This study investigates the impact of the metaverse on English language teaching, focusing on the perspectives of students from the University of Boyacá. The use of the metaverse was compared with the Moodle platform in a virtual educational environment. A mixed-method approach combining quantitative and qualitative methods was employed. The sample consisted of 30 university students enrolled in English courses, randomly assigned to two groups: one using the metaverse and the other using Moodle. Students’ grades on different activities and assessments throughout the course were collected, and semi-structured interviews were conducted to explore students’ perceptions of the educational platforms. Results revealed that while students recognize the potential of the metaverse to enhance interactivity and learning experience, they also identified technical and accessibility challenges. Although no significant differences in grades were found between the groups, less variability in grades was observed in the metaverse group. The mixed design allowed for a more comprehensive understanding of the impact of the metaverse on English language teaching, while providing a variety of student perspectives on their experience with educational technology. This research contributes to understanding the role of the metaverse in English language teaching and highlights key areas for future research and developments in the field of virtual education.

Border areas can play a crucial role in market integration and infrastructure development between Central Asian countries, thus creating favorable economic growth and regional cooperation conditions. This study aims to assess the economic impact of border areas between Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan, focusing on their role in enhancing market integration and infrastructure development to foster regional growth and cooperation.  Focusing on labor and capital as essential production drivers, this study employs a sophisticated panel data regression model to explore the Cobb-Douglas production function’s application in these border territories. The research findings indicate that regions’ elasticity towards capital and labor inputs vary, necessitating differentiated economic strategies. For capital-intensive areas, we recommend prioritizing investments in infrastructure and technology to boost production outputs. Conversely, in regions where labor significantly influences production, the emphasis should be on human capital development through education, training, and improved labor market conditions. The study’s insights into the evolving trade relations between the two countries underscore the need for flexible economic policies to enhance regional integration and cooperation. This research not only fills a crucial knowledge gap but also offers a blueprint for leveraging the diverse economic landscapes of Central Asia’s border areas in future policy-making and regional economic strategy.

This study evaluates the effectiveness of measures aimed at reducing traffic violations, specifically focusing on wrong-way driving, at intersections in Loja, Ecuador. The high incidence of accidents at these intersections, often resulting from wrong-way driving and non-compliance with traffic regulations, underscores the critical need for effective strategies to enhance road safety. To address this issue, we adopted a multidisciplinary approach to assess the impact of two specific interventions: the implementation of official warnings and the presence of traffic officers at a selected intersection. Data collection involved recording instances of traffic violations, administering road safety surveys, and monitoring the implementation of these interventions. The post-implementation analysis sought to determine the effect of these measures on driver behavior and overall traffic safety. Our findings indicate that while the interventions succeeded in increasing awareness about traffic violations, they did not produce a significant reduction in undesirable driving behaviors. This suggests that, although the presence of warnings and traffic officers is beneficial in raising awareness, these measures alone may not be sufficient to effect substantial behavioral changes. The research provides valuable insights for the development of more comprehensive road safety strategies and emphasizes the need for further studies to explore and address the underlying causes of traffic violations.

Despite many investigations concerning antecedents of organizational commitment in the workplace, very few studies so far have analyzed the direct or indirect impact of HR change leadership role on organizational commitment via HR attribution. Therefore, given the reciprocal principle of social exchange theory, attribution theory and signal theory, this study formulated hypotheses and a model to test the relationships between included variables by employing the mixed-method approach. In-depth interviews were initially conducted to develop questionnaires to collect quantitative data. Employing PLS-SEM to analyze the data collected from 1058 employees working in 24 sustainable enterprises in Vietnam, the findings show that the degree of adopting HR change leadership role was positive, directly affecting organizational commitment. Also, both well-being and performance HR attribution play partially mediated roles in the relationship. The findings suggest that the organizational commitment depends on not only how the degree of adopting HR change leadership role is executed, but also how employees perceive and interpret the underlying management intent of these practices. In a sustainable context, adopting HR change leadership role plays a critical role in shaping employees’ interpretations of sustainable HR practices and their subsequent attributions. Besides, employees’ belief on why are sustainable HRM practices implemented has an influence on the organizational commitment that in turn contributes to the overall sustainable performance.

Urban facilities and services are essential to human life. Access to them varies according to the geographical location of the population, whether urban, peri-urban or rural, and according to the modes of transport available. In view of the rapid development of peri-urban areas in developing countries, questions are being asked about the ability of the inhabitants of these areas to access these facilities and services. This study examines the ability of the inhabitants of Hêvié, Ouèdo and Togba, three peri-urban districts of Abomey-Calavi in the Republic of Benin, to access commercial, educational, school and health facilities. To this end, we have adopted a GIS-based methodology. It is a combination of isochronal method and accessibility utility measurement. The isochrones were produced according to the main modes of travel recorded on the study area and over a time t ≤ 20 min divided into intervals of 05 min. Analysis of the data enabled us to understand that the main modes of travel adopted by residents are walking, motorcycle and car. Access to educational and health facilities is conditioned by the mode of travel used. Access to commercial and entertainment facilities in t ≤ 20 min is not correlated with the modes of transport used.

The aim of the study is to identify the requirements for qualifying administrative leaders and the challenges they face at King Khalid University, in light of the general framework of the Human Capacities Development Program, which includes four dimensions (values and behaviours-basic skills-future skills-knowledge). A descriptive approach was used, and the study population consisted of academic leaders at King Khalid University, totalling (107). A questionnaire was used as a research tool, comprising three axes and (53) statements to collect data after ensuring their validity and reliability. The results showed the agreement of the study population on the axis of requirements for qualifying administrative leaders at King Khalid University to a very high degree, with an average score of (4.44), and their agreement on the challenges facing the qualification of administrative leaders at King Khalid University to a very high degree, with an average score of (4.11), and their agreement on the mechanisms for qualifying administrative leaders at King Khalid University to a very high degree, with an average score of (4.29). The results also showed no statistically significant differences at the significance level (0.05) between the means of responses of the study population on the requirements, challenges, and mechanisms for qualifying administrative leaders according to variables (gender-academic qualification—experience in the current job). In light of the study results, a proposed strategy was developed, and recommendations were made, including adopting the proposed strategy and governing the programs for qualifying administrative leaders at King Khalid University to ensure transparency, fairness, and accountability at all stages from nomination, preparation, and evaluation, in addition to considering the university’s strategic plan when designing programs for qualifying administrative leaders to adopt the values embraced by the administration and build leaders who contribute to achieving its vision and mission in the long term.