a global scale.

Carbon tax as a tool for territorial development in the post- pandemic times in Colombia: Relationship state, vulnerable communities and formal and informal economies

Wed, 11 Jun 2025 00:00:00 -0500

One segment of the population is particularly vulnerable to the risks caused by an environmentally degraded world. Despite years of struggle for policy and regulatory reforms, pandemics show conditions of increased exposure to climate risk for populations in situations of inequality and vulnerability. Once this link is made explicit, climate change action mechanisms, such as carbon pricing, are potential tools for strengthening social justice. Through a systemic review of the structure of the Colombian carbon tax and its causality with territorial action, strengths and weaknesses were identified to make its impact-application effective for social justice in the Pandemic - Post-Pandemic era. It is recognized that the focal point in the usefulness of the carbon tax in the economic recovery process is the distribution of benefits from the sale of high-quality certified carbon to the communities that live with the forests, where territorial development is promoted, guaranteeing equity for the actors in the system.

A model for transforming conventional industrial areas into eco-smart zones: The role of development planning, infrastructure, competence, and partnerships on success of the transformation process

Syafrijon Syafrijon, Sarwono Hardjomuljadi, Basuki Anondho — Wed, 11 Jun 2025 00:00:00 -0500

This study aims to explore the impact of several independent variables on the commitment to area development and the success of the transformation process within urban settings. The background of the research is rooted in the increasing importance of strategic planning, technological advancements, and collaborative efforts in driving effective urban development initiatives. To achieve this, a quantitative research method was employed, utilizing hypothesis analysis based on data collected from relevant stakeholders involved in urban development projects. The findings reveal significant relationships between independent variables namely Planning for Transformation, Physical Infrastructure, Technology Infrastructure, Human Resource Competence, and Partnership Cooperation and commitment to area development. Notably, Technology Infrastructure emerged as the most influential factor. Furthermore, the study underscores that a strong commitment to area development is essential for the success of transformation processes. These results provide valuable insights into the critical factors that facilitate successful urban transformation, emphasizing the need for an integrated approach in planning and implementation.

Enhancing employee creativity: The role of ethical and transformational leadership in driving innovation and organizational citizenship in Malaysia’s private universities

Wed, 11 Jun 2025 00:00:00 -0500

This research aims to examine the influence of ethical and transformational leadership on employee creativity. Additionally, it investigates whether organizational citizenship behavior (OCB) serves as a mediating factor in the relationship between these leadership styles and employee creativity. Given the increasing importance of fostering innovation within organizations, understanding these relationships can provide valuable insights for leadership development and organizational effectiveness. The study employed a quantitative research methodology, utilizing a sample of 275 employees from Malaysian private higher education institutions (PHEIs). Data collection was conducted through structured questionnaires measuring leadership styles, OCB, and employee creativity. To test the proposed hypotheses and derive conclusions, the collected data was analyzed using the partial least squares technique (PLS-SEM), a robust method for examining complex relationships between multiple variables. The findings indicate that OCB has a significant positive impact on employee creativity. Ethical leadership positively influences both OCB and employee creativity, highlighting the role of moral leadership in fostering a conducive work environment. Similarly, transformational leadership was found to have a strong and positive effect on OCB and employee creativity, emphasizing the importance of visionary and inspirational leadership in enhancing workplace innovation. Furthermore, the results confirm that OCB serves as a crucial mediating variable between both ethical and transformational leadership and employee creativity. The study underscores the importance of ethical and transformational leadership in promoting employee creativity, with OCB playing a mediating role in this relationship. Leaders who exhibit ethical behavior and transformational qualities contribute to higher levels of OCB, which in turn enhances creativity among employees. This reinforces the notion that leadership styles significantly impact employee innovation through behavioral and psychological mechanisms. Organizations, particularly within the higher education sector, should prioritize leadership development programs that emphasize ethical and transformational leadership qualities. Encouraging OCB among employees can further enhance creative outcomes, leading to improved institutional performance and competitiveness. By fostering a supportive and values-driven work environment, leaders can effectively cultivate a culture of creativity and innovation, ultimately contributing to organizational success in dynamic and knowledge-intensive industries.

Assessing the impact of safety assurance practices on telecommunication tower maintenance effectiveness in Malaysia: The moderating role of risk exposure

Ramila Devi Ram Sing, Siti Hajar Hamzah, Gurdip Kaur Saminder Singh — Wed, 11 Jun 2025 00:00:00 -0500

The purpose of research is to explore the impact of key factors in the Occupational Safety and Health Management System (OSHMS) on the effectiveness of telecommunication tower maintenance in Malaysia, with a particular focus on the moderating role of risk exposure. The study investigates the relationship between Hazard Assessment (HA), Incident Reporting (IR), Safety Training (ST), Compliance Audit (CA), Improvement Evaluation (IE), and Effectiveness of Tower Maintenance OHSAA in this high-risk industry. Based on a sample size of 377 (Rasoft), 258 (68.44 percent) industry professionals responded. A stratified random sampling technique and a 5-point Likert scale questionnaire were used to collect information. The obtained data is validated with a reliability coefficient of 0.8 and analyzed using SmartPLS software for CFA, Discriminant Validity, VIF, and Path Analysis. The results reveal a strong positive relationship between hazard assessments and safety training for improved maintenance and OHSAA compliance outcomes. This study also highlights gaps in incident reporting systems, compliance audits, and improvement evaluations, which were found to have limited effectiveness in enhancing safety based on risk exposure. The findings also demonstrate the negative moderating effect of risk exposure, suggesting that safety measures are less effective in high-risk environments. It was concluded that organizations prioritize robust safety training, comprehensive hazard assessments, and ongoing risk management, while urging policymakers to strengthen regulatory frameworks to ensure regular updates to safety protocols. The practical implication of this study shows valuable insight into the role of OSHMS elements in high-risk industries and offers practical recommendations for improving safety practices and guiding future research in occupational health and safety, aligning with ESG under environmental, social, and governance.

Qualitative comparative analysis of city sustainable strategies: Insights from of 25 global cities

Do Phu Hai, Nguyen Thi Thuy Hang — Wed, 11 Jun 2025 00:00:00 -0500

Rapid urbanization and mounting environmental pressures require fresh strategies for sustainable city development. Although research abounds on individual measures, green corridors, compact-city policies, and smart technologies, comparative insights into how these approaches interact are scarce. This study bridges that gap by applying Qualitative Comparative Analysis (QCA) to 25 leading cities, structured around six interdependent dimensions: Ecological Urban Quality (ECOQ), Environmental & Geographic Factors (ENGE), Economic & Financial Conditions (ECOF), Political & Policy Factors (POP), Social & Cultural Dynamics (SOCC), and Technological Innovation (TECHI). Leveraging composite indices and TOSMANA-driven procedures, we identify nine “recipes” for high ecological performance and five configurations tied to underperformance. Findings demonstrate that no single condition guarantees success; instead, the synergy especially between ENGE and POP proves most potent. Case studies of Bogotá and Quito reveal how financial and institutional constraints can stall progress despite strong natural endowments. Moving beyond isolated examples, this research delivers a novel decision-support tool for urban planners and policymakers. It enriches theoretical understanding of conjunctural causation in ecological urbanism and offers actionable guidance for crafting locally tailored policy mixes, advancing more resilient, equitable, and ecologically sound urban futures.

Management of care for the well-being and emotional health of medical staff in the workplace

Wed, 11 Jun 2025 00:00:00 -0500

This study aims to analyze the impact of stress and emotional fatigue on medical staff, assessing the link between professional performance and the quality of patient care. Through statistical approaches, the role of emotional well-being in improving the quality of services and managing stress is also examined. The study includes a quantitative approach, where 514 health professionals were surveyed to measure the levels of stress, emotional fatigue, and quality of care. For the analysis of the data, Spearman correlation analysis and multiple regression were used. The results showed a moderate association between stress and emotional fatigue (r = 0.431, p = 0.000), suggesting that stress negatively affects professional performance. Emotional well-being was positively, but weakly, linked to the quality of service (r = 0.221, p = 0.018). Meanwhile, the link between emotional fatigue and quality of care did not prove statistically significant (r = 0.058, p = 0.538). The study highlights the need for further research to better understand the factors that affect the performance and well-being of medical staff, particularly in different healthcare contexts. The results suggest that improving organizational support and stress management strategies can help increase healthcare quality and personnel performance. Implications for public health, as a weakened healthcare workforce could result in increased medical errors, prolonged recovery times, and potentially worse health outcomes for patients. This study contributes to the existing literature by providing a data-based analysis of the impact of stress and emotional well-being on medical staff, issuing recommendations for policies and strategies for improving the quality of care.

Risk management practice in Indonesian banking industry: The role of sustainable leadership and environmental volatility

Boy Tjahyono, Mts Arief, Willy Gunadi, Diena Dwidienawati — Wed, 11 Jun 2025 00:00:00 -0500

This research aims to enhance risk management practices, and an approach based on sustainable leadership is necessary. The study aims to develop a strategic model to enhance sustainable performance by strengthening risk management practices based on sustainable leadership. Additionally, this study aims to test the moderating impact of environmental volatility on the relationship between sustainable leadership and sustainable firm performance. The research sample consists of a survey of commercial banks in the KBMI II, III, and IV groups in Indonesia, with samples taken from the managerial level of banks composed of C-level, SVP, VP, AVP, and manager levels. This study uses convenience sampling to gather the required data by distributing an online questionnaire of 55 questions. A total of 117 valid responses were received and analyzed using partial least squares structural equation modeling. The results of the study prove that sustainable leadership positively influences risk management practices. The results also show that risk management practices and sustainable leadership positively affect sustainable firm performance. Further, environmental volatility insignificantly moderates the relationships between sustainable leadership and sustainable firm performance. These results indicate that the banks in Indonesia should implement a comprehensive approach that encompasses sustainable performance.

Enhancing public service agility and value co-creation through fuzzy logic integration algorithms

Wed, 11 Jun 2025 00:00:00 -0500

This study investigates the limitations of traditional evaluation methods, particularly Likert-type scales, in capturing complex, subjective constructs such as organizational agility and value co-creation within public service delivery. It proposes an alternative framework grounded in fuzzy logic theory to better reflect the nuanced perceptions of stakeholders. A qualitative research design was employed, using semi-structured interviews with public sector agents in Moroccan territorial administrations. Respondents evaluated service attributes using a self-anchored “free scale” and linguistic descriptors. These evaluations were transformed into triangular fuzzy numbers (TFNs) and analyzed using fuzzy similarity indices and scale invariance testing (D-test). The fuzzy logic-based method revealed significant perceptual differences not captured by the standard 5-point Likert scale. Semantic differential scales showed stronger alignment with the free scale. Findings replicated across samples confirmed the increased representational sensitivity and reduced distortion in perceptual data using fuzzy logic. Fuzzy logic offers a more flexible and theoretically robust alternative to traditional fixed-point scales in assessing subjective dimensions of public service, enhancing accuracy in measuring perceived service quality and co-creation. The study emphasizes the importance of measurement choice in public administration research. Applying fuzzy logic can yield richer, more actionable insights for policy design, performance evaluation, and citizen engagement strategies.

The impact of provincial‑level institutional quality on attracting foreign direct investment in the red river delta provinces

Huong Thu Do, Dat Duy Nguyen, Tran Thi Mai Thanh — Wed, 11 Jun 2025 00:00:00 -0500

This study empirically investigates provincial-level institutional quality's impact on foreign direct investment (FDI) inflows within Vietnam's Red River Delta region (2009–2023), addressing a literature gap concerning how subnational governance affects FDI distribution in a rapidly transitioning economy. Inspired by the Worldwide Governance Indicators (WGI) framework, an Ordinary Least Squares (OLS) panel regression model analyzed data from 11 provinces over 15 years. Key Provincial Competitiveness Index (PCI) sub-indices – specifically time costs, informal charges, leadership dynamism, and legal institutions – served as proxies for institutional quality, with controls for market size, labor quality, and infrastructure. Results reveal that market size (population) and labor quality (share of trained labor) are strong positive FDI determinants; proactive and dynamic provincial leadership also significantly attracts investment. Conversely, higher informal charges and burdensome administrative time costs act as significant deterrents. Surprisingly, infrastructure capacity exhibited a negative correlation with FDI in this regional context, while the rule of law did not show a statistically significant effect at the provincial level. The study concludes that subnational institutional quality is a critical determinant of FDI patterns in Vietnam, playing a decisive role beyond uniform national policies. Investors appear to prioritize informal institutional aspects like administrative efficiency and local governance responsiveness, particularly where formal legal structures are relatively consistent. These findings call for policymakers to strengthen provincial-level governance by targeting specific local bottlenecks such as reducing administrative delays and informal charges, and fostering dynamic leadership as essential complements to broader national initiatives to attract and sustain high-quality FDI.

Assessing the impact of COVID-19 pandemic on the use of digital technologies in the banking industry

Wed, 11 Jun 2025 00:00:00 -0500

The COVID-19 pandemic significantly accelerated the adoption of digital technologies by bank customers, highlighting the need for remote banking services. This study aims to assess the impact of the pandemic on key indicators of innovation in the banking sector, using the European Union countries as a case study. A modified Delphi method was employed to identify relevant indicators, specifically the volume of transactions through digital platforms and the share of the population using online banking. A comparative analysis of the dynamics from 2019 to 2022 revealed a 243% increase in transaction volume and a 16% rise in online banking usage. Correlation analysis demonstrated strong relationships between these indicators and pandemic-related variables, with correlation coefficients exceeding 70% in most EU countries. Two regression models with high R² values (0.965 and 0.938) confirmed these relationships. The findings suggest that the pandemic served as a catalyst for rapid digital transformation in the banking industry, enabling financial institutions to adapt effectively to crises characterized by restricted customer mobility. The practical significance of this research lies in its potential to inform the development of strategies and recommendations for banks and financial institutions aimed at optimizing digitalization processes and implementing innovative technologies.

Strategic business transformation synergy, corporate sustainability in the energy sector by systematic literature review

Patar Situmorang, John Tampil Purba, Evo Sampetua Harianja — Wed, 11 Jun 2025 00:00:00 -0500

This systematic literature review (SLR) aims to identify the key determinants influencing corporate sustainability in the energy sector. The review synthesizes findings from 54 peer-reviewed articles sourced from the Scopus database. The study adopts the PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses) framework, ensuring a rigorous methodological process through clearly defined inclusion criteria, comprehensive database searches, and systematic screening and selection of relevant studies. The review reveals that corporate sustainability in the energy sector is driven by both external and internal factors. Key external determinants include climate change awareness, regulatory compliance, stakeholder pressure, sustainability reporting quality, risk perception, market and competition dynamics, and government support. Internal factors consist of technology adoption, strong leadership, top management support, business transformation, firm size, human resource management, organizational culture, service delivery, service innovation capability, and dynamic capability. This review contributes to the understanding of corporate sustainability in the energy sector by offering practical implications for industry stakeholders and policymakers, supporting the development of sustainable practices and long-term sustainability strategies.

QR-DEF: A quantum-resistant hybrid encryption framework with dynamic entropy fusion and biomimetic obfuscation

Rami Almatarneh, Mohammad Aljaidi, Ayoub A lsarhan, Amjad A. Alsuwaylimi — Wed, 11 Jun 2025 00:00:00 -0500

The growing threat of quantum computing has increased the need for cryptographic frameworks that go beyond classical cryptographic paradigms. Quantum-Resistant Dynamic Entropy Fusion (QR-DEF) is a new hybrid encryption paradigm that integrates lattice-based cryptography, dynamic environmental entropy, and bio-inspired obfuscation to mitigate vulnerabilities in post-quantum and classical paradigms. QR-DEF employs the NTRU lattice-based cryptosystem to create a static Shor's algorithm-resistant "Master Seed" and pulls dynamic entropy from fixed public parameters (e.g., blockchain nonces, weather) to create ephemeral session keys via a chaotic neural network. This combination ensures quantum resilience and forward secrecy without re-encryption overhead. Additionally, the post-encryption DNA-like substitution layer (DNA-LS) adds another level of complexity to the ciphertext through codon mapping and permutation, making frequency analysis more complicated. Benchmarks on an Intel i7-12700K demonstrate QR-DEF's operational efficacy, recording 1.92 Gbps throughput and 5.2 ms latency for 1KB payloads, which is similar to RSA-2048 but with a 60% faster key exchange. The 256-bit ChaCha20-Poly1305 layer in the framework elevates Grover's attack complexity to O(2^128), and blockchain-attested parameters ensure tamper-proof entropy sourcing. Although incurring a 15–20% performance overhead over native NTRU+ChaCha20, QR-DEF's layered security justifies the exchange: DNA-LS obfuscation inflates adversary costs by 33%, and dynamic parameters prevent key reuse risks. Scalability testing showed uniform throughput (1.85 Gbps) for payloads of 1MB, with energy efficiency (0.012 J/operation) being twice that of RSA-2048. QR-DEF's innovations (decentralized entropy feeding, chaotic mixing, and biomimetic confusion) establish a blueprint for adaptable and quantum-insurance cryptography. Harmonizing lattice-based security with environmental uncertainty will effectively bridge the gap between theoretical post-quantum abstractions and practical resiliency, thus offering a strong solution for IoT, distributed systems, and high-risk communications in the post-quantum age.

A deeper understanding of the syntactic behavior of phrasal verbs

Wed, 11 Jun 2025 00:00:00 -0500

The present paper examines the syntactic features of phrasal verbs among EFL students. The main objectives of conducting this study are to recognize those syntactic features associated with language acquisition and to review the syntactic structures of these phrasal verbs. In doing so, it is designed as a descriptive case study of this phenomenon within its context. In particular, the study examines how these phrasal verbs are arranged, and it presents a full description of these features. The analysis revealed that the syntactic features of phrasal verbs are difficult to comprehend for second language learners due to the various categories related to their structure, especially the separable/inseparable category. To conclude, there are many syntactic criteria based on which PVs can be categorized in terms of structure; this includes transitive/intransitive and separable/inseparable. Also, this paper highlights the distinction between phrasal verbs and prepositional phrasal verbs. Thus, all students should acquire at least an open awareness, enabling them to comprehend the PVs they encounter in spoken and non-spoken texts. Students who want to be proficient language users must be able to produce at least the more general PV combinations in a meaningful manner. Finally, this paper proposes that, as lexical items, phrasal verbs are certainly one of the greatest problematic challenges in language acquisition.

Exploring the determinants of consumers’ repurchase intention on E-retailing platforms in China: A mediation of consumer satisfaction

Hua Yao, Asad Ur Rehman — Thu, 12 Jun 2025 00:00:00 -0500

The study investigates how perceived Internet risk (PIR), brand trust (BT), platform image (PI), and consumer satisfaction (CS) impact repurchase intention (RI) in the Chinese e-commerce context. It also explores the mediating role of consumer satisfaction (CS) in the relationships. Based on the Stimulus-Organism-Response (SOR) framework, the study conducts a quantitative method. Data from 530 valid responses were collected via a Chinese commercial survey platform and analyzed using Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM) to test the proposed hypotheses. The results reveal that perceived Internet risk (PIR) significantly influences consumer satisfaction (CS) and repurchase intention (RI) through the mediating variable consumer satisfaction (CS). The findings help academics and online platform managers, especially valuable for managers. It provides practical evidence for enhancing positive consumer satisfaction and then attracting as well as retaining valued consumers and finally fostering online business profits. The study also employs the applicability of the S-O-R model in explaining consumer behavior in digital marketplaces. By empirically testing the mediating role of consumer satisfaction, the study offers a novel perspective to shape repurchase decisions, contributing to both academic and practical marketing strategies in the existing literature.

Keys success factors of life sciences entrepreneurs in Thailand

Sujira Vuthisopon, Kittipong Jeamwittayanukul — Thu, 12 Jun 2025 00:00:00 -0500

Currently, medical and health innovation businesses are on the rise, especially after the outbreak of COVID-19. More corporations have been established and prospered all over the world. However, at the end of 2022, there was a report of a decrease in the total number of medical and health entrepreneurs whose businesses were still operating in Thailand compared to the end of 2021. Therefore, this research aimed to examine the key success factors of life sciences entrepreneurs in Thailand to survive. Data were collected from 120 active entrepreneurs and analyzed using factor analysis and Structural Equation Modeling (SEM). The findings revealed that Human Capital (Personal motivation, Management skills, Teamwork, Industry knowledge), Financial Capital (Money and Infrastructure), Social Capital (Environment, Networking, and Culture), and Business Opportunities and Strategies significantly affected the success of life sciences entrepreneurs. To develop entrepreneurs to be able to grow sustainably, it is, therefore, very necessary to promote human capital activities, such as organizing business matching forums, training for new knowledge and technology, building effective teamwork, and creating a platform to meet experts in various fields to improve the company’s competitiveness.

Environmental-social-governance Firm performance, and firm value: Sustainability value-based performance as an intervening variable

Maria Safitri, Harjum Muharam, Irene Rini D. Pangestuti — Thu, 12 Jun 2025 00:00:00 -0500

As global markets increasingly prioritize sustainability, the role of Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) performance in influencing firm value has garnered significant attention. However, the pathway through which ESG efforts translate into financial outcomes remains underexplored, particularly in manufacturing sectors. This study examines the relationship between ESG performance, firm performance, sustainability value-based performance, and firm value, with sustainability value-based performance serving as a mediating variable. The primary objective of this research is to explore how ESG performance and firm performance influence firm value, with a focus on the role of sustainability value-based performance as a mediator in these relationships. A quantitative research design was employed, utilizing secondary data from annual reports, sustainability disclosures, and financial statements. By examining 100 manufacturing companies listed on the Indonesia Stock Exchange (BEI) from 2019 to 2023, this study seeks to provide a clearer understanding of the mechanisms that link ESG and financial performance to long-term firm value. Hypotheses were tested using Structural Equation Modeling – Partial Least Squares (SEM-PLS), facilitated by SmartPLS 3.0 software. The study found that both ESG performance and firm performance positively influence firm value, with sustainability value-based performance acting as a significant mediating variable. Strong ESG practices and financial performance create value through improved operational efficiency, stakeholder trust, and brand reputation. The study’s scope is limited to manufacturing companies listed on the BEI, potentially limiting generalizability to other sectors or regions. Additionally, the reliance on secondary data and publicly disclosed information may introduce reporting biases. This study contributes to the literature by providing empirical evidence on the mediating role of sustainability value-based performance, offering practical insights for managers and policymakers on integrating ESG practices to enhance firm value.

Innovative financing for infrastructure: A systematic literature review

Thu, 12 Jun 2025 00:00:00 -0500

This study aims to address the knowledge gap in the systematic analysis of prior research on Innovative Financing (IF) applications for infrastructure as an alternative to traditional financing methods. Using a systematic literature review of 131 journal articles published between 2010 and 2023, the study identifies a growing research interest in IF and explores various financing mechanisms, including Value Capture Finance, Tax Increment Financing, Transportation Reinvestment Zones, Blockchain-based tokenization, Infrastructure Bonds, Sovereign Wealth Funds, Public Asset Corporations, Government Co-Financing, Pricing Climate-related Risk, and Crowdfunding. The findings highlight key factors influencing IF applications, such as risk management, macroeconomic conditions, institutional and governance quality, stakeholder perceptions, and transaction cost efficiency. This study provides valuable insights into emerging IF applications across multiple sectors, emphasizing the importance of these critical factors in ensuring effectiveness, particularly the quality of institutional frameworks and contextual adaptability. Additionally, it identifies underexplored financing instruments in prior research, offering directions for future studies on innovative infrastructure financing.

Transformational leadership and job performance in the marketing sector companies of metropolitan lima

Angela Huaman-Valle, Liz Pacheco-Pumaleque, Alex Pacheco — Thu, 12 Jun 2025 00:00:00 -0500

The current study was conducted with the aim of examining the relationship between transformational leadership (TL) and job performance (JP) in marketing companies in Metropolitan Lima in 2024. Therefore, a correlational study was conducted under a quantitative approach using a non-experimental cross-sectional design. The sample consisted of 366 workers selected from a total of 7,558 employees of the companies associated with the National Association of Advertisers of Peru, ANDA. A significant relationship was found between TL and JP, showing that leadership based on inspiration and motivation leads to better performance. Therefore, it is necessary to implement leadership strategies that increase commitment, efficiency, and satisfaction in the workplace within the marketing sector.

Mind and means: Investigating the nexus of scientific temper, intellectual achievement, and economic capacity

Shivaprasad G, Sengottuvelu C, Gayathri R, Ravindra Babu S — Thu, 12 Jun 2025 00:00:00 -0500

Scientific temperament is known as an individual's attitude of logical and rational thinking. The current study debated the term scientific temper critically and explored its correlation with intellectual achievement among students undertaking higher studies. Furthermore, this research investigated the moderating role of monetary risk in such a correlation. The current study was carried out employing a quantitative research approach through a survey. The primary data was collected by administering the scientific temper scale. The survey was conducted in four locations in Karnataka, India. The census method was followed. Descriptive along with inferential statistics have been utilized to analyze the data. Hierarchical regression was utilized to perform moderating analysis. R programming was used for data analysis besides SPSS to test the hypothesis. It is found that there is a positive correlation between scientific temper and intellectual achievement. It is also found that there is a positive correlation between scientific temper and academic achievements. No correlation between scientific temperament and intellectual achievement was observed between boys and girl students. However, boys’ scientific temperament was much higher compared to that of girl students. The study also practiced measures for the development of scientific temper among students, such as integrating critical thinking and design thinking into learning and following new methods of education. The norms of the New Educational Policy (NEP-2020) of India should be adopted too so that the scientific temperament of the students could increase further at their initial school stage. In addition to the significance of cultivating a scientific temper and overcoming the economic limitations of education, the findings of the study have significant policy and program implications for education. It is also found that the education system is undergoing a lot of changes by incorporating interdisciplinary approaches and covering socially relevant topics. The research concludes that taking financial risk is a significant moderator of the link between scientific temper and intellectual achievement, indicating that low-risk financial strategies were better at assisting students in attaining their academic aspirations.

The impact of childhood amblyopia on the quality of life of pediatric population at King Abdulaziz medical city in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia

Thu, 12 Jun 2025 00:00:00 -0500

To measure the quality of life in the pediatric population with amblyopia at National Guard Health Affairs Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, our study used a non-probability consecutive sampling technique. Participants’ eligibility criteria included amblyopic patients within the pediatric age group. Patients’ contact information was collected from medical records in King Abdulaziz Medical City, National Guard Health Affairs, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. Phone calls were utilized to contact the patients’ guardians and to complete the questionnaires. Data was pooled in a spreadsheet and analyzed using SPSS v.26.0. Categorical data were described using frequency and percentages. Likert-scale questions were described using frequency and percentages along with mean and standard deviation. Reliability analysis was done for each domain to calculate Cronbach’s alpha. The Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 26.00 was used for the analysis. Sixty participants were included in this study; almost half of the children had struggles in seeing moving objects, which resulted in 35% having difficulties catching a moving object while playing, observing pictures and words, and learning new things at school. There was a non-negligible percentage who had missing days of school attendance due to vision issues and clinic appointments. Cronbach's alpha was calculated for all of the domains; most of the values were above 0.8, with some of the values reaching above 0.9, indicating good to excellent internal consistency. The study concluded that amblyopia has a huge effect on children’s quality of life and their families. A limited number of papers pertaining to the prevalence, impact, and quality of life of patients affected by amblyopia are available in Saudi Arabia. Therefore, more studies are recommended to tackle the same topic and to make it feasible to generalize the results in Saudi Arabia, yielding a more accurate conclusion.

Mediating effects of tourism resource-based view and tourist value co-creation between cultural heritage conservation and tourism development towards tourist experience quality

Ying Long, Daranee Pimchangthong — Thu, 12 Jun 2025 00:00:00 -0500

The purpose of this research is to study the effect of cultural heritage conservation (CHC) and tourism development (TD) on tourist experience quality (TEQ), with cultural and tourism resource-based view (C&T RBV) and tourist value co-creation (TVC) as mediators. A quantitative research methodology was used: 900 samples were collected from tourists at cultural heritage sites, and data were analyzed using structural equation modeling. The findings show that both CHC and TD have a direct effect on TEQ. The direct effect of CHC on TEQ indicates that legal and policy support is most effective in improving TEQ. The direct effect of TD on TEQ is achieved by strengthening infrastructure development and tourism marketing. C&T RBV and TVC are mediators between CHC and TEQ, as well as TD and TEQ, with 6 observed variables. In conclusion, this research confirms that CHC and TD have a direct effect on TEQ, and that C&T RBV and TVC are significant mediators. The analysis results provide practical implications and guidance on the optimization of cultural heritage site management strategies, innovation of TD models, and promotion of tourist TVC. This research offers a new perspective for the development of cultural heritage tourism while providing guidance for heritage site management, optimization of TD models, and tourist TVC.

The impact of digital teaching tools on student engagement and learning outcomes in higher education in Africa

Wesonga Justus Nyongesa, Johan Van Der Westhuizein — Thu, 12 Jun 2025 00:00:00 -0500

Using a qualitative literature review approach, this study investigates how the use of digital teaching tools affects student involvement and learning outcomes at higher education institutions in Africa. This review synthesizes academic publications highlighting the changing terrain of digital education shaped by the COVID-19 epidemic. The objectives include: investigating the digital teaching tools used in African universities; analyzing the correlation between these tools and student engagement; evaluating the impact of digital tools on knowledge retention, problem-solving skills, and general academic performance; identifying the challenges impeding the effective implementation of digital tools; and providing practical recommendations for improving the integration and efficacy of these technologies in African higher education. The continent has learning environment technologies like games, mobile apps (like WhatsApp), videoconferencing platforms, and learning management systems. When matched with pedagogical techniques, these tools show promise for supporting dynamic, student-centered learning environments and improving academic achievements. There are still problems with infrastructure, accessing the internet, using digital devices, knowing how to use them, and preparing institutions. The study reveals discrepancies in implementation and efficacy between urban and rural institutions, as well as in the experiences of staff and students. The results make it clear that scalable interventions meant to make digital transformation equitable need to be carefully evaluated across borders. The study recommends the improvement of ICT infrastructure, flexible digital learning policies, and the guarantee of fair access to digital resources. The study will help shape policies that aim to improve educational equality and creativity in higher education in Africa.

Some factors affecting environmental accounting in pharmaceutical listed enterprises on the Vietnamese stock market

Thanh Huong Pham, Bich Ha Dam, Thi Bich Hanh Chu, Phuong Thao Lai — Thu, 12 Jun 2025 00:00:00 -0500

In the context of globalization and increasing awareness of environmental issues, the pressure on businesses to manage and minimize negative impacts on the environment is becoming increasingly urgent. Environmental accounting has emerged as an important management tool, providing information on costs and benefits related to environmental activities, supporting businesses in making more sustainable and effective business decisions. In particular, the pharmaceutical industry, with its complex production processes, the use of many chemicals, and the generation of special types of waste, including hazardous medical waste, has the potential to cause significant impacts on the environment if not strictly managed. The effective application of environmental accounting not only helps pharmaceutical companies control environmental costs and comply with legal regulations, but also enhances the corporate image and better manages risks. In Vietnam, the pharmaceutical market is growing strongly, with many companies listed on the stock exchange. The implementation of environmental accounting in these enterprises is not only an increasing requirement from investors and stakeholders but also an important factor in enhancing transparency, accountability, and competitiveness. However, the implementation of environmental accounting in the Vietnamese pharmaceutical industry still faces many challenges in terms of awareness, capacity, and legal framework. Therefore, this study focuses on exploring and analyzing the main factors affecting the implementation of environmental accounting in pharmaceutical companies listed on the Vietnamese stock exchange. Identifying these factors will provide insights, serving as a basis for proposing solutions to promote the widespread and effective application of environmental accounting in the pharmaceutical industry, contributing to the sustainable development of both enterprises and the Vietnamese economy. This study is expected to make practical contributions to both academics, business managers, and policymakers in the field of environmental accounting and management, towards building a sustainable and environmentally responsible pharmaceutical industry. Potential factors considered include business characteristics, pressure from stakeholders, internal capacity of the business, and external factors. Clarifying the impact of each of these factors will help managers make appropriate decisions to promote the implementation of environmental accounting in their businesses.

Investigating the determinants of firms’ perceptions toward the implementation of CIFRS in Cambodia

Kosla Hin, Siphat Lim — Thu, 12 Jun 2025 00:00:00 -0500

The path analysis conducted using Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) provided insights into factors that influenced firms’ perceptions of adopting the Cambodian International Financial Reporting Standards (CIFRS). Among the five variables examined, only stakeholder knowledge and attitude (SKA) and cost of CIFRS adoption (CAC) showed statistically significant impacts. SKA (estimate = 0.377, p = 0.002) positively affected perceptions, emphasizing the importance of stakeholder awareness and professional development. CAC (estimate = 0.780, p < 0.001) was the strongest predictor, suggesting that firms investing in training and implementation were more likely to hold favorable views toward CIFRS adoption. Other variables, internal control systems (ICS), financial reporting components (FRC), and inconsistency with legal requirements (ILR), did not show significant influence, although ILR showed a marginally negative effect. Overall, the findings indicated that human capital and financial readiness were more critical than structural or regulatory factors. Regulatory and institutional support remained essential for effective CIFRS adoption across Cambodian firms.

A quasi-experimental evaluation of simulation-based versus video-assisted training on ACLS knowledge and skills among emergency nurses

Thu, 12 Jun 2025 00:00:00 -0500

This study emphasizes the importance of effective ACLS training for emergency nurses, particularly in managing pregnant patients, to improve outcomes and reduce maternal mortality. It aligns with SDG 3 (health and well-being) and SDG 4 (quality education), highlighting the global relevance of enhancing clinical skills through targeted education. The primary aim of this study is to assess the effectiveness of simulation-based education compared to video-assisted learning in enhancing emergency nurses’ clinical skills and knowledge of ACLS in the care of pregnant women. Using a randomized, experimental, pretest-posttest design, emergency nurses at a governmental setting in Saudi Arabia were randomly assigned to one of two groups. Each group received training on the resuscitation of pregnant women, utilizing either simulation-based or video-assisted education. Cognitive knowledge and clinical performance were measured before and after the intervention using validated questionnaires and an observational checklist. The results showed that both educational methods led to improvements in cognitive learning and skill scores. However, the mean increases in both scores after the intervention were significantly greater in the simulation group compared to the video-assisted education group (P < 0.01). Training nurses and midwives in cardiopulmonary resuscitation for pregnant women using a simulator proved to be more effective in enhancing their cognitive learning and clinical skills. Therefore, simulation-based training can be recommended for the initial and ongoing education of healthcare providers.

Development of management accounting in the aviation industry in context of anti-crisis management

Thu, 12 Jun 2025 00:00:00 -0500

This study investigates the development and practical application of management accounting tools within the aviation industry during crisis conditions. It aims to fill the gap in cross-country comparative insights into accounting practices amid economic disruptions, with a focus on how these tools enhance financial resilience and strategic agility. A mixed-method approach was employed, integrating quantitative analysis of financial and operational data from seven major airlines (2018–2024) with a structured survey of 100 aviation professionals. Statistical, analytical, and comparative methods were utilized to evaluate the effectiveness of various management accounting techniques in crisis management. The study finds that management accounting tools such as Activity-Based Costing, Target Costing, Life Cycle Costing, and Lean Accounting significantly improve decision-making speed, cost efficiency, and operational continuity. Empirical evidence from Air Astana and LOT Polish Airlines underscores the strategic value of ERP system integration and predictive analytics for post-crisis recovery. The findings confirm that a flexible and data-driven management accounting framework enhances an airline’s ability to respond to external shocks. This contributes not only to immediate financial stabilization but also to long-term strategic positioning in volatile market environments. The research provides actionable insights for airline executives and policymakers, including recommendations to invest in real-time data infrastructure, align accounting practices with strategic objectives, and advance digital transformation to bolster crisis readiness and resilience.

Configuring culturally relevant e-adaptive learning design to facilitate students’ digital communication skills acquisition

Luh Putu Putrini Mahadewi, Basuki Wibawa, Zulfiati Syahrial — Thu, 12 Jun 2025 00:00:00 -0500

The purpose of this research was to configure a culturally relevant e-adaptive learning design for the English for Educational Technologists online course by integrating local communication values to facilitate students’ learning in mastering digital communication skills. The culturally relevant e-adaptive learning design configuration is called REGARD, an acronym for the five learning phase designs: Readiness (R), Exploration (E), Grouped Activity (G), Assessment (A), Reflection (R), and Decision-making (D). The research method employs research and development approaches. Eight experts reviewed the REGARD design prior to formative evaluation. Thirty-three students were actively involved in the learners’ evaluation. Closed and open questionnaires were used to collect data to validate the developed REGARD design, viewed from the perspectives of instructional design, learning materials, learning media, and information communication aspects. Descriptive statistical techniques were used to analyze the collected data. The results showed the overall scores given by all experts and student trials across the three stages of formative evaluation fell within the “Very Good” category according to the five-point criterion-referenced scale. These findings suggest that the REGARD learning design configuration within the learning management system (LMS) is valid and appropriate for use in the English for Educational Technologists course.

AI-driven risk management in online financial transactions: Enhancing cybersecurity in the fintech ERA

Shaista Anwar, Nael Sayedahmed, Suja Pradeep — Thu, 12 Jun 2025 00:00:00 -0500

This study investigates the evolving role of artificial intelligence (AI) in enhancing cybersecurity risk management within fintech platforms. It focuses on how AI-driven systems impact threat detection capabilities, regulatory compliance, and algorithmic transparency in online financial transactions. A quantitative research design was employed, analyzing cybersecurity and privacy compliance data from 15 fintech platforms across North America, Europe, and Southeast Asia. Data sources included public audits, white papers, and platform-level documentation. The study tested three hypotheses concerning AI's impact on detection accuracy, the trade-off between model complexity and explainability, and the effectiveness of privacy-by-design in achieving GDPR compliance. The results show that AI-driven systems enhance threat detection accuracy by an average of 10% over traditional rule-based methods. However, increased model complexity significantly reduces explainability, posing challenges for regulatory accountability. Platforms adopting privacy-by-design principles consistently demonstrate stronger GDPR compliance and fewer security breaches. AI significantly strengthens fintech cybersecurity performance, but it introduces critical governance challenges related to transparency and data privacy. A balanced approach integrating explainable AI and privacy engineering is essential for sustainable innovation in the sector. The findings underscore the need for platform-specific risk management models that prioritize both technical performance and ethical design. Developers and compliance teams should embed governance protocols and privacy protections into AI system architecture from inception to ensure operational resilience and regulatory readiness.

The power of co-creation: Strengthening social forestry through the adopt-a-tree approach in Nagari Sirukam

Hendrianto Hendrianto, Idris Idris, Hasdi Aimon — Thu, 12 Jun 2025 00:00:00 -0500

Social forestry programs play a crucial role in sustainable forest management and community empowerment. However, their success depends on the institutional capacity of local forest management organizations. This study identifies key challenges faced by the Nagari Forest Management Institute (LPHN) in Sirukam, including limited management capacity, low stakeholder participation, weak multi-party collaboration, and the absence of a foster tree database. To address these issues, this research develops a co-creation-based social forestry model that is valid, practical, and effective. Using a Research and Development (R&D) approach, this study integrates the ADDIE model with Participatory Action Research (PAR) to ensure stakeholder engagement. Data collection involves questionnaires, interviews, observations, FGDs, and tests, analyzed through qualitative and quantitative methods. The model undergoes validity testing by experts, practicality testing by LPHN, and effectiveness evaluation through capacity-building outcomes. The study results in three key outputs: a co-creation-based social forestry development model book, the LPHN Sirukam pocketbook, and an application-based foster tree database. Findings indicate that the proposed model significantly enhances LPHN’s capacity, strengthens stakeholder collaboration, and introduces technology-driven governance in community forestry. The research confirms that co-creation fosters sustainable forest management by promoting inclusivity and structured interventions. Beyond Nagari Sirukam, the findings offer a replicable framework for global community forestry programs, contributing to climate resilience, biodiversity conservation, and rural economic sustainability.

Effect of process capital on competitive advantage through Heptahelix managerial performance In Indonesian national army navy in regency and city of Riau Islands province

Thu, 12 Jun 2025 00:00:00 -0500

This study uses an explanatory research approach that predicts the causal relationship of several variables, one of which is the Process Capital variable. This study aims to determine how the influence of Process Capital affects competitive advantage through Heptahelix managerial performance in the Indonesian National Army Navy in the districts and cities of Riau Islands province. The research methods used are descriptive and causal explanatory methods. The data were analyzed using Structural Equation Modeling (SEM). The research employs an explanatory research approach, which predicts causal relationships among several variables, while the paradigm used is positivism research based on quantitative research for measuring constructs that form conceptual models and analyzing the influence of one construct on another (Creswell, 2013). The results showed that Process Capital has a significant effect on Managerial Performance Heptahelix, and Process Capital has a significant effect on Competitive Advantage, where the Indonesian National Army Navy in the districts and cities of the province of Riau Islands always involves the main component of the analysis of the internal environment as an aid to the main tasks and functions, developing layered and authoritative defense to integrate all components and authorized forces in handling security disturbances in the Marine Area of the Republic of Indonesia so that counterattacks against the enemy can be carried out quickly and accurately. The implication of the concept of Heptahelix managerial performance is a form of state defense and also the novelty of this study as an effort to defend the state in a non-physical form based on Law No. 3 of 2002 article 9 paragraph (2).

Phonetic resilience and linguistic transfer: An acoustic analysis of Jibbali (Shehri) influence on English vowel production

Yasir Al-Yafaei, Muna Hussain Muqaibal, Aju Thomas, Badri Abdulhakim Mudhsh — Thu, 12 Jun 2025 00:00:00 -0500

This study explores the influence of Jibbali (Shehri) as a mother tongue on English vowel production, focusing on phonetic resilience and linguistic transfer. Mainly, the study aims to analyze how differences in the vowel systems of Jibbali and English affect articulation patterns among bilingual speakers in Oman, with implications for language education under Oman’s Vision 2040. The study involves 20 participants: 10 native Jibbali speakers from Dhofar who have learned English as a foreign language, and 10 native English speakers serving as a control group. Participants’ pronunciations of selected English vowels were recorded and analyzed using PRAAT, a recognized acoustic phonetics software. The focus was on formant frequencies (F1 and F2) to assess vowel quality and detect patterns of interference. Results reveal significant phonological transfer from Jibbali to English. Jibbali speakers showed consistent vowel centralization, with /iː/, /oʊ/, and /uː/ produced with F2 values closer to the central range. Furthermore, contrasts between short and long vowels (e.g., /ɪ/ vs. /iː/) were less distinct, indicating influence from Jibbali’s phonological system, which lacks equivalent vowel length distinctions. These findings highlight the challenges Jibbali-speaking learners face in mastering English vowel quality. The study offers valuable insights for educators and policymakers in Oman, emphasizing the need for targeted pronunciation instruction and culturally informed teaching approaches. Such efforts align with national goals to enhance English proficiency and educational quality as part of Oman’s Vision 2040.

Cross-continental burden of Ebola hemorrhagic fever: A meta-analytical comparison, prevalence, mortality, and risk factors

Thu, 12 Jun 2025 00:00:00 -0500

Ebola hemorrhagic fever has increasingly spread beyond its traditional epicenters in Africa to other parts of the world, bearing significant implications for various health and non-health populations. This study examines Ebola's prevalence and burden in Africa, Europe, and North America, as well as the risk factors associated with it. A systematic review and meta-analysis were performed following PRISMA guidelines. Literature was searched through PubMed, Google Scholar, and the Cochrane Library, supplemented by manual searches and grey literature from authoritative health organizations. Meta-analysis was conducted using RevMan with a fixed-effects model and 95% confidence intervals (CI). There were 17 outbreaks covered in the included studies. There were 34,527 cases, 17,116 deaths, and an overall case fatality rate (CFR) of 49.57%. Regionally, Africa accounted for 99.96% of the cases and 99.98% of the reported deaths. The meta-analysis showed that the difference in the odds of infected healthcare workers dying from Ebola relative to non-healthcare patients was insignificant [OR=0.66, 95% CI, 0.39-1.12, I2=75%, p=0.12]. There was also no significant difference between the CFR of male and female patients infected by the virus, despite men being at a slightly higher risk of mortality from the infection compared to women [OR=0.88, 95% CI, 0.48-1.62, I2=0%, p=0.69]. This study showed that Africa continues to have the highest number of Ebola cases and deaths while retaining a high CFR. While there is no statistical difference in the odds of death among the non-health population, healthcare workers bear a higher burden of the outbreaks as they have higher odds of dying compared to non-healthcare populations. There is no significant difference in the CFR of male and female patients despite men being more likely to develop infections.

Scientific principles of information-activity-based learning in university natural science disciplines

Thu, 12 Jun 2025 00:00:00 -0500

The article is dedicated to the analysis and conclusions of a research project conducted by the physics departments of Kazakhstani universities from 2018 to 2025. The outcomes of the study were driven by the need to develop specific methodologies for organizing practical sessions, laboratory work, independent study (ISR), and independent study with instructor support (ISRS), all oriented toward a training model aimed at creating a learning environment that not only fosters the development of subject-related competencies but also cultivates the personal qualities of future professionals. In this context, the department developed methodological foundations for teaching the physics course based on a professional activity model across various fields. The experience of integrating informational and activity-based approaches in this work relies on both the recognition of the need for the informatization of education and the activity-based approach to learning. While informatization focuses on incorporating information and communication technologies into the educational process, the activity-based approach empowers students to develop their own potential by finding individual pathways to knowledge and progressing independently through educational stages. This is possible only with appropriately structured educational activities. This study demonstrates that the formation and assimilation of fundamental concepts and laws of physics by students can be achieved through specially organized informational and cognitive activities. The logic behind organizing such activities during instruction is interdependent with the structure and content of the learning material. The methods used to study physical laws, their comprehension, and the acquisition of problem-solving techniques become methods of informational and cognitive activity for students.

Guidelines for promoting positive attitudes to preserve Chinese calligraphy among higher education students at Shandong in China

Jingjian Chun, Chakrit Ponathong, Pawatwong Bamroongkhan — Thu, 12 Jun 2025 00:00:00 -0500

In view of the challenges faced by Shandong University students in the protection of Chinese calligraphy heritage in the digital age, such as the fragmentation of cultural contact and the lag in technology application, this study aims to analyze their protection attitudes and influencing factors and build an intervention framework. To this end, the study uses a mixed research method to carry out a questionnaire survey and semi-structured interviews with 407 calligraphy students from five universities, integrating the theory of cultural identity, the theory of planned behavior, and the knowledge framework of technical teaching content. The results show that students' recognition of the cultural value of calligraphy is 89%, but only 34% of them actively participate in the protection practice. Their behavioral tendencies are significantly dependent on external incentives such as scholarships, and gender differences and family culture have significant effects. Based on this, the study proposes a three-dimensional intervention framework of "cognitive deepening, emotional cultivation, and behavior guidance," emphasizing the balance between technological empowerment and cultural authenticity, which has practical reference value for optimizing home-school collaboration, improving policy resource allocation, and aligning with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDG 11.4).

Professional ethics and educational technology: An approach from a university of metropolitan lima

Wed, 18 Jun 2025 00:00:00 -0500

The integration of professional ethics and educational technology in the university environment presents significant challenges and opportunities. Rapid technological evolution raises ethical questions about the proper use of digital tools in the educational process, while the lack of clear policies and the need for training in this area may hinder their effective implementation. The objective of this research work is to explore the perceptions and opinions of university students and professors on the integration of professional ethics and educational technology in the university context of Metropolitan Lima. The research was carried out through surveys and semi-structured interviews conducted with a sample of 253 students and 192 university professors from different disciplines. Data were collected on the perception of the impact of educational technology on ethical training, the efficiency of ethical teaching practices, the perception of the university community, and the challenges and opportunities in the ethical integration of educational technology. The results show that both students and teachers recognize the importance of integrating professional ethics in university education and perceive the positive impact of educational technology on the ethical training of students. However, they also identify significant challenges, such as the lack of clear policies and the need for more resources and training in this area. In conclusion, the findings of this study underscore the importance of promoting ethically and technologically responsible education in the university environment.

The influence of dynamic governance on public service innovation: Analysis of recruitment of officials of public organizations in local government

Irwan Waris, Ani Susanti, Dandan Haryono — Wed, 18 Jun 2025 00:00:00 -0500

Dynamic governance is considered an important approach to stimulate innovation in public services as well as the recruitment process of managers in the public sector. This study aims to investigate the impact of dynamic governance on public service innovation by raising the recruitment of public sector managers as a variable that functions as a reinforcer. The method used in this study is a quantitative approach, where data is collected and analyzed through surveys. A total of 340 participants were enrolled using a disproportionately random sampling technique, referring to the Krejcie and Morgan [1] tables, with an error tolerance of 0.05. The findings of this study indicate that dynamic governance consists of two elements that exert a positive and significant influence on public service innovation: dynamic capabilities and institutional culture. In addition, the results also show that the process of hiring managers in public organizations contributes positively and significantly to innovation in public services. Therefore, a dynamic governance approach is considered important to improve performance, resilience, and adaptation in local government. Furthermore, it also has the potential to increase the effectiveness of hiring managers in the public sector and facilitate better innovation in the future.

Coping strategies for financial problems: Based on Hungarian data from the OECD 2022 annual report

Erzsébet Németh, Szilárd Malatyinszki, Kálmán Botond Géza, Szonja Jenei — Wed, 18 Jun 2025 00:00:00 -0500

The aim of this study is to explore the role of demographic factors in strategies to address financial problems, based on data from the OECD Financial Literacy Survey 2022 in Hungary. The analysis focused on differences in age, gender, type of residence, income, and region. The research used multivariate statistical methods, such as canonical correlation analysis and Ridge regression, to identify associations between demographic factors and financial behavior. The results showed that region and age are the most significant determinants of financial strategy choice, while education and income have a smaller impact. Residents in Budapest showed higher financial awareness and more diversified strategies compared to a more traditional approach for rural residents. The results suggest the development of targeted financial education programs that take demographic and regional differences into account, thus supporting the enhancement of financial stability.

Professional journeys of PhD development education graduates in a Philippine higher education institution

Wed, 18 Jun 2025 00:00:00 -0500

This study aimed to comprehensively examine post-Ph.D. career trajectories, program effectiveness, and alumni engagement. Employing a mixed-methods approach, the research utilized a sequential explanatory design, beginning with quantitative data collection and analysis, followed by qualitative exploration. Findings revealed that 70.59% of graduates experienced promotions post-Ph.D., emphasizing the potential for career advancement, while the remaining 29.41% cited reasons such as a deliberate personal break and family time reconciliation for delaying promotions. Narratives from graduates postponing promotions underscored the need to balance professional aspirations with individual well-being and familial commitments. Additionally, the data revealed a nuanced understanding of promotion, with some graduates viewing roles like the Teacher in Charge as forms of promotion. Recommendations include establishing mentorship programs, offering regular career development workshops, providing research funding opportunities, and creating robust alumni engagement initiatives to support graduates in their ongoing professional journeys.

Blending creativity and connectivity: A Treffinger-based cooperative learning model using Facebook

Ena Suma Indrawati, Festiyed Festiyed, Ratnawulan Ratnawulan — Wed, 18 Jun 2025 00:00:00 -0500

This study develops and evaluates a cooperative learning model based on Treffinger’s framework, integrated with blended learning and Facebook, to enhance the creative thinking of university students. Addressing challenges in traditional instruction—limited flexibility, low interactivity, and minimal support for creativity- the model follows a structured educational design research approach, including validation, prototyping, and field testing phases. Conducted within a physics education course at Universitas Adzkia, the study involved 72 undergraduate students and five expert validators. The model combines face-to-face and online components, utilizing Facebook as a platform for accessible interaction, collaboration, and reflection. Findings indicate high content validity (Cronbach’s α = 0.894), strong practicality ratings, and significant improvement in creative thinking skills fluency, flexibility, originality, and elaboration based on pre- and post-test comparisons (p < 0.001). Qualitative insights further reveal enhanced student engagement, confidence, and collaborative behavior, with Facebook's asynchronous discussion features fostering a more inclusive and student-centered learning experience. The study concludes that integrating the Treffinger model within a Facebook-based blended framework presents an effective, scalable, and cost-efficient approach to fostering creativity in higher education, with broad applicability across disciplines. This research contributes to digital pedagogy, instructional innovation, and 21st-century skills development in teacher education.

Directive speech acts in Jordanian hotel Encounters: A pragmatic analysis of politeness Strategies for cross-cultural service excellence

Mohammad Bani Bakkar, Hariharan N krishnasamy, Nur Rasyidah Mohammad Nordin — Wed, 18 Jun 2025 00:00:00 -0500

This paper explores the directive speech acts employed by hotel service counter staff in Jordan, specifically examining the politeness strategies utilized when addressing foreign guests. Despite extensive research on politeness strategies in Western and Asian contexts, few studies examine directive speech acts in Arab hospitality settings using naturalistic data. This study fills this gap by analyzing 95 audio-recorded interactions in Jordanian hotels, revealing that staff frequently employ direct imperatives (63.5% of directives), which may conflict with tourists’ expectations of indirect politeness. The findings highlight the need for culturally adaptive training programs to mitigate pragmalinguistic breakdowns in global hospitality. The research is based on audio recordings of interactions between non-native English-speaking staff, seven Jordanian receptionists holding bachelor's degrees in either English language or hotel management, some of whom hold higher diplomas after their bachelor's degrees, and their guests. The findings indicate that the directives issued by the staff are often quite direct, which may come across as blunt or discourteous, potentially threatening the social face of the participants. This directness suggests that staff do not provide guests with the option to decline requests and overlook the imposition their directives may entail. The study concludes that this prevalent use of direct speech acts can be attributed to the nature of institutional interactions, where staff possess greater authority due to their expertise in providing necessary services and information. Additionally, the staff's preference for direct communication may stem from a need for clarity and efficiency when issuing directives. The research underscores the importance for hotel managers and training supervisors to equip new employees with effective communication techniques outlined in guest manuals. This training would aid staff in striking an appropriate balance of directness in their interactions with foreign guests, thereby minimizing potential social misunderstandings and avoiding pragmalinguistic and sociopragmatic breakdowns.

Sectoral interdependence and causal dynamics in Jordanian financial markets: Evidence from benchmark and sectoral indices

Abdul Malik Syed, Mahdy Othman, Mohd. Yasir Arafat — Wed, 18 Jun 2025 00:00:00 -0500

The study investigates the financial nexus and causal linkages among the Jordanian benchmark index (AMMAN SE General) and its five major sectoral indices, namely the Jordan Banking Index (AMBX), Industry Index (AMIDX), Mining and Extraction Industries Index (AMMEIX), Service Index (AMSX), and Utility and Energy Index (AMUEX). The daily closing values of all selected six indices are considered for the period spanning January 1, 2013, to June 30, 2024. Various advanced econometric techniques such as the Johansen Cointegration test, Vector Error Correction Model (VECM), and Granger Causality are employed to achieve the study’s aim. The findings confirm both long-run equilibrium and short-run dynamics among the Jordanian benchmark and selected sectoral indices. The study results further reveal the presence of significant bidirectional and unidirectional causal relationships among the indices, with AMBX and AMMEIX emerging as pivotal drivers. The study results demonstrate that the Mining and Extraction Index and the Utility and Energy Index negatively impact AMMAN_SE. Conversely, the Banking, Industrial, and Service indices showcase positive effects on the benchmark index. The study highlights the significance of sectoral interdependence for market stability and portfolio diversification. The present study contributes to understanding Jordan’s financial markets, offering insights for investors and regulators to enhance resilience and optimize strategies.

Teaching 3D engineering modeling and prototyping in Creo parametric in educational institutions

Wed, 18 Jun 2025 00:00:00 -0500

This article presents a comparative analysis of the capabilities of the Creo Parametric graphics system in comparison with other popular software products. Special attention is paid to the specifics of working with assemblies in the full-featured NX CAD system, as well as the process of creating a three-dimensional model of a part in SolidWorks. The application areas of graphics systems such as NX and CATIA are also considered. The principle of building a 3D model in the T-FLEX CAD system is investigated. In addition, the possibilities, approaches, and principles of operation of applications of the Creo Parametric graphics system are analyzed. To improve the performance and quality of work in graphics systems, it is recommended to use each of them in those areas of industry where they demonstrate clear advantages. In the engineering industry, the use of the Creo Parametric CAD system is especially advantageous, as it allows you to combine two approaches — parametric and direct modeling. Furthermore, it is convenient to work with small applications and supports the import of formats from computer-aided design (CAD) systems from other manufacturers.

Non-intrusive load classification for energy management of electrical appliances using convolutional long-short term memory

Wed, 18 Jun 2025 00:00:00 -0500

Non-intrusive load classification (NILC) is a crucial technique in energy management, helping to reduce unnecessary energy consumption and support the development of smart buildings. However, accurately classifying devices with similar characteristics and handling the complexity of electrical signals remain significant challenges. This research presents a deep learning-based NILC designed to efficiently extract key features from energy data. The convolutional LSTM combines a residual block (RB) and squeeze-and-excitation (SE) layers within a convolutional neural network (CNN) to enhance feature extraction while minimizing information loss. It consists of three main convolutional blocks, each incorporating SE layers to improve feature attention, along with long-short-term memory (LSTM) to capture sequential dependencies, leading to improved classification accuracy. The proposed model is trained on datasets containing 2, 3, and 4-electrical appliance operation scenarios, with feature data transformed into kurtograms to enhance signal characteristics. The training results achieved peak accuracy scores of 98.08%, 99.96%, and 99.75% and precision scores of 99.96%, 95.65%, and 97.10% for the respective scenarios. These results highlight the effectiveness of NILM in optimizing household energy usage, marking a significant step toward developing advanced technologies that reduce energy costs, promote sustainable energy consumption, and enhance energy management in future smart homes.

The impact of insurance on the economic development: Case study in Armenia

Wed, 18 Jun 2025 00:00:00 -0500

The purpose of the article is to reveal the connection between the country's economic development and the insurance system and to present clear recommendations for the development of the insurance system. To achieve the set goal, the task was set to study the approaches of various authors on the topic, present the main indicators characterizing the Armenian insurance market, the problems existing in the sector, and propose options for their solution. Deductive, historical, comparative, statistical, mathematical, and forecasting methods were used for research and analysis. As a result of the studies conducted, it has become clear that there is a positive relationship between the economic development of the country and the insurance system. As a result of the studies, it became clear that the Armenian insurance market has development trends. However, when we compare the main indicators characterizing the insurance sector with those of developed countries and neighboring countries, it is noticeable that Armenia lags behind the mentioned countries. The article highlights the obstacles that hinder the development of the insurance system. The practical application of the recommendations presented in the article by the relevant competent authorities will contribute to the development of the insurance system, which in turn will contribute to the economic development of the country.

The effectiveness of PjBL-STEM learning models in improving High school students' deep learning skills in Artificial Intelligence topics

Wed, 18 Jun 2025 00:00:00 -0500

This study investigates the role of Project-Based Learning integrated with Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (PjBL-STEM) models in enhancing high school students’ deep learning skills within the domain of Artificial Intelligence (AI). As AI becomes increasingly ingrained in our society, fostering a deep understanding among students is critical. Traditional teaching methods often emphasize rote memorization, which may not sufficiently develop higher-order thinking skills. Conversely, PjBL-STEM promotes active learning, problem-solving, creativity, and collaboration, which are key attributes of deep learning. This paper explores theoretical foundations, reviews relevant literature, discusses implementation strategies, and analyzes empirical evidence, ultimately demonstrating that PjBL-STEM significantly enhances deep learning in AI topics at the high school level.

Text analytics methods for automatic annotation of scientific documents

Wed, 18 Jun 2025 00:00:00 -0500

This study aims to develop a hybrid system for the automatic annotation of scientific texts that efficiently processes multilingual publications using state-of-the-art natural language processing (NLP) technologies. The system integrates classical algorithms (Gensim, NLTK) with transformer-based models via the Cohere API to achieve high semantic consistency and accuracy in annotations. The system architecture comprises modules for data acquisition, preprocessing, manual and automatic annotation, data storage, and quality control. The performance of the proposed model was benchmarked against established methods such as BERTSUM, TF-IDF + LSA, and GPT-3.5-turbo using evaluation metrics including ROUGE, BLEU, and METEOR. The hybrid model outperformed other automated systems, demonstrating superior scores across ROUGE-1 (0.52), BLEU (0.41), and METEOR (0.39) metrics, indicating its effectiveness in producing concise and semantically accurate summaries. The system also achieved 100% language detection accuracy and 90% accuracy in semantic word relationships via Word2Vec. The integration of traditional statistical methods with advanced transformer models enables the proposed system to deliver high-quality annotations suitable for diverse scientific domains. The results validate the model’s ability to process and summarize complex scientific texts effectively. This system provides a scalable, secure, and user-friendly platform for researchers, institutions, and developers. It supports multilingual annotation, seamless API integration, and potential deployment in cloud environments, offering significant benefits for academic, biomedical, and information-intensive sectors.

An economic analysis of cancer drug pricing: Market failures, policy challenges, and equity implications

Shimeng QU — Wed, 18 Jun 2025 00:00:00 -0500

The global cost of cancer treatment has escalated, with drug prices becoming a major barrier to access and sustainability in healthcare systems. This paper examines the economic drivers behind these high prices, including patent protections, market monopolies, inelastic demand, information asymmetry, and opaque R&D costs. Drawing on economic theory and recent literature, it finds that cancer drugs are often priced well above their clinical value. Pharmaceutical firms typically recover R&D costs rapidly but maintain high prices, generating profit margins disproportionate to therapeutic outcomes. Cross-country comparisons reveal stark disparities in affordability. In some middle-income countries, patients must work over two weeks on minimum wage to afford a single dose. These pricing practices place significant strain on individuals and healthcare budgets, especially where negotiating power is limited. The paper argues that current pricing models are economically inefficient and socially unjust. It recommends key reforms: reducing market exclusivity periods, implementing value-based pricing aligned with clinical outcomes, and enforcing transparency in R&D spending and pricing structures. These steps are critical to improving drug affordability, advancing equity, and supporting responsible innovation in cancer care.

Integration of El-Gamal cryptosystem and AI to enhance cyber defence

Wed, 18 Jun 2025 00:00:00 -0500

The purpose of this study is to develop a secure biometric data protection system that integrates artificial intelligence and cryptographic techniques to enhance data privacy and integrity. The proposed system employs a convolutional neural network (CNN) to extract features from multimodal biometric inputs, including facial images, retinal scans, and fingerprints. A generative adversarial network (GAN) is then trained on these features to produce synthetic biometric representations that closely mimic real data. To ensure confidentiality and authenticity, the El-Gamal cryptosystem is used to encrypt both the features and the biometric images, while a digital signature mechanism based on the SHA-256 hash function secures the data against tampering. The CNN achieved a classification accuracy above 99.8%, with GAN training stabilizing at a discriminator loss of approximately 0.3 and a generator loss of around 4.0. The encryption and signature verification processes demonstrated consistent success, confirming the robustness of the pipeline. This research concludes that the integrated approach is effective in safeguarding biometric data against forgery and unauthorized access. Practically, it provides a viable solution for secure transmission and storage in biometric authentication systems, with strong potential for deployment in high-security environments.

Using accrual-based model to test the relationship between earnings management and corporate performance in the Vietnamese stock market

Wed, 18 Jun 2025 00:00:00 -0500

The study in this paper examines the influence of earnings management through accruals on the performance of Vietnamese stock market firms based on a panel of 330 HOSE-listed non-financial companies from 2018 to 2022. Discretionary accruals, estimated from the Modified Jones Model, are the proxy for earnings manipulation. Firm performance is gauged by both accounting-based indicators, Return on Assets (ROA) and Return on Equity (ROE), and a market-based measure, Tobin’s Q. Employing fixed-effects panel regression to control for firm-specific heterogeneity and macroeconomic volatility, the findings indicate a significant and consistent negative association between discretionary accruals and all performance measures. Robustness tests using lagged accruals, Kothari’s model performance-matched approach, and subsample tests by size of firm confirm the findings. These results suggest that earnings management comes at the cost of profitability and firm value, particularly for smaller firms that have poorer governance. The research contributes to the literature on financial transparency in emerging markets by providing empirical evidence on the costs of earnings manipulation. Implications are drawn for policymakers, auditors, and investors aiming to strengthen market discipline and reporting quality in Vietnam’s capital market.

Applying solver in the engineering design process to enhance critical thinking and innovation skills

Wasukree Sangpom, Narongsak Sangpom — Wed, 18 Jun 2025 00:00:00 -0500

This study aimed to develop and evaluate an instructional model that integrates Microsoft Excel’s Solver into the engineering design process to enhance critical thinking and innovation skills among undergraduate engineering students. Addressing the need for graduates with strong problem-solving abilities, the study introduced a technology-enhanced learning approach grounded in real-world engineering tasks. Using a Research and Development (R&D) methodology, the study involved 30 students from an Optimization Analysis course, selected through purposive sampling. The instructional model combined Solver with the engineering design process to solve linear programming problems. Research instruments included a lesson plan, critical thinking and innovation assessments, behavior observation checklists, and a learner satisfaction survey. Quantitative data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, paired t-tests, and reliability analysis, while qualitative data were examined through content analysis. Results showed a significant improvement in students’ critical thinking and innovation skills after the intervention (p < .05). Observations revealed active engagement, analytical thinking, and creative problem-solving. Students also reported high satisfaction with the learning experience. In conclusion, integrating Solver into the engineering design process effectively promotes critical thinking and innovation. This model offers practical value for educators seeking to enhance active, student-centered learning with digital tools in engineering education.