This study validates the Intercultural Competence and Inclusion in Education Scale (ICIES), a novel instrument designed to assess students’ perceptions of inclusivity and intercultural competence in multiethnic secondary schools. Using a sample of 276 high school students from Western Romania, the ICIES identified three dimensions: ethnic appreciation and support, intercultural engagement and integration, and school unity and cohesion. Exploratory factor analysis confirmed the scale’s structural validity, while network analysis revealed key interconnections among its components. Findings highlight the critical role of inclusive teaching strategies and school cohesion in fostering intercultural competence. The ICIES provides educators and policymakers with actionable insights for designing interventions that promote empathy, mutual respect, and a sense of belonging in diverse school settings. These results contribute to the development of educational policies aimed at fostering inclusion and addressing the needs of increasingly multicultural classrooms.

This research article explores the relationship between psychological well-being and satisfaction with life among young, athletically talented students educated through individualised programs. The primary objective is to assess whether a safe educational environment, emphasising psychological safety and individual support, positively impacts the general satisfaction and academic performance of these students. Using Ryff and Keyes’ Psychological Well-Being Scale and Diener’s Satisfaction with Life Scale, data were collected from 188 participants—Secondary and university students engaged in rigorous athletic training while completing their studies in the Czech Republic. Key findings reveal a strong correlation between self-acceptance, autonomy, coping with the environment, and enhanced satisfaction with life, indicating that well-being in young athletes is significantly influenced by psychological resilience, emotional support, and control over one’s educational journey. Research highlights that individually tailored learning environments, which provide flexibility for training and access to mental health support, contribute to a balanced development between academic and athletic goals. Additionally, the results suggest that a positive correlation within the educational environment, both with peers and instructors, further strengthens the satisfaction with life and reduces the risk of burnout. Implications underscore the need for educational institutions to adopt holistic approaches that support psychological well-being and accommodate the unique needs of athletically talented students. Recommendations include structured mentorship, flexibility in academic scheduling, and access to professional counselling. Future research should investigate the long-term impacts of such environments on academic and athletic success, considering factors such as social inclusion and the effects of digital education.

This comprehensive review examines recent innovations in green technology and their impact on environmental sustainability. The study analyzes advancements in renewable energy, sustainable transportation, waste management, and green building practices. To accomplish the specific objectives of the current study, the exploration was conducted using the PRISMA guidelines in major academic databases, such as Web of Science, Scopus, IEEE Xplore, and ScienceDirect. Through a systematic literature review with a research influence mapping technique, we identified key trends, challenges, and future directions in green technology. Our aggregate findings suggest that while significant progress has been made in reducing environmental impact, barriers such as high initial costs and technological limitations persist. Hence, for the well-being of societal communities, green technology innovations and practices should be adopted more widely. By investing in sustainable practices, communities can reduce environmental degradation, improve public health, and create resilient infrastructures that support both ecological and economic stability. Green technologies, such as renewable energy sources, eco-friendly construction, efficient waste management systems, and sustainable agriculture, not only mitigate pollution but also lower greenhouse gas emissions, thereby combating climate change. Finally, the paper concludes with recommendations for policymakers and industry leaders to foster the widespread adoption of green technologies.

Based on the resource-based view and institutional theory, this study investigates the impact of their environmental management capabilities and environmental, social, and governance (ESG) pressure on the non-financial performance of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). In particular, it examines the interaction effect of ESG pressures on the relationship between SMEs’ environmental management capabilities and non-financial performance. For this study, a total of 1865 SME lists were obtained through Jeonnam Techno Park and Jeonnam Small Business Job and Economy Promotion Agency. Based on this, a total of 127 questionnaires were returned as a result of a telephone, e-mail, and online survey, and finally, an empirical analysis was conducted based on 120 questionnaires. We conducted an empirical analysis of Korean SMEs and obtained the following results: First, environmental management capabilities have a significant, positive effect on SMEs’ non-financial performance. Second, ESG pressure has a significant, negative effect on the non-financial performance of SMEs. Next, we analyzed the moderating effect of ESG pressures and observed that ESG pressures strengthen the positive effect of environmental management capabilities on non-financial performance. Based on the resource-based perspective and institutional theory, this study provides meaningful academic implications by examining environmental management capabilities and ESG pressures, which have not been identified in previous studies, as factors of non-financial performance that are becoming important under the new management paradigm, such as climate change and ESG. Furthermore, while ESG pressure has a significant negative effect on non-financial performance, we find that it is a moderating variable that strengthens the relationship between SMEs’ environmental management capabilities and non-financial performance, which has useful academic and practical implications for ESG and strategic management.