Architectural Image Studies (E-ISSN:2184-8645) is an international, peer-reviewed, open-access journal that explores the visual, cultural, technological, social, economic, and managerial dimensions of architecture. Adopting a multidisciplinary perspective, AIS brings together architecture, urban studies, economics, management, heritage, arts, social sciences, and digital technologies to understand how the built environment is conceived, represented, experienced, governed, and sustained. We believe architecture is more than form and function — it is a cultural and economic asset, shaped by complex interactions between design, policy, markets, communities, and technology. AIS publishes original research articles, theoretical explorations, visual essays, practice-based case studies, and critical reviews. The journal especially welcomes work that connects design thinking with economic development, urban governance, tourism management, and cultural industries. Our Areas of Interest Include: Architectural Representation & Media – Drawings, photography, film, digital rendering, photogrammetry, AI-generated visualizations. Urbanism & Spatial Studies – Urban planning, infrastructure, mobility, public space governance. Cultural Heritage & History – Heritage management, preservation economics, restoration policy, memory studies. Sustainability & Environmental Design – Green architecture, climate-responsive planning, adaptive reuse, resilience strategies. Art–Architecture Intersections – Public art, installations, creative collaborations in spatial contexts. Digital Technologies & Innovation – VR/AR, 3D scanning, computational design, smart environments, BIM systems. Social & Cultural Perspectives – Inclusivity, participatory planning, community-led development, spatial justice. Economics of Architecture & Urban Development – Real estate markets, architectural entrepreneurship, cost-benefit analysis in design. Management & Policy in the Built Environment – Urban governance, cultural tourism management, infrastructure project management, policy frameworks. Interdisciplinary Approaches – Anthropology, sociology, philosophy, psychology, cultural geography in built environment studies. Please submit your article as an email attachment to editor@ap2.pt
Strategic Management of Urban Heritage and Sustainable Development in Touat Region of Algeria
The Touat region of Algeria contains a worldwide important collection of earthen buildings which includes its ancient Ksour and its Casbahs. The area experiences an immediate governance emergency because urban development outpaces planning efforts which threatens the cultural heritage site. The research applies MACTOR (Matrix of Alliances and Conflicts: Tactics, Objectives, and Recommendations) strategic analysis tool to analyze how various actors and their objectives affect the evolution of urban areas. The research study reveals six essential players who work toward six essential goals which show how local governments and business developers control the area while pushing out the people who originally protected the cultural heritage. The research establishes numerical positions for actors which show a powerful conflict between their present financial targets and their required environmental protection efforts. The research results demonstrate that organizations need to establish an entirely different governance system. The research establishes a strategic development plan which uses the "Golden Equation" to achieve sustainability through three main elements that include multi-stakeholder collaboration and heritage economic value creation and compulsory urban planning regulations for earthen architecture. The proposed model functions as a testing model which can be applied in the Gourrara and Tidikelt region.
Copyright (c) 2026 Abdelmalek Abdelaoui, Mohamed Hocine Ait Saadi, Mohamed Benabdelfattah https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0
The Caliph’s Feudalism and the Sultan’s Feudalism: Theory and Practice According to the Orientalist Poliak
This study explains the nature of the relationship between the feudalism (land grant) of the caliph and that of the sultan during the Mamluk era, which reflected a form of political duality in the structure of governance. The caliph retained symbolic status and religious legitimacy, while actual authority and control over resources and lands shifted to the sultan. Whereas in earlier periods caliphs themselves granted iqṭāʿs, in the Mamluk era the caliph received a fixed iqṭāʿ determined by the sultan. This gradually transformed into a financial allocation, closer to a salary, without conferring administrative influence or direct authority over the management of those lands.
Copyright (c) 2026 Wafaa Adnan Hamid, Saja Ali Saleh https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0
Strengthening Employee Performance Through Sustainable HRM: Examining the Moderating Role of Individual Culture
This study aims to analyse the influence of employee engagement, employee communication, attitude, transformational leadership, and Neuro-Linguistic Programming (NLP) Learning on employee performance and its implications for Sustainable Human Resource Management, with employee culture as a moderating variable. This study uses a quantitative approach with a survey method. The research population consists of managerial-level employees (leaders to managers) at companies in West Java who participated in the ‘X’ Job Training Institute (LPK) training programme, with a total of 360 respondents. The sampling technique used was purposive sampling. Data were collected through structured questionnaires and analysed using Structural Equation Modelling Partial Least Squares (SEM-PLS). The results showed that employee engagement, employee communication, transformational leadership, and NLP learning had a positive and significant effect on employee performance, while attitude had no significant effect. Furthermore, employee performance, employee engagement, attitude, transformational leadership, and NLP learning have a positive and significant effect on sustainable HRM, while employee communication does not have a significant effect. Additionally, employee culture acts as a moderating variable in the effect of employee engagement, employee communication, and transformational leadership on employee performance, as well as attitude and transformational. This study contributes theoretically by integrating individual factors, organizational factors, and NLP Learning into a comprehensive Sustainable HRM framework. Practically, the findings provide valuable insights for organizations and training institutions in designing more effective and Sustainable human resource development strategies.
Copyright (c) 2026 Lisna Nurpida, Nera Marinda, Hadita ., Zahara Tussoleha Rony https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0
Improving Regional Sports Performance through a Governance Lens: An Analysis of Sports Governance in Lamongan Regency
This study examines how sport governance contributes to improving regional athletic performance through a case study of Lamongan Regency. Employing a qualitative case-study design, data were collected through in-depth interviews, policy document analysis, and limited observation, and were analyzed using Creswell’s qualitative analysis procedures. The analytical framework draws on Henry and Lee’s sport governance model—systemic governance, organizational governance, and political governance—engaged in dialogue with contemporary governance and public administration scholarship. The findings indicate that regional sport performance is shaped by the simultaneous interaction of these three governance dimensions. The study shows that weak cross-sectoral integration, particularly between sport and education, constrains the effectiveness of systemic governance; unequal internal participation undermines organizational governance; and misaligned political commitments among key actors impede the translation of political support into performance outcomes. The study’s novelty lies in advancing the concept of performance-oriented sport governance at the subnational level, emphasizing cross-sectoral integration, balanced organizational participation, and aligned political governance as prerequisites for sustaining performance improvements. This study contributes to public administration and sport governance research and offers policy implications for strengthening subnational sport governance.
Copyright (c) 2026 Erwin Sulistya Pambudi, Agus Suryono, Mochammad Rozikin, Ainul Hayat https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0
The Impact of Map-Based Worksheet Implementation on Spatial Thinking Skills in Social Sciences Subjects
This study aims to examine the impact of implementing map-based worksheets on students' spatial thinking skills in Social Studies (IPS). The method used was quantitative with a two-group post-test only experimental design. This study was conducted at SMP Plus Al Fatimah Bojonegoro, Indonesia. The study sample consisted of two groups: an experimental group that used map-based worksheets and a control group that was not given the treatment. Data were collected through spatial thinking tests administered before and after the implementation of map-based worksheets. The results of the analysis using the Independent t-test showed a significant difference between the experimental and control groups (p = 0.002), with the experimental group showing a better increase in spatial thinking skills. The validity and reliability of the instruments used in this study also showed excellent results, and the prerequisite tests (normality and homogeneity of variance) met the requirements for the Independent t-test. This study concludes that the implementation of map-based worksheets is effective in improving students' spatial thinking skills in IPS learning, and it is recommended to implement it more widely in learning at school.
Copyright (c) 2026 Armawati Hidayati, Rusijono ., Fajar Arianto, Sukma Perdana Prasetya, Nurul Mazidah https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0
Seismic Performance of an Earth Dam Strengthened with HDPE Geogrids by Finite Element Analysis
Earth dams constructed in seismic areas are very susceptible to the strong ground shaking, particularly when in near-full reservoir conditions that cause increase of system requirement through hydro-mechanical interaction. The present article studies the dynamic response of Al-Adhaim Dam during El-Centro earthquake record (PGA = 0.30 g) at full reservoir level (EL = 143 m) with and without buttressing from high-density polyethylene (HDPE) geogrid during its service life. A fully coupled flow–deformation finite-element formulation was used for the analysis of the seismic displacement, acceleration amplification, stress redistribution, pore-pressure response, seepage behavior and overall stability. Results show that the unretrofitted dam undergoes large seismic-induced deformations of 0.33 m and peak crest acceleration amplifications up to 0.78 g, which result in a well FOS<1.0), indicating an unstable condition due to seismic loading. After reinforcement, the maximum displacements at the critical downstream zone are decreased by over 97% (from ~0.30 m to 8 × 10⁻³ m), whereas the factor of safety increases to stabilized values in the range between 1.69 and 1.83 for all reinforcements conditions. A one-way ANOVA test indicates that both reduction of the displacement (p < 10⁻⁴) and improving factor of safety (p < 10⁻⁴) are statistically significant, indicating that these improvements do not result from numerical variability but are due to the mechanical effect contributed by geogrid system. The stress analysis shows that the level of confinement in downstream shell is increased while pore pressure response and seepage pattern become constant without any ill effect from the reinforcement. All these results prove that HDPE geogrid reinforcement has been an effective and statistically proved approach for reinforcing and improving the seismic resistance of earth dams under extremely strong ground motion, which provides a reliable theoretical basis for seismic strengthening design of embankment dam in seismically high-risk areas.
Copyright (c) 2026 https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0
Spatial Justice and Urban Mobility Governance: Reconstructing the Policy Framework for Resolving Fatal Traffic Accidents in Indonesian Metropolitan Areas
This study examines the intersection between spatial justice, urban mobility governance, and criminal justice policy in the context of fatal traffic accidents in Indonesian metropolitan areas. Deaths resulting from road accidents represent a critical failure of the built environment management system. Yet, the applicable regulatory framework treats them solely as criminal matters without considering spatial, infrastructural, and community dimensions. Using a post-positivist normative legal research approach supplemented by empirical data from four metropolitan police jurisdictions (Polda Metro Jaya, Polres Brebes, Polres Blora, and Polres Semarang), this study analyzes how the retributive orientation of Indonesian traffic accident regulations creates spatial injustice by severing the link between case resolution and the urban communities where the harm occurred. The findings reveal three critical governance gaps: (1) the absolute prohibition of restorative resolution in Article 235 of the Road Traffic Law contradicts the urban governance paradigm that prioritizes community-based conflict resolution; (2) institutional fragmentation between the police, prosecutors, courts, and transportation agencies results in spatially uneven justice; and (3) transactional legal culture reduces the restorative process to financial compensation that is detached from the spatial and social context of the affected community. This study proposes a regulatory reconstruction that integrates the principles of restorative justice into the framework of urban mobility governance. These findings contribute to the interdisciplinary discourse on spatial justice, urban governance, and the social dimensions of mobility infrastructure.
Copyright (c) 2026 Joko Kiky Wantono, Sri Endah Wahyuningsih, Jawade Hafidz https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0
Sustainable HRM is Influenced by Kaizen-Based HR with Multiple Mediation and Moderated by Employee Experience
Sustainable Human Resource Management (Sustainable HRM) has emerged as a strategic approach that integrates economic, social, and environmental objectives into organizational HR practices. However, empirical evidence explaining how internal HR mechanisms contribute to Sustainable HRM, particularly within training institutions and cross-sector companies, remains limited. This study aims to examine the influence of a Kaizen-based HR reward system on Sustainable HRM through multiple mediation mechanisms involving employee commitment, employee culture, situational leadership, and employee performance, while also testing the moderating role of employee experience. Using a quantitative explanatory design, data were collected from managerial-level employees across companies in West Java that collaborate with vocational training institutions (LPK “X”). Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) was employed to analyze direct, indirect, and moderating effects within the proposed integrative framework. The findings indicate that the reward system significantly influences employee commitment, employee culture, and situational leadership. Employee performance plays a crucial mediating role in strengthening Sustainable HRM implementation. Furthermore, employee experience moderates several relationships within the model, particularly in strengthening the linkage between behavioral factors and performance outcomes. This study contributes theoretically by extending Sustainable HRM literature through the integration of Goal Setting Theory and Kaizen-based HR practices into a comprehensive structural model. Practically, the results provide strategic guidance for organizations in designing adaptive reward systems and fostering sustainable employee development. The findings also offer policy implications for training institutions seeking to enhance long-term workforce sustainability.
Copyright (c) 2026 Sugiyono ., Nera Marinda Machdar, Hadita ., Zahara Tussoleha Rony https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0
Logistics and territory: a reciprocal interaction serving the urban dynamics of the port city of Lomé.
The internationalization of the production process, driven by technological advances, has strengthened the role of port and airport cities in the global logistics chain. As a spatial support for logistics activities, cities provide the land resources necessary for the establishment of logistics facilities. These facilities generate economic externalities by facilitating the storage and movement of goods, but their location has a significant impact on the spatial growth of these cities. This article aims to analyze the impact of logistics facilities on the spatial dynamics of the city of Lomé through a mixed methodological approach combining quantitative and qualitative data. The results reveal that the central and immediate municipalities of the port area, notably Golfe 1 and Golfe 4, account for 43% of logistics facilities, compared to 57% for the remaining 11 municipalities. However, although located on the outskirts, the municipality of Agoè-nyivé 6, which is home to the industrial platform, also attracts several minor logistics facilities that contribute to the spatial sprawl of the city of Lomé. Proximity to major logistics facilities and the road network, as well as land accessibility, are the main criteria for the location of warehouses and stores in Greater Lomé (DAGL).
Copyright (c) 2026 Kodjo Djossou, Iléri Dandonougbo, Barbara Lyonnet, Hicham Abbad https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0
Digital transformation and its relationship with work productivity: a systematic review of the literature
Introduction. digital transformation has become a central driver of organizational performance, reshaping work processes, productivity indicators, and operational efficiency worldwide. However, existing evidence remains dispersed across industries and methodological approaches, making it necessary to synthesize the current knowledge base. This study aims to systematically review empirical research examining the relationship between digital transformation and work productivity.Methodology. a systematic review was conducted following PRISMA 2020 guidelines. Academic databases such as Scopus, Web of Science, ScienceDirect, IEEE Xplore, and Google Scholar were searched, identifying 535 articles. After duplicate removal, screening, and full‐text evaluation, 145 studies published between 2020 and 2025 met the inclusion criteria. Data extraction focused on methodological characteristics, digital transformation components, productivity indicators, and empirical results.Results. findings show a consistent positive association between digital transformation initiatives and work productivity. Approximately 78% of the reviewed studies reported increases in individual or organizational productivity linked to technological integration, automation, digital skills development, and data‐driven decision-making. However, methodological heterogeneity across studies, particularly in measurement instruments and conceptual definitions, limited the possibility of conducting a meta-analysis. The review also highlighted moderating factors, such as digital competencies, organizational culture, leadership, and technology readiness.Conclusion. the evidence indicates that digital transformation significantly enhances work productivity, although its impact depends on organizational capabilities, employee digital skills, and strategic implementation. Future research should prioritize standardized measurement frameworks, cross-industry comparisons, and longitudinal designs to strengthen the understanding of this relationship.
Copyright (c) 2026 Bryan Smith Contreras-Yupanqui https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0
Impact of digital transformation on the productivity of public administration
Introduction. digital transformation is a strategic axis for modernizing public administration, enabling more efficient, transparent, and citizen-centered processes. Nevertheless, empirical evidence is required to assess its direct impact on institutional productivity.Methodology. a quantitative, non-experimental, and correlational study was conducted with 150 civil servants from public institutions in Metropolitan Lima. A structured questionnaire with a reliability coefficient of α = 0.91 was applied.Results. findings revealed that 74.7% of participants perceived improved process efficiency through digitalization, while 69.2% reported increased management transparency. Inferential analysis showed that digital transformation explained 64.8% of productivity in public administration (R² = 0.648, p < 0.01).Conclusion. digital transformation significantly and positively impacts productivity in public administration. Strengthening civil servants’ digital competencies and ensuring technological sustainability are recommended.
Modelo de Gestión Curricular Basado en Competencias para Programas de Ingeniería
La investigación contribuye al campo de la teoría, diseño y ejecución del currículo en educación superior mediante la formulación de un modelo de gestión curricular basado en competencias, específicamente diseñado para programas de ingeniería. El modelo integra las fases de diseño, gestión operativa y evaluación continua del plan de estudios, articulando herramientas metodológicas, pedagógicas y de gestión que facilitan su aplicación bajo el enfoque de mejora continua (ciclo PDCA). Se adopta un enfoque mixto, de carácter socio-crítico y diseño secuencial multietapa, que combina análisis documental, diagnóstico de brechas curriculares, juicio de expertos y validación del modelo propuesto. En la primera fase, el modelo establece una estructura para la construcción del diseño curricular a partir del perfil de ingreso y los resultados de aprendizaje esperados, orientados al logro del perfil de egreso con base en competencias. En la segunda fase, aborda la gestión operativa mediante herramientas pedagógicas de evaluación que comparan las competencias con los logros de aprendizaje, construyendo una red coherente de asignaturas y competencias. En la tercera fase, incorpora dispositivos de evaluación y retroalimentación curricular, así como el seguimiento de egresados y la participación de los grupos de interés para garantizar la actualización permanente del currículo. Los resultados permiten disponer de un modelo integrador que fortalece la pertinencia formativa, la empleabilidad y la calidad de los programas de ingeniería, alineado con estándares internacionales y con las demandas del entorno socio-productivo.
Copyright (c) 2026 Katia Burneo-Gonzalez https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0
El principio del interés superior del niño en la educación inicial y sus implicaciones pedagógicas y éticas en la práctica docente
The principle of the best interests of the child constitutes a fundamental guideline in the protection of children’s rights and has direct implications for educational practice, particularly in early childhood education. This study aims to analyze the principle of the best interests of the child in Ecuadorian early childhood education and its pedagogical and ethical implications for teaching practice. A qualitative approach was adopted, using a descriptive–interpretive and exploratory design. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews with 20 early childhood teachers, non-participant classroom observations, and document analysis. The data were analyzed using inductive thematic analysis, allowing the identification of emerging categories related to teachers’ understandings, practices, and ethical dilemmas.The findings reveal that the principle of the best interests of the child is present in teaching practice mainly in an implicit manner, expressed through care-oriented actions and concern for children’s emotional well-being. However, its application is not always grounded in an explicit rights-based framework, generating tensions between institutional demands and pedagogical decisions. The study highlights the role of teachers as moral agents and direct guarantors of children’s rights and emphasizes the need to strengthen ethical and rights-based training in early childhood education. These findings contribute to the discussion on educational ethics and children’s rights by providing contextualized evidence from the Ecuadorian educational system.
Copyright (c) 2026 FERNANDA GABRIELA CHAZI NACIMBA, MONICA VALERIA ARBOLEDA VALDIVIEZO https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0
Narrative Closure in Post-Reform Indonesian Bestselling Novels: A Typology of Ending Techniques
This study investigates how narrative closure is designed in Indonesian best-selling novels produced in the post-reform era (after 1998). Rather than treating endings as a mere point of termination, the study positions closure as a strategic narrative device that consolidates meaning, intensifies affect, and shapes readers’ after-reading interpretation. Using qualitative narrative text analysis, the research focuses on the final segments of selected post-reform best-selling novels, including last chapters and attached ending materials such as epilogues, diary entries, letters, photographs, and timelines. Data were analyzed through iterative close reading and systematic coding to identify recurring closure patterns and their narrative functions. The findings yield a typology of eight dominant ending techniques: integration of past events with future projections; open transitions and cliffhanger-like continuations; reflective closure through diaries; documentary-like extensions through chronological traces and photographs; reflective and philosophical closures; motivational endings framed as tips or advice; reflective letters as intimate final address; and the repetition of past–future closure patterns across texts. Across the corpus, endings operate on a dual register: they provide sufficient completion for a given story arc while preserving interpretive space that invites contemplation, sustains emotional bonds with characters, and, in some cases, maintains anticipation for narrative continuation. The study contributes to narratology-informed scholarship on Indonesian popular fiction by offering a systematic typology of closure techniques and demonstrating that the cultural impact of best-selling novels is often concentrated in their last pages, where fictional experience is translated into durable reader reflection.
Copyright (c) 2026 Rifqi Risnadyatul Hudha, Wahyudi Siswanto, Karkono . https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0
HUMAN EXISTENTIALISM AND ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE (AI)
This study is about the relationship between humans and technology, particularly explaining the existential aspects of humans and artificial intelligence (AI). Based on the collaboration between humans and technology, artificial intelligence (AI) has a paradoxical side for human existence: on the one hand, it drives change towards existentialism, and on the other hand, it drives destruction and even the elimination of human existence. This research, which uses the philosophy of existentialism and the thoughts of Martin Heidegger's philosophy of technology and the philosophy of human existentialism from Jean-Paul Sartre, attempts to examine the function of control and exploitation of technology towards humans, which results in the loss of human authenticity. At the beginning of the article, it discusses what artificial intelligence (AI) is and the understanding of human existentialism, then discusses the vital and fatal impacts of AI on human existence. The findings in this study are that the most frightening thing about the development of Artificial Intelligence (AI) is not technology but a calculative way of thinking that results in the annihilation of everything, including human existentialism and the human ecosystem.
Copyright (c) 2026 Emma Alfa Nadia, Bagong Suyanto, Armada Riyanto https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0
From Compliance to Cyber Resilience: Bridging Governance Gaps in Regulatory Cybersecurity Frameworks A Critical Analysis of Regulatory Evolution and Organizational Adaptation.
The growth of regulatory cybersecurity systems across the globe has led to the development of a compliance-focused paradigm that, amid defining minimum security standards, frequently tends to overlook the adaptive, agile skills required of organisations to be cyber resilient. This paper will critically review the governance failures of compliance-based methods in cybersecurity and a new system of integrated governance that can accommodate both classic regulatory compliance and the principles of cyber resilience. With the assistance of a comparative analysis of the leading regulatory frameworks such as NIST CSF, ISO 27001, GDPR, NIS2 Directive, and DORA, and the analysis of high-profile cybersecurity incidents, we single out the systematic shortcomings in governance: checklist mentality, insufficient incident recovery procedures, ineffective accountability frameworks, and the lack of adaptive governance capabilities. The Cyber Resilience Governance Model we propose integrates compliance need with resilience concepts in four combined layers of governance, namely strategic, operational, and tactical and oversight with supporting continuous improvement mechanisms and cross-functional accountability frameworks. The framework fills in some critical gaps like adaptive risk management, organisational learning of incidents, supply chain resilience and human factors integration. The study is relevant to the body of research on cybersecurity governance in the sense that it offers both theoretical and practicable advice to policy makers, regulators, and organisational leaders who are in need of shifting their focus on reactive compliance to proactive resilience. These results are relevant to the corporate governance practices, regulatory design, and operationalisation of the cyber resilience of critical infrastructure areas.
Copyright (c) 2026 Yasir Majeed, Anas Majeed https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0
The Influence of Itsar Relational Capability on The Business Performance of Batik Msmes in Central Java Province
This study aims to explore a new conceptual model that can fill the limitations of previous studies and research gaps between organizational learning centered on the concept of itsar relational capability. This type of research is explanatory research or research that is intended to explain the relationship between research variables (causality), namely adaptive learning, generative learning, itsar relational capability and business performance. The population in this study is The population in this study is Batik MSMEs in Kendal Regency, Demak Regency, Semarang Regency, Salatiga City, Semarang City and Grobogan Regency, where the business has been running for at least five years, with a sample size of 150 people. To analyze the data in this study, Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) based on SmartPLS software was used. The results of this study can be concluded as follows: adaptive learning and generative learning have been proven to increase itsar relational capability; adaptive learning, generative learning, itsar relational capability have been proven to increase business performance; Itsar relational capability will be very effective in increasing business performance if supported by adaptive learning and generative learning.
Copyright (c) 2026 Suparman ., Heru Sulistyo, Marno Nugroho, Jefri Heridiansyah https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0
ESG Performance and Firm Performance: Evidence from Chinese A-Share Listed Companies
This study aims to investigate the impact of corporate Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) performance on financial performance (measured by return on total assets, ROA). This paper constructs a research framework based on stakeholder theory and sustainable development theory, selects Chinese A-share listed companies as samples, and employs a panel regression model for empirical analysis. The results of hypothesis testing show that good ESG performance significantly enhances corporate ROA. The findings suggest that corporate fulfilment of ESG responsibilities can enhance economic efficiency, confirming the expectations of sustainable development and stakeholder theory, and providing empirical evidence for corporate sustainability strategies and government green policies.
Copyright (c) 2026 Fei Guo, Hazlina Abd. Kadir, Zunirah Binti Mohd Talib https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0
The Influence Of Mass Media And Human Resource Quality On Public Service Performance In Kendari City
Quality public services are a crucial indicator of the successful implementation of good governance principles, which encompass transparency, accountability, participation, and effectiveness. This study aims to analyze the influence of mass media and the quality of human resources on the performance of public services in the field of education in Kendari City. This study uses a quantitative approach with a survey method to 124 respondents at SMPN & SMPS in Kendari City. Mass media and human resource quality have a positive and significant influence on public service performance with path coefficient values of 0.895 and 0.739, respectively. Mass media have a positive and significant influence on governance. Governance has a positive and significant influence on public service performance, with a path coefficient of 0.955. Public service performance significantly mediates the influence of mass media on governance, with a path coefficient value of 0.739. The quality of human resources on governance through mediation of public service performance shows significant findings with a path coefficient value of 0.833, with a positive relationship direction. Strengthening the role of the media and improving human resource competencies as a strategy in bureaucratic reform, and improving the quality of educational services.
The Influence of Product, Process, and Business Model Innovation on Creative Entrepreneurship Performance in Developing Countries: The Moderating Role of Economic Uncertainty
This study aims to analyze the effect of product, process, and business model innovation on creative entrepreneurial performance in developing countries, considering the moderating role of economic uncertainty. Using a quantitative approach, this study collected data from 250 creative entrepreneurs in Indonesia through a structured questionnaire. The results of a moderated multiple regression analysis show that all three forms of innovation have a significant positive effect on creative entrepreneurial performance. However, economic uncertainty acts as a negative moderator, weakening the relationship between innovation and performance. These findings contribute to the theoretical understanding of adaptation mechanisms of creative businesses in unstable economic environments, as well as offering practical implications for entrepreneurs and policymakers in designing effective innovation strategies amid uncertainty.
The Role Of Financial Performance As A Mediator Of The Effects Of Financial Flexibility, Capital Structure, And Environmental Social Governance On Firm Value, Moderated By Investment Efficiency (Study Of Mining Companies Listed On The Indonesia Stock Exch
This study aims to examine and assess the influence of financial flexibility, capital structure, and environmental social governance on financial performance and firm value, as well as the influence of financial performance on firm value. Furthermore, this study examines the role of investment efficiency in moderating the influence of financial flexibility on financial performance, and examines the role of financial performance in mediating the influence of financial flexibility, capital structure, and environmental social governance on firm value. This study uses an ex post facto approach. The population comprised all mining companies listed on the Indonesia Stock Exchange. Purposive sampling was used, with a sample size of nine companies and 90 observations. The research model is structural. The analytical method used in this study is SEM-PLS (Partial Least Squares). The results of the study show that as follows: (1) financial flexibility has a positive and significant effect on financial performance, (2) capital structure has a negative but not significant effect on financial performance, (3) environmental social governance has a positive and significant effect on financial performance, (4) financial flexibility has a negative but not significant effect on company value, (5) capital structure has a negative and significant effect on company value, (6) environmental social governance has a positive but not significant effect on company value, (7) financial performance has a positive and significant effect on company value, (8) investment efficiency has a negative but not significant effect in moderating the effect of financial flexibility on financial performance, (9) financial performance has a positive and significant effect in mediating the effect of financial flexibility on company value, (10) financial performance has a negative but not significant effect in mediating the effect of capital structure on company value, and (10) financial performance has a positive and significant effect in mediating the effect of environmental social governance on company value.
Copyright (c) 2026 La Ode Safarudin, La Ode Anto, Sudirman Zaid, Salma Saleh https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0
Analyzing the Impact of Integrated Marketing Strategies on Consumer Behavior and Brand Equity in Competitive Market
The integration of marketing strategies has become a determinant of business success in a competitive and digitally-driven business environment, which affects consumer behaviour and brand equity. In this paper, the intricate impacts of IMS on the key consumer behavioural outcomes, including satisfaction, loyalty, service delivery, online interaction and brand communication, are considered in relation to the purchase intention, likelihood of recommendation, and satisfaction. The study relies on descriptive statistics, correlation, and regression analysis in Microsoft Excel and Google sheets to examine the multifaceted relationships among marketing factors, consumer response, and brand performance measurements based on a synthetic dataset developed on the basis of publicly available Kaggle sources. The findings indicate that customer satisfaction, trust, and recommendation intentions have been identified to be the key mediators between IMS and augmented brand awareness, perceived quality, loyalty and long-term equity. Psychological and emotional factors such as self-esteem, involvement and engagement depict significant contribution in triggering purchasing pronouncements and advocacy behaviours. The research builds on the existing literature by offering a broad data-based reflection of the role of integrated and customer-focused marketing strategies in developing sustainable competitive advantage. Practical implications are provided to practitioners who want to create consistent and effective marketing programs that can stimulate consumer interest, reinforce brand positioning, and facilitate long-term business development in the dynamic market settings.
Copyright (c) 2026 Deep Murzello, Neeraj Dixit, Smita Tiwary Ojha, R. Jayanthi, Yuk Fong, Chin, Priya, Manu T U https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0
The Concept of Globalization and Its Impact on Politics and Culture in the Twenty-First Century
Globalization refers to an accelerated process of interaction and interconnection among societies and states across political, economic, and cultural domains, driven by technological advancement, the communications revolution, and market liberalization. In the twenty-first century, globalization has contributed to reshaping the structure of the international system by relatively diminishing the traditional role of the nation-state and enhancing the influence of non-state actors, such as multinational corporations and international organizations. This transformation has had profound implications for political decision-making processes and national sovereignty. On the cultural level, globalization has intensified cultural exchange among peoples and facilitated the spread of shared global cultural patterns. At the same time, it has raised growing concerns about the erosion of national identities and the threat to local cultural specificities. Moreover, globalization has generated a complex interaction between local and global cultures, manifested in simultaneous processes of cultural adaptation and resistance. Therefore, globalization represents a multidimensional phenomenon with both positive and negative consequences, making its study essential for understanding political and cultural transformations in the contemporary world.
Development and Characterization of the Epoxy-Based Chitosan Coated Zn/Ag Nanocomposite Coatings to Resolve Thermophilic Biofilms in Industrial Pipelines
This research focused on the development of epoxy resin-based Chitosan coated Silver and Zinc nanocomposites, respectively to solve the problem of the corrosion due to the biofilms formation on the industrial pipelines (oil and refinery pipe lines) developed by cost effective green (re-cycle) process. Specifically, we studied the electro-chemical behavior of thermophilic bacteria in pipelines. Biofilm formation in oil and petroleum pipelines is due to many factors including pH, temperature, salt, etc. Several studies have been carried out on oil and petroleum line distribution system for biofilmswhich show the presence of hygienically relevant microorganisms. The degradation problem of petroleum products arises since hydrocarbon acts as an excellent food source for a wide variety of microorganisms. Microbial activity leads to unacceptable level of turbidity, corrosion of pipeline and souring of stored product. In this study we will collect different biofilm samples and will be studied for the biofilm morphology, characterizing for the formation of biofilm on pipe lines will be analyzed by using the techniques, X-ray diffraction (XRD), Raman microscopy (RMS), X-ray fluorescence spectroscopy (XRF), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), and Scanning electron microscopy (SEM EDAX). We will report the design and evaluation of different bacterial species and, genes from bacterial isolation, Phylogenetic analysis of sequenced genes to know the diversity of bacterial strains in the pipeline. In addition, localized biofilm of the pipeline in the presence of the consortia will be observed by scanning electron microscopy analysis and morphology by EPI fluorescence microscopy, and thus the advantages of nano-scale materials will be realized with their potential applications in diversified avenues. In this work we investigate Zinc and silver nanoparticles which will be integrated on Chitosan to obtain Chitosan coated silver and Chitosan coated zinc nanoparticles and it will be dispersed in coating matrix (Epoxy) to explore these Nanocomposites for coatings in pipelines by using with epoxy resins. Secondly these Nanocomposites analyzed for their optical and electric properties (Impedance and polarization) applications. This study involves microbiological aspects of biofilm formation and their role on electrochemical studies for biofilm degradation.
Differences in Dribbling Ability between Students of UNY Soccer School and STFA Academy
Dribbling is a fundamental skill that every football player must master. This research aimed to compare dribbling ability between students at the UNY Soccer School and the STFA Academy. This research employed a descriptive comparative research design. The population consisted of 200 students from UNY Soccer School and STFA Academy. The sampling technique used was purposive sampling, with the following criteria: participants were 10 years old, actively participated in regular training sessions, and completed the testing and measurement procedures in full according to the established protocols. Based on these criteria, 40 participants were selected as the research sample. The instrument used to measure dribbling ability was the Short Dribbling Test. Data were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistical analyses. The results indicated a significant difference in dribbling ability between students at the UNY Soccer School and those at the STFA Academy. Students from UNY Soccer School demonstrated superior dribbling performance compared to those from STFA Academy, with a mean time difference of 0.90 seconds. Further research is recommended to develop standardized performance benchmarks for dribbling ability among football school students.
Classification of Age-Related Macular Degeneration Disease with Deep Learning based on Optical Coherence Tomography images
Because Deep Learning can predict events accurately and quickly, it has garnered a lot of interest from the scientific community. In this study, age-related macular degeneration was categorized using deep learning. In persons over 50, age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is the main factor causing blindness. AMD first manifests as a black spot in the center of the field of vision and a loss of central vision. With an ageing population, the prevalence of this pathology is continuing to rise, creating a serious public health issue. AI and deep learning are already proving to be disruptive in industries like medicine. Even while in the current state of affairs, an AI’s recommendations cannot completely replace a doctor’s, such systems could nevertheless lessen the overall labour that the doctor has to do. We employ optical coherence tomography (OCT) images and divide them into four groups based on the already recognized retinal illnesses. These groups are called drusen, normal, diabetic macular edema (DME), and choroidal neovascularization (CNV). We have performed image augmentation to prevent the overfitting of the trained models. We train Xception with additional layer, Inception V3 with additional layer and VGG19 with additional layer, out of which VGG19 with additional layer, produced better testing accuracy of 90.93%, which is best when maintaining the train, validation and test split ratio as 0.7, 0.1 and 0.2.
Green Campus: Evaluating the Role of Indoor Environmental Quality Aligned with Green Building Standards in Enhancing Students’ Well-Being in Higher Educational Institutions
Indoor Environmental Quality (IEQ) in higher educational institutions (HEIs) has attracted the attention of various groups. But, studies were found to be fragmented, focusing on a single IEQ parameter only. Therefore, a more in-depth investigation to comprehend the relationship between IEQ, students’ well-being, and quality of life (QoL) is still required. In this study, a qualitative approach was employed for data collection and analysis to obtain a broad understanding of the effects of sustainable IEQ on students’ well-being, and retrofitting strategies using green building certification from two Malaysian private universities. The findings revealed that IEQ affects students’ well-being, academic performance, and the general experience within HEIs. The efforts to promote IEQ by focusing on such parameters as ambient conditions, designed and behavioral environment, can help HEIs to design the spaces that are not only sustainable in their environmental impact, but also promote academic excellence and overall well-being. This study supports the policy-makers in HEIs to redefine the conventional IEQ characteristics into positive students’ well-being and QoL. By understanding the green nudges framework, policy-makers can adapt specific micro-interventions into all levels of planning of a campus, thereby aligning with green building practices.
Copyright (c) 2026 Farhana Mohd Zaini, Nik Fatma Arisya Nik Yahya https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0
Citizen-Based Monitoring in the Digital Age: Balancing Online Platforms and Offline Practices for Context-Responsive Accountability
As governments increasingly adopt digital solutions to enhance transparency and citizen engagement, the limitations of purely online platforms in fostering inclusive and effective citizen-based monitoring (CBM) have come into sharper focus. This article examines how hybrid models—those that combine offline practices with digital technologies—can facilitate more context-responsive approaches to social accountability in South Africa. Drawing on in-depth analysis of initiatives such as Vulekamali, GovChat, OpenUp’s Youth Explorer, and Ndifuna Ukwazi, the article examines how these platforms address the challenges of digital exclusion, usability, and civic capacity. The study employs a mixed-methods research design, including 12 semi-structured interviews with local government actors and CSOs, supported by a secondary literature review and descriptive analysis of online interface design. Findings reveal that while online platforms provide vital tools for data aggregation and public visibility, offline engagement remains crucial for fostering trust, facilitating contextual interpretation, and promoting sustained action. Platforms that iteratively co-design with communities and embed feedback loops into their architecture are more likely to foster credible and transformative accountability. The article concludes that effective CBM in the digital age requires adaptive hybridity, prioritising both technological innovation and situated civic practices to achieve accountability that is both inclusive and actionable.
Copyright (c) 2026 Lesedi Matlala https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0
The Inclusion of Smart Technology Criteria into Malaysian Green Residential Assessment Tools
Residential sector is ranked as the most significant energy consumer, and the contributes to adverse environmental effects. A high level of energy consumption with high levels of embodied carbon dioxide (CO2) leads to an increase in CO2 emissions. As the existing Malaysia green building assessment tools was lack of smart technology criteria. Utilizing smart technology may able to cut down the daily utility’s consumption as an alternative to conventional home has the potential to decrease CO2 emissions. A smart technology may ably reduce a home energy and water consumption up to 40% compared with a conventional home. The smart technology application is getting popular in the green housing especially in residential building construction due to its more efficient, lowering utilities cost and environment-friendly. Hence, the primary objective of this study was to identify the existing criteria in evaluating green residential. This research employed a mixed methods approach via a comparative analysis and quantitative approach, involving questionnaire surveys directed at Green Building Index Facilitators in Malaysia, and the collection of secondary data from sources such as articles, journals, and the websites of smart technology to complement it. The findings indicated that there were nine significant elements towards smart technology criteria in the construction industry, and investigated the acceptance of smart technology criteria in green residential. However, the smart technology promotes a lot of benefit to make a home greener and sustainability.
A Bibliometric Analysis of Sustainable Music Education Research in Malaysia: Trends, Themes, and Scholarly Influence
In this paper, the thematic focus and development of research in music education in Malaysia has been examined by a bibliometric analysis of the articles using VOSviewer. Peer-reviewed journals with the keywords music, education, and Malaysia were gathered in the sources of credible databases to visualize the patterns of co-occurrence and thematic relations of research topics. The analysis shows that the most central keywords are education, music and Malaysia, which are directly related to such themes as teacher development, parental involvement and philosophies of music education. The results prove that the cultural context, educator identity and collaborative practices in teaching affect the research on music education quality and in Malaysia. This research provides an overview of the academic discussion of quality music education in Malaysia by combining quantitative mapping with qualitative interpretation. Not only the existing research strengths are addressed in the results, but also existing gaps and opportunities for further investigation are also outlined. Finally, the research has implications in practice for teachers, researchers, and policy makers who may take music education further by being data-driven, sustainable and culturally responsive.
Copyright (c) 2026 Ah Huai Ah Chan, Prashanth Beleya, Chong May Ling, Khairul Azri Bin Azahri, Diana Airawaty, Sadegh Salehi https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0