Search

The present study aims to review the opinions of experts on the Iranian society's mentality towards recreational spaces. This is a qualitative research based on contextual theorizing, for which, 17 professors and experts in the field pf social sciences (cooperative trends and social welfare, social planning and cultural policymaking) from Tehran, Allameh Tabatabai and Kharazmi universities were interviewed and the data were analyzed using MAXQDA software. The findings indicated the existence of two central propositions about the government's welfare schemes in recreational spaces: 1) Entertainment spaces are not neutral, level, accessible and simple. 2) Iranian society wants entertainment spaces that either uncontrollable or less controllable by the government. Also, the results showed that recreational spaces can change from the environmental to entertainment purpose and shape good liesure times to the subjects that require important criticisms of values and norms from civil disobedience and misbehavior. Therefore, it is suggested to adopt strategies such as creating purposeful entertainment in public spaces, investing and taking care of spaces related to people and increasing its quality, reproducing meaning in the official media as the most accessible entertainment spaces, increasing festivals and religious carnivals, making them accessible to everyone, such as with connecting streets, and creating a platform for the needy sections of the society. With these, it is possible to strengthen the recreational spaces in the Iranian society and prevent them from becoming models of disobedience or civil disobedience.

Undoubtedly, Instagram significantly impacts people's everyday life in the social, cultural, economic, and political arenas. One of the handset applications become common among young Iranians, especially girls, during their free time is Instagram. In recent years, this app has evolved from a domain of recreation to, in many cases, a career field for youth. In the meantime, one of the most well-liked Instagram activities is what is known as an Instagram challenge. In general, "challenge" refers to videos shared widely, especially by bloggers. This study examines twenty young female bloggers between the age group of 18 and 30. Thematic analysis, a semi-structured interviewing tool, and coding for data analysis were used in this study's qualitative methodology. To better analyze the behavior of these young women, Robert Stebbins' theory of transforming informal leisure time into formal one has been used. The three main categories of the paradoxical situation of leisure/career, the centrality of Instagram in facilitating the possibility of challenge, and the creation of financial channels in the context of Instagram rituals were extracted from the interviews. In general, these users talked about the goals and methods of setting challenges, the conditions of creating these challenges, and how they turned casual leisure into serious leisure by paying for classes to increase their audience on Instagram and not be discouraged despite failures and the efforts they made.

The communication and information revolution has created a new space of human existence that lies outside the old concept of time and space i.e. free of borders and is rapidly changing our world. The second space, that is, virtual is constantly developing and expanding, conceptualizing, producing and disseminating content, and intertwining itself with the natural world. This article combines the dual spacization and representation theories to identify how national identity, as the highest and most significant, is represented in the virtual space. By adopting the critical discourse analysis method alongside grounded theory, our examination of Instagram posts identifies a confrontation between Iranian and Islamic identities and a need for greater convergence and interaction between these two identities to achieve a moderate, balanced identity that fosters national cohesion and harmony. Targeted strategies and policies pursued by political and other relevant institutions, in particular micro and macro planning of the use of virtual space, will bring Iranian and Islamic identities closer together, offering an Iranian-Islamic identity that more effectively represents Iran's culture and civilization.‌‌‌

The medium of cinema, as a potent and influential art, consistently endeavors to present a more authentic representation of the narrative by intricately interweaving elements such as plot, characters, and scenes. This endeavor extends to the deliberate incorporation of explicit and implicit symbolism within the design and architecture of urban landscape. This research seeks to address: How does the description and placement of a location as a backdrop for narrative relate to the character development and thematic content in Marvel and DC cinematic productions? Specifically, this study aims to assess the alignment between prevalent architectural signifiers associated with superheroes and the thematic characterizations found in Marvel and DC films. This investigation aspires to decipher the underlying meanings and metaphors inherent in the concepts underpinning the design of residences and urban landscapes inhabited by superheroes. Production designers within the Marvel and DC film franchises deliberately craft diverse urban settings, with each showing emblematic of concepts such as gentrification and the physical and mental prowess of respective superheroes, often manifesting through variations in architectural styles, encompassing classical, high-tech, and bionic aesthetics. Notably, this architectural characteristic evolves in response to the narrative's temporal dimensions. Nevertheless, there remains a consistent thread of "mysterious architecture concealing hidden spaces and connections" and "precisely articulated juxtapositions beneath an ostensibly simplistic facade" recurring across the diverse residences featured in these cinematic worlds.

The intricate dynamic between idealism and realism, coupled with the challenges of regulating their interrelation, plays a major role in forming social structures and community life. Post-revolutionary systems, having successfully redefined prevailing conditions through the proposition of an idealized state, confront the difficult challenge of defining new paradigms that are consistent with this ideal. Cinema, as a social institution, by means of its narrative language can address profound social dilemmas and actively participate in the representation and organization of conflicts inherent in collective existence, most notably the ideological discord between idealism and realism.Several generations of Iranian filmmakers in the post-Islamic revolution cinema through the perspective of their ideology have concentrated on this issue and provided various interpretations of the dynamic tension between idealistic ambitions and pragmatic reality. In this study, three feature films, “Lottery”, “Majaraye Nimirroz [Midday Adventures]”, and “Rad-e Khoon [Trace of Blood]” by Mohammad Hossein Mahdavian, one of the young directors of Iran who have explored this conflict, are examined through an analytical lens influenced by John Fiske methodology. The findings reveal that in these films idealism manifests itself in conscientiousness, Jihad, and principlism, while realism is represented in concepts such as pragmatism, pacifism, and tolerance. Although the filmmaker seems to favor pragmatic ideas, he perceives both idealism and realism as fundamentally deficient in isolation.

Women's football fandom is an overlooked topic in social science researches as women are typically ignored in sociological studies on football. The general public perception is that women are not genuine or authentic supporters of this sport, which is often considered a male-dominated and male-owned. The challenges for Iranian female football fans are even more pronounced due to their exclusion from the public discourse surrounding the football fandom. They lack a dedicated space for independent action and face restrictions on entering stadiums. For years, Iranian female fans have employed various forms of action and resistance to be more than silent and invisible supporters. This article relies on a thematic analysis of qualitative data from thirty interviews with Iranian female football fans to identify the motivations behind their entry into the football arena. It also examines how they express their fandom and challenges in this process. The findings reveal that women's exclusion from stadiums drives them to alternative methods of displaying their fandom. Throughout this journey, Iranian female football fans encounter numerous gendered and discriminatory stereotypes that manifest differently at various stages.

Abstract This paper provides a comprehensive examination of thought analysis as a contemporary practice within philosophical inquiry, exploring its theoretical foundations, methodological approaches, and practical implications. Rooted in classical philosophical traditions yet acutely relevant to modern life, thought analysis—officially conceptualized by Tianqun Pan—serves as a bridge between knowledge and action, addressing the cognitive dissonance that often hinders personal growth and rational decision-making. Through an analysis of historical and recent sources, including case studies from the laboratory of thought analysis at Nanjing University, we investigate whether logical reasoning is an innate human capacity or developed through education and practice, highlighting the importance of fostering logical skills in thought analysis. Ethical considerations, such as trust between analyst and visitor and the principle of value neutrality, are critically examined to underscore the necessity of maintaining visitor autonomy and preventing bias. We explore the relationship between thought analysis and therapeutic practices, emphasizing that while thought analysis is not inherently therapeutic, it possesses qualities that can lead to psychological relief and personal development through the clarification of thought. Comparative analyses with Logic-based Therapy and Logotherapy illustrate the unique position of thought analysis within philosophical practice. By reframing thought analysis as a form of humanistic care rather than clinical therapy, the paper advocates for its role in promoting clear thinking, self-awareness, and ethical living, thereby contributing to individual well-being and social harmony. Ultimately, the study affirms thought analysis as a transformative practice that aligns philosophical inquiry with practical life, empowering individuals to achieve greater coherence between their beliefs and actions.

Abstract This study investigates the association between audit committees’ (ACs) financial expertise and the implementation of accretive repurchases as a strategic method for real earnings management (REM). The study also examines empirical data about the influence of powerful Chief Executive Officers (CEOs) on the linkage between AC financial expertise and REM through accretive repurchase. A comprehensive analysis was performed on the dataset from a representative sample of 391 publicly traded Malaysian companies actively participating in accretive repurchases between 2014 and 2019. The research discovered a negative association between the level of financial proficiency exhibited by the ACs and the degree to which accretive repurchases are performed. The finding also shows a negative moderating impact of CEO authority on the connection between the financial competence of the AC and accretive repurchase practices. The results emphasise the need for financial competence inside the AC to guarantee effective oversight. However, the effectiveness of this specialised expertise appears to diminish in scenarios where a CEO possesses significant decision-making power. This indicates that AC members with financial experience are compromised in the presence of a powerful CEO. The findings carry significant ramifications, specifically for major stakeholders and governing entities in emerging economies. The significance of implementing strong corporate governance practices is emphasised to mitigate the adverse effects of dominant CEOs on monitoring functions of the ACs.s

Abstract This study examines the impact of the Kahramanmaraş earthquake on the BIST100 index through the application of complex network analysis. The method begins by examining the correlation distance between the logarithmic returns of companies in the BIST100 index, which serves as the foundation for creating filtered weighted networks. This technique prioritizes robust financial connections while downplaying weaker ones, enabling a thorough examination of the network topological structure and identifying noteworthy financial interactions. The study employs a combination of global and local topological metrics, as well as structural entropy, to gain insights on the interconnections among markets in terms of public interest and the roles played by various entities. It demonstrates how exogenous shocks impact the network structure and reaction. Findings indicate initial notable alterations in the network framework, which were subsequently alleviated by the implementation of financial rules and market processes. This demonstrates the ability of financial markets to recover and maintain stability following a disaster. Results offer useful perspectives on the interplay between market dynamics and the resilience of the financial system in the presence of natural disasters.

Abstract This paper aims to find out if a score-based investment strategy could be developed using different scales. To achieve this objective several academic sources have been used and it is found that score-based investment not only outperforms the market but also protects the investors from the risks arising out of avoidable poor investments in the market. The project is a summary of bibliographic outcome of several scholars who have attempted to find out the impact of score-based investments in their respective markets. Score-based investments are typically dependent on accounting parameters and changes in these parameters signal that a firm’s performance is geared up for a change. The study has been done using a systematic literature review. Several research papers in peer-reviewed journals were referred starting from 1934 to 2021. Various equity-based scores like F-score, G score, L score and C score and debt-based scores like Z score, O score and M score are used for the construction of portfolios. It has been found that across geographies the use of score-based investing is known to give superior returns as compared to the market. Several pieces of literature provide the evidence. Developed countries like USA, UK, Australia, and Canada have a large concentration of literary sources that point to the evidence of score-based investing. At the same time, it is also pertinent to note that the performance of such techniques works relatively better in markets that are not efficient and where asymmetry in information flow is evident.

Abstract Human capital and social capital are crucial in shaping entrepreneurial decisions, yet their combined effects on entrepreneurship entry remain insufficiently explored. This study uses data from the China Household Tracking Survey (2010–2018) to examine how the coupling of human and social capital influences entrepreneurship entry. By defining human-social capital coupling as the interdependence between these two forms of capital, we estimated its nonlinear impact using generalized propensity score matching and analyzed variations across gender and region. The results revealed that human capital-social capital coupling mediated the relationship between these capitals and entrepreneurship entry, following a significant N-shaped trend with identified thresholds. The impact of this coupling was also influenced by gender and regional variations. The study contributes to the literature by introducing a novel perspective on capital coupling, assessing its threshold effects, and highlighting gender and regional disparities. Individuals should understand and use the human capital-social capital coupling to guide their actions; policymakers are encouraged to consider and enhance the coupling between human and social capital in their entrepreneurship support strategies.

Abstract The COVID-19 outbreak caused a disruption of the conventional education system worldwide. This resulted in a shift towards online mode of delivery. This study analyzed the pandemic’s effect on the education of students from diverse socioeconomic groups in Sri Lanka. The required data for this study was collected through a nation-wide field survey, covering 3020 households. The factor analysis (FA) performed identified seven significant factors. Thereafter, K-means and spectral clustering were used to cluster the population in order to identify the socioeconomic groups that were impacted in a similar manner. This resulted in the identification of three clusters whose demographics and relationship to the extracted factors were extensively analyzed and interpreted. The study concluded that students in high-income households were more emotionally affected, whereas students in low-income households were mostly affected by a lack of resources. The study also concluded that students from mid-income households were the least affected emotionally.

Abstract Technology-based reading interventions have been used to enhance the reading skills of young students with reading difficulties. Although a few meta-analyses have addressed this approach, they have overlooked single-subject design studies that usually include students with the most deficient reading skills. This meta-analysis reviewed the 20 most recent technology-based reading interventions for young students with learning disabilities (LDs) and those performing critically below their expected reading levels, conducted over the past 12 years. Tau-U statistics were used to identify potential moderator variables (e.g., setting, grade level, LD identification, technology type, targeted skills, and Council for Exceptional Children standards). The results indicated that the technology-based reading intervention had a moderate effect size (Tau-U = 87), and no significant difference in the moderator variables was observed. Considering intervention efficacy, technology can provide adequate and efficient reading interventions for young students with reading difficulties. Possible explanations for the moderators’ effects are also discussed.

Uncertainty is a ubiquitous, yet often misunderstood condition studied by academia. In the humanities, subjects wield it as a tool, using it as a source of inspiration and entertainment. In the social sciences, subjects consider it a weapon that, when controllable, is leveraged for competitive advantage and, when not, is defended against to minimize harm. We describe the dangers of its misunderstanding—specifically, those arising from mistaking untreatable uncertainties as treatable ones and vice versa. We draw from the analysis of these uses and misuses of uncertainty to make a call to action to improve how we study and address this unique condition that makes strategic decisions so much harder to optimize.

Abstract In response to the growing consumer demand for organic products, this study examines the economic viability of traditional versus organic Yerba Mate (Ilex paraguariensis) cultivation in Paraná State, Brazil. The research uses a robust financial analysis framework to compare production expenses, projected profits, and associated risks over a fifteen-year horizon for a single hectare of land. The analysis employs the multi-index methodology to provide empirical evidence and analytical insights into the economic and risk profiles of both traditional and organic agricultural practices. This study further enhances the evaluation by incorporating the Monte Carlo Method and Crystal Ball software, transforming key financial indicators into stochastic variables. This approach allows for a nuanced risk assessment that captures the inherent uncertainties in agricultural investment. The findings indicate a significant economic advantage for organic farming, with an organic return on investment (ROI) of 12.03%, substantially outperforming the 3.99% ROI of conventional methods. Moreover, the research highlights the improved risk-adjusted returns of organic farming, showing an almost negligible probability of encountering a negative net present value (NPV), specifically P(NPV_organic ≤ 0) ≈ 0. The results underscore the financial viability and reduced risk of organic Yerba Mate cultivation, positioning it as a strategic alternative to traditional agricultural methods. These insights align with current market trends favoring sustainable and health-conscious consumer choices and provide critical guidance for stakeholders in the farming sector. This study contributes to the academic discourse on sustainable agriculture and offers practical implications for enhancing economic sustainability and resilience in farming practices.

Abstract The information relationship between real estate investment trusts and stock markets has garnered significant interest in finance; however, the time-varying information flow between the two can vary due to different market conditions. This study scrutinizes the information-leading roles between the real estate investment trust sector and overall stock markets under various market conditions. Shannonian transfer entropy, used for identifying information-leading roles, can reveal nonlinear interactions between two markets; however, the results can be hindered by rare events, such as sporadically occurring episodes. Therefore, this study introduces Rényian transfer entropy to examine the role of rare events in the information flow between the two markets. This conjecture is confirmed using the COVID-19 pandemic as a natural experiment setting of rare events. The results reveal notable findings. (i) Rényian transfer entropy can accurately capture the impact of rare events regardless of the sample period, including the changes in information-leading roles when volatility clustering strengthens. Furthermore, (ii) the significance of liquidity and market efficiency produces different information flows depending on market status. The findings suggest that investors can use Rényian transfer entropy to accurately identify information-leading roles between assets under various market conditions, facilitating optimal portfolio allocation. Moreover, policymakers can benchmark this approach to identify financial risk contagion paths, enabling regulators to implement timely policy actions to mitigate market risks.

Abstract Human capital is represented by people who are carriers of knowledge, ideas and experience that contribute to increasing the performance and competitiveness of the company and the entire society. Human capital management helps companies achieve business goals through efficiency, which includes the effective use of human capital and the effectiveness of investment in it. The article aims to explain the essence of human capital management, offers new metrics for measuring the effectiveness of human capital, and points out a possible approach to implementing human capital management in a specific small trading company. We used the observation method in obtaining data about the trading company, content analysis in the examination of scientific articles and internal documents of the company, synthesis, descriptive statistics, and mathematical methods in the design of metrics for measuring the value of human capital through Excel statistical software, and deduction in the design of generally applicable rules for all types of companies. IBM SPSS software was used for the statistical evaluation of the questionnaire survey. We obtained the basis for making the article through a questionnaire survey, which was carried out in 350 Slovak trading companies. Using a survey, we found that up to 89% of companies do not have a human capital management concept in place and do not use and do not know metrics to measure human capital effectiveness. It is while companies are aware of the impact of investments in human capital on the overall performance and the size of the company´s profit. Based on it, we created metrics to measure the human capital´s value. Thanks to quantitative analysis, we identified KPIs for small business company—sales, profit. We found that external factors also affect the value of human capital. In the analysed company, the improvement of the working environment helped to increase the value of human capital, which also led to higher customer satisfaction. The article fills a gap in the scientific literature because it deals with the issue of implementing the human capital management concept and metrics for measuring the human capital´s value in the company. The theoretical and practical contribution of our contribution also lies in the use of common accounting documents in the quantification of the value of human capital. Companies can be inspired by the article because it provides an overview of the human capital management implementation in a small company, and designed metrics to measure the value of human capital.

Abstract Barriers, such as inadequate accessibility and accommodation, may impede employment access and progression for people with disabilities (PwDs) in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA). This study examined how assistive technology (AT) utilization influences the employment experiences of PwDs in KSA. We explored AT types in use and whether gender, age, and disability type shape AT effectiveness. We sought to identify challenges hindering AT adoption, and effectiveness in workplaces. We explored potential remedies through government and corporate actions. A qualitative case-report study was conducted with 13 PwDs (10 males, 3 females; age range, 26‒47 years) of varying occupations. Diverse disabilities were represented: cognitive impairment, speech impairment, autism spectrum disorder (ASD), visual impairment, mobility impairment, hearing impairment, learning disability, dyslexia, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), physical impairment, and anxiety disorder. Individual interviews were conducted in Arabic with open-ended questions addressing employment opportunities, work challenges, the importance of employment, and employment-related factors. Mixed descriptive and inductive methods were used to identify themes. The participants also completed a 21-item Likert-type standardized exploratory questionnaire. The findings indicated that workplace inclusivity of PwDs and widespread AT adoption in KSA are hindered by a lack of awareness, stigma, accommodation costs, limitations of technical compatibility or lack of standardization, and inadequate AT training and technical support. Greater disability inclusion support in workplace environments, with tailored assistance and comprehensive accessibility measures, is needed in KSA. Companies should pursue accommodation individualization and actions aimed at improving awareness and reducing stigma. Governments should pursue legislation that supports AT adoption and awareness campaigns.

Abstract The current research investigates the complex interplay between artificial intelligence (AI)-induced job insecurity, psychological contract breach (PCB), pro-environmental behavior at work (PEBW), and ethical leadership in the context of organizational sustainability. As AI technologies increasingly permeate the workplace, understanding their impact on employee attitudes and behaviors becomes crucial for maintaining organizational effectiveness and environmental responsibility. Drawing on several theories, we developed and tested a moderated mediation model using a three-wave time-lagged design with 391 employees from various South Korean corporations. Our findings reveal that AI-induced job insecurity does not directly affect PEBW, but rather operates through the mediating mechanism of PCB. Specifically, AI-induced job insecurity positively influences PCB, which in turn negatively affects PEBW. Moreover, ethical leadership emerges as a significant moderator, mitigating the positive association between AI-induced job insecurity and PCB. This study uniquely contributes to the literature by integrating AI-induced job insecurity into the organizational sustainability framework, offering novel insights into how technological advancements influence employee pro-environmental behaviors. Our findings extend the understanding of the Context-Attitudes-Behavior framework in the digital age, bridging the gap between technological disruption literature and environmental sustainability research. These results provide practical implications for organizations striving to balance technological innovation with employee well-being and environmental responsibility, offering strategies for maintaining pro-environmental behaviors amidst AI-induced uncertainties. This paper contributes to the growing literature on AI at work and offers insights for organizations navigating the challenges of technological advancement while promoting environmental sustainability.

Abstract This study examines the complex interactions between official development assistance (ODA) and the ecological environment of recipient countries, mainly focusing on agricultural economic development and renewable energy. Using dynamic threshold models and robust statistical methods, the analysis uncovers the nuanced effects of ODA across various dimensions. Findings suggest that ODA has different impacts on the ecology of African countries depending on their agricultural dependence and renewable energy development levels. The study highlights the importance of targeted aid and advocates for the integration of ODA with environmentally sustainable development goals. Furthermore, the research underscores the potential for environmental improvement in countries with significant agricultural reliance. It emphasizes the critical role of renewable energy in mitigating ecological pressures and adapting to climate change. This study contributes to the assessment of sustainable development performance after the expiration of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals in 2030.

Abstract On the basis of the unbalanced panel financial data of Chinese commercial banks from 2007–2021, this paper first conducts an identification test of the bank risk-taking channel for China’s monetary policy transmission. Then, it tests the impact of bank microcharacteristics and macroeconomic fluctuations on bank risk-taking in monetary policy transmission. The empirical results reveal the presence of the risk-taking channel for China’s monetary policy transmission. China’s bank risk-taking in monetary policy transmission is asymmetric because of the heterogeneity of bank microcharacteristics and macroeconomic fluctuations; i.e., the larger the asset size is, the greater the capital adequacy ratio is, the greater the return on net assets is, the greater the risk-taking level is, and the lower the risk-taking level of banks with poorer liquidity and higher branch coverage is. The impact of macroeconomic fluctuations is reflected in the fact that the higher the economic growth rate is, the greater the risk-taking level of banks. Therefore, it is necessary to enhance the transparency of monetary policy, strengthen the supervision of commercial banks, stabilize the macroeconomic environment, match the risk-taking level of banks with monetary credit and economic growth, and improve the effect of monetary policy transmission.

Abstract This research develops a group of novel indicators from the energy consumption perspective and assesses their ability to forecast stock market volatility using various techniques. Empirical evidence reveals that novel indicators, notably industrial non-renewable energy consumption, significantly enhance the forecasting of stock market volatility. The MIDAS-LASSO model, which integrates a mixed-data sampling method, effectively captures key information and outperforms other models in predictive accuracy. Further analysis reveals that the novel indicators contain useful forecasting information over the business cycle and crisis periods. Additionally, we indicate the forecasting ability of the novel indicators from the standpoint of investor sentiment variation. Our findings yield useful insights for the forecasting of stock market volatility, emphasizing the significant role of energy consumption.

Abstract This article investigates the contribution of states’ soft power strategies to the process of East Asia’s increasing global economic and political significance. We identify hosting sports mega-events as key to such strategies and thereby seek to add to both the literature on regional ‘soft power’ and acquiring it through sport. Using East Asia as the focus, we concentrate on China’s leveraging of the Beijing 2008 and 2022 Olympics for soft power gains. We show that China’s propaganda system is also part of their soft power strategy, which tends to focus primarily on domestic soft power. Our findings indicate that China cares about its national image abroad but places greater emphasis on attaining domestic soft power. Knowing that China’s understanding of ‘soft power’ is distinctly different from the ‘West’ allows greater insight into their approach to regional and international soft power acquisition.

Abstract Science diplomacy has been assuming a growing importance in the actions of states due to their need to respond to global challenges and to strengthen their power and influence through competitive advantage based on science and technology. Within the European Union (EU), science diplomacy can be seen as an instrument for the integration of the European project and for the projection of EU influence, standards, and values in the relationship with third countries. In this context, the present work aims at understanding and characterizing Portugal’s science diplomacy model and its relationship with the European project from 1986 (the moment of Portugal’s accession to the European Economic Community) to 2021. To this end, we mapped the science diplomacy designed and implemented by the Portuguese State by identifying its different instruments based on a methodology suggested by the European Commission, Directorate-General for Research and Innovation and Van Langenhove in 2017 and using a timeframe suggested by Heitor in 2015. The obtained dataset was subjected to a combination of analytical frameworks, including the general framing analysis proposed by Ruffini and Krasnyak in 2023, which allowed us to identify the objectives, strategic drivers and implementation approach of the Portuguese science diplomacy model. In the period under study Portugal has been developing a science diplomacy in parallel with the European project without ever losing a global vision of the relations in the field of science and technology.

Abstract This study conducts a comparative analysis of grounding strategies employed in French and Indonesian narrative discourse. Utilizing both qualitative and quantitative methodologies, the research draws upon a corpus of French and Indonesian novels to examine the linguistic mechanisms utilized to establish grounding in these languages. This research questions the different markers of grounding in French and Indonesian narrative discourses, the types of grounding meanings, the role of culture in grounding, and what elements can strengthen grounding. The results of the textual analysis reveal that French employs the use of tenses, specifically the passé simple and imparfait (past tenses), to convey grounding, whereas Indonesian utilizes affixes, specifically the “me(N)-” and “di-” prefixes, for the same purpose. Further, the analysis illustrates that the “me(N)-” affix can be utilized to express both backgrounding and foregrounding, while the “di-” affix is restricted to foregrounding. Additionally, Indonesian also employs the use of third-person singular pronouns—“dia” and “ia”—to enhance grounding. The contextual analysis also highlights that in Indonesian narrative discourse, there is a tendency to repeat self-names as a form of politeness. This conclusion applies to languages that use tenses (e.g., French and English) as grounding markers and applies to languages that use affixes for grounding markers (e.g., Indonesian and Malay).

Abstract Prosodic entrainment, the phenomenon of speakers adapting their speech patterns to each other, has been extensively studied in short turn-taking conversations. However, little is known about its dynamics in long-and-short turn-taking contexts, such as talk shows. This study investigates prosodic entrainment in Mandarin Chinese talk shows, focusing on the effects of gender and role on entrainment behaviour and the correlation between perceived similarity and acoustic-prosodic features. We analysed a corpus of 50 audio files from a popular Mandarin Chinese talk show, examining three acoustic-prosodic features: pitch, intensity, and speaking rate. Prosodic entrainment was measured using proximity and synchrony-related distances at both local and global levels. Additionally, a perceptual judgement task was conducted to assess perceived prosodic similarity. Results showed that negative entrainment was more prevalent than positive entrainment across all three feature sets, particularly in speaking rate synchrony. The female host demonstrated larger positive entrainment compared to both male and female guests. Gender-role interactions revealed complex entrainment patterns: mixed-gender pairs showed greater local synchrony, while same-gender pairs exhibited more global entrainment. Perceived similarity correlated moderately with pitch for male guests in both local proximity and synchrony, suggesting pitch plays a crucial role in listeners’ perception of prosodic similarity. These findings challenge conventional assumptions about positive entrainment’s benefits in communication and highlight the complex interplay between gender, role, and entrainment behaviour in talk show settings. The prevalence of negative entrainment suggests that contrasting speech patterns can contribute to engaging and dynamic conversations in specific contexts. This study enhances our understanding of prosodic entrainment in long-and-short turn-taking contexts and emphasises the need to consider gender, role, and communicative settings in future research on speech accommodation.

Abstract As green development gains traction, digital finance, a major engine of the economy, plays a conducive role in improving green total factor productivity. Against this backdrop, avoiding corporate ESG decoupling is essential in the pursuit of green and quality development of enterprises. With data from Shanghai and Shenzhen A-share listed companies from 2016 to 2022, this study explores the impact of digital finance on corporate ESG decoupling, and the findings reveal that digital finance can suppress corporate ESG decoupling, and the effect is significant at the 1% level. Specifically, digital finance curbs corporate ESG decoupling by alleviating financing restraints on enterprises, increasing investment efficiency, improving the quality of information disclosure, and minimizing managerial myopia; the effect is more pronounced in non-state-owned enterprises, high-tech enterprises, and heavy-polluting enterprises; second, investor attention positively moderates the effect of digital finance on corporate ESG decoupling. The research findings are expected to provide an empirical basis and policy recommendations to allow digital finance to play a more effective role in leading enterprises to healthy and quality development.

Abstract In India, the cinema industry has gotten a facelift with the absorption of regional cinema into its defined and confined boundaries, which was earlier a monopoly of commercial Bollywood films as well as award-winning Hindi films. One of the pertinent problems it deals with is the societal, political, and individual negligence towards the marginalised and underprivileged gender minority communities in different parts of the country. This essay traces how transwomen are represented in Indian regional cinema and how the two representative South Indian films, Nanu Avanalla Avalu (2015) and Njan Marykutty (2018), chosen for study, become visual texts which mark clear demarcation from the existing trans narratives and call for a progressive perception to the representation of transwomen in regional cinema. A critical analysis of these films brings forth the nuances and politics of the representation of transwomen on screen by emphasising the construction and contestation of transfemininity and its association with the visible and invisible cisheteronormative patriarchal power play prevalent in society. It also examines the cinematic construction of transphobia directed towards transwomen and concludes on how such progressive narratives can pave the way for an inclusive society through sensitisation of their experiences and issues to a mass audience.

Abstract The present study aims to explore group types of job stress in university teachers in China. Utilizing an indigenously developed university teachers’ job stress scale in China alongside other tools, a survey was conducted on 1988 teachers from 22 Chinese higher education institutions from a person-oriented perspective. Stratified cluster random sampling and K-means clustering techniques were employed to derive a classification model for job stress among university educators. According to job stress characteristics, Chinese university teachers were classified into six significantly heterogeneous groups: relatively high stress, task-related stress, relatively low stress, interpersonal-related stress, extremely low stress, and extremely high stress. The average job burnout and job satisfaction scores of the different groups exhibited varying features. In general, the extremely high stress group should be the most concerned, whereas university teachers with mid-level stress merit less attention. But the medium-stress group was further subdivided. University teachers under task-related stress have more stress-related consequences than those of university teachers under interpersonal-related stress. There are significant differences in the distribution of university teachers’ job stress group types across demographic groups defined by gender and university types. University administrators should focus on university teachers under task-related stress. This classification model offers direct references for the stress management and psychological aid of university teachers.

Abstract The regulation of xenotransplants in the European Union has undergone significant changes, particularly with the introduction of the Reflection Paper on the Classification of Advanced Therapy Medicinal Products. This paper defines products containing animal cells or tissues for human administration as Advanced Therapeutic Medicinal Products (ATMPs). This regulatory shift extended restrictions on ATMPs to other products like animal cell/tissue transplants. This article examines the implications of this change, exploring concerns about reclassifying procedures currently in clinical practice and neglecting the nature of xenotransplants as transplants rather than medicinal products. It highlights challenges in adopting this classification, including increased costs for healthcare facilities, and sustainability concerns. Recommendations are provided, including creating separate legislation for animal cells, tissues, and organs, refining ATMP classification criteria to exempt products without genome modification, recombinant nucleic acids, substantial manipulation, or intended non-homologous use, and reducing regulatory burdens for minimally manipulated xenotransplants to facilitate access. Engaging experts and stakeholders in decision-making and balancing safety with accessibility and sustainability is advocated. The article emphasizes the need to avoid hindering the clinical translation of xenotransplants and to implement proportionate, science-based legislation that inspires global harmonization while benefiting patients.

Abstract The dominance of one powerful, ‘killer’ language, particularly in formerly colonized countries, has been studied mainly in the context of language education in a multilingual scenario. However, attitudes towards linguistic hegemony remain largely unexplored, an issue that takes on added significance in India, a country known for its exceptional linguistic diversity. The ethnographic study attempts to bridge the gap by analyzing the implicit and explicit language attitudes toward English and Hindi language hegemony among Indians representing a diverse spectrum of linguistic, geographical, and socioeconomic backgrounds. Explicit attitudes, consciously held and reported perceptions, were investigated through one-on-one and group interviews with 60 participants while implicit attitudes, unconsciously held beliefs, were explored through field observations. The study also examined whether English is still viewed as a remnant of colonialism in India. The findings of the thematic analysis reveal that English has largely shed its colonial associations, with socioeconomic status, and the medium of instruction significantly influencing these attitudes. With its exploration of Hindi hegemony in addition to English, the research offers fresh insights into the evolving linguistic landscape of India and contributes to a more nuanced understanding of language dynamics in a post-colonial, globalized society.

Abstract Awarding public contracts using evaluation criteria that consider price and quality (MEAT) rather than the lowest price allows contracting authorities to pursue broader societal goals, thereby maximising the potential of value for money. This potential becomes even more important when procuring contracts funded by European Structural and Investment Funds (ESIF), which aim to promote environmental sustainability, encourage innovations, and support small and medium-sized enterprises. Despite this, there is a limited understanding of how public authorities adopt MEAT award criteria in procurement contracts co-funded by ESIF resources. Therefore, this paper investigates the effect of ESIF on adopting MEAT in the procurement practices of Slovak regional and local authorities. Using a unique dataset of below and above-threshold contracts, we find a positive effect of ESI co-funding on adopting MEAT criteria. However, this positive effect is significant only when projects are procured using more flexible and straightforward below-threshold procurement procedures. Accounting for prior experience and challenges of complying with above-threshold procurement procedures, the findings underline the importance of organisational capacity in navigating through burdensome procurement and ESIF regulations to obtain the best value using taxpayers’ money.

Abstract Understanding how policy adaptation influences firms’ shift toward sustainability is a crucial global issue. In response, this paper investigates the impact of China’s environmental vertical management reform (EVMR) on corporate environmental, social, and governance (ESG) performance. The reform aimed to address prior shortcomings by restructuring power allocation and redefining the authority and responsibility between local governments and environmental protection departments. Focusing on the micro perspective of firms, we employ a staggered difference-in-difference model to analyze a sample of A-share listed companies from 2009 to 2021. Our findings show that the new environmental reform significantly enhances the ESG performance of local firms. Three key underlying mechanisms are highlighted: the strengthening of provincial environmental regulatory capacity, intensified local environmental law enforcement, and increased corporate environmental compliance. Additionally, the lack of reform incentives and the differentiated implementation of provincial government are key constraints limiting the reform’s effectiveness. This study contributes to the theoretical understanding of government structural reform, emphasizing the critical role of institutional contexts in evaluating the balance between environmental decentralization and centralization. It also provides a detailed, contextual, and multi-tier analysis that enriches both grassroots governance theories and sustainability literature.

Abstract This case study examined how the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) managed the 2018 Hajj season, one of the largest worldwide gatherings, to identify prominent communication strategies utilised in a large event. The two-way symmetrical communication and the renewal discourse theory served as theoretical frameworks. A thematic analysis was utilised to analyse communication content, news articles, and tweets. It is almost impossible to know whether the KSA intentionally applied Grunig’s two-way symmetrical communications theory; nevertheless, the results suggested that KSA operated in a way that followed Grunig’s theory. The findings showed how the KSA learned from past mistakes and incorporated Grunig’s two-way symmetrical communication model to implement best public relations practices for a successful 2018 Hajj season. This case study provided various perspectives on how employing communication strategies can help manage a significant event successfully.

Abstract Historic inequalities among different income groups remain a contentious issue affecting neighbourhood sustainability, particularly in South Africa. Prior studies frequently focused on the separate influence of income and other variables of neighbourhood satisfaction, failing to thoroughly explore how these variables intersect and interact with one another. The key objective of this study is to examine the interplay of income and other drivers of neighbourhood satisfaction in the Gauteng Province of South Africa to determine the net importance of household income on one’s neighbourhood satisfaction. The study analyses a sample of 8996 adult respondents interviewed in the Quality of Life 6 Survey (2020/21) conducted in the highly urbanised Gauteng province of South Africa. Bivariate and multivariable statistical techniques are employed to estimate the magnitude of the association between household income and neighbourhood satisfaction. The results show a strong association between household income and individuals’ neighbourhood satisfaction. However, neighbourhood satisfaction based on income alone does not offset the adverse roles of other non-monetary factors as individual and contextual factors. It is imperative to comprehensively understand the interactions between income and other drivers of neighbourhood satisfaction to address various disparities and inequities among income groups and create customised interventions to enhance good housing outcomes and neighbourhood satisfaction in Gauteng.

Abstract The Peoples of the Arctic and Arctic health and sustainability are highly interconnected and essentially one and the same. An appropriate path to a sustainable Arctic involves a shift away from individual learning and achieving toward community leadership and the betterment of society. This article draws upon mindset theory from Western psychology and Indigenous relational accountability to propose and outline a model for achieving sustainability in the Arctic. The geographic focus is the North American Arctic. The principles of the argument and the foundations of the model may apply across the Circumpolar North. The paper is a call to action for social scientists and policy makers in the Arctic to implement an Indigenous-led and self-determined social science. Empowering and supporting Indigenous leaders and scholars to direct and conduct autonomous social science research would inherently produce well-being and sustainability for Indigenous communities and regions. The arguments are supported by an inductive analysis of peer-reviewed literature, and the model is organized and illustrated using a schematic of concentric circles. The foundational elements of the model include: Indigenous sovereignty, Indigenous ontology, Indigenous models of sustainability, and Indigenous scholarship. Environmental scientists, resource managers, and policy makers are directed to better understand, accept, and support Indigenous science as a comprehensive and valid knowledge system; change how they use key terminology in research; rethink research roles; and amend processes and timelines for research development and funding. To achieve the desired outcomes for community well-being and Arctic sustainability, Arctic social scientists should seriously consider centering Indigenous science, especially in Indigenous communities.

Abstract As crucial fixed links of the transportation systems, high bridges play an essential role in overcoming geographical barriers in mountainous areas. Despite their importance, comprehensive evaluations of the collective spatial-temporal effects of multiple high bridges across broad regions are lacking. This study addresses this gap by analyzing the impact of 295 high bridges in Guizhou, China, on travel accessibility and economic potential through spatial analysis under scenarios with and without these bridges. The aim is to quantify their contributions to accessibility and assess their impacts on regional economic integration from 2000 to 2020. The findings reveal that high bridges significantly improved travel accessibility and economic potential within counties, with the average contributions being the greatest for the period 2010–2015 within the whole study period. High bridge construction promoted accessibility convergence and economic integration, reducing regional disparities. The decline in the coefficient of variation (CV) of accessibility demonstrated a converging effect; while the CV of economic potential showed an initial growth followed by a decline. Economically disadvantaged counties gained the most in accessibility and economic potential, highlighting the role of high bridges in regional integration. This study proposes a framework for accurately measuring the economic benefits of high bridges, providing insights for future transport planning in isolated mountainous counties and supporting economic development in regions with underdeveloped transportation infrastructure.

Abstract The main objective of this research article is to examine the effect of intellectual capital (IC) and its dimensions on the financial performance (FP) of the Indian renewable energy industry, guided by the Resource-Based View (RBV). The study employed data from 36 solar and 39 wind sector companies for six years, from 2017 to 2022. Moreover, the modified value added intellectual coefficient (MVAIC) model was used to measure the company’s IC. Further, the paper uses panel data regression analysis to examine the above-mentioned objectives. The results showed that IC improves the earnings and profitability of solar sector companies, while for wind sector companies, it only helps boost their profitability. Contrary to the expectation, human capital efficiency (HCE) failed to show any effect on the FP of the Indian solar sector companies. However, HCE positively moderates the relationship between structural capital efficiency (SCE) and FP, as well as relational capital efficiency (RCE) and FP. For the wind sector companies, HCE significantly and positively affects the FP; however, HCE negatively moderates SCE and profitability while positively for capital employed efficiency (CEE) and FP. This research adds new data from an industry that has previously received little attention (i.e. Indian renewable energy industry), thus broadening the research on the relationship between IC and FP. Moreover, the study may provide in-depth insights into the MVAIC dimensions as it discovers the moderating effect of human capital in boosting the company’s FP.

Abstract The representation of Spanish-speaking students in STEM identity literature, particularly in physics identity, is conspicuously minimal. This study addresses this gap with a two-pronged approach. First, a physics identity instrument was adapted for Spanish-speaking STEM students to promote inclusivity in educational research. Data from 334 Mexican STEM students was collected and analysed for validation through factor analyses and Cronbach’s alpha, confirming the structural integrity and reliability of the adapted instrument. Second, the instrument was employed to examine the correlation between physics identity and academic performance in a separate dataset from 200 engineering students, using multivariate linear and logistic regressions. The findings underscore gender’s impact on physics course grades. Notably, variations in physics identity among engineering students indicated a potential link with their chosen field. Despite the importance of physics in engineering, physics identity was lower than expected, and performance in physics courses did not consistently correlate with a strong physics identity. However, the ‘interest in physics topics’ subconstruct did correlate with physics course grades. This research fills a critical void by providing an adapted instrument for assessing physics identity in Spanish-speaking students and underscores the need for pedagogical shifts to enhance physics identity and STEM outcomes for Latino students.

Abstract Current legislation and market dynamics require and encourage systems to become more open and interoperable. Given this shift, the challenge arises as to how service providers can navigate such environments and whether and how known platform economics are affected by that change. In this context, our work investigates behavior when users interact with services in highly interoperable environments, examining the influence of service attributes and platform economics on service selection and switching decisions, with a focus on the role of transaction cost and time, onboarding time, privacy, ownership, and community. For this purpose, we designed and conducted an extensive survey study with more than 500 respondents that combined a conjoint study with an experimental part on switching scenarios. Our findings suggest that transaction features such as cost, time, and privacy are the main factors in service selection with part-worth utilities being 2.1 to 14.7 times higher than non-transactional features. Additionally, building a strong community and offering ownership opportunities to users are effective strategies for customer retention. Further, we observe that rational choice theory does not explain switching decisions in many cases. Our study has important implications for both industry practitioners and policymakers. Practitioners can use our results to carefully manage effective customer retention strategies, while policymakers can use them to better regulate digital markets.

Abstract The increasing use of artificial intelligence (AI) systems in our daily lives through various applications, services, and products highlights the significance of trust and distrust in AI from a user perspective. AI-driven systems have significantly diffused into various aspects of our lives, serving as beneficial “tools” used by human agents. These systems are also evolving to act as co-assistants or semi-agents in specific domains, potentially influencing human thought, decision-making, and agency. Trust and distrust in AI serve as regulators and could significantly control the level of this diffusion, as trust can increase, and distrust may reduce the rate of adoption of AI. Recently, a variety of studies focused on the different dimensions of trust and distrust in AI and its relevant considerations. In this systematic literature review, after conceptualizing trust in the current AI literature, we will investigate trust in different types of human–machine interaction and its impact on technology acceptance in different domains. Additionally, we propose a taxonomy of technical (i.e., safety, accuracy, robustness) and non-technical axiological (i.e., ethical, legal, and mixed) trustworthiness metrics, along with some trustworthy measurements. Moreover, we examine major trust-breakers in AI (e.g., autonomy and dignity threats) and trustmakers; and propose some future directions and probable solutions for the transition to a trustworthy AI.

Abstract This study explores the impact of a characteristic-based review system (CRS) compared with a conventional rating review system on customer engagement for offline sellers within the framework of a map-based platform. This study uses a quasi-experimental approach, the difference-in-differences method, to investigate actual data collected from a map-based platform in South Korea. The results demonstrate a notable improvement in customer engagement metrics facilitated by a CRS. Compared with the conventional rating review system, an 8.55% increase in the time customers stay, a 7.68% increase in the number of visits, a 17.23% increase in instances of sharing seller information, and a notable 11.4% increase in the number of times the destination guidance feature is used are observed. The nuanced feedback mechanism of the CRS and spatial context within the map-based platform contribute to a more informed and location-specific customer decision-making process. This study offers theoretical insights into the impact of CRSs on customer engagement, introduces expanded metrics, and underscores the importance of the spatial context. It also provides practical implications for platform operators, offline sellers, and customers, emphasizing the potential benefits of implementing a CRS to improve credibility and engagement in online reviews.

Abstract As many countries recover from COVID-19 without constraints with travelling issues, in which citizens’ travelling and commuting behaviours and patterns are reemphasised. However, as for low-income households who are relatively disadvantaged and excluded from the labour and housing markets, research on their commuting behaviours and movement patterns has been underestimated, though they play an important role in improving social equality and ensuring the long-term sustainability of welfare systems. This study explores and predicts the extent to which jobs-housing balance can be understood and interpreted here by capturing dynamics in low-income households’ commuting behaviours and patterns influenced by subsidy housing preferences. A Spatial General Equilibrium Model is adopted based on the census data and a large-migrant survey in 2010–2020, China. The findings indicate that low and middle-low income households influenced by policy preferences adjust to their commuting behaviours by decreasing the commuting times and distances among different districts, showing a better jobs-housing balance. Low-income households tend to have a higher elasticity of jobs-housing balance than middle-low income households. Policy preferences contribute to improving jobs-housing balance and reducing commuting costs, and it is largely attributed to the quality of local transport infrastructure. Policy implications and limitations are also drawn.

Abstract With the continuous increase of older adults, population ageing has become a public policy issue worldwide. Gaining insight into the current state of population ageing and its impact on income inequality is essential for designing effective and equitable policies that support economic development and social stability. This study, focusing on rural China, explores the relationship between population ageing and Gini coefficient of income, using nationally representative rural household data collected by the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs of China from 2003 to 2020. Results based on the decoupling index and decomposition method reveal that the issue of income inequality in the surveyed rural areas has not intensified with the progression of ageing, which overturns the predominant view in existing research that population ageing exacerbates income inequality. The findings indicate that the inhibitory effect of increasing transfer income on income inequality has become more pronounced as ageing deepens, and the income structural effect of rural residents in China has played a role in reducing the Gini coefficient. Based on these results, some suggestions are proposed such as raising parental allowance, improving rural production and living environment, constrcuting the long-term care system, and implementing multifaceted measures to enhance the income level of rural older adults.

Abstract As China’s electric vehicle (EV) industry shifts from policy-driven to market-oriented development, understanding post-purchase satisfaction and its driving factors becomes imperative. This study compiled objective product attributes and consumer online reviews for 1321 EV models from China’s largest automotive website, Autohome, covering the period between 2014 and 2022. By employing data mining and sentiment analysis (SA) techniques, this research extracted consumers’ overall satisfaction with EVs and identified the subjective product attributes that garnered the most attention in consumer online comments. Utilizing a machine learning (ML)—SHapley Additive exPlanations (SHAP) framework, the research pinpointed the most impactful objective and subjective product attributes on consumer satisfaction and ranked their impact intensity both statically and dynamically. The findings reveal that Chinese consumers are generally satisfied or very satisfied with their EVs. From a static perspective, distinctive objective product attributes of EVs, such as total motor power and range, play a crucial role in influencing consumer satisfaction. In terms of subjective product attributes, aspects like space, design, handling, and comfort are the most captivating to consumers and significantly shape their satisfaction. However, the dynamic analysis indicates that range anxiety persists, despite gradually increasing consumer satisfaction as the EV market matures. Additionally, price remains a crucial factor, particularly following the widespread implementation of subsidy withdrawal policies, making it the most sensitive factor for EV consumers. This study represents the first application of an explainable artificial intelligence framework to quantify the marginal impacts of various automotive product attributes on consumer satisfaction.

Abstract This research investigates the relationships between perceived school climate, collective teacher efficacy, teacher self-compassion, and their combined impact on the subjective well-being of Chinese university teachers (n = 617). Utilizing a social-ecological framework, we employed structural equation modeling (SEM) to examine these relationships. Our findings reveal direct positive associations between perceived school climate and collective teacher efficacy with teacher subjective well-being. Furthermore, teacher self-compassion emerged as a significant mediator in these relationships, highlighting its role as a crucial personal resource that links the school environment to individual well-being. These results underscore the importance of fostering positive school climates, enhancing collective efficacy, and cultivating self-compassion to support teacher well-being in the context of Chinese higher education. The implications of these findings for educational policies and practices aimed at promoting a more sustainable and flourishing academic environment are discussed.

Abstract In today’s increasingly interconnected globe, there continues to be a pressing need for thorough research that can shed light on the causes of HIV-related mortality and the primary factors at play in this epidemic. By using an annual dataset, this study analyzed the impact of behavioral risk factors, income, and human capital on HIV-related deaths (HIVD) across all countries and regions. The empirical findings of the panel regression demonstrate that drug use and unsafe sex have a statistically significant and positive effect on HIVD. On the other hand, mean years spent in school and gross national income per capita both have a statistically significant and negative influence on HIVD. The findings of the variance decomposition suggest that drug use should be confronted in wealthy nations to lower HIVD, but both human capital and economic development have a greater influence on the battle against HIVD in underdeveloped and developing countries. In addition, the findings of the panel Granger causality test demonstrate that factors other than unsafe sex can be used as leading indicators in the process of forecasting HIVD. According to these findings, economic variables, as well as behavioral risk factors in emerging nations, and in industrialized countries, should be taken into account when formulating strategies for preventing HIV/AIDS.

Abstract Using National Sample Survey Organisation (NSSO) data, this study assesses the employment situation in Uttar Pradesh (UP), the most populous state in India, focusing on rural nonfarm employment. The primary objective of our study is to investigate the potential reasons for the movement of the labour force from farm to nonfarm activities over time in Uttar Pradesh. In UP, we observe that a higher proportion of workers are engaged in casual employment and employment growth stagnation in the rural manufacturing sector. We further observe that there is a declining proportion of people who are self-employed and regularly employed, and this situation has contributed to the casualisation of the rural workforce in UP. We also find that the average wages in agriculture are lower than those in non-agricultural activities. These observations point to the direction of distress in the agricultural sector, causing a shift in the workforce to a rural nonfarm sector. Casual employment in the rural nonfarm sector is considered to be low-paying employment compared to self-employment and regular employment outside agriculture, which are considered better-paying options. Hence, any movement of the workforce from agriculture to rural casual nonfarm employment is possibly driven by distress in the agricultural sector. Using a multinomial logit model, this study reveals that across all employment status categories, including agricultural labour, cultivators, nonfarm regular employment, nonfarm self-employment, and nonfarm casual employment, the likelihood of working in high-paying nonfarm regular and self-employment activities increases with better educational attainment, larger landholdings, and placement among the upper castes in social groups.

Abstract Communication is widely acknowledged as an essential ingredient for inter- and trans-disciplinary collaboration. Scholars are increasingly using podcasts in education, research, and outreach. Combining these two observations, this article explores how podcasting can be used in the classroom to teach and practice the skills relevant to communication in interdisciplinary settings. The study reflects on the practice of two master-level courses in which the students were asked to make a podcast as an assignment. It combines class observation and students’ reflections, analysed in light of the literature on interdisciplinary education, and triangulated with other experiences of scholarly podcasting. The study contributes to fill two gaps: the lack of practise-based research on how communication and interpersonal competencies for interdisciplinarity can be taught and assessed in the classroom; the need to further document and reflect on the practice of scholarly podcasting to highlight how the skills implicated therein can contribute to build competencies for interdisciplinary collaboration. The main finding is that making a podcast as an assignment can support students in acquiring and practicing interpersonal competencies and skills for working in interdisciplinary teams, like active listening, communication, negotiation, and reflexivity. The article concludes by reflecting on the transformational potential of the podcast, as an ear opener that foregrounds the importance of listening in inter- and trans-disciplinary collaborations.

Abstract Improving educational quality is a universal concern. Despite efforts made in this regard, learning outcomes have not improved sufficiently. Therefore, further investigation is needed on this issue, adopting new perspectives (conceptual and analytical) to facilitate the understanding and design of effective actions. The objective of this study was to determine the influence of executive functions (considering both cognitive and affective processes) and their interactions on learning outcomes in Language and Literature and Mathematics in Spanish students, through the use of artificial intelligence, based on the machine learning approach, and more specifically, the decision tree technique. A total of 173 students in compulsory secondary education (12–17 years old) from the same educational institution participated. The school’s educational counsellor provided information on student executive function levels by completing the BRIEF2 questionnaire for each participant. She also reported on the learning outcomes achieved by students in the subjects of interest for this research (Language and Literature and Mathematics). R software was used to model the regression trees. The results revealed groups of students characterised by different profiles, i.e., by different combinations of difficulties in various executive functions and varying levels of learning outcomes in each academic area. However, regardless of the academic area considered (Language and Literature or Mathematics), working memory was identified as the most relevant executive function in all of the students’ learning outcomes. Understanding the combination of executive functions that predict learning outcomes in each group of students is important since it enables teachers and other educational professionals, policymakers and researchers to provide individualised educational resources according to the diverse student profiles and needs. It constitutes an effective mechanism to improve students’ learning results and, ultimately, to enhance an equitable and more effective educational system.