Purpose The purpose of this study is to investigate the role of knowledge stock in the national-level emergence of tech scaleups from a configurational perspective. While prior research has recognized the importance of knowledge stock in the emergence of high-growth firms and examined elements of entrepreneurial ecosystems (EEs), its predominant reliance on econometric models has yielded a fragmented understanding, leaving unclear how knowledge stock combines with EE resource endowments to support such emergence. Design/methodology/approach Drawing on the knowledge spillover theory of entrepreneurship and ecosystem thinking, this study integrates aggregate data from the Global Entrepreneurship Monitor and Startup Genome. The authors construct a cross-national data set covering 31 countries and apply fuzzy set qualitative comparative analysis. Findings The results of this study reveal that knowledge stock plays a systemically important and consistently prominent role across high-emergence pathways; its influence is contingent upon the broader resource endowments of EE; and compared with resource endowments of EE, knowledge stock exhibits lower causal asymmetry, suggesting a relatively more stable role. Originality/value This study advances the literature on the geography of high-growth entrepreneurship by moving beyond single-factor econometric approaches to examine how knowledge stock interacts with other EE resources in national contexts. Using fuzzy set qualitative comparative analysis, the authors identify multiple resource configurations that enable tech scaleup emergence, reveal the context-dependent nature of knowledge stock’s impact and demonstrate its lower causal asymmetry relative to other resources. These insights refine theoretical understanding of how different resource combinations jointly foster high-growth entrepreneurship.

In recent decades, Southern European Countries, such as Italy and Spain, became destinations where immigrants have had permanent settlement patterns, including family reunification and formation. As a result, these countries now face the dual challenge of integrating first-generation immigrants and supporting the labour market inclusion of their children. This study examines gender and generational inequalities in labour market outcomes using 2021 EU-LFS data. The analysis focuses on young adults, distinguishing between natives, first-generation immigrants, and the children of immigrants. Particular attention is given to access to high-skilled employment and to gender disparities within and between origin groups. The results reveal both similarities and differences between the Italian and Spanish contexts. In Italy, access to high-skilled careers varies by migrant generation, with significant differences also based on gender, revealing a double disadvantage linked to both migration background and gender. In Spain, children of immigrants do not show major labour market gaps, and gender disparities are less marked, although first-generation immigrant women remain disadvantaged. These findings highlight how national context and gender intersect to shape labour market integration across generations.

Anti-Japanese war comedies have become a visible strand of contemporary Chinese screen culture, blending patriotic memory with comedic ridicule of Japanese invaders. Yet it remains unclear how audiences interpret this mixture of entertainment and nationalist messaging. This study examines how Chinese viewers interpret the anti-Japanese war comedy Hands Up! (2003), focusing on their intercultural competence, humor appreciation, and nationalist orientation. Drawing on intercultural communication and humor theory, the research explores how these audience traits affect responses to the film’s satirical portrayal of Japanese soldiers. The methodology combines a survey (N=250) using structural equation modeling with in-depth qualitative interviews (N=15). Results indicate that viewers with higher intercultural competence report greater appreciation of the film’s humor and more nuanced interpretations, whereas strong nationalist orientation predicts stronger alignment with the film’s patriotic message. Humor appreciation partially mediates the relationship between intercultural competence and interpretation. Qualitative interviews reveal that audiences both laughed at and reflected on the film’s exaggerations, showing an interplay of entertainment and ideological resonance. These findings highlight the complex role of humor in politically charged media: while the comedic dehumanization of the “enemy” reinforces nationalist narratives, viewers’ cultural competence can temper simple ingroup/outgroup reading. The study contributes to theory by linking individual difference variables with audience reception of visual political discourse. It also provides practical insight into how war comedies function as cultural texts in contemporary China. The research underscores the importance of considering intercultural skill and ideology in understanding media effects in nationalist contexts.

The aim of the study was to identify the peculiarities of discourse predicativity and the role of punctuation in sentence-expressions using works of different national and genre traditions. The theoretical analysis of predicativity as a key textual category and the comparative-analytical method were applied for the study of literary works. The research material included texts reflecting a variety of genres and cultural contexts, which made it possible to identify general and specific patterns. The results of the study showed that predicativity was the main property of the text, providing its logical completeness and coherence, forming a link between sentence elements and context and maintaining thematic and semantic coherence. It was found that punctuation performed an important function in text structuring, contributing to the allocation of key semantic accents, organising rhythm, and enhancing emotional expressiveness. The comparative analysis of the works revealed that in all the texts, predicativity contributed to the creation of a coherent discourse, but its use varied depending on the national and genre context. In some cases, the emphasis was on emotional intensity and expressiveness, while in others it was on logical simplicity and clarity of the narrative. Punctuation, as a tool enhancing predicativity, also manifested itself in different ways: in some works, it emphasised drama and symbolism, while in others it facilitated the perception of the text and highlighted logical connections. The generalisation of the results confirmed the universality of predicativity and punctuation as means of textual organisation, reflecting both individual features of the author's intention and cultural and stylistic traditions. These aspects were recognised as key in creating a coherent, logically structured, and expressive text, opening up new opportunities for studies across different genres and cultural contexts.

Terrorism has occupied a significant space in contemporary legal debate, especially given the challenges it poses to public safety and the preservation of fundamental rights. In Brazil, the classification of this phenomenon gained greater normative density with the enactment of Law No. 13.260/2016, which sought to align the domestic legal system with the international commitments undertaken by the Brazilian State. This work aims to analyze the legislative and doctrinal classification of terrorism in the national legal context, as well as to discuss police action in confronting these practices and the legal limits that guide this intervention. The methodology adopted is based on bibliographic and documentary research, with analysis of legislation, doctrinal works, and specialized academic productions, selected based on criteria of timeliness and thematic relevance. The results indicate that, although Brazilian legislation has advanced in defining terrorism, interpretative tensions persist regarding the delimitation of the criminal offense and the protection of constitutional guarantees. It is also observed that police activity plays a central role in the prevention and repression of these behaviors, requiring a balance between operational efficiency and respect for the Democratic Rule of Law. It is concluded that the legal and institutional confrontation of terrorism demands constant critical reflection in order to avoid abuses, ensure the legality of state actions, and strengthen collective security without compromising essential rights.

Background Digital transformation and artificial intelligence (AI) have become increasingly important in enhancing the effectiveness of macroeconomic policies, particularly through improved economic data management and more efficient targeting of vulnerable groups. Poverty reduction remains one of the most critical challenges for policymakers in Iraq due to its wide economic and social implications. Addressing this challenge requires a comprehensive mix of macroeconomic policies tailored to the national context. This study examines the effectiveness of key macroeconomic policy instruments in reducing poverty in Iraq during the period (2004–2024). Methods The Autoregressive Distributed Lag (ARDL) model is employed, along with the Bounds Testing approach, to investigate the existence of a long-run cointegration relationship between the absolute poverty line and major macroeconomic policy variables, including broad money supply, inflation rate, government expenditure, and per capita foreign trade. Annual time-series data for the period were analyzed to estimate both short-run and long-run dynamics. Results The results indicate a statistically significant long-run equilibrium relationship at the (1%) level between macroeconomic policy instruments and the absolute poverty line. The empirical findings show that monetary policy exerts the strongest influence on poverty levels, with broad money supply, inflation, and per capita foreign trade displaying significant effects. Government expenditure plays a meaningful role in reducing poverty in both the short and long run. Conclusions The study concludes that integrating digital transformation and AI technologies into the design and implementation of macroeconomic policies can substantially enhance their effectiveness in reducing poverty. Key recommendations include establishing a National Council for Digital Transformation and Artificial Intelligence within the Ministry of Planning, strengthening digital infrastructure through public–private partnerships, activating electronic interlinkages among ministries via unified databases, enhancing financial inclusion platforms targeting vulnerable groups, improving government spending efficiency, and encouraging investments that generate sustainable employment opportunities.

ABSTRACT This study examines the relationship between authoritarian predispositions and support for various democratic models across 22 European countries. Drawing on recent research in political psychology, authoritarianism is conceptualized as a predisposition to prioritize social conformity over individual autonomy. The findings reveal that authoritarian predispositions are positively associated with support for social, direct, and delegative democracy. Notably, support for direct and delegative democracy rises with authoritarianism across the ideological spectrum, suggesting a psychological preference for majoritarian unity, strong leadership, and institutional bypass. Interaction models show that authoritarian tendencies are not necessarily incompatible with liberal democracy; support for liberal and social democracy actually increases with authoritarian predispositions on the right, but decreases on the left. No robust relationship is found with populist and populist-participatory democracy. Country-specific analyses reveal notable cross-national variation, underscoring the role of institutional and discursive environments. The findings imply that although authoritarians are psychologically inclined to support semi-authoritarian forms of democracy, their predispositions act as filters, not fixed positions. Taken together, the complex interplay of predispositions, ideological beliefs, and national context may produce varying democratic preferences. The meaning of democracy is dynamic and can be framed in ways that align with the authoritarian need for order and conformity.

ABSTRACT The article investigates the role of Ernest Weissmann in diffusing and institutionalizing a regional planning discourse within the United Nations technical assistance mechanism between 1950 and 1965. Heading a pioneering body within the United Nations Department of Social Affairs, Housing, Building and Planning Branch (HBP), as the article shows, gradually became a valuable vehicle for integrating Weissmann’s pre-war CIAM ideas on ‘human planning’ into the UN developmentalist post-war endeavour in Global Urban Governance. The process is followed through Branch’s publication Housing, Building and Planning, which casts light on the process of concatenation of ‘global experts’ and their missions in India (1954), Puerto Rico (1956), and Japan (1958). Finally, the research examines Weissmann’s bureaucratic efforts in establishing the United Nations Centre for Housing, Building and Planning in 1965 as an intellectual base for outsourcing technical knowledge for the newly established United Nations Development Program (UNDP). By situating Weissmann’s efforts within the broader reorganization of the UN’s development apparatus during the mid-century, the study highlights the role of bureaucratic agency in shaping mechanisms for the circulation of technical assistance and planning knowledge across national contexts.

As global value chains integrate firms operating under varied institutional contexts and distinct technological capabilities, the uniform adoption of green standards becomes challenging. A “one-size-fits-all” sustainability approach often fails to account for the voids faced by firms in different contexts participating in one value chain, particularly in developing economies an area where academic research remains limited and fragmented. This research gap is the motivation for the present study. Through a systematic review of 56 articles, this paper examines how technological gaps and institutional voids in global value chains (GVCs) affect firms’ capacity to leverage environmental performance across different national and organizational contexts. Building on this synthesis, we develop an integrative conceptual framework that elucidates these dynamics and offers actionable insights for managers seeking to navigate environmental performance in heterogeneous institutional and technological settings. Our findings contribute to the literature on sustainable GVCs and guide practitioners aiming to foster effective cross-border collaborations that enhance environmental performance.

Undergraduate public health programs have expanded in Asia, yet little is known about how national contexts shape curriculum design and workforce preparation. This study compares the undergraduate public health curricula of Taiwan and Vietnam to examine how governance structures, health system priorities, and workforce needs influence educational models. A comparative curriculum analysis was conducted using official program documents, supported by interviews with senior faculty to contextualize policy and institutional factors. Courses were categorized into major domains to assess required and elective distributions, thematic emphases, specialization pathways, and internship structures. Taiwan's curriculum emphasizes flexibility and specialization, with extensive electives and strong representation in environmental and occupational health, epidemiology, and quantitative analysis, alongside pathways linked to professional certification. Vietnam's curriculum is standardized and community-oriented, emphasizing foundational medical sciences, communicable disease control, health promotion, and sequenced community-based internships that reflect its vertically organized preventive health system. Differences in experiential learning and credentialing opportunities further distinguish workforce preparation in the two countries. The findings show that curriculum architecture mirrors broader national development priorities and system capacities. The study underscores the importance of competency-based and context-responsive curriculum reform and provides insights for strengthening public health workforce readiness across the Asia-Pacific region.

ABSTRACT In our ever-changing world, principals must continuously update their knowledge and acquire competencies to support transformation of local practices. To meet this challenge, principals’ professional development (PD) has become a central concern for local education authorities (LEAs) in many countries. However, insights into PD outcomes are limited. This study aims to expand scholarly understanding by exploring principals’ professional learning (PL) and value-creation experiences in PD provided by LEAs. Interviews and group conversations were conducted with 76 principals in 14 Swedish municipalities. Using a sociocultural and practice perspective, we identify a range of PD activities for which PL and value creation depends on how the activities are designed, delivered, and implemented. PD generally offers immediate and potential value, but only occasionally does it promote applying and realising the potential in practice, making transformative value creation rare. Although principals perceive PD as insufficiently supportive for PL, many remain passive, refraining from advocating change. The study emphasises the need for LEAs to carefully consider how PD is carried out to support principals in leading development to meet future needs. The findings and the use of value-creation cycles hold significant relevance for LEAs and national agencies across diverse national contexts when planning principals’ PD.

Balancing professional obligations with personal life domains has emerged as a defining challenge for the modern workforce, with profound implications for individual wellness, organizational effectiveness, and broader societal outcomes. While extensive scholarship has examined work-life equilibrium among salaried employees, the experiences of self-employed workers remain substantially underexplored, particularly within developing nation contexts. This comparative empirical study examines differences in work-life balance between self-employed and traditionally employed workers in Vijayawada, Andhra Pradesh, India. Through a cross-sectional survey methodology, primary data were obtained from 120 participants equally distributed between self-employed (n=60) and traditionally employed (n=60) categories via structured questionnaires. Statistical analysis employed descriptive techniques and chi-square independence tests to evaluate associations between employment classification and work-life balance parameters. Results demonstrate statistically significant disparities across eight distinct dimensions. Self-employed participants exhibit markedly superior schedule flexibility (66.70% very flexible versus 16.70%; χ²=30.49, p<0.001, Cramer's V=0.504) and substantially elevated work autonomy (75.00% high autonomy versus 25.00%; χ²=34.49, p<0.001, Cramer's V=0.536). Additionally, self-employed respondents demonstrate reduced work-life conflict incidence (16.70% frequent versus 41.70%; χ²=14.19, p=0.003), superior boundary management (58.30% clear boundaries versus 25.00%; χ²=16.29, p=0.001), diminished stress levels (25.00% high stress versus 50.00%; χ²=10.49, p=0.015), enhanced leisure time access (50.00% sufficient versus 25.00%), stronger perceived social support (66.70% strong versus 41.70%; χ²=12.19, p=0.016), and greater overall satisfaction (58.30% very satisfied versus 33.30%; χ²=10.29, p=0.036). Findings illuminate how employment structural characteristics fundamentally shape work-life balance attainment, with self-employment configurations offering autonomy and flexibility advantages conducive to equilibrium achievement. Implications span organizational policy formulation, entrepreneurship ecosystem development, and employment arrangement innovation. Keywords: Work-Life Equilibrium, Self-Employment Dynamics, Traditional Employment, Occupational Autonomy, Work-Family Conflict, Comparative Methodology, Chi-Square Analysis

The transportation sector, as a significant contributor to global CO2 emissions, demands urgent attention to align its decarbonization with national carbon neutrality agendas. Existing research disproportionately focuses on quantifying TCE (transportation CO2 emissions) and mapping their spatio-temporal distributions. However, the evolutionary trajectories and sequential peaking dynamics of TCE across different national contexts remain unclear. To address this question, this study was conducted. A global comparative analysis of 115 countries was conducted, establishing a four-stage TCE development typology through three metrics: TCE intensity (A), per capita TCE (B), and total TCE (C). The analysis revealed a universal A → B → C peaking sequence, with Stage II (A to B transition) exhibiting a significantly prolonged duration (mean = 8.37years) compared to Stage III (B to C transition; mean = 2.12years). Developed economies predominantly occupy Stage IV, while developing countries cluster in Stage II and Stage III. Regionally, North American countries demonstrated extended durations in both stages, exceeding global averages. Regression analysis indicated that socioeconomic indicators have limited explanatory power in predicting stage durations, underscoring the individualized nature of TCE progression across nations. This study contributes by revealing the unified and diverse peak patterns of three core TCE indicators at national levels, while addressing a critical gap in global emission reduction strategies through cross-economy analysis. The findings confirm a predictable evolution in TCE across most nations but highlight significant variations between developed and developing economies. The prolonged duration of Stage II compared to Stage III suggests a more challenging transition phase for many countries. Moreover, the limited influence of standard socioeconomic metrics on stage durations emphasizes the need for nuanced, country-specific approaches to emissions transitions. The study proposes targeted TCE reduction measures differentiated by development stage and transportation sub-sector, providing scientific guidance for policy formulations.

Introduction Education 4.0 is rapidly reshaping higher education through technology-enabled learning, curriculum realignment, and new ethical and professional demands. However, empirical evidence on how faculty members in the Arab States perceive and respond to these shifts remains limited. Methods This qualitative study examined faculty sense-making of Education 4.0 through semi-structured interviews with 12 university faculty members from six Arab countries. Data were analysed using thematic analysis. Results Participants conceptualised Education 4.0 as (a) strengthening curriculum relevance through closer alignment with labour-market needs, (b) widening access to knowledge through digital resources and networks, and (c) enabling more differentiated, student-centred pedagogy. Concurrently, they highlighted persistent challenges related to ethical governance, uneven institutional and individual readiness, and the necessity of continuous, context-responsive professional development. Discussion By foregrounding faculty perspectives across multiple national contexts, the study illuminates the opportunities and tensions shaping Higher Education 4.0 implementation in the Arab States and underscores the importance of supporting human-centred, ethically governed digital transformation.

The effectiveness of real-time and post-trip interventions within the i-DREAMS naturalistic driving project: A cross-national analysis.

Male hypogonadism is a prevalent and clinically relevant condition with substantial effects on reproductive, metabolic, skeletal, and psychosocial health. Rising obesity rates, metabolic syndrome, and anabolic-androgenic steroid use have increased the frequency of functional hypogonadism in Brazil. Despite advances in diagnosis and treatment, clinical practice remains heterogeneous and access to standardized recommendations is limited. This joint position statement from the Department of Female Endocrinology, Andrology and Transgenderism (DEFAT) of the Brazilian Society of Endocrinology and Metabolism (SBEM), the Brazilian Society of Urology (SBU), and the Brazilian Association for Sexual Medicine and Health (ABEMSS) provides practical, evidence-based guidance for the evaluation and management of male hypogonadism in Brazil. The document outlines diagnostic criteria, including morning total testosterone confirmation and assessment of gonadotropins, and emphasizes recognition of functional etiologies such as obesity-related hypogonadism. Therapeutic recommendations include testosterone replacement therapy for confirmed organic hypogonadism, preferential use of long-acting intramuscular or transdermal formulations, and fertility-preserving strategies (SERMs, hCG, aromatase inhibitors) when indicated. The statement also addresses monitoring protocols, safety considerations, and the management of adverse effects. This is the first multidisciplinary Brazilian guideline harmonizing endocrine, urological, and sexual medicine perspectives to support national clinical practice. This consensus aims to promote consistent clinical decision-making, reduce underdiagnosis and overtreatment, and ensure safe, individualized care aligned with international principles and adapted to the national context.

ABSTRACT This study presents the first sector-wide application of the PESTLE (Political, Economic, Social, Technological, Legal, Environmental) framework to Australian public university annual reports. Using a mixed methods design that combined qualitative thematic coding with quantitative frequency analysis, 1,312 macro-environmental references were identified across 37 institutions. Findings reveal universities’ responses to shifts in government funding, visa regulations, enrolment volatility, inflationary pressures, digital transformation, regulatory complexity, and sustainability imperatives. Results also indicate considerable institutional variation in how these external forces are interpreted and reported. By treating annual reports as strategic artefacts rather than administrative outputs, the study highlights their value as tools for systematic environmental scanning in higher education. The study’s contribution is twofold. First, it fills a gap in higher education research by demonstrating a replicable, evidence-based methodology for analysing institutional reporting. Second, it provides practical insights for policymakers and university leaders, supporting the alignment of strategies with external dynamics and strengthening decision-making. In doing so, the analysis advances understanding of how Australian universities respond to shifting macro-environmental conditions and provides a model adaptable to other national contexts.

Climate change and biodiversity losses have necessitated innovative approaches to peatland management. This study examines pivotal historical landmarks and the recent forces of change that have affected peatlands in Finland, Ireland and Scotland, highlighting how national contexts, such as land ownership, forestry, agriculture and the need for domestic energy sources, have shaped the peatland use in those countries. We further introduce national and EU policies, which include, for example, national peatland strategies, and identify barriers to sustainable management of these important ecosystems. We propose six key solutions that could improve peatland persistence more broadly in northern Europe: (1) adoption of an integrated, landscape-scale strategy for rewetting and restoration with multi-stakeholder collaboration, (2) enhancement of monitoring to improve outcomes and refine best practices, (3) alignment of both national and EU policies across relevant sectors (energy, climate change, biodiversity, land use) to promote sustainable peatland management, (4) minimisation of trade-offs between green energy transition and sustainable peatland management, (5) engagement with local communities in restoration efforts for better acceptability and outcomes, and (6) wider leverage of market-based mechanisms, such as carbon, biodiversity and water credits, to finance peatland restoration. Together, these measures provide a pathway for the sustainable management of northern peatlands by balancing environmental integrity with socio-economic needs.

This study highlights Sohar University’s significant contribution to enhancing higher education in Oman, in alignment with Oman Vision 2040, by promoting innovation, sustainability, and knowledge-driven development through its Living Lab model. Located in a strategically important region, the institution tackles urgent sustainability issues locally while also influencing national and worldwide contexts. Its objective is to convert ideas (campus zero waste. Solar energy optimization, grey water recycling etc.)into implementable actions. This effort focuses on redefining engineering education to equip graduates with technical proficiency, analytical reasoning, ethical leadership, and a dedication to global citizenship. The implementation of the International Engineering Alliance (IEA) Graduate Attributes framework fosters a culture of sustainability and ethical practices, enabling the shift from academic understanding to practical application. Sohar University applies the “Living Laboratory” model, an innovative strategy that merges academic curricula with the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). This paradigm advocates for experiential learning and community involvement, highlighting interdisciplinary research, industrial collaborations, and outreach initiatives. By incorporating practical learning into its curricula, especially in renewable energy and sustainable infrastructure, the institution improves graduate employability in both local and worldwide markets, distinguishing itself as a leader in sustainability solutions. The primary objectives include aligning graduate attributes with specific SDGs, integrating sustainability competencies into core curricula, and transforming the campus into a Centre for Sustainability. Implementation techniques include engagement, curriculum mapping, workshops, mini-grant awards, and program monitoring, which together enhance the university’s academic standing and strengthen its dedication to sustainable human capital development. Sohar University aims to be a national and regional leader in sustainability education, establishing a benchmark for institutions throughout Oman and the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC).

Objective: To analyze the economic, technical, and environmental feasibility of implementing a photovoltaic power plant in a private higher education institution (HEI) located in the state of Minas Gerais, comparing its results with those of a public institution that already operates a photovoltaic system, IFSULDEMINAS. Theoretical Framework: This research is grounded in the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), with emphasis on SDG 7 – Affordable and Clean Energy, as well as studies on sustainability in higher education institutions, environmental management, renewable energy sources, and the economic and financial feasibility of photovoltaic systems. Method: Data were collected from the private HEI and from IFSULDEMINAS covering the period from 2021 to 2024, in addition to the analysis of economic indicators such as Payback, Net Present Value (NPV), and Internal Rate of Return (IRR), as well as estimates of environmental impacts. Results and Discussion: The implementation of the photovoltaic plant is economically viable in both institutions, with a payback period of less than eight years and an IRR higher than the minimum acceptable rate of return. A higher financial return was observed in the higher education institution (due to its greater energy demand) and a significant reduction in CO₂ emissions. Research Implications: The study provides support for energy planning and the adoption of sustainable practices in higher education institutions, contributing to strategic decision-making and sustainability policies. Originality/Value: The study contributes to the literature by comparatively addressing the feasibility of photovoltaic energy in public and private higher education institutions, an area still underexplored in the national context, reinforcing the relevance of clean energy in the education sector.