The journal Veredas do Direito (ISSN 2179-8699) is dedicated to disseminating and fostering high-quality interdisciplinary scientific research, upholding rigorous academic standards and maintaining impartiality with respect to ideological perspectives. It values the internationalization of scholarship and ensures broad Brazilian regional representation among its authors, with a steadfast commitment to building a more just, free, and equal society in harmony with a healthier planet. Its academic excellence is demonstrated by its inclusion in internationally renowned indexing databases such as Scopus, Web of Science, and SciELO, as well as its A1 classification by Qualis-CAPES.
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RESHAPING SHANGHAI'S MICRO-DRAMA ECOSYSTEM: INNOVATION AND CULTURAL IDENTITY IN THE DIGITAL AGE
This study explores the transformation of Shanghai’s micro-drama industry within the broader context of media ecology and cultural identity. Micro-dramas, short-form video content that blends narrative structures with algorithmic consumption patterns, have rapidly emerged as a dominant form of digital media in China. This research examines the ecological factors influencing the industry's performance, such as policy support, technological advancements, and market competition, while also analyzing the role of symbolic narratives in constructing cultural identity. Through a mixed-methods approach combining quantitative surveys (n=428) and qualitative interviews (n=23), the study reveals that Shanghai’s micro-drama industry faces the challenge of balancing high production costs with the demands of algorithmic distribution systems. The findings propose a strategic framework for innovation in the industry, emphasizing quality content, algorithmic adaptability, and cross-boundary integration. This research contributes to the academic understanding of media ecosystems and provides practical insights for industry practitioners and policymakers.
NAVIGATING CHANGES IN THE SCIENCE CURRICULUM: TEACHERS' RESILIENCE AND SYSTEMIC GAPS
Science teachers play an important role as implementers of curricula, transforming the curriculum design into meaningful learning experiences for learners. This paper presents multiple case studies of science teachers’ understanding of the implementation of different science curricula in basic education, their experiences, and the strategies they use as they implement these changes. Drawing on thematic analysis of interview transcripts from five informant teachers, the study employed the procedure prescribed by Braun and Clarke to uncover recurring patterns and unique experiences. The findings reveal a complex landscape in which significant systemic and contextual barriers often confront the latest curriculum's progressive design. Key observations highlight a pervasive sense of curriculum fatigue among educators, critical resource and infrastructure deficits, and profound challenges in student readiness influenced by socioeconomic factors. Despite these obstacles, teachers consistently demonstrate remarkable resilience and innovation, frequently resorting to personal sacrifice to bridge implementation gaps.
APLICAÇÃO DA REALIDADE VIRTUAL COMO ESTRATÉGIA PEDAGÓGICA VOLTADA AO APRIMORAMENTO DO RACIOCÍNIO CLÍNICO EM PSIQUIATRIA E SAÚDE MENTAL: REVISÃO ESCOPO
Objetivo: Mapear e analisar as evidências mais atuais sobre a aplicação da Realidade Virtual (VR) como estratégia pedagógica voltada ao aprimoramento do raciocínio clínico em psiquiatria e saúde mental, identificando tipos de intervenções, contextos educacionais, resultados de aprendizagem e lacunas na produção científica. Métodos: Revisão de escopo, realizada entre dezembro de 2025 a janeiro de 2026, conduzida conforme as recomendações metodológicas do Instituto Joanna Briggs e orientada pelo checklist PRISMA-ScR, com protocolo registrado na Open Science Framework. A pergunta norteadora foi formulada a partir do mnemônico PCC: P – estudantes e profissionais da área da saúde; C – aplicação da VR como estratégia pedagógica; C – ensino em psiquiatria e saúde mental. Foram incluídos estudos completos, de acesso livre, publicados nos últimos cinco anos, em todos os idiomas, que abordassem o uso da VR em contextos educacionais voltados à psiquiatria e saúde mental. Excluíram-se estudos fora do contexto educacional ou que não discutissem a VR com finalidade pedagógica. As buscas foram realizadas nas bases PubMed, Medline, Scopus, Embase e Cochrane Library, com busca complementar no Google Acadêmico. A seleção e extração dos dados foram conduzidas por dois revisores independentes. Resultados e Discussão: Foram incluídos 12 estudos, com predomínio de revisões sistemáticas, metanálises e ensaios controlados, majoritariamente desenvolvidos em cursos de graduação em enfermagem e medicina. As intervenções concentraram-se no uso de VR imersiva, pacientes virtuais interativos e pacientes padronizados virtuais, aplicados principalmente em ambientes acadêmicos simulados. Os resultados apontam melhora consistente do raciocínio clínico, da competência percebida, das habilidades comunicacionais e da empatia, especialmente quando associados a debriefing estruturado e possibilidade de repetição dos cenários. Observou-se heterogeneidade metodológica, predomínio de avaliações de curto prazo e limitada investigação sobre transferência do aprendizado para a prática clínica real. Conclusão: A VR configura-se como estratégia pedagógica promissora para o aprimoramento do raciocínio clínico em psiquiatria e saúde mental, sobretudo quando integrada a desenhos pedagógicos robustos. Apesar dos benefícios observados, persistem lacunas relacionadas à avaliação longitudinal dos efeitos, à diversidade de contextos educacionais e à padronização metodológica, indicando a necessidade de pesquisas futuras que avaliem impactos sustentados na prática profissional.
DATA RESIDENCY–AWARE MULTI-CLOUD STRATEGY: DESIGNING HYBRID AND MULTI-CLOUD ARCHITECTURES UNDER LOCALIZATION AND REGULATORY CONSTRAINTS
The rapid adoption of cloud computing has enabled organizations to achieve scalability, agility, and cost efficiency. However, increasing regulatory scrutiny around data sovereignty and localization presents significant challenges to traditional cloud deployment models. Many jurisdictions now mandate that sensitive data remain within national or regional boundaries, complicating the design of hybrid and multi-cloud architectures that span multiple geographies and service providers. This paper proposes a data residency–aware multi-cloud strategy that integrates regulatory compliance into cloud architecture design. The study examines regulatory drivers, architectural patterns, governance mechanisms, and technical enablers required to balance innovation with compliance. A conceptual framework is presented to guide organizations in designing hybrid and multi-cloud environments that satisfy localization mandates while maintaining operational flexibility, resilience, and performance. The findings offer practical insights for policymakers, cloud architects, and enterprises operating in regulated environments.
FINANCIAL INCLUSION AND INCLUSIVE GROWTH IN NIGERIA: THE ROLE OF INSTITUTIONAL QUALITY
Over the last decade, Nigeria has been persistently described as the world’s capital of poverty, with approximately half of its population reported to live below the poverty line according to the World Bank. This is a striking paradox given the nation’s status as the largest economy in Africa and one of the fastest-growing economies globally in recent years. The overwhelming evidence suggests that Nigeria’s economic growth has not been inclusive. This study therefore examined the moderating role of institutional quality in the relationship between financial inclusion and inclusive growth, employing time series data from 1990 to 2023. Estimated results from both the Autoregressive Distributed Lag (ARDL) model and the Quantile Generalized Method of Moments (QGMM)—used for robust inference—reveal that financial inclusion has a statistically significant positive impact on both aggregated inclusive growth (measured via principal component analysis) and disaggregated inclusive growth (including standards of living, life expectancy at birth, and GDP growth). The study also finds that institutional quality exerts a direct cautionary effect on inclusive growth and distorts the positive impact of financial inclusion. While this appears counterintuitive, the study attributes these cautionary effects to short-term disruptions that produce long-term ripple effects. It is recommended that institutional reforms be tailored to the peculiarities of the Nigerian economy and closely monitored to mitigate potential short-run disruptions that could undermine the long-term benefits of strong institutional quality.
CONSIDERAÇÕES SOBRE O MARCO DE SENDAI E A POLÍTICA NACIONAL DE PROTEÇÃO E DEFESA CIVIL DO BRASIL
Neste artigo objetiva-se analisar o Marco de Sendai em nível internacional e o seu desdobramento no Brasil. A metodologia se dá por análise documental entre o Marco de Sendai e a Política Nacional de Proteção e Defesa Civil – Lei 12.608/12, a fim de descrever suas aproximações, avanços e retrocessos como ordenamentos espaciais e jurídicos. A aplicação do método de análise comparativa de políticas ambientais possibilitou um melhor correlacionamento dos objetos de estudo. A interação do Marco de Sendai é ramificada para criar a cultura de desastres multiescalar, inclui quatro prioridades que dispõe orientação para melhor perceber como a norma deve se adaptar para a ocorrência de desastres, cuja incorporação no Brasil se deu pelo Plano Plurianual 2016-2019 que permeia as instituições, atores públicos, proteção ambiental, os vulneráveis, etc. A governança multinível no Brasil adere o aspecto top-down a partir de o Brasil ser signatário do Marco de Sendai, mas permite que sua aderência social ocorra pela escala regional e sua redistribuição de se dê pelo aspecto bottom-up na Redução de Riscos de Desastres para a coesão territorial para a realização dos bens comuns no terroir.
CHARACTERISTICS AND PATTERNS OF INTERACTION OF ISLANDERS IN THE SUPER PRIORITY TOURISM DESTINATION AREA (DPSP) LABUAN BAJO, INDONESIA
The Labuan Bajo Super Priority Tourism Destination Area (DPSP), which includes the archipelago, is undergoing intensive social, economic, cultural and environmental transformation due to the acceleration of tourism development. This article aims to identify the demographic, socio-economic and cultural characteristics of the islanders in the Labuan Bajo DPSP area, analyze their interaction patterns with tourists and formulate policy recommendations that can support the development of sustainable population-based tourism. The research method was carried out through a qualitative approach, including household surveys, in-depth interviews and participatory observations. The results of the study show that the demographic characteristics of the islanders are dominated by young people and a large number with a relatively low educational character. Economically, the population is still dependent on marine resources with the distribution of the population consisting of the Ata Modo, Bajo, Bugis and Manggarai tribes who still maintain their cultural and ritual values. The pattern of socio-economic interaction is characterized by increasing the intensity of contact between local residents, tourists, tourism actors and the government which has an impact on economic change with the transition of the population from fishermen to workers in tourism services. So that the importance of the involvement of local residents in the planning and implementation of tourism development so that tourism is created based on local communities.
A REVIEW OF CHINA RESEARCH ON FEMALE CHARACTERS
This study utilizes the China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI) database as the data source and employs VOSviewer visualization software to conduct a co-occurrence analysis of keywords and an author collaboration analysis regarding research on “female characters” in China. By analyzing the annual publication volume of research on female characters in China, the co-occurrence network of keywords, the co-authorship network of authors, and the publication volume of institutions, this study identifies the development trends, research hotspots, key authors, and important research institutions in this field, aiming to provide valuable insights for future research.
THE EFFECTS OF DISCOVERY LEARNING AND SELF-REGULATED LEARNING ON INNOVATIVE FUSION CUISINE SKILLS IN CULINARY ARTS EDUCATION
Advancements in culinary arts education emphasize active pedagogical strategies to foster innovative fusion cuisine skills, addressing the global gastronomy sector's demand for cultural amalgamation and technological integration. This study investigates the effects of discovery learning augmented by self-regulated learning (SRL) on students' creative competencies, focusing on digital incorporation in developing regions, to bridge gaps in traditional rote-based programs. A mixed-methods explanatory sequential design was employed with 135 fifth-semester culinary arts students at Universitas Negeri Medan. The quantitative phase used a quasi-experimental setup with block randomization into experimental (discovery learning, n=69) and control (traditional instruction, n=66) groups, assessing SRL via adapted MSLQ surveys and innovative skills through portfolio rubrics. The qualitative phase involved semi-structured interviews with 10 students and 5 instructors, analyzed thematically using NVivo. Discovery learning significantly enhanced SRL indicators and innovative fusion skills (mean scores: 87,5 vs. 74,6 for high SRL), with a notable interaction effect (F(2,129)=4,35, p=0,015, partial η²=0,068). Qualitative themes highlighted increased engagement, creativity (e.g., "Rendang Sushi"), SRL practices, and challenges like resource limitations and digital equity issues. Discovery learning, amplified by SRL, outperforms traditional methods in cultivating innovative fusion cuisine skills, with recommendations for scaffolding, institutional investments, and technology integration (e.g., VR/AI). Future research should explore longitudinal impacts and multinational contexts to enhance vocational culinary training.
RECONSTRUCTING INDONESIA’S NOTARY LAW TO REALIZE A BALANCED RIGHTS–DUTIES FRAMEWORK AND STRENGTHEN THE NOTARY’S CORE AUTHORITY OVER AUTHENTIC DEEDS
This article presents a normative and reform-oriented argument for revising Indonesia's Notary Office Law (Undang-Undang Jabatan Notaris/UUJN) to establish a "balanced-value basis" between notaries' rights and obligations, while enhancing the notary's primary authority to produce authentic deeds. Building on doctrinal analysis and the dissertation's conceptual critique, the study shows that the current framework tends to maximize legal certainty for service users but leaves notaries exposed to asymmetrical burdens (administrative, civil, ethical, and potentially criminal risks) without a commensurate guarantee of justice and utility. The article proposes a legislative reconstruction agenda consisting of targeted amendments: first, recalibrating clauses that enable the transfer/exclusion of authentic-deed authority to other officials; second, harmonizing sectoral regulations that fragment notarial authority; and third, strengthening protections, funding, and institutional design for notarial supervision. The reform is grounded in constitutional commitments and a legal-philosophical priority for justice, particularly when rigid legality results in disproportionate harm. The article contributes a structured legislative roadmap to improve legal coherence, professional accountability, and public trust in authentic instruments.
POSSESSORY LIENS UNDER VIETNAMESE LAW: LEGAL STRUCTURE, EFFECTIVENESS, AND COMPARATIVE PERSPECTIVES
This article examines possessory liens under Vietnamese law from a property-based perspective, with a particular focus on the legal structure and effectiveness of this institution within the secured transactions framework. In Vietnam, possessory liens operate as an implicit form of property-based security arising from possession, yet they lack clear normative recognition with respect to their publicity effects and certain proprietary attributes of secured interests. Employing doctrinal legal analysis combined with comparative legal methodology, the article evaluates Vietnamese regulations in light of selected foreign legal systems, notably China and the United States. The study clarifies the structural characteristics of possessory liens and identifies key normative gaps in the current Vietnamese legal framework. On that basis, it proposes targeted legislative recommendations aimed at strengthening the regulation of possessory liens and enhancing their practical effectiveness in commercial practice.
RELIGIOUS PHRASEOLOGY IN THE LINGUOCULTURAL ASPECT
Religious language is all around us, embedded in advertising, politics and news media. Language and religion, being two different forms of spiritual national culture reflections, also demonstrate close relationships. The importance of the study of the interrelationship between language and religion is further observed within anthropological orientation of linguistics, since religion is taken into account as one of the most vital values of humanity reflected in language which can throw light upon national identity, self-awareness, as well as worldviews in general. Based on the material of Ukrainian religious phraseology, with the use of structural method and content analysis, the article makes an attempt to investigate the peculiarities of the functioning of religious phraseology as an important segment of the modern literary language. The present study contributed to linguistic studies aimed at gaining a general understanding of relationships between language and culture.
POLAND’S DIPLOMACY OF SOLIDARITY DURING THE RUSSO-UKRAINIAN CONFLICT: MILITARY, EDUCATIONAL, AND CULTURAL DIMENSIONS
The article presents a comprehensive analysis of the Republic of Poland’s diplomatic strategy in supporting Ukraine amid the full-scale Russian aggression that began in 2022. The authors explore the multifaceted nature of Polish diplomacy including political, military, humanitarian, cultural-educational, and informational dimensions. Poland emerges not only as an ally but also as an active architect of a new security model in Central and Eastern Europe where Ukraine occupies a key position. The focus is made on specific support mechanisms such as the supply of weapons, reception of refugees, diplomatic lobbying at the EU and NATO levels, scientific and educational cooperation, and cultural diplomacy. Poland’s role as a regional leader in building coalitions in support of Ukraine is systematically examined along with the risks posed by internal political polarization and economic conflicts (such as the “grain crisis”) for the first time. The article highlights the interdependence between Polish diplomacy and Ukraine’s transformation processes, emphasizing the potential for a long-term strategic alliance. The research is based on an extensive source basis that includes analytical reports, statistical data, international documents, and scholars’ publications. The findings indicate that Polish-Ukrainian cooperation represents a model of effective regional diplomacy in the context of war and post-conflict reconstruction. Poland increasingly acts as a bridge between Ukraine and Western institutions, while investing in long-term humanitarian and institutional ties.
FIMI VS DISINFORMATION: IMPACT ON DIGITAL SECURITY AND PUBLIC ORDER IN THE EU
The article explores the concept of Foreign Information Manipulation and Interference (FIMI) as a new analytical framework for countering disinformation in the European Union in the context of hybrid threats. It analyzes the evolution of information security as a component of the EU’s strategic policy against the backdrop of increasing external interference, in particular, in connection with the Russian-Ukrainian war. The authors argue that FIMI differs from the traditional understanding of disinformation in its scale, systematicity, and institutional reach. The paper examines three main vectors of FIMI’s impact on public order: political radicalization, mass distrust of the media and authorities, and social disintegration. It provides an analytical assessment of key narratives that erode democratic trust, destabilize governments, and contribute to political division in the EU. Particular attention is paid to the institutional responses of the European Union: from the creation of the East StratCom Task Force and the EUvsDisinfo initiative to the implementation of the Digital Services Act. The need to move from reactive counteraction to the formation of strategic communication and information resilience as a key tool for protecting the democratic system is highlighted. The article emphasizes the role of critical thinking, independent media and education as long-term safeguards against the influence of FIMI. In conclusion, it is proven that FIMI is not only a security challenge, but also a marker of civilizational vulnerability, which requires an interdisciplinary approach to research and a comprehensive response policy.
INTEGRATION OF THEORETICAL KNOWLEDGE AND PERFORMANCE SKILLS IN THE PROCESS OF LEARNING TO PLAY IN A CHAMBER ENSEMBLE WITH THE PARTICIPATION OF WIND INSTRUMENTS
The article considers the current problem of integrating theoretical knowledge and performance skills in the process of teaching ensemble playing on wind instruments. Ensemble playing is defined as a complex type of musical activity that requires performers to have high technical mastery and thorough knowledge in the field of music theory, harmony, stylistics and analysis of musical forms. The authors analyze pedagogical approaches and methodological strategies that ensure an effective combination of theoretical and practical components in the process of musical and professional training of students of art educational institutions. Thanks to the use of general scientific and special research methods, in particular the analysis of scientific literature, pedagogical observation, modeling of educational situations and generalization of pedagogical experience, the pedagogical conditions for the successful integration of knowledge and skills have been clarified and systematized. Specific methodological techniques have been proposed that contribute to the conscious interpretation of musical material and the formation of professional ensemble interaction of wind instruments performers.
ARTISTIC EXPRESSION OF ETHNOCULTURAL IDENTITY IN CHILDREN’S LITERATURE (USING THE EXAMPLE OF BORIS GRINCHENKO’ WORKS)
Children’s books can provide opportunity for children to perceive themselves and others in many locations and storylines, but cultural subtleties and uniqueness within these stories can play an essential part in the messages that children absorb. In the article, conceptual and practical provisions of children literature’ role in shaping ethnocultural identity are analyzed. The paper proposes a model for considering B. Grinchenko’s work as a national-centric discourse through the prism of conceptual notions: interpretation of the core idea of ethnocultural rooting for the writer’s artistic thinking, understanding of populism as a worldview and aesthetic system, outlining the concept of national revival, identifying the nation-building function of children’s literature. The results of the study have a certain methodological significance for further understanding of the role of children’s literature in the formation of ethnocultural identity.
DIGITAL TRANSFORMATION IN MUSICAL ART: NEW OPPORTUNITIES IN VOCAL AND CHORAL ART AND INSTRUMENTAL PERFORMANCE
The article represents an attempt to comprehend the paradigm shift observed in musical art, musical education, and social applications of music technologies. Based on interpretivist research philosophy and applying the elements of scoping review and case study, a range of trends in digitalization of music creation and teaching music was identified and analyzed, and appropriate emerging phenomena. Digital technologies such as VR, AR, and AI are presented as a facilitator of the development and establishment of significant creative innovations within the whole ecosystem of contemporary musical arts. Due to this field being a relatively unexplored area of research, there was a need to ‘map the territory’, which allows us, as authors, to discover new phenomena and identify emerging patterns. In particular, opportunities for collaborative instrumental performance and virtual chores are considered, justified by appropriate studies reporting significant positive results.
THE “THIRD WAVE” OF COGNITIVE BEHAVIORAL THERAPY IN REHABILITATION PROGRAMS IN CRISIS AND ARMED CONFLICT
During large scale emergencies such as natural disasters and armed conflicts, mental health needs can increase significantly. The study aims to outline current evidence and peculiarities of third-wave CBTs application in rehabilitation within crisis and armed conflict environments. The study is of qualitative nature. Integrative review method is used as a research tool. Sample of literature sources for analysis contains 54 entries. Third-wave CBT in rehabilitation implemented in the conditions of war or severe crisis, on sample of both military and veterans and civilians, is characterized with evident efficiency (in particular, in comparison with non-CBT interventions) and emphasizes the relationship with thoughts and emotions over changing their content, using approaches like mindfulness, acceptance, and values clarification. By encouraging people to stick to their personal beliefs in the face of PTSD and other symptoms associated with war and crises, third-wave cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) enhances participation in life-affirming activities. Though third wave CBT can offer a framework for supporting the psychosocial recovery and rehabilitation of populations affected by conflict, more thorough empirical studies with follow-up are required, especially on more diverse samples, as the samples offered in existing studies are typically limited.
MURAL AS A POLYLOGUE IN PUBLIC SPACE: THE COMMUNICATIVE POTENTIAL OF UKRAINIAN CONTEMPORARY MONUMENTAL ART
The article attempts to systematically analyze the communicative potential of Ukrainian muralism. Mural is considered as a form of monumental painting that exists in public space on the border of fine art, social expression, and urban intervention. Researchers trace the origins of muralism back to cave art, but only in the 20th century did murals become a socio-cultural phenomenon that expresses social, political, cultural, environmental, and other ideas. Ukrainian mural art is an integral part of world muralism, and today Ukraine, and in particular Kyiv, is one of its centers. Muralism in recent years, and especially during the Russo-Ukrainian war, has become an important tool of cultural policy, cultural exchange, and public communication. An analysis of the communicative aspects of muralism, conducted in the article, allows highlighting its social functions and mechanisms of influence on large human communities, and investigating why this type of monumental art represents a significant node of social interaction.
CONSTITUTIONAL COURT DECISIONS WITH DEFERRED EFFECT IN JUDICIAL REVIEW OF STATUTES AGAINST THE 1945 CONSTITUTION OF THE REPUBLIC OF INDONESIA
Normatively, the Constitutional Court Law and the Law on the Establishment of Legislation only recognize non-self-executing decisions, as they require further action by the legislature or the President. However, in practice, the Constitutional Court frequently issues self-executing decisions, including those that reinterpret or redefine legal provisions. This raises constitutional challenges, particularly due to the lack of a clear legal basis and the potential conflict with the Court’s original philosophical and historical role as a judicial body. This study aims to examine: (1) the rationale behind the Court’s issuance of non-self-executing decisions; (2) the legal certainty regarding their implementation; and (3) the future framework for managing such decisions. Findings indicate that non-self-executing decisions are issued when norms fall under the domain of open legal policy, thereby deferring action to the legislature or the President. Legal certainty can be strengthened by introducing delayed enforceability and time limits for follow-up action. The study recommends revising relevant laws to provide a legal foundation for decisions involving new norms, conditional constitutionality, and deferred implementation while maintaining the principle that such decisions require legislative or executive follow-up within a specified timeframe.
ANALYZING LAND COVER CHANGE AND IT’S DRIVERS BASED ON MULTI-SOURCE DATASETS: A CASE STUDY IN THE NORTHERN VIETNAMESE MOUNTAINS
Land Use/Land Cover Change (LUCC) results from processes operating across multiple spatial scales and organizational levels. These changes are driven not only by exogenous factors, such as land-use policies, economic modernization, and globalization, but also by endogenous household-level livelihood decisions. This study compares land cover data from multiple sources to reconstruct historical land cover dynamics from the 1950s to the present across different spatial scales in the northern Vietnamese mountains. Analyses were conducted at the provincial level in Lao Cai Province and at district and village levels in Sa Pa district, using high- to very high-resolution remote sensing imagery. Results indicate a net loss of forest cover during the long-term period (1952–2012). In contrast, short-term analyses (2000–2014) reveal increasing forest cover at village, district, and provincial levels, with the largest gains observed at the provincial scale (8,630 ha yr⁻¹). Changes in Sa Pa district and selected communes were considerably smaller. Overall trends are consistent with national patterns. Multi-scale analysis identifies land-use policies, agricultural intensification, livelihood diversification, accessibility, and poverty as key drivers of land cover change in the northern Vietnamese mountains.
THE ROLE OF HEALTH AWARENESS IN SHAPING CONSUMERS’ TRUST AND PURCHASE INTENTION TOWARD ONLINE ORGANIC FOOD: EVIDENCE FROM PAKISTAN
The growth of online food stores has greatly influenced the consumer buying pattern especially in the organic food product market. The paper explores the connection between health awareness and the intention to buy organic food online with reference to trust and confidence in health-related information. The collected data were collected using a structured questionnaire from 100 consumers of Pakistan and analyzed using SPSS. The relationships between health awareness and trust in online organic food, confidence in digital information, and purchase intention were analyzed using descriptive statistics, normality tests, correlation analysis, multiple regression, and principal component analysis. The results indicate a strong statistically significant positive correlation between health awareness and online organic food purchase intention. The regression analysis proves the hypothesis that the effect of health-related perceptions, as a bloc, has a strong effect on purchase intention. Moreover, principal component analysis reveals a health-oriented factor that significantly influences the variance with a preponderance implying that health awareness, trust and intention are interrelated in the form of an integrated thinking system. The research is an addition to the existing body of knowledge on online food consumption because it reveals how health awareness is a key influencer of online organic food buying behavior.
ASSESSING FLOOD RISK THROUGH INTEGRATED HAZARD AND VULNERABILITY MAPPING: THE UPPER TUNISIA MEDJERDA VALLEY CASE STUDY
This paper summarizes the hydrological modeling research results of the national CPR flood project developed by the National Center for Cartography and Remote Sensing to create a warning system for predicting and combating future floods. The watershed studied is located in northwest Tunisia, characterized by an elongated shape and bordered on one side by high reliefs that favor the convergence of flowing streams towards the Medjerdawadi. In terms of pedology, the soil texture is mainly characterized by a dominance of complex soil units and poorly evolved alluvial deposits. Following the flooding phenomenon that affected several towns around the Medjerda during the last century, our study aimed to map and delineate risk areas using hydraulic modeling methods. Flood risk analysis is performed using the HEC-RAS 2D hydraulic model and geographic information systems (GIS), based on several rainfall events. The exceptional floods that occurred in 2003, 2012, and 2015 brought a very large volume of water upstream of the Sidi Salem dam. Inflows from the intermediate basins on both banks, as well as the volumes released from the Mellègue and Bouhertma dams, caused spectacular flooding along the region between Ghardimaou and the Sidi Salem dam. We focused on very high-risk areas located in sectors with medium or low slopes, with varying degrees of cover. The "floodability" method is used to quantify vulnerability. Finally, risk mapping is obtained by cross-referencing the flood hazard map and the vulnerability map of the exposed issues. The aim was to determine the extent of the flooding and identify flood-prone areas. The mapping results enabled the identification of areas affected by flooding during the February 2015 flood. The flooded areas are located mainly in the town of Jendouba.
PRESIDENTIAL ELECTION IN TURKIYE ON MAY 14, 2023 MALATYA
There have been 22 presidential elections in Turkiye. The 2023 presidential elections are a historic moment in Turkish political life. Issues such as the election going to a second round, the decisive role of coalition politics, and the diversification of voter behavior have made the election significant. The 2023 presidential elections in Turkiye differed from previous presidential elections. Turkish citizens and voters participated in the 22nd presidential election in the history of the Republic and elected Recep Tayyip Erdogan, the current 12th President. In the second round held on May 28, 2023, Erdogan received 52.18% of the vote and won the election, while Kilicdaroglu received 47.82%. In this study, a mixed research method was preferred by using both qualitative and quantitative research methods together. The transfer of election results with numerical data shows that it is largely quantitative. In addition, the interpretation and description of the existing results in tables shows that it is qualitative. Secondary data analysis was used as the data collection technique. New tables and graphs were created by analyzing the actual data from official administrations. This made it possible to look at the election results from different angles using data obtained from reliable sources.
DISAGREGATED CONSUMPTION INFORMATION AND THE NEIGHBOR CONSUMPTION INDEX IN HOUSEHOLD ELECTRICITY USE
Enhancing the efficiency of electricity consumption is an important step in mitigating environmental degradation, as the reliance on fossil fuels in energy production remains one of the primary contributors to carbon emissions and ecological harm. The objective of this study was to develop the Neighbor Consumption Index (NCI), a tool designed to explore differences in household electricity usage and to compare two groups of households with and without access to a service providing detailed information about electricity consumption. The central motivation of our research lies in comparing electricity consumption among geographically proximate households with similar usage patterns. We applied K-means clustering to group households and statistical tests to examine differences in consumption between households with and without access to disaggregation technology. The NCI was then calculated as a relative measure with the potential to provide households with a benchmark relative to their neighbors, thereby supporting reflection on their own consumption behavior. For the empirical analysis, we utilized data processed by the software company Bidgely.
WORKFORCE-ORIENTED EDUCATION SYSTEMS: CHALLENGES AND OPPORTUNITIES FOR HUMAN RESOURCE DEVELOPMENT IN VIETNAM AND MALAYSIA
Human Resource Development (HRD) plays a critical role in supporting social progress, workforce readiness, and sustainable development. In emerging economies, workforce-oriented education systems, including Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET), are essential for aligning skills development with labour market needs. This article examines the challenges and opportunities of HRD within workforce-oriented education systems in Vietnam and Malaysia. Using a literature-based review, the study compares national HRD strategies and workforce development approaches in both countries. The findings indicate that Malaysia demonstrates stronger education–industry alignment and skills-based training, while Vietnam continues to face challenges related to workforce readiness and skills development. The study highlights the importance of strengthening workforce-oriented education systems to enhance HRD outcomes in emerging economies.
HUMAN RIGHTS IN THE ERA OF SPACE EXPLORATION: LEGAL FRAMEWORKS
As commercial space activities surge and plans for permanent extraterrestrial settlements advance, a critical gap has emerged in international law: the absence of enforceable human rights protections for individuals operating beyond Earth. This article examines whether existing international human rights treaties apply extraterritorially to outer space and what obligations exist for states and private actors under current space law. Through doctrinal legal analysis of international treaties, case law, and scholarly commentary, this research reveals that while foundational space law instruments—including the Outer Space Treaty (1967), the Rescue Agreement (1968), and the Moon Agreement (1979)—establish principles of peaceful cooperation and state responsibility, they lack explicit human rights protections essential for addressing contemporary challenges. These challenges include labor rights for space workers, equitable resource allocation, corporate accountability, and protection against exploitation in isolated extraterrestrial environments. Drawing on extraterritorial human rights jurisprudence, particularly from the European Court of Human Rights in Al-Skeini v United Kingdom and the International Court of Justice's advisory opinions, this article argues that human rights obligations follow states beyond terrestrial boundaries wherever they exercise effective control or authority. The article proposes concrete legal reforms, including amendments to existing space treaties, establishment of a UN Human Rights in Space Commission, and development of a Space Human Rights Convention to ensure that fundamental dignities, freedoms, and protections recognized on Earth extend equally to orbit, the Moon, and Mars.
CARACTERIZACIÓN DEL PENSAMIENTO MATEMÁTICO MEDIANTE LOS ESPACIOS METRICOS
La formación de los profesores de matemáticas en América Latina se ve influida por factores que han llevado a dar prioridad a la didáctica sobre los conocimientos específicos. Un ejemplo de ello es la reducción o eliminación de las asignaturas de matemáticas avanzadas en el plan de estudios de los futuros profesores de matemáticas. Este artículo presenta los resultados de una investigación sobre un programa de formación de profesores de matemáticas, objeto de una reforma curricular en la que los componentes matemáticos pasaron del 30 % al 18 %, eliminando asignaturas como análisis matemático y teoría de grupos, entre otras. El objetivo era distinguir los procesos del pensamiento matemático, utilizando problemas desafiantes relacionados con temas seleccionados de espacios métricos. Para ello, se utilizó una metodología basada en el diseño. Algunos aspectos destacados de las conclusiones son la identificación de las etapas para resolver problemas no rutinarios, la exploración, la formulación de conjeturas, la demostración y el establecimiento de conexiones. Aportando una visión original a este proceso, se denota el valor de la experimentación en el desarrollo del pensamiento matemático.
FINANCIAL MANAGEMENT BEHAVIORS OF TOURIST GUIDES AFTER THE PANDEMIC (COVID-19): THE CASE OF TURKEY
This study investigates the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic on the financial management behaviors of tourist guides, an occupational group characterized by financial vulnerability due to irregular income and high sensitivity to external shocks. The primary aim was to assess post-pandemic behavioral changes in guides who suffered severe income losses (80-100%). Employing quantitative methods, this study adopts Dew and Xiao's (2011) four-dimensional financial behavior model. An online survey administered to active tourist guides across Turkey yielded 428 valid responses, which were analyzed via factor analysis, t-tests, and ANOVA. The findings indicate that financial behaviors cluster into four dimensions: cash, credit, savings/investment, and insurance management. Although the guides demonstrated strong cash management, their insurance management scores were notably low. Furthermore, male and married participants had higher financial behavior scores. Savings and investment propensities were positively correlated with age, professional experience, and income level. Notably, 35% of guides sought alternative income sources post-pandemic, and 30.8% increased their savings and investment efforts. These findings suggest that the pandemic compelled guides to prioritize financial risk management and income diversification, highlighting the need for policies and support programs to enhance their financial literacy.
THE INFLUENCE OF ACADEMIC SUPERVISION, EDUCATION AND TRAINING AND HUMAN RESOURCE MANAGEMENT ON PERFORMANCE TEACHER OF MADRASAH ALIYAH NEGERI SINJAI REGENCY
The purpose of this study is to analyze the Influence of Academic Supervision, Education and Training and Human Resource Management on the Performance of Madrasah Aliyah Negeri Teachers in Sinjai Regency. The population in this study is all teachers of Madrasah Aliyah Negeri Sinjai Regency with a total of 114 samples (saturated samples) The analysis model used in this study is quantitative descriptive and the questionnaire results data were obtained through the SPSS (Statistical Package for the Social Sciences) Version 27 application. The results of the study show that these three variables have a positive and statistically significant effect on teacher performance. Academic supervision that is carried out effectively has been proven to be able to improve the quality of the learning process through guidance, evaluation, and continuous mentoring or follow-up. Education and training illustrate that relevant and continuous training activities are able to make a real contribution to improving teachers' pedagogic and professional competence, broadening insights into learning innovations, and forming adaptive attitudes to curriculum changes and technological developments. Meanwhile, good human resource management, shows that through the recruitment system, the management of educators effectively starts from teacher obedience planning, career development, as well as the provision of motivation and rewards that, are able to create a productive work environment so as to motivate teachers to perform optimally and are quality-oriented. Overall, this study concludes that academic supervision, education and training, and human resource management in general contribute significantly to improving teacher performance. These findings provide important implications for education management, especially in the development of policies that support improving the quality of educators.
IMPACT OF VIRTUAL REALITY-BASED IMMERSIVE EXPERIENCE ON SPIRITUAL AWARENESS AND SOCIAL SOLIDARITY: EVIDENCE FROM INDONESIA
The rapid advancement of digital technology presents a unique paradox in religious communities: while religious observance remains high, social pathologies such as drug abuse and juvenile delinquency continue to rise. This study explores the potential of Immersive Experience based on Virtual Reality (VR) as an intervention tool to bridge this gap. Specifically, it examines how simulating the history of the Prophet Muhammad SAW through VR affects Spiritual Awareness and Social Solidarity among the youth in Jember, Indonesia. Using a quantitative approach with Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM), data were collected from 211 respondents selected via purposive sampling. The results demonstrate that the Immersive Experience has a significant and positive influence on both Spiritual Awareness (T-statistic = 15.512, p < 0.001) and Social Solidarity (T-statistic = 15.288, p < 0.001). Furthermore, the model explains a moderate to substantial amount of variance in the dependent variables (R2 > 0.40), with discriminant validity confirmed by HTMT ratios < 0.90. These findings suggest that VR technology can transcend its entertainment value to become a transformative medium for spiritual and social education, fostering a "Digital Transcendence" that strengthens both vertical and horizontal human relationships.
THE INABILITY OF CONDENSED AEROSOL TO FUNCTION AS A STREAMING AGENT AND ITS IMPLICATIONS FOR VEHICLE FIRE SUPPRESSION SYSTEMS
The application of condensed aerosol (CA) as a fire suppression system for motor vehicles has increasingly been promoted as an alternative to conventional streaming agents. However, such equivalence raises fundamental conceptual problems. Streaming agents suppress fire through high-momentum, directional discharge enabling rapid localized fire attack, whereas condensed aerosol operates through volumetric dispersion of submicron particles and is highly dependent on spatial confinement and the achievement of homogeneous agent concentration. This study aims to scientifically analyze the inherent inability of condensed aerosol to function as a streaming agent within vehicle engine compartments, which are semi-open and characterized by high ventilation rates. The research adopts an analytical–qualitative approach integrating particle fluid mechanics, thermodynamics of pyrotechnic aerosol systems, combustion reaction kinetics, and a systematic review of international standards including NFPA 2010, ISO 15779, and LPS regulations. The analysis is reinforced by a synthesis of Scopus-indexed experimental studies, Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) simulations, and reviews of real-world fire incident cases. The results demonstrate that condensed aerosol intrinsically lacks flow momentum, throw range, and penetration capability required for effective vehicle fire suppression. Its performance is deterministically degraded by ventilation effects, making suppression failure scientifically predictable. Conversely, condensed aerosol exhibits effective performance only in small, well-confined, and static compartments such as electrical panels and control cabinets, where a total flooding mechanism based on volumetric concentration can be consistently achieved. These findings are fully consistent with international regulatory classifications that restrict condensed aerosol to fixed total flooding systems for small enclosed spaces. This study concludes that the application of condensed aerosol in motor vehicles represents a categorical design error in fire suppression systems.
EFFICACY OF BILATERAL ADDUCTOR CANAL CATHETER FOR PAIN MANAGEMENT IN POST-TOTAL KNEE REPLACEMENT SURGERY WITH HISTORY OF LUMBAR STABILIZATION: A CASE REPORT
Postoperative pain following total knee replacement (TKR) remains a major barrier to early mobilization and optimal rehabilitation. Neuraxial anesthesia techniques such as epidural or spinal blocks are effective for analgesia but may be contraindicated in patients with prior lumbar spine surgery. This case report presents a 65-year-old female with bilateral gonarthrosis and a history of lumbar stabilization (L3-L5) who underwent bilateral TKR. Postoperative analgesia was managed using bilateral continuous adductor canal block (ACB) catheters under ultrasound guidance, supplemented by multimodal systemic analgesia. Pain scores remained low (NRS 0-1), knee range of motion improved from 0-80° to 0-100° within three days, and no motor weakness or complications were observed. The results support that bilateral continuous ACB is a safe and effective analgesic strategy for TKR in patients with contraindications to neuraxial techniques, facilitating early mobilization and rehabilitation consistent with Enhanced Recovery After Surgery (ERAS) protocols.
ADVANCING HALAL SUPPLY CHAIN PRACTICES THROUGH SUSTAINABLE INNOVATION TRANSPARENCY AND REGULATORY COMPLIANCE
The development of halal supply chains reflects a growing need to integrate religious integrity with modern supply chain imperatives. The analysis presented has shown that sustainability, transparency, and regulatory compliance are no longer peripheral considerations but essential pillars of advancement. Each dimension is interconnected, shaping not only operational practices but also the credibility and competitiveness of halal industries in global markets. Sustainability offers halal supply chains the ability to translate Islamic values of stewardship into practical strategies such as eco-friendly logistics, renewable energy adoption, and circular economy practices. Transparency, strengthened through digital technologies, ensures that consumers can verify halal authenticity with confidence. Yet, adoption of such innovations remains uneven, particularly among small and medium enterprises, making supportive infrastructure and inclusive policies a necessity. At the same time, fragmented regulatory frameworks continue to generate inefficiencies and weaken trust, highlighting the importance of harmonized and adaptive systems that can respond to emerging sustainability and technological demands. What emerges most clearly is the need for integrated governance models. Addressing sustainability, transparency, and regulation in isolation is insufficient. By embedding these elements within a cohesive framework, halal supply chains can move beyond compliance toward leadership in global value chains. Achieving this transformation will position halal supply chains as models of resilience, responsibility, and innovation in the evolving landscape of international trade.
THE DESIGN AND DEVELOPMENT OF HAND-WOVEN FABRIC PRODUCTS USING THE IDENTITY OF COMMUNITIES IN THE NORTHEAST OF THAILAND
This qualitative study has three main goals. First, it gathers and reviews information and past research about the materials, production methods, design, and development of hand-woven fabrics in Northeastern Thailand. Second, it examines the region's unique identity and how it can be incorporated into fabric design and development. Third, it explores ways to design and develop hand-woven fabric products that reflect this local identity. The study focuses on hand-woven fabric entrepreneurs in Northeastern Thailand, with selected participants from Ubon Ratchathani and Amnat Charoen provinces. The results show that weaving in this region is a long-standing tradition with a strong cultural identity. Patterns are made using techniques such as continuous and discontinuous supplementary weft weaving, ikat, brocading, and plain weaving, alone or combined, to create a variety of unique designs. Design and development involve creating patterns based on local culture, promoting art and local identity, passing down traditional knowledge, and using technology and innovation in creative ways. The study highlights the importance of using local resources to improve the look, meaning, identity, and market value of products. Producers should consider four main factors: community resources, competitors, production abilities, and consumers or marketing. Local identity is divided into four types: natural environment, cultural heritage, craft knowledge, and beliefs or legends. Case studies of nine entrepreneurs who used natural environment themes identified five key points for product development: choosing the right techniques, making knowledge easy to share, using identity by choice, entrepreneur decision-making, and focusing on the market. Overall, satisfaction with the design and development results was very high (mean = 4.78).
API ECOSYSTEMS IN THE AGE OF ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE
APIs are undergoing a fundamental shift from static integration mechanisms toward dynamic, AI‑interpretable interaction surfaces. Large language models and autonomous agents increasingly discover, understand, and orchestrate APIs with minimal human intervention, reshaping integration paradigms across domains. This systematic review (2020–2026) analyzes emerging AI‑native API ecosystems along six dimensions: functionality, security, governance, architecture, efficiency, and application areas. The findings highlight an evolution from conventional REST, SOAP, and messaging architectures to adaptive, context‑aware, and policy‑driven interface models. Concurrently, novel security risks—such as prompt injection, model manipulation, and cascading threats in multi‑layer API orchestrations—intensify the need for advanced protective controls, including mTLS, OAuth 2.1, and zero‑trust governance architectures. A key contribution of this work is a taxonomy that classifies AI‑driven API ecosystems according to autonomy level, governance maturity, interoperability, security posture, and energy efficiency. The review positions APIs as foundational components of intelligent systems and offers guidance for research, standardization efforts, and the secure deployment of AI‑native API architectures.
GOVERNANÇA EM POLÍTICAS DE SAÚDE: UM COMPARATIVO ENTRE O SISTEMA ÚNICO DE SAÚDE E O NATIONAL HEALTH SERVICE
Este estudo tem como propósito realizar uma análise comparativa entre as políticas públicas de saúde do Sistema Único de Saúde (SUS), no Brasil, e do National Health Service (NHS), no Reino Unido. A intenção é identificar os aprendizados que cada sistema pode extrair das respectivas experiências em governança, liderança e operação, com vistas ao fortalecimento institucional e à melhoria da gestão em saúde. Para fundamentar teoricamente a análise das governanças em saúde pública, foram descritas três abordagens centrais: a abordagem colaborativa, a abordagem em redes e a abordagem interfederativa, compondo um arcabouço teórico que sustenta a investigação. Os dados foram tratados por meio de uma abordagem qualitativa e descritiva, permitindo a formulação de inferências interpretativas e reflexões críticas sobre experiências internacionais de gestão em saúde. Os resultados evidenciam que os sistemas analisados apresentam modelos de governança significativamente distintos. Essa diferenciação possibilitou a identificação de múltiplas oportunidades de aprimoramento e de intercâmbio de boas práticas entre os dois sistemas. As implicações teóricas e práticas desta investigação são amplas, considerando as especificidades e potencialidades dos modelos de governança adotados nos países estudados. Os resultados obtidos podem subsidiar práticas e decisões no campo das políticas públicas de saúde.
PROGRAM GOVERNANCE AND DEPLOYMENT CHALLENGES OF FTTH AND 5G BACKHAUL NETWORKS IN SAUDI SMART CITIES: EVIDENCE FROM RIYADH AND NEOM
The accelerated advancement of digital communication systems has emerged as a major trigger in developing smart cities across various parts of the globe. The programs of digital transformation in Riyadh, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, as well as developing cognitive cities in NEOM, demonstrate a strong commitment towards developing futuristic communication systems in line with. The underlying foundation of such programs centers upon FTTH, 5G backhaul, along with overall IoT communication systems, as part of such smart city frameworks. This paper refers to the technological foundation as well as the strategic significance of the integration between the technologies of FTTx, 5G backhaul networks, and IoT connections, in the developing Smart City environment in Saudi Arabia. Furthermore, it looks into the infrastructural options related to the technological platform: FTTx access network, wireless backhaul network, as well as IoT communication protocols connecting massive devices. Architectural paradigms to transfer data among IoT devices, network cores, and cloud computing platforms. It talks about the main use cases associated with intelligent cities. It covers important use cases for smart cities, intelligent transportation management, energy management for the city itself, public safety management for citizens, healthcare management for citizens, and environmental sustainability within the city. Apart from this, the paper also covers the economy and the regulatory framework through discussions on relevant partnerships between the government and private organizations, national broadband plans, and the use of the radio frequency spectrum for further enabling the city's overall digitization.It also critically discusses challenges it might face in terms of scalability, security, data privacy, and long-term sustainability, through mitigation techniques that include network slicing, edge computing, and security in the Internet of Things. Finally, this paper aims to illustrate and discuss how the well-planned deployment of FTTH, 5G, and IoT technologies in Saudi Arabia will give an impetus to the development of data-oriented and sustainable smart cities to take the leadership position in the world.
THE EFFECT OF GREEN RESTAURANTS ON CONSUMER PREFERENCES IN THE CONTEXT OF SUSTAINABILITY
The aim of the research is to determine the effect of green restaurants on consumer preferences in the context of sustainability. In this context, participants from different destinations in Türkiye were tried to be reached and their opinions were determined through the prepared survey form. A total of 399 surveys were collected by using the convenience sampling method in the data collection process. The collected data were analyzed using the SPSS 25.0 statistical program. As a result of the analyses; it was determined that green restaurants affect consumer preferences in terms of environmental sensitivity, preference and recommendation, and local product menu design. In addition, significant differences were determined between the demographic characteristics of the research participants; gender, age, education level, monthly income, and frequency of eating out variables and the research dimensions. Theoretical and practical contributions were presented within the framework of the findings and analysis results obtained as a result of the research; some suggestions were presented for the sector and future research.
EVALUATION OF GASTRONOMY TOURISM POTENTIAL OF SAKARYA PROVINCE WITHIN THE SCOPE OF SUSTAINABILITY
The aim of the study is to determine the gastronomy tourism potential of Sakarya province within the scope of sustainability. In order to determine the contribution of gastronomy tourism to the tourism potential of Sakarya province in a sustainable manner and to ensure its efficient contribution to the tourism activities of the province, it is aimed in the study to examine the thoughts and attitudes of the stakeholders involved in the tourism of Sakarya province regarding gastronomy tourism. Qualitative research method is used in the research to analyze the answers to the questions in depth and to have an idea about the perceptions, experiences, behaviors and attitudes of the participants. Within the scope of the research, interviews (semi-structured) were conducted with 15 participants (public and private sector) who are stakeholders of tourism in Sakarya province by using qualitative research method. In the study, a six-question interview form was used within the scope of the semi-structured interview technique. According to the findings, while associating gastronomy and gastronomy tourism with food, beverage, food culture, food science and local food, it is stated that gastronomy tourism has taken its place in tourism activities as a new type. All participants have knowledge about gastronomy and agree on the effectiveness of gastronomy tourism as a new type. The participants stated that the food establishments operating in Sakarya do not have local flavors in their menus due to the low demand, and that there are more standard foods. It has been understood that there are no local flavors in the menus of food establishments operating in Sakarya due to the low demand, but rather standard foods. It has been concluded that it is important in terms of gastronomy tourism to organize festivals in Sakarya province where gastronomy-related values will be highlighted and to ensure the national promotion of Sakarya local products. Although Sakarya province has many different values in gastronomy tourism, it has been determined that it is not at a sufficient level in terms of gastronomy tourism and suggestions have been made to overcome this deficiency and to create a sustainable gastronomy tourism.
ENHANCING CRITICAL WRITING THROUGH TECHNOLOGY-ENHANCED FLIPPED CLASSROOMS IN INDONESIAN EFL EDUCATION
This study quantitatively assesses the effectiveness of an e-learning-integrated flipped classroom model in developing critical writing skills among Indonesian senior high school EFL learners. Using a one-group pre-test/post-test design with 48 eleventh-grade students, data were collected through a validated critical writing test (argumentative essay rubric) and analyzed in SPSS Version 25 with paired-sample t-tests (α = .05) and Cohen’s d. Results showed a statistically significant improvement in writing scores, with the mean increasing from 65.04 (Fair) to 87.46 (Excellent), particularly in argument development, evidence use, and coherence. The study contributes original empirical evidence from an Indonesian public high school context, demonstrating how structured e-learning platform integration enhances flipped classrooms as a tool for advancing higher-order writing skills in under-researched EFL settings.
DIGITAL TECHNOLOGY IN STRATEGIC ORIENTATION AND PERFORMANCE OF CONSTRUCTION TRADE IN GUANGDONG UNDER WTO FRAMEWORK. A LITERATURE REVIEW
This study explores the role of digital technology on the relationship between strategic orientation and international trade performance, focusing on construction enterprises in Guangdong Province under the WTO framework. While market orientation, innovation orientation, and learning orientation are key drivers of trade success, digital transformation significantly enhances their impact by streamlining operations, improving regulatory compliance, and optimizing supply chains. However, slow adoption of digital tools due to financial constraints, cybersecurity concerns, and inconsistent WTO digital trade policies pose challenges for construction firms. The research utilizes a Systematic Literature Review following PRISMA to integrate findings from twenty peer-reviewed investigations regarding digital transformation along with strategic orientation in the construction trade. This study integrates the theoretical underpinning of the resource-based View (RBV) and Dynamic Capabilities Theory (DCT) to explain how digital resources serve as strategic assets and dynamic enablers of trade performance. The systematic literature findings suggest that harmonized digital trade regulations and industry-wide digital adoption initiatives are necessary to improve global competitiveness. Future research should explore longitudinal studies and sector-specific digital policy frameworks to enhance the technological adaptability of construction enterprises in international trade.
USE OF COMPUTER SIMULATION IN FORENSIC BIOMECHANICS
The article deals with a criminalistic experiment and the possibility of using computer modeling. The paper describes the current possibilities of using computer simulation and presents the possibility of using it in clarifying versions in the case of a specific crime. A promising method is the Virtual Crash 3 program. This is certified software that was developed for forensic engineering and biomechanical applications. This method makes it possible to simulate situations that cannot be practically realized by a real experiment with a mannequin or a living person. The paper presents one specific example. Computer simulation of human movement can very accurately clarify the probability of individual versions when assessing a person's fall from a height.
DETERMINING OPTIMAL STRATEGIC PATHS IN PUBLIC COMPANIES
A high level of professional qualification in the public sector requires more efficient use of human resources, which can be achieved through monitoring the number of implemented projects and new investments. Linking reward systems to achieved results represents a key factor in increasing productivity. Public companies are obliged to provide adequate products and services that are accessible to all members of the community, meet their needs, and are offered at affordable prices without discrimination against consumers. The protection of these interests is ensured through price control mechanisms, standardization of the quality of essential goods, and other regulatory measures.
“DON’T TEACH THAT IT’S TOO INDIGENOUS”: THE MARGINALISATION, SILENCING, AND RESISTANCE OF INDIGENOUS MUSIC IN HIGHER EDUCATION
South Africa’s musical arts and culture have historically faced systemic marginalisation, first under colonial rule and later during apartheid from 1948, when the government dismissed indigenous musical traditions as primitive, ungodly, and lacking artistic merit. Despite political independence in 1994, post-apartheid educational policies have struggled to fully redress these historical imbalances, particularly in higher education, where curricula continue to prioritise Western classical and global popular music. Indigenous music, a vital component of South Africa’s cultural heritage, remains peripheral and often silenced in formal teaching and learning. This systematic review examines the positioning, exclusion, and resistance of indigenous music within South African university curricula, drawing on scholarly literature, policy documents, and empirical studies. Findings highlight the persistent privileging of non-indigenous repertoires, reflecting broader socio-cultural hierarchies and epistemic biases that constrain recognition of local knowledge systems and limit students’ cultural expression. The review further identifies strategies of resistance employed by educators and students, including curriculum adaptation, integration of community-based musical practices, and advocacy for institutional reform. Gaps remain in research, particularly regarding indigenous pedagogies, teaching resources, and assessment practices that affirm cultural identity. By foregrounding marginalisation, silencing, and resistance, this study contributes to debates on decolonising higher education and promoting epistemic diversity in music programs. The review concludes with recommendations for policy, curriculum reform, and professional development, advocating for culturally responsive, inclusive approaches that celebrate South Africa’s unique musical heritage while empowering educators and students alike.
DIGITAL TRADE TRANSFORMATION FOR SMES IN ASIA PACIFIC USING THE TECHNOLOGY-ORGANIZATION-ENVIRONMENT FRAMEWORK: A SYSTEMATIC LITERATURE REVIEW
The explosive nature of digital trade development has changed the concept of international trade by offering companies means of optimising productivity, expanding the market base, and competing in the global market. Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) are relied upon in the Asia-Pacific region and have multiple issues, namely insufficient investments, lack of digital preparedness, and regulation complexity. The paper under review seeks to identify the issue of digital commerce transformation of small and medium-sized enterprises (SME) in the Asia-Pacific region based on the Technology-Organisation-Environment (TOE) paradigm. The paper is thorough covering the technical, organisational and environmental forces that are influencing the digital trade transformation of SMEs using the TOE conceptualisation. It provides information that is congruent with the multiple digital settings of Asia-Pacific region in that it encapsulates interaction of internal strengths or capabilities and external situations. In an extensive literature search, data bases were searched on the Google Scholar, Scopus and the Web of Science. The articles published during the last decade and concerning small and medium enterprise (SMEs), digital commerce, and Asia-Pacific region may be viewed as competent. Synthesis and categorisation of results within TOE framework were done in thematic coding and content analysis. It was determined through the study that SMEs need technology changes, institutional preparedness and facilitating environmental aspects to succeed in digital commerce. Nevertheless, a problem arises when the digital infrastructure and regulatory environment are compared between different countries. SMEs must align their operations with the e-commerce agreements of WTO in order to become more competitive internationally. The paper sheds light on the digital trade by putting it in the perspective of the small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in the Asia-Pacific region. It integrates the TOE model and international trade practises and provides information to support the use of more policy makers and businesses to improve the digital preparedness and competitiveness of SMEs.
GATS COMMITMENTS AND LIBERALIZATION OF THE SPORTS SERVICE INDUSTRY: WTO COMPLIANCE AND POLICY CHALLENGES
The GATS has brought significant alterations to the liberalization process of the services sector worldwide it encompassing the sports service industry. The sports service industry is the individual who administers and delivers a myriad of services related to professional and amateur sports, and includes event management, athlete training, distribution, arena operations, and overseas service in the entertainment and economic industry. It is essential to realize how GATS commitments arise when focusing on sports services because the sports industry contributes greatly to the world development of the economy, trade liberalization strategies, and facilitation of cross-border services. At this point, researchers have not conducted much research on how the sports service sector fulfills GATS commitments using the procedures of compliance with WTO and policy implementation. This research gap study is relevant in the process of trying to set export policies on sports services that are appropriate to their exclusive nature. The research highlights the novel insights into the different versions of the application of GATS to the countries of the WTO, as well as the discrepancies between the international policy requirements and the national laws. The author attempts to address this research gap using GATS regulations and sports services industries to conduct research into the domestic policy management and compliance with the WTO issues faced by nations. The methodology to be used to analyse documents used in this study is a qualitative approach based on a systematic literature review (SLR). The results demonstrate that the little liberalization of the sports services industry in the GATS principles and tension between the trade requirements and local policy guidelines and different practices of GATS commitment follow-up by WTO members. The findings reveal that governments need to formulate special policies that combine the global market liberalization trends and the nature of the sports services sector in the course of achieving international commitments and national interests.
THE PRACTICE OF MEDIATION AND NON-LITIGATION IN THE DISPUTE SETTLEMENT MECHANISM BETWEEN CHINA AND THE WTO
This paper examines the application of mediation and other non-litigation practices that China applies in its dispute resolution approach in the World Trade Organization (WTO). With the emergence of alternative dispute resolution (ADR) as a major trend in global trade governance, China has started to pay greater attention to the importance of mediation as one of the ways to encourage cooperation, avoid confrontation, and enhance the efficiency of trade dispute resolution. The study will review the effectiveness of these practices through analysing their congruency with the Chinese focus on harmony and how they have contributed to the operation of the WTO dispute settlement system. The study relies on the records of WTO cases, Chinese policy documents, and legal scholarship, as the study design consists of a systematic literature review and thematic analysis based on a qualitative research design. The results indicate that ADR system in China is more effective in terms of dispute resolution and it also adds to the diversified and relationship-based WTO system. Such observations indicate the changing nature of mediation in the international trade disputes and suggest larger implications to the future of ADR in the international economic governance.
THE TRADE IMPLICATIONS OF SPORTS SPONSORSHIP AND LICENSING UNDER CHINA’S WTO OBLIGATIONS: A CASE STUDY OF THE BEIJING WINTER OLYMPICS
China’s hosting of the 2022 Winter Olympics became a case which involves both international trade obligations and domestic control over sponsorship and licensing in sports. The following study will therefore seek to assess whether China meets WTO requirements about the GATS and TRIPS agreements. Using documentation analysis, the findings from the case studies and official documents, academic and grey journals, stakeholder reports, it is possible to point out how Chinese law works and note the gap between legal regulation on paper and its enforcement. The result reveals that foreign sponsors faced restricted market access, complicated regulations, and prejudice that seemed to favour domestic companies. While China’s laws are compatible with WTO norms, in practice, it violates these principles through non-tariff measures, transparency, and equal treatment. The Major limitation of the study is that it only used secondary data. Future studies should also yield man-on-the-street interviews augmented by comparisons with other host nations of the Olympics.
THE DILEMMA OF "INSTITUTIONAL HOLLOWING-OUT" IN REGIONAL ECONOMIC INTEGRATION: A COMPARATIVE INSTITUTIONAL ANALYSIS OF SAARC AND PEER ORGANIZATIONS
The study explores the lack of structural integrity of the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) through the comparative analysis of a document of the most significant legislative and functional frameworks over 1985-2024. The research reviews the guiding documents including the SAARC Charter and SAFTA Agreement, when compared to the Charter of ASEAN and its Economic Community Blueprint and the treaties and institutional policies of the European Union. The analysis of the concept of hollowing-out of institutions can demonstrate the gap that exists between formal institutional mechanisms of the SAARC organization and their practical work. The results indicate that the institutional framework of SAARC is scarce in terms of enforcement mechanism, operational capacity as well as fragmented governance. Conversely, ASEAN has been exhibiting an evolutionary institutionalization, whereas the EU bears witness to an institutionalized stage of political and functional integration. Suggestions made are legal change, increased secretariat independence and reduced political involvement in regional cooperation.
DIGITAL TRANSFORMATION OF CHINA’S SPORTS INDUSTRY AND ITS ALIGNMENT WITH WTO E-COMMERCE NEGOTIATIONS: AN INSTITUTIONAL PERSPECTIVE
This research critically analyzes the digital transformation of the Chinese sports industry within the institutional context of its conformity with the WTO e-commerce regulations. The study focuses on emerging innovations such as e-sports, digital media platforms and artificial intelligence which have contributed to the rapid growth and engagement of the digital economy. Through a systematic literature review of 34 peer-reviewed sources published in the period 2018-2024, this paper looks at the interactions of China's regulatory regime within the international trade regime. Findings show areas of convergence, such as digital intellectual property protection and the use of AI in sports services, and clear divergences around data localisation and digital sovereignty. In addition, some regulatory gaps may affect China's international expansion of digital sports platforms, even if the market is robust. The paper concludes with policy recommendations to improve cross-border data flow governance, harmonize national regulations with WTO principles, and enhance China’s global competitiveness in digital sports. Overall, the study provides industry-specific insights into regulatory coherence and its impact on international digital trade participation.
RECONCILING BILATERALISM AND MULTILATERAL NORMS: WTO NON DISCRIMINATION PRINCIPLES AND THE BELT AND ROAD INITIATIVE
This paper examines the legal conflicts between China Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) and the important non-discrimination regimes of the World Trade Organization (WTO): the Most-Favoured-Nation (MFN) and the National Treatment (NT). The bilateral deals that have come with the BRI, as much as they are directed towards developing world-wide infrastructure and trade, have not necessarily contributed to transparency and homogeneity with the result that they have been problematic to the multilateral system that is characterized by the WTO. The qualitative Systematic Literature Review (SLR) method was used to analyse six main academic sources, to detect common legal trends in order to identify common trends over time in literature, such as informality, bilateral asymmetry, and regulatory divergence. Findings denote that the BRI contracts very often meet the provisions of WTO, and very current possibilities of legal congruence appear. Legal predictability within the framework of BRI is able to be achieved to an extent that includes WTO-compatible provisions and dispute settlement mechanisms into BRI templates, which can then enforce policy coherence. In concluding its research, the authors find that simply accepting the status quo of legal innovation and institutional compatibility will help put the BRI in a position compatible and not competitive with multilateral trade governance.
WTO DISPUTE SETTLEMENT UNDER STRESS: ANALYZING THE U.S.-CHINA TARIFF WARS (2018–2024)
This research examines the influence of the tariff war between the U.S. and China (2018–2024) on the working of the World Trade Organisation’s Dispute Settlement Mechanism (DSM). This study applied the Principles of Systematic Reviews, guided by the PRISMA framework, to examine seven peer-reviewed publications and discover the types of challenges that the WTO encounters. It examines important areas such as the increase in trade tensions, the impact of unilateral tariffs on the DSM and the halt in the system due to the Appellate Body crisis. It appears that the WTO suffered from a lack of trust because of the U.S. and China taking unilateral actions. These actions changed the way disputes are settled, as both nations now negotiate with each other and showed the weaknesses of a system based on agreement among all members. Several themes were identified, including issues with the system, needed reforms, unhappiness on the part of the United States, motives and impacts overseas. The study is significant as it would inform policymakers about the institutional weakness of the WTO Dispute Settlement Mechanism, and the urgent need to change it to make sure that the trading system is stable and rule-based. This study is theorised in terms of Realism and Institutions, which help understand the manner states act in multilateral trade arrangements. It has a weakness in its research because the small sample of peer-reviewed publications underlies it, and the diversity of the possible views of the problem may be underrepresented. Nevertheless, the findings can draw practical lessons on how to build more resilient and credible international trade organisations.
EFFECT OF DRY NEEDLING WITH AND WITHOUT ELECTRICAL STIMULATION IN TREATMENT OF LOWER LIMB IN PATIENTS WITH CHRONIC ISCHEMIC STROKE
Lower-limb spasticity after stroke restricts gait and functional independence, and adjunct interventions that reduce hypertonia while modulating segmental excitability may enhance conventional rehabilitation. This assessor-blinded, parallel-group randomized controlled trial tested whether dry needling combined with intramuscular electrical stimulation (DN+ES), integrated within conventional physical therapy (CPT), reduces spasticity, improves lower-limb motor function, and modifies soleus H-reflex indices in adults with chronic ischemic stroke. Sixty-four participants (32 per group) received 6 weeks of treatment (three sessions/week, 60 minutes). The experimental group received DN+ES twice weekly within sessions plus CPT; the control group received CPT only. Outcomes were assessed at baseline, week 3, and week 6. The primary outcome was the Modified Ashworth Scale of the index muscle; secondary outcomes included the Fugl–Meyer Assessment–Lower Extremity, soleus Hmax/Mmax ratio, and H-reflex latency. Compared with CPT, DN+ES+CPT produced larger reductions in spasticity and greater improvements in lower-limb motor function, alongside a greater decrease in Hmax/Mmax, while between-group differences in latency were not detected. These findings support DN+ES as a pragmatic adjunct that may improve the treatability of the limb and strengthen the impact of conventional rehabilitation in post-stroke spasticity.