The government’s increased cigarette tariff aims to lower smoking rates and avoid adverse impacts. This study’s goal was to offer process innovation for lowering Asian’ smoking behavior. The participants were chosen by stratified random selection from a total of 738 people residing in Pathum Thani Province, Thailand. The instrument was a questionnaire. A software programmer was used to examine descriptive and inferential statistics using EFA and one-way ANOVA techniques. A strategic framework guideline using a SWOT analysis and TOWS matrix to encourage smoking reduction was proposed. The findings revealed two components: smoking behavior change and continues smoking that were based on SWOT analysis and TOWs matrix. There were nine strategies for the excise department to consider for the adjustment of the next policy in terms of reducing the number of smokers. The practical and policy suggestions could help reduce the negative impact of the cigarette industry on public health and increase government revenue while addressing weaknesses and threats in the industry.

This research paper aims to benchmark the characteristics of financial systems for 102 countries worldwide from the period of 2005 to 2017. The financial systems’ database encompasses four main dimensions, each consisting of several variables for every indicator: (a) financial depth, (b) financial efficiency, (c) financial access, and (d) financial stability. The objective is to closely analyse the different factors that contribute to the attractiveness of financial and economic systems globally. Furthermore, this paper employs a literature review and an empirical modelling and classification of financial systems worldwide to assess their attractiveness. The modelling process utilizes two statistical analysis methods: discriminant analysis (PCA) and neural analysis. By doing so, this research paper aims to identify the most appropriate measures to strengthen these systems and economies. The main conclusion of the research is to establish a ranking of the world’s best countries and also the validation of the hypothesis that macroeconomic conditions are the effective determinants of the classification dimensions of financial systems.

The subjective well-being (SWB) concept specific to the elderly Orang Asli is still vague, with limited research. Understanding SWB can give a holistic picture of elderly Orang Asli’s well-being status because SWB considers individual evaluations and perspectives based on life experiences in various dimensions relevant to the elderly Orang Asli’s culture, language, belief system, and lifestyle. Therefore, this paper aims to explore the concept of SWB of elderly Orang Seletar. An exploratory case study research design is implemented in this qualitative study. 15 informants who participated in an in-depth interview session in Kampung Bakar Batu Perling, Johor Bahru, and aged 50 years old and above. Based on the findings of the study, there were seven major themes in discussing the concept of SWB which are (i) sufficiency; (ii) comfort; (iii) satisfaction; (iv) preference/favorite; (v) happiness; (vi) tranquillity and (vii) awareness. The finding of the study shows that there were eight domains of SWB of elderly Orang Asli Seletar which are (i) physical health; (ii) mental health; (iii) family and community; (iv) sea and nature; (v) culture preservation; (vi) basic needs; (vii) education; and (viii) spiritual. In conclusion, SWB should be the core element to determine the development of elderly Orang Seletar to ensure their thrive. From mainstream society’s eye, elderly Orang Seletar’s lives may be seen as inadequate and modest. However, it is different from what is felt by them.

In the process of forest recreation value development, there are some characteristics, such as large amount of investment capital, long financing recovery cycle and high potential risks, which lead to limited capital source and prominent financing risks. To achieve sustainable development, forest recreational value development enterprises must solve the financing dilemma, therefore, it is very urgent to identify the financing risk factors. The research constructed financing risk evaluation index system through WSR (Wuli-Shili-Renli) methodology (from affair law, matter principle and human art dimensions), taking S National Forest Park at Fujian Province as a case study, the analytic hierarchy process (AHP) and fuzzy comprehensive evaluation method were used for empirical analysis. The results showed that for the first level indicators, operational risk should be paid close attention to, followed by political risk and environmental risk. Among the secondary level indicators, policy changes, financing availability and market demand need attention, which are consistent with the result of field survey. Based on that, countermeasures were put forward such as the multiple collaborative linkage and effective internal control; reduction on operating costs and broaden financing channels; encouragement diversification of investment entities and improvement of financial and credit support; strengthening government credit supervision, optimizing financing risk evaluation, and building a smart tourism financing information platform, to reduce and control financing risks, then promote the development of forest recreation value projects.

The SMARTER model, an innovative educational framework, is designed for blended learning environments, seamlessly integrating both online and face-to-face instructional components. Employing a flipped classroom methodology, this model ensures an equitable division between online and traditional classroom interactions, aiming to cultivate a dynamic and collaborative learning atmosphere. This research focused on developing and rigorously evaluating the SMARTER model’s validity, practicality, and effectiveness. Adopting a research and development (R&D) approach informed by the methodologies of Borg, Gall, and Gall, this study utilized a mixed-methods strategy. This encompassed a robust validation process by experts in design, content, and media, alongside an empirical analysis of the model’s application in actual educational settings. The aim was to comprehensively assess its effectiveness and practicality. The findings from this study affirm the SMARTER model’s validity, practicality, and effectiveness in improving students’ information literacy skills. Comparative analysis between a control group, taught using a traditional expository approach, and an experimental group, educated under the SMARTER model, highlighted significant improvements in the latter group. This effectiveness underscores the model’s capacity not only to efficiently deliver content but also to actively engage students in a collaborative learning process. The results advocate for the model’s potential broader adoption and adaptation across similar educational contexts. They also establish a foundation for future research aimed at exploring the SMARTER model’s scalability and adaptability across diverse instructional environments.

This paper delves into the intricate dynamics of suburban transportation transformation within the Jakarta Metropolitan Area, with a specific focus on the evolution of the Commuter Line and Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) systems. Utilizing spatial analysis, qualitative descriptions, and stakeholder insights, the paper unveils self-organizing dynamics. It critically examines the role of transportation infrastructure in shaping the broader landscape of urban development. Unlike a traditional approach, the paper seeks to unravel the self-organization processes embedded in transportation planning, unveiling adaptive strategies crafted to tackle the distinct challenges of suburban transportation. By using autonomy, flexibility, adaptability, and collaboration frameworks, the paper contributes to a nuanced understanding of suburban transportation dynamics, with implications for policymakers, planners, and researchers grappling with similar challenges in diverse metropolitan regions.