This paper revisits the analysis on the effect of cross-cultural awareness and self-efficacy, which are both significant constructs in today’s globalized world. People are expected to have both a high level of self-efficacy and a strong sense of cross-cultural awareness due to the growing frequency of cross-cultural interactions. For fields like education, psychology, and cross-cultural communication, it can be very crucial to comprehend how cross-cultural awareness affects self-efficacy. 60 relevant articles were found after a thorough assessment of the literature on the subject using thematic analysis of the CNKI and Google Scholar databases. Ten major themes were found in the review: 1) the cultivation of cross-cultural awareness, 2) the current situation of students’ cross-cultural awareness, 3) the importance of cross-cultural awareness, 4) the relationship between self-efficacy and academic achievement, 5) the relationship between learning self-efficacy and influencing factors, 6) the relationship between cross-cultural awareness and self-efficacy, 7) the relationship between self-efficacy and cross-cultural adaptation, 8) cultural factors affecting learning self-efficacy, 9) the effect of social environment on individual self-efficacy, and 10) the relationship between cultural expectations and self-efficacy. The findings of this review demonstrate how crucial cross-cultural understanding is to the growth of self-efficacy. The design of educational and training programs aiming at boosting cross-cultural knowledge and self-efficacy will also be significantly impacted by this review.

This article delves into the controversial practice of utilizing a student’s first language (L1) as a teaching resource in second language (L2) learning environments. Initially, strategies such as code-switching/code-mixing and translanguaging were considered signs of poor linguistic ability. There was a strong push towards using only the target language in foreign language education, aiming to limit the first language’s interference and foster a deeper immersion in the new language. However, later research has shown the benefits of incorporating the first language in bilingual education and language learning processes. It’s argued that a student’s knowledge in their native language can actually support their comprehension of a second language, suggesting that transferring certain linguistic or conceptual knowledge from L1 to L2 can be advantageous. This perspective encourages the strategic use of this knowledge transfer in teaching methods. Moreover, the text points to positive results from various studies on the positive impact of L1 usage in L2 classrooms. These insights pave the way for further exploration into the application of the first language in adult English as a Second Language (ESL)/English as a Foreign Language (EFL) education, particularly regarding providing corrective feedback.

Due to the bounded rationality of decision-makers and the substitution effect of non-green products, retailers are not always profitable when selling green products. To assist retailers who may be disadvantaged in the game, this study constructs a two-stage green supply chain game model, considering the bounded rationality of decision-makers and the substitution effect of non-green products, and analyzes the impacts of two operational strategies that retailers can adopt—price-cutting strategy and early replenishment strategy. The research reveals that retailers tend to lower prices in the second stage when price reductions stimulate consumer purchases, enhancing their profitability. However, strategic retailers may raise prices in the first stage to create room for discounts later, potentially harming consumer interests. Contrary to expectations, anticipating future demand does not always improve supply chain profitability in the early replenishment strategy, which mainly depends on the market environment. Early replenishment deprives retailers of negotiation leverage in the second stage, and bulk orders may lead manufacturers to over-invest in green innovation. Therefore, this strategy is effective only when green innovation costs are low, consumer environmental awareness is high, or price sensitivity is low.

The article discusses the interrelationships of the loxodrome or rhumb line, isometric latitude, and the Mercator projection of the rotational ellipsoid. It is shown that by applying the isometric latitude, a very simple equation of the rhumb line on the ellipsoid is obtained. The consequence of this is that the isometric latitude can be defined using the generalized geodetic longitude and not only using the geodetic latitude, as was usual until now. Since the image of the rhumb line in the plane of the Mercator projection is a straight line, the isometric latitude can also be defined using this projection. Finally, a new definition of the normal aspect of the Mercator projection of the ellipsoid is given. It is a normal aspect cylindrical projection in which the images of the rhumb line on the ellipsoid are straight lines in the plane of projection that, together with the images of the meridians in the projection, form equal angles as the rhumb line forms with the meridians on the ellipsoid. The article provides essential knowledge to all those who are interested in the use of maps in navigation. It will be useful for teachers and students studying cartography and GIS, maritime, or applied mathematics. The author uses mathematical methods, especially differential geometry. The assumption is that the readers are no strangers to mathematical cartography.

This systematic literature review (SLR) delves into the realm of Artificial Intelligence (AI)-powered virtual influencers (VIs) in social media, examining trust factors, engagement strategies, VI efficacy compared to human influencers, ethical considerations, and future trends. Analyzing 60 academic articles from 2012 to 2024, drawn from reputable databases, the study applies specific inclusion and exclusion criteria. Both automated and manual searches ensure a comprehensive review. Findings reveal a surge in VI research post-2012, primarily in journals, with quantitative methods prevailing. Geographically, research focuses on Europe, Asia Pacific, and North America, indicating gaps in representation from other regions. Key themes highlight trust and engagement’s critical role in VI marketing, navigating the balance between consistency and authenticity. Challenges persist regarding artificiality and accountability, managed through brand alignment and transparent communication. VIs offers advantages, including control and cost efficiencies, yet grapple with authenticity issues, addressed through human-like features. Ethically, VI emergence demands stringent guidelines and industry cooperation to safeguard consumer well-being. Looking ahead, VIs promises transformative storytelling, necessitating vigilance in ethical considerations. This study advocates for continued scholarly inquiry and industry reflection to navigate VI marketing evolution responsibly, shaping the future influencer marketing landscape.