This study examines the synergy between cultural communication and economic activities within the social context of society, focusing on two prominent cultural heritage sites in Indonesia the Vredeburg Fort Museum in Yogyakarta and Borobudur Temple in Magelang. Using a descriptive qualitative method with a case study approach, data were collected through observation, interviews, documentation, and literature review. The findings reveal that cultural communication in tourism operates not only through verbal interactions but also symbolically through artifacts, spatial settings, and traditional expressions. Economic activities such as trade, tourism services, and creative industries function as mediums for cultural value exchange while simultaneously generating economic benefits for local communities. Local actors serve as cultural brokers who preserve, interpret, and convey cultural meanings to visitors. The study concludes that economic activities, when grounded in local wisdom and managed sustainably, can reinforce cultural continuity instead of undermining authenticity. The synergy between culture and economy contributes to community welfare, cultural sustainability, and the strengthening of social identity.

This study examines the role of co-creation storytelling practices in enhancing the cultural tourism experience within traditional weaving communities in Sikka, Indonesia, and Kumasi, Ghana. This research seeks to elucidate the processes through which narratives concerning traditional weaving are collaboratively constructed and disseminated among weavers, tour guides, local stakeholders, and tourists. This collaborative effort serves to enhance the authenticity and emotional resonance of the tourist experience. The study employed an ethnographic approach in Sikka through in-depth interviews, participatory observation, and document analysis, while literature review and secondary data were used to examine Kumasi. The findings indicate that storytelling functions not only as a means of cultural preservation but also as a strategic instrument in the development of cultural tourism. Through the process of co-creation, storytelling is revealed as a dialogic mechanism wherein diverse participants contribute to the development of meaningful and immersive experiences. Nonetheless, the study also underscores the tension between cultural authenticity and commodification within tourism contexts. Theoretically, this study advances the field of tourism literature by integrating the frameworks of cultural heritage, narrative theory, and co-creation. Practically, it underscores the significance of empowering local communities in the construction of narratives and engaging tourists as active participants.

The informal economy unfortunately is still without a clear and precise definition indeed, it represents a contradictory reflection of advantages and disadvantages. The phenomenon of informality emerges when the formal sector becomes unable to absorb the new entrants to the labor market. Graduate unemployment also seems to be a global issue today that arises in North African countries and in Tunisia in particular. Our empirical work, which explores the relationship between graduate unemployment and the informal economy in Tunisia, rejects the hypothesis of the existence of a causal effect between these two variables. However, the increase in informality remains dependent on economic institutional variables (the degree of Tunisia's economic freedom), political institutional variables such as political stability and government efficiency, and especially on public investment with the aim of improving the economy.

The movement of humans from one country to another in search of greener pastures over the years has become more pronounced. In the ever-evolving landscape of global migration, of particular interest is the migration of African mothers to China. Hence, the experiences of African mothers raising their children in China stand as a compelling narrative, ripe for exploration. By employing a well-structured interview, this qualitative study explored the multifaceted realities faced by this unique demography. Participants in the study were African mothers from five different African countries, namely, Nigeria, Ghana, Kenya, Burundi, and Zimbabwe, living in China. Traversing the intersections of race, gender, and migration, the study illuminates the nuanced strategies employed by African migrant mothers as they negotiate their identities and parenting approaches. From the daunting language barriers to the navigation of shifting societal norms, these resilient women navigate a complex web of obstacles, all while striving to provide their children with a sense of belonging and a strong cultural foundation. By unveiling the unique challenges and coping mechanisms of African migrant mothers in China, this study further brings to the limelight the intricate interplay between cultural identity, parenting practices, and the challenges of adapting to a foreign environment. Understanding the resilience, adaptation, extraordinary lives, and universal bonds of African migrant mothers in China, this study offers a window into the complexities of the migrant experience and the remarkable strength that transcends borders.

New artists in contemporary art markets, mostly of the Gen-Z generation and Millennials, are significantly challenged in terms of value creation and identification of buyers. They are not established artists and have no historical sales records, customer networks, and therefore struggle to build their market positioning, and thus bring high uncertainty to revenue levels. Customers in this very market are heterogeneous: some consumers care about aesthetics, technical expertise, or a reputation, whereas others are concerned about ethical production, sustainability, or environmental values. This is a combination of both market uncertainty and a variety of consumer intentions that leads to these unstable early income streams. The paper discusses how the term upcycled can be a strategic tool to reduce valuation uncertainty, stabilize prices, and capture consumers with a greater WTP. We used signaling and screening theory to model the decision-making process of an artist who decides whether to create normal artwork or upcycled artwork with an emphasis on buyers who are environmentally conscious. The consumers have been classified into the general and environmentally conscious types, with different WTP distributions. The model takes into consideration production costs, price volatility, and the expected payoffs in order to find the conditions under which the upcycled labeling would maximize the expected utility of the artist.

Background: Establishing clear boundaries would help remote workers delineate their professional responsibilities from their personal time and promoting a healthier work-life balance. this study aims to investigate the impact of different living arrangements and boundary-setting strategies on overall well-being. Methods: In a cross-sectional design, a total of 293 workers participated in an online survey. Well-being was measured using the 14-item Scale of General Well-Being (14-SGWB). Results: Only 35.8% of remote workers had a dedicated desk at home in a room with a door that can be closed. Around 35% stated that the boundaries set between work and personal life were a little unclear and 38.5% reported often feeling that work intruded on their personal time. Linear regression analysis showed that setting clearer work-life boundaries (Beta=2.46), having comfort in people around them (Beta=4.46) were significantly associated with higher well-being scores. Conclusion: a dedicated workstations, clear boundaries, and support from cohabitants positively impact remote workers well-being. It is recommended that organizations prioritize the implementation of supportive measures such as training programs, flexible work arrangements, and clear communication channels to enhance the well-being of their remote workforce.

This study aimed to examines the efforts to optimize Regional Original Revenue (PAD) through port service levies at the North Sulawesi Provincial Transportation Agency. Given North Sulawesi’s strategic position as an archipelagic trade and logistics hub, port service levies represent a critical source of regional financing. Despite the potential, PAD from port levies has consistently underperformed relative to targets, reflecting structural, technical, and administrative constraints. Using a qualitative approach, data were collected through in-depth interviews, observation, and document analysis with key stakeholders, including agency officials, field officers, and port service users. The analysis focused on five indicators: levy collection effectiveness, administrative and operational efficiency, levy potential, constraints and challenges, and optimization strategies. Findings indicate that while administrative procedures are standardized and supported by digital applications, full digitalization has not been achieved, limiting operational efficiency. The potential for levy revenue remains underutilized due to incomplete data, weak inter-agency coordination, and regulatory gaps that restrict local authority. Structural issues such as overlapping authority, insufficient technical support, and limited human resource capacity further hinder optimization. Budget constraints emerged as the most critical determinant, restricting routine monitoring, data collection, and field supervision, particularly in remote and archipelagic areas. Strategies to enhance levy collection emphasize regulatory adaptation, managerial capacity building, and technological modernization through integrated digital systems. Strengthening inter-agency coordination, improving human resources, and implementing evidence-based governance are essential to closing the implementation gap. This study highlights that optimizing port service levies requires a multidimensional approach, integrating legal, fiscal, technological, institutional, and social factors to enhance regional fiscal autonomy and support sustainable development in North Sulawesi.

The purpose of this study is to determine the effects of shadow education activities on social justice in the Turkish education system based on the opinions of school administrators and teachers. The research is a qualitative study using a descriptive survey model conducted to determine the current situation regarding how and in what direction shadow education activities affect social justice in Turkey, based on the opinions of school administrators and teachers working in public primary and secondary education institutions. The study utilized the case study design from qualitative research designs. Content analysis was used in the analysis of the data. The study group consisted of a total of 40 participants, including 25 male and 15 female participants, who were school administrators and teachers working in public primary and secondary education institutions in the central district of Kastamonu province and the districts of Daday, Devrekani, and Seydiler during the 2022-2023 academic year. Of these participants, 14 school administrators (2 school principals, 1 assistant principal, and 11 vice principals) and 26 teachers formed the working group. Different sampling methods were used in the study, such as "purposive sampling," "convenience sampling," and "maximum diversity sampling." Data were collected through face-to-face, individual interviews using the interview method. A semi-structured interview form developed by the researcher was used as the data collection tool. MAXQDA 2024 qualitative data analysis software was used to analyze the data. The research results revealed that shadow education has both positive and negative reflections on the phenomenon of social justice. In this context, the positive reflections of shadow education on social justice include "Access and opportunity equality," "Academic gains," "Empowerment and self-efficacy," "Social and personal development," and "Policies that ensure social balance and access justice to shadow education." The negative reflections include "Access and opportunity inequality," "Academic losses," "Systemic and political barriers," "Social and psychosocial negativity," and "Powerlessness and self-inadequacy." Based on the findings reached under the relevant theme headings within the scope of the research, it was concluded that social policy initiatives such as educational assistance for children from families disadvantaged in accessing shadow education are necessary. It is also deemed necessary to increase budget allocations for education and implement lifelong policies that will raise families' living standards and establish social justice by minimizing class inequality and segregation.

Community engagement initiatives have become essential in fostering positive relationships between the police and local communities. This study aims to know the effects and impacts of such initiatives on enhancing police-community relationships in Baguio City and to identify the factors that contribute to the effectiveness of these engagement strategies. Understanding these elements is crucial for developing sustainable approaches to community policing and improving public safety. Using a qualitative descriptive research design, in-depth interviews were conducted with 15 participants, including police officers, community members, and barangay officials. Thematic analysis was employed to explore participants’ experiences and perspectives regarding community engagement practices and their influence on trust, cooperation, and mutual understanding between police and residents. Findings reveal that community engagement initiatives significantly build and reinforce trust, improve perceptions of safety, and facilitate positive police-community interactions. Key factors contributing to the effectiveness of these strategies include clear objectives, well-designed programs, active community involvement, collaborative partnerships with NGOs, and robust support from local government. Additionally, continuous feedback mechanisms and resource management were found essential for sustaining these initiatives. This study contributes valuable insights to the existing literature by highlighting the critical role of strategic planning and community collaboration in strengthening police-community relations. Practically, the findings underscore the importance of sustained, inclusive, and well-supported engagement efforts to foster long-term trust and cooperation, providing a model for similar urban communities seeking to enhance public safety and social cohesion.

Pulau Hiri, di sebelah barat Kota Ternate, memiliki daya tarik wisata yang unik, memadukan kekayaan ekologi, warisan budaya, dan nilai sejarah. Studi ini bertujuan untuk mengeksplorasi potensi, tantangan, dan merumuskan strategi kolaborasi dan digitalisasi dalam pengelolaan pariwisata di Pulau Hiri. Pendekatan fenomenologi kualitatif digunakan melalui observasi lapangan, wawancara mendalam, dan Diskusi Kelompok Terarah (FGD), yang dianalisis menggunakan kerangka fenomenologi Husserl–Moustakas. Hasil penelitian menunjukkan bahwa Pulau Hiri memiliki daya tarik "triple-helix" yang terdiri dari daya tarik ekologi, budaya, dan sejarah, tetapi perkembangannya masih terhambat oleh keterbatasan infrastruktur, peraturan adat, dan minimnya sinergi antar aktor. Dampak pariwisata bersifat ambivalen, memperkuat UMKM dan kesadaran ekologis, tetapi juga berpotensi menyebabkan tekanan sosial dan degradasi lingkungan. Sebagai kontribusi, studi ini menawarkan model HECDiS (Hiri Eco-Culture Digital Structuration) yang mengintegrasikan narasi budaya-ekologis (signifikasi), protokol adat (legitimasi), serta digitalisasi dan penguasaan sumber daya (dominasi). Model ini memberikan kontribusi teoritis dengan memperluas cakrawala sosiologi pariwisata berdasarkan strukturasi Giddens, sekaligus memberikan strategi praktis untuk mengembangkan destinasi pulau yang inklusif, profesional, dan berkelanjutan.