Sustainable development (SD) is an approach that aims to meet the needs of the present generation without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs. Education for sustainable development (ESD) is a key component in achieving this goal, as it equips young people with the knowledge, skills, and values needed to make sustainable decisions. This study investigated how preschool teachers in Saudi Arabia understood (SD) and the state of (ESD) practices. A survey was used to collect data from 230 Saudi preschool teachers. The findings revealed that 90% of teachers lacked awareness regarding SD. The overall evaluation of ESD practices among participants indicated a weak subpar status, with an average score of 2.49 out of 4. Notably, in ascending order, the following three dimensions had weak mean scores: the content aspect (2.38) had the lowest score, followed by the practice aspect (2.54) and the competencies aspect (2.58). Meanwhile, the values aspect (2.63) had an average outcome. Analysing the mean scores of ESD practices based on teachers’ qualifications and school types revealed significant differences, although no variations were observed based on experience. The primary obstacle to ESD implementation in pre-schools was the lack of awareness regarding SD/ESD. The study underscores the significance of expanding teacher training to promote ESD effectively in pre-school settings. The results highlight the need for professional development opportunities to improve ESD implementation in classrooms, educate Saudi preschool teachers about SD, and create instructional materials that align with the principles of ESD.
This research aims to empirically examine the role of learning organization practices in enhancing sustainable organizational performance, utilizing knowledge management and innovation capability as mediating variables. The study was conducted in public IT companies across China, which is a vital sector for driving innovation and economic growth. A mixed-methods approach was employed, with quantitative methods accounting for 70% and qualitative methods for 30% of the research. Purposive sampling was utilized to distribute questionnaires to 546 employees from 10 public IT companies. Statistical analysis was conducted using Structural Equation Modeling (SEM). The findings indicate that learning organization practices significantly influence knowledge management practices (β = 0.785, p < 0.001) and innovation capability (β = 0.405, p < 0.001). Furthermore, knowledge management practices positively contribute to sustainable organizational performance (β = 0.541, p < 0.001), while innovation capability also has a positive effect (β = 0.143, p < 0.001). Moreover, knowledge management practices partially mediate the relationship between learning organization practices and sustainable performance, with a total effect of 0.788 (p < 0.001). The mediating role of innovation capability is also significant, with a total effect of 0.422 (p = 0.045). The study further includes qualitative in-depth interviews with 20 managers from 10 IT companies across five regions in China: East, South, West, North, and Central. Senior managers were selected through a stratified sampling method to ensure comprehensive representation by including both the largest and smallest companies in each region. These findings underscore the critical role of learning organizations in promoting sustainability through effective knowledge management and innovation capabilities within the IT sector.
As the aging trend intensifies, the Chinese government prioritizes technological innovation in smart elderly care services to enhance quality and efficiency, catering to the diverse needs of the elderly. This study examines the acceptance and usage behavior of smart elderly care services among elderly individuals in Xi’an, using a modified Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology (UTAUT) model that includes digital literacy as a moderating variable. Data were collected via a survey of 299 elderly individuals aged 60 and above in Xi’an. The study aims to identify factors influencing the acceptance and usage behavior of smart elderly care services and to understand how digital literacy moderates the relationship between these factors and usage behavior. Regression analysis assessed the direct effects of Performance Expectancy (PE), Effort Expectancy (EE), Social Influence (SI), and Facilitating Conditions (FC) on usage behavior. These dimensions were then integrated into a comprehensive index Service Acceptance to evaluate their overall impact on usage behavior, with behavioral intention examined as a potential mediating variable. Results indicate that EE and SI significantly impact the adoption of smart elderly care services, whereas PE and FC do not. Behavioral intention mediates the relationship between these variables and usage behavior. Additionally, gender, age, and digital literacy significantly moderate the impact of service acceptance on usage behavior. This study provides valuable theoretical and practical insights for designing and promoting smart elderly care services, emphasizing the importance of usability and social promotion to enhance the quality of life for the elderly.
This study examined the labor regulations regarding the hours of work and rest for representative fishing countries (Norway) by the International Labor Organization (ILO) Convention C188—Work in Fishing, 2007. A dual comparative analysis with Norway is used to explore policy implications for the representation and protection of fishers’ labor standards in Korea. This study examined the possibility of synchronisation between national and international legislation on the hours of work and rest for fishers, with a particular focus on the Norwegian case. The objective is to identify policy enhancements related to the Korean Seafarers Act. This study looked in depth at the fatigue and well-being problems faced by Korean fishers working long times on various vessels. It is based on the results of a qualitative comparative study. To achieve the objectives, We proposed to ‘the name of the fishing vessel’, which are excluded from the protections afforded by the Seafarers Act and to clarify the regulations regarding the labor standards for them. This proposal will provide compensation and protection for Korean fishers’ labor rights. It aims to enhance labor conditions in line with ILO standards, harmonize national and international agreements to protect small-scale fisheries and contribute to the development of environmentally friendly propulsion technologies, such as hydrogen-fueled electric hybrids and LPG (Liquefied Petroleum Gas).
This study investigates the dynamic landscape of agritourism in Thailand, emphasizing innovations, challenges, and policy implications in the post-COVID-19 era. Employing a qualitative approach, including a comprehensive literature review and semi-structured interviews with stakeholders, the research identifies key agritourism models, such as immersive learning experiences, technology-driven agritourism, and unconventional practices like salt and coconut plantations. Findings reveal that agritourism has adapted to shifting market demands through diversification, technological integration, and a heightened focus on sustainability. Notably, technology adoption in precision farming and hydroponics enhances resource efficiency and visitor engagement, while initiatives like rice paddy field tourism and highland agritourism showcase the cultural and ecological richness of rural landscapes. The study underscores the critical role of policy frameworks, infrastructure development, and community empowerment in fostering sustainable agritourism practices. Key policy recommendations include targeted subsidies, capacity-building programs, and harmonized regulatory frameworks to address challenges such as financial constraints, regulatory ambiguities, and inadequate infrastructure. This research contributes to the broader discourse on sustainable tourism and rural development, aligning agritourism with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). By synthesizing insights on innovation, resilience, and sustainability, this study offers a comprehensive roadmap for policymakers, practitioners, and academics to leverage agritourism as a vehicle for rural revitalization and global sustainability. Future research directions are proposed to explore the long-term impacts of technological integration, community empowerment, and resilience strategies in agritourism.
The current examines the influence of Islamic values on smoking behaviors among undergraduate students at Yarmouk University in Irbid, Jordan (N: 334). Tobacco use, in religious and cultural terms, is viewed as abhorrent; it is a significant concern for this population group. The study intends to identify how Islamic values affect the perception of students on smoking and, consequently, their smoking behavior. A self-administered questionnaire assessed sociodemographic data and the past 30 days of cigarette use. Descriptive statistics, such as frequencies and percentages, midpoint and standard deviation, and inferential statistics, such as chi-square tests, t-tests, ANOVA, Pearson correlation, and hierarchical regression, were used to analyze smoking behaviors, Islamic values, and demographic attributes. The study shows that Islamic values have a strong negative attitude towards smoking; students attributed smoking to religion, family and social expectations and perceptions, health and economic implications. Further, the hierarchical regression analysis revealed that cigarette use, hookah and e-cigarette, gender, and attitude towards Islamic values were suitable predictors for cigarette use. This study advances knowledge regarding smoking behaviors from the cultural-religious perspective. It highlights the importance of historically and culturally informed gender-sensitive prevention programs that address smoking-related beliefs, attitudes, and practices. Collaboration with the Ministry of Health and media outlets to integrate Islamic values into public health campaigns can reduce smoking among university students by aligning cultural and religious beliefs with health messaging.
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