Societal Well-being Research Articles

AnxietyNet: social media trends with fuzzy logic trees

In the digital age, social media platforms have become integral parts of daily life, facilitating communication, information sharing, and community building on a global scale. However, alongside the benefits of connectivity, concerns regarding public anxiety within these virtual communities have emerged. This research paper delves into the phenomenon of public anxiety on social media and proposes a novel approach utilizing fuzzy tree logic to analyze and address this issue. Through a comprehensive review of literature, theoretical frameworks, and practical applications, this paper aims to provide insights into the complex dynamics of public anxiety and offer potential solutions leveraging machine learning techniques. The proposed methodology involves the development of a cascading model to dynamically compute individual anxiety scores within social media networks. By analyzing structural influences and user interactions, this model aims to provide a nuanced understanding of anxiety dynamics within online communities. Additionally, a probabilistic model is designed to measure anxiety scores of social network messages, utilizing a generalized user profile. The integration of fuzzy tree logic enables the construction of a tree structure to effectively compute anxiety scores, offering a more flexible and human-like decision-making process. Preliminary experiments demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed approach in capturing and analyzing public anxiety on social media platforms. The fuzzy tree model shows promise in accurately assessing anxiety levels and identifying key factors contributing to social anxiety within online communities. Moreover, the integration of machine learning techniques enhances the scalability and adaptability of the model, allowing for real-time analysis and proactive intervention strategies. This research underscores the importance of addressing public anxiety on social media through innovative analytical frameworks. By leveraging fuzzy tree logic and machine learning techniques, we can gain deeper insights into the dynamics of anxiety within online communities and develop targeted interventions to support individuals experiencing distress. Collaborative efforts in this endeavor hold the potential to foster societal well-being and resilience in the digital age.

Social Media Addiction and Aggression in Pakistani Young Adults: Social Connectedness as a Moderator

Social media serves as a platform for communication and connection in the digital realm, but its problematic use can negatively affect health. Research indicates a link between problematic social media use and increased aggression. This study explores the moderating role of social connectedness in the relationship between social media addiction and aggression among young adults in Pakistan, involving 162 participants (82 men, 77 women) aged 18 to 25 years (M=22.09, SD=2.06). Using instruments like the Bergen Social Media Addiction Scale (Andreassen et al., 2017), the Revised Social Connectedness Scale (Lee et al., 2001), and the Buss and Perry Aggression Questionnaire (Buss & Perry, 1992), the analysis revealed a positive but nonsignificant relationship between social media addiction, social connectedness, and aggression. However, using Hayes' 4.1 Model 1, findings showed a significant negative effect of social media addiction on aggression (?=-5.65*, SE=2.75, p<.05) and a significant negative impact of social connectedness on aggression (?=-2.16*, SE=1.08, p<.05). The interaction between social media addiction and social connectedness also had a positive and significant effect on aggression (?=.09*, SE=.04, p<.05), suggesting that social connectedness moderates the impact of social media addiction on aggression in young Pakistani adults. Additionally, independent sample t-tests indicated that social media addiction (M=25.95, SD=3.35, **p<.01) and aggression (M=84.32, SD=19.49, ***p<.001) were significantly higher in men than in women, with no significant differences in social connectedness. The study concludes with a discussion of its limitations, recommendations, and implications for societal welfare.

Expanding the concept of ‘threshold concepts’: threshold concepts for life

News and media reports indicate that the perceived value of university education is declining amongst students – one of the indicators being an increase in apprenticeships. As educators, we need to identify the reasons for this and ask ourselves whether we provide holistic education to students. Based on this rationale, this forward-looking and solution-focussed opinion article invites the educators to think beyond the subject-specific threshold concepts and teach students the ‘threshold concepts for life’. This proposed term implies, includes, and collates teaching-learning of multiple concepts that are often outside the discipline/subject-specific boundaries of several curricula, but can help develop life-skills and thought-processes that promote mental, physical, and societal well-being. To enable such teachings, six domains of education can be embedded within the curricula of ALL disciplines. These domains include education on sustainability, equality, diversity and inclusion, arts, resilience, moral science/personal integrity, and physical activity. To support the inclusion of these domains, this article discusses the significance of each domain and provides evidence of the positive impact of its application on students. Logistics of embedding these within the curricula of ALL students have been suggested and the core benefits of including these domains in university education are mentioned.

Sustainability Practices of Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) in China: Basis for Strategic Plan

The study presents a comprehensive analysis of small and medium sized enterprises (SMEs) situated in Rizhao City, Shandong, China, focusing on their profiles, sustainability practices, challenges, and a proposed strategic plan. The respondents, SME managers, play a crucial role in shaping sustainability strategies. Among the key findings, 70% of surveyed companies adopt a corporate organizational structure, while 45% primarily operate in the manufacturing sector. SMEs in China exhibit a strong commitment to economic, social, and environmental sustainability practices, with notable percentages actively seeking cost reduction through sustainability, monitoring financial impacts, and investing in research and development for sustainable innovation. Economic challenges, including difficulties in securing funds for sustainable projects, dominate the SME landscape (88%). Social challenges emphasize meeting community expectations (80%), and environmental challenges center on reducing carbon footprints (90%). The proposed strategic plan advocates phased sustainability investments, diversification of funding sources, talent management, and a circular economy approach to address economic, social, and environmental challenges collectively. The study recommends internal reviews of organizational structures, cross-industry collaboration, exploration of alternative financing, and robust monitoring and evaluation systems to enhance SMEs' success in China's dynamic business environment. These recommendations underscore the importance of adaptive, innovative approaches to foster sustainability and resilience in SMEs while contributing to societal well-being and environmental conservation.

Insights and challenges of sustainable project management implementations in construction sectors: Systematic literature analysis

The construction industry is a significant contributor towards global environmental degradation and resource depletion, with developing economies facing unique challenges in adopting sustainable construction practices. This systematic review aims to investigate the gap in sustainable construction implementation among global counterparts. The study utilizes the P5 (People, Planet, Prosperity, Process, Products) Standard as a framework for evaluating sustainable construction project management based on environmental, social, and economic targets. A Systematic Literature Review from a pool of 994 Sustainable Construction Project Management (SCPM) papers is conducted utilizing the PRISMA methodology. Through rigorous Identification, Screening, and Eligibility Verification, an analysis is synthesized from 44 relevant literature discussing SCPM Implementations worldwide. The results highlight significant challenges in three main categories: environmental, social, and economic impacts. Social impacts are found as the most extensively researched, while environmental and economic impacts are less studied. Further analysis reveals that social impacts are a major concern in sustainable construction, with numerous studies addressing labor practices and societal well-being. However, there is a notable gap in research on human rights within the construction industry. Environmental impacts, such as resource utilization, energy consumption, and pollution, are less frequently addressed, indicating a need for more focused studies in these areas. Economic impacts, including local economic impact and business agility, are further substantially underrepresented in the literature, suggesting that economic viability is a critical yet underexplored aspect of sustainable construction. The findings underscore the need for further research in these areas to address the implementation challenges of sustainable project management effectively. This research contributes towards the overall research of global sustainable construction through the utilization of the P5 Standards as a new lens of determining sustainability performance for construction projects worldwide.

Understanding wise leadership: Employees’ perspective in Oman’s government sector

Orientation: Success is a common goal in both personal and professional life, and wise leadership is key to achieving it. Effective leadership guides and motivates teams, driving them toward success and excellence.Research purpose: This study examines wise leadership in Oman’s government sector, using Hassi and Storti’s theoretical frameworks. It explores dimensions such as Intellectual Shrewdness, Spurring Action, Moral Conduct, and Cultivating Humility to improve employee awareness and perception.Motivation for the study: To assess wise leadership qualities across different dimensions and demographic groups to identify strengths and areas for improvement in leadership practices.Research approach/design and method: A descriptive method was employed, and a questionnaire was used as a data gathering tool. The data were analysed by several techniques including T-tests, ANOVA and descriptive statistics. Data were anonymously collected from 300 respondents across the Ministry of Labour, Ministry of Information and Taxation Authority, representing diverse demographic profiles and organisational ranks.Main findings: The findings highlight that practical wisdom is vital for organisational resilience, effective communication, and societal well-being in complex governance. While there is broad agreement on key leadership traits, minor discrepancies suggest challenges in applying theoretical ideals, especially concerning vulnerability and humility.Practical/managerial implications: Providing a detailed look at employees’ views on wise leadership and the impact of personal characteristics on these perceptions.Contribution/value-add: Provides a comprehensive view of employees’ perceptions of wise leadership and how personal characteristics influence these perceptions.

Envisioning the Future of Mobility: A Well-Being-Oriented Approach

Mobility, a vital part of daily life, significantly impacts human well-being. Understanding this relationship is crucial for shaping the future trajectory of mobility, a connection often overlooked in previous research. This study explores the complex relationship between mobility and well-being and proposes a holistic framework for mobility’s future, prioritizing individual and societal well-being. The motivation for this research stems from the growing need to balance technological advancements in transportation with the well-being of diverse populations, especially as the mobility landscape evolves with innovations like autonomous vehicles and intelligent mobility solutions. We employ bibliometric methods, analyzing 53,588 academic articles to identify key themes and research trends related to mobility and well-being. This study categorizes these articles into thematic clusters using the Louvain modularity maximization algorithm, which facilitates the formation of cohesive groups based on citation patterns. Our findings underline the significant impact of mobility on physical, mental, psychological, financial, and social well-being. The proposed framework features four pillars: vehicle, infrastructure and environment, mobility stakeholders, and policy. This framework underscores the importance of collaboration between institutional and individual actions in shaping a future mobility landscape that is technologically advanced, socially responsible, and conducive to an improved quality of life.

Determinants of Indonesian fifth graders' learning motivation: A survey study

Motivation serves as a powerful catalyst for positive change, influencing various aspects of life such as health, employment, and societal well-being, particularly in the context of learning and academic achievement. This study aimed to describe the impact of school environment and teacher morale on the learning motivation of fifth graders in the elementary schools of Buleleng District, Bali, Indonesia. A quantitative research approach using a survey research design was employed to attain this objective. Research data were obtained from a total of 219 fifth graders at the elementary schools in the surveyed area. Obtained data were subjected to a rigorous statistical analysis using simple and multiple linear regression analysis techniques utilizing the SPSS software version 21. The results of the data analysis indicate that both the school environment and teacher morale have a significant and positive impact on the learning motivation of fifth graders in the surveyed elementary schools, whether considered individually or together. These findings underscore the importance of fostering a positive school environment and strong teacher-student relationships to enhance student motivation and academic success. This study contributes to the existing literature by emphasizing the crucial role that teacher-student relationships play in creating a supportive and motivating learning environment. Therefore, strengthening these relationships is essential for improving student motivation and academic performance.

Global legal trends in fertility interventions: A criminal justice perspective

The global decline in birth rates has heightened the urgency of addressing infertility, a condition that affects approximately one in six individuals worldwide. This paper explores the complex causes of infertility, including genetic predispositions, lifestyle choices, and environmental exposures, which collectively contribute to reproductive challenges in both men and women. The advent of Assisted Reproductive Technologies (ART), particularly In Vitro Fertilization (IVF), has revolutionized infertility treatment since 1978, providing hope to millions. Despite the remarkable advancements in ART, these technologies raise significant legal and ethical concerns, necessitating robust regulatory frameworks. This paper examines the historical development of ART, with a focus on global trends and data from ART registries, highlighting the steady increase in ART cycles worldwide. Furthermore, it delves into the legal and ethical challenges associated with ART, including issues related to donor rights, parental responsibilities, and the potential health risks for children born through these technologies. The paper advocates for continued refinement of ART practices and regulations to ensure safety, efficacy, and ethical integrity. It also underscores the importance of ongoing research into the long-term health implications for children conceived via ART and the broader societal impacts. By addressing these concerns, ART can continue to offer a viable solution to infertility while upholding human dignity and societal well-being.

THE SIGNIFICANCE AND ROLE OF LIVESTOCK BREEDING AS PART OF THE AGRICULTURAL SECTOR IN PELAGONIA REGION

Livestock breedeing is one of the most important economic sectors in our country, directly influencing the overall progress of the agricultural sector. Its continuous development significantly impacts economic stability, food supply, rural development, and societal well-being. In the research, the objectives are clearly defined to provide a comprehensive description and classification of the conditions, current status, and possibilities for the development of livestock production. The main goal of the research is to identify the components of the reproduction process in the agricultural and food industry and their influence on macroeconomic movements. Various scientific methods were used in the preparation of the thesis, including analytical, synthetic, inductive, deductive, descriptive, and statistical methods. The most relevant conclusions obtained through the analysis of the results from the "Questionnaire" encompass aspects such as identifying agriculture as a primary source of income for many farmers, particularly in crop farming and livestock husbandry. Additionally, challenges like a lack of workforce, delayed subsidy payments, and issues with water supply for livestock hydration are identified. The significance of a strategy to protect clean water is emphasized as a response to the water scarcity challenge. The future of the agricultural sector depends on factors such as product placement, subsidies, timely payment for finished products, and ensuring the workforce, highlighting them as key aspects for the sector's future development. The research provides significant data contributing to the improvement of the current state in livestock farming, both in the Pelagonian region and in our country.

The Importance and Value of Knowledge in the Religion of Islam

This article discusses such questions as: what place is given to knowledge in the religion of Islam? What honorable place is given to literate people and teachers? And also it is about religious sciences and secular sciences, and that every Muslim in his life should strive to gain knowledge. The journal explores the critical role of knowledge in Islam. It highlights how Islam, as the true religion of Allah, emphasizes the acquisition of knowledge as essential for leading a righteous life. The teachings of the Holy Quran and the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) underscore that a Muslim is responsible before Allah for all actions and must pursue knowledge to avoid error and find the true path. The Quran encourages reflection and knowledge acquisition, linking religious values and scientific understanding, emphasizing the harmony between religion and science. Islam views education as the foundation of personal and societal prosperity, where knowledge gained must be applied for the benefit of others. Teachers hold an esteemed place in Islamic society, as they shape individuals into wise, ethical, and productive members of society. The article concludes that education fosters human progress, and Muslims must respect teachers and continue striving for knowledge, which ultimately leads to personal growth and societal welfare.

The Illusory Health Beliefs Scale: preliminary validation using exploratory factor and Rasch analysis.

Illusory health beliefs are ill-founded, erroneous notions about well-being. They are important as they can influence allied attitudes, actions, and behaviors to the detriment of personal and societal welfare. Noting this, and the prevalence of paranormal beliefs in contemporary Western society, researchers developed the Paranormal Health Beliefs Scale (PHBS). Modification of the PHBS for use with a United Kingdom-based sample resulted in the instrument broadening to incorporate illusory rather than merely paranormal health beliefs. The present study psychometrically assessed the emergent Illusory Health Beliefs Scale (IHBS). The principal objective was to validate the IHBS using a large, representative sample. Eight hundred and fifty participants (360 males, 482 females, eight non-binary) completed the IHBS alongside instruments assessing theoretically associated constructs (i.e., magical thinking, faith in scientifically unsubstantiated notions, and forms of self-referential, intuitive causation). Exploratory factor analysis revealed the existence of six meaningful IHBS dimensions: Religious/Spiritual, Superstition, Precognitive, Health Myths, Skepticism, and Health Pseudoscience. The IHBS demonstrated satisfactory reliability and convergent validity with theoretically aligned constructs. Rasch analysis at the subscale level revealed good item/person fit and item/person reliability, unidimensionality, and equivalency of items across subgroups (gender and religious affiliation). Analysis confirmed the IHBS was an effective measure of illusory health beliefs. However, researchers should undertake further work to refine the scale and evaluate its performance across different samples and time points.

A common law in space for public health

Beyond the gravitational pull of Earth, space travel poses substantial public health hazards pertaining to the physical and mental well-being of astronauts and passengers, in addition to a possible threat to the populace of Earth upon re-entry. Exposure to cosmic radiation, cranial pressure from microgravity, weakened immunity to contagion, and the potential for depression and psychosis are all risks. Public health crises of this nature are to be expected as the duration of missions extends, as is the case with Mars settlement. In contrast to national space programmes, which have regarded these obstacles as human factors effecting the mission, public health law in common law British nations approaches them from the perspective of social justice and the preservation of human life and societal welfare. Countries including Australia, Canada, the United States, and the United Kingdom continue to apply traditional common law principles of public health law, which provide a sensible and enduring method for reconciling competing public and private interests. Common law permits the violation of civil liberties through the use of force in public health restraint, forced medication, and quarantine, but only if necessary, reasonable, and equitable. While the understanding of the health challenges associated with long-duration spaceflight may be in its infancy for national space programmes and civilian space ventures, the application of common law public health principles could aid in the establishment of health and safety protocols in which human reactions to crises in space resemble those observed on Earth. This may, nevertheless, necessitate the enactment of a more comprehensive federal public health statute. Embedded in both public health common law and international space law, the pre-eminence of preserving and respecting human life and well-being continues to be a cornerstone of humane justice despite the perilous conditions of space.

Dynamics of personal financial management: a bibliometric and systematic review on financial literacy, financial capability and financial behavior

PurposeFinancial literacy, capability and behavior are crucial factors in personal financial management, which in turn plays a significant role in individual and societal financial well-being. The objective of this investigation is to explain critical factors and dimensions of personal financial management systems by employing a hybrid approach that encompasses a bibliometric analysis and a systematic review of the literature.Design/methodology/approachThe research team carefully evaluated a selection of 606 scholarly articles from the Scopus database and studied the evolution of personal financial management behavior over 38 years (1986–2023). This research adopted several graphical representations and network structures to comprehend publishing tendencies, high-impact papers, theoretical frameworks, intellectual constructs as well as the current state of research collaboration.FindingsFour major clusters were identified in the field of personal financial management behavior: the relationship between financial literacy and financial capability, factors influencing financial behavior, the impact of financial behavior on financial well-being and the financial behavior of different demographic groups. In addition, by performing content analysis on papers published within the last five years, new themes in personal financial management behavior were identified.Practical implicationsThis investigation serves to equip financial advisors, policy architects and scholarly investigators with a deeper insight into the intricacies of personal financial management behavior and aids in pinpointing prospective domains for forthcoming research.Originality/valueThis study seeks to address a significant vacuum in the current body of research by providing a thorough bibliometric analysis that specifically examines financial literacy, ability and conduct. To the best of our knowledge, no previous research has conducted such a comprehensive investigation in this field. This research aims to identify important researchers and influential works in the subject by using a mixed-methods approach that combines qualitative and quantitative methodologies, including content analysis. The purpose of doing this is to provide exclusive insights and expertise that can be highly valuable to scholars, practitioners, policymakers and other stakeholders who are interested in furthering the comprehension and encouragement of financial literacy and responsible financial behavior.

Institutional Facilities and Quality of Students’ Educational Experience, The Case of Universities in Kenya

The role of education in enhancing individual and societal well-being has been well established. Social and economic systems place education at the center of efforts to improve the knowledge and skills of those in productive sectors of the economy. It is resources that oil the gears and propel education production systems. Resource allocations must therefore target components of the systems that have the greatest impact on social wellness. Higher education institutions (HEI) are perceived as organizations that seek to optimally allocate resources to maximize quality educational outputs, which drive socio-economic development. Evidence indicates that facilities as a resource rank second among expenditure costs after personnel emoluments. The extent to which facilities contribute to an institution’s operations and value is a matter that interests this study. The question to answer was: is there a nexus between facilities, their use and the quality of students’ educational experience to justify such cost outlay? This study sought to investigate stakeholder perception of the role of facilities in enhancing education quality in universities. A descriptive survey research design was used. A sample of 524 respondents from both public and private universities was selected using both purposive and proportionate random sampling techniques. Qualitative and quantitative data was collected using questionnaires, observation guides and interview guides. Qualitative data was transcribed, and presented in themes. Quantitative data was analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics. Percentages, means, and chi-square (χ2) was used to determine stakeholder perceptions of the role of facilities in enhancing the quality of university education experience, and to determine the existence of a relationship between perceptions in public and private universities. All statistical inferences were made at α = 0.05. This study is likely to benefit university management decisions on levels of enrolment vis-à-vis facilities and resources for university education. It provides evidence on the relationship between facilities and the quality of education experience and the value institutions derive from facilities use and management. Sponsors of public education may make informed choices in favor of institutional inputs that impact student experience, and encourage universities to prioritize social value in what they offer

Alcohol abuse among adolescents and suicide risk - is there a correlation?

Introduction: Adolescent alcohol abuse is a critical public health issue with far-reaching consequences for individual development and societal well-being. Adolescent alcohol consumption poses significant health risks, particularly due to its effects on brain development and its association with increased suicide risk. Purpose of the work: This study aims to investigate the relationship between alcohol abuse and suicide risk in adolescents. Materials and methods: A comprehensive analysis of research papers available on PubMed and Google Scholar was undertaken using the search terms including the following keywords: alcohol abuse/ alcohol abuse in adolescence/ alcohol consumption in adolescence/ alcohol abuse and suicide risk in adolescence/ suicide risk factors in adolescence/ suicidal tendencies among teenagers. Conclusions:Adolescent alcohol abuse has profound implications for brain development and mental health, significantly increasing the risk of suicide. Effective public health strategies, including early intervention, education, and strong support systems, are essential to mitigate these risks and promote healthier environments for young individuals. Addressing the underlying causes of alcohol abuse and providing targeted support can reduce its long-term consequences and improve adolescent well-being.

Global Impacts of Extended COVID-19 Lockdowns: Intersecting Perspectives on Environmental Quality, Food Security, Human Health, and Societal Dynamics

The COVID-19 pandemic, an unprecedented global health crisis, prompted widespread implementation of prolonged lockdown measures. This study presents a multifaceted analysis of the extensive impacts of these lockdowns on environmental quality, food security, human health, and societal dynamics. Using a mixed-methods approach, the research synthesizes data from various sources, including environmental assessments, public health records, food supply chain analyses, and social surveys, to construct a comprehensive picture of the pandemic's repercussions. In the environmental domain, our analysis reveals a dual nature of impacts. Reduced industrial activity and transportation led to temporary improvements in air quality and lower greenhouse gas emissions in several regions. Wildlife sightings in urban areas increased, indicating temporary relief for particular ecosystems. Conversely, the pandemic exacerbated challenges like increased medical waste generation and heightened pressure on natural resources due to shifts in consumption patterns. Concerning food security, the study identifies a complex interplay of disrupted supply chains, altered agricultural practices, and varying government policies that led to both short-term scarcities and long-term concerns about food sustainability. While essential for controlling the virus spread, the lockdowns inadvertently created food production and distribution bottlenecks, disproportionately affecting vulnerable communities. The impact on human health extends beyond the direct effects of the COVID-19 virus. Our findings highlight increased mental health issues, including anxiety and depression, mainly attributable to prolonged isolation and economic uncertainties. Additionally, the disruption of routine healthcare services emerged as a critical concern, affecting non-COVID health issues. Societal dynamics underwent significant transformations. The study explores shifts in work culture, with remote working becoming a new norm, and examines the pandemic's impact on education, revealing a swift transition to online learning platforms. These changes, while innovative, also widened the digital divide and raised concerns about the long-term implications for social inequality. The study's overarching theme is the interconnectivity of these domains. Environmental changes influence food security, affecting human health and societal structures. The pandemic's multidimensional impacts necessitate a holistic response, integrating environmental, health, social, and economic strategies. In conclusion, this comprehensive analysis underscores the need for adaptive, resilient, and sustainable systems to mitigate future global crises. The COVID-19 pandemic, while presenting significant challenges, also offers a unique opportunity to rethink and redesign our approach to global health, environmental stewardship, food security, and societal well-being.

Peran Zakat dalam Meningkatkan Kesejahteraan Ekonomi Masyarakat

Zakat is one of the main pillars of Islam, required of Muslims who possess wealth exceeding the nisab threshold. Beyond its religious obligation, zakat also serves as a strategic tool for poverty alleviation and socioeconomic enhancement. The primary objective of zakat is to purify the wealth and soul of the muzakki (zakat giver) and to assist the mustahik (zakat recipients) in meeting their basic needs. In Indonesia, with its large Muslim population, the potential for zakat is significant, yet its impact on poverty reduction remains limited. Optimal zakat management is essential to ensure targeted distribution. Zakat includes eight categories of recipients: fakir, miskin, amil, muallaf, riqab, gharim, fii sabilillah, and ibn sabil. Through a productive approach, zakat can provide business capital and training to mustahik, enhancing their economic self-sufficiency and reducing social inequality. This study employs a library research method and a qualitative approach to explore the role of zakat in improving community welfare. The findings indicate that effective zakat management, especially in the form of productive zakat, can strengthen social solidarity and promote economic empowerment. Zakat functions not only as wealth redistribution but also as a holistic empowerment tool, contributing to achieving more equitable and comprehensive societal welfare.

Peran Zakat dalam Perekonomian di Indonesia

This study aims to analyze the role of zakat in Indonesia's economy, particularly as a strategy for poverty alleviation. Zakat, as one of the instruments in Islamic economics, has significant potential to support economic and social development. Although zakat plays an important role in societal welfare, its realization and management still face various challenges. This study uses a qualitative method with a literature review approach, analyzing literature from various sources related to fiscal policy, zakat, and Islamic economic concepts. Through this research, it is hoped that a deep understanding of the effectiveness of zakat policies and their contribution to poverty alleviation in Indonesia can be obtained. The findings of this study are expected to provide recommendations for improving the optimization of zakat management in Indonesia.

Synergistic impacts of technological advancement and environmental hazards on social change and human well-being in South Asia

Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and the challenges in attaining these goals are always an eye-catching research theme for academics, politicians, and stakeholders around the world. Subjective well-being (SWB) is one of the central SDGs but is under-researched so far. Addressing this concern is crucial to maintaining societal welfare and promoting the realization of a sustainable future. Hence, this study explores the determinants of SWB with a particular focus on technological advancement and environmental damage. The paper examines SWB determinants in six South Asian nations from 2005 to 2022 using the cross-sectional augmented auto-regressive distributed lag model. The conclusions demonstrated that technology advancement improved SWB in the long term. Meanwhile, environmental deterioration has no appreciable short-term effects and harms SWB in the long term. This study adds to the field by examining how technological advancement and environmental deterioration explain SWB in South Asian economies. The study recommends policies that aim at improving innovations and reducing CO2 emissions.