Policy Support Research Articles

Cowards and the beloved: newspaper representations of the Jamaican diaspora

ABSTRACT On 11 August 2022, the Deputy Mayor of Montego Bay, Jamaica, Richard Vernon, made controversial remarks about the Jamaican Diaspora, implying that ‘only cowards run away to go to America because they are seeking out opportunities’. On Jamaica's media landscape, these remarks angered several individuals and morphed into a proxy for a larger debate concerning the diaspora's allegiance to Jamaica. Anchored by Social Representation Theory (SRT), this study investigates the content and meanings within newspaper representations of the Jamaican Diaspora from 2004 to 2023. The findings are based on content analysis of stories (N = 2358) from the Jamaica Gleaner and Jamaica Observer newspapers. The frequency with which these newspapers portray the Jamaican Diaspora offers frames from which people draw their understandings of emigration, the diaspora, and support for the Jamaican government's policies and posture towards the diaspora. These portrayals can reveal potential misrepresentations that may affect how the diaspora's contributions are leveraged for national development. This study finds that the portrayal of the Jamaican Diaspora in media coverage is predominantly positive. It suggests that newspaper portrayals contribute to the construction of narratives surrounding the Jamaican Diaspora. Media representations influence public opinion and identity, positioning the diaspora as a crucial component of Jamaican society. The notion of Jamaicaness has implications for national identity and diaspora engagement. It shapes how Jamaicans at home and abroad perceive their role in the nation's narrative, influencing feelings of belonging and collective responsibility. This study has implications for policymakers aiming to improve diaspora engagement and national cohesion.

Reconstruction of a Closed-Loop Ecological Cycle System Anchored by Large-Scale Load-balancing Biogas and its economic viability assessment.

Biogas can be used for complementary load-balancing with renewable intermittent power, thus maintaining overall energy output stability. However, biogas load balancing load balancing is typically used in small-scale distributed energy systems, constrained by factors such as technology and land requirements, making it challenging to scale up. Therefore, this study proposes a closed-loop ecological cycle system, where biogas provides load leveling support for large-scale intermittent power sources in desertified regions dominated by animal husbandry. The biogas slurry and residue produced are used for land restoration and subsequent cultivation of high-quality economic crops, with the resulting straw used for the next round of biogas production. This study conducts an economic assessment of the aforementioned system and analyzes a case study of a load-balancing biogas project in Northwest China. Accounting results indicating that the system's net present value is 0.108 million yuan/m3, internal rate of return is 0.60%, and payback period is 22 years. Additionally, sensitivity backward deduction analysis identified the reasonable value ranges for key system parameters. According to the results, we offer management recommendations to promote the proposed system, supporting innovative biomass energy utilization and enhancing renewable energy stability.Implications Statement: This research introduces a novel closed-loop ecological cycle system that integrates large-scale peak-shaving biogas with renewable energy sources, offering a sustainable solution for enhancing energy stability and environmental sustainability in desertified areas. The study's economic evaluation reveals the critical role of ecological restoration costs in the overall viability of such systems, indicating the necessity for policy support to make them economically attractive. Our findings suggest that targeted subsidies, based on the quantified ecological benefits, are essential for incentivizing the adoption of this model. By providing specific conditions under which the system is economically feasible, this work informs policymakers on how to design effective incentive structures, thereby promoting the wider application of biogas and contributing to the goals of sustainable development and climate resilience. The research underscores the importance of integrating economic and ecological considerations to achieve long-term sustainability, making it a valuable reference for future energy policies and practices.

Adaptation in adversity: innovative approaches to food security amidst COVID-19 in a remote First Nations community in Canada

The COVID-19 pandemic exacerbated food insecurity issues in geographically isolated communities, including Fort Albany First Nation (FAFN). This research examines FAFN’s adaptive strategies to improve food security, highlighting community resilience and leadership. Data were gathered through semi-structured interviews with 20 community members who were involved in the pandemic response, either as members of the pandemic committee or as managers of community programs. Thematic analysis revealed significant adaptation of existing programs and the establishment of new initiatives to address food security during the pandemic. Initiatives, such as the community garden and the Fort Albany Farmers Market were food security programs that existed prior to the pandemic, and despite labor shortages during the pandemic, logistical hurdles were addressed to maintain operations and enhance food distribution efficiency. New emergency food initiatives, backed by government support and community efforts, successfully delivered food to vulnerable households. Traditional subsistence activities, such as hunting and fishing, were essential for providing sustenance and strengthening community resilience. These adaptive strategies highlight the critical role of local leadership, community participation and ingenuity, and the utilization of Indigenous knowledge in overcoming food security challenges during crises. This paper underscores the need to support Indigenous food sovereignty and build resilient local food systems tailored to the unique needs of First Nations communities. The experiences of FAFN during the COVID-19 pandemic provide invaluable insights into the resilience and innovation required to improve food security in remote and vulnerable populations, emphasizing the need for sustained investment and policy support in these communities.

A Study on the Exploration of the Development Process of Regenerative Applications of Energy Technologies in Industrial Warehouse Buildings: Bibliometric Research from 2004 to 2024

Due to the high energy consumption characteristics of industrial warehouse buildings, the demand for energy regeneration technology is increasingly urgent. In recent years, with the rapid development of building energy technology, warehouse building energy regeneration technology has made remarkable progress in energy conservation and sustainable development. A deep understanding of the previous research progress and trends can provide the scientific basis for guiding subsequent in-depth research. Through the bibliometric analysis of 145 journal articles collected from the Web of Science (WoS) database between 2004 and 2024, this research has studied the research trends and progress on the application of energy regeneration in industrial warehouse buildings. This study first revealed the overall development trend of energy regeneration technology in warehouse buildings through quantitative analysis, indicating that related research is growing rapidly. Core scholars in the field such as Lund H. and Mathiesen B.V., as well as major journals such as Energy and Sustainability, have been identified through the analysis of the literature. Five core research themes, including energy efficiency improvement and regeneration technology, renewable energy system design, life cycle sustainable technology, renewable energy utility assessment, and policy support and energy consumption simulation, were identified through cluster analysis. Through evolutionary analysis, this study demonstrates the development process of energy regeneration in warehouse buildings and the critical role played by advances in new energy technologies in the field of warehouse construction. On this basis, this study proposes current key research directions, including energy life cycle assessment, energy regeneration environment optimization, and energy system management. The research on the energy regeneration of warehouse buildings has gradually become an important cross-subject of architecture and energy technology, providing technical support for the transformation of low-carbon storage buildings. The analysis of the current research status, evolutionary logic, and research trends can provide scientific references for further in-depth research and technological applications in this field.

Impact of policy reforms on hospital-at-home services: an interrupted time series analysis of Shanghai

BackgroundThe global rise in elderly populations and chronic disease patients has increased the demand for hospital-at-home (HaH) services, which could help reduce hospitalization costs.ObjectiveTo assess the impact of two policies on the implementation of HaH services in Shanghai.MethodsA two-stage interrupted time series (ITS) analysis with a control group was conducted to examine changes in three areas—institutional capacity, home-based medical services, and HaH beds—using 11 indicators from 2007 to –2022 across all community health service centres and hospitals providing HaH services.ResultsAfter the first policy was implemented, the number of institutions providing HaH services significantly increased (β1+ β3+β5+ β7=8.200,P<0.001). HaH beds in hospitals increased after the first policy was implemented (β3= 247.717 ,P< 0.01) but decreased after the second policy was implemented (β1+ β3+β9 = -76.500, P < 0.01). In community health service centres (stations), the number of active HaH beds per 10,000 population at year-end (beds/10,000 people) increased significantly after the first policy implementation (β1+ β3+β5+ β7= 0.406 ,P< 0.001), with a significant increase in the slope difference compared with hospitals (β5+ β7 =0.429 ,P < 0.001).ConclusionThese policies may increase the number of HaH institutions and beds but decrease home-based medical visits, likely due to the risks of home care and a shortage of health care personnel. Further policy support is needed to meet the growing demand for home-based services in China.

An intervention framework for the adoption of solar home system technology in rural Vhembe district, South Africa

BackgroundSolar photovoltaic technology is one of the promising renewable energy solutions of the twenty-first century. It successfully provides electricity to industries, homes and even the transport sector. The decreasing prices of solar modules from 2010 have made Solar Home Systems Technology (SHST) increasingly attractive compared to other renewable energy technologies. Paradoxically, in rural communities of South Africa the usage of SHS remains low. Households continue to rely on unclean energy sources such as firewood for cooking and water heating. Previous efforts to electrify rural communities with SHS have failed considerably. Thus, a comprehensive study was conducted in the Vhembe District, encompassing three villages, to explore this issue and develop a contextualised solution using a behavioural change model. A 35-item questionnaire was randomly administered to 310 households to understand the factors that contribute to the low adoption rate of SHS technology. The data gathered were analysed using IBM SPSS Statistics and Amos version 28. Confirmatory factor analysis and hypothesis testing were employed as the principal statistical methods.ResultsA 12-item model with five distinct factors consolidated into a single measurement model was revealed. All standardised factor loadings exceeded 0.7. Composite reliability values (CR) were above 0.8 and higher than MaxR(H) values, indicating the model’s reliability. Among the five factors influencing SHS adoption (perceived behavioural control, attitude, intention, trust, and subjective norms), only trust and attitude significantly impacted the intention to adopt SHS in the district (P < 0.05). Based on these findings, the conceptualised structural model reflected SHS adoption as determined by the integration of the technology’s social, technical and policy factors. Because of this, this should be regarded as a true reflection of the practical and behavioural intentions of local communities. Moreover, in this paper the barriers hindering SHS adoption are explained, emphasising the significance of attitude and trust. Highlights of policy imperatives are included together with a proposal for a contextual framework, and the way of promoting sustainable solutions. Emphasis is placed on the importance of scaling up renewable energy access.ConclusionsThis research provides a compelling academic exploration of the barriers to the adoption of SHS, the influential role of attitudes and trust, policy considerations, a contextual framework, and the need for promoting sustainable solutions and expanding access to renewable energy. The South African government should lead a change in how solar PV is deployed, considering its social impact, associated technical skills and policy support.

Globalization, Automation, and the Welfare State: Evidence from the OECD and South Korea

How do subjective economic threats from globalization and technological changes shape social policy preferences? In this article, we argue that structural economic shifts increase subjective job insecurity. Consequently, individuals are more likely to seek immediate compensation for anticipated income and job losses, leading to a preference for short-term social consumption policies over social investment policies focused on long-term education and skill development. We find strong evidence of the effects of automation threats in the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) Risks that Matter 2020 survey. In addition, an original survey experiment conducted in South Korea shows that globalization threats have an even stronger impact than automation threats on support for social consumption policies. Our study demonstrates that rising economic insecurity, driven by structural changes, is increasing the demand for social consumption policies at the expense of social investment in an era of austerity. This suggests a potential reshuffling of pro-welfare coalitions.

TANTANGAN DAN PELUANG DALAM IMPLEMENTASI PROGRAM DESA MEMBANGUN DESA SUGI WARAS

This study aims to analyze the challenges, opportunities, and impacts of the implementation of the Village Development Program in Sugi Waras Village. This program is part of the government's initiative to improve the quality of life of rural communities through better social, economic, and infrastructure development. However, its implementation faces significant challenges, such as limited resources, low community participation, and a lack of support and coordination between central, regional and village governments. Nevertheless, there are great opportunities that can be utilized to support the success of this program, including community empowerment by managing natural resources sustainably, as well as the use of information technology that can accelerate communication and transparency between the community and the government The research approach applied in this study is a descriptive qualitative approach. This approach was chosen because it can provide an in-depth description of the challenges and opportunities faced in the implementation of the Village Development Program in Sugi Waras Village, as well as the role of the community and government in achieving more inclusive and sustainable development goals. By using this approach, the research is expected to identify factors that influence the success of the program, in terms of available resources, community participation, and relevant government policy support. The results of this study are expected to provide useful suggestions for improving policies and strategies in the implementation of the Village Development Program in the future.

The Role of Boundary Spanners in Institutionalizing University–Community Engagement: Insights from a Hostile Setting

This study examines the role of boundary spanners in institutionalizing university–community engagement (UCE) in higher education institutions (HEIs). Employing autoethnography, we gathered data via reflexive texts and dialogues produced by nine boundary spanners from four UCE units in Hungary. We explore the functions of the boundary spanners in facilitating bottom-up UCE institutionalization processes in a hostile setting not only characterized by (1) transnational academic capitalism, but also (2) a general lack of knowledge of and institutional and/or policy support for UCE and (3) an illiberal political context. We highlight that, within such contexts, boundary spanners often need to undertake multifaceted roles: beyond establishing robust community contacts, they also navigate technical challenges and provide leadership. Also, certain expectations of transnational academic capitalism might also open up spaces for UCE institutionalization within illiberal political settings, although not without challenges and contradictions stemming from the core logic of transnational academic capitalism.

Integration of ICT in Agricultural Extension Services: A Review

The integration of Information and Communication Technologies (ICT) into agricultural extension services is transforming the way knowledge and resources are disseminated to farmers, addressing longstanding challenges of reach, efficiency, and inclusivity. Traditional extension systems, constrained by limited resources, outdated methodologies, and poor scalability, often fail to meet the dynamic and diverse needs of modern agriculture. ICT tools, such as mobile phones, internet platforms, Geographic Information Systems (GIS), drones, and emerging technologies like Artificial Intelligence (AI) and blockchain, have revolutionized extension services by providing real-time, location-specific, and cost-effective solutions. This review synthesizes evidence on the role of ICT in enhancing agricultural extension systems, highlighting case studies such as India’s mKisan platform, Africa’s e-Agriculture initiatives, and the global Digital Green project. These examples demonstrate significant improvements in farmer access to timely information on weather, pests, markets, and best practices, leading to increased productivity and resilience.Despite these successes, several barriers impede the widespread adoption of ICT in agricultural extension. A pronounced digital divide, characterized by limited access to smartphones, internet connectivity, and electricity in rural areas, particularly in developing countries, restricts the reach of these innovations. Gender and socioeconomic disparities exacerbate these challenges, with women and marginalized groups often excluded from ICT-enabled benefits. Gaps in digital literacy among farmers and extension workers, inadequate infrastructure, and weak policy support hinder the scalability and sustainability of ICT interventions. Addressing these barriers requires strategic investments in rural connectivity, affordable technology, and capacity-building programs. Policies promoting public-private partnerships, funding for ICT-based innovations, and farmer-centric participatory approaches are critical for long-term success. ICT in agricultural extension include leveraging AI and machine learning for predictive analytics, expanding blockchain use for supply chain transparency, and adopting augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR) for immersive farmer training. The integration of ICT into climate-smart agricultural practices and fostering global collaborations for technology transfer will be pivotal. By addressing challenges and seizing emerging opportunities, ICT can enable equitable, efficient, and sustainable agricultural development, ensuring food security in a rapidly changing world.

The Nexus Between “Village” Banking Model &amp; Women’s Financial Inclusion in Zambia

This study explores the relationship between the ‘Village’ (cooperative microcredit) Banking Model and the financial inclusion of women in Zambia, using the AFRIZAM CO-OPERATIVE as a case study. Multiple regression and correlational analyses were employed as quantitative approaches, while the thematic analysis, elucidated via the saturation strategy, constituted the qualitative approach. The study employed a mixed-method approach, with a sample size of 109 individuals. Findings indicate that co-operative society models significantly promote financial inclusion among women in Zambia. Specifically, savings, access to credit and social capital indicate that holding other factors constant, a 1% increase in each variable significantly increases financial inclusion by 25.5%, 28.1% and 44.3%, respectively. Among the challenges that hinder the financial inclusion of women at Afri-Zam, the study revealed that administrative inefficiencies and inadequate policy support persistently hinder the optimal financial inclusion of women. To mitigate these challenges and augment financial inclusion prospects, the study recommends policy actions that include strengthening savings initiatives among village banking microcredit institutions, enhancing access to credit among women, building and leveraging social capital, addressing administrative inefficiencies by streamlining bureaucratic processes and continuing financial literacy campaigns among women, among others.

Caregiving in Asia: Priority areas for research, policy, and practice to support family caregivers

AbstractPopulation aging presents a growing societal challenge and imposes a heavy burden on the healthcare system in many Asian countries. Given the limited availability of formal long‐term care (LTC) facilities and personnel, family caregivers play a vital role in providing care for the increasing population of older adults. While awareness of the challenges faced by caregivers is rising, discussions often remain within academic circles, resulting in the lived experiences, well‐being, and needs of family caregivers being frequently overlooked. In this review, we identify four key priority areas to advance research, practice, and policy related to family caregivers in Asia: (1) Emphasizing family caregivers as sociocultural navigators in the healthcare system; (2) addressing the mental and physical health needs of family caregivers; (3) recognizing the diverse caregiving experiences across different cultural backgrounds, socioeconomic status, and countries of residence; and (4) strengthening policy support for family caregivers. Our review also identifies deficiencies in institutional LTC and underscores the importance of providing training and empowerment to caregivers. Policymakers, practitioners, and researchers interested in supporting family caregivers should prioritize these key areas to tackle the challenge of population aging in Asian countries. Cross‐country knowledge exchange and capacity development are crucial for better serving both the aging population and their caregivers.

Impact of the presence of a family member with dementia on the prevalence of depression: a comparison based on household income level

BackgroundFamilies caring for patients with dementia are more vulnerable to depression. This cross-sectional study compared differences in socioeconomic status and gender related to depression among families of patients with dementia and identified associated factors.MethodsInequality in depression according to household income level among families of patients with dementia was assessed using the Korean Community Health Survey, which included a sample of over 200,000 participants. Depression prevalence was assessed using the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9) and each independent variable was calculated. Significant differences were analyzed using the chi-square test. Complex-sample multivariate logistic regression was performed to examine the association between the income levels of families of patients with dementia and depression. Additionally, an analysis of depression, stratified by income level and gender, was conducted.ResultsThe prevalence of depression among families of patients with dementia was 4.41%. The odds ratio (OR) for depression among families of patients with dementia compared to the population of families without patients with dementia was 1.49. Depression was significantly more likely in families with lower income levels (adjusted OR [aOR]: 2.17, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 2.16–2.18). The magnitude of the impact of having a family member with dementia on depression varied by income level, being highest in the lowest income group (aOR: 1.64, 95% CI: 1.63–1.66) and lowest in the highest income group (aOR: 1.26, 95% CI: 1.24–1.27). Stratification by gender showed that both men and women in families of patients with dementia were more likely to experience depression than those in families without patients with dementia. Women had a higher likelihood of depression across all income levels than men; however, the impact of having a family member with dementia was more pronounced among men, especially those from lower-income groups.ConclusionsOur findings suggest the necessity for support policies tailored to low-income groups and women among families of patients with dementia. This is crucial given the higher prevalence of depression among families of patients with dementia than among families without patients with dementia.

GREEN ECONOMICS WITH SPECIAL REFERENCE TO MIXED CROPPING” - A CASE STUDY OF COCONUT CULTIVATION IN D.K. DISTRICT

Green economics seeks to promote sustainable development while integrating environmental, social, and economic goals. Mixed cropping, a practice of growing multiple crops simultaneously on the same land, is a key strategy for enhancing agricultural biodiversity, improving soil health, and increasing farmers' resilience to climate change. This study examines the role of mixed cropping in coconut cultivation in the Dakshina Kannada (D.K.) District of Karnataka, India, a region known for its significant coconut production. Through a review of literature and analysis of recent data, the study explores the economic, environmental, and social benefits of mixed cropping in coconut farming. The findings suggest that mixed cropping in coconut orchards, involving crops like areca nut, banana, and pepper, can provide farmers with diversified income sources, reduce soil erosion, enhance water retention, and improve biodiversity. The paper also highlights the challenges, such as market uncertainties and the need for better policy support, while discussing the potential for scaling up these practices across other coconut-growing regions in India.

When partisanship and technocratic credibility collide: mass attitudes and central bank endorsements of fiscal policy in Canada and the USA

Abstract Developments over the past decade have made it increasingly difficult for central banks to achieve their macroeconomic objectives without the help of fiscal policy, resulting in some surprisingly public efforts from central banks to influence the size and direction of government budget balances. But do voters find central bank appeals persuasive and what are the reputational consequences of engaging the public on this sensitive issue, particularly in the event of partisan counterattacks? We examine these issues with two parallel survey experiments conducted in Canada and the USA. The results suggest central bank endorsements modestly increased support for expansionary fiscal policies. They also suggest the right’s attack on the central bank may have backfired—ultimately improving rather than undermining the bank’s reputation among non-conservatives. This research has implications for theoretical work in political psychology and public economics and for on-going empirical debates about voters’ attitudes toward austerity.

Renewable Energy in India: An Overview and the Path towards Sustainable Development

The utilization of natural and energy resources began to manifest in the 19th century. Throughout the 20th century, energy usage escalated significantly. Currently, around 80% of global energy consumption is derived from the extraction of fossil fuels, including oil, coal, and gas. Renewable energy has grown increasingly vital as the world confronts the issue of alleviating the adverse effects of climate change and diminishing reliance on finite and polluting fossil fuels. Utilizing renewable energy sources is acknowledged as a crucial element in advancing sustainable development, which seeks to fulfill the requirements of the current generation without jeopardizing future generations. India, akin to other developing nations, is endeavouring to implement various strategies to guarantee a cheap and accessible energy supply for its socioeconomic and political sectors in pursuit of renewable energy advancement. India's Renewable Energy Goals stipulate an objective of attaining 500 GW of installed capacity by 2030. This study aim is to examine the several sources of renewable energy, including solar, wind, hydropower, geothermal, and biomass, to facilitate sustainable development in India. Strong policy support with stable and predictable regulations, effective grid integration strategies to manage variable renewables, dedicated funding for research and development, and strong public engagement are key findings to successfully implement the state-level renewable energy. Setting aggressive renewable energy capacity installation targets, easing grid integration through transmission infrastructure expansion, and offering financial incentives like subsidies and tax benefits are significant recommendations for India to promote renewable energy.

China’s aviation policies in response to the COVID-19 and its impact on tourism sectors

ABSTRACT The implementation of aviation policies represents a pivotal strategy in response to the COVID-19 pandemic for the development of the tourism industry. This paper investigates the impact of 2020–2023 Chinese aviation policies on the returns of various economic sectors. Utilising a multiple-dependence contagion test alongside network analysis, our study reveals that among the three aviation policies, financial support policies exert the greatest influence in explaining policy contagion from the aviation sector to the 15 relevant economic sectors, followed by national aviation development policies. Regulatory adjustment policies have a comparatively lesser impact on contagion. The tourism and hospitality industry exhibits the highest sensitivity to aviation policy shocks, followed by the logistics and transportation, financial and insurance, and energy and environmental protection sectors, with the telecommunication industry experiencing the least impact. These findings provide valuable insights for policymakers to design and implement effective policy tools to prepare for future economic downturns.

A systematic literature review of attitudes, intentions and behaviours of teaching academics pertaining to AI and generative AI (GenAI) in higher education: An analysis of GenAI adoption using the UTAUT framework

The rapid advancement of artificial intelligence (AI) has outpaced existing research and regulatory frameworks in higher education, leading to varied institutional responses. Although some educators and institutions have embraced AI and generative AI (GenAI), other individuals remain cautious. This systematic literature review explored teaching academics' attitudes, perceptions and intentions towards AI and GenAI, identifying perceived benefits and obstacles. Utilising the unified theory of acceptance and use of technology framework, this study reveals positive attitudes towards AI's efficiency and teaching enhancement, but also significant concerns about academic integrity, accuracy, reliability, skill development and the need for comprehensive training and policies. These findings underscore the necessity for institutional support to navigate the integration of AI and GenAI in tertiary education. Implications for practice or policy: Attitudes towards AI and GenAI integration are diverse with educators recognising benefits but raising ethical and practical concerns. These concerns indicate a need for a more comprehensive understanding and dialogue within academic communities. Academics' intentions to use these technologies are contingent upon the development of robust ethical guidelines and supportive institutional policies. Institutional support and training shape behaviours. The scarcity of formal training, systematic guidelines and policy frameworks currently limits effective integration.

Investigating STEM Secondary School Teachers’ CLIL Assessment Practices in EFL Contexts: the Repertory Grid Technique

Within the context of content and language integrated learning (CLIL), assessment assumes a pivotal role in fostering learning, given the dual emphasis on content and language acquisition. This dual focus engenders a heightened complexity in the assessment process within CLIL classrooms. Despite the escalating prevalence of CLIL classrooms, the aspect of CLIL assessment remains inadequately explored, constituting an unresolved issue in CLIL research and pedagogy. The enquiry into the assessment practices of CLIL teachers serves as a means to elucidate this research lacuna. This study aims to scrutinize the assessment practices employed by five Thai secondary school CLIL teachers, utilizing personal construct theory (PCT) as the foundational framework. Methodologically, data collection encompasses repertory grids and retrospective semi-structured interviews, with a pivotal application of focus grid analysis for data scrutiny and interpretation. The findings revealed that there was a strong preference for interactive and collaborative assessment methods that enhance both language skills and cognitive abilities. In particular, problem-solving tasks, lab experiments, and group discussions are effective in promoting higher-order thinking, while interactive projects and presentations boost language development. In contrast, traditional assessments such as multiple-choice questions are less effective. These findings highlight the need for professional development programmes and supportive educational policies to integrate dynamic, dual-focused assessments into CLIL curricula.

CARBONLY

This project focuses on the development and implementation of a Carbon Footprint App designed to empower individuals and organizations to track and reduce their carbon emissions. By providing real-time tracking, personalized recommendations, and engaging features such as gamification and community challenges, the app aims to foster sustainable practices and raise awareness about the environmental impact of everyday activities. The methodology involves collecting user data on energy use, transportation, food consumption, and waste management, converting this data into carbon dioxide equivalents, and offering actionable advice to lower emissions. The app is applicable across various sectors, including personal use, corporate sustainability, policy support, education, supply chain management, urban planning, and environmental certification. The results demonstrate that informed individual actions, such as skipping a weekly cup of coffee or reducing chocolate consumption, can collectively lead to significant reductions in carbon emissions. This project underscores the importance of individual responsibility in combating climate change and promotes a community-driven approach to achieving a more sustainable future. Key Words: Carbon Footprint, Real-time Tracking, Gamification, Personalized Recommendations, Sustainability