Since the Reform and Opening up, GDP of the cities on eastern bank of the Pearl River Estuary in Guangdong Province were higher than the eastern bank cities. Therefore, this article aims to modify the urban gravity model combines it with the entropy weight method to calculate urban quality and applies it to measure the degree of connectivity between cities over the past decades. The research aims to explore whether cities with higher economic output have a greater attraction for surrounding cities, and whether the eastern bank cities can also promote the development of the west. Through detailed data collection and analysis, this essay reveals the dynamic changes of the gravity among cities and its influence factors such as economic, transportation and urban development. The research results indicate that the strongest gravitational force between cities on the east and west banks is between Dongguan and Zhongshan, rather than between Shenzhen and cities on the west bank. This demonstrates that the connection between cities on the east and west banks is primarily constrained by geographical factors, and the geographical location of a city influences on surrounding cities significantly. In particular, Dongguan and Zhongshan play a key role in connecting the eastern and western bank of the Pearl River Estuary, rather than Shenzhen, which is traditionally considered to have the highest economic aggregate. In addition, the study also found that the COVID-19 epidemic has had a significant impact on inter-city communication, resulting in a decline in inter-city gravity in recent years.

North Korea has been isolated from the international community because of high-intensity sanctions. Nonetheless, research on North Korea should continue so that we are prepared not for contingencies that may occur because of sudden political changes in that country, as occurred after the unification of Germany and dissolution of the Soviet Union, and also to cope with future risks and threats wisely. This study conducted a quantitative survey regarding “inter-Korean cooperation in science and technology,” targeting experts at the Korean government-funded research institutes. As a qualitative survey, focus group interviews (FGI) were conducted to gain insights into the possibilities, considerations, and procedures for inter-Korean cooperation in science and technology. This study is the first to conduct quantitative research on inter-Korean exchange and cooperation in science and technology and shows significant statistical results.

The Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD) constitutes a crucial international framework that underscores the significance of inclusive education for individuals with disabilities, a vital goal for nations globally. This study seeks to examine the alignment of the recently established Saudi Law on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (SLRPD) with the CRPD in the educational sector. The study employs a comparative analytical methodology to examine pertinent legal material and international treaties regarding inclusive education for individuals with disabilities. The findings indicate that the SLRPD substantially improves the rights of persons with disabilities by facilitating access to educational opportunities. Article 8 of the bill significantly enhances Saudi Arabia’s adherence to Article 24 of the CRPD objectives regarding inclusive education. The report emphasizes Saudi Arabia’s dedication to the ongoing evaluation and enhancement of its legal frameworks to facilitate access to educational opportunities for disabled children and youth. Under Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030, the Kingdom has made significant strides in assisting those with disabilities, aligning with worldwide norms and its strategic goals. The research advises nations to intensify their initiatives for inclusive education by bolstering intersectoral collaboration, amplifying awareness activities, and cultivating relationships with international organizations. These measures will not only guarantee ongoing adherence to the CRPD but will also empower persons with disabilities to attain sustainable educational opportunities.

This paper aims to explore the issue of human actions in Islamic thought, focusing on the various stances regarding determinism, free will, and the intermediate position between them. This topic is linked to an ontological question: What are the limits of human responsibility for their actions? Our view is that the different positions on human actions reflect the presence of pluralism within Islamic thought, specifically through the discipline of Islamic theology (kalām). The difference in positions about the human actions within the science of theology expresses the vitality of Islamic thought and its appreciation of the right to differ between theological schools such as the Mu’tazila, Shi’a, and Sunnis, especially in an era dominated by the rationalism of Mu’tazila thought influenced by the methodology of Greek philosophical thought. This difference was recognized, especially in the third and fourth centuries AH/ninth and tenth centuries AD. We consider this difference in discussing the subject of the human actions as evidence of the principle of pluralism in Islam, which allows us to speak of the existence of a significant degree of intellectual tolerance, a subject that has not been studied to date. The prevailing view in studies today on this subject is that the theological groups accuse each other of unbelief, which is a mistaken position, because the saying of unbelief did not appear until after the fourth century AH/tenth century AD when transmission, reliability, and conservatism prevailed in Islamic thought. In addressing this issue, we examine three major stances on human actions as represented by three theological schools: The Mu’tazila (who advocated free will in human actions), the Jabriya (who advocated determinism in human actions), and the Ash’ariyya (who upheld the theory of acquisition). Once this is accomplished, we will explore the philosophy of pluralism in Islam through the lens of kalām. The most important conclusion we reached is that the debate on human actions opened, by the mid-4th century AH/10th century CE, an intellectual horizon that laid the foundations for pluralism in Islamic theological discussions. However, this horizon was soon closed due to various factors, which we have discussed throughout the paper.

The study’s goal is to evaluate how microfinance initiatives affect women’s empowerment in Bangladesh. For this study, we analyzed data on a variety of women’s empowerment-related issues, including both beneficial and detrimental elements that stand in the way of women’s empowerment. Therefore, in order to accomplish the specified goal, we choose a suitable and intentional methodology. We employ diverse data gathering approaches to examine the gathered data and achieve the primary goal of the research project. It presents the positive effects of microfinance on women, such as (1) the enhancement of women’s authority in financial affairs; and (2) the augmentation of their ability to make decisions in household; and (3) community matters following their participation in the microfinance program. This also provides an analysis of the data pertaining to the adverse effects of microfinance on women. It examines how women encounter various challenges and engage in unethical behaviors after obtaining a loan, leading to heightened levels of stress following their participation in the microfinance program. This study looks into the advantages and disadvantages of Grameen Bank’s microcredit program for women. A questionnaire gathered primary data for this study from women participating in the microfinance program in Gopalgonj. To collect information and comprehend respondent behavior, I used case study, analytical and descriptive study design. Regression analysis, correlation, and percentage are used to examine the data. The findings indicate that women’s decision-making skills have improved due to their financial stability, but they have also experienced increased life challenges and high levels of stress.