This study delves into phonological processes and changes in two distinct categories of loanwords in Japanese: gairaigo (foreign loanwords) and wasei eigo (Japanese-coined English words). Gairaigo are borrowings from foreign languages, predominantly English, while wasei eigo refers to words created within the Japanese language using English morphemes. The phonological adaptation of these loanwords undergoes various processes, e.g., assimilation, syllable structure, attenuation and strengthening, and neutralization. These processes are reflecting the dynamic nature of language contact and cultural exchange. In the case of gairaigo, phonological processes often involve the adaptation of sounds to conform to Japanese phonotactics and speech patterns. This may include the simplification or substitution of consonant clusters, vowel lengthening or shortening, and the incorporation of pitch accent patterns native to Japanese. Wasei eigo, on the other hand, undergoes phonological changes rooted in the native Japanese phonological system. Despite being constructed with English morphemes, wasei eigo words often exhibit phonetic features characteristic of Japanese. Moreover, these words may evolve over time through processes of sound change and assimilation, reflecting shifts in linguistic preferences and cultural influences. Overall, the phonological adaptation of gairaigo and wasei eigo showcases the linguistic borrowing, cultural assimilation, and the phonological systems of both source and target languages. Understanding these processes provides insights into the dynamic nature of language contact and the evolution of linguistic diversity in Japanese society.

Locus of control, a psychological concept referring to individuals' beliefs about how they can control events affecting them, plays a significant role in shaping Africa's self-perception and personality development. This abstract explores how locus of control influences the African identity and its broader implications. In Africa, the colonial legacy has profoundly impacted the collective psyche, often fostering an external locus of control. Many Africans perceive their circumstances as controlled by external forces such as historical injustices, governmental actions, and socio-economic conditions. This perception can lead to feelings of helplessness and a diminished sense of agency, detrimental to personal and communal development. Cultural factors further complicate the interplay between locus of control and African self-perception. Traditional African values, such as communalism and respect for authority, can sometimes reinforce an external locus of control. However, integrating these values with modern psychological insights can help balance the internal and external loci of control, promoting a healthier self-perception. Addressing the psychological scars of colonialism and fostering a sense of pride and self-worth are crucial steps towards developing a more unified and resilient African identity. By encouraging an internal locus of control, African societies can empower individuals to overcome historical and contemporary challenges, leading to a more positive and proactive self-perception. In conclusion, understanding and addressing the locus of control is essential for improving Africa's self-perception and fostering a more empowered and resilient identity. This requires a multifaceted approach that includes psychological healing, cultural integration, and the promotion of individual agency.

Islamic education in Indonesia has often emphasized solely normative-doctrinal aspects, making it less capable of addressing various contextual challenges and the moral crises faced by the younger generation. This phenomenon indicates a gap between the universal ideals of Islamic teachings and the dynamic socio-cultural realities of society. In this context, Buya Hamka’s thought offers an integrative perspective that seeks to harmonize Islamic values with the local wisdom of the Nusantara, aiming to develop an Islamic education that is more contextual, humanistic, and deeply rooted in the nation’s cultural heritage. This article aims to examine a model of Islamic education based on local values as reflected in the works and ideas of Buya Hamka. The research approach employed is a conceptual paper utilizing hermeneutic analysis and literature synthesis, with a focus on a narrative review of texts and the core concepts found in Buya Hamka’s writings as well as other relevant scholarly literature. This study reveals that Hamka developed an educational model based on three main pillars: aqidah (faith), akhlaq (morality), and knowledge, while remaining open to the integration of local cultural values such as gotong royong (mutual cooperation), musyawarah (deliberation), and customary practices that align with the principles of Sharia. This integration is not a form of compromise but a transformative process that enriches Islamic education with a contextual socio-cultural dimension. Such an approach produces a contextual, character-based, and transformative Islamic education model, making it relevant in addressing the challenges of globalization while reinforcing the nation’s identity. This article provides a conceptual contribution to the development of Islamic education curricula rooted in Islamic values and local wisdom, and it opens avenues for further research on the implementation and policy of value-based education

The purpose of this research was to examine variables that impact academic achievement. Using data from the 2020-2021 Healthy Minds Survey conducted by the University of Michigan, the researchers performed two multivariate logistic regression analyses (weighted N=20,476). Results indicated several connections that impact a college student's experience and academic success. Implications relating to mental health, campus experience, parental education socialization, substance usage, and structural security are examined.

The number of cyberattacks against higher education organizations has dramatically increased in recent years, especially among the less-resourced rural universities where awareness and preparedness are sometimes non-existent. Often, these vulnerabilities can be attributed to human factors and lack of formal training or institutional strategies, if they exist. This paper provides a Systematic Literature Review (SLR) of Cybersecurity Awareness and Strategy in Rural based Universities. The study focused on literature from 2020-2025 analyzing the relationship between cybersecurity awareness and strategic cybersecurity in rural university environments. An exploration of SLR identified key themes such as awareness campaigns, organizational culture, digital literacy, institutional governance, and policy integration. The findings indicated that while awareness does improve the individual and organizational position related to cybersecurity, rural-based universities are faced with ongoing challenges relating to enforced policy, infrastructure, and continuous capacity development. This SLR also offered a conceptual alignment between cybersecurity education and institutional governance-related policy and initiatives, and a pathway for awareness-based strategy development for rural academic environments.

This study takes the National Basketball Association (NBA) as its research subject, conducting an in-depth analysis of its business logic and innovation development strategies. Through case comparisons and data analysis, it reveals the sustainability bottlenecks in the NBAs current business model and the opportunities presented by the Web 3.0 era. The research proposes an innovation strategy system encompassing revenue structure optimization, technology integration, and risk hedging mechanisms. For the Chinese market, a three-dimensional penetration strategy is designed, including institutional adaptability reform, cultural integration and technical collaborative development. Finally, the study explores strategic upgrade paths for the NBA in the global market, proposing corresponding implementation safeguards and benefit evaluation methods. The results indicate that the NBA needs to adopt a dual-wheel modeldynamic balance and technology-driven and implement a trinity strategyinstitution-culture-technology in the Chinese market to address future challenges and achieve sustainable growth.

This article uses a dynamic capability approach as the main framework to evaluate the institutional readiness of PT. Asuransi Bhakti Bhayangkara (ABB) in facing the regulatory pressure of POJK No. 23 of 2023, which requires a minimum equity of IDR 250 billion for general insurance companies. Considering two strategic partner candidates —Citra Insurance Underwriter (CIU) and Asuransi Bosowa (BOW) —the analysis was conducted through three dimensions of dynamic capabilities: sensing (the ability to read regulatory directions and market opportunities), seizing (the ability to develop synergy strategies and mobilize resources), and transforming (the ability to carry out institutional reorganization and cultural integration). The evaluation results show that although CIU excels in vertical synergy and technological readiness, BOW offers a more flexible semi-holding structure that is in line with ABB's managerial preferences, including a commitment to separate liability responsibilities. This article contributes to the development of regulatory pressure-based merger studies, which are still rarely discussed in Indonesian insurance industry literature, and provides direction for further research related to post-merger dynamic capability audits, the effectiveness of semi- holding structures, and the strengthening of institutional synergies in the financial services sector

In the face of the growing water crisis and current environmental pressures, rural communities with a tourism vocation face significant challenges in preserving their ecological and cultural integrity. These communities, whose livelihoods depend on their interaction with tourism dynamics and their territory, constitute a complex system in which sustainability challenges cannot be addressed in isolation. This study develops a systemic diagnosis of La Magdalena Atlitic, a rural community located in the south of Mexico City, through the application of the Viable System Model (VSM), complemented by the principles of agile governance. The objective is to understand how social enterprises contribute to sustainable water management through their tourism products and services. Drawing on field visits, semi structured interviews and participatory workshops, three operational units sustaining the system in focus were identified. The findings show that although these units are dynamic, weaknesses persist in coordination, control and auditing, which limits the feedback capacity of the system under study. The integration of agile governance reveals the community’s potential to transform reactive practices into efficient mechanisms, strengthening collaboration and participatory decision-making. This approach demonstrates that the synergy between the VSM and agile governance promotes water sustainability and the resilience of socio ecological systems.

This article examines peripheral methods of conceptualizing and categorizing culturally marked knowledge. These include linguacultural blending and interference. The study utilizes Tula regionalisms and lines from characters in the film «The Last Knight: Messenger of Darkness» (P. Danilov, V. Kutsenko, D. Yan, and I. Tudvasev). It is established that these processes are based on the cultural integration of knowledge, resulting in the formation of new units. Two methods of their formation are identified. The first method is linguacultural blending. It involves the integration of tools from different cultural paradigms to generate new meanings. Blending involves the combination of linguacultural narratives based on their integral features. A productive method of blending is a composite nomination constructed according to the model: a cultural symbol and a definition indicating regional affiliation. The second method is linguacultural interference. It involves the use of symbols from one cultural paradigm within another, interpreting them within the categories of a different cultural paradigm. No new meaning is created in cases of cultural interference.

The Role of Nongovernmental Organizations and Faith-Based Organizations in Global Surgery.

The effect of West German television on smoking and health: A natural experiment from German reunification.

Implementation of VR application in cultural and tourism integration under the background of smart city and IoT

The impact of culture and tourism integration on the high-quality development of the tourism industry: An analysis based on heterogeneity and threshold effects

<span>Philippine-Chinese schools have been in existence for several decades. This study explores the influence of Chinese culture on Filipino teachers’ pedagogical and content delivery, language and social interaction, and their practices and constructions while teaching in a Chinese school. Through a descriptive–qualitative approach to explore the experiences, 12 non-Chinese teachers were purposively chosen to participate in the study. Guided by the validated interview guide and the qualitative data analysis steps by Braun and Clarke, six themes emerged: bilingual pedagogy, cultural values integration, language immersion, technology in education, thriving through diversity, support and collegiality. The study revealed the enriching interaction between Chinese cultural influences and Filipino teaching practices, suggesting the need for ongoing professional development that enhances cultural competence, innovative pedagogical strategies, and supportive teaching communities</span><span>.</span>

Spatial patterns and determinants of ethnic minority cultural integration in megacities: The case of Shanghai

Foreign teachers of students with special needs undergo the process of adaptation as they face different work dynamics. This phenomenological study aimed to explore the experiences of adaptation among foreign teachers in teaching learners with disabilities in South Carolina. Seven (7) foreign Special Education teachers teaching in South Carolina, who have participated in the interviews. Through thematic analysis, the study revealed themes to describe their lived experiences, views in working in the Special Education setting in South Carolina, and their adaptation to work. In terms of lived experiences, teachers described their experiences with themes such as: journeying through emotional and reflective realities of teaching; relationship building and collaboration; managing institutional demands and complex student needs; and adapting instruction and demonstrating pedagogical creativity. Foreign Special Education teachers viewed themselves of having global perspectives contribute to enriching the school community; and play the role of being the builder of inclusive, trusting, and culturally responsive educational spaces were also highlighted in the study. Findings also reveal that teachers adapt through instructional and professional adaptation; relational and collegial adaptation; and cultural integration and adjustment as ways on how they adapt to the teaching environment in the USA. The essence of foreign Special Education teachers’ experiences is captured by resilience, ongoing process of transformation, adaptation, and cultural integration, highlighting their critical role in enriching inclusive school environments. These findings highlight the need for culturally responsive training, supportive leadership, and inclusive policies to empower foreign Special Education teachers in U.S. classrooms.

Heritage buildings in Malaysia represent a confluence of cultural, religious, and architectural histories. However, the integration of Naqli principles—derived from Islamic teachings—into the preservation and modernization of these structures remains underexplored. This paper addresses the research gap by examining how Naqli concepts such as Rububiyyah (man to God), Ubudiyyah (man to man), and Mulkiyyah (man to environment) are applied across five selected heritage buildings in Negeri Sembilan. The research objectives are to identify the extent to which these principles influence the design and conservation strategies of these buildings, to analyze their effectiveness in maintaining the cultural, religious, and ethical integrity of these structures, and to propose a framework for the systematic application of Naqli principles in modern architectural practices, particularly in the preservation and adaptive reuse of heritage buildings. A qualitative methodology was employed, involving site visits, architectural analysis, expert interviews, and document analysis to gather comprehensive data on the implementation of Naqli principles. The findings indicate a significant but inconsistent application of these principles, highlighting areas where modern interventions could better align with Islamic teachings. The study concludes with recommendations for incorporating Naqli principles in contemporary architectural practice, emphasizing their potential impact on cultural sustainability and community well-being. This research contributes to a deeper understanding of the role of Islamic values in heritage preservation, offering a model that can be adapted to similar contexts globally.

The study aims to examine the managerial and operative challenges of human resources management (HRM) in the guesthouse sector of the Maldives. Adopting and adhering to best practices in human resources management enables businesses to thrive and succeed. Uncompetitive salaries, coupled with a lack of proactive Human Resource (HR) planning and training for optimal performance, contribute to various HRM issues. In addition to this, the differences in work ethics and culture create a problematic workplace environment for both local and expatriate staff. The study employed an inductive approach, facilitating qualitative research. The study employed a multiple case study research strategy, as new information is likely to be gained from incremental cases. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews with 12 guesthouse owners and managers of small and medium-sized guesthouses in the Greater Male' area and nearby local islands, selected via purposive sampling to capture the diverse operational aspects. Thematic analysis revealed seven key themes: HR planning and recruitment, organisational structure, leadership and motivation, compensation management, training and development, administrative systems, and ethical labour relations through cultural and cross-cultural integrity. Guesthouses that balance operational costs with competitive compensation packages, while focusing on service quality, reflect the magnitude of interconnectedness in HRM. There is a need for proactive management to improve employee engagement and business performance. The study highlights the importance of professional-level support and effective HR interventions in enhancing the performance of guesthouse operations in the Maldives.

This essay examines the short fiction of Anzia Yezierska. It argues that her literary imagination finds its most compelling realization in the short story, a form uniquely suited to the intensity, brevity, and culturally hybrid perspective of her work. Her narratives explore the immigrant Jewish woman’s struggle for cultural integration and personal emancipation, articulating a persistent tension between Old World deprivation and New World promise. Central to this study is the concept of “hunger,” both literal and symbolic, as a driving force in Yezierska’s prose, reflecting her characters’ spiritual, emotional, and aesthetic desires. The essay situates her writing within the broader context of early twentieth-century American realism and modernist experimentation, highlighting how the short story form enables her to navigate the constraints of her hybrid identity, linguistic innovation, and socio-cultural marginality. Ultimately, Yezierska’s stories are presented as a distinct narrative niche, a concentrated space where memory, desire, and cultural translation converge, producing a voice both intensely personal and resonant with collective experience.

As a national treasure of Chinese culture, traditional opera enjoys a long history and rich cultural implications. A survey of its dissemination history reveals that in different times, opera has been combined with different media to facilitate cross-media transmission. In the age of new media, Chinese opera has further shown powerful agency and vitality in accommodating itself to new media environment.This article discusses the audio-visual transformation of Chinese opera in the age of new media. Through analysis of new formats like short videos, live streaming, and streaming archives, this article identifies some important features of current opera dissemination: fragmented content production, interactive ritual space, and cross-dimensional cultural integration. Based on these observations, the article seeks a viable route for the modernisation of opera communication, and offers suggestions for the transmission and protection of intangible cultural heritage.