This study examines conditions that impact PPP delivery success or failure in the roadways sector in India using Qualitative Comparative Analysis. QCA is well-suited for problems where multiple factors combine to create pathways leading to an outcome. Past investigations have compared PPP and non-PPP project delivery performance, but this study examines performance within PPPs by uncovering a set of conditions that combine to influence the success or failure road PPP project delivery in India. Based on data from 21 cases, pathways explaining project delivery success or failure were identified. Specifically, PPPs with high concessionaire equity investment and low regional industrial activity led to project delivery success. Projects with lower concessionaire equity investment and low reliance on toll revenue and with either: (a) high project technical complexity or (b) high regional industrial activity, led to project delivery failure. The pathways identified did not have coverage values that they were extremely strong. Coverage strength was hindered by lack of access to information on additional conditions that could be configurationally important. Further, certain characteristics of the Indian market limit generalization. Identification of combinations of conditions leading to PPP project delivery success or failure improves knowledge of the impacts of structure and characteristics of these complex arrangements. This study is one of the first to use fuzzy QCA to understand project delivery success/failure in road PPP projects. Moreover, this study takes into account factors specific to a sector and delivery mode to explain project delivery performance.

Zinc oxide (ZnO) hollow spheres are gaining attention due to their exceptional properties and potential applications in various fields. This study investigates the impact of different zinc precursors Zinc Chloride (ZnCl₂), Zinc Nitrate [Zn(NO₃)₂], and Zinc Acetate [Zn(CH₃COO)₂] on the hydrothermal synthesis of ZnO hollow spheres. A comprehensive set of characterization techniques, including Field Emission Scanning Electron Microscopy (FE-SEM), X-ray Diffraction (XRD), Thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), and Brunauer-Emmett-Teller (BET) analysis, was utilized to assess the structural and morphological features of the synthesized materials. Our findings demonstrate that all samples exhibit a high degree of crystallinity with a wurtzite structure, and crystallite sizes range between 34 to 91 nm. Among the different precursors, ZnO derived from Zinc Nitrate showed markedly higher porosity and a well-defined mesoporous structure than those obtained from Zinc Acetate and Zinc Chloride. This research underscores the significance of precursor selection in optimizing the properties of ZnO hollow spheres, ultimately contributing to advancements in the design and application of ZnO-based nanomaterials.

The WRKY gene family plays a very diverse role in plant growth and development. These genes contained an evolutionarily conserved WRKY DNA binding domain, which shows functional diversity and extensive expansion of the gene family. In this study, we conducted a genome-wide comparative analysis to investigate the evolutionary aspects of the WRKY gene family across various plant species and revealed significant expansion and diversification ranging from aquatic green algae to terrestrial plants. Phylogeny reconstruction of WRKY genes was performed using the Maximum Likelihood (ML) method; the genes were grouped into seven different clades and further classified into algae, bryophytes, pteridophytes, dicotyledons, and monocotyledons subgroups. Furthermore, duplication analysis showed that the increase in the number of WRKY genes in higher plant species was primarily due to tandem and segmental duplication under purifying selection. In addition, the selection pressures of different subfamilies of the WRKY gene were investigated using different strategies (classical and Bayesian maximum likelihood methods (Data monkey/PAML)). The average dN/dS for each group are less than one, indicating purifying selection. Our comparative genomic analysis provides the basis for future functional analysis, understanding the role of gene duplication in gene family expansion, and selection pressure analysis.

This study aimed to examine the impact of working conditions and sociopsychological factors on job satisfaction among office workers. Using data from the 2017–2018 Working Conditions Survey, exploring how workplace conditions and sociopsychological elements could impact job satisfaction. This study examined data from 9801 workers to explore the effects of working conditions and psychosocial environments on job enthusiasm, which subsequently impacts job satisfaction. Analyzing 1416 office workers, it found that fewer working hours, better work-life balance, improved work conditions, and lower depression levels enhance job enthusiasm, significantly affecting job satisfaction. The work environment had the most substantial impact, encompassing relationships with colleagues, task completion time, and confidence. Work-life imbalance and depression were also significant, with work-life balance being crucial for modern society, especially the younger generation. Poor working conditions and unstable psychosocial environments negatively affect job enthusiasm and satisfaction, with findings supporting previous research on job stress and turnover intentions in various industries. This study highlights the need for organizational policies that support these aspects to improve overall employee well-being and productivity.

Both China and Korea have a rich culture of Chinese New Year, and there are similarities and differences between the customs of the two countries. The festival culture, as the essence of a country's culture, not only reflects the cultural connotation of the whole nation , but also reflects people's living standard to a certain extent. This paper discusses the similarities and differences of Chinese and Korean Spring Festival culture through a comparative analysis of Chinese and Korean Spring Festival culture, and proposes strategies for teaching Chinese Spring Festival culture in Chinese to Korean in order to help people better understand and pass on Chinese and Korean Spring Festival culture.

This paper conducts a comparative analysis of mentoring and metacognition in education, unveiling their intricate connections. Both concepts, though seemingly disparate, prove to be interdependent within the educational landscape. The analysis showcases the dynamic interplay between mentoring and metacognition, emphasizing their reciprocal influence. Metacognition, often perceived as self-awareness and introspection, is found to complement the relational and supportive nature of mentoring. Within this context, metacognitive education within mentoring emerges as a vital component. Practical recommendations are offered for effective metacognitive training, highlighting its role in enhancing cognitive and metacognitive skills. Moreover, the paper introduces the concept of a “mentoring scaffolding system.” This system emphasizes mentor-led gradual independence for mentees, facilitating their professional and personal growth. The necessity of fostering a metacognition culture in education is a central theme. Such a culture promotes improved performance and lifelong learning. The paper suggests integrating metacognition into curricula and empowering learners as essential steps toward achieving this culture. In conclusion, this paper advocates for the integration of metacognition into mentoring and education, fostering self-awareness, independence, and adaptability. These attributes are deemed crucial for individuals navigating the challenges of the information age.