The emergence of the COVID-19 pandemic led to the need to move educational processes to virtual environments and increase the use of digital tools for different teaching uses. This led to a change in the habits of using information and communication technologies (ICT), especially in higher education. This work analyzes the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the frequency of use of different ICT tools in a sample of 950 Latin American university professors while focusing on the area of knowledge of the participating professors. To this end, a validated questionnaire has been used, the responses of which have been statistically analyzed. As a result, it has been proven that participants give high ratings to ICT but show insufficient digital competences for its use. The use of ICT tools has increased in all areas after the pandemic but in a diverse way. Differences have been identified in the areas of knowledge regarding the use of ICT for different uses before the pandemic. In this sense, the results suggest that Humanities professors are the ones who least use ICT for didactic purposes. On the other hand, after the pandemic, the use of ICT for communication purposes has been homogenized among the different knowledge areas.

This inquiry endeavors to meticulously examine the intricate dynamics of the symbiotic developmental interplay among the gaming, tourism, and economic sectors in Macau. Utilizing the methodology of deviation standardization, the data undergoes scrupulous processing, invoking the entropy method to ascertain the weights of diverse evaluative indices. The developmental trajectories of Macau’s gaming, tourism, and economic domains spanning the years 2011 to 2021 are fastidiously gauged. Subsequently, a sophisticated coupled coordination model is employed to delve into the nuanced systemic interdependencies characterizing their developmental relationships. From 2011 to 2021, the holistic progression of Macao’s gaming and tourism sectors has exhibited a discernible ascent over the temporal continuum. Concurrently, the degree of coupling coordination has advanced from a state of near coordination to a commendable level of synchronized development. The overarching system of Macau’s gaming and tourism industries has transitioned from a state of disarray to one of ordered harmony, with the correlative impact of Macau’s tourism sector being adeptly realized. The supporting role played by Macau’s gaming industry in fortifying the tourism sector is conspicuously manifest. The alignment and coordination between Macau’s gaming and tourism sectors exhibit fluctuations across distinct developmental stages. During phases of nascent development in both the gaming and tourism domains, a palpable imbalance prevails. Elements such as the proliferation of gaming enterprises, international tourism revenue, aggregate output value of gaming establishments, market share held by gaming enterprises, and the profit margins thereof have, to a certain extent, impinged upon the harmonized evolution of the tripartite subsystems. This study proffers recommendations to foster the optimization and elevation of the industrial structure while championing the integration and advancement of diverse sectors. It advocates for the amplification of the propulsive impetus intrinsic to the gaming industry, coupled with the enrichment of the tourism product portfolio. Furthermore, it espouses the establishment of an effective mechanism for high-quality development, tailored to the exigencies of the contemporary era. This involves the implementation of precise policies, the facilitation of amalgamated progress in gaming and tourism, and an unwavering commitment to sustainable development through the interconnected alignment of gaming, tourism, and the broader economy. The findings of this study furnish a scientific foundation for the strategic industrial planning and developmental initiatives undertaken by relevant departments in Macau.

The fear of ghosts is a common thing that can be managed as a social condition that turns out to have an impact on the continuity of forest maintenance. Applying a qualitative approach supported by in-depth interview methods, observation, and literature study. This research does not attempt to prove the existence of ghosts or discuss the psychological conditions of people who fear ghosts. The main finding of this research is the reality of the reproduction of stories and experiences of fear of ghosts, as well as the implementation of traditions or rituals related to community activities in the forest. Stories of fear of ghosts with various forms and versions of naming not only enrich the cultural life of the community but also encourage social conditioning in the form of togetherness to agree on the fear of ghosts as a means of creating a social system in order to carry out activities in the forest. The social system is identified in the form of pamali traditions or things that should not be done in the forest, balian rituals to eliminate or treat ghost disturbances, and besoyong rituals to utilize forest products, which then have an impact on the awareness to respect the continuity of these rituals and tradition. So, even though the fear of ghosts can be overcome psychologically and disappear quickly, the reality of respect for the social system related to the forest can still survive. In addition, ghost stories’ reproduction continues to be rolled out and adapted to the times. In turn, ghosts and forest rituals continue to be conditioned into a social system that has implications for forest conservation.

The urgency of ecological problems has become increasingly complex, so responses from diverse parties are needed, including in the context of ecological citizenship. The general hypothesis proposed in this research is that the problem of climate change has an influence on the high level of attention of the global community, including academics, to environmental issues related to the active role of citizens demanding environmental justice and sustainable development. This study aims to explore globally published documents to provide an in-depth discussion concerning ecological citizenship. Bibliometric analysis was employed from the Scopus database. The main findings confirm the significant contribution of ecological citizenship in shaping global understanding of the role of individuals in maintaining environmental sustainability. The research theme mapping shows the diversity of issues that have been explored, with particular emphasis on environmental education and social justice, providing a basis for recommendations for future research. In particular, environmental education has been recognized as a critical element in shaping society’s understanding of environmental issues, while social justice underscores the importance of fair distribution and critical analysis of inequality in social and ecological contexts. Future research recommendations include the exploration of effective strategies in promoting the concept of ecological citizenship, developing a holistic environmental education curriculum, and more active research in the context of social justice in various regions, including Asia. This bibliometric analysis is expected to contribute substantially to formulating policies and practical actions that support the vision of inclusive ecological citizenship, which positively impacts overcoming global environmental challenges.

Local community members play a critical role in the success of conservation projects, which in turn have the potential to influence the perceptions of local people. Relationships matter when it comes to sustainable long-term conservation and community well-being. The study aims to establish the relationship between local communities and wildlife conservation organizations in the context of Phinda Private Game Reserve and the Mnqobokazi community, located in South Africa. Data was collected using the qualitative methods of interviews and focus group discussions. The findings show that a symbiotic relationship between conservation organizations and local community members is critical in conserving the environment. The research indicates that both participation and benefits result in improved perceptions towards the protected area and a strong positive relationship. The accrual of benefits also appears to result in pro-environmental consciousness amongst community members. Several existing studies examine participation or benefit-sharing in community-based tourism in developing nations. However, less is known about the relationships between local communities and conservation organizations and the effect of participation and beneficiation on these relationships. This research narrows this gap in the body of knowledge by qualitatively examining a single case study. The findings add value to global collaborative efforts aimed at achieving positive relationships between communities and conservation management.

Hate speech in higher education institutions is a pressing issue that threatens democratic values and social cohesion. This research explores student perspectives on hate speech within the university setting, examining its forms, causes, and impacts on democratic principles such as freedom of expression and inclusivity. This research is extended to determine the debates and theories elaborated from different perspectives qualitative and quantitative analysis of data collected from 108 participants at Higher Education in Kosovo. From the communication standpoint, analyzing hate speech in the media and social media is key to understanding the type of message used, its emitter, how the message rallies supporters, and how they interpret message. The findings highlight the need for proactive policies and educational interventions to mitigate Research on hate speech in higher education in Kosovo is crucial for fostering social cohesion and inclusivity in its diverse society. Hate speech undermines the academic environment, negatively affecting students' mental health, learning outcomes, and overall well-being, necessitating efforts to create safer educational spaces. The study aligns with Kosovo's aspirations for European integration, emphasizing adherence to human rights and anti-discrimination principles. Despite the issue's significance, there is a lack of empirical data on hate speech in Kosovo's higher education, making this research vital for evidence-based policymaking. With a youth-centric focus, the study aims to educate and empower young people as future leaders to embrace respect and inclusivity. By addressing hate speech's local challenges and global relevance, the research supports institutional reforms and offers valuable insights for post-conflict and multicultural societies. Hate speech while fostering a culture of mutual respect and democratic engagement.