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Article
Geography, Planning and Development
Social Sciences

Beata Raszka,

Maria Hełdak,

Weronika Janik

Abstract: The study analysed the problem of overtourism in Szklarska Poreba and the Karkonosze Mts National Park [KNP] (Poland, Lower Silesia voivodeship), i.e. the protected area directly associated with the city and municipality of Szklarska Poreba. The aim of the study was 1.to determine whether the phenomenon of overtourism occurs in this area and 2. what is its intensity. Statistical data of the Central Statistical Office (CSO), statistical data collected by KNP and the Municipal Office in Szklarska Poręba regarding the number of inhabitants, number of tourists, number of beds, number of tickets sold to KNP facilities in 2010-2022 were analysed. The study used chamber methods (analysis of literature and acquired statistical data) and field methods (field inspection, field verification of source data, execution and analysis of field documentation). Data made available by the administration of the Karkonosze Mts National Park, the Municipal Office in Szklarska Poreba and the management of the Sudety Lift sp. z o.o. cable car in Szklarska Poreba were used. The data collected included: - number of Karkonosze Mts National Park entrance tickets sold at the toll booths; - number of nights spent in Szklarska Poreba; - number of tourists using the tourist information office; - the number of passengers using the cableway, separately in the summer and winter seasons. As a result of the analysis, solutions were proposed in two categories of efficiency, i.e. 1. to be implemented in the KMtsPN area; 2. to be implemented by local authorities in the Szklarska Poręba Municipality. These solutions will bring, especially the areas of the commune, closer to acceptable conditions for ecosystem services and sustainable development.
Article
Education
Social Sciences

matthew nyaaba,

SungEun Min

Abstract: This study explores the potential of Generative text-to-video AI (GenT2V AI) GenT2V AI, using the VEED within the OpenAI GPTs as a case, to function as Multimodal Intelligent Classroom Assistant (MICA) MICA to support linguistically responsive teaching in diverse classroom settings. We converted a lecture presentation slides into a MICA using the GenT2V AI for a targeted diverse classroom comprising of English-speaking students from US students, and Spanish Speaking Student from Mexico and Chile. The following GenT2V functionalities were employed in this conversion such as accented English audio into US English accent, translation of caption into Spanish Language as well as a reflective animation of the content ‘Education in Ghana” and an avatar representation of the presenter, an International Instructor from Africa. We analyze the output based on these functionalities. We ascertain that GenT2V AI has the potential to enable English as Second Language instructors to deliver content as MICA. Moreover, it has the potential to make lesson presentation more accessible for English Language Learners within schools’ where medium of instruction is English such as in the USA. The interactive aspect could foster student engagement in lessons during presentations. However, there are limited language and accent options which may lead to the exclusion of students whose languages and dialects are not represented. The GenT2V AI tool could only function well in bilingual class and not multilingual. Additionally, the access to GenT2V AI tools full features comes with an associate cost which could serve as a barrier to many classroom instructors. Instructors may require advanced pedagogical skills to manage video-based presentation with smooth integration of questioning, pausing, and other interactive engagement. We therefore recommend incorporation of culturally representative visuals and avatars, expansion of languages and accent options for voice-overs, enhancing accessibility through features such as sign language overlays and empirical studies involving teachers and students’ perspectives.
Review
Urban Studies and Planning
Social Sciences

MITHUN R,

Dr. Roopadarshini S

Abstract: The research focuses on the multiple ways in which technological innovation in the management, governance, and security of renewable energies contributes to making smart cities capable of integrating renewable energy systems that lead to more sustainable, efficient governance, and security resilience for the cities. A literature review of Scopus has been done with the aim of asserting at the juncture of smart cities, technological innovation, and renewable energy integration. Co-occurring and co-authorship analyses have been performed by VOSviewer for mapping the key research themes, collaborative networks, and research gaps. Core research themes include smart cities, IoT, renewable sources of energy, urban planning, AI, big data - lots of them, actually. Key areas for concern comprise cybersecurity, social equity, human-centered design, and adaptation to climate change. International collaborations identified through co-authorship analysis mirrored strong contributions from Pandolfi Alessandra and Galiulo Valentina. There are major knowledge gaps with respect to addressing, for example, how combining the elements of energy efficiency and cybersecurity under one umbrella could be defined as a smart city. Contribute uniquely in this area, and analyze the effects that the aggregate technological innovations and integration of renewable energy have on enhancing urban sustainability, governance, and security. These advances indicate ways in which urban systems can be optimized in order to enhance quality of life and lend to more sustainable and resilient urban environments. This study synthesizes interdisciplinary research in a novel manner in pointing out new areas that smart city development has barely touched upon.
Article
Education
Social Sciences

Adetunji Oduduwa

Abstract: This study explores the factors influencing the higher institution experience of African American students at Bowie StateUniversity, a historically Black College and University (HBCU). The study aims to understand the impacts of financialbarriers, academic preparedness, campus diversity, institutional support, and campus climate on the university experienceof African American students. By analyzing the responses of male and female students to a series of questions related tothese factors, the research seeks to identify key findings and implications for improving the higher education experienceof African American students. Key findings reveal that financial barriers were the most prevalent concern, with manystudents struggling with work demands and educational costs. While academic preparedness seemed less impactful, aneed for more inclusive curricula fostering diverse perspectives was identified. Institutional support had mixed results,with some students feeling well-supported and others having concerns unaddressed. The campus climate generallyfostered a sense of belonging, although some students reported incidents of discrimination. The findings of this studyprovided insights into the unique experiences of African American students and informed policy and practice to enhancetheir college experience. The study’s implications for future research highlight the necessity of examining therelationships among these variables using larger and more diverse samples across various institutions. Additionally,employing research methods that establish causal relationships is essential.
Review
Psychology
Social Sciences

Elena Soriano-Molina,

Rosa M. Limiñana-Gras,

Rosa María Patró-Hernández,

María Rubio-Aparicio

Abstract: Background: This study examines the impact of problematic internet use, or internet addiction, on adolescent mental health, focusing on key psychological variables, assessing the strength of these associations, and identifying potential moderating factors. Methods: A search of the Web of Science databases over the past five years identified 830 articles. Of these, 33 met the inclusion criteria, involving 303,243 participants (average age 14.57; 49.44% female). The selection process was verified by two researchers. Results: Nine psychological variables were analysed: depression, anxiety, stress, suicidal behaviour, psychological well-being, self-esteem, externalising problems, aggressiveness, and impulsiveness. Internet addiction showed positive correlations with aggressiveness (r+ = 0.391), depression (r+ = 0.318), anxiety (r+ = 0.252), and suicidal behaviour (r+ = 0.264). Negative correlations were observed with psychological well-being (r+ = -0.312) and self-esteem (r+ = -0.306). No significant associations were found for externalising problems, impulsiveness, or stress. None of the moderators showed a significant correlation with internet addiction and depression. Conclusions: Although limited by small sample sizes for some variables and the cross-sectional design of most studies, the findings confirm that internet addiction negatively affects adolescents' mental health, being linked to poorer self-perceived health, greater psychological distress, and increased aggression.
Article
Tourism, Leisure, Sport and Hospitality
Social Sciences

KEERTANA M,

Vijay Vishnukumar

Abstract:

With an emphasis on how social media influencers affect travelers' views, preferences, and travel decisions, this research investigates the impact of these individuals on tourism decision-making. Using a combination of quantitative and qualitative methods, the research evaluates the influence of key influencer characteristics- such as authenticity, trustworthiness, expertise, and engagement on the attitudes and decisions of potential travelers. The findings aim to provide tourism marketers with actionable insights on effective influencer collaboration strategies to enhance engagement and promote destinations. A sample of 108 respondents was surveyed, and the data was analyzed using Chi-Square tests and simple percentage analysis to draw meaningful conclusions. The results offer valuable guidance for crafting targeted marketing campaigns that appeal to today’s digitally engaged and travel-savvy audience.

Article
Education
Social Sciences

Nishant Gadde,

Saketh Mallavaram,

Shreyan Dey,

Arnav Senapathi

Abstract: This research paper investigates the impact of psychological interventions on student performance, specifically within the MIT Integration Bee, a prestigious mathematics competition that challenges students with advanced calculus problems. Conducted across multiple high schools in Texas, the study explores how different motivational techniques, including intrinsic and extrinsic rewards, influence test scores and overall student engagement. The research design includes a comprehensive analysis of motivational strategies, encompassing both baseline and reward-based conditions to assess their effectiveness in enhancing student performance. By examining a diverse sample of high schools from urban and suburban areas, this study aims to provide a holistic understanding of the factors that drive academic achievement in competitive settings. The results have significant implications for educational strategies, particularly in the realm of mathematics education, and highlight the potential for tailored motivational interventions to optimize student engagement and achievement. These findings contribute to the broader discourse on educational psychology, offering insights that could inform the development of more effective teaching practices and policies aimed at fostering a conducive learning environment for students across different educational contexts. In addition, this can potentially be applied to universities as well, breaking way through an exciting part of academics.
Article
Education
Social Sciences

María Rocío Pérez-Mesa,

Yair Alexander Porras-Contreras,

Rosa Nidia Tuay-Sigua

Abstract: Living beings as open systems depend on climate and weather to survive. However, changes in Earth's climatology, which have been increasing since the industrial period, have affected different territories of the planet, limiting access to ecosystem services and causing imbalances in health and well-being. The first purpose of this study is to conduct a literature review on academic production regarding Climate Change and its impact on health, in the context of education, using international academic production condensed in the Web of Science (WOS) database over the last 10 years as a reference. The second purpose focuses on identifying the environmental attitudes of science teachers in initial training regarding aspects related to climate change. The study results show three categories emerging from the literature review: Climate Change and Health, Nature and Risks, Environment and Energy. For the analysis of environmental attitudes, a survey was con-ducted with 51 pre-service teachers, consisting of 59 items distributed in 5 categories: a) envi-ronment, b) climate change, c) health, d) education, e) lifestyle. Although the results reveal a positive attitude towards all analysed categories, it is important to advance effective mitigation and adaptation strategies from the teacher training processes themselves.
Article
Education
Social Sciences

Esteban Peris,

Adolf Murillo,

Jesus Tejada

Abstract:

In the field of music education, the incorporation of technology originally designed for professionals presents both significant opportunities and challenges. These technologies, although advanced and powerful, are often not adapted to meet the specific needs of the educational environment. Therefore, this study details the design and implementation process of a system consisting of a hardware device called "Play Box" an associated software, "Imaginary Play Box". The Design Sciences Research Methodology (DSRM) specifically adapted to software development was used to structure the project. The three phases shown in this study ranged from the conception of an initial prototype to the realisation of a working software.

During the design phase, a questionnaire was developed to evaluate various aspects of the software, such as the visual interface, the programming of components and the sound interactivity provided by the Play Box. The technique of panels of experts in music pedagogy and programming in MAX-MSP was used to obtain critical feedback. This expert evaluation was crucial to iterate and polish the process of iteration and refining the software, culminating in a beta version optimised for the creation of electroacoustic music for music education.

Article
Tourism, Leisure, Sport and Hospitality
Social Sciences

Zhengkang Bai,

Shuangquan Zhang,

Hui He

Abstract:

With the acceleration of urbanization around the world, city dwellers face increasing levels of work stress and mental health issues, which negatively impact their happiness. The purpose of this study was to explore the impact of natural environment on residents' mental health and well-being in urban forest parks, and to analyze the relationship between natural environment perception, psychological recovery, restorative environment perception and subjective well-being. Through a questionnaire survey conducted in a botanical garden in Hunan Province, 504 valid samples were collected. Through structural equation model (SEM) analysis, the results show that: (1) natural environment perception has significant positive effects on psychological recovery and restorative environment perception. (2) Psychological recovery as an intermediary variable significantly improved residents' subjective well-being. In addition, the characteristics of an individual's social background, such as gender, education level, occupation, and frequency of visits, are closely related to the perception and well-being of the natural environment. Among them, the increase of the frequency of visit has a significant positive effect on the improvement of individual's natural environment perception, restorative environment perception, subjective well-being and psychological recovery. The results show that: (1) Urban planners should improve the accessibility of urban forest parks and integrate restorative elements into the design. (2) Encourage residents to visit frequently to improve mental health and well-being. The results of this study provide empirical support for the value of urban forest parks in promoting public mental health and well-being, and provide scientific basis for urban planning and green space management.

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