Abstract: This comprehensive analytical literature review examines Saudi Arabia's multifaceted approach to combating violence, extremism, and terrorism through a systematic analysis of diverse academic research. Drawing on more than 30 scholarly studies, the review explores five critical dimensions of the Kingdom's counter-terrorism strategy: (1) security and law enforcement measures, including sophisticated intelligence capabilities, technological surveillance systems, rigorous border controls, and specialized counter-terrorism units; (2) innovative deradicalization and rehabilitation programs such as the internationally recognized "Counseling and Care" initiative that provides psychological counseling, religious re-education, and vocational training for former extremists; (3) counter-ideological efforts promoting moderate Islamic interpretations through religious institutions, educational curriculum reform, and strategic media campaigns; (4) international cooperation through active participation in global coalitions and regional initiatives like the Islamic Military Counter Terrorism Coalition (IMCTC); and (5) targeted socioeconomic development programs addressing underlying grievances that may contribute to radicalization. The literature consistently validates Saudi Arabia's comprehensive approach while acknowledging ongoing challenges in a dynamic security environment. The evidence generally affirms the effectiveness of Saudi Arabia's integrated strategy in mitigating terrorism within its borders and contributing significantly to global counter-terrorism initiatives, though future research should examine long-term impacts and address the continuously evolving nature of terrorist threats in the region.

Abstract: This article focuses on the COVID-19 pandemic, which simultaneously served as a stark reminder of our interconnectedness and shared vulnerability, while also exposing inequalities between people in their risk to the disease. However, the paper argues that the global response to the pandemic, particularly in vaccine distribution, has also revealed deep-rooted structural inequalities among nations, thus undermining the promise and theory of global citizenship. This article therefore critically assesses the significance of global citizenship as well as vaccine nationalism by reviewing existing literature in three countries in the context of the pandemic, and suggests that the concept of glocal citizenship is more appropriate as a means to tackle present and future global challenges, while acknowledging the limitations of the concept. By exploring the potential of glocal citizenship, this article seeks to address global health inequality and foster a more inclusive and equitable response to global crises.

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 article examines LGBTQI+ asylum claims in the U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals. The data are part of a larger study that has identified 520 LGBTQI+ claims in the U.S. Circuit of Appeals from 1994-2023. It focuses on examples from the 115 cases that were granted a review and analyzes the logic that U.S. Circuit Court justices use when deciding to grant a review of a petition that was denied by a lower court, such as the Board of Immigration Appeals (BIA) and immigration courts. This article argues that the U.S. Circuit of Appeals contests lower court rulings from BIA and immigration court judges based on assumptions about credibility, discretion, persecution, and criminalization for LGBTQI+ asylum seekers. By granting reviews, the Circuit Courts provide an opening for the acceptance of queer asylum claims.

Abstract: Background: Improving energy efficiency on a global scale is crucial to meet climate targets of the Paris Agreement and the UN sustainable development goal on ensuring access to affordable, reliable, sustainable and modern energy for all. Energy efficiency is considered the first fuel in the clean energy transition. Contextualising this narrative, the energy efficiency first principle (EE1) was introduced as a concept in EU climate policy in 2015. EE1 was made legally binding in the EU in 2023, to be applied in policy, planning and investment decisions across all sectors that affect the energy system. Understanding the process through which new legislation is developed and adopted is important for understanding the policy itself. Understanding the policy process of EE1 is particularly important since it introduces a paradigm shift in EU energy and climate policy and provides better knowledge of transformative policy change which is of general importance for policy and governance towards a clean energy transition.

Results: This paper determines the decade-long policy process and the agency of policy entrepreneurs to make EE1 legally binding. Based on qualitative text analysis of policy documents, position papers and reports from EU negotiations, combined with interviews of key actors, the study shows how non-governmental organisations (NGOs) as well as the European Commission were critical policy entrepreneurs in the process. NGOs considered the unequal treatment of energy supply and energy demand in EU energy policy to hamper efficient use of the energy system and suggested the EE1 principle to overcome this problem. Using linking strategies, relational management strategies, arena strategies, etcetera, NGOs persuaded the European Commission to propose legislation on EE1. But the initial framing was too technical for decision-makers to understand. Successful coupling of the problem–policy package to politics was done when problem-framing was revised, also referring to the Paris Agreement on climate change and the energy crisis in Europe following Russia’s war on Ukraine.

Conclusions: It is clear that coalition-building is important for policy entrepreneurs to gain broad acceptance for their policy proposals. In addition, timing and endurance of policy entrepreneurs is of great importance for coupling a problem–policy package to politics. Political decision-makers must be receptive to the problem and its policy solution. As for EE1, it took almost seven years before the politics stream was mature and receptive to the policy. But as identified, the agency of policy entrepreneurs can conceal the relations between informal and formal decision-making powers and thus reduce accountability, legitimacy and justice in policymaking.

Abstract: Comprehensive land consolidation (CLC) significantly impacts farmers' sustainable development, particularly in southwestern mountainous areas with limited alternative livelihood options. However, existing studies have rarely considered the impact of CLC on farmers' livelihoods under different terrain gradients in mountainous areas. Therefore, this study employs elevation, slope, and the terrain position index to divide terrain gradient zones. Based on 307 household survey data, it measures the changes in farmers’ livelihood capital and livelihood strategies before and after CLC, and analyzes the heterogeneity of the impact of CLC under different terrain gradients. The results show that: (1) The growth of farmers' livelihood capital and the net effect of CLC showed the terrain gradient effect of medium terrain areas > low terrain areas > high terrain areas. (2)Traditional agricultural type are transitioning to modern agricultural type and agriculture multi-employment type, while agriculture multi-employment type are shifting to non-agriculture multi-employment type. (3) The direct impact of CLC on livelihood transformation is significant in the low terrain areas, whereas in the medium terrain and high terrain areas, the effects are primarily indirect through livelihood factors. This study can provide suggestions for sustainable development of farmers in different topographic gradients in Anning River basin.

Abstract: The successful integration of autonomous vehicles (AVs) into society hinges on public acceptance, which is closely linked to trust. This study investigates the factors influencing initial trust and specific trust requirements for the acceptance of AVs among Spanish population. A national survey was conducted with 400 participants, selected to represent the demographic diversity of Spain. The survey assessed participants' prior experience with AVs, demographic characteristics, ethical concerns, and trust levels. The findings indicate that individuals with prior direct experience with AVs exhibit higher initial trust levels. Demographic variables such as age, gender, and education significantly influence trust requirements; notably, younger and higher-educated individuals demonstrate lower trust thresholds. Ethical concerns, including data privacy and algorithmic transparency, emerge as significant predictors of trust levels. When contextualized with international studies, these findings highlight unique cultural and regulatory influences on trust in AVs within Spain. These insights are crucial for policymakers and manufacturers aiming to enhance public trust promote the ethical development and public acceptance of AVs to facilitate the widespread adoption of AVs.

Abstract: This study aims to explore the impact of abusive supervision on employees' turnover intentions and the underlying mechanisms, comparing the differences between Chinese and French cultural contexts. By constructing multiple regression models, the study examines the mediating effects of work engagement and job insecurity, as well as the moderating role of emotional regulation ability. In the Chinese cultural context, abusive supervision significantly reduces employees' turnover intentions, with work engagement playing a mediating role. Emotional regulation ability weakens the indirect effect of abusive supervision on turnover intentions via job insecurity. The competitive nature of Chinese workplaces and the acceptance of strict management make abusive supervision tolerable under certain conditions. In the French cultural context, abusive supervision is positively correlated with turnover intentions, though the effect is weaker. Job insecurity acts as a mediator, while emotional regulation ability mitigates its negative impact. France's comprehensive labor protection system and employees' emotional regulation ability reduce the negative effects of abusive supervision. In conclusion, this study not only validates the mechanisms through which abusive supervision influences turnover intentions across different cultural contexts but also highlights the crucial roles of work engagement, job insecurity, and emotional regulation ability in this process. The findings provide practical recommendations for managers and policymakers, emphasizing the need to optimize leadership styles based on cultural contexts, enhance employees' emotional regulation abilities, and alleviate job insecurity to reduce turnover intentions.

Abstract: There is a need for simultaneous attention to sustainability and resilience objectives while making energy decisions because of the necessity to address disruptions or shocks that can result from system-wide changes, and the existing threats to system performance. Owning to this emerging research area, this systematic review used the Scopus database to address the central question: what are the trends and practices that can enhance the integration of sustainability and resilience for energy decisions? The articles used are peer reviewed, empirical research in the energy field, and written in English. Articles that did not explicitly address energy systems (or any of the value chains), and gray literature were excluded from the study. The final screening of records resulted in the selection of 75 articles that effectively addressed the decision objective, context, and implementation (D-OCI), a classification scheme that supports 18 specific questions to identify practices for integrating the sustainability and resilience objectives. The highlighted practices are advantageous for decision evaluation and can provide valuable insights for formulating energy policies. This is particularly relevant because energy-related decisions affect households, organisations, and both national and international development. The study proposes ideas for future research based on the highlighted practices.

Abstract: Hearing difficulty in noise can occur to 10-15% of listeners with typical hearing in the general population of the United States. Using one’s smartphone as a remote microphone (RM) system with AirPods Pro (AP) may be considered as an assistive device given its wide availability and possible lower price. To evaluate this possibility, the accuracy of voice-to-text transcription for sentences presented in noise was compared when KEMAR wore an AP receiver connected to an iPhone set to function as an RM system to the accuracy obtained when he wore a sophisticated Phonak Roger RM system. A ten-sentence list was presented for six technology arrangements at three signal-to-noise ratios (SNR; +5, 0, and -5 dB) in two types of noise (speech-shaped and babble noise). Each sentence was transcribed by Otter AI to obtain an overall percent accuracy for each condition. At the most challenging SNR (-5 dB SNR) across both noise types, the Roger system and smartphone/AP set to noise cancellation mode showed significantly higher accuracy relative to the condition when smartphone/AP was in transparency mode. However, the major limitation of Bluetooth signal delay when using the AP/smartphone system would require further investigation in real-world settings with human users.

Abstract: This article presents a landscape enhancement proposal for the UNESCO site of Pineta Park in Montecatini Terme, Italy. This experience is framed within the Research-through-Design (RTD) methodology, serving as an opportunity to explore the broader issue of rethinking traditional spa towns in crisis. In particular, the paper defines two research questions, focusing on the role of landscape design in the protection of cultural sites and in the creation of new scenarios and values for highly protected contexts. Referring to the Historic Urban Landscape (HUL) approach, the article examines the need to mediate between conservation requirements and the dynamic evolution of heritage. As a result of this design and research experience, it is argued that landscape design plays a crucial role in establishing an integrated system capable of supporting development strategies for UNESCO cultural sites while ensuring their sustainability.

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 study examines the geographic distribution of Erasmus+ incoming student mobility across European Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) from 2014 to 2020, highlighting significant regional disparities. It addresses the crucial questions of how regional and institutional factors influence student attractiveness and the emerging hotspots of mobility, which are vital for understanding the dynamics of educational internationalisation and regional development. The primary goal of this work is to identify the regional and institutional determinants of Erasmus student mobility and to propose strategies for enhancing the attractiveness of less favoured regions. Employing hotspot analysis and a two-level random intercept model, this research analyses spatial patterns and the influences of regional characteristics and institutional variables on Erasmus mobility rates. The findings reveal that while Spain, Germany, and the UK are leading recipients of Erasmus students, significant mobility hotspots exist primarily in Spain, Portugal, and southern France, with unexpected clusters emerging in Ireland and Sweden, indicating evolving dynamics in student mobility patterns. The conclusions underscore the importance of targeted regional policies to enhance HEI attractiveness and promote balanced internationalisation across Europe, particularly in underserved areas. These findings call for strategic interventions that align with broader regional economic goals, ensuring that the benefits of the Erasmus+ program are distributed more equitably. Ultimately, this work contributes to the existing body of knowledge by providing empirical insights into the factors shaping Erasmus+ mobility, informing policymakers and educational institutions about the potential for fostering regional development through enhanced internationalisation.

Abstract: Grounded in the existing literature on administrative burden and using a community-engaged research approach, the research team held in-person and virtual focus groups and interviews with 40 adults with disabilities, older adults, and family members of people with disabilities who resided in rural areas of the U.S. State of New Hampshire in 2024 to examine administrative burden experienced in accessing disability, retirement, and survivor’s benefits from the Social Security Administration (SSA). The qualitative analysis revealed that rural residents, regardless of type of SSA benefit receipt, were experiencing high levels of administrative burden in their interactions with SSA and preferred to turn to in-person assistance at local SSA field offices (rather than phone, mail, or web-based service options) to address these concerns. Overall, people living in rural counties that do not have local SSA field offices voiced a distinct disadvantage in terms of knowing where to turn with questions about their benefits. A lack of ready and reliable access to information and advice led to endangering their own economic stability and to increased calls and visits to SSA. Persons with stronger social networks were better able to overcome these barriers to services.

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 article situates itself within the theoretical contours of Critical Internationalization Studies (CIS) in the Internationalization of Higher Education (IHE), focusing on “internationalization otherwise”. Employing a postcolonial lens, it examines narratives of non-Western European students from post-socialist countries at the University of Iceland (UI), conceptualizing them as “exotic insiders”. Drawing on Said’s Orientalism and Herder’s Romantic Nationalism, the study interrogates the interplay of racial triangulation, global white supremacy, and precarity in shaping these experiences. Methodologically, the research hinges on the content analysis of in-depth, semi-structured interviews (5.5 h of recordings, 126 pages of transcripts) with ISEP students, supplemented by the author’s reflexive narrative as a constitutive member of this cohort. The data collection included one group interview with three participants and three individual interviews, with anonymity concerns influencing format choice. By foregrounding an underexplored dimension of Icelandic IHE research, this study illuminates intersections of precarity, neoliberal globalization, and IHE practices in late modernity. It advocates for postcolonial solidarities, challenging hegemonic structures and fostering transformative alliances within higher education. The findings underscore the need for critical engagement with IHE processes, offering theoretical and practical insights into the realities of marginalized student populations.

Abstract: Positive psychology interventions in higher education can be pivotal in reducing depression rates among university students while also enhancing their optimism and well-being. This study aims to examine the effectiveness of implementing a 15-week group intervention on a sample of 194 students who were assigned to either the intervention group (N=126) or the control group (N=68). Utilizing a quasi-experimental design with experimental and control conditions, pre- and post-intervention measures were administered to assess depression, optimism, pessimism, and perseverance towards long-term goals. Specifically, the Life Orientation Test-Revised (LOT-R), the Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale (CES-D), the Attributional Style Questionnaire (ASQ), and the Grit Scale were employed. The results indicate that students in the experimental group reported significantly higher levels of optimism and reduced depression rates compared to the control group, where no significant differences were observed between pre- and post-intervention outcomes. In conclusion, the implementation of the Hallenges group intervention program may be effective in contributing to the well-being of university students. However, further research is needed to refine and enhance this intervention and to apply it across different university grades and courses.

Abstract: There is no empirical support for and instead profound evidence against the core tenets of Critical Social Justice Theory identity politics. Review of a number of very recent comprehensive studies of negative attitudes shows race is barely salient as its basis, and whereas by contrast sex (gender) is highly salient it is in entirely the opposite direction to that presumed: anti-male and pro-female, not pro-male or anti-female. This is congruent with earlier research and the closely related investigations of homophily, and attested by majority male victimhood across hate crime domains. There is deep biological theoretical foundation to these findings in reproductive imperatives, with anti-male bias mediated by male hierarchy, leaving now hegemonic ideology absent theoretical cogency as well as counter-evidenced.

Abstract: Air temperatures are rising rapidly, and January 2025 was recorded as the warmest January ever, underscoring the urgent need to address increasing CO₂ levels. Carbon emissions, driven by energy-intensive household consumption, are a primary contributor to the climate crisis, making strategies for reducing emissions and transitioning to a low-carbon economy critical. Households account for a significant share of global emissions, and in Türkiye, rapid population growth and evolving consumption patterns have intensified energy demand. This study investigates two key research questions: (1) the relationship between household income distribution and the carbon footprint, and (2) how variations in consumption patterns influence the carbon footprint. Employing the PRICES microsimulation model (O’Donoghue et al., 2023), we integrate detailed expenditure data from Türkiye’s 2019 Household Budget Survey with a 2016 Input-Output table from the World Input-Output Database to simulate both direct and indirect CO₂ emissions. This study focuses on, understanding household distributional drivers of carbon emission.

Abstract: This paper presents the findings of a year-long study investigating global best practice in digital learning, in the global university sector. A collaborative team of researchers from UK universities undertook primary research with 21 established digital pedagogues in six countries to determine any fundamental lessons for integrating digital learning into higher education. The analysis revealed five key elements that contribute to successful digital learning. These are presented and explored within the paper as flexibility of access, the pre-eminence of subject and pedagogy, authentic digital activity, immersive learning experiences, and communitarianism. The paper concludes by advocating for a model for successful digital pedagogy within the university sector and positions this model as a pivotal catalyst for a digital paradigm shift in university education practices.