Club representation in the national team: Effects on identity fusion and intra-vs intergroup attitudes.

Introduction: The purpose of the research was to identify viable alternatives to strengthen cocoa production and marketing in the municipality of Roberto Payán, department of Nariño. It was proposed as a solution to the devaluation of the crop and the high presence of illicit crops, phenomena that have limited agricultural development in the region. The study focused on the implementation of green innovation as a strategy to promote sustainability, productivity and competitiveness of cocoa in the area.Development: During the study, the national and international context of cocoa production was analyzed, as well as successful experiences of cooperatives that applied organizational and environmental innovation practices. It was observed that in Peru, for example, community organization significantly boosted the export of organic cocoa. In Colombia, the need to improve processing processes, train farmers and protect the characteristics of fine aroma cocoa was discussed. In the case of Roberto Payán, obstacles such as the presence of armed groups, state neglect, and the lack of adequate technology and infrastructure were identified.Conclusions: It was concluded that cocoa represents an opportunity for economic, social and environmental development for Roberto Payán, provided that the production chain is strengthened with green innovation, institutional support and community empowerment. The progressive replacement of illicit crops with cocoa is feasible if sustained investment and technical training are guaranteed, which would allow the municipality to become a regional reference in cocoa production.

The present paper explores the reuse and retrofit solutions as part of furthering the principles of a circular economy in the data centre development and operations in the UK, USA, and Nigeria. It presents a structured taxonomy covering building envelope adaptations, mechanical–electrical–plumbing (MEP) systems, IT equipment lifecycle management, and digital management approaches. Based on evidence in the international context, this study underscores that adaptive reuse, modular retrofitting, material recovery, refurbishment, virtualization, and circular procurement can be a big contribution to reducing the amount of embodied carbon, increasing the asset lifecycle, and improving operational resilience. Data indicates that adaptive reuse can cut embodied emissions by up to 68%, modular MEP systems accelerate deployment while lowering material waste, and circular IT practices can divert up to 99% of hardware from landfill. Findings underscore that circular strategies, when integrated into design, procurement, and operational decision-making, can transform data centres into low-carbon, resource-efficient infrastructures aligned with global decarbonisation and digital sustainability goals.

Objective. This paper explores the significance of the library and information environment of a scientific library in developing the foreign language communicative competence of future specialists in armaments and equipment for engineering troops. The aim of the article is to justify the role of the library and information environment in fostering foreign language communicative competence among these future professionals. Methods. The analysis and synthesis of scientific, pedagogical and methodological literature, descriptive method, etc. were used in the study. Results. The results of the study, as well as the conclusions drawn on their basis, are of practical value for teachers of higher military educational institutions, methodologists, librarians and developers of educational programmes aimed at improving the level of foreign language training of future specialists in weapons and engineering of engineering troops. Conclusions. The study reveals that the library and information environment serves as a powerful resource for shaping such competence, as the integration of traditional and modern information technologies, the emphasis on cadets’ needs, and the openness to innovative approaches collectively contribute to the preparation of highly qualified specialists capable of effective communication and professional engagement in an international context.

This article analyzes the current situation of the automotive sector, with particular emphasis on the auto parts industry, in the State of Querétaro during 2025. It evaluates both its contribution to regional economic growth and the structural risks associated with a high level of sectoral dependence. The central objective is to critically examine the role this sector has played in employment generation, the increase in state gross domestic product, and Querétaro’s integration into global value chains, while also identifying the vulnerabilities derived from this development model in an increasingly uncertain international context. Using an analytical approach grounded in the literature on regional development, productive specialization, and global value chains, the study integrates recent statistical evidence, public policy analysis, and specialized academic contributions. The findings show that the auto parts sector has consolidated itself as one of the main economic engines of the state; however, this specialization has generated high exposure to external factors, such as restrictive trade policies in the United States, increasing competition from the Chinese automotive sector, and the limited integration of local suppliers into high value-added segments. The conclusions indicate that, although the automotive sector has driven economic growth in Querétaro, its predominance poses significant risks to long-term economic resilience. In this regard, the article underscores the need to diversify the state’s productive structure by strengthening other strategic sectors, in order to reduce vulnerability to external shocks and promote more balanced and sustainable regional development.

International finance focuses on dealing with financial activities that span national borders, including areas such as exchange rate valuation, international investments, capital movements between countries, and risk analysis. As global markets become more complex, the need for reliable decision-making tools to assess various conflicting financial components becomes increasingly important. The MOORA methodology provides a systematic and quantitative framework for comparing various international financial alternatives based on multiple criteria, such as exchange rate stability, interest rates, balance of payments, and sovereign debt ratings. By normalizing data and assessing favorable and unfavorable criteria, MOORA simplifies complex financial comparisons and helps identify the most favorable investment or policy option. The method ensures consistency and objectivity, making it suitable for assessing countries, financial instruments, or investment opportunities on a global scale. This paper demonstrates how MOORA can be effectively used to rank alternatives such as different countries or financial strategies based on their financial stability and investment potential. International finance involves a variety of factors, such as exchange rates, interest rates, political risks, and economic stability, which must be assessed simultaneously to make informed choices. Traditional decision-making approaches may fail when dealing with such diverse and conflicting criteria. The use of the MOORA method allows for a structured and objective comparison of international financial alternatives. Its ability to process multiple variables and distinguish between favorable and unfavorable criteria makes it very useful for assessing global investment goals, currency performance, or financial strategies. This research contributes to financial decision science by demonstrating how a multi-criteria decision-making tool such as MOORA can improve clarity, reduce bias, and enhance strategic financial planning in international contexts. It provides valuable insights for policymakers, investors, and financial analysts operating in an increasingly interconnected global economy. The process begins by selecting relevant financial alternatives – such as countries or investment options – and identifying a number of evaluation criteria, including exchange rate stability, interest rates, balance of payments, and sovereign credit ratings. The next step involves normalizing the data to bring all values to a common scale, eliminating the effects of different units. After normalization, the criteria are classified as beneficial (to be increased) or unbeneficial (to be decreased). For each alternative, a net score is calculated by subtracting the non-beneficial values from the total beneficial values. Based on these scores, the alternatives are ranked, allowing for transparent and objective comparison. This approach supports organized, data-informed decision-making in the international finance industry. C1- Exchange rate stability – This parameter measures how smoothly a country’s currency performs against major global currencies. A stable exchange rate reduces the risk of currency losses in international transactions and investments. C2- Interest rate (%) – Interest rates directly affect borrowing costs and investment returns. C3- Balance of Payments (BoP) position – This reflects the net flow of money into or out of a country. A positive BoP indicates a healthy international financial position, making the country more attractive to investors. C4-Sovereign Credit Rating – Issued by global rating agencies, it assesses a country’s creditworthiness. Higher ratings suggest lower risk to international lenders and investors. The results ranked Segeroon as the most favorable option (rank 1), followed by Setasht (rank 2), Saban (rank 3), Sarab (rank 4), and Safar (rank 5), indicating their relative financial strength.

This study aims at exploring historical and transformative perspective of education in terms of inclusion in Nepal. The study further deals with paradigm shifts in education from the inclusion perspective. This is a qualitative research with systematic investigation of the developmental history of inclusive education in Nepal. Secondary data were collected from document analysis, library search, reference materials, and internet surfing. The study found out that inclusion concept in Nepal was developed basically from discourse on educational opportunities for children with disabilities. The provision of education for children with disabilities was incorporated in special education policies. The changing paradigm in education took place along with changing political landscapes of Nepal. The education policies of Nepal are also influenced by international contexts and policy provisions which are acting as source and also the pressurizer for developing and revising national policies.

Lean approaches and Industry 4.0 (I4.0) offer a wide horizon of possibilities for improving production management efficiency. This study aims to analyse the state of lean I4.0 (LI4.0) in Spain's SMEs and compare it to the international context, i.e. other European countries and outside Europe. It analyses seven different aspects (departments involved, implementation maturity, motivations, maturity assessments and roadmap, enablers and challenges, people skills and competences, and institutional support) by a qualitative 29-question open-ended survey, answered by 179 Spanish SMEs, 123 from other European countries and 80 global companies, all from the secondary sector with fewer than 250 employees. The main findings highlight the need for context-specific approaches for LI4.0 adoption, noting that Spain’s approach differs from broader European and global trends by implementing lean and I4.0 simultaneously. Key enablers include employee commitment and a stronger focus on market needs. Increased government support could enhance adoption in Spain, while global efforts seek to address post-implementation knowledge gaps and integration support. These outcomes can provide SMEs with future research and effective support in their search for efficiency through LI4.0, and also guide third-party support agencies, particularly national and regional governmental bodies.

Minority ethnic populations face persistent inequities in end-of-life care, yet research often fails to capture these disparities due to methodological limitations. Robust approaches are urgently needed to investigate and address these inequities. To develop best practice principles for conducting qualitative and quantitative research on ethnicity in palliative and end of life care. We conducted a modified Delphi study online, comprising one qualitative round and two quantitative rounds. Round 1 collected open-ended responses to generate 97 statements. In rounds 2 and 3, participants rated these on a 5-point Likert scale; statements were retained if ⩾75% rated them 'very' or 'extremely important'. Consensus statements informed the development of guiding principles, which were further refined during a stakeholder workshop. Participants were UK-based and included minority ethnic patients, carers, community representatives, researchers, health professionals, and palliative care specialists. Forty-five participants completed round 1, 43 round 2, and 45 round 3. Of 97 statements, 78 (80%) reached consensus in round 2, and all 78 (100%) in round 3. Seventeen stakeholders attended the workshop, resulting in 13 consensus-based guiding principles. This UK-based Delphi established 13 key principles to strengthen research involving minority ethnic populations in palliative and end-of-life care. Implementing these principles will help address inequities and improve the quality and impact of future studies, with validation needed in international contexts.

This study investigates the influence mechanism through which classroom leadership affects academic performance among international Chinese language learners, with learning psychology as a potential mediating pathway. The research addresses critical gaps in understanding how transformational leadership behaviors influence student psychological states and subsequent academic outcomes in cross-cultural language education contexts. A quantitative research design with supplementary qualitative components was employed involving 387 international Chinese language learners from universities across North America, Europe, and Asia-Pacific regions. Qualitative insights from open-ended survey questions provided contextual support for quantitative findings. Participants completed validated instruments measuring transformational leadership behaviors (inspirational motivation, intellectual stimulation, individualized consideration, and idealized influence), learning psychology dimensions (motivation, attitudes, and anxiety), and academic performance indicators (objective and subjective measures). Structural equation modeling served as the primary analytical approach, supplemented by correlation and regression analyses to examine complex relationships among constructs. The findings reveal significant positive associations between classroom leadership and learning psychology (r = 0.459, β = 0.594), and between learning psychology and academic performance (r = 0.627, β = 0.673). The mediation analysis demonstrates that the indirect effect (0.400) substantially exceeds the direct effect (0.245), with learning psychology accounting for approximately 62% of the total effect magnitude. The structural equation model achieves excellent fit indices (CFI = 0.952, RMSEA = 0.048, SRMR = 0.039), explaining substantial variance in learning psychology (R² = 0.353) and academic performance (R² = 0.487). These results confirm learning psychology as the primary mechanism through which instructional leadership influences student achievement. These findings align with social cognitive theory's core tenets, particularly reciprocal determinism. The significant mediation effect of learning psychology (62% of total effect) demonstrates how environmental factors (transformational leadership) influence personal factors (psychological states), subsequently affecting behavioral outcomes (academic performance). The substantial indirect effect indicates that teacher leadership operates primarily through student psychological processes rather than direct instructional mechanisms, consistent with social cognitive theory's emphasis on cognitive and affective mediating factors in learning and performance. The study contributes theoretical advances by integrating transformational leadership theory with social cognitive frameworks in international language education contexts, while providing practical implications for professional development programs emphasizing transformational leadership competencies to optimize student psychological well-being and academic outcomes in cross-cultural educational environments.

PURPOSE: This article examines how knowledge production creates and maintains colonial dominance and unequal power relations between the Global North and the Global South, with a focus on the context of international inclusive education. It questions how participatory research approaches can methodologically manage these power relations in international practice settings. Dominant Eurocentric scholarship and knowledge have created processes of Othering to justify the supposed superiority of knowledge and practices from the Global North and the assumed inferiority of knowledge from the South. Thus, it is important to understand how the production of knowledge, in the colonial past and contemporary neocolonial world, is shaped by power dynamics and relations. Inclusive education can play a significant role to help these colonial dynamics and their impact on practices that affect marginalized social groups. These power imbalances influence intercultural and international research projects, especially in the field of inclusion and disability. Despite extensive knowledge about disability in the Global South, Eurocentric and Western knowledge production is largely dominated by the Global North. METHOD: The article offers a dialogue on the extent to which participatory research can methodologically help manage these power relations in international comparative research on disability and inclusion. The paper also discusses limitations and challenges faced by inclusive education researchers navigating global power dynamics and realities. The paper offer recommendations on how to decolonize inclusive education research informed participatory research informed by postcolonial thinking and Ubuntu World views. RESULTS: The theoretical dialogue shows that participatory research, with its ontological and epistemological foundations, is able to decolonize research in the international research context on disability. CONCLUSION: The conclusion of this work is that a foundation of postcolonial theories, participatory research and disability/inclusive education provides a solid ground for initiating a paradigm shift.

This article examines the phenomenon of information warfare as the most important tool of global governance in the modern international context. The author analyzes it as a cognitive form of warfare focused on controlling perception, destroying identity, and delegitimizing the enemy. The study analyzed anti-Russian information campaigns initiated by unfriendly Western states, which made it possible to identify methods and stages of cognitive impact, including the introduction of topics into the information agenda and the formation of collective oblivion. The theoretical basis of the research consists of constructivist approaches, as well as concepts developed by the Copenhagen School of Security, and the theory of the “Overton window” adapted to analyze the boundaries of public discourse. Special attention is paid to the study of reputational attacks, deepfakes, astroturfing and memetic weapons, which are modern tools of information influence. In addition, the article analyzes the activities of key international actors such as the United States, the EU, NATO and UNESCO in the field of strategic communications. Russian retaliatory measures are viewed through the prism of national information security doctrines and strategies. Based on the conducted research, the author suggests a typologization of information impacts used in the framework of media campaigns. In conclusion, information warfare can be considered a strategic resource for ensuring mental sovereignty and influencing geopolitical processes without the use of military force. Russia has taken preventive measures to stop the spread of harmful information from unfriendly countries, especially in relation to its operation.

In the era of globalization, curriculum internationalization is a key strategy for developing intercultural and global competences, which requires solid and contextualized teacher training. This study analyzed the impact of a training process in Collaborative Online International Learning (COIL) with nine teachers from the Bachelor’s Degree in Foreign Languages with an Emphasis in English at Universidad de la Amazonia. A quantitative approach with a pretest–posttest design was used to evaluate four categories: knowledge about COIL, design and implementation, ICT tools, and assessment/collaboration. The results showed significant progress in all dimensions, particularly in the ability to explain how COIL projects strengthen intercultural competence, increased confidence to plan projects, the pedagogical use of digital tools, and preparedness to assess performance in international contexts. These findings confirm that teacher training in COIL expands theoretical knowledge, fosters practical application, and promotes both technological integration and the creation of academic networks.

Purpose Digital marketing presents an innovative opportunity to advance accessibility and inclusion for people with disabilities worldwide through enabling entrepreneurship, disability-inclusive digital marketing practices, and improved promotion of existing solutions. This commentary uses Thailand as an illustrative case study to examine global challenges, while drawing out broader international implications for digital marketing’s role in promoting equal rights and economic empowerment and contributing to mainstreaming disability inclusion. Materials and methods This commentary draws focus to Thailand as a representative case study of the challenges faced globally. It applies the three strategic priority areas of the United Nations’ Disability Inclusive Development Strategy as a lens to examine the role of digital marketing in advancing accessibility and inclusion. Results This work identifies exemplary accessibility challenges for people with disabilities in Thailand that mirror global patterns, and explores potential opportunities that leverage digital marketing to address those challenges with transferable applications to international contexts. Conclusion This is a call to action aiming to inspire more research about the value-added role of digital marketing for this population globally, and to push for greater integration of co-design and ethics- and human rights-based approaches in this space to best incorporate, consider, and understand the perspectives of people with disabilities worldwide.

ABSTRACT Love and touch are commonly considered irrelevant, soft or unprofessional topics in education. Touch has a difficult history in educational institutions across international contexts. There is a strong body of research looking into violent touch in education. In this paper, we explore touch in educational institutions through the theory of love. Taking a diffractive approach, we present three cases showing, first, how love might be lacking in moments involving touch that are commonly framed as 'caring' and second, how loving touch may emerge in educational institutions in unexpected ways not controlled by adults. The paper proposes that touch in professional educational practice needs to be read though love. This enables identifying the nuances of what kinds of touch are inflicted upon children, what kinds of touches become forbidden and why, what kinds of touch children are made to endure in education and what kinds of 'touch deserts' become unintentionally created.

This phenomenological study explored the lived experiences of Year 10 students in relation to the challenges of parental involvement. Given the critical nature of adolescence as a formative stage, this study aimed to identify strategies for achieving optimal parental involvement to foster adolescents’ personal and emotional growth. Despite growing recognition of the importance of home-school collaboration, limited research has explored how parental engagement is experienced by adolescents in an international education context. Guided by Hoover-Dempsey and Sandler’s (1995) Theory of Parental Involvement, this qualitative study sought to understand the perceptions of students, parents, teachers, and a school principal regarding effective parental support. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews with 12 students, 6 parents, 3 teachers, and a school principal, and analyzed thematically. The findings of this research revealed that students felt most supported when parents provided guidance while respecting their autonomy, whereas excessive monitoring led to tension and reduced trust. The study emphasized the need to raise awareness among parents and, at the same time, educate parents about the pivotal role they play in the lives of their children’s personal and emotional growth. Additionally, the study proposes integrating parental engagement training into teacher certification programs and school-based workshops to strengthen family-school partnerships. These findings contribute to policy and practice by offering a framework for fostering balanced parental involvement that supports adolescents’ holistic growth.

Alcohol consumption poses a significant global public health and economic burden. In Hungary, it has long been a major contributor to health losses and health inequalities. The objective is to quantify alcohol-related health losses in Hungary using various indicators and social cost estimates, and to present these findings within an international context. We utilized data from the WHO Global Health Estimates for the period 2000-2019, stratified by sex and age. Hungarian data were compared with the average for Central and Western Europe. Social costs were estimated for the 30-64 years age group based on unit costs from our previous studies, with subsequent correction applied to estimate the cost for the total population. Alcohol consumption in Hungary decreased during the study period, stabilizing below the Central European average after 2011. Concurrently, health losses diminished: mortality losses by over 40%, years of life lost by half, and years lived with disability by 20%. Nevertheless, approximately 300,000 disability-adjusted life years were attributable to alcohol in 2019. The main causes of loss of mortality were malignant neoplasms and cirrhosis, while the causes of disability were primarily injuries and mental disorders. The estimated total social cost in 2019 was approximately 800 billion HUF, equivalent to 1.68% of the GDP. Despite the reduction in health losses, data for Hungary and Central Europe remain significantly higher (mortality losses are half the magnitude) than Western European values. The magnitude of the estimated 800 billion HUF social cost, compared to the estimated 250 billion HUF in state revenue from alcohol sales, clearly demonstrates the economic imbalance associated with alcohol distribution. The observed decrease in consumption indicates the effectiveness of current interventions. However, due to the high health and social burden, continued restrictive policies and improved treatment success rates for alcohol-related diseases (especially neoplasms and digestive diseases) are warranted. Orv Hetil. 2025; 166(49): 1949-1955.

In today’s conditions a brand new component of the economic system came into being i. e. electronic commerce. A fierce struggle on the international stage is taking place among countries for domination in digital trade, where each state is doing its best to use opportunities of this promising trend. Transformation of trade relations through ecommerce development provides a way to fundamental changes in classical retail trade, sharpening of competitive environment and speeding up economic development. The present research focuses on assessing the place of Russian e-commerce in the international context and identifying key lines in development and promising ways of its progress. Special attention is paid to internet-trade as an essential element of e-commerce. As information basis the authors used research reports and statistic data of principle analytical organizations, such as Ecommerce Foundation, Data Insight and AKIT.

ABSTRACT In the aftermath of the Soviet invasion in Afghanistan 1979, more than 3 million people fled to Pakistan, another 2.3 million Afghans fled into the Islamic Republic of Iran. Through the end of the 1980s and beyond, the Middle East had become an area with one of the largest refugee populations worldwide. With a focus on Afghan refugees and based on archival research, the paper investigates the structures, actors and practices of the global refugee regime since the 1980s against the backdrop of Cold War History. First, the broad international context as well as the politicisation, ‘Islamisation’ and militarisation of Afghan refugee society will be outlined. Second, actors and practices of humanitarian aid in the Afghan-Pakistani borderlands will be analysed. The main focus here will be on the work of the UNHCR and European NGOs, especially West German organisations, their links with Afghan diaspora networks as well as their cooperation with French and Swedish partners. Their strategies for transnational networking, cooperation and competition will be examined, along with their attitude towards attempts to exercise political and ideological influence. Third, the paper will look at how individual actors and personal and institutional networks have sought to channel the lessons learned from their work in the refugee camps into the global discourse surrounding the root causes of refugee movements, prevention strategies and internationally binding rules governing the deployment of aid organisations in war zones. My paper concludes with the proposition that the history of humanitarian interventionism, was moved on significantly, both politically and legally, as a result of this.

Purpose This paper aims to examine the impact of blockchain technology on firm value. Design/methodology/approach The sample for this study extends from 2010 to 2022 and includes data from 197 companies. The study uses a regression approach, using feasible generalised least squares (FGLS) estimation for linear panel data models. To analyse the robustness of the model, alternative measures of the dependent and independent variables were included. The sample was divided into financial and non-financial sectors, and the method of generalised moments (SYS-GMM) was applied for the dynamic effect. Findings The findings indicate that the implementation of blockchain technology exerts a substantial positive influence on firm value. This phenomenon can be attributed primarily to enhanced transparency and a reduction in information asymmetry. Practical implications The results of this study highlight the importance of new technology adoption and its impact on firm value. The integration of blockchain technology is examined to advance theoretical and practical understanding of how it can enable long-term market performance. Furthermore, it provides significant insights into navigating all sectors and meeting the challenges of the digital age by highlighting the synergistic relationship between blockchain technology, strategy and organisational success. Originality/value To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this is the first study that empirically examines the impact of blockchain technology adoption on firm value in the international context of ESG index. This study fills a research gap by extending the existing literature, which generally focuses on the impact of blockchain technology on firm value.