This study empirically examines the complex relationship between materialism and economic motivation, proposing an inverted U-shaped relationship. The research analyzes three dimensions of materialism: happiness pursuit, social recognition, and uniqueness, and their impact on economic motivation. The findings suggest that materialism, when balanced, positively influences economic motivation without causing adverse effects. This relationship remains consistent across demographic characteristics and life satisfaction levels, challenging the traditional negative view of materialism. The implications of these findings extend to marketing strategies, policy design, and infrastructure development, offering actionable insights for real-world contexts. This research underscores the importance of balancing materialistic values to foster sustainable economic growth and well-being.

This research aims to identify best practices and policy guidelines that foster sustainable urban ecotourism. As urban areas continue to expand, integrating ecotourism into urban planning emerges as a critical approach to sustainable development. This paper compares the policies and practices of urban ecotourism development in Thailand and China, aiming to construct a sustainable framework applicable to urban ecotourism development. Employing a comparative literature review, this research synthesizes findings from peer-reviewed journals, governmental reports, and case studies published between 2000 and 2024. The analysis focuses on the policies and practices adopted by Thailand and China to promote urban ecotourism, examining their effectiveness, challenges, and outcomes. The review shows distinct approaches in the two countries, with Thailand emphasizing community-based practices and stakeholder involvement and China primarily focusing on top-down policy initiatives for urban ecotourism development. Despite differing strategies, both countries demonstrate a commitment to integrating ecotourism into urban development plans. From the environmental, socio-cultural, and economic three dimensions, key successes include enhanced biodiversity conservation, increased local community participation, and improved tourist satisfaction. Challenges such as inadequate policy implementation, environmental degradation, and the sustainability of ecotourism practices are also discussed. The conclusion is that a holistic approach to urban ecotourism development that aligns policy and practice with the principles of sustainability is meaningful. The proposed framework offers actionable insights for policymakers, urban planners, and ecotourism practitioners aiming to use the potential of ecotourism as a tool for sustainable urban development in Thailand, China, and beyond.

This paper provides a disaster resilience-based approach. For the definition of the approach, a three-step method (definition of components, analysis of the resilience pillars and definitions of resilience-based actions) has been followed. To validate the approach, an application scenario for mitigating the COVID-19 pandemic is provided in the paper. The proposed approach contributes to stimulating the co-responsibility quadruple helix of actors in the implementation of actions for disaster management. Moreover, the approach is adaptable and flexible, as it can be used to manage different kinds of disasters, adjusting or changing itself to meet specific needs.

Background: Bitcoin mining, an energy-intensive process, requires significant amounts of electricity, which results in a particularly high carbon footprint from mining operations. In the Republic of Kazakhstan, where a substantial portion of electricity is generated from coal-fired power plants, the carbon footprint of mining operations is particularly high. This article examines the scale of energy consumption by mining farms, assesses their share in the country’s total electricity consumption, and analyzes the carbon footprint associated with bitcoin mining. A comparative analysis with other sectors of the economy, including transportation and industry is provided, along with possible measures to reduce the environmental impact of mining operations. Materials and methods: To assess the impact of bitcoin mining on the carbon footprint in Kazakhstan, electricity consumption from 2016 to 2023, provided by the Bureau of National Statistics of the Republic of Kazakhstan, was used. Data on electricity production from various types of power plants was also analyzed. The Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) methodology was used to analyze the environmental performance of energy systems. CO₂ emissions were estimated based on emission factors for various energy sources. Results: The total electricity consumption in Kazakhstan increased from 74,502 GWh in 2016 to 115,067.6 GWh in 2023. The industrial sector’s electricity consumption remained relatively stable over this period. The consumption by mining farms amounted to 10,346 GWh in 2021. A comparative analysis of CO₂ emissions showed that bitcoin mining has a higher carbon footprint compared to electricity generation from renewable sources, as well as oil refining and car manufacturing. Conclusions: Bitcoin mining has a significant negative impact on the environment of the Republic of Kazakhstan due to high electricity consumption and resulting carbon dioxide emissions. Measures are needed to transition to sustainable energy sources and improve energy efficiency to reduce the environmental footprint of cryptocurrency mining activities.

This article aims to analyze the role of the Medan City Religious Harmony Forum (FKUB) in shaping harmony in digital literacy-based virtual communities. FKUB has a central role as an institution that ensures that the aspirations and interests of religious communities can be accommodated effectively. In addition to making real improvements, FKUB also initiated its moderating role through the digital realm. This research adopts a qualitative method using a phenomenological approach. Primary data was obtained through interactions with key informants, while secondary data sources involved articles, books, reportage related to the context of the research theme. Data collection was conducted through interview, observation, and documentation techniques. Data analysis used the Miles and Huberman analysis model with the steps of data coding, data presentation, and conclusion drawing. The results showed that FKUB initiated digital literacy-based religious moderation through two development communication models. The first model is a linear model where FKUB acts as a community educator. The second model is a participatory model that is usually uploaded on Instagram, FaceBook and Youtube social media. This model allows the community to comment and have two-way communication with the FKUB. Both models are oriented towards creating collective intelligence as an indicator of building virtual harmony. Through digital literacy-based development communication, FKUB can be a mediator in meeting the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG’s), namely: Peace, justice and strong institutions, as well as promoting equality and reducing inequality.

Nowadays, customer service in telecommunications companies is often characterized by long waiting times and impersonal responses, leading to customer dissatisfaction, increased complaints, and higher operational costs. This study aims to optimize the customer service process through the implementation of a Generative AI Voicebot, developed using the SCRUMBAN methodology, which comprises seven phases: Objectives, To-Do Tasks, Analysis, Development, Testing, Deployment, and Completion. An experimental design was used with an experimental group and a control group, selecting a representative sample of 30 customer service processes for each evaluated indicator. The results showed a 34.72% reduction in the average time to resolve issues, a 33.12% decrease in service cancellation rates, and a 97% increase in customer satisfaction. The implications of this research suggest that the use of Generative AI In Voicebots can transform support strategies in service companies. In conclusion, the implementation of the Generative AI Voicebot has proven effective in significantly reducing resolution time and markedly increasing customer satisfaction. Future research is recommended to further explore the SCRUMBAN methodology and extend the use of Generative AI Voicebots in various business contexts.