Search Results (21,896)

This paper presents an approach to teaching and consolidating skills in the context of sustainability “Prototyping Sustainability–Designing Sustainable IT” (ProS), using the workshop format for participatory and creative learning. The workshop integrates principles from Education for Sustainable Development (ESD), transformative and experiential learning, participatory design, and critical reflection on the digital age to engage participants in critically examining the environmental, economic, and social impacts of digital technologies in the context of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Structured in five modular phases, from self-reflection and knowledge activation to collaborative prototyping and peer evaluation, the workshop offers a hands-on, gamified learning experience centred on real-world sustainability challenges. Learners create user-centred paper-based prototypes for digital products using tactile materials, persona-driven scenarios and knowledge of sustainable product characteristics gained in the workshop. Outcome measurement is supported through pre- and post-workshop surveys, peer voting templates, and paper-based prototype artefacts, enabling rich insight into behavioural intentions and learning gains. The paper discusses the educational value and sustainability relevance of the workshop engaging young people in critically reflecting on the environmental, economic, and social consequences of digitalization. Finally, it highlights challenges and limitations and proposes directions for future research. Full article

Racialised minority populations were disproportionately affected by COVID-19 and saw the highest rate of COVID-19 infections and mortality. Low socioeconomic status, working as frontline workers, temporary employment, precarious immigration status and pre-existing medical conditions were factors that contributed to disadvantaged experiences. This systematic review looked at the impact of COVID-19 on racialised minority populations globally, recognising their experiences, perspectives and the effects on their physical and mental health. Eight electronic databases were searched (MEDLINE, PsycINFO, Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature (CINAHL), Social Sciences Citation Index (SSCI), Social Policy and Practice (SPP), Applied Social Sciences Index and Abstracts (ASSIA), MedRxiv and Research Square) for English language qualitative studies. Reference lists of relevant literature reviews and reference lists of articles were hand-searched for additional potentially relevant articles. Duplicates were removed, and articles were screened for titles and abstracts, followed by full-text screening. The Mixed Methods Appraisal Tool (MMAT) was used to assess the quality of the included studies (n = 70). Data were synthesised using thematic synthesis. Seven major and three minor themes were identified. The major themes related to (i) children and young people’s experiences of COVID-19; (ii) exacerbated pre-existing disparities relating to income, employment and housing security, health insurance and immigration status; (iii) lack of knowledge and information about COVID-19 and COVID-19 misinformation; (iv) racial history of medicine and treatment of racialised populations; (v) contemporary experiences of racism; (vi) impact on physical and mental health and wellbeing; (vii) concerns about safety at work. Minor themes related to (a) experiences of intercommunity mutual aid; (b) adherence to preventative guidance/COVID-19 restrictions; (c) the role of faith. Research needs to focus on developing and testing interventions that support transformation of social, cultural and economic systems towards equity of access to healthcare and healthcare knowledge. Research should be cognisant of interventions that have worked in shifting the equity dial in the past, implement these and use them to inform new approaches. Policy and practice should be mechanisms for enabling the implementation of interventions. Full article

This study explores the Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) disclosure practices of 31 information technology firms listed on Borsa Istanbul (BIST), with a particular emphasis on transparency and accountability. Building on legitimacy, stakeholder, and signalling theories, the study develops a composite ESG disclosure index based on 18 binary indicators covering strategy, environmental performance, social impact, stakeholder engagement, and governance structures. Each indicator is equally weighted and combined into environmental, social, and governance sub-indices, which are then aggregated into a firm-level ESG disclosure score using a single min–max normalisation scheme. K-means clustering, validated through the elbow method and silhouette coefficient, is applied to identify groups of firms with similar ESG disclosure profiles. The empirical results show substantial heterogeneity in disclosure intensity across Turkish IT firms. A small group of companies exhibits proactive and comprehensive ESG communication, whereas many firms disclose only limited and fragmented information. Governance- and reporting-related indicators (C6 and C7) are particularly influential, underscoring the importance of standardised ESG reporting and board-level oversight in strengthening transparency. The study contributes to the emerging ESG disclosure literature by providing a methodologically consistent framework for assessing ESG transparency in the IT sector and offering practical insights for regulators, investors, and corporate decision-makers aiming to improve the reliability of ESG reporting in Turkey. Full article

Context: Digital entrepreneurship has attracted the attention of governments, investors, and researchers, who are directing their efforts and resources toward investigating its causes. Several studies have focused on the positive factors contributing to entrepreneurial intentions, with Theory of Planned Behaviour (TPB) being the most cited. This paper examines the relationship among TPB, emotions and social capital in the digital context. Objective: To evaluate the impact of social capital and anticipated emotions (positive and negative) on the digital entrepreneurial intentions of students from Higher Education Institutions (HEIs). Methodology: The research proposed seven hypotheses, including two new ones, all of which are embedded in the digital context. Data were collected using a questionnaire administered to undergraduate students in Business Administration, Engineering, and Information Technology. A total of 1110 valid responses were obtained. The data were analysed using Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modelling (PLS-SEM). Results: Considering the TPB factors, Attitude (AT) and Perceived Behavioural Control (PBC) significantly impact Digital Entrepreneurial Intentions (DEI), while Subjective Norms (SN) show a statistically significant but weak effect (f² < 0.02). Social Capital (SC) indirectly influences DEI by shaping attitudes. Anticipated Positive Emotions (APE) and Anticipated Negative Emotions (ANE) are statistically significant; however, their practical moderating effects are weak. Conclusions: Perceived Behavioural Control (PBC) emerges as the strongest predictor of Digital Entrepreneurial Intention (DEI), while Subjective Norms (SN) and emotional factors (APE and ANE), though statistically significant, exhibit limited practical influence. Practical implications: Understanding how anticipated emotions interact with SC in shaping DEI can help educators and policymakers develop more effective strategies to support aspiring entrepreneurs. Originality: This study highlights the relationships among TPB factors, SC, APE, and ANE, underscoring the complex role of emotions in the digital entrepreneurial process. This research enriches the literature by incorporating emotional and social dimensions into the Theory of Planned Behaviour (TPB), demonstrating that digitalisation reshapes, rather than displaces, the cognitive foundation of entrepreneurial action. Full article

This paper investigates the investigators behind the distinct ‘moral panic’ that targeted mixed-race families residing in Britain’s multiracial port communities during the interwar period. This period witnessed heightened social anxieties following the First World War, exacerbated by the economic downturn and the visible presence of multiracial populations, a consequence of wartime labour demands. The 1919–1920 ‘race riots’, erupting in various British port cities, served as a critical catalyst in the exposure of underlying racial prejudices and anxieties surrounding interracial relationships and mixed-race children. In our paper we explore how the ensuing ‘moral panic’ was not simply a spontaneous societal reaction fuelled by sensationalist and prejudiced reporting in the press, but was actively constructed and sustained through a confluence of official investigations and the actions of key individuals within government and society. These forces collectively contributed to a pathological legacy that profoundly impacted the treatment and perception of mixed-race families in Britain well beyond the interwar years. Our paper builds upon our collaborative work with Peter Aspinall, to whom this paper is dedicated as one of his last scholarly endeavours. Full article

Background and aim: This study examines the impact of the digital world on the purchasing behaviour of Generation Z, with a specific focus on the Slovak context. While existing literature often analyses global or non-Slovak populations, this work provides a contextually grounded analysis of how digital exposure, online marketing communications and social networks shape the purchasing preferences of Slovak Generation Z consumers. Novelty and contributions: First comprehensive analysis in Slovakia linking digital environment exposure, social media marketing communications, and Generation Z purchase preferences within a clearly defined national context. We integrate context-specific variables (local digital infrastructure, cultural norms, and marketing practices) to identify regionally relevant determinants of online consumer behaviour. We formulate and test hypotheses about the interactions between digital experiences and online marketing channels to produce actionable insights for Slovak marketers and e-commerce platforms. Research problem and uniqueness: Problem: How do specific elements of the digital environment influence the purchasing decisions of Generation Z in Slovakia, and which online channels and content types are most effective for this demographic in the local context? Uniqueness: No prior Slovak study has systematically mapped the interrelations between digital exposure, marketing communication on social networks, and purchasing preferences of Generation Z in a local setting. This work contributes to understanding culturally and economically specific factors shaping digital purchasing behaviour in Slovakia. Methods: Quantitative study based on a questionnaire survey with a representative Slovak sample. Hypotheses are tested using appropriate statistical analyses to explore relationships between digital exposure, social network marketing communications, and Generation Z purchasing preferences. Expected results and practical implications: Identification of the most influential digital channels and content types for Slovak Generation Z consumers. Practical recommendations for local brands and e-commerce platforms to optimise digital campaigns targeting Slovak youth; insights into cultural nuances in consumer behaviour within Slovakia. Full article

Mixed-use development (MXD) is crucial for urban planning and travel. The COVID-19 outbreak had a significant impact on travel behaviour and MXD projects worldwide, particularly in high-income countries. However, limited studies have explored the predictors of MXD usage and travel patterns in low- and middle-income countries, including Malaysia, and how these events were affected by COVID-19. Using the Rowley and extended Hopenbrouwer and Louw models, this study investigates the travel patterns within MXD premises, their associated factors, and residents’ perspectives of internal and external trips before and during COVID-19 in Klang Valley, Malaysia. A mixed-method study was conducted by using a validated survey and performing a structured interview with MXD residents. A total of 134 and 52 respondents participated in the survey and qualitative interviews, respectively. Data were analysed using descriptive statistics, logistic regression models, and thematic analysis. A significantly higher proportion of MXD respondents engaged in external travel compared to internal travel before and during COVID-19. Before COVID-19, external travel was significantly higher among younger residents, government servants, higher-income earners, and those who owned a car and had recently moved to MXD areas. The odds of internal travel were significantly higher among private-sector employees, students, and low-income earners. During the pandemic, external travel frequency was significantly higher among male residents, older residents, government servants, high-income earners, and those with multiple vehicles. Residents with more parking lots tended to travel less internally compared to those with fewer parking lots allocated. Qualitative analyses revealed that cost-saving, convenience and comfort, social lifestyle, health and well-being, and green environment were the factors that shaped MXD residents’ perceived benefits of trip internalisation. Meanwhile, the barriers to internal trips included the lack of infrastructure, poor management, lifestyle activities/individual factors, and environmental factors. The recommended strategies to reduce external trips were to ensure diversified services and accessibility, inclusiveness in planning activities, promoting social interaction, and work-from-home policies. These findings reflect the strategies that can be incorporated to reduce external trips generated by MXD and enhance effective traffic management. Full article

Air pollution is one of the major global environmental challenges, particularly in urban and industrial areas, where multiple sources emit pollutants that compromise air quality and threaten human health. This study aims to analyze the effects of air pollution on the health of vulnerable urban populations, emphasizing monitoring techniques for key pollutants and comparing national and international air quality standards through a literature review. It also discusses the implications of these pollutants considering the 2030 Agenda, highlighting environmental education as a strategy for pollution mitigation, public awareness, and strengthening air quality policies. A qualitative and descriptive methodology was adopted, based on national and international research publications between 2005 and 2023, using databases such as PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, LILACS, and Google Scholar, with descriptors including “Air Pollution,” “Industrialization,” “Public Health,” and “Environmental Education.” The results indicate that industrial and transportation activities are the main sources of air pollution, contributing to an increase in cases of asthma, lung cancer, and cardiovascular diseases, as well as negatively impacting ecosystems and the economy. Even when pollutant levels comply with legal standards, vulnerable populations experience higher morbidity and mortality rates, highlighting the need for more stringent protection policies. Comparisons between the standards of the World Health Organization (WHO), the European Union (EU), the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), and the National Council for the Environment (CONAMA) reveal significant disparities in exposure limits. The WHO and the EU, aligned with Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) 3 and 13, advocate for stricter limits, while EPA and CONAMA regulations remain less stringent. This gap emphasizes the importance of internationally harmonized, evidence-based, and equitable air quality policies. Combating air pollution requires an integrated approach that combines stricter regulations, continuous monitoring, emissions control strategies, and environmental education. Promoting environmental awareness among children and young people can encourage behavioral changes and civic engagement. Environmental education, along with political and social responsibility, remains a fundamental path to mitigating health impacts and promoting sustainable development, in line with the 2030 Agenda. Full article

The traditional multi-attribute group decision-making (MAGDM) method easily ignores the interference effect among decision-makers (DMs), while quantum theory can effectively portray the uncertainty in the decision-making process and quantify the preference interference among DMs. The asymmetry of evaluation information in social networks can have a significant impact on decision-making. In this paper, a quantum MAGDM algorithm based on probabilistic linguistic term sets (PLTSs) and a quantum-like Bayesian network (QLBN) is proposed (PL-QLBN), utilizing quantum theory and social network concepts and introducing a novel method for calculating interference effects based on belief entropy. Firstly, a complete trust network is constructed based on the probabilistic linguistic trust transfer operator and the minimum path method. A trust aggregation method, considering interference effects, is proposed for the QLBN to determine the DM weights. Next, the attribute weights are calculated based on the entropy weight method. Then, a probabilistic linguistic MAGDM considering interference effects is proposed based on the QLBN. Finally, the feasibility and validity of the provided method are verified through Hefei City’s selection of wastewater reuse alternatives. Full article

This systematic review examines how translanguaging has been integrated into educational assessment, a domain historically dominated by monolingual norms. Drawing on 33 empirical studies published between 2012 and 2023, we employed an inductive–deductive coding approach to analyze how translanguaging is enacted across assessment types and its implications for teaching, learning, and equity. The literature was concentrated in North America. Findings reveal affordances of translanguaging assessments including more authentic demonstrations of knowledge, deepen content learning, affirm multilingual identities, and reduce linguistic anxiety and challenges including perceptions of illegitimacy, systemic policy constraints, and resource inequities. We argue that translanguaging provides a transformative framework for reimagining assessment as a socially just practice that validates multilingual repertoires. To capture the varied engagements with equity, we conceptualize translanguaging assessment as an epistemological and political stance along a spectrum of justice. The spectrum ranges from access and inclusion to structural transformation to highlight how scholars frame translanguaging within assessment as descriptive practice, pedagogical equity, political resistance, and systemic reimagining. We call for more geographically diverse and methodologically varied research to sustain translanguaging’s impact and inform systemic change. Full article

Missionary periodicals during the late Qing dynasty played a crucial role in introducing, translating, and systematizing Western scientific knowledge, thereby facilitating China’s transition from the traditional epistemic frameworks of “Lixue” to modern academic disciplines. Situated within a framework of knowledge transmission and disciplinary formation mediated by Chinese Christianity, this study moves beyond prior scholarship that mainly focused on individual missionary figures such as Young John Allen or specific publications like The Church News. Instead, it adopts a broader perspective, employing an integrated quantitative and qualitative analysis to examine their collective role in scientific modernization and disciplinization. The research argues that translational activities in these publications fundamentally reshaped China’s knowledge landscape. It specifically traces the semantic evolution of “Gezhi” (格致) and the transformation of “Lixue” from a moral-philosophical tradition toward the modern natural sciences. By reconstructing this process, the paper illuminates how Chinese Christianity contributed to knowledge structuring and academic modernization, highlighting its significant impact on contemporary disciplines such as Translation Studies. The findings underscore the multifaceted interactions among religious media, knowledge production, and social change. Full article

This research paper examines how economic sustainability, social sustainability and technological competence affect organizational values which then influence the economic performance in Saudi Arabian manufacturing businesses. The study used a quantitative research approach to gather data from 367 employees through convenience sampling in March 2025. Data analysis was performed through structural equation modeling with SmartPLS software. The study demonstrates that economic sustainability, social sustainability and technological competence directly impact organizational values which subsequently drive positive economic results. The research demonstrates that organizational values act as a connecting link between sustainability, technology elements and economic performance which proves their essential role in organizational success. The research demonstrates how Saudi Arabian manufacturers should unite sustainable practices with technological capabilities to achieve better outcomes, which is in line with Vision 2030 economic transformation objectives. The research provides valuable guidance to industry managers and policymakers who want to create sustainable business expansion and market competitiveness. Full article

Green manufacturing is an important path for accelerating the green transformation of the industrial development model. “Green Factories” certification serves as an innovative approach to voluntary environmental regulation, designed to guide firms toward optimal decision making in green manufacturing. Can the voluntary environmental regulation policy be effective, particularly in the absence of a mandatory, strictly environmental, social, and governance (ESG) framework environment? Utilizing the “Green Factories” certification pilot policy released by the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology (MIIT) in 2016 as a quasi-natural experiment, this study employs the staggered difference-in-differences (DID) model to estimate the impacts of the voluntary environmental regulation policy on corporate ESG performance. Using a panel dataset of 2585 Chinese A-share listed enterprises from the industrial sector spanning 2012 to 2021, the results show that the “Green Factories” certification pilot policy significantly improves corporate ESG performance, and the results remain consistent after robustness tests. The mechanism analysis reveals that the influencing channel mainly works through green technology innovation, total factor productivity (TFP), and digital transformation. Heterogeneity tests further indicate that the green manufacturing pilot policy has a stronger effect on larger, heavily polluting, private enterprises that receive greater investor attention. This study provides empirical evidence at the micro level on the determinants of corporate ESG performance and voluntary environmental regulation policy evaluation, offering practical insights for promoting green manufacturing engineering development. Full article

In recent years, information propagation on social networks has attracted extensive attention, with psychological characteristics of individuals exerting a significant influence on the diffusion process. Our study investigates the role of regret psychology and its impact on information spreading and behavioral adoption. We categorize individuals into regretful and non-regretful groups and introduce regret intensity together with the proportion of regretful individuals as dynamic variables. Based on this, we construct a two-layer interactive model consisting of a psychological layer and a behavioral layer. Then we establish the behavioral adoption model for the heterogeneous population and study the propagation characteristics of the regretful individuals on social networks. Furthermore, we derive the propagation dynamics using edge-based compartmental theory to examine the transmission mechanism. Numerical simulations, which coincide nicely with our theoretical analyses, reveal the crossover phenomena in phase transitions: as the regret threshold increases, adoption dynamics shift from second-order continuous to first-order discontinuous transitions. More importantly, for a given propagation probability, there exists an optimal regret threshold that maximizes the final adoption size. These findings highlight the crucial role of regret psychology in reshaping the propagation mechanism and provide a new theoretical perspective for understanding symmetry transformations and group heterogeneity in social contagion dynamics. Full article

This study centers on retirement planning achievement, examining its impact mechanism on older adults’ mental health and its boundary conditions. Drawing on self-determination theory (SDT) and conservation of resources (COR) theory, we tested a parallel mediation and a moderated mediation model using data from an online survey with 900 Chinese retirees aged 55–74. Structural equation modelling revealed that retirement planning achievement directly and positively predicted mental health, and indirectly through three pathways: greater active social participation, higher retirement enjoyment, and reduced retirement loss. Furthermore, retirement adjustment exhibited dual, and opposing, moderating effects on the direct path: low retirement loss, as a psychological resource, significantly amplified the positive impact of planning achievement (a resource gain spiral), whereas high retirement enjoyment attenuated its effect (a ceiling effect). Income-group analysis revealed that both the parallel mediation and moderated mediation models were fully supported in the average-income group, but effects were non-significant for the insufficient-income group and weakened in the sufficient-income group. These findings suggest that retirement planning achievement represents a key pathway to promoting mental health in later life, but its benefits are constrained by psychological resources and socioeconomic status. The “achievement dividend” is greatest among well-adjusted retirees in the average-income group, highlighting the heterogeneity in retirement adjustment and providing evidence for targeted, equitable ageing-support policies. Full article