Abstract: This study empirically tests explanatory factors for cyberstalking on social network service (SNS), especially focusing on gender differences in the effects of risk, control, and opportunity factors. In this study, we used lack of attachment and denial of victim as risk factors, morality and self-control as control factors, and anonymity as an opportunity factor. It predicted that the main risk effect on cyberstalking and the interaction effect between risk and control factors and be-tween risk and opportunity factors can be differentiated by gender. The effects of lack of attach-ment and denial of victims as risk factors for cyberstalking differed by gender. Furthermore, in the context of risk factors, we predicted that the moderating effect of the control factor would be greater for women, and that of the opportunity factor such as anonymity would be greater for men. The results of the analysis of 270 SNS using college students in Seoul, South Korea, generally supported the hypotheses. As a risk factor, the influence of lack of attachment was greater in men, while denial of the victim was greater in women. The moderating actions of the control factors were greater for women in such a way that the interaction between denial of victim and morality and that between denial of victim and self-control were significant for women, while the moder-ating effect of the opportunity factor was greater for men in such a way that the interaction be-tween lack of attachment and anonymity was more significant for men. This study finds that the causal processes of cyberstalking and the respective moderating actions of control and oppor-tunity factors can be differentiated according to gender.

Abstract:

Social interaction is crucial for social sustainability and quality of life. This research focuses on recreational parks in residential neighborhoods in Dammam Metropolitan Area (DMA) to enhance social interaction. The study is designed to identify and prioritize factors affecting the social interaction in the recreational parks in the residential neighborhoods in Dammam Metropolitan Area (DMA). All factors are extracted from literature studies relevant to the social interaction among individuals in the recreational parks. This study follows the methodology of expert-based questionnaire to weigh each factor according to the scale from strongly agree to strongly disagree regarding the extracted factors that may influence the social interaction in the recreational parks. The findings emphasized the importance of demographic characteristics of the neighborhood residents, physical characteristics of the recreational parks and social sustainability characteristics in influencing the social interaction among neighborhood residents in the recreational parks in DMA. The analysis of the demographic characteristics showed that the age group of the neighborhood residents is the most effectiveness factor on social interaction in the recreational parks in DMA with score (4.53). Secondly, the analysis of the physical characteristics of the recreational parks showed that the periodic maintenance of the recreational park is the most effective factor on social interaction in DMA with score (4.79). Thirdly, the analysis of social sustainability characteristics showed that safety and security is the most effectiveness factor on social interaction in the recreational parks in DMA with score (4.74). Finally, this study concluded with some recommendations to address the probable factors that may influence the social interaction in the recreational parks in the Saudi contexts, particularly in DMA.

Abstract: Nutrition literacy, defined as “the skills to comprehend and implement nutrition information into everyday practice”, is a new area of study. Preschool teachers affect children’s perception of nu-trition and health and contribute to their nutrition literacy skills. This cross-sectional study aimed to assess the level of nutrition literacy (NLS-Gr) of preschool teachers. The research included two stages of cluster sampling in a sample of kindergarten teachers in Greece (Rhodes Island). Nutrition literacy was assessed with NLS-Gr, the Greek version of NLS, and adherence to Mediterranean diet with MEDDIET score. The mean NLS-Gr score was 25.87 (SD±2.2) and is considered adequate. The correct answers range from 65.1% to 100%. Meddiet score was calculated at 33.94 (SD±3.8), and no correlation was found between Meddiet score and NLS-Gr. The NLS-Gr score of kindergarten teachers was adequate, higher than that of previous research on different populations. Yet their adherence to the Mediterranean diet requires improvement and food waste reduction. Educators should be empowered through targeted educational interventions to enhance students' health and nutritional behaviors. Further research could contribute to formulating nutrition strategies and policies in kindergarten.

Abstract: The spatial structure of a city, consisting of the transportation network and activity centers, is a key factor affecting the mobility of people. The mobility of people during infectious diseases is the most important factor in the spread of the disease. Evaluating urban spatial structure and restructuring it is an important non-pharmaceutical way of controlling infectious diseases such as COVID-19. The present study investigates the interlinkages between Ahvaz's urban spatial structure and COVID-19. Spatial statistics were used to identify functional cores and analyze population distribution and employment by analyzing statistical block data and land-use layers. Pearson's correlation test was also applied to examine the relationship between functional cores, population, and employment. The results showed that population and employment have a clustered distribution pattern, as they are highly concentrated in the middle parts of Ahvaz. The city’s central part has the highest concentration of travel-absorbing uses. This increases the vulnerability and infection of COVID-19. The findings of this study can guide efforts aimed at modifying the urban structure of the city to make it more resilient to pandemics. Among other things, decentralization of activities, land use diversification, and promotion of urban sub-centers should be prioritized.

Abstract: Indonesian apple farming faces complex sustainability challenges with a gap in studies on the relationship between learning, knowledge and sustainability. The phenomenon of significant decline in the Tutur-Pasuruan apple farming centre with only 20-30% remaining, emphasises the importance of a deep understanding of farmers' social learning processes as the foundation of sustainable agriculture. The research objectives were to identify social learning methods and farmers' knowledge areas, analyse their impact on sustainability, and explore the interconnect-edness of these three aspects. A qualitative approach with a transcendental phenomenological design involved 19 informants with various characteristics. Data were collected through in-depth interviews, direct observation, and secondary documentation, with validity through source and method triangulation. Colaizzi's seven-step analysis supported by NVivo 12 Plus for coding and theme identification. The research identified 11 groups of social learning methods. Hands-on experiential learning (15.14%) was the most dominant. Knowledge areas covered 60 specific areas in 11 categories, with farm management, cultivation practices, and soil nutrient management as the highest proportion (15.87%). Sustainability impacts represent multidimensional transfor-mations in interrelated economic, environmental, social, and innovation aspects. The sustaina-bility of apple farming requires the integration of social learning methods with applied knowledge. Knowledge-sharing platforms, collaborative research, and policies that support sus-tainable practices can strengthen sustainability outcomes.

Abstract: Teaching self-efficacy refers to a teacher’s confidence in their ability to engage students and foster learning, directly influencing their instructional planning, strategies, and student assessment practices. Neuroscience education for teachers has been shown to increase enthusiasm and support professional growth by introducing essential brain-related principles. This study investigated whether prior exposure to neuroscience predicts teaching self-efficacy among Brazilian Basic Education teachers. A total of 1,120 teachers completed online surveys, providing sociodemographic information, educational background, teaching experience, and data regarding their previous neuroscience exposure. Participants' neuroscience knowledge was assessed through a questionnaire designed to measure familiarity with fundamental neuroscience concepts, and teaching self-efficacy was evaluated using the Teacher Sense of Efficacy Scale (TSES). Results indicated that teachers with prior exposure to extracurricular neuroscience courses demonstrated significantly higher neuroscience knowledge. Additionally, those with previous neuroscience exposure exhibited a marginally significant increase in self-efficacy for instructional strategies and a significant increase in classroom management, while no significant differences were observed in student engagement. Regression analyses confirmed that neuroscience exposure significantly predicted self-efficacy in instructional strategies and classroom management. These findings reinforce the connection between neuroscience education and enhanced teaching self-efficacy, underscoring the importance of neuroeducation programs as valuable tools for supporting teachers’ professional development and well-being.

Abstract: The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) transportation system plays an important role in ensuring access to transportation services for Veterans, particularly those in rural or underserved areas. However, concerns remain regarding the effectiveness of collaboration among the various VA transportation stakeholders. Persistent transportation challenges hinder Veterans' access to essential healthcare services and resources. Electric, Automated Ride-Sharing Services (ARSS) offer a promising opportunity to enhance transportation access, however their current limitations and the perspectives of VA transportation personnel must be considered. This study explored the current perspectives of the VA transportation system and assessed ARSS as an innovative and sustainable alternative through interviews with eight VA transportation stakeholders representing seven transportation sectors. Findings revealed the VA’s strengths, including personalized service, flexible accommodations, and collaborative care models, but also identified challenges, including limited funding, staff shortages, volunteer constraints, and restrictive eligibility criteria. The introduction of ARSS was identified as an opportunity to alleviate some of these constraints by reallocating human resources and improving access to essential services, although concerns remain regarding ARSS’s ability to accommodate Veterans with disabilities and address rural route complexities. Effective communication strategies and streamlined coordination were key recommendations for improving service delivery and expanding transportation access for Veterans.

Abstract:

Motor-vehicle crashes are a leading and persistent cause of unintentional deaths in the United States. Scholarship to understand how manmade interventions and natural phenomena interact to effectuate such calamitous outcomes is longstanding and ongoing. One manmade intervention with long interest in the literature is daylight saving time (DST). Unfortunately, such interest engenders little unanimity on how the natural phenomena attributable to DST interact with travel behavior to affect the frequency and severity of motor-vehicle crashes. In order to advance knowledge on DST-safety interactions the study adopts a multilevel model approach to explore spatial and temporal heterogeneity in fatal crashes the explication of which is not yet evident in the literature. Results suggest analyses of the forty-eight states plus the one state equivalent (District of Columbia) in the contiguous United States mask differences from time zone to time zone on the effects of independent variables known to affect the frequency and severity of fatal crashes. Results also suggest time-of-day and time-zone safety effects are indeed evident. Research which adopts a multilevel model approach to analyze DST-transition safety effects is ongoing. Policy implications highlight the importance of governmental efforts to limit licensure and monitor behavior in order to most effectually decrease the number of fatalities in such motor-vehicle crashes.

Abstract: The aim of this research is to determine the difficulties encountered by green entrepreneurs who contribute to the green economy while carrying out their activities, and to contribute to the literature and young entrepreneurs from the success stories of these entrepreneurs. The “interview technique”, one of the qualitative research methods, was used in the research. In the study, interviews were conducted with 12 entrepreneurs who carry out entrepreneurial activities in the Southeastern Anatolia Region. The research data were analyzed with the Maxqda 2024 program and the problems encountered by the interview participants in green entrepreneurship were examined with the word cloud. According to the results of the research, it was stated that entrepreneurship in Turkey needs to be supported by the state, green entrepreneurs and large-scale entrepreneurs earn. It was reported that the state planned production to prevent surplus production, that the support of small-scale entrepreneurs was very little, and that the earnings of those who sell quality products increased.

Abstract:

The rapid advancements in Artificial Intelligence-Generated Content (AIGC) technology have positioned AIGC-driven Personalized learning as a critical pathway for advancing educational sustainability, particularly in addressing inclusiveness, equity, and quality. This study examines the mechanisms and challenges of AIGC applications in Chinese higher education through a mixed-methods approach combining systematic literature review and empirical analysis. Leveraging the SWOT framework and Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP) with 928 valid student questionnaires, we establish a multi-criteria decision-making framework to evaluate strategic priorities and operational risks.

Abstract:

This study examines sex differences between children with and without ADHD. Specifically, functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS) resting-state functional connectivity measures were used to analyze neural profiles of female and male children based on both group and symptom severity score. Participants, aged 6-8, participated in this study by performing a Passive Viewing Paradigm resting-state task. The K-SADS interview was used to determine ADHD diagnosis and subtype, from which a continuous symptom severity score across group and subtype was calculated. It was found that female children with combined-type ADHD demonstrate different neural profiles than male children overall and based on symptom severity. Male children with ADHD, across subtypes, demonstrate less refined functional connectivity. Males with the combined type also show less significant connectivity. Most notably, within the combined-type group, connectivity increases as symptom severity increases in male children whereas connectivity decreases as symptom severity increases in female children, contrasting from their typically developing peers.

Abstract:

In the digital era, the rapid acceleration of change necessitates that organizations cultivate adaptability as a core capability. To maintain a competitive edge, businesses must develop agile structures that facilitate continuous learning, foster innovation, and enable dynamic responses to shifting market conditions. Digital transformation and globalization have intensified the need for leveraging data, automation, and advanced analytics as strategic assets, reinforcing information’s central role in the knowledge economy. This study advances research on knowledge transfer by investigating the critical factors influencing the dissemination of managerial know-how within organizations. Utilizing the DEMATEL (Decision-Making Trial and Evaluation Laboratory) method, the research systematically maps the causal relationships between key enablers and constraints, offering a more nuanced understanding of how managerial knowledge flows in technology-driven business environments. By identifying the most influential drivers, this study provides actionable insights for enhancing knowledge transfer efficiency and optimizing organizational adaptability.CCS Concepts: Mathematics of computing • Applied computing ➝ Machine learning, social and behavioral sciences ➝ Digital economy.

Abstract: Transdisciplinary approaches have constituted a cornerstone of sustainability research in recent years. Tackling grand societal challenges, research in living labs promises innovations in real-world settings. In order to enable these innovations, living labs require the adoption of key design principles in everyday research, such as participation, co-creation and real-life experimentation, often resulting in challenges in terms of collaboration. Our study focuses on identifying and explaining the key challenges faced in everyday collaboration using data generated in a living lab research project targeting the transition to climate neutrality within the scope of a city corporation. Data was generated predominantly from twenty in-depth interviews and participant observations. The challenging reactions in transdisciplinary collaboration are manifest in uncertainties, frustrations, overburdening, tensions, conflicts and disengagement. Our analysis shows that these reactions are shaped by (1) heterogeneous interpretations of key living lab concepts, (2) heterogeneous perspectives on sustainability interventions, (3) difficulties in role positioning and allocation, (4) emergence of instrumentalisation and over-identification, and (5) embedded complexities of living lab governance. We argue that these proto-challenges are constitutive and implicitly inscribed into the key design principles of living lab research. By interpreting living lab research as an intrinsically wicked problem, we suggest three different strategies to cope with the challenges of collaboration: mitigate, embrace, tolerate.

Abstract: Discipline is a significant predictor of parent-child attachment and relationship quality across the lifespan. Yet, much of the research on Black families’ disciplinary strategies uses a deficit and myopic lens that focuses on punitive punishment styles (e.g., spanking or taking away privileges). In the current qualitative study, we used an intergenerational narrative lens (Fivush & Merrill, 2016) and thematic analysis to explore semi-structured interview data from 31 Black mothers (25–60 years, Mage = 46) in the United States around maternal discipline experiences. Mothers varied widely in their retrospective accounts of their mothers’ disciplinary strategies, which we categorized into three main themes: (a) punitive (b) logical, and (c) natural, as well as three thematic categories around the extent to which Black adult daughters continued to use the maternal disciplinary practices they experienced during childhood (d) continuity, (e) mix, and (f) shift. Results highlighted the personal and cultural factors that informed Black women’s disciplinary strategies across two generations of motherhood and revealed that most adult daughters shifted away from what they experience during childhood – often towards less punitive strategies. Finally, we explored the explicit connections that adult daughters made between their childhood disciplinary practices and their current relationship with their mothers. We identified three main categories: (g) strained, (h) progressing, and (i) healthy. Each category revealed important patterns about the extent to which adult daughters felt connected, validated, and supported by their mothers. Overall, our findings lend significant insight into Black mother-daughter relationship dynamics, particularly around the importance of communication patterns and emotional connection in the culture of discipline within families.

Abstract: There has been a significant increase in the prevalence and estimates of neurodevelopmental disorders, especially autism spectrum disorders, in the last decade. The literature has seen increasing research on understanding wellbeing and mental health. To understand the association and interaction of well-being and mental health with autism and ADHD, a survey was given to 560 secondary school students. The survey used the wellbeing process questionnaire, the autism spectrum quotient, the ADHD self-report scale, and the strengths and difficulties questionnaire. The analysis conducted using SPSS showed that there was a significant correlation between anxiety, depression, AQ, and ADHD. Anxiety and depression were also significantly correlated with all well-being and SDQ variables. The regression analysis showed that anxiety was significantly associated with positive well-being, negative well-being, emotional problems, and prosocial behaviour. In contrast, depression was significantly associated with positive well-being, negative well-being, physical health, flourishing, conduct problems, emotional problems and peer problems. The associations between anxiety, depression and the outcomes were stronger than with either AQ or ADHD

Abstract: Taking effective breaks during a study session is crucial for maintaining high levels of performance, especially in self-regulated learning settings in which students are required to plan their study tasks themselves. However, research on effective break-taking in self-regulated learning settings is limited. This study investigates the effect of Pomodoro, Flowtime, and Self-regulated breaks on subjective study experiences, task completion, and flow in a 2-hour study session. The sample consisted of 94 University students. The participants participated in an online intervention in which they were instructed on how to take breaks in an authentic study session. In the Self-regulated break condition (n=25) students decided for themselves when and how long to take a break. In the Pomodoro condition (n= 36) students took 5-minute breaks after every 25 minutes of studying. In the Flowtime group (n=33) participants decided themselves when to take a break however, the duration of the break was determined based on how long they studied. Results showed that Flowtime breaks led to a slower increase in fatigue compared to the other conditions. No difference between the break-taking techniques has been identified for motivation and productivity levels, task completion, and flow state. Future research should focus on investigating these break techniques further by including variables like personality and mental effort measures.

Abstract: This quantitative study investigates the effects of virtual reality immersion on enhancing scientific habits of mind (critical and creative thinking) through the mediation of flow experience, motivation and self-regulation in high school biology classes in East Jerusalem. The random stratified sample consisted of (347) high school students from 3 different schools who learnt biology concepts constructively during the first semester using VR-based instruction complying with the Cognitive Affective Model of Immersive Learning (CAMIL). The results of PLS-SEM revealed that VRI significantly affected critical and creative thinking directly and indirectly. Cases of partial and full mediation intervened, showing the effects of mediators on enhancing habits of mind, through a sequence of mediation flowing from flow experience through motivation to self-regulation which functioned as a key intermediary factor in the relationship between virtual reality immersion and habits of mind. Based on the results of the study, the complex structure needs more future investigation. Results of the study suggested that VRI’s impact on critical and creative thinking was intensified through the mediation effects. In addition, the findings confirm that FE and MT play essential roles in fostering a conducive learning environment that supports cognitive skill development. Results highlighted that enhancement of SR is a necessary step for the enhancement of critical and creative thinking. The study recommends integrating VRI in teaching biology to enhance students’ higher order thinking skills. Further studies on Self-Regulation should explore adaptive interventions that strengthen self-regulatory strategies to maximize the cognitive benefits of VRI.

Abstract:

Background: Community gardens are increasingly popular in Canadian cities, serving as transformative spaces where immigrants can develop self-reliant strategies for accessing culturally familiar and healthy nutritious foods. Past research has demonstrated the embodied health and wellbeing benefits of gardening, however, Black immigrants, reported to be at higher risk of food insecurity are experiencing complex barriers to engagement in collective community gardens. Using a socio-ecological framework, this research explores barriers and facilitators to engagement of Black African immigrants in Alberta, Canada in collective community gardening. Methods: The study adopted a community-based participatory research (CBPR) approach using mixed-methods to explore the individual and collective experiences, challenges, and meanings adopted by immigrants in connection to collective community gardens. Data collection included structured surveys (n=119) to assess general engagement, facilitators, and barriers, in-depth interviews (n=10) to explore lived experiences, and Afrocentric sharing circles (n=2) to probe collective perspectives. Participants were purposefully recruited through community networks within African immigrant-serving community organizations. Results: Our findings demonstrate how various levels of the socio-ecological model (SEM) – individual (knowledge about gardening, busy schedules, and transportation challenges); interpersonal (not seeing people of their ethnicity on the garden); community (distance to the garden); environmental (extreme weather); and structural (inflation, unemployment/underemployment, import restrictions, systemic racism, and government bureaucracy) barriers to most immigrants. These factors interact to limit the maximum engagement of African immigrants in collective community gardening. However, participants who accessed collective gardens reported significant benefits, including maintaining healthy foodways, knowledge exchange, growing social capital, and community connections that support overall wellbeing. Conclusions: This study contributes an accessible framework for understanding and addressing the complex barriers that limit engagement in community gardens for vulnerable communities, while highlighting opportunities for creating more inclusive and culturally responsive urban agriculture initiatives.

Abstract:

Recent research highlights the need for a more systematic examination of how variations in computer science (CS) access, school context, and student composition interact to shape CS participation and pathways over time. This study addresses this gap by analyzing longitudinal data tracking CS course participation among three cohorts of high school students at six large suburban schools in the northeastern United States. Despite these schools consistently offering multiple CS courses throughout the study period, our analyses reveal that access alone does not translate into participation. While overall CS participation rates varied significantly across schools, the increases between successive cohorts were more stable across schools, typically ranging from six to nine percentage points. However, these gains were neither substantial enough to approach universal participation, nor sufficient to close existing participation gaps. Although the sample size limits broad generalizability, our cohort-centered approach provides a nuanced perspective that accounts for the dynamic shifts within schools’ CS education ecosystems - factors that often obscure trends in traditional longitudinal analyses. Moreover, the consistency of our findings across multiple school contexts underscores the value of such analyses in capturing the complex interplay of access, participation, persistence, and success in CS education.

Abstract: In the era of globalization, effective communication has become a fundamental requirement for individuals and organizations operating in an interconnected world. This narrative literature review aimed to establish a relationship between communication and the globalization era. Governments and policymakers should also take an active role in bridging communication gaps by improving access to digital infrastructure and promoting regulations that safeguard online interactions. Strengthening international cooperation on cybersecurity, data protection, and media literacy programs can help mitigate the negative impacts of digital communication. These efforts will contribute to a more equitable and responsible global communication landscape. By fostering digital literacy, intercultural understanding, and regulatory support, societies can harness the full potential of global communication while minimizing its challenges. A collaborative approach involving individuals, businesses, and governments is necessary to ensure that communication remains a force for positive global development.