Knowledge of the presence of heavy metals in soils of agricultural areas is important to prevent their accumulation in cultivated plants. The objective of the present investigation was to evaluate the total concentrations and fractions of heavy metals Cd, Pb, Zn, Fe, Mn, Ni, Cu, Cr and Co in the tobacco-growing area of Pinar del Río, Cuba and their relationship with the physicochemical properties of soil. For the study, 59 samples of three types of soils were collected at 20 cm depth. The pseudo-total concentrations of metals in the soils are low and lower than the prevention values registered for Cuban soils. In general, the heavy metals studied present a high affinity for the most stable fractions of the soil, which means a low risk of transfer to the tobacco crop or accumulation in groundwater. The pseudo-total concentrations of heavy metals were low, below the alert values established for soils in the region. The heavy metals studied were mainly associated with the residual fraction, the second fraction with the highest association with metals was that linked to manganese and iron oxides. The principal component analysis showed that their main source is pedogenetic and that these elements are closely related to cation exchange capacity and calcium content.

This study investigates how financial cognitive abilities influence individual investors’ intentions to engage in the stock market, particularly considering the mediating role of financial capability. It seeks to address the gaps in understanding the factors that drive investors’ participation in emerging markets like Pakistan, highlighting the importance of financial knowledge, financial planning, and financial satisfaction and financial capability. Data were collected from 377 individual investors through a self-administered questionnaire using a cross-sectional design and non-probability convenience sampling approach. Results reveal that financial knowledge affects investors’ intentions both directly and indirectly, with financial capability serving as a partial mediator. Financial planning influences intentions indirectly through complete mediation, while financial satisfaction affects intentions in both direct and indirect ways, with partial mediation. The study provides valuable insights for the researchers, individual investors, governmental officials, policymakers, and stock market regulators in context of emerging economies like Pakistan, highlighting key determinants of stock market participation.

The purpose of this study is to determine the impact of internal university social responsibility policies on the administrative personnel of a Colombian university. Under a non-probabilistic sampling method, the study collected information from 58 collaborators selected from a total of 92 working at the university. The information was collected through a structured questionnaire and evaluated using the generalized linear model. The results indicate that administrators perceive that university social responsibility policies have an adverse effect on the work environment. This is justified by the fact that the university’s actions are not oriented towards the welfare of its personnel. In conclusion, universities should concentrate enormous efforts on implementing strategies that foster the commitment of their collaborators, in order to generate a significant impact on their responsibility and motivation.

Financial markets have adopted measures aiming at strengthening insurance industry and digital financial assets. Efforts have also been made to strengthen the financial sector and expand lending opportunities in times of economic turmoil. The role of the central banks as a mega-regulator have played a crucial role in implementing coordinated policies and improving the stability of the financial sector. This review paper analyses 100 papers and proposes recommendations for policy makers. The results confirm the financial sector has shown positive performance indicators, and the capital market has become increasingly important along with non-credit financial institutions. However, the growing number of first-time investors in the capital market requires a renewed focus on consumer protection and financial literacy. In addition, the development of digital technologies has changed the landscape of financial services, forcing financial institutions to fight for continued customer loyalty.

The effective allocation of resources within police patrol departments is crucial for maintaining public safety and operational efficiency. Traditional methods often fail to account for uncertainties and variabilities in police operations, such as fluctuating crime rates and dynamic response requirements. This study introduces a fuzzy multi-state network (FMSN) model to evaluate the reliability of resource allocation in police patrol departments. The model captures the complexities and uncertainties of patrol operations using fuzzy logic, providing a nuanced assessment of system reliability. Virtual data were generated to simulate various patrol scenarios. The model’s performance was analyzed under different configurations and parameter settings. Results show that resource sharing and redundancy significantly enhance system reliability. Sensitivity analysis highlights critical factors affecting reliability, offering valuable insights for optimizing resource management strategies in police organizations. This research provides a robust framework for improving the effectiveness and efficiency of police patrol operations under conditions of uncertainty.

Adopting electric vehicles (E.V.) is crucial for promoting sustainable mobility in metropolitan areas such as Medan, Indonesia. To achieve this, it is essential to comprehend the factors that influence E.V. adoption, with a particular focus on the impact of media. This study examines the adoption of electric vehicles in Medan and evaluates the influence of the media on the public’s perception and policy decisions. Opinions, concerns, and recommendations surrounding electric vehicles were examined through surveys and interviews with 35 stakeholders, including students, lawmakers, industry experts, business owners, and media professionals. The findings indicate a strong knowledge and favorable perception of electric vehicles in Medan. However, there are worries regarding the expenses associated with E.V.s and the availability of charging infrastructure. Notably, 60% of the respondents identified media as their primary source of information, highlighting its significant influence. Encouraging cooperation between media, professionals, and stakeholders is advisable to achieve accurate and balanced reporting. This can be done by employing techniques like showcasing success stories and emphasizing the environmental advantages to encourage acceptance and implementation. This study provides valuable insights into improving the adoption of electric vehicles in Medan. It emphasizes the significance of implementing effective media strategies and supportive policies to achieve sustainable transportation solutions.