Abstract: The protection of biodiversity and genetic resources has become a strategic legal concern both nationally and internationally, particularly for megadiverse countries like Indonesia. Amidst the growing exploitation of biological materials by the global biotechnology industry, biopiracy—defined as the unauthorized appropriation and utilization of genetic resources and traditional knowledge without prior informed consent or equitable benefit-sharing—poses serious threats to the bio-cultural sovereignty of local communities. This study critically examines Indonesia’s legal approach to biopiracy by analyzing the evolution of its national regulatory framework following the ratification of the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) and the Nagoya Protocol, and by contrasting it with the global intellectual property regime, especially the TRIPS Agreement under the World Trade Organization (WTO). Employing a normative legal approach and grounded in Rudolf von Jhering’s theory of law as an instrument of social struggle toward utilitarian ends, the article advocates for a more responsive and contextually grounded legal reform in Indonesia. This includes the development of a sui generis system to recognize Communal Intellectual Property Rights (CIPRs), mandatory disclosure of origin in patent applications, and the legal empowerment of Indigenous and local communities as rightful holders of ecological knowledge. The study concludes that Indonesia must adopt a legal strategy that is not only defensive but also proactive and sovereign within the global legal order, ensuring that the nation’s biodiversity is effectively protected, sustainably utilized, and fairly shared for the benefit of present and future generations.

Abstract: The relationships between farmers and livestock are multifaceted. The aim of this study was to describe the sociodemographic, biogeographic, and institutional factors that influence the relationships between humans and animals in the natural savannah. Visits were made to 65 farms, followed by interviews (n=13) and three focus groups (n=24) directed at farmers and institutional representatives. The results were triangulated to extract the key findings. It was found that: a) cultural gender transitions and lack of generational succession have transformed livestock farming, b) the relationships between farmers and livestock have favoured the implementation of new productive practices and innovations, as well as improvements in animal welfare practices, c) conditioning factors affecting these relationships include gender discriminatory norms, low profitability and credit access, poor sanitation, animal handling infrastructure, security, and resistance to change, d) improvement opportunities include: the inclusion of young people and women in livestock farming, education for work practises, credit facilitation, access to technologies, governance, and improvement in the cattle logistics chain. The results are useful for enhancing the relationships between farmers and livestock, guiding training activities, and responsible governance.

Abstract: This article introduces the Index of Distributive and Developmental Outlook (IDDO), a composite indicator designed to jointly assess economic performance and income inequality across EU-27 Member States. While GDP per capita is widely used to evaluate national prosperity, and the Gini coefficient captures income distribution, their separate use often obscures the interaction between growth and equity - an essential dimension of sustainable development. To address this gap, the IDDO integrates normalized values of both indicators using arithmetic and geometric means. The study applies the IDDO to a longitudinal dataset covering the years 2005, 2014, and 2024, allowing for comparative and temporal analysis. Based on IDDO scores, countries are classified into four development types: balanced development, growth with inequality, equity with stagnation, and dual vulnerability. Results show that while some Member States, such as Luxembourg, Czechia, and Slovenia, maintain consistently high IDDO levels, others - including Bulgaria, Romania, and Latvia -exhibit persistent challenges in aligning growth with equitable outcomes. The findings underscore the need for cohesion policies that prioritize not only economic convergence but also distributive fairness. The IDDO provides a practical and adaptable tool for diagnosing development patterns, benchmarking performance, and informing policy design within the EU framework.

Abstract: This study focuses on the assessment of positive personality traits through the High Five Inventory (HFI) among Ecuadorian university students. The instrument is based on the High Factors Model (HFM), which includes five dimensions: erudition, peace, joviality, honesty, and tenacity. Objective: To validate the factorial structure, reliability, and convergent and discriminant validity of the HFI in Ecuador; to analyze its invariance across three cities (Quito, Guayaquil, and Cuenca) and academic disciplines; and to conduct a network analysis to explore inter-item relationships. Method: A total of 1,555 students participated. The HFI was linguistically adapted, and statistical analyses were applied, including Confirmatory Factor Analysis (CFA), reliability estimates (α and ω), Average Variance Extracted (AVE), and factorial invariance tests (from configural to structural levels). Results: The HFI demonstrated strong internal consistency (α and ω > 0.80), sound structural validity (CFI > 0.99; RMSEA = 0.031), and evidence of invariance at configural, metric, and scalar levels. Network analysis revealed differences between cities in terms of attribute centrality and clustering, with traits such as dedication and ingenuity standing out. Conclusion: The HFI is a psychometrically robust tool for evaluating positive personality traits in Ecuadorian university students, with applications in both educational and psychological contexts. Further cross-cultural research is encouraged.

Abstract: This study employs integrated scientometric and technometric methodologies to analyze the evolution of quantum technologies over the period 1970–2024. By analyzing longitudinal patent and publication data, we identify key growth trajectories within the quantum domain, given by Quantum Computing, Quantum Computers, Quantum Communication, Quantum Cryptography, and Quantum Emitters. In particular, regression-based trend analysis reveals the most significant growth rates in Quantum Computing (β = 0.26), Quantum Computers (β = 0.25), Quantum Communication (β = 0.20), and Quantum Cryptography (β = 0.15). These findings highlight the accelerating innovation dynamics in these subfields and offer strategic insights for policymakers, funding agencies, and R&D managers aiming to prioritize investments in high-impact quantum technologies that are poised to shape future scientific and socioeconomic landscapes.

Abstract: Background: The lack of acknowledgment of children as victims of gender-based vio-lence hinders the support they receive. This study is a review of literature that analyzes the psychological impact of gender-based violence on children. Methods: Information was searched for in specialized databases. Articles published in Spanish or English within the last decade that focus on gender violence and childhood were selected. Re-sults: The results of the review indicate that gender violence has significant negative psychological, emotional, and social effects on children exposed to it. Thus, symptoms of internalizing, externalizing, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) may appear. Additionally, there is a high probability of experiencing difficulties in school, inter-personal relationships, and identity development. These effects may have long-term consequences affecting well-being and development later in life. Discussion: It is crucial to recognize children as direct and significant victims of gender-based violence and promote their protection through psychological, educational, and social support.

Abstract: Metacognition and self-regulated learning are widely understood to offer significant benefits for pupils’ mathematical problem solving, however existing literature highlights that under-representation of these concepts in curriculum, policy and teacher professional development means that their potential for impact remains unfulfilled. This article therefore examines the potential value of an innovative fading professional development programme - ‘Stepping Stones’ - in enhancing teachers’ understanding and use of metacognitive strategies for mathematical problem solving. Adopting a convergent mixed methods design, this pilot evaluation involved Year 2 teachers across five primary schools. Results from both qualitative and quantitative data demonstrate that, as the scaffolding provided by programme materials faded and teachers assumed greater responsibility for session planning, they incorporated metacognitive strategies into their planning and delivery with increased independence. Results also indicate the acceptability of this professional development model, suggesting that, when combined with peer-collaboration, the fading design was associated with improvements in knowledge and confidence regarding both metacognition and mathematical problem solving, alongside increased ownership and buy in. Conclusions advocate further examination and implementation of fading models of professional development to promote understanding and use of metacognition for mathematical problem solving and recommend exploration into different professional development contexts.

Abstract: Adolescence is a crucial stage of development in which numerous habits that will shape future health are established. Participation in physical-sport activity is recognized as a key factor not only for improving physical condition but also for psychological and social well-being. However, its practice tends to decline during this vital stage. In light of this reality, Self-Determination Theory (SDT) emerges as a useful approach to understand and promote quality motivation in sports practice. The aim of this study is to examine, through a systematic review, the effects of interventions based on SDT principles on variables related to motivation and well-being in adolescents. Ten recently published studies were analyzed, with diverse designs and applied in school, family, and clinical contexts. The results reveal that interventions supporting autonomy, reinforcing competence, and fostering interpersonal relationships produce positive effects on self-determined motivation, active engagement, perceived well-being, and the intention to remain physically active. These findings support the importance of designing programs that are sensitive to the motivational context of adolescents, aimed at holistic development and the consolidation of active habits that become sustainable over time.

Abstract: According to modern neurobiological models of consciousness, Gestalt psychotherapy theory views perceptual experience as a phenomenon emerging from the interaction between interceptive and proprioceptive processes on the one hand and exteroceptive information on the other.This interaction, from a neurobiological perspective, can be imagined as occurring within the integrative activity of the thalamus, where information from both the body and the sensory organs converge in its nucleus, known as the Zona Incerta.The integrative process finally generates the perceptual gestalt, a preverbal experience of being in the world. In this sense, body states become part of the perceptual experience itself by determining the salient elements of an image.The perception and preference of colors seem to be a direct expression of this process of body-senses integration, which determines the basic qualities of color experience (brightness and color saturation) and the pleasant or unpleasant emotionality connected with color itself.The ambiguous image of a dress, which went viral in 2015, provides an additional tool to investigate color experience as some people see the dress as blue and black, others yellow and white.The present pilot study related the perception of the dress image to color preference using the Lüscher color test. Although it was a small sample of 100 subjects, a link emerged between preferred color and perceived color in the image. People who preferred blue or yellow saw the dress as blue or yellow, respectively, with a significantly high frequency. This finding needs to be further investigated by expanding the sample size and data collected. However, the survey evidence is strongly suggestive that color preference closely related to the body and emotions directly modifies perceptual experience.

Abstract: Decision support systems relying on computer-based information analysis have great potential to improve healthcare. For a host of complex issues in the society, such as problematic social media use (PSMU), figuring out the interactions between the different factors is challenging. Previous research has investigated risk and protective factors for PSMU among adolescents using theory-driven (i.e., confirmatory-explanatory) approaches, such as regression models. However, few studies have simultaneously examined personal, peer, and parent characteristics in predicting PSMU, and none have explored the structural relationships among potential risk and protective factors using data-driven (i.e., inductive-exploratory) approaches. Using three waves of cross-sectional data from over two thousand secondary school students, the current study employs two methods to investigate which factors appear most relevant in identifying at-risk/problematic SMU among adolescents. Logistic regression reveals that fear of missing out (FoMO), impulsivity, depressive symptoms, intensity of meeting with friends, and reactive parental rules explain unique variance in at-risk/problematic SMU. Psychological network analysis identifies self-esteem, attention problems, impulsivity, depressive symptoms, and life satisfaction as the central nodes most strongly connected in networks. Our findings demonstrate that theory- and data-driven approaches emphasize different factors involved in the emergence of at-risk/problematic SMU among adolescents, illuminating how psychological network analysis can be used to generate novel hypotheses about causal processes.

Abstract: Over the past 50 years, attention has intensified on Biological and Toxin Weapons Convention (BWC) Article X, which obligates states parties to provide international cooperation and assistance (ICA) and ensure the broadest accessibility of biology for peaceful purposes. In the absence of a treaty protocol and institutional support, Article X’s scope of activities and standard for compliance remain up to the interpretation of each state party. The Ninth BWC Review Conference established the Working Group on the Strengthening of the Convention (Working Group) and mandated it to address ICA, including establishing a mechanism to facilitate Article X implementation. Utilizing a mixed-methods methodology, this study characterizes the landscape of Article X and ICA perspectives among BWC delegations and other stakeholders. It identifies concrete opportunities to strengthen Article X implementation, in support of the Working Group’s efforts, including a pillar framework to illustrate alignment across an ICA mechanism’s roles, activities, and resources.

Abstract: Although clear conceptual pillars constitute the theoretical identity core of Gestalt psychotherapy, there is significant variability among Italian Gestalt therapists in how they interpret key processes in therapeutic practice. On one hand, this diversity is a strength of Gestalt Therapy (GT), offering considerable flexibility and adaptability. On the other, it is evident that for the scientific validation of the method, it is important to identify shared theoretical nuclei from which differing interpretations originate. The specific aim of this work is to identify and describe the interpretive articulations, within the Italian Gestalt community, of a core concept in Gestalt theory and practice: "confluence." A set of contributions on the meaning of confluence—written by directors and trainers of Gestalt schools—was collected and subjected to semantic analysis. Common elements were identified, and an initial synthesis definition was formulated. Furthermore, differences in perspectives among the authors were outlined. In the view of Italian authors, the concept of confluence comprises a theoretical nucleus of three main facets: blurred boundaries, undifferentiation, and avoidance of contact. This conceptual core is enriched by further characterizing elements not shared by all contributors. In the discussion, a reinterpretation of the various perspectives is provided within the current neuroscience framework based on complex systems theory.

Abstract: Survey researchers increasingly seek to enhance their data by linking respondents' answers to external records such as health records or pension databases. This practice requires informed consent, which can vary widely across contexts. Using data from the Survey of Health, Ageing and Retirement in Europe (SHARE), we examined cross-national variation in consent to data linkage among individuals aged 50 and over. We analysed real-life consent rates from 10 countries (N = 44,446) and hypothetical consent preferences from a pilot study in 28 countries (N = 1,963). Real-life consent rates at the first ask were highest in the Netherlands, Luxembourg, and Denmark (91% to 97.5%), and lowest in Girona and Italy. Repeated requests for consent had minimal impact. Hypothetical consent questions used standardised wording for all countries and covered four data domains: employment, pensions and social security contributions, income and taxes, and health. Hypothetical consent varied considerably, with the highest rates in Belgium, Denmark and Estonia (75%, 72%, and 71%) and the lowest in Italy, Hungary and Poland (11%, 14% and 18%). Some multilingual countries showed marked differences between language groups. Preferences for linking different types of administrative data varied across countries , although linkage to income and tax information was almost universally least popular. Multilevel regression found real-life consent was significantly associated with medium or high education levels, age, and being a minority language speaker, while gender had no effect. In contrast, male gender was the only significant predictor of hypothetical consent. Intriguingly, real-life consent rates were generally higher than hypothetical ones, suggesting that stated preferences may underestimate actual willingness. Our findings highlight the value of hypothetical consent questions as a predictive tool, and the need for a larger studies to better understand language group effects and country differences.

Abstract: The assessments of a city's level of smartness in global indices are a relatively new area of investigation. It is useful in encouraging a rethinking of urban digital strategies, although different approaches to global smart city rankings are subject to criticism. The paper highlights the methodological features of constructing the Smart City Index (SCI) from IMD (International Institute for Management Development), based on residents’ assessments, their satisfaction with electronic services, and perception of the priority of urban infrastructure areas. The case of the Central European cities of the Visegrad region (Prague/Czech Republic, Budapest/Hungary, Bratislava/Slovakia, Warsaw and Krakow/Poland) was chosen as the basis for the in-depth analysis. The architectonics, the internal system of constructing and calculating city rankings by SCI, is analysed. A comparative analysis of technology indicators (e-services) in five cities of the Visegrad region, presented in the SCI, showed the smart features of each city. The progressive and regressive trends in the dynamics of smartness of Visegrad region cities were identified in five urban spheres indicated in the Index: Government, Activity, Health and Safety, Mobility, and Opportunities. This also made it possible to identify certain methodological gap in the SCI in establishing interdependencies between data on residents’ perception of the priority of areas of life in a particular city and the level of satisfaction of residents with electronic services. In particular, the structural indicators "affordable housing" and "green spaces" are not supported by e-services. The research aims to bridge this methodological gap by proposing a model for evaluating e-service according to the degree of coverage of life spheres in the city. The application of project, cross-sectoral, and systemic approaches made it possible to develop basic models for assessing the value of e-services. These models can be implemented by municipalities to assess and monitor e-services, as well as to select IT projects and elaborate strategies for smart sustainable city development.

Abstract: Seeking mastery across Key Stages Three, Four, and Five, this paper looks at the creative use of music as an educational tool for statistics teaching. Challenges with student engagement, conceptual grasp, and the perception of statistics as abstract and difficult often beset conventional statistical education. This method aims to improve cognitive processing, broaden conceptual understanding, and promote a more pleasurable and accessible learning environment by including musical components—such as rhythm, melody, harmony, and structure—into the curriculum. Based on ideas of mastery learning, cognitive psychology, and multiple intelligences, this article offers practical techniques for including music to teach main statistical ideas from basic data processing in KS3 to inferential statistics in KS5. It claims that a music-enriched strategy can revolutionize mathematics teaching, encouraging not just rote memorization but actual conceptual understanding, critical thinking, and a good attitude toward quantitative reasoning—thus embodying a genuine next-generation approach to mathematics instruction.

Abstract: Designing optimal heritage tourism routes in secondary cities involves complex trade-offs between cultural richness, travel time, carbon emissions, spatial coherence, and group satisfaction. This study addresses the Personalized Group Trip Design Problem (PGTDP) under real-world constraints by proposing DRL–IMVO–GAN—a hybrid multi-objective optimization framework that integrates Deep Reinforcement Learning (DRL) for policy-guided initialization, an Improved Multiverse Optimizer (IMVO) for global search, and a Generative Adversarial Network (GAN) for local refinement and solution diversity. The model operates within a digital twin of Warin Chamrap’s old town, leveraging 92 POIs, congestion heatmaps, and behaviorally clustered tourist profiles. The proposed method was benchmarked against seven state-of-the-art techniques, including PSO + DRL, Genetic Algorithm with Multi-Neighborhood Search (Genetic + MNS), Dual-ACO, ALNS-ASP, and others. Results demonstrate that DRL–IMVO–GAN consistently dominates across key metrics. Under equal-objective weighting, it attained the highest heritage score (74.2), shortest travel time (21.3 minutes), and top satisfaction score (17.5 out of 18), along with the highest hypervolume (0.85) and Pareto Coverage Ratio (0.95). Beyond performance, the framework exhibits strong generalization in zero- and few-shot scenarios, adapting to unseen POIs, modified constraints, and new user profiles without retraining. These findings underscore the method’s robustness, behavioral coherence, and interpretability—positioning it as a scalable, intelligent decision-support tool for sustainable and user-centered cultural tourism planning in secondary cities.

Abstract: Since the end of the Civil War, Cambodia has pursued economic development to enhance livelihoods, particularly in rural areas, where land is a critical resource. Previous studies have indicated that the country has changed land use and land cover; however, they have not explained how these changes can improve the livelihoods of local communities, thereby mitigating their negative impacts through an asset-based approach. Thus, this study aims to examine agricultural livelihoods in the villages of Dei Kraham and Ou Toek Thla, located west of Battambang Town. These were selected because of their common characteristics. Adopting a quantitative approach and a sustainable livelihood frame-work, this study employed stratified random sampling to select 123 families for inter-views across three population subgroups: old settlers, new settlers, and young settlers. In-situ information was collected using structured questionnaires and analyzed using Kruskal–Wallis tests to assess the livelihood assets underlying physical, natural, human, financial, and social capital. The statistical analysis results reveal no significant differences (p-value = 0.079) in livelihood assets between the strata at the village level. Mean-while, significant differences were observed in physical, human, and financial capital between old and young settlers when examining the subgroups (p-value 0.000). The extent of the land resources held by old settlers was associated with household income and livelihoods related to agriculture. Based on livelihood asset scores, nearly half of the new settlers (0.49-0.5) and a quarter of the young settlers (0.47) are vulnerable groups requiring support. The youths will soon face an uncertain future if they do not prioritize education.

Abstract: Systemic barriers continue to marginalize autistic adults in terms of employment. Conventional approaches frequently focus on individual remediation, through social skills training or masking, while neglecting the exclusionary dynamics embedded in workplace structures. This Perspective article synthesizes research from 54 peer-reviewed studies (2020–2025) to argue for a paradigm shift: from correcting autistic behaviour to reforming organizational systems. Persistent challenges in disclosure, burnout, hiring discrimination, ineffective training, and intersectional marginalization are examined as structurally embedded. A strengths-based, co-productive framework is proposed, repositioning autistic adults not as liabilities to be accommodated, but as collaborators in redesigning employment systems. Structural accountability, leadership inclusion, and empirically grounded policy reform are critical levers for sustainable change.

Abstract: In Trinidad and Tobago (T&T), there is a lack of employment data on Persons with Disabilities (PwD). The research examined the prevalence of unemployment among PwD in T&T and the barriers to their employment. A concurrent mixed methods approach was employed. 31 PwD and 10 key informants were selected to participate in semi-structured individual interviews in the qualitative phase. The quantitative phase utilised a survey, completed by 75 employers or employer representatives. The survey’s purpose was to determine employers’ employment attitudes and practices towards PwD and solicit their opinions on the barriers to employing PwD. Secondary data was also utilized. Survey results revealed that 64% of employers had not employed PwD, 57% were neutral concerning their willingness to employ PwD in the future, and 69% had not implemented workplace accommodations for PwD. Interviews revealed employment disparities for PwD by disability type and lack of legislation and inequitable access to mainstream education were perceived as barriers to the employment of PwD. The paper highlights the lack of employment data on PwD employment within T&T. It is also the first study in the country to explore this topic, and from multiple perspectives.

Abstract: Inclusive Education emphasizes equal opportunities for all students by reducing or eliminating barriers that hinder participation and learning, encompassing cultural, social, practical, and political dimensions. In this context, the development of positive attitudes towards disability is a key component for the success of inclusive educational practices, particularly in adapted physical education. Following a prior analysis of the impact of academic curricula on attitudes toward disability, the need to implement training programs focused on attitudes toward disability becomes evident. The aim of this study is to analyze how a training program, with a specific focus on attitudes toward disability, affect the attitudes among university students. A quasi-experimental approach with a control group was employed to evaluate the impact of the training. A total of 137 University students from Extremadura, across Physical Activity and Sport Science and Early Childhood Education programs within the same educational department, participated in this study. The Spanish Attitudes Toward People with Disabilities Scale for Professionals was administered to students at the beginning, after the theoretical intervention, and after having a guided contact with people with disability. Results revealed improvements in attitudes in the social relationships and normalized life dimensions, as well as in the total score, particularly among students from Early Childhood Education. No significant changes were observed in the intervention program dimension. Within-group analysis indicated significant longitudinal improvements in normalized life for both experimental groups, Sports Science and Early Childhood Education students, and in the total score for Early Childhood Education students by the end of the intervention. These findings highlight the importance of targeted training interventions in promoting inclusive attitudes, especially when direct contact with individuals with disabilities is incorporated.