Improving the competitiveness of tourism destinations is crucial for driving local economies and achieving income growth. In light of this evidence, numerous government departments strive to assess specific factors that impact the competitiveness of tourism destinations, enabling them to issue appropriate new tourism policies that promote more effective forms of tourism business. Therefore, the primary objective of this paper is to investigate how various elements such as tourism resources, tourism support, tourism management, location conditions, and tourism demand influence regional competitiveness in the Northern Bay region of Guangxi Province in China. To accomplish this goal, an online survey was conducted to collect data from 420 visitors who had experienced North Gulf Tourism; yielding an impressive response rate of 95 percent. The findings reveal that all aforementioned factors—namely: Tourism resources, tourism support, tourism management, location conditions and tourist demand—significantly impact destination competitiveness. Notably though, it was found that among these factors influencing destination competitiveness; it is primarily determined by effective local-level management (β = 0.345). Following closely behind are tourist demand (β = 0.133) as the second most influential factor affecting destination competitiveness; followed by location conditions (β = 0.116) ranking third; then comes tourist support (β = 0.03) as fourth in line impacting destination competitiveness; finally with least impact being exerted by available tourist resources (β = 0.016). Consequently, highlighting that regional competitiveness within Guangxi’s Northern Bay area predominantly hinges on efficient local-level management practices thus strongly recommending relevant authorities formulate novel work policies aimed at enhancing levels of local-level competitive advantage within the realm of regional touristic offerings.

The journey towards better healthcare sustainability in Asian nations demands a comprehensive investigation into the impact of urban governance, poverty, and female literacy on infant mortality rates. This study undertakes a rigorous exploration of these key factors to pave the way for evidence-based policy interventions, utilizing data from a panel of six selected Asian countries: Pakistan, China, India, Indonesia, Malaysia, and the Philippines, spanning the years 2001 to 2020. The findings reveal that adequate sanitation facilities, higher female literacy rates, and sustained economic growth contribute to a reduction in infant mortality. Conversely, increased poverty levels and limited women’s autonomy exacerbate the infant mortality rates observed in these countries. The Granger causality analysis validates the reciprocal relationship between urban sanitation (and poverty) and infant mortality rates. Furthermore, the study establishes a causal relationship where female literacy rates Granger-cause infant mortality rates, and conversely, infant mortality rates Granger-cause women’s autonomy in these countries. The variance decomposition analysis indicates that sustained economic growth, improved female literacy rates, and enhanced women’s empowerment will likely impact infant mortality rates in the coming decade. Consequently, in low-income regions where numerous children face potentially hazardous circumstances, it is imperative to allocate resources towards establishing and maintaining accessible fundamental knowledge regarding sanitation services, as this will aid in reducing infant mortality rates.

In Ecuador, although regulations on curricular adaptations are clearly defined, Physical Education teachers face challenges at the micro-curricular level in adapting their classes to meet the needs of students with disabilities, specific learning difficulties, and vulnerable situations. The objective of this study was to analyze the presence and characteristics of specific curricular adaptations for Physical Education on a global scale. A scoping review was conducted following the PRISMA-ScR guidelines, covering studies from the Scopus database. A total of 112 articles were identified, and 16 that met the inclusion criteria were selected. These studies addressed curricular adaptations in Physical Education across five dimensions: teaching methodology, inclusive assessment, access to resources, accessible environments, and learning content, with a focus on students with disabilities. It was concluded that the combination of access adaptations, methodological strategies, and curricular content modifications enhances the inclusion and participation of students with disabilities. Interventions with these simultaneous adaptations achieved levels of satisfaction, self-efficacy, and holistic development, influenced by the geographical and cultural context.

This study aims to structure guidelines for an intervention model from the perspective of Integral Project Management to improve the competitiveness level of cacao associations in south region of Colombia. The research followed a mixed-method approach with a non-experimental cross-sectional design and a descriptive scope. The study employed a stage-based analytical framework which included: identifying the factors influencing the competitiveness of the cacao sector; grouping these factors under the six primary determinants of competitiveness with reference to Porter’s Diamond Model; and proposing guidelines for an intervention model to enhance the competitiveness of the studied associations through project management. The first stage was conducted via literature review. The second stage involved primary data collected through surveys and interviews with the associations, members, and cacao sector experts in Huila. The third stage entailed grouping the factors within the main determinants that promote and limit the competitiveness of the cacao sector in the context of Porter’s Diamond Model. Based on the analysis of the corresponding restrictive and promoting factors, strategic recommendations were formulated for the various sector stakeholders on the measures that can be adopted to address restrictive factors and maintain promoting factors to enhance and sustain the sector's competitiveness.

The sustainable development of Madeira Island necessitates the implementation of more precise and targeted planning strategies to address its regional challenges. Given the urgency of this issue within the context of sustainability, planning approaches must be grounded in and reinforced by a comprehensive array of thematic studies to fully grasp the complexities involved. This research leverages Geographic Information Systems (GIS) to analyze land use and occupancy patterns and their evolution within the municipality of Machico on Madeira Island. The study provides a nuanced perspective on the urban structure’s stagnation in the region, while concurrently highlighting the dynamic shifts in agricultural practices. Furthermore, it elucidates the transformation of predominant native vegetation within the municipality from 1990 to 2018. Notably, the research underscores the alarming decline in native vegetation due to anthropogenic activities, emphasizing the need for more rigorous monitoring by regional authorities to safeguard and preserve these valuable landscapes, habitats, and ecosystems.

This study explored the relationship between Chinese graduate students’ English language proficiency (ELP) and intercultural communicative competence (ICC). With the acceleration of globalization, an increasing number of Chinese students choose to study abroad, making it crucial to enhance their intercultural communication ability and language skills. However, China’s exam-oriented education system to some extent limits students’ holistic development and poses challenges for them in intercultural exchange. A quantitative survey method was employed, collecting questionnaire data from 249 Chinese English-major graduate students to analyze the relationship between their English ability and intercultural competence. The results indicated a certain positive correlation between English proficiency and intercultural competence but also pointed to the need for further unpacking of complexity and influencing factors. Future research with more robust methodology is still warranted to provide deeper insights into the linkage between the two constructs in the Chinese graduate context.