The internationalization of higher education began to take shape during the period of the Republic of China. This trend manifested in various forms and encompassed a rich array of activities, including the construction of teaching staffs, the exchange of international students, and the presence of overseas scholars giving lectures in China. Between 1899 and 1945, Japanese institutions sent nearly 200 academic overseas students to China. With the establishment and improvement of the internal system of universities in the Republic of China, these students were able to study and interact with Chinese scholars. The forms of communication were diverse, the content was rich, and the channels were smooth, making the process lively and interesting with distinct characteristics of the era. Consequently, this group became both participants and witnesses in the internationalization process of universities in the Republic of China. However, the full-scale Anti-Japanese War disrupted the internationalization of universities, causing it to deviate from its normal trajectory. Some Japanese academic overseas students who had previously studied in China became instruments of Japanese imperialism’s cultural invasion and educational colonization. These students played a significant role in promoting the “alternative internationalization” of universities in the Republic of China. In short, examining the involvement of Japanese academic overseas students providing us a unique insight into the general situation and processes of internationalization at universities in the Republic of China during different historical periods.

Recovery and resilience plan (RRP) approved by the European Commission fosters the development of lifelong learning programs to upgrade employees’ skills and knowledge for digital and green transitions. Within higher education, the field of information and communication technology (ICT) is also a priority area, so we compared the demographic variables of students enrolled in formal first-cycle higher education programs in ICT with those enrolled in lifelong ICT programs within the framework of the Advanced Computer Skills project funded by the RRP in Slovenia. The results show that formal first-cycle higher education in the field of ICT remains strongly male-dominated, whereas, among participants in lifelong learning, the percentage of females stands out. Bachelor programs in ICT are primarily enrolled by young people aged up to 24 years, while shorter university-based lifelong learning programs attract mostly older participants with higher completed formal education and from a broader range of prior educational backgrounds. Finally, when all three variables (gender, age and level of prior formal education) are considered, participants in lifelong learning are much more similar to part-time students than full-time bachelor ICT students, although the percentage of men in formal education is still predominant even in part-time studies. The research findings highlight the need for further efforts to offer lifelong learning in ICT to enable individuals to improve their employment prospects, progress in the workplace or even change their field of work.

Adult obesity is a significant health problem, with nearly a quarter of Hungarian citizens aged 15 years and older being obese in 2019 (KSH, 2019a). The use of mobile devices for health purposes is increasing, and many m-health apps target weight-related behaviours. This study uniquely examines the effectiveness and user satisfaction of health-oriented apps among Hungarian adults, with a focus on health improvement. Using a mixed-methods approach, the study identifies six key determinants of health improvement and refines measurement tools by modifying existing parameters and introducing new constructs. The principal objective was to develop a measurement instrument for the usability of nutrition, relaxation and health promotion applications. The research comprised three phases: (1) qualitative content analysis of 13 app reviews conducted in June 2022; (2) focus group interviews involving 32 students from the fields of business, economics and health management; and (3) an online survey (n = 348 users) conducted in December 2023 that included Strava (105 users), Yazio (109 users) and Calm (134 users). Six factors were identified as determinants of health improvement: physical activity, diet, weight loss, general well-being, progress, and body knowledge. The LAUQ (Lifestyle Application Usability Questionnaire) scale was validated, including ‘ease of use’ (5 items), ‘interface and satisfaction’ (7 items) and ‘modified usefulness and effectiveness’ (9 items), with modifications based on qualitative findings. This research offers valuable insights into the factors influencing health improvement and user satisfaction with healthy lifestyle-oriented applications. It also contributes to the refinement of measurement tools such as the LAUQ, which will inform future studies in health psychology, digital health, and behavioural economics.

The reduction of biodiversity and the decline in wildlife populations are urgent environmental issues with devasting consequences for ecosystems and human health. As a result, the protection of wildlife and biodiversity has emerged as one of humanity’s greatest goals, not only for protecting and maintaining human health but also for environmental, economic, and social well-being. In recent years, people have become increasingly aware of the importance and effectiveness of wildlife conservation efforts alongside environmental protection measures, sustainable agricultural practices and non-harmful production procedures and services. This study describes the development and implementation of a labeling scheme for wildlife and biodiversity protection for products or services. The label is designed to encourage the adoption of sustainable and environmentally friendly production methods and services that will contribute to biodiversity conservation and the harmonic coexistence of human-wildlife. Moreover, using a case study approach, the research presents an innovative information system designed to streamline the label-awarding process, ensuring transparency and efficiency. The established system evaluates the sustainability practices and measures implemented by businesses, with a focus on honey production in this case. Additionally, the study explores the broader social implications of the label, particularly its potential to engage consumers and promote awareness of biodiversity conservation.

This study addresses the critical issue of employee turnover intention within Malaysia’s manufacturing sector, focusing on the semiconductor industry, a pivotal component of the inclusive economy growth. The research aims to unveil the determinants of employee turnover intentions through a comprehensive analysis encompassing compensation, career development, work-life balance, and leadership style. Utilizing Herzberg’s Two-Factor Theory as a theoretical framework, the study hypothesizes that motivators (e.g., career development, recognition) and hygiene factors (e.g., compensation, working conditions) significantly influence employees’ intentions to leave. The quantitative research methodology employs a descriptive correlation design to investigate the relationships between the specified variables and turnover intention. Data was collected from executives and managers in northern Malaysia’s semiconductor industry, revealing that compensation, rewards, and work-life balance are significant predictors of turnover intention. At the same time, career development and transformational leadership style show no substantial impact. The findings suggest that manufacturing firms must reevaluate their compensation strategies, foster a conducive work-life balance, and consider a diverse workforce’s evolving needs and expectations to mitigate turnover rates. This study contributes to academic discourse by filling gaps in current literature and offers practical implications for industry stakeholders aiming to enhance employee retention and organizational competitiveness.