While extensive research has explored interconnectedness, volatility spillovers, and risk transmission across financial systems, the comparative dynamics between Islamic and conventional banks during crises, particularly in specific regions such as Saudi Arabia, are underexplored. This study investigates risk transmissions and contagion among banks operating in Islamic and conventional modes in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Daily banking stock data spanning November 2018 to November 2023, encompassing two major crises—COVID-19 and the Russian-Ukraine war—were analyzed. Using the frequency TVP-VAR approach, the study reveals that average total connectedness for both banking groups exceeds 50%, with short-run risk transmission dominating over long-term effects. Graphical visualizations highlight time-varying connectedness, driven predominantly by short-run spillovers, with similar patterns observed in both Islamic and conventional banking networks. The main contribution of this paper is the insight that long-term investment strategies are crucial for mitigating potential risks in the Saudi banking system, given its limited diversification opportunities.

The distress of commercial companies is considered one of the most critical stages leading to the liquidation and termination of the business. This danger increases in the context of poor management, stagnation, and the occurrence of crises and external circumstances that affect the company’s ability to cope. Rules regarding financial restructuring of distressed commercial companies may be regarded as the most prominent legal framework adopted by Emirati, Kuwaiti and French legislators to address the instability and distress of commercial enterprises and to provide solutions to mitigate the risk of bankruptcy and liquidation. It is a preventive measure aimed at reaching an agreement between the debtor and creditors to resolve the disturbances or difficulties faced by the company, which may affect its obligations to others. Therefore, financial restructuring is considered a mean of prevention and rescue for commercial companies, and the success of this rescue is linked to the debtor’s cooperation and seriousness in overcoming such issue.

The debate on relocating Indonesia's national capital from Jakarta stems from critical issues such as overpopulation, social inequality, environmental degradation, and natural disaster risks. These challenges highlight the need to reassess Jakarta's viability as the nation's administrative center. This study evaluates Indonesia's readiness to address the complexities of relocation by analyzing Jakarta's socio-economic, political, cultural, and geographical conditions. Using a systematic literature review (SLR) with a qualitative approach, the research explores key questions: Do Jakarta's conditions necessitate relocation? What challenges might arise from the move? How prepared is Indonesia to tackle these challenges? The SLR process includes defining questions, sourcing literature from reputable databases, applying inclusion/exclusion criteria, and synthesizing data for analysis. Findings reveal Jakarta's multifaceted challenges, including social disparities, environmental degradation, disaster risks, and governance issues, which emphasize the urgency of considering relocation. However, the study also identifies significant hurdles, such as high costs, logistical complexities, potential social conflicts, and environmental risks at the new capital site. Relocating the capital is a strategic and complex undertaking that requires meticulous planning. Indonesia must weigh Jakarta's current issues, address potential relocation challenges, and ensure readiness for risk mitigation and sustainable development. Comprehensive and thoughtful planning is essential to achieve a successful and balanced transition.

Technological advancements in genetic research are crucial for nations aiming to uplift their population’s quality of life and ensure a sustainable economy. Genomic information and biotechnology can enhance healthcare quality, outcomes, and affordability. The “P4 medicine approach”—predictive, preventive, personalized, and participatory—aligns with objectives like promoting long-term well-being, optimizing resources, and reducing environmental impacts, all vital for sustainable healthcare. This paper highlights the importance of adopting the P4 approach extensively. It emphasizes the need to enhance healthcare operations in real-time and integrate cutting-edge genomic technologies. Eco-friendly designs can significantly reduce the environmental impact of healthcare. Additionally, addressing health disparities is crucial for successful healthcare reforms.

This study examines the impact of structured cultural educational activities on various dimensions of student well-being in primary education. Using a randomized controlled trial design, 120 third- and fourth-grade students from Arad County, Romania, were assigned to either an experimental group, which participated in cultural educational activities, or a control group, which received no intervention. Well-being and social behavior were assessed using the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ) and the EPOCH Measure of Adolescent Well-Being, administered before and after the intervention. The SDQ evaluated emotional symptoms, hyperactivity, conduct problems, peer relationship issues, and prosocial behavior, while the EPOCH scale measured engagement, perseverance, optimism, connectedness, and happiness. Analysis revealed statistically significant improvements (p < 0.05) in the experimental group compared to the control group. Students in the experimental group exhibited reduced hyperactivity and peer relationship problems, alongside notable increases in engagement, perseverance, optimism, connectedness, and happiness. These findings highlight the efficacy of integrating cultural educational activities into the primary school curriculum as a strategy for enhancing emotional and social development. The study underscores the importance of such interventions in fostering positive developmental outcomes and offers a foundation for further research into their long-term effects and adaptability across diverse educational contexts.