Abstract: This paper discusses the strategies taken by companies in the coal mining sector in promoting operational excellence in their mining activities, as well as being responsible for the surrounding environ-ment, including empowering communities in the mining area to im-prove the welfare and economic independence of the community. This paper focuses on 10 company initiatives that are addressed in flagship programs aimed at reducing environmental impacts. The ini-tiatives carried out consist of the main aspects of activities, namely (1) in the scope of coal mining operations, including reclamation and re-vegetation innovation efforts carried out; (2) activities supporting company operations such as power plants / utilities, offices in the field; and (3) activities in the area of community empowerment around the company's operational area. After the implementation during 2023 was carried out along with continuous improvement implemented based on the basic principles of ISO 14001, the results obtained include, among others, the program succeeded in saving energy by 1,624.00 GJ, reducing conventional emissions by 1,034.9 ton-NO2 per year, reducing domestic waste by of 4.8 tons of plastic waste, utilizing hazardous waste such as used oil as a substitute for explosives by 569.38 tons, reducing water usage by 544,137.00 m3, reducing wastewater pollution loads by artificial wetland, conserving Mangroves covering 5 ha and the conservation of natural shreds in 28,070.00 types of local species and fast growing species, and empowering communities to enhance the provision of clean water sources to improve health and basic needs of the community in Santan Tengah villages around the mining area with a total of 40 local home residents. All of these initiatives are related to the life cycle and sustainability aspects both on environmental, social, and eco-nomic aspects.

Abstract: Introduction: Global economic volatility driven by factors such as market fluctuations and inflation, poses significant challenges to governance and stability. Nigeria like some other developing nations rely heavily on oil exports which heightened their vulnerability to global price shifts. This study examined the effectiveness of a developing nation Nigeria policies adopted to tackle economic volatility focusing on adaptive public administration and long-term resilience. Method: This study used a quantitative approach with survey data collected through interviewer administered questionnaire on 500 civil servants in South-East Nigeria. The tool collected information on policy effectiveness, adaptive governance and economic outcomes. Purposive sampling was used to ensure participants had at least five years of experience in civil service. Data was analyzed using descriptive statistics and binary logistic regression analysis. Results: Over 80% of the respondent viewed the policy response of the government as ineffective in addressing the current economic volatility. 87.2% rated the government low in adapting quickly to changes in global economic environment. Over 70% feels there are no long-term prospects in the policies of the present Nigerian government with another 73.8% believing this government can’t lay the good foundation needed in bringing economic growth. Conclusion: Adaptive public administration is vital for addressing economic challenges in developing nations like Nigeria where the current governance under President Tinubu has struggled to stabilize the economy and tackle issues like inflation, unemployment and energy shortages. There is need for such developing nation to enhance policy adaptability with real-time data and continuous evaluation while fostering stronger coordination with stakeholders. Then again, the government must focus on reducing its reliance on oil and prioritize diversifying the economy while also tackling structural challenges to enhance economic stability. Keywords: Strategic leadership; Adaptive public administration; economic policy; economic volatility; inflation

Abstract: The Prime Minister’s Office of Bangladesh is the governmental ministration office with the responsibility of coordinating the actions of the work of all governmental ministry offices, on various matters, and serving and assisting the prime minister of Bangladesh in her daily work. Sheikh Hasina, the Prime Minister of the People's Republic of Bangladesh is the main governing body of the Prime Minister’s Office. There are total 12 division working in the prime minister’s office under direct super vision of the PM herself.

Abstract: This study explores the relations among stakeholder pressure, environmental awareness, leadership commitment, and environmental ethics and their influence on perceived ecological performance in the manufacturing industry. Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM) was employed to examine the quantitative data collected from 386 managers across selected manufacturing firms in Lagos State, Nigeria. The outcome of the study reveals that stakeholder pressure (SP) influences environmental ethics (EE) and perceived ecological performance (PEP) but not leadership commitment. Also, environmental awareness (EA) influences environmental ethics (EE) but not perceived environmental performance (PEP) and leadership commitment (LC), and EE was not impacted by LC. Meanwhile, EE mediates the relationship between EA and PEP, including SP and PEP, but not LC and PEP. LC does not mediate any of the relationships. Additionally, IC does not moderate the relationship between EE and PEP. The study recommends that organizations focus on enhancing EA and SP to improve environmental ethics and PEP.

Abstract: The present study aimed to observe the relationship between the intrinsic factors of individuals, specifically consumer behavior as a citizen (CBC), perceived consumer effectiveness (PCE), green self-identity (GSI) and Trust (T), and the influence they exert on the intention to consume in restaurants that have sustainable gastronomic practices. Quantitative-descriptive research was carried out, with 398 questionnaires analyzed using the structural equation modeling (SEM) technique. It was identified that the CBC, GSI and T exert a positive influence on the intention to consume in restaurants with sustainable gastronomic practices, while PCE has not shown to exert influence. The PCE, GSI and T demonstrated direct and positive influence on CBC. Theoretically, this study contributes to the correlation of constructs that had not previously been presented together in research on sustainable consumption; by presenting the indirect role of the PCE on the intentions of sustainable consumption, and to the advances of the research of the relationship between sustainability and consumption by confirming the role of CBC, GSI and T on food consumption for the environment. Managerially, the findings aim to help companies direct their sustainable practices as a driving force for sustainable consumption, helping individuals to assert themselves and express their citizen behavior.

Abstract: Agriculture remains a fundamental pillar of Nigeria’s economy, with rural households heavily reliant on farming for sustenance and income. However, poor health outcomes and limited access to healthcare services significantly hinder agricultural productivity. This study investigates the synergy between access to healthcare service and agricultural productivity among farming households in Nigeria. Multistage sampling technique was adopted to select 720 farming households for Southwest, Nigeria. Using a two-stage least squares (2SLS) regression model, the study examines how access to healthcare services influences farm productivity, employing distance to healthcare facilities as an instrumental variable. The findings reveal that farmers who utilize healthcare services exhibit higher productivity levels than those who do not. Specifically, the treatment group (households accessing healthcare services) reported a significantly higher value of farm produce sales (₦141,775.90) compared to the control group (₦102,430.11). Notable, major determinants of agricultural productivity include farm size, farming experience, cooperative membership, and access to health extension services, while distance to healthcare facilities negatively impacts healthcare utilization. The study highlights that frequent health-related incapacitation leads to labour loss and reduced efficiency, reinforcing the importance of an integrated approach to health and agriculture. Policy interventions such as mobile health clinics, community-based health insurance, and agricultural-health synergies could mitigate the adverse effects of poor health on agricultural output. Bridging the healthcare-agriculture divide is imperative for sustainable economic growth, improved food security, and poverty reduction in Nigeria.

Abstract: The final objective of this study is twofold: firstly, to identify the similarities and differences between Islamic and cooperative banks; and secondly, to provide a robust argument for the sustainability business model formula. The comparison method used is based on the following items that qualify the business formula of Islamic banks and cooperative banks: guiding principles of banking activity, member ownership and governance structure, social responsibility, ethical identity, ESG attention, decision-making process, and business model. The paper contributes to the existing literature on the subject by offering a novel argument and set of conclusions to help define the sustainable business model further. In addition, the paper provides a few suggestions for policymakers committed to defining rules, guiding principles, values, or organizational elements in sustainable finance.

Abstract: The purpose of this study was to confirm the effect of entrepreneurship (ES) and entrepreneurial self-efficacy (SE) on entrepreneurial attitude (EA) and entrepreneurial intention (EI) and to determine whether EA plays a mediating role in the process and whether entrepreneurship education (EE) plays a moderating role. Data were collected from 415 male and female college students in Korea via a mobile survey conducted in October 2022, focusing on four variables. The structural equation model analysis revealed that ES, SE, and EA had positive effects on EI, and the effect of SE was greater than that of the other variables. The effect of SE on EA was stronger in the group without EE than in the group with EE. There was no difference between the two groups in terms of the relationship between the remaining variables. When ES influenced EI, EA had no mediating effect, but when SE influenced EI, EA played a positive role. Together, these findings confirm that out of all the evaluated factors, SE had the greatest impact on EI. The results of this study yield valuable information for determining which psychological variables to focus on when providing education or programs to increase the EI of college students. To date, few studies have analyzed the relationship with EI by considering the four variables covered herein, which is the originality of this study. Additionally, this study identifies previously unrecognized ES factors as predictors of EI. The results of this study, which show that SE is a relatively strong predictor of EI, and that ES is a predictor of EI, reaffirm the TPB theory that startup ability is a predictor of EI and the MEI theory that risk-taking sensitivity is a predictor of EI.

Abstract: The global competition for skilled talent has intensified, posing significant challenges to public sector resilience, especially in regions such as Africa where the phenomenon of brain drain, commonly known as the ‘JAPA Syndrome,’ has reached critical levels. This paper examines how African governments can build resilient public institutions by addressing the root causes of talent flight through enhanced employee motivation strategies. Focusing on both intrinsic and extrinsic motivational factors, the study compares employee retention approaches in African public sectors with successful models from Europe, identifying actionable lessons for African policymakers. It argues that improving salaries, strengthening career progression frameworks, fostering workplace recognition cultures, and offering meaningful professional development opportunities can transform the public sector into an attractive, resilient employer capable of withstanding global migration pressures. This paper contributes to the broader conversation by demonstrating how innovative human resource strategies can help public institutions adapt to disruptive talent flows, while fostering long-term service quality and governance stability. Ultimately, it calls for a reimagined African public sector, one that competes effectively in the global talent marketplace while serving as a cornerstone of national development.

Abstract: This paper examines the factors driving the persistent success of diesel generators within the global political economy of electricity. Despite supplying the largest share of electricity in at least seventeen countries, diesel generators remain under-explored in academic literature. We review existing studies on their deployment across low-, middle- and high-income countries, integrating ethnographic data from our research on Lebanon’s fossil fuel and solar energy sectors alongside insights from Science and Technology Studies (STS). We advance three core claims. First, diesel generators are a highly adaptable, long-standing technology whose relevance has grown amid geopolitical instability and environmental crises. Second, while decentralised renewable energy solutions, such as microgrids, are often seen as pathways to bypass conventional grids and decarbonize energy systems, their reliance on diesel backup underscores the persistent role of fossil fuels in energy transitions. Third, diesel generators sustain modern life beyond dysfunctional centralised grids, exposing the failure of neoliberal development models to ensure universal electricity access in low- and middle-income countries. Our findings highlight the interdependence between micro-solar infrastructures, the role of diesel generators in the ‘net zero’ transition, and emerging debates on ‘post-grid imaginaries'.

Abstract: Science Shops (SSs) represent a Community-Based Participatory Research (CBPR) model that fosters collaboration between community organizations and research institutions. This model highlights the growing importance of ethics in such projects. The study aims to identify and analyse ethical challenges encountered during the implementation of Science Shop projects within the InSPIRES consortium. Eight pilot projects conducted by InSPIRES Science Shops were selected for a qualitative assessment of ethical practices and challenges in CBPR. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with SS coordinators, principal investigators, and Civil Society Organization (CSO) partners. Findings revealed a high level of participation from CSOs in six of the eight projects, pri-marily in participant recruitment. However, scientific questions originating from these or-ganizations were adopted in only two projects, indicating limited involvement in the re-search process. Regarding participant consent, three institutions adapted consent forms for vulnerable participants. Data and results were shared between CSOs and academic partners in four projects, and formal partnership agreements were established in only three of the eight SSs. For successful implementation of SS projects addressing community-driven research, all partners must agree on a formal, inclusive, and participatory process, including a well-structured plan for data sharing and dissemination. These findings offer guidance for future CBPR initiatives.

Abstract: This research explores the core competency indicators required for Battery Electric Vehicle (BEV) sales personnel to enhance their professional capabilities and support the growth of the BEV industry. With the global push toward sustainable transportation solutions and the rapid adoption of BEVs, a well-equipped sales workforce is crucial to driving consumer acceptance and market expansion. The study utilizes a combination of literature review, expert interviews, and a Delphi survey conducted with 15 industry professionals to identify and validate essential competency dimensions. These competencies are organized into four dimensions—Professional Knowledge, Professional Skills, Professional Attitude, and Personal Traits—further subdivided into 20 sub-dimensions and 58 indicators. Key competencies include technical expertise in BEV technology, effective communication, customer relationship management, sales techniques, and after-sales service proficiency.

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:

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: The rapid growth of social media has significantly altered how we consume and engage with information. Despite the abundance of clearly written content available on platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter, many users exhibit a lack of patience and attentiveness, leading to frequent instances of asking questions or requesting information that is already readily available. This behavior may stem from two main factors: information overload and information ignorance. Information overload occurs as users are bombarded with a constant stream of notifications and content, making it difficult to process and engage deeply with each post. Simultaneously, impatience and a lack of effort to fully read content contribute to information ignorance. This article explores the underlying causes of this issue, examines the impact of the digital age on reading habits, and discusses the role of cognitive biases, multitasking, and the design of social media platforms in shaping user behavior. By doing a thorough review of academic papers, articles, and studies on topics such as information overload, cognitive biases, social media consumption, and user behavior on this subject so as establish an understanding if it is an information overload or ignorance. This article concludes by calling for educational initiatives, better platform design, and a shift towards more mindful, engaged use of social media to improve reading habits and information consumption in the digital era.

Abstract: With the rise of artificial intelligence (AI) in medicine, a central debate has emerged regarding whether AI can replace physicians. While previous studies have examined AI’s limitations in areas such as self-awareness and language processing, this study explores a novel dimension: the possibility of death-awareness in AI and its implications for the physician-patient relationship. Death-awareness is fundamental to medical practice, allowing physicians to empathize with patients, acknowledge existential fears, and support autonomy in end-of-life decision-making. Using Heidegger’s concept of Dasein, this paper examines whether AI, through its evolving cognitive capabilities, can develop an authentic understanding of mortality.A phenomenological approach is applied to assess AI’s ability to experience being-towards-death (Sein-zum-Tode), a characteristic central to human authenticity. Heidegger argues that Dasein’s existence is shaped by its awareness of finitude, which fosters existential anxiety and authenticity. However, AI, lacking organic mortality and intrinsic self-awareness, does not experience the temporality and vulnerability that define Dasein. While AI demonstrates learning, adaptation, and responsiveness, its decision-making remains fundamentally preprogrammed and detached from existential meaning. Although recent advancements in neural networks, embodied AI, and reinforcement learning have allowed AI to engage with the world dynamically, it does not yet possess mood, fear, or the anticipation of its own non-existence—key components of Heideggerian authenticity.The study concludes that while AI may achieve functional competence in medicine, it lacks the ontological depth necessary for true humanistic care. Future discussions on AI in healthcare must go beyond performance metrics and consider the existential and ethical dimensions of AI-driven decision-making. If AI were ever to attain true death-awareness, it would challenge the very boundaries between human and machine, raising profound implications for medicine, ethics, and the philosophy of artificial intelligence.

Abstract: One of the most widely known types of AI technologies in recent years is ChatGPT. ChatGPT is a state-of-the-art language model that has revolutionized natural language processing by generating human-like text with context and coherence, enabling new possibilities for human-AI interaction (Brown et al., 2020). This case study reports on a 10-week conversational AI training initiative to assess whether ChatGPT4 can (a) identify the structural elements and features of conventional inoculation messages (i.e., forewarnings and preemptive refutations); (b) augment inoculation message design features (i.e., linguistic signatures, language, and length); (c) adapt messages for specific audiences (i.e., younger populations, experts); and finally, (d) independently replicate the inoculation message development process on a topic of its choosing. Twenty-one different inoculation messages previously used in published inoculation studies provided the instructional foundation for teaching ChatGPT. A combination of prompting techniques were used (i.e., sequential, active, iterative, and chain of thought prompts) to achieve the goals of the study. Using 29 different prompts we found a high degree of originality within the AI generated inoculation messages; however, structural weaknesses were prevalent regardless of originality. AI generated messages were more difficult to read and required an advanced education level to comprehend. The AI messages were not equivalent with the training exemplars, and, in general, contained higher percentages of complex wording. We also found that ChatGPT struggled with developing the explicit forewarning threat component and did not generate inoculation messages with more than two refutations. Several themes of metaphorical and figurative language were used by the conversational-AI. We describe and contextualize these findings and discuss considerations and recommendations for future study.

Abstract: Developmental approaches over time largely overlooked the local sustainability preconditions as they were inflicted with doctrines, theories, and strategies argued through macro-level, macro-scale policies. This research retrospectively viewed those approaches as they evolved since post-WWII and their effect on sustainability at a community level. The primary focus was eventually on microfinance strategy by NGOs, which led to the establishment of millions of microenterprises to develop the underdeveloped communities of developing countries. In recent decades, community-based enterprise (CBE) development has been a widely practiced mode of developmental intervention. The primary goal of the CBEs is to generate profit for livelihoods. The research indicates these CBEs have further potential to be ecologically sustainable and socially responsible. A shift in the present model is possible to make the CBEs pursuant to ecological principles. Drawing on Foucault’s notion of ‘dispositif,’ the research considers the incorporation of environmental, alongside economic and social goals, as a new strategic disposition. Therefore, the study presents a social-ecological model of CBE and asserts that it embeds the necessary components to bring about sustainability at a community level.

Abstract: This article examines production costs in cocoa farming in Ivory Coast, West Africa, taking opportunity costs into account. The data used come from surveys of 228 farmers in three areas of the country: Bonon, Soubré and Biankouma. The choice of these zones was based on an East-West gradient. The opportunity cost approach was used to estimate the cost of using family labor (FL) and land. Financial costs for the various production operations were also estimated. Comparative analyses between different localities and cropping systems were carried out to elucidate specificities in terms of workload. Finally, a Principal Component Analysis (PCA) was carried out to profile producers according to income level and associated profit. The results showed that FL is the main component of cocoa production costs. Prices paid to farmers do not always cover all production costs, and 38% of farmers produce at a loss. Production costs are contingent on agroecological zones. Moreover, agroforestry proved to be more economical in terms of labor than the full-sun system. These results underline the importance of taking opportunity costs into account when assessing production costs and setting cocoa prices. This could lead to a revision of pricing mechanisms to ensure fair remuneration for FL.

Abstract:

Household budgeting is crucial for financial stability, yet many individuals find it challenging due to the lack of structured financial planning tools. This paper introduces a rule-based system that optimizes expenses by considering family size, income, and spending behavior. Unlike traditional budgeting tools, our system dynamically distributes income across essential categories such as housing, food, medical care, education, and savings using predefined rules. The system leverages dynamic input processing and predefined allocation rules to provide real-time insights into budgeting constraints. Experimental results show that the proposed model achieves 90% accuracy in budget allocation, ensuring financial sustainability and preventing overspending. Our system provides a transparent, flexible, and user-friendly alternative to machine learning-based budget models, making it accessible to households of all financial backgrounds.