With its inherent characteristics of decentralization, immutability, and transparency, blockchain technology presents a promising opportunity to revolutionize the South African food supply chains. Blockchain technology, with its decentralized, immutable, and secure nature, offers solutions to these challenges by improving traceability and accountability across the supply chain. This study investigates the role of blockchain technology in enhancing transparency in the food supply chain among small and medium enterprises in South Africa. SMEs form a critical part of the country's agri-food sector but face challenges such as food fraud, inefficient inventory management, and lack of transparency, which impact food safety and trust. The research adopts a mixed-method approach, utilizing the Technology-Organization-Environment framework and Institutional Theory to explain blockchain adoption among SMEs. The results demonstrate that blockchain-enabled practices, such as smart contracts, records traceability, production tracking, and distribution monitoring, significantly enhance supply chain transparency. The findings highlight blockchain's potential to increase operational efficiency, regulatory compliance, and stakeholder trust. This research provides valuable insights for policymakers and practitioners, emphasizing the need for regulatory support and strategic investment in blockchain solutions to promote sustainability and competitiveness in the agri-food sector.

Higher education (HE) consists of both conventional and non-conventional methods of learning. Open and Distance Learning (ODL) is a non-conventional system where teachers (often referred to as facilitators) are physically not present. The conduct of practical in engineering and science education using ODL remains a challenge due to inadequate technology and the dispersion of the students, which results in a graduate skills gap in ODL programs. There is a possibility of using a cloud computing set-up, as well as platforms for the creation of simulated virtual practical settings (virtual laboratories-VLs), which could be accessible by ODL engineering and science and education-based students notwithstanding their locations. This paper adds to existing knowledge on VLs and discusses these inadequacies in engineering and science education with emphasis on the enhancement of online and collaborative learning, as well as the possible laboratory (lab) requirements. In addition, the paper highlights contemporary trends and some issues in VLs and remote labs.

With the rapid development of artificial intelligence (AI) technology, its application in the field of auditing has gained increasing attention. This paper explores the application of AI technology in audit risk assessment and control (ARAC), aiming to improve audit efficiency and effectiveness. First, the paper introduces the basic concepts of AI technology and its application background in the auditing field. Then, it provides a detailed analysis of the specific applications of AI technology in audit risk assessment and control, including data analysis, risk prediction, automated auditing, continuous monitoring, intelligent decision support, and compliance checks. Finally, the paper discusses the challenges and opportunities of AI technology in audit risk assessment and control, as well as future research directions.

Hate speech in higher education institutions is a pressing issue that threatens democratic values and social cohesion. This research explores student perspectives on hate speech within the university setting, examining its forms, causes, and impacts on democratic principles such as freedom of expression and inclusivity. This research is extended to determine the debates and theories elaborated from different perspectives qualitative and quantitative analysis of data collected from 108 participants at Higher Education in Kosovo. From the communication standpoint, analyzing hate speech in the media and social media is key to understanding the type of message used, its emitter, how the message rallies supporters, and how they interpret message. The findings highlight the need for proactive policies and educational interventions to mitigate Research on hate speech in higher education in Kosovo is crucial for fostering social cohesion and inclusivity in its diverse society. Hate speech undermines the academic environment, negatively affecting students' mental health, learning outcomes, and overall well-being, necessitating efforts to create safer educational spaces. The study aligns with Kosovo's aspirations for European integration, emphasizing adherence to human rights and anti-discrimination principles. Despite the issue's significance, there is a lack of empirical data on hate speech in Kosovo's higher education, making this research vital for evidence-based policymaking. With a youth-centric focus, the study aims to educate and empower young people as future leaders to embrace respect and inclusivity. By addressing hate speech's local challenges and global relevance, the research supports institutional reforms and offers valuable insights for post-conflict and multicultural societies. Hate speech while fostering a culture of mutual respect and democratic engagement.

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.

The COVID-19 pandemic has fundamentally transformed the global education landscape, compelling institutions to adopt e-learning as an essential tool to sustain academic activities. This research examines the critical impact of e-learning on arts and science college students in Coimbatore, with an emphasis on its influence on their readiness for campus recruitment. Using a survey of 300 students, this study investigates their perceptions of online education, highlighting both its advantages, such as flexibility and accessibility, and its challenges, including engagement barriers and technical limitations. Data was collected through structured questionnaires and analyzed using statistical methods to draw meaningful insights. The research also explores the efficacy of online assessments in recruitment processes and assesses students’ awareness of available e-learning platforms and courses. The urgency of this study lies in addressing the pressing need to optimize digital education models as institutions globally transition toward blended learning post-pandemic. The findings underline the dual potential and limitations of e-learning, concluding with actionable recommendations to enhance its effectiveness, particularly in preparing students for competitive employment opportunities.