Shape Factor Research Articles

Exploring the experiences of female undergraduate nursing students in providing home healthcare to older adults

ABSTRACTBackgroundIn light of the growing ageing population in Saudi Arabia and Saudi nurses’ hesitation to work with the older population, it is important to understand the experiences of nursing students on their clinical placement in home healthcare.MethodsThis study is a descriptive qualitative study based on five focus groups of 3–5 students each. Data were collected from female senior baccalaureate nursing students at a female governmental university in Saudi Arabia, and during their placement in home healthcare. Data were analysed using thematic analysis.ResultsFive main themes emerged : struggling with their own family; struggling with cultural and social beliefs; struggling during clinical training; struggling with domestic caregivers; and reflections for the future were considered important impressions in clinical experience.ConclusionThe culture of Saudi Arabian society is an important factor in shaping the training experience of female nursing students either positively or negatively, specifically in the context of home healthcare nursing for older patients. The results of this study show how important it is for students to be prepared for the clinical environment, the nature of the work, and the role of the home healthcare nurse in order to improve their clinical learning.

Prediction of vertical transport of microplastics: Shape- and aging-dependent drag models

The prediction of vertical transport of microplastics (MPs) is essential for understanding their multidimensional transport, fate, and environmental risks, but drag models applicable to aging MPs are currently understudied. In this study, pristine and UV-aged polyethylene terephthalate (PET) and polystyrene (PS) MPs were used for settling experiments. Combining physicochemical properties and transport data, a shape-dependent drag model based on the Corey shape factor was optimized with average errors of 9.73% and 10.42% and coefficients of determination of 0.6878 and 0.8359 for predicting the settling terminal velocities (ut) for PET and PS MPs, respectively. Meanwhile, aging-dependent drag models were constructed by incorporating the carbonyl index as functional forms of the newly defined aging index, which can be used to differentiate the effects of shape and aging characteristics on the vertical transport of MPs. These aging-dependent models showed better predictive abilities with average errors of 3.97% and 4.56% in predicting ut for PET MPs, and of 5.89% and 6.91% for PS MPs. Additionally, the drag models in this study improved applicability to predict vertical transport of environmentally-collected weathered MPs. With the continuous improvement of the transport database of diverse MPs, this study is expected to provide scientific support for predicting the environmental behaviors of MPs and formulating targeted pollution control strategies.

From thaw till fall: Interacting hydrology, carbon cycle, and greenhouse gas dynamics in a subarctic stream-lake continuum.

Carbon-water interaction studies between aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems are especially needed today in Arctic and Boreal regions, as they are facing drastic warming and precipitation shifts. Despite the importance of streams in the carbon cycle, northern stream-based studies are scarce, owing to a lack of measurements throughout the north, and possibly skewing global greenhouse gas estimates. We used a combination of multiscale measurements to quantify water sources (H2O isotope proxies), carbon availability (dissolved in/organic carbon concentrations) and quality (water absorbance, SUVA254 -index), microbial community structure (16S rRNA sequencing), and carbon dioxide (CO2) and methane (CH4) fluxes and concentrations. Our study site comprises a groundwater-influenced and peatland-dominated second-order stream, along with its adjacent lake inlet located in Northern Finland. Sampling was conducted three times during the summer of 2019 at 21 locations along the stream-lake continuum. Temporal and spatial shifts in water sources altered carbon characteristics, with CH4 concentrations being the key environmental factor shaping the microbial communities, overriding the influence of dissolved organic carbon amount and quality. The prevalence of methanotrophic bacteria highlighted the importance of CH4 as a carbon source and the methanotrophic groups as drivers of the CH4/CO2 source-sink attributes of subarctic stream systems. Our results highlight the value of integrated hydrological, biogeochemical, and microbiological measures to resolve the biocomplexity of carbon-water interactions in northern headwater catchments.

Importance of ethical behavior in sales organizations

The study explores the critical role of ethical behavior within sales organizations, highlighting its impact on trust, reputation, and sustainability. With increasing scrutiny from regulatory bodies and customers, ethical practices have become essential in mitigating legal risks, fostering long-term client relationships, and maintaining a positive corporate image. The research investigates the multifaceted effects of ethical behavior, including its influence on organizational culture, employee motivation, and adherence to legal frameworks. Through qualitative methodologies, the study delves into the ethical dilemmas faced by sales professionals, the organizational factors shaping their conduct, and the implications of ethical or unethical practices on customer loyalty and brand reputation. Additionally, it examines the alignment of ethical behavior with corporate social responsibility, emphasizing its broader societal impact. By addressing gaps in current literature, this research provides actionable insights for fostering an ethical culture within sales teams and enhancing compliance with industry regulations. Ultimately, the findings aim to equip organizations with strategies to build sustainable and ethically sound sales environments.

Exploring the interplay between experiential and material product purchases on consumer behavior: a meta-analytic investigation

ABSTRACT Despite wealth of research on experiential and material purchases, there is limited understanding of the boundaries of this scholarship, particularly in terms of the contributing factors and moderators that explain consumer preferences. To address this gap, this study aims to understand the influence of consumer preferences for experiential vs material purchases on consumer behavior and identify the key factors shaping these preferences. The study performed a meta-analysis of 22 experimental studies spanning from 2012 to 2022, employing a systematic approach following PRISMA guidelines. It investigated the link between cognitive, behavioral, intellectual, and affective factors and consumer preferences for experiential versus material products. The meta-analysis revealed a significant positive relationship between 36 main indicators and consumers’ decisions to make experiential or material purchases, with experiential purchases exhibiting a strong positive influence on consumer behavior. The study offers significant theoretical implications for the fields of marketing and consumer research regarding experiential and material purchases, as well as practical implications for marketers and policymakers.

Route Planning Process by the Endangered Black Lion Tamarin in Different Environmental Contexts.

Daily, primates take a variety of decisions to establish why, when, and where to move. However, little is known about the factors influencing and shaping primate daily routes. We investigated the decision-making processes linked to route planning in four groups of black lion tamarins (BLT-Leontopithecus chrysopygus). We studied these endangered platyrrhines within four distinct environmental contexts across their natural distribution (i.e., a continuous forest, a 500-ha forest fragment, a 100-ha forest fragment, and a riparian forest). We used the Change Point Test to identify the points of significant direction change (CPs), which can be considered travel goals along BLT daily trajectories and are key components of travel planning. Considering the high importance of fruits and gum in BLT's diet, we predicted that feeding trees would be the main factor shaping their paths (feeding CPs-FCPs). Also, given previous evidence that platyrrhines use landmarks (i.e., characteristic features from the terrain) as nodes in route network systems (i.e., points of intersection connecting habitual route segments), we expected part of CPs to be located close to the intersection points and to be associated with "locomotion" behavior (LCPs). Analyzing 61 daily paths in four forest fragments, our results showed that BLTs planned routes to reach feeding trees, which primarily determined path orientation. As hypothesized, locomotion was the most frequent behavior observed in CPs, but only in the continuous and riparian forests, with LCPs located as close to intersections as FCPs. Interestingly, these two areas presented the most extreme values (i.e., higher and lower values, respectively) in terms of used area, richness of resources and distances traveled between fruit-feeding trees. Our results suggest that BLTs plan daily routes conditional on the environmental context to reach travel goals, likely to maximize route efficiency to reach out of sight feeding trees.

Diversity and Function Patterns of Soil Microbial Communities in Native and Invasive Plants Along an Altitudinal Gradient in the Qinling Mountains

Soil microbial communities are essential drivers of ecosystem functions, yet the factors shaping their structure and function, particularly at different altitudes and between invasive and native plants, remain insufficiently understood. Using high-throughput Illumina sequencing, we assessed the composition, diversity, impact factors, and functional potential of the microbial communities associated with Galinsoga quadriradiata (an invasive species) and Artemisia lavandulifolia (a native species) across an altitudinal gradient ranging from 896 m to 1889 m in the Qinling Mountains. The results revealed that both plant species and altitude significantly influenced soil bacterial diversity and community structure. Actinobacteriota, Proteobacteria, and Acidobacteriota accounted for higher proportions in the soils of G. quadriradiata and A. lavandulifolia. A linear discriminant analysis showed that the two species hosted distinct microbial communities, with variations driven by species-specific traits and environmental factors. Compared with plant parameters, environmental factors had a greater impact on plant soil bacterial abundance. Functional analysis indicated that A. lavandulifolia soils were more associated with nitrogen cycling processes, while G. quadriradiata soils contributed more to organic matter decomposition. Therefore, invasive and native plants harbored microbial flora with different nutritional preferences and metabolic characteristics. These findings advance our understanding of plant–microbe interactions along altitudinal gradients, and they have practical implications for managing invasive species and supporting ecosystem resilience.

Product perceptual design optimization model based on BP neural network

BackgroundUser reviews of online shopping platforms can truly reflect users’ feelings about the use of products. They have the advantages of large sample size, wide range and uniform distribution, and can help optimize the perceptual model of product design.MethodsThe web crawler crawls user comments, and TFIDF-SP quantifies them. The principal component analysis method selects the perceptual evaluation index, the morphological analysis method disassembles the product into several main structures, and the BP neural network constructs the perceptual optimization model.ResultsTaking the paint tray as an example, according to the trained BP neural network, the shape factor combination with the highest perceptual evaluation value is predicted. The experimental results verify the accuracy of the model.ConclusionThe model based on BP neural network has the ability to quickly and accurately combine the best form factors, improves the design efficiency of product design perceptual optimization, improves the rationality of product design, and provides a new idea for consumer demand market-oriented product design.

Disclosure Practices in Muslim Patients and the Impact on End-of-Life Care: A Narrative Review.

Context: Non-disclosure practices hold significant weight in end-of-life care for Muslim communities, where cultural and religious beliefs are deeply intertwined with healthcare decision-making. This narrative review explores the complexities of medical decision-making and disclosure practices among terminally ill Muslim patients, examining how these factors shape palliative care delivery. Objectives: The primary objective of this review is to investigate the impact of non-disclosure practices on end-of-life care in Muslim populations, focusing on key themes that influence medical decision-making. Additionally, the review identifies ways in which Healthcare Provider (HCP) can navigate these culturally sensitive issues to enhance care. Methods: A comprehensive narrative review was conducted, utilizing articles from CINHAL, PsychINFO, Scopus, and PubMed databases published between 2009 and 2024. An initial search yielded 2025 articles. After applying inclusion and exclusion criteria, 12 studies were included for analysis. The SANRA guidelines for narrative reviews were followed, and the SPIDER framework was used for qualitative synthesis. Results: Of the 2041 articles initially retrieved, 2014 were excluded after screening, 8 were duplicates, and 7 full texts were excluded for not meeting the inclusion criteria. The final review included 12 studies. Three key themes emerged: (1) cultural, religious, and emotional factors driving requests for non-disclosure, (2) the prominent role of family in medical decision-making, and (3) healthcare provider communication challenges contributing to disparities in palliative care access. Conclusion: Non-disclosure practices present significant barriers to effective palliative care in Muslim communities. To improve care outcomes, culturally competent communication strategies and family-centered decision-making models are crucial.

Examining the Role of Confidence in Retail Pharmacy Brands in Shaping Consumer Behavior Towards Pharmaceutical Private Labels in Malaysia

The pharmaceutical sector in Malaysia is experiencing a significant change marked by changing consumer demands, rising competition, and shifting market dynamics. One significant trend in this market is the growing significance of private labels in the pharmaceutical sector. In Malaysia, private labels provide an alternative to branded pharmaceutical medicines, offering similar effectiveness and quality at a potentially reduced price, as seen in various other markets. While private labels may appeal to consumers, they present challenges for pharmaceutical companies and retail pharmacies that are striving to differentiate themselves in a highly competitive industry. One crucial factor shaping consumer behavior in this context is confidence in retail pharmacy brands. Confidence encompasses consumers' trust, familiarity, and perceived reliability of retail pharmacy brands, influencing their purchase decisions and brand loyalty. While existing research has explored factors such as price, quality, and product attributes in shaping consumer preferences, the role of confidence in retail pharmacy brands remains underexplored. This concept paper seeks to address this research gap by examining the role of confidence in retail pharmacy brands in shaping consumer behavior towards pharmaceutical private labels in Malaysia. By investigating the influence of confidence on adoption intentions and its potential mediating effects on factors such as relative advantage, compatibility, risk and complexity, this study aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of the mechanisms driving private label adoption in the pharmaceutical sector. This concept paper establishes a foundation for a thorough examination of how confidence in retail pharmacy brands influences customer behavior towards pharmaceutical private labels in Malaysia by examining literature, theoretical frameworks, and empirical findings. By shedding light on this dynamic relationship, the study aims to offer insights that can inform marketing strategies, enhance consumer trust, and promote the sustainable growth of private labels in the pharmaceutical industry.

Pre-Service Teachers’ Perceptions and Utilisation of ChatGPT in Higher Institutions using UTAUT Theory: Evidence from an Emerging Economy

ChatGPT is a valuable tool for students, aiding in linguistic support, idea clarification, and quick material retrieval. However, issues like data security, privacy, and reliance on technology remain concerns. This study explored Nigerian pre-service teachers' perceptions and use of ChatGPT as it gains traction in education. Using a descriptive research method, data were collected via questionnaires from 450 pre-service teachers at two Nigerian colleges, selected through purposive sampling. Findings showed mixed feelings towards ChatGPT, with accessibility, response quality, and individual preferences as key factors shaping perception. Many pre-service teachers used ChatGPT as a supplementary study tool, though its reputation as a time-saver does not significantly influence their usage decisions. This study provided valuable insights for Nigerian educators and policymakers, underscoring the importance of personalised strategies to optimise ChatGPT’s benefits while addressing limitations. Enhancing digital literacy and providing support services are essential steps in bridging the digital divide and fostering effective technology integration in education.

A High-Speed Silicon-Photonics WDM Switch for Optical Networks Applications

This article introduces the design of a novel high-speed silicon-photonics hitless switch that adheres to wavelength-division multiplexing (WDM) standards for channel 3 dB bandwidth, channel free spectral range, crosstalk, shape factor, and dispersion. The design combines the advantages of two structures, a compound ring resonator structure, and a Mach–Zehnder interferometer (MZI) modulator. The mathematical treatment for the proposed device is detailed, and two designs are presented. For a switch of five ring resonators, the through (drop) channel 3 dB bandwidth is 60 GHz (38 GHz), channel crosstalk is −24 dB (−24 dB), dispersion is 22 ps/nm (21 ps/nm), shape factor is 0.66 (0.5), and insertion loss is 0.3 dB (1.7 dB). For a switch of nine ring resonators, the through (drop) channel 3 dB bandwidth is 59 GHz (38 GHz), channel crosstalk is −37 dB (−24 dB), dispersion is 28.5 ps/nm (29 ps/nm), shape factor is 0.8 (0.73), and insertion loss is 0.3 dB (2.3 dB). For the five-ring design, the switch-on/off ratio is 30 dB, and for the nine-ring design, it is 31 dB. For both designs, the switching speed is 100 GHz.

Complex landscape, instream and anthropogenic environmental features drive genetic and morphological structuring amongst brown trout (Salmo trutta) populations in a dendritic river system

Abstract Untangling the patterns and proximate drivers of intraspecific genetic and phenotypic structuring informs our understanding of the evolutionary processes shaping diversity. This study investigated morphological and genetic structuring of brown trout (Salmo trutta L.) populations across varying spatial scales in a single, complex, dendritic river catchment and examined the potential natural and anthropogenic environmental features driving this structuring. Morphometric and hierarchical genetic structuring analyses of fish from 22 sampling sites in the River Foyle catchment, Ireland (~ 4500km2) identified 19 morphologically distinct groups and 15 genetically distinct populations, separated by river distances ranging from 0.4 km to 188 km. Isolation by Distance was the main factor shaping both genetic and morphological divergence, indicating that strong philopatry is one of the major drivers of the observed population structuring in this system. However, both natural and anthropogenic environmental variables also explained pairwise genetic and morphological differences between sampling sites. Thus, the pairwise differences in the area of woodland in the upstream catchment, water phosphorus concentration, biological oxygen demand, catchment slope, urban area in upstream catchment, altitude, site specific percentage of canopy cover and dissolved oxygen concentration in the river channel were correlated with genetic divergence. The pairwise differences in the concentration of suspended solids, the extent of bankside overhang, the composition of bedrock, boulder and cobble substrates, watercourse width, catchment slope and site altitude were correlated with between-site morphological differences. We hypothesise that local differential selection pressures comprising both natural environmental variation and variation resulting from anthropogenic effects, in combination with strong philopatry and random genetic processes drive the clearly defined genetic and phenotypic patterns described here.

ОСВІТА ТРЕНЕРІВ З ВИДУ СПОРТУ В УКРАЇНІ: ПРОБЛЕМИ ВДОСКОНАЛЕННЯ

Compliance with the modern demands of the sports industry is a key factor in shaping the training of highly qualified specialists in the field of physical education and sports. Objective. To identify the main directions for improving the professional training of coaches and physical education specialists in light of the current developments in the field. Methods. The study followed an analytical approach, which determined the use of theoretical methods in pedagogical research. The following methods were applied: the bibliographic method for analyzing data from scientific and methodological literature on the research problem; the pedagogical modeling method to address issues related to the training of specialists in physical education and sports; and the forecasting method to propose solutions to the challenges in training future sports coaches. Results. The analysis revealed that current coach training programs need updates to their theoretical component as well as a stronger focus on practical-oriented learning. To achieve this, the introduction of innovative teaching methods is recommended, considering the interests and needs of all participants in the training process. In particular, attention should be paid to increasing employer engagement by more closely integrating the practical components of education, taking into account the specific demands of working in sports organizations. Significant attention should be given to motivating students by introducing modern technologies and encouraging practical activities. Moreover, a key issue remains the lack of interdisciplinarity in coach training, which affects their ability to adapt to the rapid changes in the sports industry. Integrating a competency-based approach may help develop more flexible and professionally oriented curricula. Conclusions. In the context of educational process modernization, it is necessary to integrate a competency-based approach and implement innovative teaching methods in the training of future coaches. Enhancing coach preparation requires adapting educational programs to current demands, involving employers in the training process, and promoting innovative and practice-oriented learning methods. This will improve the quality of specialist training and ensure their competitiveness in the labor market.

Experimental investigation and AutoML prediction of the resilient behaviour of coarse-grained waste rocks

Coarse-grained waste rocks have been widely used for constructing mining haul roads, but the research on their resilient behaviour is limited. In this study, a series of large-scale (300 mm diameter, 600 mm height) and conventional-scale (150 mm diameter, 300 mm height) repeated load triaxial tests were conducted to quantify the impacts of stress levels and physical properties on the resilient behaviour of coarse-grained waste rocks. The resilient modulus increased significantly with dry density at low stress levels, while it was more sensitive to the shape factor of gradation at high stress levels. An Automated Machine Learning (AutoML) model was also developed for predicting resilient modulus, and it showed higher prediction accuracy (R 2≥0.95, MAE<30 MPa) and generalizability than the proposed traditional model in this study. The advancements offer valuable insights for the utilisation of waste rocks in geotechnical and mining engineering.

Dare to share: information and intelligence sharing within the UK’s anti-money laundering regime

ABSTRACT The UK's approach to combating money laundering extends beyond traditional enforcement authorities, encompassing diverse regulated entities mandated to monitor and share intelligence on suspected laundering activities. This study examines the UK's Anti-Money Laundering (AML) nodal institutional architecture, focusing on the significance of information-sharing mechanisms and structures among law enforcement, public institutions, and private entities. Different types of information – ranging from raw data to strategic, tactical, and operational intelligence, as well as evidence – dictate the appropriate structures and mechanisms for their sharing. This study introduces a nuanced framework for analysing these structures, assessing the spectrum from highly structured to organic approaches in state intervention, alongside varying levels of formality, incorporating mandatory or voluntary elements. The analysis identifies four main factors shaping the dynamics of information sharing in the UK's AML efforts: strategic resource allocation involving technology and human resources, the establishment of formal rules and standardised interpretations, cultural shifts towards trust and reciprocity, and state coordination and leadership. The findings reveal the central role of the state not only in setting legal frameworks but also in steering coordination, managing resources, and fostering reciprocal relationships among public and private nodes to enhance information sharing, reflecting a ´state-anchored´ approach to AML governance.

Factors affecting collective action in low-cost housing, Malaysia: commoning the governance

PurposeThis paper aims to explain the factors shaping collective action within low-cost housing communities, focusing on parcel holders, through the utilisation of an expanded institutional analysis development (IAD) framework, which extends upon Ostrom’s foundational framework. Additionally, the paper explores four different property management approaches accessible to these communities.Design/methodology/approachThe research employed a mixed-method approach comprising four sequential steps. Firstly, a quantitative inquiry entailed a questionnaire survey administered to 633 parcel holders across four low-cost housing schemes, aimed at discerning factors influencing collective action. Subsequently, a qualitative investigation involved face-to-face interviews with key stakeholders to elucidate the contributing factors of collective action, with a specific focus on Nursa Kurnia (a successful low-cost housing scheme comprising 200 units), accessible via Kuala Lumpur Middle Ring Road II. Thirdly, the study explored the social practice of “commoning the governance”. Lastly, the paper advocated for housing policy interventions, specifically proposing government subsidies for lower-income parcel holders.FindingsExemplified by the success of Nursa Kurnia, the research findings emphasised the importance of shifting local management’s mindset from a zero-sum approach to a win-win perspective. It highlighted the pivotal role of four factors (resource system, governance system, context and historical development) in shaping collective action and fostering improved property management practices. Moreover, the study highlighted the potential of “commoning the governance” as a new approach capable of addressing collective action challenges in low-cost housing management, presenting a promising avenue for future endeavours.Research limitations/implicationsAs more studies utilising the expanded IAD framework become available in the future, there is potential for further refinement and enhancement of the framework.Practical implicationsThis study offers valuable insights for policymakers, property developers, local management and local communities, shedding light on challenges associated with the self-organisation of shared resources. Moreover, it highlights the potential of “commoning the governance” as a new property management approach to mitigate the impact of collective action problems.Social implicationsThe well-being of society’s most vulnerable segment is indicative of the overall societal health. This underscores the significance of addressing the interests and needs of these lower-income groups within the broader social context.Originality/valueExploring collective action within the context of self-organising low-cost housing, the study delves into an area marked by persistent challenges like free-riding tendencies and vandalism. Despite significant attention given to collective action issues in the past, the novel approach of “commoning the governance” remains unexamined in the realm of low-cost housing maintenance and management.

Dual solutions of hybrid nanofluid flow past a permeable melting shrinking sheet with higher-order slips, shape factor and viscous dissipation effect

Purpose This paper aims to explore dual solutions for the flow of a hybrid nanofluid over a permeable melting stretching/shrinking sheet with nanoparticle shape factor, second-order velocity slip conditions and viscous dissipation. The hybrid nanofluid is formulated by dispersing alumina (Al2O3) and copper (Cu) nanoparticles into water (H2O). Design/methodology/approach The governing partial differential equations (PDEs) are first reduced to a system of ordinary differential equations (ODEs) using a mathematical method of similarity transformation technique. These ODEs are then numerically solved through MATLAB’s bvp4c solver. Findings Key parameters such as slip parameter, melting parameter, suction parameter, shrinking parameter and Eckert number are examined. The results reveal the existence of two distinct solutions (upper and lower branches) for the transformed ODEs when considering the shrinking parameter. Increasing value of Cu-volume fraction and the second-order velocity slip enhances boundary layer thicknesses, whereas the heat transfer rate diminishes with rising melting and suction parameters. These numerical results are illustrated through various figures and tables. Additionally, a stability analysis is performed and confirms the upper branch is stable and practical, while the lower branch is unstable. Practical implications The analysis of hybrid nanofluid flow over a shrinking surface has practical significance with applications in processes such as solar thermal management systems, automotive cooling systems, sedimentation, microelectronic cooling or centrifugal separation of particles. Both steady and unsteady hybrid nanofluid flows are relevant in these contexts. Originality/value While the study of hybrid nanofluid flow is well-documented, research focusing on the shrinking flow case with specific parameters in our study is still relatively scarce. This paper contributes to obtaining dual solutions specifically for the shrinking case, which has been less frequently addressed.

Cultural and Regional Influences on Global AI Apprehension

The discussion surrounding artificial intelligence (AI) is primarily influenced by Western viewpoints, often neglecting the cultural, regional, and socio-political factors that affect global perceptions of AI. This study examines how these factors shape AI apprehension in various regions, including Africa, Asia, Latin America, and the Middle East. A qualitative literature review was conducted, analyzing peer-reviewed articles, policy reports, and gray literature from multiple regions. The study used a comparative approach to assess the cultural, political, and economic contexts shaping AI perceptions. It found significant regional differences in AI concerns: Western countries emphasize privacy, surveillance, and ethics, while regions like Africa and Asia focus on technological dependency, state control, and socio-economic issues, such as job displacement. Brazil and Argentina were noted for their AI governance models, while South Africa and Kenya leverage AI to tackle socio-economic challenges. The findings underscore the need for inclusive AI governance frameworks that respect diverse local contexts and values. These frameworks would contribute to a better understanding of AI's global impact and inform future policy development.

Domestic ideas and interests in development cooperation of emerging donors: the case of Mexican development policy

ABSTRACT As emerging donors play a growing role in international development cooperation, attention has turned to understanding their motivations and strategies. While current studies predominantly draw on the role of power, economic interests and values in emerging donors’ development assistance towards the Global South, there has been a lack of attention to the role of domestic ideas and interests in governmental preference formation. How do these domestic factors shape ideational and material interests-driven development policy preferences? Drawing on the case of Mexico under the government of President Calderón, this study analyses bilateral development assistance through a domestic politics lens of international political economy. I argue that while the government's rhetorical stance significantly correlates with dominant societal ideas, domestic interests provide only a limited explanation for development policy choices. This study enriches the literature by revealing the often-hidden domestic roots of value-based and interest-driven development assistance preferences among donors.