This study analyzes the application of neurodidactic strategies to strengthen the learning of Natural Sciences among students with learning disabilities at a public institution in Ecuador. A sequential explanatory mixed-method research design was used, combining academic performance tests with interviews and focus groups to understand the strategies' impact. The intervention included multisensory activities, playful dynamics, practical experimentation, and active breaks, aimed at stimulating students' attention, memory, and motivation. The results show that the use of neurodidactic strategies promotes meaningful learning, increases classroom participation, and improves academic performance in Natural Sciences content. However, limitations associated with teacher training and the availability of inclusive teaching resources were identified. It is concluded that the integration of neurodidactic approaches in Natural Sciences teaching constitutes an effective alternative for addressing educational diversity and promoting equity in inclusive contexts.

This study aimed to examine the potential of integrating local etiquette values into the education system as a strategy to enhance students’ psychological resilience and prevent suicide, particularly in remote regions such as the Talaud Islands Regency. With rising suicide rates and limited access to professional mental health services, there is a pressing need for alternative, culturally grounded, and contextually relevant approaches. A mixed-methods research design was employed, combining qualitative analysis through in-depth interviews, focus group discussions, and participatory observation involving teachers, students, parents, and community leaders in Gemeh District, along with quantitative analysis using culturally adapted instruments including resilience scales and psychological assessments. The findings indicate that local etiquette values, such as respect for privacy, social responsibility, and interpersonal boundaries, play a significant role in fostering a supportive environment and reducing psychosocial stress, especially for students with intellectual limitations. The internalization of these values has been shown to enhance feelings of safety, social acceptance, and self-regulation, which are key components in building psychological resilience. Based on these results, it is recommended that local etiquette values be systematically incorporated into local content curricula and school counseling programs. Training teachers and counselors in culture-based inclusive education, collaborating with traditional leaders, and dedicated budget allocation by local authorities are essential for ensuring the sustainability of such interventions. This approach holds promise as a community-based mental health model that can be adapted and replicated in other island regions that face similar challenges.

ABSTRACT Objective The study aims to examine how the national musical heritage can be used in combination with the global musical platforms to solve the problem of the cultural identity crisis. Methods The study adopts a mixed-method research design where a total of 500 participants participated, including 400 music industry professionals and 100 cultural experts. The participants were selected through purposive sampling techniques. Findings and Results Findings pointed out cultural dialogue, marginalized cultures, and cross-cultural exchange as the most significant constructs in heritage integration. Cultural homogenization was of concern to professionals (avg. rating 4.10), as well as a lack of representation of heritage on international platforms (2.75). The main issues were related to commercial pressures (37.5%), lack of infrastructure (30%), and limited support from digital platforms (25%). Novelty Through analyzing the issues and possibilities of the indigenous musical forms in the digital environment, the present study will contribute to a novel understanding of maintaining cultural authenticity and promoting global expression. Conclusion In conclusion the research recommends that the incorporation of national musical heritage into global music platforms will promote cultural pride, representation of marginalized cultures, and a build-up of cross-cultural communication in the digital era.

Higher education institutions are undergoing radical transformations driven by the need to digitalize education and training processes rapidly. Universities continue to prioritize online learning as a means of meeting the diverse needs of students, ensuring accessibility, flexibility, and continuity in education. However, for students to effectively benefit from online learning, two crucial constructs play a pivotal role: academic motivation and self-regulation. These factors significantly influence students’ ability to engage with, persist in, and succeed in online learning environment. Despite the growing emphasis on online education, many students in public universities in the Western region of Kenya face challenges related to self-discipline which affect their learning outcomes. The purpose of this study was to assess the impact of self-regulation strategies on students’ online learning outcomes. This study was guided by self-regulation theory. A mixed-methods research design was employed, targeting 4,551 respondents, comprising 4,475 undergraduate students from the Department of Education, 24 heads of the Education Department, 39 instructors, and 4 ODEL administrators. Data was collected using questionnaires and key informant interview schedules. A pilot study was conducted to ensure reliability, with Cronbach’s alpha used to test the internal consistency of research instruments. Face, content, and criterion validity of the instruments were ascertained. Data analysis involved correlation to assess relationships between variables and multiple regression to predict their interactions. The qualitative results from the interview showed that self-regulation influences students’ online learning outcomes in public universities within this region. The results showed a strong positive relationship (correlation coefficients of 0.821, respectively) between students' online learning outcomes and self-regulation behavior. According to linear regression analysis, students' online learning results were positively and significantly impacted by self-regulation behavior (regression coefficients of 1.271, respectively) The study found that self-regulation explained around 55.2% of the variance in students' online learning results. For education stakeholders, these findings have important ramifications, especially when evaluating readiness for the competency-based curriculum (CBC) in Kenya by 2026, which includes the use of online learning techniques. The Teachers Service Commission (TSC), Kenya Institute of Curriculum Development (KICD), and Ministry of Education (MOE) may utilize these findings to create efficient teacher training plans for online instruction and to address challenges hindering the adoption of online learning. Enhancing students' academic motivation and self-control will be key to a successful digital learning experience.

The swift progress of Artificial Intelligence (AI) is altering the higher education landscape by changing how knowledge is produced, shared, and assessed. This study examines the transformative influence of AI on improving teaching efficacy, individualising student learning, and expediting academic research in universities. AI-powered tools like adaptive learning platforms, intelligent tutoring systems, plagiarism detectors, and predictive analytics are making teaching more efficient and getting students more involved. AI also helps teachers create inclusive, data-driven curricula that meet the needs of different types of students. This study employs a mixed-method research design, integrating quantitative data from surveys conducted with 300 faculty members and students in higher education institutions alongside qualitative interviews with 20 academic experts and AI practitioners. Quantitative data will assess perceptions, effectiveness, and acceptance levels of AI-based tools in education and research, whereas qualitative findings will investigate challenges, ethical considerations, and institutional preparedness. The results are expected to show that AI improves personalised learning outcomes, makes administrative work easier, and helps research and instruction make decisions based on evidence. But worries about data privacy, algorithmic bias, and being too reliant on technology are also important problems. The results will help teachers, policymakers, and leaders of institutions create guidelines for responsible and fair use of AI, which will encourage new ideas, openness, and academic success in the digital age.

This study investigated the level of mathematics anxiety and mathematics resiliency in problem solving among ABM senior high school students. A mixed methods research design was utilized, with 88 students surveyed and 8 students interviewed. The findings showed that the level of mathematics anxiety and resiliency of the students was high. The students reported three challenges in solving problems in mathematics: dealing with complex problem-solution pressure, memorizing mathematical formulas, and having low confidence in performing tasks. They also reported three coping mechanisms: seeking help from peers or teachers, taking remedial measures, and self-conditioning. The study proposes an intervention plan that includes providing students with more opportunities to practice solving problems, providing them with support from peers and teachers, and helping them to develop confidence in their mathematical abilities.

The increasing complexity of inventory management in public institutions, particularly in healthcare, necessitates the adoption of digital inventory management systems (DIMS) to enhance operational efficiency and accountability. Although previous studies have highlighted the benefits of digital stock tracking in government institutions, few have examined their impact on organisational performance within healthcare supply chains in developing countries. This study assessed the effect of Digital Inventory Management Systems on the performance of public institutions in Tanzania, focusing on the Medical Stores Department (MSD) Headquarters. A mixed-methods research design was adopted, involving quantitative surveys and qualitative interviews. The study targeted 178 MSD employees, with a sample size of 123 respondents determined using Yamane’s formula. Findings revealed that 67.8% of respondents agreed that DIMS improved transparency and accountability, 71.5% reported enhanced stock record accuracy, and 40.7% observed reduced monthly stock discrepancies. Overall, DIMS adoption significantly improved institutional performance by enhancing operational efficiency, data accuracy, and speedy decision-making. The study recommends continuous staff training, improved system integration, and stronger ICT infrastructure to sustain these benefits. The findings provide valuable insights for other public institutions in developing countries seeking to strengthen efficiency and transparency through digital inventory management solutions.

Abstract This study aims to conceptualize and develop a reliable and valid scale to measure Masstige Consumption Propensity (MCP) as a multidimensional consumer trait. While the concept of masstige consumption, where consumers seek prestige through accessible brands, has garnered increasing academic interest. Prior research has primarily focused on brand-level attributes or consumer attitudes, overlooking the individual predispositions that drive such behavior. Addressing this gap, the study adopts a four-study, mixed-method research design in accordance with established scale development protocols. Study 1 involved generating items and validating them through expert validation using open-ended qualitative responses. Study 2 employed a split-sample technique (n = 230) to conduct both exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses, resulting in a 19-item scale encompassing six dimensions: Uniqueness, Price-based Symbolic Orientation, Status Symbolism, Social Approval, Perceived Excellence, and Self-Identity Expression. Study 3 (n = 300) validated the hierarchical structure using second-order confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) and established nomological validity through structural equation modeling by linking MCP to status consumption and bandwagon behavior. Study 4 assessed temporal reliability via a matched-sample test–retest design over a seven-month interval (n = 142), demonstrating strong internal consistency, robust construct validity, and high intertemporal correlations. This study conceptualizes masstige consumption as a stable, trait-like consumer orientation. It offers a psychometrically rigorous scale for advancing theory in symbolic consumption and aspirational branding. The findings provide strategic insights for marketers seeking to target middle-income consumers with prestige-driven, value-aligned branding. Future research should explore cross-cultural applications, demographic invariance, and behavioral outcomes in digital and experiential consumption contexts.

Purpose With its superior analytical and decision-making capabilities, Artificial Intelligence (AI) is a valuable decision aid that enables organizational decision-makers to make effective and efficient decisions while reducing human errors. However, decision-makers continue to disproportionately rely on their intuition, especially when making decisions for ill-structured problems characterized by uncertainty and ambiguity. In this study, we assess the conditions in which decision-makers are willing to forego their intuition and rely on an AI decision aid for an ill-structured problem. Design/methodology/approach Using a mixed-methods research design that included an experiment and an open-ended questionnaire, we assessed the conditions in which decision-makers are more likely to override their intuition and depend on an AI decision aid for an ill-structured decision. Findings We found that the decision-makers' reliance on the AI decision aid depended on two criteria: when the decision alternatives were similar rather than different, and when there was a considerable difference in the AI assessment of the decision alternatives. The qualitative analysis offered insights into the factors influencing participants' reliance on either their intuition or the AI decision aid. Originality/value AI aversion is a significant issue for organizational development. The findings of this study increase our understanding of when and why decision-makers are more likely to rely on AI decision aids.

In the current economic context, organizations providing automotive repair services face significant challenges in ensuring service quality, operational efficiency, and long-term sustainability. This paper examines the importance of implementing process monitoring systems through the integration of European quality frameworks and Japanese operational principles such as Kaizen, Lean Manufacturing, and Poka-Yoke, to improve the quality of services and increase performance within automotive repair organizations. The research is grounded in Sustainable Development Goals (SDG 9—Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure, and SDG 12—Responsible Consumption and Production), demonstrating how structured quality practices contribute to reducing waste, optimizing processes, and delivering responsible services. The main objectives of the study are to identify the elements that influence the performance of service-specific processes, to improve the quality management practices related to these processes, to eliminate non-conformities, and to enhance profitability and competitive differentiation through service quality assurance. A mixed-methods research design was applied, including direct participatory observation, performance monitoring, and correlational statistical analysis over a six-month period in two Romanian automotive service centers. Key performance indicators (KPIs) such as technician efficiency, rework rate, and order throughput time were collected and analyzed before and after the implementation of selected tools. Findings demonstrate measurable improvements: rework rates decreased from 7.8% to 2.6%, technician efficiency improved from 89% to 105%, and average service completion time was reduced by 1.6 days. Correlation analysis confirmed strong relationships between visual management adoption and rework reduction (r = −0.75), as well as between Lean implementation and technician efficiency (r = +0.89). The study’s novelty lies in its integration of cross-cultural quality management practices into a replicable and sustainable operational model for post-sale service environments. The results validate that implementing monitoring systems, combined with Kaizen, Lean, and Poka-Yoke, supported by visual management and active employee engagement, can lead to superior service quality management, increased customer satisfaction, and long-term organizational success in the automotive repair industry.

BackgroundWith a global aging population, technology has been proposed as a solution to address the growing demand for services in the in-home aged care sector. Despite the potential of technology, there are difficulties when implementing technology into routine care delivery. There is a lack of evidence regarding the specific factors affecting technology use in the in-home aged care setting from the perspective of the direct care workforce.ObjectiveThis study aimed to understand in-home aged care staff members’ views of (1) the digital enablement potential of direct in-home care tasks, (2) benefits and drawbacks of technology use, and (3) enablers and barriers for technology use in Australian in-home aged care.MethodsAn explanatory sequential mixed methods research design was used, with a cross-sectional survey and semistructured staff interviews. Participants were recruited from in-home aged care staff members working at a national Australian in-home health and aged care organization.ResultsIn total, 226 participants completed the survey, and 18 participants completed the interviews. Overall, participants felt that many care tasks within in-home aged care could be digitally enabled, with more than half (56%) of the common direct care tasks identified as being likely to be digitally enabled. Participants also discussed a range of quality of care-, staff-, and organization-related benefits and drawbacks in the use of technology. Finally, participants agreed that most of the researcher-proposed enablers and barriers were important, while suggesting additional enablers and barriers such as client preferences regarding technology use and poor data connectivity.ConclusionsThis study provides insight into staff members’ views regarding the use of technology to deliver in-home aged care services. The results could help inform technology developers and in-home aged care providers, providing key information to guide technology implementation into care delivery. Further research is required to ensure that appropriate strategies are available to ensure successful implementation of technology into in-home aged care.

Despite efforts to promote collaborative governance, municipal-community partnerships often struggle to bridge the divide between institutional priorities and community needs, fostering a perception of disconnection, exclusion, and alienation among residents. Against this backdrop, this study explores the intricate dynamics of disengagement and sense of belonging within municipal-community partnerships in the City of Cape Town, where the pervasive “Us vs. Them” mentality perpetuates a profound divide between institutional stakeholders (“Us”) and marginalised community members (“Them”), promoting disconnection, mistrust, and social exclusion. Utilising purposive sampling, the study engaged 142 participants from three City of Cape Town townships, soliciting their lived experiences and perceptions. A mixed methods research design was employed, combining quantitative and qualitative data collection methods: questionnaires (n-142)- to gather attitudinal data; semi-structured telephonic interviews (n-10) to explore in-depth perspectives; an in-person focus group discussion (n-6) to facilitate collective dialogue and insight sharing. The findings uncovered a pervasive sense of disconnection and lack of ownership. The findings also revealed that residents felt marginalised, excluded from decision-making processes, and were distrustful of the municipalities’ intentions. The “us versus them” dichotomy seemed to hinder effective collaboration, impede service delivery, and undermine community cohesion. The paper posits that the conditions of residents in Cape Town townships are linked to how they are positioned and constructed in Cape Town as visible “Others.” The study stresses the need for municipalities to reassess their community engagement strategies, focusing on inclusive participation and enhancing a sense of ownership and connection among residents in townships.

This study aims to examine the impact of mobile shopping platforms on consumer behavior through a case study of Temu. Specifically, it investigates how impulsive buying behavior is associated with utilitarian, hedonic, and conspicuous consumption tendencies. With the increasing prevalence of mobile shopping, consumer purchasing processes have become faster and more emotionally driven, leading to deviations from rational decision-making. A mixed-methods research design was adopted in this study: quantitative data were collected via surveys, while qualitative insights were gathered through semi-structured interviews. Quantitative data were analyzed using SPSS, and qualitative data were examined using descriptive content analysis. The findings reveal that hedonic and conspicuous consumption tendencies significantly influence impulsive buying behavior, whereas utilitarian consumption is more closely linked to planned and need-oriented purchasing decisions. Moreover, the underlying motives behind these consumption patterns were corroborated through qualitative data. This research contributes to a deeper understanding of the multifaceted nature of consumer psychology in a digitalized marketplace and offers valuable insights for both marketing literature and digital commerce strategies.

This study explored sustainable tourism practices in the Municipality of Alabat, Quezon, aiming to balance economic growth with environmental preservation and cultural heritage conservation. Recognizing tourism’s role in economic development, the study highlighted the significant challenges posed by unplanned tourism, including resource depletion, waste management issues, and the risk of cultural erosion. By employing a mixed-methods research design, data were gathered from local government officials, business owners, tourists, and community members to assess the state of tourism and identify gaps in sustainability. The findings revealed a critical need for a comprehensive tourism framework that prioritizes conservation, waste management, and community engagement. Additionally, the study identified opportunities for sustainable tourism initiatives, such as eco-friendly accommodations, guided nature tours, and local artisan markets, which could align economic benefits with environmental and cultural preservation. This study concluded with the development of a proposed Sustainable Tourism Development Framework, emphasizing inclusive governance, community participation, and sustainable infrastructure. By implementing these recommendations, Alabat can promote long-term sustainable tourism that benefits both the local community and the environment.

Students in Senior High School often struggle with key topics in General Mathematics 11, particularly equations, inequalities, and functions. To make learning more engaging and compelling, innovative instructional materials are needed. To address these difficulties, this study explored the use of CBS Cards, an educational card game designed as a supplementary instructional material to enhance learning and engagement in Mathematics. A mixed-method research design was employed, using a survey questionnaire to gather quantitative feedback from 15 Mathematics Teachers and 15 Expert Teachers selected through purposive sampling. At the same time, qualitative data were obtained through evaluators' and students' written comments and suggestions. Findings revealed that the least mastered competencies were solving rational equations and inequalities, solving exponential equations and inequalities, and performing operations on functions. Both groups of evaluators rated CBS Cards as highly acceptable, with grand weighted means of 3.97 (teachers) and 3.98 (experts). Statistical analysis indicated no significant difference between the two groups' evaluations, suggesting consistency in their assessment of the material. Qualitative feedback highlighted the game's potential to enhance numeracy skills, promote interaction, and boost student motivation. CBS Cards present an innovative and engaging approach to addressing persistent difficulties in General Mathematics. By integrating play with learning, they can enhance participation and mastery of complex concepts. Future studies may focus on testing the effectiveness of CBS Cards in actual classroom implementation and exploring their impact on student performance through experimental studies.

This study aimed to synthesize research on instructional methods affecting the Thai language reading skills of elementary students with learning disabilities, analyze the current state, identify problems and guidelines for promoting Thai language reading skills, develop and evaluate a Thai language reading Skill Promotion Program, and assess its implementation and effectiveness for elementary students in Suksasongkhoa School in Northeast Thailand. The study employed a mixed-methods research design with a sample size of 40 elementary students with learning disabilities. The research instruments included a research characteristic record form and the Thai language reading Skill Promotion Program, which comprised a diagnostic Thai language reading test, lesson plans, instructional media, presentation software (PowerPoint), and reading skill promotion exercises. Data analysis involved content analysis, the Kruskal-Wallis Test to assess differences in effect sizes, and the Wilcoxon Match-Pair Sign Rank Test to compare pre- and post-intervention mean scores. The results indicated that the Thai language reading Skill Promotion Program significantly improved students’ reading skills (p < 0.05). Three primary areas of deficiency were identified: recognition of consonants, vowels, and tone mark forms and sounds, spelling patterns with and without final consonants, and word reading involving inherent vowels, consonant clusters, and silent letters. The program’s overall evaluation showed high effectiveness, ease of use, and suitability, with high levels of student satisfaction. The findings provide valuable insights for educators, curriculum developers, and policymakers in promoting reading skills for students with learning disabilities.

This paper aims to conduct an in-depth exploration and analysis of core concepts and critical elements within a specific academic field, focusing on clarifying ambiguous definitions, resolving theoretical contradictions, and identifying interconnections between foundational frameworks that have often been overlooked in prior scholarship. Through meticulous organization of primary and secondary data, systematic evaluation of over 100 high-impact literature works, and cross-validation of heterogeneous research outcomes-including quantitative experiments, qualitative case studies, and simulation models-it seeks to comprehensively reveal the essential characteristics of the subject, trace its developmental trajectory from early theoretical germination to contemporary interdisciplinary integration, and map its significant practical applications across key industry sectors such as technology development, policy formulation, and service optimization. Furthermore, by addressing current limitations, such as small sample sizes in empirical studies and over-reliance on single-methodological approaches, as well as urgent challenges, including mismatches between theoretical models and real-world scenarios and insufficient attention to cross-cultural adaptability, this paper proposes practical improvement suggestions, such as advocating for mixed-methods research designs and establishing interdisciplinary collaboration platforms, and outlines three feasible future development directions centered on digitalization, sustainability, and inclusivity. Ultimately, this research intends to provide robust theoretical support for refining the field's knowledge system and practical guidance for addressing industry challenges, thereby advancing both academic research innovation and the effectiveness of real-world applications in the field.

This study examines the evolving academic trajectories of librarians designated as faculty in Philippine State Universities and Colleges (SUCs). Traditionally, librarians have been regarded as support staff, focusing on information management and library operations. However, recent policy shifts and institutional expectations have increasingly positioned librarians within the academic faculty framework. This research explores how faculty designation affects librarians’ professional roles, institutional support, and career development within the geographical context of the Philippines. Employing a mixed-methods research design, the study combined document and policy analysis, a structured survey of 55 respondents (30 faculty librarians and 25 librarians without faculty designation), and in-depth interviews with selected participants from various SUCs across Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao. The findings reveal that faculty librarians perform expanded functions that include teaching, research, and service, alongside their traditional library responsibilities. While faculty designation offers opportunities for academic mobility and professional recognition, it also presents challenges related to workload imbalance, role ambiguity, and inconsistent institutional support. Policies and support structures vary widely across SUCs, with some institutions providing formal workload guidelines and research incentives, while others lack clear frameworks. Faculty librarians also experience evolving professional identities, navigating between librarian and faculty roles. The study concludes that faculty librarians hold a critical yet structurally underdefined position in higher education. Strengthening policy frameworks, institutional support systems, and promotion pathways is essential to fully integrate librarians into the academic mission. These findings offer practical implications for SUC administrators, CHED policymakers, and library leaders in shaping future policies and development programs.

The integration of learning and artificial intelligence has garnered growing interest recently. Drawing on EFL teachers’ perspectives, this study explores the emerging role of AI tools in vocabulary development. An explanatory sequential design of mixed methods research was utilized, comprising an online questionnaire disseminated to 97 high school and middle school teachers as well as conducting 10 follow-up interviews to gain a deeper qualitative understanding. Data obtained from the questionnaire were statistically analysed through SPSS and Excel, while thematic analysis following Braun and Clarke (2006) model was conducted for the qualitative data gathered from the interviews. Considering both types of data, the findings reveal that Moroccan teachers utilize AI as an integral part of their vocabulary instruction, notably in the process of preparing and implementing vocabulary tasks. Findings also indicate that teachers rely on AI to generate textual material and printed content such as texts and dialogues. The evidence obtained also points to the conclusion that teachers embrace AI with optimism as they show positive perspectives. In light of the results, some pedagogical implications are explored.

Coastal communities in Indonesia face existential threats from climate change. Conventional top-down adaptation strategies often fail due to a disconnect from local socio-ecological realities, overlooking a critical resource: traditional ecological knowledge, or kearifan lokal. This study investigates a knowledge co-production model that synergizes kearifan lokal with modern climate science to build community resilience. We employed a 24-month, mixed-methods Participatory Action Research (PAR) design in three highly exposed coastal villages in North Java, Indonesia. Ethical protocols, including Free, Prior, and Informed Consent (FPIC), were foundational. Qualitative data were gathered from in-depth interviews (n=30), focus groups (n=12), and ethnographic observation. Quantitative data came from a pre-test/post-test household survey (n=450) measuring a validated, multi-dimensional Community Resilience Index (CRI). Interventions were co-designed, blending traditional practices like the pranata mangsa (ethno-astronomical calendar) and the wana tirta (mangrove philosophy) with scientific recommendations. A linear mixed-effects model was used to analyze changes in CRI scores. The co-designed strategies led to a statistically significant increase in the mean CRI from a baseline of 2.8 (SD=0.65) to 4.2 (SD=0.48) post-intervention (p<0.001). Significant improvements were observed across all resilience dimensions, most notably in Economic Capital (+59.1%) and Adaptive Capacity & Governance (+51.7%). The revitalization of practices such as the restoration of 50 hectares of mangroves, guided by both wana tirta principles and scientific species selection, enhanced coastal protection and local livelihoods. In conclusion, the co-production of knowledge, facilitated through a PAR framework, is a potent mechanism for building effective, culturally embedded, and sustainable climate resilience. This model empowers communities as active agents in their adaptation journey and offers a scalable, evidence-based pathway for achieving SDG 13 in Indonesia and other climate-vulnerable nations.