This research systematically reviews the relationship between populism and economic policies, analyzing their impact on state development and growth. It is the first study to comprehensively examine the interaction between these two concepts through a systematic literature review. The review process adhered to the PRISMA protocol, utilizing the Scopus, EBSCO, and Web of Science databases, covering the period from 2012 to 2024. The findings reveal a deep interconnection between populism and economic policies, with significant implications for governance and socioeconomic well-being. The review identifies that neoliberal populism combines pro-corporate elements with populist rhetoric, favoring economic elites while presenting itself as beneficial for the “people.” Additionally, it underscores that neoliberal globalization has facilitated market liberalization but also increased inequality and undermined national sovereignty. The review concludes that while populism may offer quick fixes to immediate economic issues, its simplistic and polarizing approaches can be counterproductive in the long term. Thus, there is a critical need to reevaluate and reformulate economic and governance policies to balance global economic integration with the protection of citizens’ rights and well-being.

This article examines the legal challenges associated with the utilization of marine genetic resources (MGR) at both the national level and beyond national jurisdiction (BBNJ). The legal challenges addressed are as follows: 1) MGR are located across various jurisdictions, encompassing both national and international domains. The analysis starts with an overview of the international regulations that govern the utilization of genetic resources (GR) and their influence on national legislation. It emphasizes the principle of state sovereignty over natural resources while defining MGR and determining ownership; 2) It further highlights the intersection of national and international laws, particularly in transboundary contexts and within Indigenous and Afro-descendant peoples (IADP) territories, analyzing how these regulations are interpreted and applied in such scenarios; 3) The legal challenges related to the use of MGR in international waters are examined. Special emphasis is placed on the recent United Nations (UN) Agreement concerning this issue. This includes an analysis of its impact and specific provisions related to the utilization of MGR, such as the quantity to be collected, the methodology employed, collection sites, among others. The article concludes by asserting that the equitable distribution of benefits from the use of GR should begin at the earliest stages of access to these resources, including project planning and sample collection, rather than being delayed until the patenting and commercialization phases. Early benefit-sharing is essential for promoting fairness and equity in the use of MGR.

Manyanda tradition, a tradition of taking over social roles after death, in addition to successfully maintaining social continuity in the family structure, is also a potential capital in strengthening social cohesion. However, this context has not been discussed comprehensively in previous studies so it is very important to explain. In addition to responding to the shortcomings of previous studies, this study also aims to explain the mechanisms, factors and implications of the practice of this tradition as a reflection of social cohesion based on customary and religious values. By using a qualitative descriptive case study approach, this study shows three important findings. First, the spontaneity of the community and traditional leaders when hearing the news of death and social activities forty days afterwards. Second, the dominance of spiritual and cultural factors in addition to social and structural factors that encourage the community to preserve this tradition. Third, the Manyanda tradition has implications for strengthening the community’s commitment and belief in the meaning of death, the importance of a replacement figure who takes over social roles and strengthens the tribal identity of the Nagari (local village) community. This study recommends the importance of this tradition to be preserved as the root of social cohesion.

This study examines the financial integration between Jordan and the BRIC economies (Brazil, Russia, India, and China) to determine whether long-term equilibrium relationships exist and to assess implications for portfolio diversification and policy. Drawing on daily stock index data from 01 January 2014, to 31 August 2024, the study employs econometric techniques, including Granger Causality tests, Johansen Cointegration, and Vector Autoregression (VAR). The stationarity of stock indices at the first difference level is confirmed through unit root testing. Results indicate minimal long-term cointegration between Jordan and BRIC markets, pointing to low integration and potential diversification benefits for institutional investors. However, short-term causal links—particularly between Jordan and the Russian and Indian markets—highlight these countries’ influence on Jordan’s stock fluctuations. The findings suggest that, in the absence of long-term cointegration, investors may mitigate risk by investing in less correlated markets, such as Jordan, while leveraging short-term partnerships with Russia and India. Additionally, the study provides valuable insights for business leaders considering strategic alliances with BRIC counterparts in sectors like technology, agriculture, and energy, and calls for future research into factors like regulatory frameworks and geopolitical stability that may limit long-term financial integration. These results have significant implications for institutional investors, business executives, and policymakers, suggesting targeted strategies for financial stability, risk mitigation, and economic collaboration.

This study analyzes the perception of university students regarding the use of virtual reality (VR) in higher education, focusing on their level of knowledge, usage, perceived advantages and disadvantages, as well as their willingness to use this technology in the future. Using a mixed-methods approach that combines questionnaires and semi-structured interviews, both quantitative and qualitative data were collected to provide a comprehensive view of the subject. The results indicate that while students have a basic understanding of VR, its use in the educational context is limited. A considerable number of students recognize VR’s potential to enhance the learning experience, particularly in terms of immersion and engagement. However, significant barriers to adoption were identified, such as technical issues, the high cost of equipment, and inadequate access to technological infrastructure. Additionally, there is a need for broader training for both students and faculty to ensure the effective use of this technology in academic environments. The semi-structured interviews confirmed that perceptions of VR vary depending on prior exposure to the technology and access to resources. Despite the challenges, most students appreciate VR’s potential to enrich learning, although its effective adoption will depend on overcoming the identified barriers. The study concludes that strategies must be implemented to facilitate the integration of VR into higher education, thus optimizing its impact on the teaching-learning process.

This research presents an in-depth examination of the emotional effects of synchronous hybrid education on undergraduate university students at a pioneering private institution in educational innovation. The study had encompassed all courses that were delivered in a synchronous hybrid format, covering 16 courses and involving 241 students. Each student had been observed and recorded on two separate class sessions, with each recording lasting approximately 30 min. This comprehensive data collection had resulted in 409 recordings, each approximately 30 min in duration, translating to nearly an hour of observation per student across the classes, totaling close to 205 h of recordings. These recordings were subsequently processed using neuroscience software tools for advanced statistical analysis, effectively serving as a comprehensive survey of courses within this modality. The primary focus of the research was on the emotions experienced during both face-to-face and online classes and their subsequent influence on student behavior and well-being. The findings reveal higher emotional time ratios for positive emotions such as joy and surprise in face-to-face students. Notably, both groups exhibited comparable ratios for negative emotions like anger and sadness. The research underscores the emotional advantages of face-to-face interactions, which elicit stronger emotions, in contrast to online students who often feel detached and isolated.