This article evaluates the Didactic Strategies for Teaching Mathematics (DSTM) program, designed to enhance the teaching of mathematical content in primary and secondary education in a hybrid modality. In alignment with SENACYT’s Gender-STEM-2040 Policy, which emphasizes gender equality as a foundational principle of education, this study aims to assess whether initial teacher training aligns with this policy through the use of mathematical strategies promoting gender equality. A descriptive-correlational approach was applied to a sample of 64 educators, selected based on their responses during the training, with the goal of improving teaching and data collection methodologies. Findings indicate that, although most teachers actively engage in training, an androcentric approach persists, with sexist language and a curriculum that renders girls invisible, hindering the fulfillment of the National Gender Equality Policy in Science, Technology, and Innovation of Panama (Gender-STEM Policy 2040). Additionally, through a serendipitous finding, a significant gap in student activity levels, especially in secondary school, was discovered. While in primary school, activity levels were similar between genders, a decline in active participation among girls in secondary school was observed. This discovery, not initially contemplated in the study’s objectives, provides valuable insights into gender differences in active participation, particularly in higher educational stages. The serendipity suggests the need for further exploration of social, environmental, and family factors that may influence this decrease in girls’ active participation. The article concludes with a preliminary diagnosis and a call to deepen gender equality training and the effective implementation of coeducation in Panama’s educational system.

This research systematically reviews the relationship between populism and economic policies, analyzing their impact on state development and growth. It is the first study to comprehensively examine the interaction between these two concepts through a systematic literature review. The review process adhered to the PRISMA protocol, utilizing the Scopus, EBSCO, and Web of Science databases, covering the period from 2012 to 2024. The findings reveal a deep interconnection between populism and economic policies, with significant implications for governance and socioeconomic well-being. The review identifies that neoliberal populism combines pro-corporate elements with populist rhetoric, favoring economic elites while presenting itself as beneficial for the “people.” Additionally, it underscores that neoliberal globalization has facilitated market liberalization but also increased inequality and undermined national sovereignty. The review concludes that while populism may offer quick fixes to immediate economic issues, its simplistic and polarizing approaches can be counterproductive in the long term. Thus, there is a critical need to reevaluate and reformulate economic and governance policies to balance global economic integration with the protection of citizens’ rights and well-being.

In the third national communication submitted by Ecuador, the total greenhouse gases (GHG) emission was calculated at 80,627 GgCO_2-eq, considering the country’s commitment to the Framework on Climate Change. In 2018, Ecuador ratified its nationally determined contribution (NDC) to reduce its GHG emissions by 11.87% from the business-as-usual (BAU) scenario by 2025. The macroeconomic impacts of NDC implementation in the energy sector are discussed. A Computable Equilibrium Model applied to Ecuador (CGE_EC) is used by developing scenarios to analyze partial and entry implementation, as well as an alternative scenario. Shocks in exogenous variables are linked to NDC energy initiatives. So, the NDC’s feasibility depends on guaranteeing the consumption of hydropower supply, either through local exports or domestic demand. In the last case, the government’s Energy Efficiency Program (PEC) and electricity transport have important roles, but the high levels of investment required and poor social conditions would impair its implementation. NDC implementation implies a GDP increase and price index decrease due to electricity cost reductions in the productive sector. These conditions depend on demand-supply guarantees, and the opposite case entails negative impacts on the economy. The alternative scenario considers less dependence on the external market, achieving higher GDP, but with only partial fulfillment of the NDC goals.

The reference urban plan is an urban planning tool often used to orient the development of Chadian cities. However, expanding Chadian urban centers, such as Sarh, face challenges in implementing urban planning orientations of their urban plans within the set deadlines. The objective of this study is to identify the factors impeding the effective implementation of the reference urban plan for Sarh town. The methodology employed encompasses a literature review, individual interviews with urban planning experts, geographic information system (GIS) data, household surveys and statistical analysis. The results revealed that less than a quarter (19.72%) of the households surveyed were aware of the reference urban plan. The applied logistic regression model identified age, occupation and level of education as the main factors influencing public participation in the preparation of the reference urban plan. On average, 33.33% of the urban planning guidelines and 21.74% of the projected urban projects were implemented, with a difference of 1631.28 hectares (ha) between the projected plan and the actual plan for the town. Five factors were identified as contributing to the failure to implement the reference urban plan for Sarh town, including low funding, inadequate land management, a lack of political will, weak governance and poor communication. Consequently, participatory and inclusive planning approaches, effective financial mobilisation, strong governance, and the use of modern technologies such as GIS tools are recommended to enhance the implementation of urban planning tools.

Bamboo is one of the noble plant species in Ethiopia. Household (HH) income and construction role of highland bamboo (Oldeania alpina (K. Schum.) Stapleto) stands were assessed at Masha district, Southern Ethiopia. Three peasant associations (PAs), Yepo, Yina and Gada, 7–15 key informants and 68, 46, 31 households, respectively were interviewed about the cost and income of bamboo to compare with woody climbers, honey, and mushroom in 2021. Bamboo was one of the main sources of income in all PAs, at least for fencing or house construction. In Yepo, Yina and Gada bamboo accounts 0.7%, 28.1%, 16.3% of the HH NTFP income, respectively. The local people responded that bamboo constructed houses and fences were durable for 15–30 and 2–10 years, respectively. In constructing a 2.44–4.27 m radius local house in Yepo, Yina and Gada 2.4–6 m³, 4.1–5.82 m³ and 3.1–4.3 m³ bamboo culms were harvested at 15, 20, and 30 years interval, respectively by each HH. Bamboo young shoots were also seasonally used for food. Although bamboo provides multiple uses, like substitute for wood and environmental services, it was facing different problems of deforestation. Therefore, policy attention is highly important for bamboo sustainable utilization.

This paper explores how Saudi managers perceive the role of corporate heritage in achieving the employment goals of heritage organizations operating in Saudi and, in turn, Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 in relation to the Nitaqat program. Using an exploratory qualitative method, the study involved fifteen in-depth semi-structured interviews with HR managers from ten heritage-rich organizations. The analysis identified five key organizational identity traits with heritage—proficient, shelter, responsive, advancing, and centrality—that can be leveraged in employer branding to attract potential employees and enhance the employer brand of organizations operating in the Saudi market. This study is significant as it is the first to investigate corporate heritage from an employer branding perspective and in relation to national employment goals in emerging markets.