This paper is the third in a series focused on bridging the gap between secondary and higher education. Our primary objective is to develop a robust theoretical framework for an innovative e-business model called the Undergraduate Study Programme Search System (USPSS). This system considers multiple criteria to reduce the likelihood of exam failure or the need for multiple retakes, while maximizing the chances of successful program completion. Testing of the proposed algorithm demonstrated that the Stochastic Gradient Boosted Regression Trees method outperforms the current method used in Lithuania for admitting applicants to 47 educational programs. Specifically, it is more accurate than the Probabilistic Neural Network for 25 programs, the Ensemble of Regression Trees for 24 programs, the Single Regression Tree for 18 programs, the Random Forest Regression for 16 programs, the Bayesian Additive Regression Trees for 13 programs, and the Regression by Discretization for 10 programs.

Since 2022, global geopolitical conflicts have intensified, and there has been a notable increase in the international community's demand for currency diversification. This has created a new opportunity for the internationalization of the Renminbi (RMB). This paper examines the factors influencing the internationalization of the RMB, with a particular focus on its role as a unit of account, medium of exchange and store of value. These functions are considered in conjunction with the digital technological innovation represented by e-CNY. The methodology employed is based on the vector autoregression (VAR) model, Granger causality test and variance decomposition analysis. The Granger causality test indicates that digital technology innovation is not the primary driver of RMB internationalization at this juncture. The impulse response analysis and variance decomposition analysis revealed that the impact and direction of influence exerted by the various factors on RMB internationalization exhibit considerable discrepancies.

The current examines the influence of Islamic values on smoking behaviors among undergraduate students at Yarmouk University in Irbid, Jordan (N: 334). Tobacco use, in religious and cultural terms, is viewed as abhorrent; it is a significant concern for this population group. The study intends to identify how Islamic values affect the perception of students on smoking and, consequently, their smoking behavior. A self-administered questionnaire assessed sociodemographic data and the past 30 days of cigarette use. Descriptive statistics, such as frequencies and percentages, midpoint and standard deviation, and inferential statistics, such as chi-square tests, t-tests, ANOVA, Pearson correlation, and hierarchical regression, were used to analyze smoking behaviors, Islamic values, and demographic attributes. The study shows that Islamic values have a strong negative attitude towards smoking; students attributed smoking to religion, family and social expectations and perceptions, health and economic implications. Further, the hierarchical regression analysis revealed that cigarette use, hookah and e-cigarette, gender, and attitude towards Islamic values were suitable predictors for cigarette use. This study advances knowledge regarding smoking behaviors from the cultural-religious perspective. It highlights the importance of historically and culturally informed gender-sensitive prevention programs that address smoking-related beliefs, attitudes, and practices. Collaboration with the Ministry of Health and media outlets to integrate Islamic values into public health campaigns can reduce smoking among university students by aligning cultural and religious beliefs with health messaging.

The research aims to investigate the prospective implications of Artificial Intelligence (AI) on traditional media, and to elucidate the conceptualization of AI within the discourse of media professionals, governmental and private media stakeholders in Jordan, alongside media scholars and IT experts. Employing the focus group method, a specialized interview tool distinguished by its purpose, design, and procedures, two distinct cohorts were engaged: media practitioners and officials on one hand, and academics and experts on the other. The investigation revealed the absence of a universally agreed upon terminology concerning AI, attributable to its nascent nature and rapid evolution. Notably, AI, leveraging its diverse and highly proficient tools, demonstrates significant potential for transformative impacts across various facets of the media landscape. These encompass the facilitation of exceptional content production, the empowerment of journalists to express their creative capacities, and substantial reductions in time, labor, and procedural overheads in media product development. Concurrently, the integration of AI within media environments is anticipated to pose formidable challenges to existing institutional frameworks. Additionally, the imperative of curriculum development in academic institutions, both public and private, is underscored to acquaint students with AI methodologies.

Introduction: The growing global focus on Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) standards necessitates that companies optimize their corporate governance to balance economic, social, and ecological responsibilities. This study examines how the synergistic effects of Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) and Environmental Responsibility (ER) can promote sustainable corporate development. Objective: The objective of this study is to analyze the critical elements of corporate governance structure optimization and to explore how companies can enhance their governance to achieve sustainable development through strengthened social and environmental management practices. Methods: The study uses case analysis and literature review to assess high-performing enterprises in CSR and ER integration, examining their governance, policy, and environmental strategies to uncover the factors behind their success in economic, social, and environmental spheres. Results: The research shows that optimizing governance structures markedly improves operational effectiveness. Companies need to create strong internal controls for equitable and transparent decisions, embedding CSR and ER into their strategies. CSR fulfillment builds public trust and environmental support, whereas ER improves brand reputation and competitiveness, driving sustainable and mutually advantageous development. Conclusion: The key to sustainable development in ESG practice lies in optimizing corporate governance and strengthening the synergy between social and environmental responsibilities. It is imperative for companies to build a governance structure that complies with ESG standards and to incorporate social and environmental considerations into their corporate strategies to effectively manage the triple bottom line of economic, social, and environmental performance.