Practical Implications Research Articles

Exploring Vocabulary learning in English Reading Teaching at Compulsory Education Level

This paper focuses on vocabulary learning in reading class at compulsory educa-tion level. Given the fundamental role of vocabulary in language learning, the research aims to enhance learning efficiency with practical and theoretical im-plications for English teaching. This study is mainly based on two theories: the Compensation Hypothesis and the Theory of Incidental Vocabulary Acquisition. These theories respectively explain learners use contextual information and ex-isting knowledge to interact with language and incidental learning occurs dur-ing reading process. Accordingly, a set of reading-related vocabulary learning strategies are put forward. Firstly, the teacher can combine vocabulary and reading contexts in reading to create content-appropriate contexts in class as well as develop learners’ predicative ability. Secondly, the teacher can guide students to guess meaning in different ways. Lastly, the teacher should facilitate their automatic learning ability for their lifelong learning. In a word, the re-search discusses the vocabulary learning strategies in reading class. In this way, students would hopefully improve the overall efficiency of English vocabulary learning during reading process.

Coupling Coordination Between Livelihood Resilience and Ecological Livability for Farming Households Relocated from Mining-Under Villages in Eastern China

The application of livelihood resilience theory in mining-under village relocation areas, coupled with the assessment of the coupling coordination degree between farming household livelihood resilience and ecological livability, is crucial for advancing sustainable development in mining regions and revitalizing rural communities. To examine whether a synergistic enhancement effect exists between the livelihood resilience and ecological livability of relocated farming households, this study utilizes a dataset of 1027 survey responses from farming households in typical mining-under-relocated villages within the eastern plain mining region of China. A measurement index system for farming household livelihood resilience was developed, encompassing three dimensions: buffering capacity, self-organization capacity, and learning capacity. Simultaneously, an evaluation index system for farming household ecological livability was constructed, focusing on three key dimensions: green production, green living, and green ecology. Using these frameworks, the coupling coordination degree between farming household livelihood resilience and ecological livability, along with its influencing factors, was analyzed. The findings reveal the following: (1) The overall livelihood resilience of relocated farming households in mining-under villages is relatively low, with the ranking being buffering capacity > learning capability > self-organization ability. The central village aggregation model demonstrates significantly greater resilience compared to the mine-village integration model. (2) The ecological livability across different relocation models is generally high, and farming households in the town-dependent village construction model, the central village aggregation model, and the suburban community model exhibit significantly higher ecological livability levels compared to those in the mine-village integration model. (3) The coupling coordination degree between livelihood resilience and ecological livability varies across relocation modes, with most modes demonstrating moderate to high-quality coordination. (4) Leadership potential and the presence of water-flush toilets are the most significant factors influencing the coupling coordination degree between livelihood resilience and ecological livability. This study provides valuable insights into the interplay between livelihood resilience and ecological livability in relocated farming households, offering practical implications for sustainable development and rural revitalization in mining regions.

Sustainability reporting and Sharia compliance in Islamic financial institutions: an empirical evaluation of emerging and developing countries

Purpose This study aims to assess the level of sustainability reporting and Sharia compliance in Islamic Financial Institutions (IFIs), specifically focusing on emerging and developing economies. Design/methodology/approach This study uses qualitative content analysis to examine sustainability reporting in IFIs in emerging and developing countries. The primary case studies are four IFIs: Bank A, Bank B, Bank C and Bank D. The Bank’s annual and sustainability reports from 2019 to 2022 undergo content analysis to gain insight into their sustainability practices. For clarity, Bank A represents an IFI from Indonesia, Bank B from Malaysia, Bank C from Pakistan and Bank D from Bangladesh. Findings The study found that sustainability practices scores varied but tended to increase between 2019 and 2022, with governance and ethics being the most disclosed indicators, while product and service disclosures remained the least. Bank A and Bank B (emerging economies) achieved the highest performance in sustainability scores, outperforming Bank C and Bank D (developing nations). The need for more debate on incorporating Sharia principles into sustainability practices is highlighted by the finding that, when compared to Sharia compliance, sustainability activities had higher disclosure. Research limitations/implications This study has limitations on the reliability and validity of the framework due to the absence of a standardized framework for sustainability and Sharia compliance framework, which future studies could develop and validate a comprehensive framework that is in line with Islamic finance principles. Practical implications In practice, IFIs should adopt specific sustainability reporting standards that reflect Islamic values and ensure consistency within the industry. Other than that, in the case of developing countries, capacity-building programs for IFIs staff are essential to improve their understanding and implementation of these standards as regulations and practices in developing nations are still limited. Social implications For society, improving transparency and trust through robust sustainability reporting aligned with Sharia principles can further the credibility of IFIs. Originality/value This study has originality in assessing and comparing the level of sustainability practices incorporated in IFIs in emerging markets and developing countries and comparing their compliance with Sharia principles.

The relevance of institutional quality as a transmission channel for digital financial inclusion: Evidence from African economies and implications for sustainable development

Purpose: This study examines whether institutional quality is an effective transmission channel between digital financial literacy and financial inclusion in African economies, with implications for sustainable development goals related to poverty reduction and economic inclusion. Methodology: The research employs principal component analysis to construct a financial inclusion index and applies system Generalized Method of Moments (GMM) estimation techniques to analyze panel data from 41 African economies (7 emerging, 26 frontiers, and 8 fragile) from 2004 to 2022. Results: Financial inclusion in Africa is more responsive to access indicators (ATMs and internet banking) than penetration and usage indicators. While the direct impacts of digital finance and institutional quality on financial inclusion show ambiguous results, their interaction demonstrates a significant positive effect, indicating that institutional quality successfully moderates digital finance's impact on financial inclusion. Theoretical Contribution: The study extends existing financial inclusion theory by identifying institutional quality as a critical transmission mechanism that can transform potentially negative effects of digital finance into positive outcomes for financial inclusion in developing economies. Practical Implications: Findings suggest that African policymakers should prioritize institutional development alongside digital financial education to effectively leverage digital finance for inclusive growth, supporting sustainable development goals for reducing inequality and promoting economic participation. Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs): SDG 1: No Poverty; SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth; SDG 9: Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure; SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities

Little to no evidence for historical improvements in verbal learning among older adults.

History-graded increases in older adults' levels of cognitive performance across a number of different ability domains are well documented. Less is known, however, about whether such historical advances generalize to measures of verbal learning and whether rates of within-person change therein have also historically shifted. To examine these questions, we used up to 17+-years within-person longitudinal change data obtained in the Manchester Longitudinal Study of Cognition (MLSC). We matched cohorts and weighted analyses by age, number of measurement occasions, and education and compared up to four-wave longitudinal data from 1,279 participants born earlier in historical time (1903-1919, 2,668 observations) versus 1,049 participants born later (1920-1935, 2,239 observations). We applied growth models that orthogonalized between-person age and within-person aging effects, controlled for retest effects, and adjusted for sociodemographic characteristics. We found little to no evidence for historical improvements in verbal learning among older adults. It was only at the zero-order level when participants were in their 60s that later-born cohorts outperformed their matched earlier-born peers. We also found no evidence of historical improvements in the rate of within-person aging-related decline in verbal learning. If anything, the later-born cohort appeared to experience somewhat steeper declines, particularly at older ages. After statistically controlling for sex, occupational status, and city of residence, the only remaining cohort difference was the steeper quadratic (accelerated) rate of decline observed in the later-born cohort. We discuss the theoretical and practical implications of these findings. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2025 APA, all rights reserved).

Mental health challenges and resilience strategies of Indigenous youth citizen scientists living in rural areas during COVID-19 school closures

The COVID-19 pandemic profoundly affected youth well-being worldwide, yet the specific impacts on Indigenous youth remain underexplored. This study examined how school closures and online learning influenced the active living and mental health of Indigenous youth. Secondary school students (aged 13–18 years) from rural and remote Indigenous communities in Saskatchewan, Canada, participated as youth citizen scientists to explore these impacts and co-develop resilience strategies. Data were collected using a qualitative citizen science approach through virtual engagement in January 2021 and a follow-up focus group at the end of the academic year. Thematic analysis identified four key challenges during school closures: physical inactivity, academic difficulties, social isolation, and disrupted routines with notable gendered differences. Follow-up discussions revealed positive changes, including improved academic performance, increased family support, and the protective influence of cultural practices. The findings underscore the importance of culturally grounded, community-driven strategies to foster resilience among Indigenous youth. Practical implications include the need for inclusive school-based supports, recognition of cultural resources in education, and mental health policies that reflect youth voices. Future research should expand participatory approaches to better inform policy and programming tailored to the unique needs of Indigenous youth during and beyond public health crises.

Transformation of MSME Marketing Towards Sustainability: Strategies and Implementation

Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) serve as a fundamental pillar for both national and global economic development. However, their sustainability is often threatened by limited resources and the use of conventional marketing strategies that fail to adapt to dynamic market environments. This study aims to explore the marketing transformation required to improve the sustainability of MSMEs through strategic frameworks that are both adaptive and context-specific. Using a qualitative research method based on a comprehensive literature review of international scholarly publications, this research identifies critical elements of marketing strategy—including digital adaptation, customer relationship management, and value-based branding—that can be leveraged to enhance MSME competitiveness. The findings suggest that a shift toward integrated and digital marketing approaches, combined with an understanding of local consumer behavior, can significantly increase the resilience and long-term viability of MSMEs. The research provides practical implications for policymakers, business advisors, and MSME owners to reframe marketing practices in a way that aligns with contemporary economic challenges and consumer expectations.

Parents’ occupation: a key factor in entrepreneurship education outcomes

Purpose The purpose of this study is to examine entrepreneurship education effectiveness, taking into consideration parents’ occupation and the theory of planned behavior (TPB). Design/methodology/approach This study uses a questionnaire-based approach and a pretest-posttest design. The survey involved 315 business administration students (based in Athens). Two groups were formed based on the parents’ occupation of the students (157 students whose parents are not entrepreneurs and 158 students who have at least one parent who is an entrepreneur). A paired sample t-test was performed to analyze the changes in the examined factors before and after education. MEMORE macro is used to reveal if the changes in entrepreneurial intention are caused by the changes in the factors of TPB. Findings After the entrepreneurship course, students whose parents lack an entrepreneurial background indicated a significant positive change in entrepreneurial intention and perceived behavioral control. In contrast, students who have at least one parent who is an entrepreneur indicated only a positive change in perceived behavioral control. These results suggest that entrepreneurial parents may already instill high entrepreneurial intentions in their children (Tsaknis and Sahinidis, 2020). Research limitations/implications The findings of this study are limited by the fact that they are based on the experiences of a specific group of students. Replicating the study across diverse university settings is necessary to enhance generalizability. Moreover, the sample consists solely of Greek students, which limits its applicability to populations of different ethnic backgrounds. Prior research indicates that entrepreneurial education may affect students from different cultures in varied ways. Additionally, demographic variables such as age, gender, and prior work experience were not analyzed, though they may influence entrepreneurial outcomes. Practical implications Factors influencing entrepreneurial intention include investments, mentorship, education, and policies. Entrepreneurship education should address the needs of all students, taking into account their diverse backgrounds and be tailored to their specific needs. The curriculum should include case studies, mentorships, and experiential learning to enhance perceived behavioral control and motivation. Originality/value The number of studies that take into account parents’ occupation when predicting entrepreneurial intentions or predicting the outcome of entrepreneurship education is sparse. As a novelty in this study, MEMORE macro is used to uncover new relationships between the examined variables, providing new insights into the role of family background in entrepreneurship education.

Discontinuity and prison sickness: sport participation barriers and mental well-being effects among women in prison

Purpose This qualitative interview study aims to examine the potential barriers and mental well-being effects of prison sports among women in a German prison. It places particular emphasis on prison-specific participation barriers and mental stress factors for females. Design/methodology/approach Guided expert interviews were conducted with women in prison (n = 7). The interviews were fully transcribed and analyzed using qualitative content analysis. Findings This study highlights a number of participation barriers, both institutional and related to the women’s intrinsic motivation, which are mutually dependent. Nevertheless, sports have the potential of enhancing the mental well-being of women in prison, who often experience higher rates of mental health disorders and more severe social challenges than their male counterparts. By addressing the need for physical activity and fostering psychological resilience, sports can promote enjoyment, enrich social bonds and contribute to personal contentment. Practical implications Supervision and support from prison administration will be key to overcoming identified barriers and ensuring the success of such programs. It is essential to maintain efforts to enhance participation, particularly in light of potentially low initial participation rates. Systematically integrating sports programs into the women’s daily routines is crucial for achieving long-term positive effects on mental well-being. Originality/value This study reveals the necessity of addressing the mutual dependence of institutional and intrinsic participation barriers to facilitate a systematic integration of sports into everyday prison life. Given this, sports can be an effective medium to improve the mental well-being of the particularly vulnerable female prison population.

Navigating complexity in sustainability and climate action: comparing participatory action research and developmental evaluation in higher education

Purpose This paper aims to investigate how sustainability and climate action are integrated in higher education through collaborative research methodologies. Specifically, it addresses the challenges encountered by those using participatory action research (PAR) and suggests developmental evaluation (DE) as a potentially suitable alternative participatory methodology in certain contexts. Design/methodology/approach A comparative analysis of PAR and DE is conducted, highlighting their strengths and limitations in sustainability and climate action initiatives within higher education. Philosophically grounded in pragmatism, the study draws on existing literature to clarify the theoretical foundations and practical implications of both methodologies, focusing on their application in complex, dynamic environments. Findings While PAR is well-represented in educational research and holds potential for transformative change in sustainable development and climate action, it presents challenges, including the need for multiple action research cycles. In addition, PAR can struggle to accommodate epistemological differences among participants. In contrast, DE offers a flexible alternative, allowing for diverse epistemologies while integrating complexity theory and systems thinking, both crucial for sustainability and climate action. Originality/value This paper advances the discussion on collaborative methodologies in sustainability and climate action research by proposing DE as a viable alternative to PAR in higher education. The proposed DE model provides a new framework for researchers and practitioners, especially in contexts where PAR’s traditional requirements create obstacles.

Green supplier selection decision-making model: a meta-heuristic approach

Purpose The purpose of this study is to develop a comprehensive approach for green supplier selection that integrates traditional and green criteria, facilitating the creation of an optimal procurement policy aligned with sustainable development goals. Design/methodology/approach This study uses a multi-objective model for green supplier selection, incorporating the Technique for Order Performance by Similarity to Ideal Solution (TOPSIS) for supplier ranking. Eight objective functions and seven constraints are considered in the formulation of the model. In addition, a genetic algorithm (GA), a metaheuristic approach, is applied to enhance the efficiency of the supplier selection process. Findings The outcomes of the study provide valuable insights for managers, enabling them to make informed decisions regarding supplier selection. The model facilitates the identification of suppliers that not only meet traditional criteria but also align with green considerations, thereby optimizing the overall supply chain efficiency. Research limitations/implications Despite its strengths, this study has several limitations. The model’s effectiveness may vary depending on the specific context and industry dynamics. In addition, the availability and accuracy of data could influence the outcomes of the supplier selection process. Practical implications The findings of this study have significant practical implications for businesses aiming to adopt sustainable practices in their supply chain operations. By implementing the proposed model, managers can streamline their supplier selection process and ensure that their procurement policies are in line with both traditional and green criteria. Originality/value This study contributes to the existing literature by offering a comprehensive approach to green supplier selection that integrates traditional and green criteria. The incorporation of TOPSIS and GAs enhances the efficiency and effectiveness of the supplier selection process, providing a novel framework for sustainable procurement practices.

Investigating STEM interest, mathematics beliefs and gender stereotypes among pre-service early childhood educators

ABSTRACT The underrepresentation of women in STEM is a pervasive issue. Despite evidence casting doubt on common-sense notions that males have superior ability in these domains, gender stereotype beliefs persist, and are highlighted as a barrier limiting female opportunities. Gender stereotype and ability beliefs emerge in early childhood and research has highlighted this as a promising period for the cultivation of positive STEM attitudes. This study investigated gender stereotype beliefs, mathematical self-concept and STEM attitudes among a sample of early childhood pre-service teachers (N = 74) to assess the existence of stereotype endorsements and predictive relationships with overall attitudes. Surveys utilising a series of pre-established scales, measuring gender stereotype bias, mathematical self-belief variables (self-efficacy, self-concept), and STEM attitudes, were distributed. Linear models reveal mathematics self-concept and gender stereotype endorsements as significant effects on participants’ overall attitudes. These data are discussed in light of implications for teachers, future practice and teacher education.

Yuri's Story: Memory, Relational Healing, and the Reflexive Logics of Art Therapy in Japanese Clinical Psychology.

Mental health care is a vibrant part of child protective services in Japan, and the adoption and utilization of psychotherapeutic techniques from abroad mark a complex site of cross-cultural exchanges. This paper explores how art therapy has been brought into Japan's protection system and its implications for professional practice. Focusing on clinical psychologist Yuri and her narratives on learning art therapy, this paper utilizes an interpretive and phenomenological framework to illustrate the importance of embodied experience in delivering care and how practitioners may reform their perspectives on care by reframing their own traumatic memories. Yuri's art therapy offers a culturally contextualized view of the self as social, care purpose, and resilience.

Review of sub-synchronous oscillation (SSO): from historical challenges to modern inverter-based renewable energy sources

Abstract Sub-synchronous oscillations (SSO) pose significant challenges to the stability and reliability of modern power systems, especially in grids with high penetration of renewable energy sources such as wind and solar power. This paper provides a comprehensive review of SSO phenomena, including their evolution, mechanisms, and impacts on power system stability. A detailed classification of SSO is presented, covering grid-level, device-level, and control strategy-dependent oscillations, along with renewable-energy-specific interactions. Notably, it is found that GFL inverter-based sources are highly prone to SSO due to their PLL-based synchronization, whereas GFM inverters are generally more stable, offering improved damping and inertia-like responses. This study highlights recent SSO incidents, such as the 2009 Texas PV case and the 2019 Hornsea wind event, to underscore practical implications. Additionally, a taxonomy of SSO types and inverter technologies is provided. For instance, GFL systems in weak grids with SCR < 3 showed higher oscillation risks. The insights gained from this review suggest that robust control strategies and coordination between GFL and GFM units are essential. These findings pave the way for enhanced grid resilience and provide numerical indicators to guide future renewable deployment in weak grid conditions. While GFM inverters are generally more stable than GFL inverters, it is important to note that they are not entirely immune to SSO. Under certain conditions – such as improper tuning of droop or virtual inertia parameters, lack of coordination with GFL inverters, or interaction with mechanical systems, GFM inverters themselves can become a source of SSOs. Therefore, robust and well-coordinated control design is essential even for GFM-based systems to prevent unintended dynamic instabilities.

A Study on the Conforming Behavior of Online Tourism Consumers from the Perspective of Information Cascades

ABSTRACT This study explores the conforming behavior of online tourism consumers from the perspective of information cascades, analyzing the impact of private information, others’ information, and product popularity on purchasing decisions. With the continuous growth of online travel consumption, the inherent information asymmetry in the online environment often leads consumers to rely on the behavior of others when making decisions. Utilizing a 3 × 3 × 2 mixed experimental design, this research defines private information as an individual’s perception of product value, including price, overall rating, and review content, treated as a between-group variable. In contrast, others’ information refers to the purchasing behavior of others, primarily reflected in historical sales data and the number of reviews, while product popularity is treated as a within-group variable. The findings reveal that others’ information significantly influences herd behavior in purchasing, particularly in the context of popular products, while the impact of private information diminishes in high others’ information scenarios. For non-popular products, private information does not significantly affect herd behavior, regardless of the level of others’ information. These findings have practical implications for online travel platforms, suggesting that they can leverage the dynamics of information cascades to optimize product promotion and marketing strategies, ultimately enhancing consumer engagement and driving sales.

Feasibility of Solution-focused Brief Therapy for individuals with alcohol use in primary health care

ABSTRACT Chile presents one of the highest rates of alcohol use in the continent. A feasibility pre-post-study was conducted to evaluate alcohol use patterns and other mental health issues in 14 patients with hazardous alcohol use, after 3.6 Solution-focused Brief Therapy sessions in primary care. Non-parametric inferential statistical analyses were conducted. Statistically significant decreases and large effect sizes were found in patterns of alcohol use, consequences of alcohol use, and depressive symptoms. Results build on prior literature. Implications for practice, policy, and research related to culturally sensitive brief interventions implemented by social workers in Chile are discussed.

Efficient removal of phosphate ions on activated algae biomass: Biosorption characteristics and practical implications

Efficient removal of phosphate ions on activated algae biomass: Biosorption characteristics and practical implications

Early hypervigilance and sustained attention for the eye region in adolescents with social anxiety disorder.

Early hypervigilance and sustained attention for the eye region in adolescents with social anxiety disorder.

Italian adolescents' body image and sociocultural influences: An investigation using the Sociocultural Attitudes Towards Appearance Questionnaire-4-Revised.

Italian adolescents' body image and sociocultural influences: An investigation using the Sociocultural Attitudes Towards Appearance Questionnaire-4-Revised.

Bridging abstraction and action: Phenomenology and public health research and practice.

Bridging abstraction and action: Phenomenology and public health research and practice.