Open-source software (OSS) has emerged as a transformative tool whose implementation has the potential to modernise many libraries around the world in the digital age. OSS is a type of software which permits its users to inspect, share, modify, and enhance through its freely accessed source code. The accessibility and openness of the source code permits users to manipulate, change, and improve the way in which a piece of software, program, or application works. OSS solutions therefore provide cost-effective alternatives that enable libraries to enhance their technological infrastructure without being constrained by proprietary systems. Hence, many countries have initiated and formulated policies and legislative frameworks to support the implementation and use of OSS library solutions such as DSpace, Alfresco, and Greenstone. The purpose of the study reported on was to investigate the leveraging of OSS to modernise public libraries in South Africa. Content analysis was adopted as the research methodology for this qualitative study, which was based on a literature review integrating insights from the researchers’ experiences with the use of OSS in libraries The findings of the study reveal that the use of OSS has the potential to modernise public libraries, especially those located outside cities or urban areas. These libraries are often less well equipped with the necessary technology infrastructure to meet the demands of the digital age, such as online books and open access materials. The study culminated in an OSS framework that may be implemented to modernise public libraries. This framework may help public libraries to integrate OSS solutions and further allow users access to digital services.

This research aims to investigate the impact of knowledge-based human resource management (KBHRM) practices on organizational performance through the mediating role of quality and quantity of knowledge worker productivity (QQKWP). The data were collected from 325 employees working in different private universities of Pakistan by using convenience and purposive sampling techniques. The quantitative research technique was used to perform analysis on WarpPLS software. The result revealed that only knowledge-based recruiting practices have a positive and significant direct effect on organizational performance. While knowledge-based performance appraisal practices, training and development practices and compensation practices all were insignificant in this regard. However, through mediator QQKWP, the knowledge-based recruiting practices (KBRP), knowledge-based training and development (KBTD), and knowledge-based compensation practices (KBCP) all were positively and significantly influencing organizational performance but only knowledge-based performance appraisal (KBPA) was insignificant in this mediating relationship. Lastly, the current study provides useful insights into the knowledge management (KM) literature in the context of private higher educational institutes of developing countries like Pakistan. The future studies should consider the impact of KBHRM practices on knowledge workers’ productivity and firms’ performances in the context of public universities.

Potassium is an essential macronutrient for living creatures on earth and in plants, it plays a very significant role in determining the overall health of the plants. Although potassium is present in the soil, it is present in a form that is inaccessible to the plants, and hence synthetic harmful non-eco-friendly potassium fertilizers are used. To overcome this problem, the use of eco-friendly potassium-solubilizing bacteria comes into play. The goal of the present study was to assess the potassium-solubilizing bacteria that inhabit the farm rhizosphere, which demonstrate the presence of enzymes associated with plant growth promotion and antagonistic properties. A total of thirty-four isolates were isolated from the rhizosphere. All these isolates were subjected to a potassium solubilization test on Aleksandrov agar medium, out of which fourteen were found to possess potassium solubilizing ability. On the basis of the 16S rRNA gene sequencing, the most potential potassium-solubilizing bacterium was identified as Proteus mirabilis PSCR17. The plant growth promoting abilities and production of biocontrol enzymes of this isolate were evaluated, and the results indicated, in addition to potassium solubilization, the isolate was positive for indole acetic acid production, hydrogen cyanide production, amylase, catalase, cellulase, chitinase, and protease. The use of potassium fertilizers is harmful to the environment and ecosystem; hence, this study concludes that P. mirabilis PSCR17 can be used as a substitute for chemical potassium fertilizers to improve the growth and biocontrol traits of the plants in a sustainable manner after further research.

The study aims to investigate and analyse the social media, precisely the Instagram activity of several hotels in the city of Yogyakarta, Indonesia. Having been the second most popular destination besides Bali, it is mainly dominated by domestic tourism. Although several governmental institutions exist, the study focuses on the hotel’s activity only. The main purpose was to find, that after the classification of the posts, whether there is a more positive effect of one as opposed to the other type of posts. In addition, it was also important to see if with the time advancing positive effect of likes and comments appear and the relation of hashtags, likes and comments. Data was collected between 1st of January 2023. and 15th of July 2024. The first step was to collect posts done by the suppliers and then the posts were classified. Also, the number of hashtags used were collected. Second step was to collect the response from the demand side by gathering their likes and comments. Data then was analysed with SPSS 24 and JASP program. Results show that while there is no significance on increasing likes and comments with the months advancing, but in terms of the type of the posts there is. Promotional posts with other suppliers tend to bring a lot more comments and likes than self-promotional posts. This study’s main purpose to analyse through social media posts to enhance online networking by local suppliers promoting each other’s products.

This research analyses the effects of openness, telecommunications, and institutional nexus on economic growth in African countries using a panel model with data from 16 landlocked countries from 1996 to 2021 and employing the pooled mean group estimation technique that mitigates bias from country heterogeneity and discerning short-term and long-term equilibrium dynamics and two-step system-generalized method of moments (GMM) estimation for robustness check. The empirical findings indicate that openness exerts a significantly positive effect on economic growth in the models. This supports the neoclassical model, suggesting that being landlocked should not impede economic growth, but rather, growth should depend on opportunities available to each country. However, institutions and telecommunications show a mixed correlation with economic growth. These findings can guide landlocked developing countries in enhancing their exports and fostering skill acquisition to attract advanced technology. In conclusion, policymakers should improve macroeconomic policies, telecommunications infrastructure, and institutional structure to strengthen the sustainability of economic growth in African landlocked countries.

The rise of Internet technology has transformed consumer shopping behaviors, offering convenience and a wide range of options, making online shopping increasingly popular. In Saudi Arabia, this trend has grown significantly due to higher internet penetration, technological advancements, and shifting consumer preferences. However, building and maintaining consumer trust remains a crucial challenge. Despite the growing interest, there is limited research on the unique aspects of Saudi consumers’ online shopping behaviors. This study aims to address this gap by identifying key factors influencing these behaviors and examining their impact on purchase intentions, with a focus on the mediating role of consumer trust. This study explores factors influencing online shopping behavior and their impact on purchase intention, with a focus on consumer trust as a mediator. Using a survey of 573 respondents from Jeddah and Medina, Saudi Arabia, key factors identified through literature review include perceived usefulness, ease of use, risk perception, website quality, and social influence. The quantitative analysis revealed that customer service and return policies, information quality, perceived convenience, ease of use, usefulness, cost-saving, product variety, and social influence significantly affect consumer trust, which in turn enhances purchase intention. These findings provide valuable insights for businesses to optimize digital strategies, enhance consumer engagement, and foster long-term customer relationships, thereby boosting satisfaction and online business success.