The use of firearms, their frequency, and legitimacy through self-defence and extreme necessity are socially relevant in Czechia and Slovakia. Legal firearm ownership for defence purposes impacts overall social security, influenced by factors like firearm legislation, cultural traditions, legal awareness, and violent crime rates. Understanding this issue requires considering subjective interpretations, even among security experts. This paper explores the theoretical foundations of self-defence and extreme necessity from criminal law, alongside practical implications supported by police statistics on violent crimes involving firearms in Czechia and Slovakia. It also includes a comparison with selected EU countries. The authors’ research uses a questionnaire to assess attitudes towards choosing defensive firearms, preparation for firearms licensure, and potential support for state security forces. The findings provide insights into legal firearm owners’ behaviours and attitudes toward defence and security. The study aims to contribute to a deeper understanding of firearm use for self-defence, correlating training, weapon preferences, and willingness to enhance state security.

Under the background of economic globalization and the rapid development of science and technology, the development of higher education (HE) has undergone profound changes. Nowadays, in order to increase the international competitiveness, training international talents has become the primary task of universities and HE institutions. Therefore, taking Shenzhen as an example, the research takes quantitative method to study how the educational resources in the society affect the school from a macro perspective, and the micro perspective of students, teachers and schools, studying the impact on the development of universities. Through in-depth analysis of the integration of educational resources, the results show that multilingual library resource, and other three factors followed, are critical factors in the development of HE. And then, this study puts forward corresponding countermeasures and suggestions after discussion, aiming to provide strategic insights to enhance the quality and international competitiveness of HE in the GBA, especially in the construction of multilingual library resources (MLR), international exchange platform (IEP), sufficient and diverse laboratory facilities (SDLF), and rich academic resources (RAR). Thus, the research narrows the gap in this field to some extent.

“This paper’s purpose l is to determine whether certain firm-specific factors have an influence on the catering theory of dividend in the MENA region.” The catering theory of dividend related to the dividend policy by the different companies used in our paper to explain the decision by managers. The sample includes 600 non-financial firms listed stocks in the Stock Exchange of 6 countries from MENA region during the years 2010–2019. Catering theory explains why managers initiate (continue) to distribute dividends. A high dividend premium encourages managers to increase the level of dividend payment and explains why firms pay dividends or do not pay them thereafter. Investors should increase their demand for dividends to push managers to comply. Investors show their preference for dividend to self control, satisfaction and increase their profit. “This could be the catering incentive of the firm to decide to pay dividends”. Even although the result Investor preference for dividend is explained by different factors related to the firms characteristics from each firms is different from markets, it can be the evidence supporting the catering theory of dividend, not only in well-developed markets, but also in emerging markets such as our country.

The performance of Public Enterprises (PEs) in Namibia has been a long and contentious issue, clamored by continuous bailouts in the face of constant poor performance. The trend of financial bailouts to PEs in Namibia over the years has attracted increased attention into the dynamics of poor PE performance and their fiscal burden on the state. The Namibian government has taken active steps in cutting on PE bailouts and demanding improved performance or face closure. By looking at recent developments in the governance of PEs in Namibia, the purpose and objective of the current study is to analyze whether the current stance and trajectory of government decisions spells a post-honeymoon period in which poor performing PEs will ‘wither and survive or die’ if they do not improve their sustainability index by not relying on financial bailouts. This analysis is aided by the insights provided by the stakeholder, institutional and principal-agent theories. Through the qualitative research method, this study finds that the Namibian government has taken a new attitude and approach in which it will no longer blindly accept and tolerate the poor performance of PEs through continuous bailouts as seen in the past. PEs that are withering will now either survive (through reforms) or die (through liquidation or dissolution).

The increasing demand for electricity and the need to reduce carbon emissions have made optimizing energy usage and promoting sustainability critical in the modern economy. This research paper explores the design and implementation of an Intelligent-Electricity Consumption and Billing Information System (IEBCIS), focusing on its role in addressing electricity sustainability challenges. Using the Design Science Research (DSR) methodology, the system’s architecture collects, analyses, and visualizes electricity usage data, providing users with valuable insights into their consumption patterns. The research involved developing and validating the IEBCIS prototype, with results demonstrating enhanced real-time monitoring, load shedding schedules, and billing information. These results were validated through user testing and feedback, contributing to the scientific knowledge of intelligent energy management systems. The contributions of this research include the development of a framework for intelligent energy management and the integration of data-driven insights to optimize electricity consumption, reduce costs, and promote sustainable energy use. This research was conducted over a time scope of two years (24 months) and entails design, development, pilot test implementation and validation phases.

Incest is one of the most serious forms of sexual abuse that occurs between a father and his daughter. It involves a parent committing something forbidden to their own child, which violates moral standards. This incestuous relationship has a significant impact on the survivors’ psychology, body, and emotions, affecting all aspects of their lives. This study explores the long-term effects experienced by individuals in Malaysia who have survived father-daughter incest (FDI). This study conducted in-depth interviews with 11 key persons from several agencies involved in handling FDI cases in Malaysia. The findings reveal that those who experienced FDI frequently suffered long-term issues. It is important for everyone involved in assisting these individuals. This is aligned with the global Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly Goal 3, which emphasises the value of good health and well-being for all. It also aligns with Malaysia’s MADANI concept, which emphasises protecting and promoting everyone’s human rights. FDI survivors can receive the protection and assistance they require to live healthier and more successful lives by implementing an effective strategy that includes mental health support, powerful laws, and community education.