International Journal of Innovative Research and Scientific Studies

Driving green: Examining organizational intent for renewable energy in Saudi Arabia

Abdulaziz Alzahrani, Abu Elnasr E. Sobaih — Wed, 16 Jul 2025 00:00:00 -0500

Due to cumulative pressure from climate change and the shift towards sustainable development, the transition to renewable energy has become more essential than ever. This study aims to explore the organizational intent to adopt renewable energy technologies in Saudi Arabia by integrating the Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB) and Resource-Based View (RBV) frameworks. A survey was conducted with 241 senior managers from various Saudi organizations and analyzed using SEM SmartPLS4. The results indicated that the three dimensions of TPB positively and significantly influence organizational intent to use renewable energy. Additionally, managers' green knowledge and awareness of renewable energy technologies significantly impact their attitudes and intentions to adopt renewable energy. The findings also revealed that government policies moderate the relationship between perceived behavioral control (PBC) and the intention to adopt renewable energy, as policies provide financial and technological support crucial for adoption. However, policies weaken the link between subjective norms or stakeholder pressure and intention. Furthermore, policies did not alter the effect of attitude on the intention to adopt renewable energy. Based on these results, several implications are proposed for policymakers and Saudi organizations to facilitate the successful adoption of renewable energy, aligning with Saudi Vision 2030 and its green initiatives. These include policy reforms to foster positive attitudes and social pressure among Saudi organizations to transition to renewable energy, as well as increasing awareness and knowledge among senior management regarding these technologies and their sustainable benefits.

Effect of teamwork quality on project performance: The moderating role of project management culture in selected ICT companies in Nigeria

Adewale Adekiya, Fanny Sarruchera, Emmanuel Nkomo — Wed, 16 Jul 2025 00:00:00 -0500

Despite the plethora of pressing efforts that usually emanate from organizational leaders to foster the achievement of project success and thus, reap the important benefits associated with this outcome, evidence from research indicates that most projects, particularly in developing countries, continue to fail due to a lack of the required level of understanding of project critical success factors by most project stakeholders. Thus, to address this shortcoming, this study advances knowledge by proposing teamwork quality as one of the important antecedents of project performance. In addition, it also introduces project management as an important boundary condition under which the above effect is likely to be exercised. By focusing on the project sector of the Nigerian Information Telecommunication Technology, research data were obtained from a total of 176 project managers who were randomly selected, and this formed the basis of analysis. Through hierarchical moderated regression analysis, it was evident that teamwork quality positively impacts project performance at a level that is statistically significant. Furthermore, in addition to positively and significantly affecting project performance, project management culture was also shown to interact positively with teamwork quality to impact project performance, meaning that this variable serves as a significant moderator in the relationship between teamwork quality and project performance. Thus, in line with these findings, it was recommended that project managers should foster the adoption of a project culture whenever they are faced with the option of making use of the inherent strength in team collaboration to enhance project performance.

The influence of lecturer's work abilities and motivation on the quality of services to students at Pamulang university

Wed, 16 Jul 2025 00:00:00 -0500

This research discusses the quality of lecturer services as demonstrated by the ability and work motivation of lecturers in designing their teaching methods, enabling students to absorb the transfer of knowledge provided and apply it in the field according to their abilities. Furthermore, Davis et al. [1] said skills and abilities are two interconnected aspects where a person's abilities can be observed through the skills demonstrated in their actions. Abilities rooted in creativity and skills are mental processes aimed at achieving specific goals. Lecturers' objectives in performing their duties and providing educational services should be based on an awareness of responsibilities, duties, and high work motivation, ensuring that their tasks are carried out effectively and appropriately. Therefore, every higher education leader should consider the needs of lecturers as outlined in motivation theory. The primary needs of lecturers include, among others, physical needs and job security. Addressing these physical needs reasonably can enable lecturers to perform their educational duties diligently. Based on previous research and theoretical studies, this research will utilize the Service Quality Survey Scale and the lecturers' ability scale in delivering material. Additionally, a work motivation scale will be administered electronically to gather specific information on lecturers' performance and motivation through quantitative descriptive analysis. The data analysis employed will be multiple regression, and the findings of this research will be published in a nationally accredited journal.

Integrating STEAM activity in language learning: A study in Yunlin rural elementary school

Wed, 16 Jul 2025 00:00:00 -0500

STEAM education is being promoted and emphasized worldwide. In the process of STEAM activities, students are no longer passively acquiring knowledge; they can even improve their motivation to learn, interest, and problem-solving skills [1]. English picture books are also frequently connected with STEAM activities. However, in remote areas like Yunlin County, small schools face the problems of not only teacher shortages but also limited time for English learning [2]. Since there was very little research on STEAM education in rural primary schools in Yunlin County, the purpose of our study was to implement an experiment combining English picture books with STEAM activities for these schools. The results provided empirical evidence on integrating STEAM education with language learning and instructional strategies for cross-disciplinary teaching in rural primary education.

How website quality and users' technology acceptance enhance purchase intention toward beauty services? The mediating role of inspiration

Ha Nguyen-Van, Truong Pham-Hong — Wed, 16 Jul 2025 00:00:00 -0500

This study aims to clarify the impact of website quality on consumers' intention to purchase beauty services following their online experience. It further investigates the mediating roles of two key constructs: perceived usefulness and perceived ease of use from the Technology Acceptance Model (TAM), as well as the role of inspiration as a psychological mechanism. A primarily quantitative research approach is adopted, supplemented by qualitative methods to validate measurement scales and refine the theoretical framework. Data were collected through a structured survey administered to 321 users and analyzed using Structural Equation Modeling (SEM). The empirical results reveal that most dimensions of website quality significantly influence perceived usefulness and perceived ease of use. However, the effects of interactivity and innovativeness on perceived usefulness are not statistically significant. Moreover, inspiration emerges as a critical mediating variable in the relationship between website quality and purchase intention. These findings contribute to the literature by highlighting both functional and emotional pathways through which website quality affects consumer decision-making in the context of online beauty services. From a practical perspective, the study offers actionable insights for beauty service providers seeking to enhance user experience and strengthen online purchase intention through improved website design. To expand the generalizability of the findings, future research is encouraged to apply this conceptual model in other industry sectors to develop a more comprehensive understanding of the role of website quality in shaping online consumer behavior.

Teacher satisfaction and well-being: Insights from higher education institutions

Mouna Abou Assali — Wed, 16 Jul 2025 00:00:00 -0500

We already know that leaders play a significant role in the academic success of students, as well as their happiness and well-being. Recent studies have suggested a 12% performance increase when investments are made in initiatives that enhance teachers' happiness. However, dedicated literature on GCC higher education faculty satisfaction and psychological well-being remains limited. This systematic review addresses that gap and provides a synthesis of empirical evidence regarding the factors influencing teacher satisfaction, happiness, and overall well-being at GCC universities. The review emphasizes that ensuring career satisfaction is not solely a personal responsibility but also an institutional strategic imperative, which can impact institutional sustainability, retention, and educational innovation positively or negatively. A systematic search following PRISMA methodology across four databases (2013–2023) identified six relevant studies (n = 1508). Methodological quality was assessed using the Quality Assessment Tool for Studies with Diverse Designs (QATSDD), with six studies rated as medium quality and one as high quality. While compensation and collegial support were consistently regarded as core contributors to satisfaction, the lack of standardization in study focus and quality limited the robustness of definitive regional conclusions. The search methodology favored studies utilizing quantitative measures of satisfaction, burnout, and emotional well-being, with data primarily from Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates, covering a range of faculty demographics from English language instructors to early-career academics.

Pharmacophore-guided machine learning and molecular simulations of pyrazole-imine ligands targeting estrogen receptor alpha

Hayder H. Kadhim, Ayad M.R. Raauf, Shakir Mahmood A lwan — Wed, 16 Jul 2025 00:00:00 -0500

Estrogen receptor alpha (ERα) plays a crucial role in breast cancer progression, making it a key target for selective estrogen receptor modulators (SERMs). While Raloxifene has demonstrated therapeutic efficacy, resistance and limited bioactivity in some cases necessitate the development of novel ERα inhibitors with improved pharmacological profiles. A computational drug discovery approach integrating molecular docking, molecular dynamics (MD) simulations, and quantitative structure-activity relationship (QSAR) modeling was employed to design and evaluate new ERα inhibitors. Molecular docking was performed using Glide (XP mode) to predict ligand binding affinity and interaction patterns, while MD simulations over 100 ns assessed the stability and conformational dynamics of the protein-ligand complexes. A QSAR model was developed using a dataset of 1,231 compounds from ChEMBL, incorporating XGBoost regression with optimized hyperparameters for robust predictive performance. Compounds 3b, 3a, and 4a showed notable binding affinities (−9.319, −9.121, and −8.867 kcal/mol, respectively) that are comparable to Raloxifene (−9.791 kcal/mol), suggesting their potential as effective ERα ligands primarily through pi-pi stacking with PHE-404 and hydrogen bonding with Glu 353. MD simulations demonstrated that 3a, 4a, and 4b maintained stable receptor interactions (RMSD < 2.0 Å), while 3e and 4e exhibited higher fluctuations, indicating weaker engagement. The QSAR model achieved high predictive accuracy (RMSE < 0.6, R² > 0.8), identifying NO₂ (3d), OMe (3c), and Cl (3b) substitutions as key structural features enhancing receptor binding. This study identifies 3b, 3d, and 4b as promising lead compounds with strong binding affinity, stability, and predicted estrogen receptor activity. These findings provide a basis for further experimental validation and structural refinement to develop next-generation SERMs for ERα-positive breast cancer therapy.

Employing digital government communication strategies via Instagram to promote the Kingdom of Bahrain internationally

Noora Albinkhalil , Naglaa Elgammal — Wed, 16 Jul 2025 00:00:00 -0500

This study aimed to identify the most essential communication strategies and promotional activities used in the digital communication content of government institutions in the Kingdom of Bahrain. It utilized content analysis of several Instagram accounts of government institutions concerned with international promotion, consisting of four dimensions: tourism, trade, public diplomacy, and culture. The analytical study sample covered six months, from November 1, 2023, to the end of May 2024, excluding the month of Ramadan. The most significant study result is that all the government institutions under study sought to build a positive mental image of the Kingdom of Bahrain through their Instagram accounts by focusing on presenting the tourism, economic, diplomatic, and cultural practices that took place across the kingdom. In light of the "International Promotion Model," it was clear that these institutions considered using all types of communication strategies to promote the Kingdom of Bahrain internationally. The "information" strategy ranked first among all the institutions under study. In addition, they employed several promotional mechanisms through their Instagram accounts, such as the "proactive promotion of important tourism and cultural events in the Kingdom of Bahrain" in both the tourism and cultural sectors and "cooperation with influencers and digital ambassadors to promote Bahrain internationally" in the economic and public diplomacy sectors. Overall, the mental image features of all sectors whose accounts were analyzed reflected the Kingdom as an investment destination, a reliable trade and diplomatic partner, a culturally advanced front, and a proponent of honorable political positions on international issues. The study recommended formulating a strategic vision for Bahraini digital diplomacy to be prioritized at the top of Bahraini diplomatic efforts as one of the soft power tools.

The effect of supervision quality and risk management on company value mediated by operational efficiency study on financial conglomerate companies in the banking sector in Indonesia

Wed, 16 Jul 2025 00:00:00 -0500

This study examines the effect of supervision quality and risk management implementation on company value, with operational efficiency as a mediating variable, in financial conglomerate banks in Indonesia during 2015–2023. Using a quantitative, causal-comparative design and path analysis, the study reveals that supervision quality significantly enhances both operational efficiency and company value, directly and indirectly. Operational efficiency also serves as a strong mediating factor in this relationship. Conversely, risk management implementation has a negative and insignificant effect on both efficiency and firm value. This suggests that overly rigid or misaligned risk management practices may hinder performance in conglomerate structures. The novelty of this research lies in its integrated analytical model combining governance and risk practices to assess firm value within a conglomerate framework, an underexplored area in the Indonesian context. Findings offer strategic insights for regulators and financial institutions in optimizing supervisory frameworks to enhance corporate performance and mitigate systemic risks.

E-maintenance innovations in electric vehicle supply equipment: Enhancing reliability and efficiency through industry 4.0

Yassine Moumen, Abdellah Haddout, Mariam Benhaddou — Wed, 16 Jul 2025 00:00:00 -0500

This paper explores the transformation of Electric Vehicle Supply Equipment (EVSE) maintenance practices, shifting from reactive approaches to e-maintenance strategies powered by Industry 4.0. Using a design thinking framework and the Double Diamond method, this study investigates key challenges faced by stakeholders such as Charge Point Operators (CPOs), eMobility Service Providers (eMSPs), installers, and manufacturers. Based on interviews and surveys with industry professionals, the paper identifies major causes of EVSE downtime, including software failures, electrical issues, and physical damage. Emphasis is placed on the need for standardized maintenance protocols and broader access to Level 3 tasks for certified installers. The integration of technologies like IoT, cloud computing, predictive analytics, and remote diagnostics is highlighted as a critical pathway to improving availability, reducing maintenance costs, and enhancing user trust. The study supports adopting intelligent tools and collaborative ecosystems to ensure a scalable and reliable charging infrastructure for electric vehicles.

GenAI potential and challenges in programming knowledge control

Zhanat Nurbekova, Ainur Sagimbayeva, Asset Zhaxylykov, Esen Bidaibekov — Wed, 16 Jul 2025 00:00:00 -0500

The purpose of this article is to critically analyze the potential and challenges associated with the use of GenAI (generative artificial intelligence) in the automated verification and formation of students' programming knowledge assessments. In terms of methodology, this study employs a mixed approach: analyzing the functionality of popular generative models and platforms for competitive programming (Codeforces, LeetCode, HackerRank), as well as comparing their applicability to various task formats and types of knowledge (syntactic, semantic, logical). The possibilities of such systems in providing adaptive feedback, automating routine checks, and supporting individualized training are considered. It was revealed that, despite advantages such as scalability, interactivity, and the ability to generate contextually relevant content, there are significant limitations, including risks of incorrect assessment, vulnerability to model deception, lack of pedagogical interpretation of results, and potential dependence of students on AI assistance. In conclusion, the need to develop regulatory, pedagogical, and technical frameworks that ensure the ethical and responsible application of GenAI in programming knowledge assessment systems is emphasized.

Determinants of nascent entrepreneurial intentions: A balance theory perspective in nation building

Diyana Mahad, Kamarulzaman Ab Aziz, Lilian Anthonysamy — Wed, 16 Jul 2025 00:00:00 -0500

This study explores the relationship between nascent entrepreneurial intention (NEI) and the concept of ikigai, which refers to having a sense of purpose and fulfillment in life. It aims to examine how ikigai integrates with the Theory of Effectuation through the lens of the Balance Theory for a coherent structure. A cross-sectional survey was conducted with 422 nascent entrepreneurs in Malaysia. This study employed structural equation modeling (SEM) to assess the relationships among ikigai, NEI, and key constructs from Balance Theory and Effectuation principles. The findings reveal a significant positive association between a strong sense of ikigai and higher levels of entrepreneurial intentions. The integration of ikigai with Balance Theory strengthens the explanatory power of the model in understanding how personal purposes drive entrepreneurial action. Ikigai serves as a motivational catalyst that enhances entrepreneurial intention when balanced with effectual thinking. This study contributes to the literature by bridging the gap between the concepts of ikigai, entrepreneurial intention, and Balance Theory. The study’s inclusion can inform policymakers and practitioners in developing interventions and support mechanisms that foster a sense of purpose and fulfillment among aspiring entrepreneurs.

The adoption of mobile banking services: A comprehensive bibliometric analysis

Hicham Bahida, Rachid Ziky, Raja Chakra, Ayoub Oulamine, Ayoub Massiki — Thu, 17 Jul 2025 00:00:00 -0500

The present research proposes a rigorous bibliometric analysis of scientific publications related to the adoption of mobile banking. The primary objective of this study is to map major academic contributions, with a view to identifying the most influential authors, most active institutions, dominant keywords, and collaborative research networks. The analysis is based on data extracted from Scopus for the period 2013–2022. The primary objective of this study is to map major academic contributions, with a view to identifying the most influential authors, most active institutions, dominant keywords, and collaborative research networks. The study adheres to the PRISMA protocol, thereby ensuring transparency, reproducibility, and rigor in the selection of articles. The results indicate a marked increase in scientific interest in the subject, characterized by a notable geographical concentration, particularly in South Asia, and a significant absence of research focusing on specific contexts such as Morocco. By providing an overview of current dynamics, limitations, and gaps in the literature, this work makes an essential and timely contribution to the structuring of the field of m-banking. It also directs future academic research towards as yet little-explored perspectives, offering valuable insights for researchers and policymakers in developing regions.

Right ventricular function in pulmonary arterial hypertension: The influence of longitudinal strain on hemodynamic measurements

Mefri Yanni, Hirowati Ali, Amiliana M. Soesanto, Eryati Darwin — Thu, 17 Jul 2025 00:00:00 -0500

Right ventricular longitudinal strain (RVLS) is a new parameter of right ventricular (RV) function. The aim of this study was to evaluate RVLS to detect subtle RV dysfunction and its correlation with hemodynamic measurements in patients with pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH). Thirty-five PAH patients were enrolled in this study. Right heart catheterization and echocardiography were performed in all patients. RV free wall strain (RV FWS) and RV global longitudinal strain (RV GLS) were measured using 2D speckle-tracking echocardiography (STE). The correlations between RVLS and invasive hemodynamics were analyzed. Of the 35 subjects, 85.7% were classified as WHO functional class I/II, with a mean age of 34.7 ± 12.9 years. RV systolic function conventional parameters remained in the normal range despite a high mean RV systolic pressure (RVSP) of 87.2 ± 42.4 mmHg. However, mean RV GLS and RV FWS exhibited lower values (-17.0 ± 5.8% and -18.6 ± 6.2%, respectively). RV GLS and RV FWS showed significant correlation with mean pulmonary arterial pressure (mPAP) and PVR (r=0.493, P = 0.003, r = 0.518, P = 0.008, r = 0.575, P = < 0.05, r = 0.485, P = 0.003, respectively). Conclusions: Despite normal conventional right ventricular (RV) function assessment, RV strain in this study showed decreased values. Right ventricular strain also demonstrated a significant correlation with invasively assessed mean pulmonary arterial pressure (mPAP) and pulmonary vascular resistance (PVR) in patients with pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH). This correlation may be useful in clinical practice for assessing the impact of pre-capillary pulmonary hypertension (PH) on early myocardial right heart dysfunction.

Flood forecasting using machine learning methods in a visual programming environment

Gulzat Ziyatbekova, Dauren Darkenbayev — Thu, 17 Jul 2025 00:00:00 -0500

Floods are among the most destructive natural phenomena, significantly impacting the environment, economy, infrastructure, and public safety. Effective forecasting of such emergencies is crucial, especially in the context of global climate change and the increasing population density in coastal and low-lying areas. This work aims to develop and analyze flood forecasting models using machine learning algorithms within the Orange visual software environment. The study employed five algorithms: Random Forest, Decision Tree, Gradient Boosting, AdaBoost, and K-Nearest Neighbors. A comparative analysis of these models was conducted using key classification metrics, including Accuracy, Precision, Recall, and AUC. Special emphasis was placed on visualizing the results and assessing the usability of models within the Orange environment. The findings can be valuable for educational purposes, such as teaching students to work with real environmental data, as well as for practical applications in early warning systems and flood monitoring.

Studying the influence of factors on responsibility accounting organization in businesses: A case at thang long tobacco company limited

Tu Chuc Anh — Thu, 17 Jul 2025 00:00:00 -0500

Management accounting (MA) in general and responsibility accounting (RA) in particular are tools used in the corporate governance process. The organization and application of these management tools are influenced by many factors. The article studies the factors affecting the organization of RA at Thang Long Tobacco Co. Ltd, a company operating in the field of manufacturing and trading tobacco products, including Introduction, Literature Review with the theoretical basis of RA and factors affecting the organization of RA in businesses, and Research material and method, Research results and discussions, and Conclusions. Research results show that the RA organization is most influenced by the cognitive factor of company administrators and least influenced by the factor of enterprise size.

Optimized security-aware VM placement for enhanced intrusion tolerance and resilience in IaaS clouds using MILP

Thu, 17 Jul 2025 00:00:00 -0500

Infrastructure-as-a-Service (IaaS) clouds offer unparalleled flexibility but introduce complex security challenges, particularly concerning Virtual Machine (VM) placement. Security-oblivious VM allocation can lead to catastrophic failures if a physical server is compromised, as all co-resident VMs become vulnerable, diminishing service resilience and escalating the potential damage (blast radius). This research proposes a novel, user-driven framework for security-aware VM placement that leverages Mixed Integer Linear Programming (MILP) to enhance intrusion tolerance and service resilience while managing operational costs. The framework allows administrators to define granular security policies, including VM criticality, service compositions, mandatory VM separation, service diversity requirements, and anti-affinity rules. These policies are integrated into the MILP model alongside traditional objectives like energy, latency, and provisioning cost minimization, governed by user-configurable weights. Through comprehensive simulations based on 60 VMs and 20 servers for weight analysis, and scaling up to 120 VMs for performance evaluation, we demonstrate the framework’s ability to significantly reduce security risks, such as minimizing the potential blast radius and ensuring service component dispersion. For instance, increasing criticality weight (Wcrit) from 0 to 2.0 reduced the maximum blast radius from 20-22 to 13-15, though with an increase in the security-focused objective value. Ten comparative analyses illustrate the impact of various security postures on overall system performance and cost.

Integrating circular economy strategies into sustainable water management: Regression evidence from the Chinchaycocha Lagoon, Peru

Thu, 17 Jul 2025 00:00:00 -0500

This study analyzes the relationship between circular economy strategies and sustainable water management in the Chinchaycocha lagoon, located in the central highlands of Peru, a basin seriously affected by industrial, mining, and agricultural activities. A quantitative, correlational, and predictive approach is adopted through the application of a structured questionnaire to a sample of 50 local stakeholders involved in water management. The analysis is performed using a multiple linear regression model with ordinary least squares (OLS) estimation, complemented by tests for heteroskedasticity, autocorrelation, normality, and functional specification. The findings indicate that the environmental impact and conservation dimension exert a positive and statistically significant influence on both water use efficiency (α_(EWU,1) = 0.491; p < 0.05) and compliance with environmental regulations (α_(CER,1) = 0.567; p < 0.001). Additionally, perceived community benefits significantly influence regulatory compliance (α_(CER,3) = 0.502; p < 0.05), while financial sustainability does not exhibit a statistically significant association with the dependent variables. The study concludes that integrating environmental and community-based strategies within a circular economy framework is essential for enhancing water governance. These findings contribute valuable empirical evidence to inform the development of resilient and context-sensitive public policies for high Andean ecosystems.

Hyperchaotic map-based adaptive polar codes for robust and efficient communication

Thu, 17 Jul 2025 00:00:00 -0500

This paper introduces a novel chaos-driven adaptive polar coding scheme designed to enhance both the reliability and security of digital communications. The proposed system employs a two-dimensional (2D) hyperchaotic map to dynamically control coding parameters at the block level. For each block, the chaotic system generates two indices: one selects the block length from a predefined set of sizes 2^n, and the other selects a signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) value from a fixed SNR vector of length 1×11. The selected SNR value guides the calculation of the Bhattacharyya parameter, enabling optimized frozen bit selection during polar code construction. A shared secret key, composed of the chaotic map’s initial conditions and the SNR vector, ensures that the receiver can accurately regenerate the parameter sequence without any explicit exchange of configuration data. The system is evaluated over an additive white Gaussian noise (AWGN) channel using BPSK modulation. Simulation results demonstrate a clear improvement in bit error rate (BER) performance and enhanced security compared to conventional static polar coding. Furthermore, sensitivity analysis shows that decoding fails completely in the presence of key mismatch, thus ensuring strong data confidentiality. This approach offers an efficient and secure communication framework, particularly suited to dynamic and resource-constrained environments such as satellite systems and wireless sensor networks.

Digitalization of finance and its socio-economic impact in post-soviet countries: An econometric analysis

Karen Vladimirovich Turyan — Thu, 17 Jul 2025 00:00:00 -0500

This study investigates the impact of financial digitalization and demographic factors on population welfare in post-Soviet countries. Using panel data from eight former Soviet republics (2011–2021), we develop an econometric model to assess how digital financial inclusion (proxied by account ownership), population growth, and urbanization influence the income share of the poorest 20%. A fixed-effects regression with robust standard errors is employed to control for country-specific heterogeneity. The results indicate that higher GDP per capita is significantly associated with a larger income share for the bottom quintile, supporting the notion of pro-poor growth. In contrast, demographic variables such as urbanization and population growth do not show statistically significant direct effects, suggesting their influence may be more indirect or long-term. Surprisingly, digital financial inclusion alone does not lead to measurable welfare improvements for the poorest; the coefficient on account ownership is statistically insignificant and slightly negative. Country-level fixed effects reveal substantial heterogeneity, highlighting the role of institutional and historical contexts. Overall, the findings suggest that while digital finance holds potential, it is not sufficient by itself to enhance inclusive welfare.

A model for building business customer dependency based on product attributes and distribution relationships

Rahman Kurniawan, Mts Arief, Sri Bramantoro Abdinagoro, Pantri Heriyati — Thu, 17 Jul 2025 00:00:00 -0500

This study aims to examine the extent to which product attributes and distributor relationships influence the formation of business customer dependency on bagged cement distributors. The unit of observation in this research is building material stores that regularly sell bagged cement products. The data were collected using a cross-sectional, one-shot approach in 2024. The population consists of 46,118 building material stores that consistently sell bagged cement products. The sample size was determined using the Slovin formula, resulting in 397 respondents. A stratified random sampling technique was applied based on regional work areas. The questionnaire employed a five-point Likert scale. Causal analysis in this study was conducted using Covariance-Based Structural Equation Modeling (CB-SEM). The results indicate that both product attributes and distributor relationships significantly affect business customer dependency, with distributor relationships exerting a stronger influence. This study contributes to the existing literature on business customer dependency, particularly in the context of the bagged cement industry in Indonesia. The findings offer managerial implications for cement distributor management to foster higher-quality relationships with retail stores by strengthening elements of trust, communication, and reliability, as well as enhancing product attributes in terms of packaging, safety, and brand reputation.

The effects of the GPAS 5 steps and TPACK model on learning achievement and mathematical connection skills in sequences and series among grade 11 students

Nattawadee Charoenthong, Apantee Poonputta — Thu, 17 Jul 2025 00:00:00 -0500

This quasi-experimental study aimed to investigate the effects of GPAS 5 Steps and TPACK-based instructional activities on Grade 11 students’ learning achievement and mathematical connection skills in the topic of sequences and series. A total of control group 40 students and experimental group 40 students from a public secondary school in northeastern Thailand were assigned to either an experimental group receiving GPAS 5 Steps and TPACK-based instruction or a control group receiving traditional instruction. Research instruments included a learning achievement test, a mathematical connection ability test, and a satisfaction questionnaire. Data were analyzed using MANOVA, followed by univariate ANOVA. The results revealed that students taught through the GPAS 5 Steps and TPACK model significantly outperformed those in the traditional group in both learning achievement (p = .01) and mathematical connection skills (p = .001). Additionally, students in the experimental group reported a high level of satisfaction with the instructional approach, particularly in areas related to teacher preparedness, engagement, and opportunities for independent problem-solving. These findings highlight the comparative advantage of the GPAS 5 Steps and TPACK model in enhancing both cognitive and affective learning outcomes in mathematics education. The study contributes empirical evidence supporting the integration of technological, pedagogical, and content knowledge in secondary-level instruction.

Generative adversarial networks for synthetic data generation: A systematic review of techniques, applications, and evaluation methods

Fri, 18 Jul 2025 00:00:00 -0500

Generative adversarial networks (GANs), which have emerged as one of the powerful frameworks for generating synthetic data, have proven remarkably capable across domains. This systematic review explores the rapidly evolving GAN landscape, particularly their applications for generating high-fidelity synthetic data that resemble real-world datasets' statistical properties. We comprehensively analyze recent literature to present the following key findings: 1. GANs' Capabilities: GANs have demonstrated significant potential across various fields, especially in creating synthetic data that mimic real-world datasets. 2. State-of-the-Art Architectures: Advanced GAN variants, such as Conditional GANs, Wasserstein GANs, and Cycle GANs, have shown great promise for transformation in sectors like healthcare, finance, and image processing. 3. Evaluation Methodologies: Metrics for assessing GAN-generated data include statistical similarity, downstream task performance, and privacy preservation, highlighting strengths and limitations in current evaluation paradigms. 4. Training Difficulties: GANs face challenges such as mode collapse, instability, and sensitivity to hyperparameters, which require further innovation and exploration. Additionally, we critically examine the methodologies used to evaluate the quality and utility of GAN-generated data. Metrics like statistical similarity, downstream task performance, and privacy preservation provide a broad view of current strengths and limitations. Besides synthetic data generation using GAN-based methods, this review discusses training difficulties and emerging directions aimed at mitigating issues like mode collapse, instability, and hyperparameter sensitivity. The findings emphasize significant progress in GAN-based synthetic data generation but underline the need for a robust, standardized evaluation framework and continued innovation in model architectures. 1. Robust Evaluation Framework: Developing a standardized evaluation framework for GAN-generated data is essential for advancing the field. 2. Model Architecture Innovation: Ongoing innovation in model architectures is necessary to overcome current limitations and enhance GAN performance. 3. Synthetic Data Generation: GANs hold great potential for generating synthetic data, which can address data privacy concerns, data scarcity, and data augmentation needs. This review aims to help researchers and practitioners understand the current state and future directions of GAN applications in synthetic data generation.

Factors influencing intention towards adoption of E-wallet in Malaysia

Fri, 18 Jul 2025 00:00:00 -0500

This study investigates the factors influencing the intention to adopt e-wallets in Malaysia, focusing on perceived usefulness, perceived ease of use, perceived security, and social influence. The underpinning theories of this study are the Technology Acceptance Model and the Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology. Furthermore, this study adopted a quantitative research method by distributing self-administered questionnaires to Malaysians aged between 18 and 60 years. The empirical data were collected from 155 respondents using purposive sampling, and the research model was analyzed through SPSS. The results indicate that perceived usefulness and perceived ease of use significantly influence the intention to adopt e-wallets in Malaysia. Perceived security and social influence, however, show no significant relationship with the intention to adopt e-wallets. The key value of these findings is to enhance understanding of the factors that influence Malaysians’ adoption of e-wallets, contributing to the goal of achieving a cashless society.

Influence of food losses on the negative effects of the nutrition of the population in Bulgaria

Stela Todorova, Kaloyan Haralampiev — Fri, 18 Jul 2025 00:00:00 -0500

A third of all food produced globally by weight is lost or wasted between farm and fork – that's more than 1 billion tonnes. Converted into calories, this equates to 24% of the world's food supplies. Food loss refers to loss at or near the farm and in the supply chain. For the present study, it is important to know the losses of agricultural products that occur between the level at which production is recorded and the household, i.e., storage and transportation. The prevalence of overweight and obesity is emerging as a problem in Bulgarian society as well. Revealing the relationship between food loss from agricultural products and the prevalence of obesity is the aim of the study. The data source is the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO). Data from Food Balances and from Food Security and Nutrition were used. The data refer to the period 2000–2021. For per capita supply, all four FAO indicators were used: Food supply quantity (kg/capita/year), Food supply (kcal/capita/day), Protein supply quantity (g/capita/day), Fat supply quantity (g/capita/day), separately for vegetal and animal products. One indicator was used as a measure of population nutrition: Prevalence of obesity in the adult population (18 years and older). For the last indicator, there is data only for the period 2000–2016, so our analysis is limited to this period. The main hypothesis is that food losses affect the per capita supply, which in turn affects the nutrition of the population and the prevalence of obesity. A simultaneous equations model (SEM) was used to model these relationships and process data. After evaluation of the SEM model, the following results were obtained: Losses of vegetal products directly influence the prevalence of obesity in the adult population (18 years and older). The relationship is negative – greater losses of vegetal products lead to a lower prevalence of obesity in the adult population (18 years and older), which coincides with preliminary expectations. Losses of animal products indirectly influence the prevalence of obesity in the adult population (18 years and older). The relationship is mediated by food supply (kcal/capita/day). The relationship between losses of animal products and the mediator variable is positive; greater losses lead to greater per capita supply. This contradicts preliminary expectations that greater losses will lead to a smaller per capita supply. The relationship between per capita supply and the prevalence of obesity in the adult population (18 years and older) is positive; larger per capita supply leads to a higher prevalence of obesity in the adult population, which coincides with preliminary expectations. Some of the mediator variables have an independent influence on the dependent variables.

Calculation of impurity propagation in laminar flow of incompressible fluid inside a diffuser and comparison of performance of some calculation schemes

Savitsky Andre, Radkevich Maria, Salokhiddinov Abdulkhakim, Ashirova Olga — Fri, 18 Jul 2025 00:00:00 -0500

This study develops and tests a new finite-difference scheme named the TIIAME NRU scheme. It focuses on modeling impurity transport in laminar flows of incompressible fluids within diffusers. This approach addresses the conservativity loss issues seen in older numerical methods. The methodology focused on creating the TIIAME NRU scheme. This was done by strictly following the laws of mass and momentum conservation. It was compared to the classical Courant-Isaacson-Rees scheme. This was done through numerical tests on problems with known solutions in two-dimensional diffusers. Four cases were analyzed: incompressible flow in an expanding diffuser; compressible medium flow; variable cross-section flow; axisymmetric problems in cylindrical coordinates. The findings indicate that the proposed TIIAME NRU scheme demonstrates superior performance in maintaining conservativity, particularly in complex geometries with velocity sign changes. The new scheme remains stable with 15-20% larger time steps without accuracy loss, maintains strict conservation laws even under compressible flow conditions, and shows invariance to coordinate system choice. Numerical experiments confirmed that the classical scheme loses conservativity when impurity flows collide or merge, while the TIIAME NRU scheme preserves mass conservation. In conclusion, the TIIAME NRU scheme provides a robust solution for impurity transport calculations in complex geometries, offering improved stability and conservativity over traditional methods, and can be extended to three-dimensional problems with minimal algorithmic modifications. The practical implications of this research are significant for applications in jet engine design, gas burner optimization, and power plant calculations, where accurate impurity transport modeling is critical, and its improved computational efficiency and stability make it suitable for integration into industrial CFD packages.

Innovative practices for measuring and evaluating the psychological and pedagogical competence of future teachers

Ainash Davletova, Zhaniya Tasbulatova, Marash Koshanova, Saule Murzina — Fri, 18 Jul 2025 00:00:00 -0500

At the stage of identifying the level of formation of psychological and pedagogical competencies among future teachers, modern methods and technologies of measurement and evaluation are used. The level of competence of future teachers in the field of measurement and evaluation is directly related to their ability to professionally and adequately apply appropriate procedures in educational practice in the future. Considering that, according to the scientific literature, perception plays the role of an incentive factor that shapes behavior, this study analyzed the perception by future teachers of their own competence in measuring and evaluating the psychological and pedagogical aspects of pedagogical activity. The study includes an analysis of students' perceptions of pedagogical specialties regarding their training in this field, taking into account variables such as university of study, field of study, gender, age, academic performance, as well as a subjective assessment of the adequacy of their bachelor's degree education related to measurement and evaluation. The sample included 270 senior students in the field of education "Pedagogical Sciences" of various fields of study (teacher training in natural sciences, humanities, language and literature, with a subject specialization of general development) from two universities of the Republic of Kazakhstan. A mixed method was used in the study. Quantitative data was collected using the "Scale of general perception of competence in the field of measurement and assessment for future teachers " developed by Nartgün [1] and qualitative data were collected through semi-structured interviews compiled by researchers. The scale consists of 24 points and is designed in the format of a five-point Likert scale. The internal reliability coefficient of the scale is .94. The quantitative and qualitative data obtained were compared and analyzed together. Based on the results of both levels of analysis, recommendations were formulated to improve innovative approaches to measuring and evaluating the psychological and pedagogical competencies of future teachers.

Determinants of impulse buying of Tokopedia mobile application users: Does brand image mediate it?

Fri, 18 Jul 2025 00:00:00 -0500

Impulse buying is a consumer behavior characterized by making purchases suddenly without extensive consideration in decision-making. This study aims to examine the factors influencing impulse buying, with brand image serving as a mediating variable. The factors tested include paylater, flash sales, e-commerce diversity, and the urge to buy. The research methodology employed is quantitative, utilizing the Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) approach. Data processing was conducted using Smart-PLS to test and estimate the models. The results indicate that the use of paylater significantly influences impulse buying behavior (ß = 0.327, p < 0.000), flash sales (ß = 0.241, p < 0.000), and urge to buy (ß = 0.191, p < 0.000), and has a positive and significant effect on brand image. Flash sales (ß = 0.169, p < 0.000), paylater (ß = 0.169, p < 0.000), urge to buy (ß = 0.185, p < 0.000), and brand image (ß = 0.149, p < 0.000) positively and significantly affect impulse buying. The study also shows that brand image mediates the influence of paylater (ß = 0.049, p < 0.003), flash sales (ß = 0.036, p < 0.013), and urge to buy (ß = 0.028, p < 0.011) on impulse buying positively and significantly.

Assessing the effectiveness of monetary policy in reducing fiscal deficits: An econometric study of Morocco

Fri, 18 Jul 2025 00:00:00 -0500

This study examines the effectiveness of monetary policy in reducing Morocco’s budget deficit over the period 2000–2024. Using the ARDL approach and annual data, it explores both short- and long-term relationships between fiscal balance and key monetary and macroeconomic variables such as interest rates, inflation, exchange rates, public debt, and government revenue. The results confirm the existence of a long-run equilibrium and highlight the significant short-term effects of monetary variables on fiscal performance. Findings underline the importance of policy coordination to ensure fiscal sustainability. This research contributes to the literature by identifying the main transmission channels and offering recommendations to improve the coherence between monetary and fiscal policies in Morocco.

Financial inclusion and bank risk-taking in Southeast Asia: A comprehensive analysis of traditional and digital dimensions

Hien Anh Nguyen, Duc Hoang Le, Thanh Tam Le — Fri, 18 Jul 2025 00:00:00 -0500

This paper aims to examine the impact of both traditional financial inclusion (FI) and digital financial inclusion (DFI) on bank risk-taking, particularly in the context of Southeast Asia, where this relationship remains ambiguous. Financial inclusion plays a crucial role in advancing the 17 UN Sustainable Development Goals by enhancing livelihoods, reducing poverty, and stimulating economic growth. However, its implications for financial stability are still under debate, especially with the rapid emergence of digital financial services. This research collected data from 76 commercial banks across Southeast Asian countries. The research team applied the methodology of Principal Component Analysis (PCA) to construct composite indices for both traditional (FI) and digital dimensions (DFI) of financial inclusion, followed by regression analysis to investigate their respective effects on bank risk-taking behavior. The key results are: (i) traditional financial inclusion tends to reduce bank risk-taking, whereas digital financial inclusion initially increases risk; (ii) however, this positive relationship is projected to reverse as digital ecosystems mature and regulatory frameworks strengthen. Based on these results, the recommendations are: first, governments and central banks should continue to promote both traditional and digital financial inclusion initiatives. Second, they must remain alert to potential risks during the digital transition. Third, commercial banks should enhance digital financial literacy and improve institutional quality to ensure that financial inclusion contributes to reduced bank risk-taking in the long term.

Barriers to sustainable urban green space development: A case study of Chengdu, China

Li Fan, Lin Xiao, Sharareh Shahidi Hamedani, Sarfraz Aslam — Fri, 18 Jul 2025 00:00:00 -0500

This study aims to identify the key obstacles impacting the sustainable development of urban green spaces (UGS) in China, using Park City Chengdu as a case study. The research employs the entropy-weight method and the coupling coordination degree model (CCDM) to assess the relationship between UGS development and economic growth. The obstacle degree model identified the key barriers, while interviews with university researchers, registered urban planners, landscape architects, government officials, and UGS management staff, along with policy document analysis, provide additional insights. Results show an upward trend in UGS and economic development with indirect, reinforcing effects. The degree of coordination has gradually improved, indicating better UGS sustainability. Key obstacles include pressure on UGS, maintenance challenges, land use conflicts, and spatial distribution imbalances. To address these issues, this study recommends several strategies, including enhancing policy coherence and interdepartmental collaboration, strengthening pollution control, and optimizing the distribution and quality of green spaces, introducing diverse funding sources, facilitating value transformation, ensuring adequate green space construction and maintenance funding, and integrating new technologies to improve management efficiency for long-term sustainability. This research highlights the urgent need for empirical research on sustainable UGS development in rapidly urbanizing areas and provides actionable strategies for local policymakers and supports global urban sustainability.

Community volunteers and literacy activism in rural Indonesia: A phenomenological study from West Java

Muhammad Irsyad Alfatih, Edwin Rizal, Nuryah Asri Sjafirah, Agus Rusmana — Fri, 18 Jul 2025 00:00:00 -0500

Community-based libraries in rural Indonesia have become pivotal in promoting literacy and empowerment. Through a phenomenological lens, this study examines the lived experiences of "literacy activist" volunteers at Warung Baca Lebakwangi (Warabal), a community library in a rural West Java village. The research explores how volunteers construct meaning around their literacy activism, what motivates their sustained engagement, and how their actions impact the community. The researchers collected data via in-depth interviews, participant observation, and focus group discussions with 15 volunteers and analyzed them thematically. Findings reveal that volunteers join the literacy movement driven by value-oriented and affective motives (e.g., altruism, community duty) and personal growth needs. Over time, they internalize an identity as "literacy activists," reinforced by community recognition and tangible improvements in local reading habits. The Warabal case illustrates how socially constructed roles and shared values sustain a grassroots literacy initiative in a rural socio-cultural context. Volunteers' narratives highlight the interplay of individual motivation (the desire to "give back," religious/personal values, skill development) and social processes (norms of gotong royong or communal help, local support networks) in shaping literacy activism. This study contributes to understanding volunteer-driven literacy efforts as a product of social construction and a catalyst for informal education and empowerment in marginalized communities.

Educational AI tools for ensuring inclusive education

Fri, 18 Jul 2025 00:00:00 -0500

The article explores the opportunities and challenges associated with the use of artificial intelligence (AI) tools in the context of inclusive digital education in higher education institutions. The aim is to identify the potential of AI technologies in creating a flexible learning environment that accommodates the individual needs of students with special educational requirements. The study involves a review of academic literature and an analysis of existing AI solutions, including adaptive learning platforms, digital assistants, and content generation tools. Particular attention is given to assessing their effectiveness, accessibility, and impact on student learning outcomes. The findings highlight both the positive effects, such as personalized learning, increased engagement, and access to educational materials and the significant challenges, including high costs, limited platform compatibility, algorithmic bias, and privacy concerns. The study concludes that a comprehensive approach to AI integration is essential, encompassing ethical regulation, staff training, and infrastructure development. The results emphasize that, when implemented properly, AI can become a key instrument in transforming inclusive education, ensuring equal learning opportunities for all categories of students.

Financial analysis of enterprises' costs for occupational safety at risk

Fri, 18 Jul 2025 00:00:00 -0500

This study examines the financial analysis of labor protection costs by companies at risk. It is noted that cost savings will be achieved in enterprises that pay close attention to labor protection, which will reduce the risks of industrial accidents and occupational diseases. The study conducted a thorough review of the literature in the field of occupational safety and decent and safe working conditions. To conduct a financial cost analysis and to identify specifics in the field of occupational safety, data from five enterprises in various sectors of the economy were used. To assess the effectiveness of the proposed methods, economic analysis tools such as cost–benefit analysis and return on investment (ROI) were employed. The adaptive approach ensured that the industry-specific characteristics of Kazakhstani enterprises were considered, enabling the application of a standardized yet flexible cost accounting methodology. The authors note that, for the first time in the country, expenses for occupational risk assessment and workplace certification were introduced in 2024. The authors conducted an in-depth financial analysis of the structure and directions of labor protection costs across various sectors of the economy, including a comparative analysis using data from three socially significant enterprises focused on sustainable development. The study covered three years of data indicators and included ten key categories of expenses. The financial analysis revealed both general patterns and unique features of accounting for labor protection costs at each enterprise. The identified spending trends indicate an active approach to workplace safety, resulting in significant investments in employee training, personal protective equipment, and improved working conditions. These measures aim not only to ensure compliance with regulatory requirements but also to minimize production risks specific to each industry.

Decreasing the post-operative recovery period in cesarean section: A systematic review study

Afaf Farouq Alzahrani — Fri, 18 Jul 2025 00:00:00 -0500

This systematic review aims to evaluate the effectiveness of various interventions designed to decrease postoperative recovery time and improve maternal outcomes following cesarean section. The study seeks to provide evidence-based recommendations for optimizing post-cesarean care through a comprehensive analysis of enhanced recovery protocols, pain management strategies, and nursing interventions. A systematic literature search was conducted across five electronic databases (PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, CINAHL, and Google Scholar) from inception to October 2024, following PRISMA 2020 guidelines. Studies published between 2015 and 2024 were included if they evaluated interventions to improve postoperative recovery following cesarean section. Two reviewers independently screened titles, abstracts, and full-text articles. Quality assessment was performed using the Cochrane Risk of Bias Tool for randomized trials, the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale for cohort studies, and AMSTAR 2 for systematic reviews. Data synthesis was conducted through narrative analysis due to heterogeneity in interventions and outcome measures. Nine studies comprising 3,231 participants were included in the qualitative synthesis. Enhanced Recovery After Surgery (ERAS) protocols demonstrated significant reductions in hospital stay duration (2.8 vs. 3.4 days, p = 0.022) and postoperative complications (8.0% vs. 16.8%, p = 0.031). Multimodal pain management approaches, particularly enhanced transversus abdominis plane (TAP) blocks with dexmedetomidine, showed superior pain control with reduced opioid requirements. Key risk factors for postoperative complications included primary cesarean section (OR 1.66, 95% CI 1.12-2.47), preterm premature rupture of membranes (OR 5.3, 95% CI 2.8-10.1), and intraoperative blood transfusion (OR 3.5, 95% CI 1.9-6.4). Structured, multimodal approaches to post-cesarean care significantly improve maternal outcomes and reduce healthcare resource utilization. ERAS protocols, evidence-based pain management, and early mobilization strategies should be integrated into routine post-cesarean recovery protocols to optimize patient outcomes. Healthcare institutions should implement comprehensive ERAS protocols for cesarean delivery, emphasizing multimodal pain management, early mobilization, and structured nursing care. Risk stratification strategies should be employed to identify high-risk patients requiring enhanced surveillance. The findings support policy development for standardized post-cesarean care protocols and resource allocation for enhanced recovery programs in obstetric settings.

Purchase probabilities of fashion clothing made with alpaca (Vicugna pacos) fiber among young people in the Puno Region, Peru

Fri, 18 Jul 2025 00:00:00 -0500

In recent years, the fashion industry has expanded to meet consumer demands, especially from young users seeking unique and ephemeral designs. The aim of this study is to determine the factors that influence the probability of purchasing fashion clothing made from alpaca (Vicugna pacos) fiber among young people in the Puno region of Peru. A quantitative, explanatory, and cross-sectional method was used. Participants included men and women aged 25 and older. The survey was conducted in various provinces of the Puno region, Peru, in their most frequented public areas. The results indicate that only certain factors influence the likelihood of purchasing alpaca fiber fashion clothing in the Puno region. Among these are garment durability, eclectic style, design, and perceived impact value. It is concluded that, within the young segment of the Puno region, the probability of purchasing alpaca fashion clothing is determined by the creativity and originality of the product.

Integrating satellite data and machine learning algorithms into a flood prediction system

Sat, 19 Jul 2025 00:00:00 -0500

The objective of this study is to develop an intelligent flood forecasting system based on the integration of satellite and ground-based hydrometeorological data using machine learning algorithms in the Orange visual analytical environment. The aim of the article is to improve the accuracy and efficiency of forecasting extreme hydrological events, as well as to simplify the process of building forecasting models through the use of an interface that does not require programming. The methodological basis of the study is the formation of a synthetic multivariate dataset combining satellite vegetation indices NDVI and LST temperature with meteorological parameters such as precipitation, temperature, humidity, and water level. Random forest, gradient boosting (XGBoost), and multilayer perceptron (MLP) algorithms were used to build and validate the models. All stages from data loading and pre-processing to visualization and interpretation of results are implemented in the Orange environment using cross-validation and feature significance assessment. The results obtained demonstrated high forecast accuracy (up to 94%), especially when using ensemble and deep models. The significance of satellite data is confirmed by analyzing the contribution of features to the final classification. The developed forecasting model can be adapted to various geographical conditions and integrated into existing monitoring and early warning platforms. The proposed approach has high applied value and demonstrates the potential for using modern big data analysis technologies and artificial intelligence methods in the tasks of reducing the risk of natural floods.

Examining the integration of land administration functions and inter-governmental collaboration to improve affordable housing production in Malaysia

Parthipan Periasamy, Nur Hairani Abd Rahman, Peter Aning Anak Tedong — Tue, 22 Jul 2025 00:00:00 -0500

Using a systematic literature review, we explored land administration and collaboration in Malaysia's affordable housing systems. It identifies trends based on the publication year, journals, and methodologies. The review found that qualitative research was the most common approach, emphasizing the in-depth exploration of the topic. Content analysis revealed that the Malaysian government plays a pivotal role in land administration, with federal and state agencies significantly influencing financial, planning, and housing development schemes. Land administration challenges include limited availability, high costs, and inefficient administrative processes. This study stresses the need to form coherent policies, coordination, and transparency to enhance land administration. This study discusses the importance of land availability, allocation, and management in ensuring the feasibility and accessibility of affordable housing projects. This study intends to inform policy interventions by providing various recommendations extracted from articles. These findings can be used to develop actionable strategies that support sustainable and equitable housing development in Malaysia.

Impact of digitalization and exchange rate on remittance: Evidence from south Asian countries

Tue, 22 Jul 2025 00:00:00 -0500

The main objective of this study is to analyze the impact of digitalization, exchange rate, political stability, employment, and inflation rate on remittances in the short and long run in three South Asian countries, India, Pakistan, and Bangladesh, from 2003 to 2022. Using panel ARDL and wavelet coherence techniques, the findings reveal that digitalization does not have a direct and lasting impact on remittances in both the short and long run. However, there is evidence of a positive short-term correlation in the wavelet. On the other hand, exchange rates (EXC) emerge as a significant driver of remittances, impacting them both in the short and long term. Political stability (PST) and employment (EMP) appear to be less influential, as their coefficients remain insignificant in both time frames, although they exhibit short-term correlations with remittances in wavelet analysis. In contrast, inflation (INF) significantly affects remittances in both the short and long run, with short-term analysis highlighting its leading role in shaping remittance behavior. The results hold important implications for advancing financial inclusion in the context of remittances. Policymakers can enhance digital infrastructure for short-term remittance facilitation, targeting improved accessibility and efficiency, and implement exchange rate stability measures to ensure predictable remittance inflows over both short and long periods. Additionally, they should acknowledge the short-term significance of political stability and employment for remittances while focusing on broader economic stability and inflation control to support remittance behavior in the long run.

The pharmaceutical management cycle and the availability of essential medicines at public health facilities in Limpopo province, South Africa: A qualitative study

Ogbodu Olubunmi Margaret — Tue, 22 Jul 2025 00:00:00 -0500

One of the pilot districts for the National Health Insurance pilot scheme in South Africa since 2014 is the Vhembe District, which aims to provide universal health coverage. However, medicine shortages and inefficiencies associated with the pharmaceutical management cycle (PMC) processes such as selection, procurement, including funding, storage, distribution, and the rational use of medicines have hindered the achievement of universal health coverage. This study explored the challenges related to the PMC framework and the availability of essential medicines at public health facilities. A qualitative research design using convenience sampling was employed to select participants. Data were collected through an interview guide, and data saturation was reached after interviewing thirteen professional nurses. The collected data were analyzed using thematic content analysis, with emergent themes and sub-themes summarized. The results revealed issues such as inappropriate selection processes, inefficient procurement practices, transportation and communication challenges, and irrational use of medicines by patients. A comprehensive understanding of the challenges associated with the PMC and effective planning of these processes are critical for ensuring a steady availability of essential medicines at public health facilities. Recommendations were made to policymakers and health planners to reduce stock-outs and shortages of essential medicines in public health systems.

Exploring emotional availability and psychological adjustment in newlywed men in Malaysia: A qualitative study

Umaima Nadeem, Zhooriyati Sehu Mohamad — Tue, 22 Jul 2025 00:00:00 -0500

The early years of marriage play a crucial role among newlyweds, as they predict the strength and longevity of the relationship. Current statistics indicate an increasing trend in divorce rates in Malaysia, rising from 6.1% to 6.7%, which highlights a significant research gap concerning its underlying factors. While previous studies have emphasized the importance of emotional availability and psychological adjustment during early marriages, most have focused on women, thereby overlooking men’s perspectives. To address this gap, this qualitative study aimed to explore the factors influencing emotional availability and psychological adjustment of newlywed men, along with the potential barriers they face in seeking support. Data were generated from ten in-depth semi-structured interviews and analyzed through the lens of Interpersonal Acceptance-Rejection Theory. Thematic analysis revealed that societal expectations, emotional intelligence, and communication styles influenced emotional availability, whereas motivational styles, conflict resolution strategies, and family acceptance shaped psychological adjustment. Additionally, newlywed men who exhibited high self-reliance, selective emotional disclosure, and fear of judgment usually avoid seeking professional support. The findings suggest that sensitive marital subjects like men’s emotional availability remain taboo in Malaysian society. To address this, it is essential to raise awareness of men's emotional and psychological needs through pre-marital workshops and by offering couples counseling to newlyweds, such as through the Prevention and Relationship Enhancement Program (PREP).

The influence of demographic factors on healthy living among adolescents

Orkida Kosta, Ortensia Kosta — Tue, 22 Jul 2025 00:00:00 -0500

Adolescent development greatly benefits from regular exercise and a nutritious diet. The aim of this study is to examine the relationship between several demographic variables affecting nutrition and physical activity in adolescents of Tirana. Cross-sectional survey. Participants were 510 adolescents aged 16-19 years, of whom 310 were girls (61.2%) and 198 were boys (38.8%). The school was in the city of Tirana. Adolescents completed a questionnaire that was built on the basis of two subscales of questionnaires that were HPLP II, aiming to assess health-promoting behaviors. The t-test was also applied, which revealed significant differences in statistical value between adolescents who study in different classes, regardless of gender. Furthermore, statistically significant differences were found between classes (males and females) in the nutrition and physical activity variables. However, differences were evident in the level of nutrition and physical activity depending on the parents' education. In general, it can be concluded that adolescents have relatively satisfactory dietary and physical activity habits, but these behaviors still need improvement. In this context, there is a need for better and more effective education of young people for a healthy lifestyle.

Integration of non-formal education through Moocs into the educational process of a higher education institution

Tue, 22 Jul 2025 00:00:00 -0500

The research paper considers the possibilities and prospects of integrating non-formal education through Massive Open Online Courses into the educational process of a higher education institution. As a result of the analysis of Massive Open Online Course platforms covering the Internet space, the best practices and teaching methods actively used in online learning are identified. An expert implementation of non-formal education through the mass open online course "Data Visualization in Excel" from the Coursera platform was conducted to obtain user skills in the field of spreadsheets for first-year bachelor's students of Toraighyrov University, taking into account their needs within the discipline "Information and Communication Technologies." The conducted experiment confirmed the effectiveness of introducing non-formal education into the educational process. The results of the study showed that the integration of non-formal education through MOOCs provides students with additional knowledge, closely related to previous ones, to systematize disparate knowledge. The study, for the first time, reveals specific factors affecting the effectiveness of integrating non-formal education into the educational process of higher education institutions, and also substantiates pedagogical and organizational conditions for successful integration. Based on the identified factors, methodological recommendations are proposed for teachers of educational institutions and course developers to effectively prepare them for formal and non-formal education. The assessment of the influence of non-formal education on the passage of training in higher education institutions has shown positive results.

Model of collaborative for forest and land fire prevention and management in Ogan Komering Ilir regency South Sumatra Province Indonesia

Achmad Rizwan, Yoyok Hendarso, Ardian Saptawan, Nurhayati Damiri — Tue, 22 Jul 2025 00:00:00 -0500

Forest and land fires are recurring environmental problems in Indonesia, especially in areas with peatland ecosystems such as Ogan Komering Ilir (OKI) Regency, South Sumatra. Although prevention efforts have been made, limited resources in terms of personnel, equipment, and early monitoring systems remain obstacles in managing forest and land fires. Therefore, a collaborative model involving various stakeholders such as local governments, communities, plantation companies, academics, and environmental organizations is necessary to improve the effectiveness of fire prevention and response. This study employs a qualitative method, focusing on an in-depth understanding of forest and land fire prevention strategies through collaboration among five sectors within the Penta Helix model, using the Ansel & Gash approach as an analytical framework. The findings indicate that forest and land fires constitute a serious environmental issue requiring cooperation among government, industry, communities, academics, and the media. The primary challenges in fire mitigation include weak law enforcement, lack of trust among actors, and unsustainable land clearing practices. The main strategy is based on regulatory and bureaucratic approaches, with the government acting as policy coordinator, industry as the technical implementer, academics as research providers, the media as shapers of public opinion, and the community as the primary actor at the local level. The success of mitigation efforts depends on cross-sector coordination, raising awareness, implementing monitoring technologies, and adopting community-based approaches to ensure the sustainability of forest and land fire prevention.

Enhancing the accuracy of Alzheimer's disease diagnosis through the application of deep learning algorithms for early detection

Tue, 22 Jul 2025 00:00:00 -0500

Recently, there has been interest in applying deep learning algorithms to identify Alzheimer’s disease (AD) in its early stages using MRI. During our research, we implemented and benchmarked three deep learning architectures: a 3D convolutional neural network (CNN), a hybrid CNN and long short-term memory (LSTM) network, and a 3D residual neural network (ResNet). A total of 6,400 MRI images covering four stages of AD were used to train and evaluate the models. In the present study, our most optimized and best-performing model, the 3D ResNet, was able to attain an average accuracy of 53.64% in classifying all AD stages. Nonetheless, the model performed well in distinguishing mild to moderate dementia cases, while non-demented and very mild dementia identification was not achieved with an early-stage predictive model. The research was hindered by several essential factors, including class imbalance issues and the model's limited capacity to address different stages of AD. We conclude that deep learning may enhance the accuracy of diagnosing Alzheimer’s disease; however, significant improvements are still needed before it can be applied in clinical practice. It is recommended that multimodal, longitudinal designs and other biomarkers be utilized in future studies to improve diagnostics.

Development and implementation of CHEMIDIA: A digital support system for distance chemistry practicum in high schools

Nani Rahmah, Ucu Cahyana, Ivan Hanafi — Tue, 22 Jul 2025 00:00:00 -0500

This study aimed to develop and implement Chemidia, a web-based application designed to support remote and blended chemistry practicums in high school settings. It focused on the application’s features, its impact on student preparedness, and student perceptions of its effectiveness. Using a Design-Based Research (DBR) approach, Chemidia was developed through iterative phases: needs analysis, design, testing, and implementation. The platform includes four core features: Chemical Inventory Management, Safety Protocol Access, Chemistry Experiment Modules, and Self-Directed Learning Tasks. Implementation involved 89 students in a blended learning environment, with data collected through surveys, interviews, and observations. Survey results showed significant improvements in students’ practicum preparedness (mean increased from 3.1 to 4.2), understanding of safety protocols (3.3 to 4.4), and confidence in conducting experiments (2.9 to 4.1). Over 82% of students strongly agreed that Chemidia improved their understanding. TAM-based evaluations indicated high perceived usefulness and ease of use. Qualitative feedback reinforced these findings, highlighting enhanced student autonomy, clarity, and engagement. Chemidia effectively supports chemistry practicum learning in hybrid environments by improving student readiness, self-efficacy, and instructional continuity. This study presents Chemidia as a scalable model for integrating digital tools into science education. It offers practical insights for educators and developers aiming to enhance laboratory learning through blended or remote delivery formats.

Peculiarities of saving behavior Using social survey data in the republic of Armenia

Alvard Matinyan, Liana Khachatryan, Gohar Voskanyan, Meri Manucharyan — Tue, 22 Jul 2025 00:00:00 -0500

The growing population presents new challenges for food security, including issues related to food availability, affordability, adherence to physiological norms, unregulated diet structures, and problems of underweight and overweight. According to statistical data in Armenia, from 2009 to 2023, more than half of the population (56%) is at the threshold of food security, while 23% are food insecure. During the same period, household incomes have increased. Our statistical analysis demonstrates the income-expenditure ratio of households under conditions of nutrition that meet physiological norms. The primary aim of this article is to identify key factors limiting adherence to a standardized diet and to analyze saving behavior patterns among Armenian households. Using empirical methods of social surveys, we examined the unexplained relationship between household income growth and persistent malnutrition (2232 kcal), as well as rising savings rates among households in Armenia. To explore the motivations behind increasing savings rates, we employed the DATA ANALYSIS ANOVA: single-factor method. Our research established the interaction between income, expenditure, and savings, and identified the peculiarities of saving behavior among the Armenian population.

The transformation of labor in the digital age: Matching skills to job requirements

Tue, 22 Jul 2025 00:00:00 -0500

Digital transformation is a process of change characterized by the deep integration of new technologies such as big data, artificial intelligence, and blockchain. The extensive collection, storage, and analysis of internal and external company data provide an accurate foundation for decision-making; AI systems offer intelligent functions for analysis, forecasting, and decision-making to automate and optimize processes. The article presents the results of a study on the impact of digital transformation on professional development and working conditions. The analysis is based on survey data covering organizational, functional, market, and personal factors. The use of stepwise regression modeling made it possible to identify key predictors, such as regional differences in digital infrastructure and the interaction of skills with individual growth support. The identified negative relationship between digital skills and the level of workplace digitalization indicates potential adaptation barriers. Organizational variables mainly influence through mediating mechanisms. Interacting factors demonstrate a synergistic effect, confirming the importance of a comprehensive approach to managing digital change. Correlation-regression analysis also revealed moderate multicollinearity between variables, requiring additional attention when interpreting the models. The results have practical significance for developing digitalization strategies focused on supporting and developing personnel in various regional contexts.

The causes of small business failure from the perspectives of process management, human resources, and technology adaptation

Sustariyah Sustariyah, Awan Setiawan, Deshinta Arrova Dewi, Benie Ilman — Tue, 22 Jul 2025 00:00:00 -0500

This study explored the root causes of small business failure in Indonesia's manufacturing sector using an integrative framework that combined process management, process innovation, human resource (HR) quality, and technology adaptation. A quantitative explanatory approach with a causal-comparative design was applied, utilizing Structural Equation Modeling-Partial Least Squares (SEM-PLS) to analyze both direct and moderating effects. Data were collected from 100 qualified small business owners through purposive sampling and analyzed using SmartPLS. The findings revealed that process management, process innovation, HR quality, and technology adaptation significantly influenced small business failure. Notably, HR quality moderated the relationship between process management and business resilience. These results highlighted the synergistic impact of technical and human factors in shaping business outcomes. The SEM-PLS-based evaluation model provided practical tools for identifying strategic priorities and improving policy and managerial decisions. Theoretically, this research contributed by applying socio-technical systems theory to small enterprises in a developing country context. It supported the notion that sustainable small business performance requires alignment among human capital development, technological innovation, process optimization, and continuous process innovation. Future research could extend this model to other industrial sectors and regions while incorporating external variables such as government policy and market dynamics.

A study on the physical and psychological effects of indoor plants in the workplace

Deniz KARAELMAS — Tue, 22 Jul 2025 00:00:00 -0500

Indoor plants not only improve the physical environment but also offer significant psychological benefits. Based on this importance, a randomized study was conducted with academic and administrative staff working at Zonguldak Bülent Ecevit University, Çaycuma Vocational School, to examine the effects of indoor plants on individuals' physical health and psychological state. The study involved 11 participants. Data collected from the participants were analyzed using SPSS 22. The results indicated that issues such as headaches, difficulty concentrating, and eye itching or burning were not dependent on the presence of plants in the work environment. However, symptoms including a feeling of heaviness in the head, nausea/dizziness, nasal irritation, congestion and discharge, hoarseness, dry throat, coughing, facial skin dryness or redness, scalp or ear itching, and dryness or itching of the hands were associated with the presence or absence of plants. When the average severity of these problems was compared between environments with and without plants, it was observed that working in a plant-rich environment reduced these issues. Therefore, it can be concluded that indoor plants contribute to reducing physical and psychological problems in the workplace.

On new ridge estimators of the Conway-maxwell Poisson model in the case of highly correlated predictor variables: Application to plywood quality data

Tue, 22 Jul 2025 00:00:00 -0500

This paper introduces a new method to handle multicollinearity in regression analysis, specifically for the Conway-Maxwell Poisson (COMP) model, which is used for count data. Multicollinearity, where predictor variables are highly correlated, often causes unstable results in such models. Our approach improves ridge parameter estimation, balancing accuracy and interpretability. Through simulations, we tested the method using mean squared error (MSE) as a main measure of the efficiency of estimation. The results show that our method performs better than traditional approaches, especially when multicollinearity is high or data is over- or underdispersed. It works particularly well with small-to-moderate datasets and complex data structures. This result was confirmed by our real-world application to plywood quality data.

The contribution of successful intelligence in predicting students' orientation toward academic quality of life

Tue, 22 Jul 2025 00:00:00 -0500

This study investigated the relationship between successful intelligence and the academic quality of life among university students in Saudi Arabia. A descriptive, correlational, and causal-comparative design was employed. The population comprised all undergraduate students at King Faisal University in Al-Ahsa (N = 33,833), across scientific and humanities disciplines. A stratified random sample of 395 students (190 males, 205 females) was selected, and a pilot sample of 100 students was used to validate the study instruments. Two validated instruments were used: the Successful Intelligence Scale Al-Otebi and Al-Qamash [1] and the Academic Quality of Life Scale Abd Elraziq [2] both demonstrating high internal consistency (omega = 0.705–0.909). The findings revealed a statistically significant positive correlation (p < .01) between successful intelligence and the total score and dimensions of academic quality of life, with Pearson's r ranging from 0.379 to 0.535. Furthermore, multivariate analysis of variance (MANOVA) showed significant differences based on academic major and the interaction between gender and major, with no differences by gender alone. Independent samples t-tests indicated higher scores for students in scientific majors on both variables. Simple linear regression analysis revealed that successful intelligence significantly predicted academic quality of life (R² = 0.286, F = 157.31, p < .01), explaining 28.6% of the variance. These findings highlight the predictive role of successful intelligence in enhancing the academic quality of life and suggest implications for support programs in higher education.

Leveraging open-source software to advance learning technologies in higher education for interior design

Mona Ansari, Hamzah A. Alkhazaleh, Faris Abuhashish, Anas W. Arram — Tue, 22 Jul 2025 00:00:00 -0500

Open-source software (OSS) has become a revolutionary development in higher education, providing improved and affordable solutions for learning technologies. This paper explores OSS as an instrument of change within higher learning institutions, aiming to enhance accessibility, cooperation, and individualization to suit different institutional needs. The analysis employs mathematical measures such as cost analyses, accessibility metrics, and models of adoption growth, which are compared with survey data. It also considers limitations like technical support and sustainability, offering strategies to overcome these barriers. Examples demonstrate how OSS can improve student participation, reduce costs, and promote teamwork. The conclusion suggests that integrating OSS into learning technologies can foster innovation and inclusivity in higher education.

Correlation peer-to-peer lending regarding banking credit

Prima Nur Happyani, Kartika Estu Linuwih, Rizky Jati Mukti — Thu, 24 Jul 2025 00:00:00 -0500

This study aims to identify the correlation between peer-to-peer lending and bank credit using the pooled least squares method for the 2017-2019 period. The results show that, in the aggregate model, credit has a positive correlation with P2P lending and GDP, and a negative correlation with credit interest rates, according to the research hypothesis. Among the three main credit sectors observed in the study, P2P lending and interest rates have the greatest influence on agricultural sector credit, while GDP has the greatest influence on credit in the manufacturing sector.

Work-life balance and its impact on employee performance: HR strategies for success

Thu, 24 Jul 2025 00:00:00 -0500

The study examines how employee performance is affected by HR initiatives designed to encourage work-life balance in a variety of companies. Using a mixed-method approach, this research combined primary survey data collected from 230 employees working primarily in retail, manufacturing, and telecommunications with a secondary thematic analysis of 12 scholarly articles. Quantitative data were used to test hypotheses using SPSS for correlation, ANOVA, and regression. The findings show a strong positive relationship between flexible work arrangements and improved employee performance. The key HR policies, wellness programs, leave policies, and employee assistance programs played a role in reducing stress, improving both mental and physical health, and increasing motivation. HR interventions that create work-life balance not only impact employee satisfaction and engagement but also the overall success of the organization. By creating a healthier and more committed workforce, these techniques also help reduce turnover and increase productivity. Organizations should develop structured HR interventions that focus on employee well-being, such as providing flexible work hours and recognition programs. This can lead to sustainable performance gains and higher retention. Future studies should explore longitudinal studies and remote work dynamics to enhance the understanding of the changing demands of employees.

Improving computer science education: Teaching neural network modeling to deepen understanding of AI in schools

Thu, 24 Jul 2025 00:00:00 -0500

In the context of computer science education, the article highlights a problem area associated with effective teaching of neural network modeling as part of a school computer science course. The emphasis is on analyzing the current state of teaching in various countries, warning about the loss of relevance of a Computer Science course without the inclusion of an artificial intelligence section and limiting access to the best materials on a free basis. The goal of the work is to develop a methodology for teaching 11th graders how to model neural networks using MS Excel and a neurostimulator for a deeper understanding of artificial intelligence. The article describes a three-stage pedagogical experiment, starting with an analysis of the current state of teaching artificial intelligence, developing a methodology and its implementation, and ending with an assessment of effectiveness. Methods used include student surveys, knowledge testing, and neural network modeling project work. It is recommended to use the developed methodology for teaching neural network modeling in schools. Its adaptation to different countries and regions can enrich the educational process. The article is of interest to teachers and specialists in the field of curriculum development in computer science and artificial intelligence.

Sustainable entrepreneurship: Insight from a case study of hydroponic business in Urban Indonesia

Glenn P ardede, Rosdiana Sijabat, Rizaldi Parani, Jacob Donald Tan — Thu, 24 Jul 2025 00:00:00 -0500

Sustainable Entrepreneurship (SE) is increasingly recognized as a promising field for addressing interconnected economic, social, and environmental challenges through entrepreneurial action. While SE remains underexplored, with much of the literature shaped by Global North contexts, little is understood about how it unfolds in the Global South, especially in the urban agricultural sector. This paper offers insights from a holistic, multiple-case study of hydroponic entrepreneurs in the urban region of Jakarta, Indonesia (Jabodetabek), examining how SE emerges in real-world contexts, resource-constrained settings. Guided by a constructivist paradigm, the study is based on data collected through in-depth interviews, field observations, and documentation. We employ thematic analysis and theoretical interpretation across four levels: individual, process, firm, and environment. There are eight identified themes, leading to three propositions that contribute to understanding SE in practice. The findings reveal that SE among hydroponic entrepreneurs in Jabodetabek emerges from personally meaningful concerns and evolves through adaptive, relational practices shaped by local conditions, with sustainability gradually represented as a contextual response, rather than a premeditated strategy. This study contributes to SE theory by introducing the concept of SE emergence through cross-level dynamic interactions across process and firm levels, with the individual at the core intersection, all embedded within the environmental context in which it takes place.

What is the impact of respiratory therapy interventions on the quality of life in patients with comorbid heart failure and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease?

Maqdad Taaqi, Fatmah Alansari — Thu, 24 Jul 2025 00:00:00 -0500

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and heart failure frequently coexist, significantly impairing patients' quality of life (QoL). Respiratory therapy interventions, including pulmonary rehabilitation (PR) and complementary therapies, may alleviate symptoms and improve outcomes in this population. A systematic review was conducted using PubMed, MEDLINE, EMBASE, and CINAHL databases. Seven studies meeting the inclusion criteria (peer-reviewed, QoL outcomes, comorbid COPD-heart failure) were analyzed. Interventions included PR, exercise-based therapies, Tai Chi, Yoga, and acupuncture. Quality assessment was performed using Cochrane’s Risk of Bias Tool and NHLBI criteria. PR consistently improved QoL by enhancing physical function, reducing dyspnea, and alleviating anxiety/depression. Complementary therapies showed potential benefits in relaxation and self-efficacy but lacked robust evidence. Limitations included small sample sizes and heterogeneous protocols. Respiratory therapies, particularly PR, effectively improve QoL in patients with COPD and heart failure. Standardized interventions and further research on complementary approaches are needed to optimize care.

CEO traits and dividend persistence as determinants of accounting information’s value relevance

Elin Erlina Sasanti, I Wayan Suartana, Dewa Gede Wirama, I Gde Ary Wirajaya — Thu, 24 Jul 2025 00:00:00 -0500

This study examines how CEO characteristics (tenure, family affiliation, origin) and dividend persistence influence the value relevance of accounting information (VR) in Indonesian listed firms, where family ownership and weak enforcement may affect market responsiveness to governance signals. Using a balanced panel of 226 publicly listed firms (1,130 firm-year observations) from 2018 to 2022, we measure VR using firm-specific R2 from Ohlson [1] regressions. A two-step robust System GMM estimator with collapsed instruments is applied to address dynamic panel bias, endogeneity, and unobserved heterogeneity. Findings reveal that prolonged CEO tenure significantly diminishes value relevance, reflecting entrenchment risks within Indonesia’s family-controlled firms. EO origin, family CEO status, and dividend persistence show positive but statistically insignificant relationships with VR, indicating that governance traits alone may not differentiate market valuations under Indonesia’s institutional context. Practical implications highlight the need for governance reforms to curb CEO entrenchment and regulations to enhance financial reporting quality, market responsiveness, and investor protection within Indonesia’s unique institutional framework.

Features of modern assessment of the quality of primary education in Kazakhstan

Thu, 24 Jul 2025 00:00:00 -0500

The aim of the article is to analyze the specifics of modern approaches to assessing the quality of primary education in Kazakhstan, to identify key features, challenges, and prospects for their application in the context of updating the content of education and implementing national and international standards. The article presents a substantive analysis of regulatory documents governing the assessment of education quality in primary schools and the development of functional literacy among younger schoolchildren, as well as the results of monitoring the academic achievements of fourth-grade students in schools in the city of Astana. The following research methods were used: theoretical analysis of sources, comparative analysis, generalization, testing, experimentation, and methods of mathematical and statistical data processing. The author examines issues of improving the quality of primary education, the procedure, and the levels of the National System for Assessing the Quality of Education. Based on a comparative analysis of international studies on the development level of functional literacy among primary school students, the author proposes methodological recommendations for improving the curricular content of primary education. A significant difference in the levels of functional literacy development between students in Kazakhstan and Russia was also established.

Improving the aerodynamic characteristics of UAVS through the use of composite materials

Thu, 24 Jul 2025 00:00:00 -0500

This study examines the potential to improve the aerodynamic performance of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) through the use of carbon-based composite materials. The main goal is to reduce structural weight while maintaining high mechanical strength and aerodynamic efficiency. Results indicate that the specific tensile strength of carbon composites ranges from 2258 to 2903 MPa/g/cm³, significantly higher than that of traditional aluminum alloys. CFD simulations showed a lift-to-drag ratio (CL/CD) of 5.4 at low speeds, with stable performance up to 100 m/s. Experimental tests revealed a decrease in vibration amplitude to 0.4 mm and deformation to 1.2%, indicating enhanced vibroacoustic stability. Owing to the material’s low density (1.55 g/cm³) and efficient force distribution, structural weight was reduced by up to 40%, resulting in a 35% increase in flight duration. A notable aspect of this work is the integrated evaluation of structural and aerodynamic parameters using CAD tools for modeling, MATLAB/Maple for calculations, and ANSYS Fluent for simulation. The findings support the viability of carbon composites for industrial-scale UAVs in defense, agriculture, and emergency operations. This research was conducted under project BR249005/0224, funded by the Committee of Science, Ministry of Science and Higher Education of the Republic of Kazakhstan.

Corporate environmental governance and leadership transitions: How CEO succession patterns drive ESG performance misalignment in fortune 1000 companies

Abdullah Kürşat Merter, Yavuz Selim Balcıoğlu, Turhan Karakaya — Thu, 24 Jul 2025 00:00:00 -0500

This study investigates the environmental implications of corporate leadership transitions by examining how CEO succession patterns influence the alignment between environmental, social, and governance (ESG) reputation and actual environmental performance. Using a comprehensive dataset of Fortune 1000 companies in 2024, we develop a novel peer-relative environmental performance misalignment index that combines external ESG reputation rankings with quantitative environmental and financial performance metrics. Our findings reveal that companies led by professional (non-founder) CEOs exhibit 23.7% higher environmental performance misalignment scores compared to founder-led enterprises, indicating a greater tendency toward "greenwashing" behaviors. This relationship remains statistically and economically significant after propensity-score matching and controlling for firm characteristics, industry effects, and financial performance. The environmental performance gap is most pronounced in resource-intensive industries, including food production, financial services, and defense sectors, particularly among companies experiencing financial distress. Additional analyses demonstrate that female CEO leadership significantly reduces environmental performance misalignment by 18.4%, supporting emerging evidence that gender diversity in corporate governance enhances environmental transparency and accountability. These findings have important implications for environmental policy, corporate governance, and sustainable investment strategies, suggesting that leadership succession patterns are a critical but underexplored determinant of corporate environmental behavior and climate-related disclosure quality.

Exploring mathematics teachers’ and lecturers’ perceptions of algorithmic thinking

Ariesta Kartika Sari, Tatag Yuli Eko Siswono, Agung Lukito — Thu, 24 Jul 2025 00:00:00 -0500

This study aims to explore teachers’ and lecturers’ perceptions of algorithmic thinking and strategies to develop students’ algorithmic thinking skills. This study is a qualitative research using a phenomenological approach. Data were collected through a questionnaire and an interview. In the data analysis process, we used the first cycle and second cycle coding techniques with NVivo. The findings show that both teachers and lecturers perceive algorithmic thinking as the ability to think of procedures for solving problems algorithmically, logically, and systematically. Participants shared the same perception that algorithmic thinking helps students engage in solving mathematics-related problems in context-oriented and problem-based learning activities. Several efforts offered by participants to improve algorithmic thinking skills include optimizing problem-solving and contextual learning activities, and creating concept maps in teaching and learning activities. Participants also believed that algorithmic thinking encompasses cognitive thinking abilities, such as abstraction and decomposition, in addition to its advantages and applications. The theoretical contributions of the research include the concept of algorithmic thinking, its advantages and implications for daily activities and solving mathematical problems, and efforts to enhance algorithmic thinking abilities. In the future, there is an opportunity to conduct research related to exploring the aspects of algorithmic thinking.

Development and evaluation of machine learning algorithms for unmanned aerial vehicle navigation

Thu, 24 Jul 2025 00:00:00 -0500

This research focuses on the development and evaluation of machine learning algorithms to enhance the navigation capabilities of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs). The main challenge addressed is ensuring reliable localization and autonomous trajectory planning in dynamic and GPS-denied environments. The study demonstrated that convolutional neural networks (CNNs) reduced localization errors by 18%, long short-term memory (LSTM) networks achieved 82% trajectory prediction accuracy with a 30% increase in stability, and Transformer models attained 89% test accuracy and 85% validation accuracy. Reinforcement learning (RL) methods further improved obstacle avoidance efficiency to 85% and achieved energy savings of 20%, although computational overhead increased by 30%. These outcomes are attributed to the integration of multimodal sensor data (LiDAR, IMU, GPS) and the application of deep learning architectures, validated through simulations in MATLAB/Simulink and Gazebo, as well as real-world testing using Raspberry Pi 4 and NVIDIA Jetson Nano platforms. A distinguishing feature of this research is the combined use of actual hardware prototypes and numerical models to verify the algorithms’ performance under real operating conditions. The results have practical relevance for military, environmental monitoring, and logistics UAV systems, especially in complex environments with variable lighting and dynamic obstacles.