Soil salinity is a major abiotic stress that drastically hinders plant growth and development, resulting in lower crop yields and productivity. As one of the most consumed vegetables worldwide, tomato (Solanum lycropersicum L.) plays a key role in the human diet. The current study aimed to explore the differential tolerance level of two tomato varieties (Rio Grande and Agata) to salt stress. To this end, various growth, physiological and biochemical attributes were assessed after two weeks of 100 mM NaCl treatment. Obtained findings indicated that, although the effects of salt stress included noticeable reductions in shoots’ and roots’ dry weights and relative growth rate as well as total leaf area, for the both cultivars, Rio Grande performed better compared to Agata variety. Furthermore, despite the exposure to salt stress, Rio Grande was able to maintain an adequate tissue hydration and a high leaf mass per area (LMA) through the accumulation of proline. However, relative water content, LMA and proline content were noticeably decreased for Agata cultivar. Likewise, total leaf chlorophyll, soluble proteins and total carbohydrates were significantly decreased; whereas, malondialdehyde was significantly accumulated in response to salt stress for the both cultivars. Moreover, such negative effects were remarkably more pronounced for Agata relative to Rio Grande cultivar. Overall, the current study provided evidence that, at the early growth stage, Rio Grande is more tolerant to salt stress than Agata variety. Therefore, Rio Grande variety may constitute a good candidate for inclusion in tomato breeding programs for salt-tolerance and is highly recommended for tomato growers, particularly in salt-affected fields.

Several studies have explored green economy and the needs for improvement on the standard of living among low-income families or households in many developing countries including Bangladesh. Similarly, there is an emphasis on economic growth and vision 2030 is regarded stressed. Nonetheless, there is less attention in exploring green economy in propelling sustainable financial inclusion among low-income families and households in Bangladesh in order to attain vision 2030 and overall economic growth.  The primary objective is to explore green economy in fostering sustainable financial inclusion among low-income families and households in Bangladesh in enhancing economic growth and vision 2030 in Bangladesh. Content Analysis (CA) and systematic literature review (SLR) as an integral part of qualitative research. Secondary data were gathered through different sources such as: Web of Science (WOS), related journals, published references, research papers, library sources and reports. The results indicated that poverty is a prime challenge impeding sustainable financial inclusion among low-income families and households in Bangladesh. The study has further established the potential of green economy in improving well-beings and social fairness in fostering sustainable and inclusive finance among families or households with low-income in the country. The paper also highlighted the necessity of implementing policy relating to vision 2030 by enhancing sustainable and inclusive finance among low-income households in particular and overall economic growth in the country in general. In conclusion, it has been reiterated that green economy has been a mechanism for achieving sustainable development in general and poverty eradication among low-income households in Bangladesh. It is therefore suggested that the government and economic policymakers should provide enabling environment for improving green economy among low-income households in achieving Vision 2030 and overall economic growth in the country.

This study explores the role of intercultural communicative competence (ICC) and STEM education in building the soft infrastructure necessary for economic development within Kazakhstan’s transforming education system. The authors conducted an interdisciplinary analysis, emphasizing the cognitive and communicative aspects of foreign language education in secondary schools, proposing a model for integrating ICC through the use of information and analytical technologies. The research focuses on personalized education, teacher competencies, and student engagement, with experimental methods applied in a Karaganda-based school. The study aims to identify mechanisms and principles that enhance ICC development, contributing to Kazakhstan’s modernization efforts in fostering globally competitive graduates prepared for the demands of the international arena. This research lays the foundation for further practical experimentation in profiled schools, aligning education with national development goals.

This study developed a specific scale to measure the impact of extrinsic motivations on students’ decisions to pursue online graduate programs at business schools in Latin America. Using a mixed-methods approach, the research proceeded in three stages. In the first stage, the construct was defined by identifying key extrinsic factors motivating students to enroll in online graduate programs, followed by the creation and initial validation of the scale in Colombia. The second stage involved testing the scale in Chile to determine its cross-cultural applicability. In the third stage, the scale’s predictive validity was confirmed, demonstrating its effectiveness in explaining how extrinsic motivations influence students’ intentions to enroll in online graduate programs. The findings indicate that the scale, composed of five dimensions—Cost Reduction, Ability to Study from Any Location, Control Over Learning Pace, Flexibility to Balance Study and Work, and Avoiding Commuting Time—is a reliable predictor of student preferences and intentions in online graduate education. The final scale includes 25 items across these dimensions, measuring extrinsic factors through items related to flexibility, time savings, and global accessibility. Validation in two Latin American countries confirms the scale’s relevance across diverse cultural contexts, enhancing its applicability within the region. This study provides empirical evidence that extrinsic motivation is a key determinant of students’ intentions to enroll in online programs in developing countries. It confirms that extrinsic motivations reflect a preference for flexible learning options compatible with students’ lifestyles and professional needs, linked to their beliefs about time management, professional advancement, and career opportunities associated with earning a graduate degree.

This study aims to examine the impact of an innovative self-directed professional development (SDPD) model on fostering teachers’ professional development and improving their ability to manage this development independently. A quantitative research method was adopted, involving 60 participants from Almaty State Humanitarian and Pedagogical College No. 2, Almaty, Kazakhstan. Descriptive and inferential statistics were used to assess the SDPD model’s effectiveness, specifically in promoting teacher engagement, adoption of new pedagogical techniques, and improvement in reflective practices. The study findings reveal that teachers, particularly in developing regions, often face challenges in accessing formal professional development programs. The implementation of the SDPD model addresses these barriers by providing teachers with the tools and strategies required for self-improvement, regardless of geographic or economic constraints. The study participants in the pilot phase showed increased engagement with new pedagogical methods, improved reflective practices, and greater adaptability to emerging educational technologies. The algorithmic aspect of the model streamlined the professional development process, while the activity-based approach ensured that learning remained practical and relevant to teachers’ everyday needs. By offering a clear framework for continuous improvement, the model addresses the gaps in formal training access and cultivates a culture of lifelong learning. These findings suggest that the SDPD model can contribute to elevating teaching standards globally, particularly in regions with limited professional development resources.

This study considers the relationship between investment in the manufacturing and processing industries and economic growth in Vietnam. This study applies an autoregressive distributed lag (ARDL) model to reassess the long- and short-term relationships between industrial investment and economic growth from 1998 to 2023. It has been found that in both the long and short term, investments in this sector have a positive and significant effect on economic growth. The results further show that labor negatively affects growth in the long run, but is favorable in the short run. The verdict for the role of exports is that more evidence is required before any conclusive analysis can be conducted. Reinvestment in the manufacturing and processing industries for further economic growth is evident in the foregoing analysis. On the other hand, this research provides insight into the optimization of the utilization of resources and future sustainability by the government.