One of the most frequently debated subjects in international forums is economic growth, which is regarded as a global priority. Consequently, researchers have turned their attention from conventional economic growth at a single average coefficient to divisible economic growth at levels of its value. Although the existing literature has discussed several determinants of economic growth, our article contributes to examining the sources of economic growth in African countries during the generations of reforms from 1990 to 2019 and in the context of economic vulnerability. The variables used in the analysis are gross domestic product, trade openness, financial development, and economic vulnerability. The study uses a quantile regression econometric model to examine these variables at different stages of reform. Quantile regression (QR) estimates for quantiles 0.05 to 0.95 showed mixed results: financial development is favorable to African economic growth at all quantile levels. However, economic vulnerability is a major impediment to economic growth at all quantile levels. In addition, it was found that a high degree of trade openness has a detrimental effect on African economic growth from quantile 0.5 of the dependent variable. Finally, another important result proves that financial development is a remedy for decision-makers against economic vulnerability.

Given the issues of urban-rural educational inequality and difficulties for children from poor families to succeed, this study explores the impact mechanism of internet usage on rural educational investment in China within the context of the digital divide. Using data from the 2019 China Household Finance Survey (CHFS), this study analyzed the educational investment decisions of 2064 rural households. Results indicate that in the Eastern region, a high level of educational investment is primarily influenced by the per capita income of the family, with social capital and internet usage also playing supportive roles. In the Northeastern region, the key factor is the diversity of internet usage, specifically using both a smartphone and a computer. In the Central region, factors such as the diversity of internet usage, subjective risk attitudes, the appropriate age of the household head, and per capita income of the family contribute to higher levels of educational investment. In the Western region, the dominant factors are the diversity of internet usage, subjective usage and per capita income of the family. These factors enhance expected returns on the high level of educational investment and boost farmers’ confidence. High internet usage rates significantly promote diverse and stable educational investment decisions, providing evidence for policymakers to bridge the urban-rural education gap.

The transfer of knowledge and the preservation of traditions is passed down from generation to generation. The main objective of this study was to explore people’s knowledge of the gastronomic heritage of the Kisalföld regions through an analysis of the county’s (attendance to, decision-making and willingness to spend on food and beverages) taking place in the county, such as the Flavours of Szigetköz, the County Wines Festival, the Flavours of Rábaköz or Eszterházy Baroque Food Festival at Fertőd. A quantitative research was used to analyse the topic (N = 666), the sample is not representative and the selection of respondents was random. Data were collected between 1 September 2023 and 31 October 2023 using electronic questionnaires shared on Google Drive. Data were processed using SPSS 25.0 and MS Office Excel in addition to the descriptive statistical data (modus, median, standard deviation), correlation, and crosstabulation analyses. Important research questions of the study were whether the respondents’ place of respondents influences gastronomic awareness whether age determines willingness to travel to attend a gastronomy event, The most popular gastronomic event in the county was the Vegetables of Hanság Region (mean 3.35), and the least popular was the Szigetköz Flavours of Szigetköz festival (mean 3.01). The key finding of the study is that an essential aspect of sustainability for decision-makers is to know the characteristics of tourists (middle-aged female target group), to select and maximize the different program packages in the marketing of the offer, to distribute the traffic and to avoid mass tourism.

At the beginning of the 21st century, sustainability is today’s most important issue, but it is achieved only in those areas where there is environmental awareness. Natural heritage is a part of heritage tourism in terms of the grouping of attraction types. The conceptualization of heritage and cultural heritage itself is not uniform in the national and domestic literature, with some considering heritage tourism to be synonymous with cultural tourism and others interpreting it as a connotation. This study aims to present the natural heritage of Győr-Moson-Sopron County (Hungary). Quantitative research was used to analyze the topic (N = 666), the sample is not representative and the selection of respondents was random. Data were collected between 1 September 2023 and 31 October 2023 using electronic questionnaires shared on Google Drive. Data were processed using SPSS 25.0 and MS Office Excel in addition to the descriptive statistical data (modus, median, standard deviation), correlation, and cross-tabulation analyses. In the framework of quantitative research, respondents’ travel willingness to visit tourist attractions, their specific expenditures, and their intention to participate in various events were conducted. The following questions are addressed in the study, whether all three national parks (Fertő-Hanság, Pannontáj-Sokoró and Szigetköz) are equally popular among tourists, whether the educational level of tourists influences the visitation of Lake Fertő, whether the respondents’ place of residence and the Danube floodplain influence the visitation of the lake and whether the age of the respondents influences the visitation of the 700-year-old oak in Hédervár. The significant finding of the study is that the mean of non-young people’s visitation is higher than that of young people in all three national parks.

This study employed a qualitative approach to examine tertiary students’ perspectives on leveraging Social Studies in the fight against corruption in Ghana. A purposive sampling technique was used to select 21 students from a distance training institution. Some of the variables investigated were causes of corruption and the extent to which students perceived Social Studies as a potential force to combat corruption. The semi-structured interview guide was used to collect data from research participants while thematic analysis was adopted. Data from the study revealed that corruption in Ghana is caused by factors such as weak institutions, greed, poverty-related issues and cultural practices. The results also indicated that Social Studies could significantly help curb corruption. Beside Social Studies, other measures including strengthening institutions, meting out severe punishment to culprits and moral education can also reduce corruption. It was, therefore, recommended that the Ministry of Education through the Ghana Education Service should retool the Social Studies subject, and make it compulsory at all levels of education since it has the potential to reduce corruption.

This research delves into the intricate world of lacquer art in East Asia, aiming to unravel the relationships among artisan perspectives, aesthetic values, and the contemporary relevance of this ancient craft. The purpose is to provide a comprehensive understanding of how historical development, apprenticeship traditions, and evolving aesthetic values shape the intricate landscape of lacquer artistry. Employing a qualitative approach, this study conducts in-depth interviews with artisans and experts in the field of lacquer art. The research involves a comparative analysis of past literature, drawing upon historical and contemporary works to contextualize the findings within the broader trajectory of lacquer art. Thematic analysis is also applied to unravel the nuances of artisan perspectives, the transmission of knowledge through apprenticeship traditions, and the cultural and aesthetic dimensions embedded in lacquer paintings. This mixed-methods approach enriches the study by providing a holistic and nuanced exploration of the identified variables. The findings illuminate the enduring significance of apprenticeship traditions in preserving traditional lacquer techniques, with artisans actively navigating challenges posed by globalization and digital platforms. Aesthetic values, including symbolism and visual harmony, are revealed as integral components contributing to the narrative richness of lacquer paintings. The study uncovers the dynamic relationships among these variables, emphasizing the adaptive nature of lacquer art in a contemporary context. The implications extend to cultural preservation, heritage management, and educational initiatives, offering valuable insights for practitioners, policymakers, and educators involved in the realm of traditional crafts. The study contributes to theoretical frameworks on cultural continuity, knowledge transmission, and the socio-cultural dynamics of artistic practices.