Research Approach Research Articles

Pengembangan Media Video Animasi Pembelajaran Berbasis Pendekatan Inkuiri pada Mata Pelajaran Bahasa Inggris Kelas VIII SMP

The development of learning video media is carried out as an effort to solve student learning problems. This Learning Media can be used as an alternative to reduce problems in learning. This study aims to produce products in English class VIII subjects and determine the quality of validity and practicality of the products developed so that they are feasible to use. This study is a type of Research and Development (R&D) development or by using a 4-D development model (four-D model). This Model consists of 4 stages of development include Define, Design, Develop, Disseminate. The product validity test was conducted by 3 validators, namely 2 media validators and 1 material validator. Practicalities test was conducted on 31 students of Class VIII SMP Negeri 1 Junjung Sirih. The results of this study explain that the average percentage of media validators I and II respectively is 97.5% and 96.25% with the category of "Very Valid". From the assessment of material experts, an average percentage of 94.54% was obtained with the category of "Very Valid". For the assessment of practicality from students, a percentage of 93.22% was obtained with the product category "Very Practical" Based on these calculations, it can be concluded that the learning animation video media based on the inquiry approach in English subjects developed "Very Feasible" is used in learning

Go-Itata Ritualised Theatre Performance Modes of koma Aesthetics in a Performance as Research Production: Wela

The body speaks. Embodiment has always been the essence of communication in African theatre and ritual. Rituals are the wellspring of interpreting universal features of human behaviour and underpinning the theatrical. Yet theatre makers grapple with showcasing explicit ritual as performance. Ritual remains exquisitely different from theatre, and if moved from its original place and intent, it loses its integrity and purpose. Postdramatic performers have (re)embraced that their bodies can be used as a tool that can “speak” and offer new ways of interpreting ritual aesthetics. Through a methodology of ukuzilanda this article describes the performance as research approach with the emphasis on Postdramatic practices where embodying is celebrated as the main modality conveying messages in performance. This paper discusses the process undertaken to present ritual elements from the South African BaPedi male initiation in an aesthetic performance titled Wela (2021). Wela is a Pedi term which means “to cross-over” – this offers relevance both to the koma ritual it is representing as well as to the presentation of aesthetics of ritual through Postdramatic interpretations. Further, an approach coined as Go-itata embraces the (re)conceptual discussion of ritualised theatre that embraces the elements of embodied commentary, intent, and expressive narrative in the conceptual and staging processes. This paper offers Go-itata ritualised theatre performance modes to explore the (re)conceptual presentation of ritual aesthetics for the stage.

Interdisciplinary and Collaborative Training in Neuroscience: Insights from the Human Brain Project Education Programme.

Neuroscience education is challenged by rapidly evolving technology and the development of interdisciplinary approaches for brain research. The Human Brain Project (HBP) Education Programme aimed to address the need for interdisciplinary expertise in brain research by equipping a new generation of researchers with skills across neuroscience, medicine, and information technology. Over its ten year duration, the programme engaged over 1,300 experts and attracted more than 5,500 participants from various scientific disciplines in its blended learning curriculum, specialised schools and workshops, and events fostering dialogue among early-career researchers. Key principles of the programme's approach included fostering interdisciplinarity, adaptability to the evolving research landscape and infrastructure, and a collaborative environment with a focus on empowering early-career researchers. Following the programme's conclusion, we provide here an analysis and in-depth view across a diverse range of educational formats and events. Our results show that the Education Programme achieved success in its wide geographic reach, the diversity of participants, and the establishment of transversal collaborations. Building on these experiences and achievements, we describe how leveraging digital tools and platforms provides accessible and highly specialised training, which can enhance existing education programmes for the next generation of brain researchers working in decentralised European collaborative spaces. Finally, we present the lessons learnt so that similar initiatives may improve upon our experience and incorporate our suggestions into their own programme.

Dissecting L-glutamine metabolism in acute myeloid leukemia: single-cell insights and therapeutic implications

BackgroundAcute myeloid leukemia (AML) is a rapidly progressing blood cancer. The prognosis of AML can be challenging, emphasizing the need for ongoing research and innovative approaches to improve outcomes in individuals affected by this formidable hematologic malignancy.MethodsIn this study, we used single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) from AML patients to investigate the impact of L-glutamine metabolism-related genes on disease progression.ResultsOur analysis revealed increased glutamine-related activity in CD34 + pre-B cells, suggesting a potential regulatory role in tumorigenesis and AML progression. Furthermore, intercellular communication analysis revealed a significant signaling pathway involving macrophage migration inhibitory factor signaling through CD74 + CD44 within CD34 + pre-B cells, which transmit signals to pre-dendritic cells and monocytes. Ligands for this pathway were predominantly expressed in stromal cells, naïve T cells, and CD34 + pre-B cells. CD74, the pertinent receptor, was predominantly detected in a variety of cellular components, including stromal cells, pre-dendritic cells, plasmacytoid dendritic cells, and hematopoietic progenitors. The study’s results provide insights into the possible interplay among these cell types and their collective contribution to the pathogenesis of AML. Moreover, we identified 10 genes associated with AML prognosis, including CCL5, CD52, CFD, FABP5, LGALS1, NUCB2, PSAP, S100A4, SPINK2, and VCAN. Among these, CCL5 and CD52 have been implicated in AML progression and are potential therapeutic targets.ConclusionsThis thorough examination of AML biology significantly deepens our grasp of the disease and presents pivotal information that could guide the creation of innovative treatment strategies for AML patients.

Strategizing blockchain adoption in public cultural services: a comprehensive scoping review

PurposeThis paper explores the application of blockchain technology in the public cultural sector, where adoption remains limited despite its potential. The study identifies major use case scenarios and empirical examples of blockchain adoption in public sector cultural services through a scoping literature review.Design/methodology/approachA scoping literature review was conducted to map research and conceptual approaches to blockchain technology in the public cultural sector, focusing on key use cases emerging and empirical examples.FindingsThe review reveals that while blockchain has the potential to enhance public cultural services, its adoption is still in its early stages. Identified use cases include tokenization of cultural assets, digital rights management and decentralized funding models. Empirical examples in the public cultural sector are sparse, and the impact of the technology remains largely theoretical.Research limitations/implicationsThe study is limited by the scarcity of empirical data on blockchain adoption in public cultural services. Future research should focus on in-depth case studies and empirical analyses to understand the practical implications of blockchain in this sector.Practical implicationsPublic sector organizations offering cultural services may use these insights to guide blockchain adoption and implementation decisions.Social implicationsBlockchain adoption in public cultural services has the potential to democratize access, enhance transparency and foster community engagement, contributing to a more inclusive and participatory cultural ecosystem.Originality/valueThis paper contributes to the emerging discourse on blockchain in the public sector, focusing on the often-overlooked cultural services. It highlights the benefits and challenges of blockchain adoption in this sector, providing insights for future research and policy decisions.

Towards a framework for implementing blockchain technology in the construction industry of Sri Lanka

PurposeThe construction industry is often criticised due to inherited challenges: poor payment practices, inadequate collaboration, etc. Blockchain has the potential to address these issues with its salient features. Nonetheless, adopting blockchain and smart contracts (B&SC) within the construction industry is a comprehensive endeavour due to its intricate nature. The situation is bleak in Sri Lanka due to numerous barriers such as limited technical expertise, cost implications and many others. Hence, this paper aims to examine these barriers, appropriate strategies to overcome them, explore potential blockchain-applicable areas and formulate a framework to adopt B&SC in the construction industry of Sri Lanka (CISL).Design/methodology/approachThis study employed a mixed research approach. The barriers for the adoption of B&SC to the CISL and their applicable areas were distinguished through a questionnaire survey and analysed using the Relative Importance Index. Strategies to overcome them were identified through expert interviews and analysed utilising manual-content analysis.FindingsThe study identified 15 barriers, 12 strategies and 9 areas for integrating B&SC for the CISL. The analysis indicated that having fewer blockchain-powered applications, the reluctance of the enterprises to bear costs to integrate blockchain and sluggish adaptation to new digital technologies are significant barriers. Further, conducting an industry-wide digitalisation analysis, developing an industry-wide digitalisation strategy and recruiting skilful IT staff were pointed out as the pivotal strategies. Moreover, payment and supply chain management were identified as areas with high potential.Originality/valueThis study unveils an analysis of barriers, strategies and areas in adopting B&SC for CISL and formulates a framework. It can be deployed as a guideline for implementing B&SC in the CISL.

Educational teams: building professional and organizational learning communities

Quality education that prepares young people to think and make ethically responsible decisions seems to be the only sustainable solution to respond to today’s global challenges. However, this capacity to learn requires a new school grammar, through the creation of conditions, structures and cultures that promote relationships and synergies capable of transforming teachers and school leaders into creative learners and facilitators of learning. In this sense, this study sought to understand the effects of a change in the organizational dynamics of a school, the organization of teaching by educational teams, on the individual, collective and organizational learning of this school organization. To this end, we adopted a fundamentally qualitative research approach, which we operationalized through a case study, based on a quali-quanti approach. We combined a descriptive statistical analysis of two questionnaires with a content analysis of interviews, focus discussion groups, and field notes from classroom observations and educational team meetings. The analysis of all these data points to the fact that effective change in schools and education that promotes deep learning for teachers and, consequently, for students and the organization, requires joint and articulated action not only at the level of structure and leadership, but also at the level of beliefs and school cultures.

Hearing Rhythm, Seeing Rhythm: A Research Approach to Reimagining Traditions of Chinese Poetic ‘rules of rhythm’

Throughout the history of China, from early dynasties into contemporary times, aspects of poetry, painting, and writing have been grounded in varied but deeply connected ‘rules of rhythm’. These ‘rules’ permeate in diverse yet identifiable and recognizable forms. The research in this project is aimed at both adopting and adapting these rules of rhythm or rhythmic patterns in an experimental form that reimagines a tradition of ‘lyric aesthetics’ in the context of the contemporary interplay between sound, image, and writing. In this sense, the investigation is at once one of ‘reclamation’ and extension. The basic ‘question’ in these experiments is whether it is possible to represent sonic patterns themselves — that is, by both visualizing sound structures and ‘sonifying’ visual forms (irrespective of textual content). The text focuses on the historical establishment of methodological approaches (as a way to identify their forms) and then transforming/translating these in combinations made possible by blending the sonic and visual. As a particular attribute of Chinese expression, these ‘rules’ or forms are cultural traits that have endured through many centuries and challenges and, more importantly in this case, can be (re)iterated in dynamic, fluid, and revitalized contemporary artistic configurations that aim at seeing sound, writing sound, and performing rhythm. <style> /* rules to make button only show up in META */ .download-accessible { display:none; } .meta-right-col .download-accessible { display: inline-block; padding: 9px; margin-bottom:25px; border: 1px solid black; background-color:white; } </style> <a class="download-accessible" href="download-media?work=3155507&file=3155517" title="This accessible PDF is a derivative of the original which it is meant to support and not replace.">Download Accessible PDF</a>

Reducing the harms of cannabis use in youth post-legalization: insights from Ontario youth, parents, and service providers

BackgroundCanada has one of the highest prevalence of cannabis use globally, particularly among young adults aged 20–24 (50%) and youth aged 16–19 (37%). In 2018, Canada legalized recreational cannabis with the aim of protecting youth by restricting their access and raising public awareness of health risks. However, there has been limited qualitative research on the perceptions of harms associated with youth cannabis use since legalization, which is crucial for developing effective harm reduction strategies. This qualitative study examined perceptions of cannabis use among youth from the perspectives of youth, parents, and service providers. We explored how participants described the perceived risks or harms associated with youth cannabis use, as well as how they described their own and others’ approaches to reducing cannabis-related risks and harms.MethodsThis qualitative study used a community-based participatory research approach in partnership with Families for Addiction Recovery (FAR), a national charity founded by parents of youth and young adults with addiction issues. Virtual semi-structured interviews were conducted, and the data were analyzed using thematic analysis.ResultsThe study included 88 participants from three key groups (n = 31 youth, n = 26 parents, n = 31 service providers). Two main themes emerged regarding perceived risks or harms associated with cannabis use: (1) concerns about cannabis-related risks and harms, including addiction, brain development, impact on family, and various adverse effects on areas such as motivation, concentration, finances, employment, education, physical and mental health; and (2) minimization of risks and harms, featuring conflicting messages, normalization, and perceptions of cannabis being less harmful than other substances. Additionally, two themes related to harm reduction approaches were identified: (1) implementation of harm reduction, and (2) challenges in implementing a harm reduction approach. Specific challenges for each participant group were noted, along with structural barriers such as unavailable and inaccessible services, easy access to cannabis, inadequate public education, and insufficient information on lower-risk cannabis use guidelines.ConclusionsYouth cannabis use is a significant public health concern that requires a multi-pronged approach. Developing youth-centered harm reduction strategies that recognize the developmental needs and vulnerabilities of youth, as well as the important role of families, is imperative.

Development of digital literacy model for college students in Minzu colleges and universities in Southwest China

Constructing a digital literacy model for college students in Minzu Colleges and Universities in Southwest China is crucial for advancing the implementation of the "Action Plan for Improving National Digital Literacy and Skills" and effectively conducting digital literacy education. By researching digital literacy models from abroad and employing bibliometric methods, an initial conceptual framework for the digital literacy model for college students was developed. A mixed-methods research approach, combining quantitative and qualitative research, was used. Confirmatory Factor Analysis (CFA) was employed to test the validity and reliability of the initial model, which was then refined based on CFA results and expert feedback. In-depth interviews with experts were conducted to further optimize the model. The resulting digital literacy model for college students in Minzu Colleges and Universities in Southwest China not only holds significant implications for digital literacy education in this region but also provides a reference for constructing digital literacy models for other educational stages and in different regions. This model-building approach can serve as a valuable reference for similar research and practice.

Driving Small and medium-sized enterprise Performance Through Product Innovation: The Roles of Strategic Orientation, Market Power, and Organizational Collaboration

Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) are essential contributors to economic growth and development. However, they often face significant challenges in maintaining competitiveness and achieving sustained growth, particularly in the current era of rapid technological advancements, globalization, and evolving market dynamics. This study aims to investigate the critical factors that drive product innovation and their subsequent impact on the performance of SMEs. A quantitative research approach was employed in this study. Data were collected through a survey administered to 69 Sasirangan Cloth SMEs in Banjarmasin, Indonesia. These SMEs are engaged in the traditional textile craft of Sasirangan cloth, which holds cultural significance in the region. Structural equation modeling (SEM) with partial least squares (PLS) was utilized to analyze the collected data. The findings of the data analysis reveal that strategic orientation, market power, and organizational collaboration have a positive and statistically significant impact on product innovation. This suggests that SMEs that adopt a market-oriented, entrepreneurial, and technology-oriented strategic approach, combined with efforts to develop market power and engage in collaborative relationships with other organizations, are more likely to foster product innovation. Furthermore, the study finds that product innovation plays a mediating role in the relationship between these factors and company performance, indicating that product innovation is a key mechanism through which strategic orientation, market power, and organizational collaboration contribute to enhancing SME performance. In conclusion, this study underscores the pivotal role of product innovation in driving SME performance. By developing and introducing new products or significantly improving existing ones, SMEs can differentiate themselves from competitors, attract new customers, and enhance their overall competitiveness.

Path analysis of social network factors influencing sustainable eco-city development in the northeast of Thailand

In Urban development, diversity respect is needed to prioritize and balance the urban development design for sustainable eco-city development. As a result, this research aimed to investigate the causal factor pathways of social network factors influencing sustainable eco-city development in the northeastern region of Thailand through a quantitative research approach. With the aim to survey insightful information, the analysis unit was conducted at the individual level with three hundred and eighty-three (383) samplings in Khon Kaen and Udon Thani provinces, including univariate analysis and multivariate analysis, using path analysis and multiple linear regression. The study results indicated that two pathways of social network factors influencing sustainable eco-city development were indirect influence factors. The indirect influence factor consists of information exchange, benefits exchange in the network, and members’ role in the social network. Additionally, the study revealed that the pathway has influences through social network types and the economic and social dimensions of sustainable cities (R2 = 0.330). Therefore, this study concluded that sustainable eco-city development should be implemented through community networks and economic and social network development for environmental development through social network types.

Communication Strategies & Mobile Banking Adoption

This article, as research study, employed a mixed method research approach; which utilized both qualitative and quantitative methods of data collection and analysis. The utilised tools were an interview schedule and questionnaires. A target population of 3000 customers and 17 staff members from whom the sample of 353 respondents among the bank customers all 17 staff members purposively were selected. Simple stratified random sampling and purposive sampling were applied in selecting customers and staff members for the study respectively. Quantitative data collected was analysed using descriptive statistics and presented in form of tables, graphs and charts. The qualitative statistics were analysed thematically. Its findings revealed that good communication strategies influenced mobile banking adoption by enhancing the good corporate relationship with customers through word of mouth rated at 84.4 %, social media at 71.8%and mass media communication at 68.9%. It recommends creating awareness and elevating customers’ attitude by making the mobile banking platform affordable, easy and accessible to customers of all segments, easing the customers into the technology rather than forcing it on them while being innovative to stay competitive in the current market.

The Different Aspects of the Housing Quality of Older Adults: Which Criteria Should Be Prioritized?

ABSTRACT Various studies have identified that older adults’ assessment of their housing quality differs from that deemed as good-quality housing by housing professionals. This has prompted the need to advance academic discourse beyond simply reporting high levels of satisfaction in older adult’s housing surveys. This study attempts to achieve this by using empirical data gathered through a mixed quantitative and qualitative research approach conducted with older adults in Slovenia. While the quantitative survey revealed generally high levels of satisfaction, the qualitative face-to-face interviews revealed numerous deficiencies, irrespective of whether older adults tended to express satisfaction with their dwellings. Therefore, our findings suggest that attributes such as ownership, period of residence, and neighborhood relations are far more important in determining housing satisfaction. Thus, we conclude that policies and programs for modifying housing for older adults must be based on a deeper understanding of their specific needs. During the policy formulation process and the implementation of specific housing improvement programs, emphasis should be placed on the social-historical aspects related to the lifestyle of each specific older adult.

An Improved UNet-Based Path Recognition Method in Low-Light Environments

The fruit industry is a significant economic sector in China, with modern orchards gradually transitioning to trellis orchards. For mechanized orchard operations, automatic vehicle navigation is essential. However, in trellis orchards, the shading from trees results in low average light intensity and large variations in lighting, posing challenges for path navigation. To address this, a path navigation algorithm for trellis orchards is proposed based on the UNet-CBAM model. The network structures of UNet, FCN, and SegNet are compared to identify and select the optimal structure for further improvement. Among the three attention mechanisms of channel attention, spatial attention, and combined attention, the most effective mechanism is identified. The optimal attention mechanism is incorporated into the optimized network to enhance the model’s ability to detect path edges and improve detection performance. To validate the effectiveness and generalizability of the model, a total of 400 images were collected under varying lighting intensities. The experimental results show that this method achieves an accuracy of 97.63%, a recall of 93.94%, and an Intersection over Union (IoU) of 92.19%. These results significantly enhance path recognition accuracy in trellis orchards, particularly under low light under conditions. Compared to the FCN and SegNet algorithms, this method provides higher detection accuracy and offers a new theoretical foundation and research approach for path recognition in low-light environments.

Examining functional sexual and reproductive health and right-based friendly services: perspectives from exit adolescents, caregivers, and health workers at health services delivery points in Tanzania

BackgroundThe lack of adequate access to and use of sexual and reproductive health care by youth and adolescent, n low- and middle-income countries persists despite international accords on their rights, which exposes them to violence against children; early and unintended pregnancies; and sexually transmitted infections. This study examined functional sexual and reproductive health and right-based friendly services as perceived by exit male and female adolescents, caregivers, and health workers at the Tanzanian health services delivery points as they were the ones who would share their opinions to establish a diversified and representative reality about the matter based on sex.MethodsThis was a multicentric study among 205 randomly selected participants in eleven selected health facilities within the three regions of Tanzania including Dar es Salaam, Dodoma, and Kigoma regions using a one-time descriptive cross-sectional design with a quantitative research approach from 01 to 30 November 2022. Triangulation technique of data collection activities using structured questionnaires and observation checklist adopted from the Tanzanian Ministry of Health was used to collect data. IBM Statistical Package for Social Sciences version 26 data entry templates (Sa PSS – 26) were used to analyze data descriptively to establish frequencies and percentages.ResultsResults indicated that 205 participants were assessed in this study with a response rate of 100%. Exit adolescents (46%); health workers in dispensaries (60%), and community members (42%) were more likely to confirm the availability of functional SRH right-based adolescent and youth-friendly services at the health services delivery points. The SRH displays (50%); adolescent rights (6%) and confidentiality (5%) were the least reported functional SRH aspects by the study participants. It was noted that the 11 health services delivery points in their totality did not fully implement the National standards in providing the services to adolescents and youth of which standards III (54.0%) and VIII (46.1%) scored the lowest.ConclusionThe results of this study have uncovered that there is disperities in the availability and accessibility of functional SRH right-based adolescent and youth-friendly services across the levels of health facilities; among adolescents and community members. Hospitals were more likely to confirm the availability of Functional Right Based Youth Friendly Services than at health centers and dispensaries with female adolescents, youth, and community members being disadvantaged. There is a need to address issues of differentials in equity to the accessibility of services among adolescents, youth, and community members by improving functional sexual and reproductive health and right-based friendly services provision infrastructures, health care workers capacity building, and mechanisms or approaches to increase adolescents’ access and uptake to SRHR services.

The Cost of Coordination Failures: Impacts on Urban Development Projects and Citizen Services in Bangladesh

Rapid urbanization in Bangladesh places significant pressure on City Corporations to effectively plan and implement urban development projects, often in collaboration with national agencies. However, coordination failures are prevalent, leading to significant costs and hindering urban development. This study investigates the challenges in service delivery coordination faced by City Corporations in Bangladesh, focusing on Cumilla and Dhaka as case studies to understand the complexities of coordination in varying urban contexts. A qualitative research approach was employed, involving semi-structured interviews with 110 stakeholders across both cities. This included 40 City Corporation officials, 30 government agency representatives, and 70 community representatives, ensuring a multi-faceted understanding of the issue. Data was analyzed using thematic analysis and interpretive techniques to identify recurring patterns and themes related to coordination challenges, their consequences, and potential solutions. Rigor and trustworthiness were ensured through data triangulation, member checking, and reflexivity. The study identified several key coordination challenges, including dysfunctional coordination committees, power struggles between City Corporations and national agencies, non-compliance with regulations, unclear roles and responsibilities, dual control over tasks, breaches of agreements, political interference, self-serving leadership, and inadequate corrective measures. These challenges hinder project progress and negatively impact citizens, leading to subpar work quality, project delays, funding withdrawals, poor service delivery, financial waste, and increased public distress. In conclusion, this study underscores the urgent need for improved coordination mechanisms, accountability frameworks, and capacity-building initiatives to enhance urban development and service delivery in Bangladesh.

Developing a Model for Sustainable Financing for Biodiversity Conservation in Namibian National Parks

Biodiversity conservation is essential for maintaining ecological balance and fostering sustainable development. Biodiversity conservation efforts in Namibia encompass activities such as monitoring protected areas, preserving natural resources, preventing poaching, adapting to environmental changes, promoting tourism, and engaging in forestry work. Despite these efforts, funding for biodiversity conservation is insufficient, thereby necessitating innovative strategies to secure additional financial resources. Consequently, this study evaluated the total economic costs and benefits of biodiversity and its conservation to create a sustainable financing model for biodiversity conservation in Namibian national parks. This study aimed to develop a model for sustainable financing of biodiversity conservation in national parks, specifically within the context of Namibia. The research addresses the chronic underfunding of conservation activities and explores innovative financial strategies to bridge the funding gap. The study was based on the philosophy of pragmatism, used a mixed-methods research approach, and employed a concurrent research design. For the quantitative aspect, the study used the census sampling approach on 60 respondents. For the qualitative aspect, the study used purposive sampling on nine participants. To collect data, both aspects used structured questionnaires which were self-administered online using Google Forms, whereby the questionnaire for the quantitative aspects comprised closed-ended questions, while the one for the qualitative constituted open-ended questions. The study employed various analytical tools to analyse the data, precisely the PLS-SEM in SmartPLS 4 software for the quantitative aspect and the reflexive thematic analysis with direct quotations in ATLAS.ti for the qualitative aspect. The quantitative aspect of the study ensured reliability in terms of internal consistency using Cronbach’s alpha and composite reliability using omega-a (rho_a). The quantitative aspect of the study used convergent validity based on the factor loading of the indicators and the average variance extracted (AVE), as well as discriminant validity using the Fornell-Lacker and Heterotrait-monotrait (HTMT) ratios. The findings indicate that effective financial management moderately and positively impacts the financial stability of biodiversity conservation in Namibia. Moreover, the study shows a strong positive and statistically significant correlation between sales revenue and financial stability in biodiversity conservation. However, numerous challenges hinder the financial stability of Namibia’s national parks. The study concludes that sales revenue should be a managerial focus in achieving financial stability. Drawing on these findings, a comprehensive model for sustainable financing was developed, which identifies key revenue streams and management practices crucial for long-term financial viability. The results of this study provide a noteworthy contribution to the current state of research, shedding new light on key issues and themes, and elucidating financial obstacles and opportunities pertinent to biodiversity conservation.

Decoding Ethnic (Multi-National) Federalism: Its Influence on Conflict Dynamics and Sustainable Peace in Ethiopia

Since its introduction in Ethiopia, the benefits of ethnic federalism in addressing diversity, reducing tensions, and promoting sustainable peace have been debated. On the one hand, ethnic federalism recognizes the authority and right of ethnic groups and identities to self-governance. On the other hand, the country’s federalism has given some ethnic groups a greater advantage over others, even though they have long coexisted in the area and consider themselves owners of the ethnic homeland. The main objective of the study is to examine the impact of ethnic federalism on conflict dynamics and sustainable peace in Ethiopia. Centripetalism theory was employed to examine the impact of ethnic federalism on conflict dynamics and sustainable peace in Ethiopia. A qualitative research approach with a descriptive case study was applied, and interview and document analysis were used to collect data. A purposive and convenience sampling technique was used to select the study participants. The collected data was analyzed thematically. Even though the study’s finding shows mixed results, a significant majority of participants indicated that ethnic federalism has contributed to conflict and affected sustainable peace by exacerbating ethnic divisions, ethnic extremism, competitions among groups, and conflictual inter-regional relations, making some second-class citizens in a territory they consider their homeland. Hybrid federalism (a combination of both ethnic and civic elements) with emphasis on the people’s agreement is recommended as Ethiopia’s best government system.

Decoding Public Policy: How Cultural Dynamics Shape Decision-Making in Indonesia’s Political Landscape

This study explores how cultural dynamics shape public policy in Indonesia, focusing on the influence of cultural dimensions on policy-making processes and outcomes. The purpose is to understand the impacts of Indonesian cultural values on various policy sectors, including education, health, environment, and economic development. Employing a qualitative research approach, the study relies exclusively on secondary data from academic literature, government reports, and media sources to examine these cultural influences. Findings reveal that high power distance leads to centralized decision-making, while collectivism shapes policies toward community welfare. High uncertainty avoidance results in rigid regulatory frameworks, and traditional gender roles affect gender-related policies. Sector-specific analyses highlight the integration of traditional knowledge in environmental policies and the challenges of balancing modernization with cultural heritage in economic policies. The implications of these findings suggest that policymakers should incorporate cultural considerations into policy design to enhance effectiveness and inclusivity. This research contributes original insights into the intersection of culture and policy, emphasizing the need for culturally sensitive approaches in diverse governance contexts. By shedding light on how cultural factors impact policy formulation and implementation, the study offers valuable guidance for developing culturally relevant and effective policies addressing societal needs.