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Search Results (2,506)

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Keywords = cross-cultural studies

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19 pages, 753 KiB  
Article
In-Context Learning for Low-Resource Machine Translation: A Study on Tarifit with Large Language Models
by Oussama Akallouch and Khalid Fardousse
Algorithms 2025, 18(8), 489; https://doi.org/10.3390/a18080489 - 6 Aug 2025
Abstract
This study presents the first systematic evaluation of in-context learning for Tarifit machine translation, a low-resource Amazigh language spoken by 5 million people in Morocco and Europe. We assess three large language models (GPT-4, Claude-3.5, PaLM-2) across Tarifit–Arabic, Tarifit–French, and Tarifit–English translation using [...] Read more.
This study presents the first systematic evaluation of in-context learning for Tarifit machine translation, a low-resource Amazigh language spoken by 5 million people in Morocco and Europe. We assess three large language models (GPT-4, Claude-3.5, PaLM-2) across Tarifit–Arabic, Tarifit–French, and Tarifit–English translation using 1000 sentence pairs and 5-fold cross-validation. Results show that 8-shot similarity-based demonstration selection achieves optimal performance. GPT-4 achieved 20.2 BLEU for Tarifit–Arabic, 14.8 for Tarifit–French, and 10.9 for Tarifit–English. Linguistic proximity significantly impacts translation quality, with Tarifit–Arabic substantially outperforming other language pairs by 8.4 BLEU points due to shared vocabulary and morphological patterns. Error analysis reveals systematic issues with morphological complexity (42% of errors) and cultural terminology preservation (18% of errors). This work establishes baseline benchmarks for Tarifit translation and demonstrates the viability of in-context learning for morphologically complex low-resource languages, contributing to linguistic equity in AI systems. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Evolutionary Algorithms and Machine Learning)
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35 pages, 2117 KiB  
Article
Organizational Culture and Perceived Performance: Mediation of Perceived Organizational Support and Moderation of Motivation
by Denise José, Ana Palma-Moreira and Manuel Au-Yong-Oliveira
Adm. Sci. 2025, 15(8), 307; https://doi.org/10.3390/admsci15080307 - 6 Aug 2025
Abstract
This study aimed to investigate the effect of organizational culture on employee-perceived performance and whether this relationship is mediated by perceived organizational support and moderated by employee motivation. Three hundred individuals working in organizations located in Portugal and Angola participated in this study. [...] Read more.
This study aimed to investigate the effect of organizational culture on employee-perceived performance and whether this relationship is mediated by perceived organizational support and moderated by employee motivation. Three hundred individuals working in organizations located in Portugal and Angola participated in this study. This is a quantitative, exploratory, correlational, and cross-sectional study. The results indicate that only goal culture, rule culture, affective organizational support perception, and identified motivation have a positive and significant effect on perceived performance. Supportive culture and goal culture have a positive and significant effect on affective organizational support perception. All dimensions of organizational culture have a significant effect on cognitive organizational support perception, with the effects of the supportive culture and the goal culture being positive and significant, while the effects of the innovative culture and the rule culture are negative and significant. The perception of affective organizational support has a total mediating effect on the relationship between goal culture and perceived performance. Intrinsic motivation and identified motivation have a moderating effect on the relationship between all dimensions of organizational culture and perceived performance. This study is expected to help human resource managers understand the importance of the type of organizational culture that prevails in their organization to enhance employees’ perception of organizational support and performance. Full article
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24 pages, 1671 KiB  
Article
Sustainability in Purpose-Driven Businesses Operating in Cultural and Creative Industries: Insights from Consumers’ Perspectives on Società Benefit
by Gesualda Iodice and Francesco Bifulco
Sustainability 2025, 17(15), 7117; https://doi.org/10.3390/su17157117 - 6 Aug 2025
Abstract
This study intends to provide insights and challenges for the shape of the B movement, an emerging paradigm that fosters cross-sectoral partnerships and encourages ethical business practices through so-called purpose-driven businesses. Focusing on Italy, the first European country to adopt this managerial model, [...] Read more.
This study intends to provide insights and challenges for the shape of the B movement, an emerging paradigm that fosters cross-sectoral partnerships and encourages ethical business practices through so-called purpose-driven businesses. Focusing on Italy, the first European country to adopt this managerial model, the research investigates Italian Benefit Corporations, known as Società Benefit (SB), and their most appealing sustainability claims from a consumer perspective. The analysis intends to inform theory development by assuming the cultural and creative industry (CCI) as a field of interest, utilizing a within-subjects experimental design to analyze data from a diverse consumer sample across various contexts. The results indicate that messaging centered on economic sustainability emerged as the most effective in generating positive consumer responses, highlighting a prevailing inclination toward pragmatic factors such as affordability, economic accessibility, and tangible benefits rather than social issues. While sustainable behaviors are not yet widespread, latent ethical sensitivity for authentic, value-driven businesses suggests that economic and ethical dimensions can be strategically synthesized to enhance consumer engagement. This insight highlights the role of BCs in catalyzing a shift in consumption patterns within ethical-based and creative-driven sectors. Full article
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22 pages, 982 KiB  
Article
Cross-Cultural Adaptation and Validation of the Spanish HLS-COVID-Q22 Questionnaire for Measuring Health Literacy on COVID-19 in Peru
by Manuel Caipa-Ramos, Katarzyna Werner-Masters, Silvia Quispe-Prieto, Alberto Paucar-Cáceres and Regina Nina-Chipana
Healthcare 2025, 13(15), 1903; https://doi.org/10.3390/healthcare13151903 - 5 Aug 2025
Viewed by 33
Abstract
Background/Objectives: The social importance of health literacy (HL) is widely understood, and its measurement is the subject of various studies. Due to the recent pandemic, several instruments for measuring HL about COVID-19 have been proposed in different countries, including the HLS-COVID-Q22 questionnaire. The [...] Read more.
Background/Objectives: The social importance of health literacy (HL) is widely understood, and its measurement is the subject of various studies. Due to the recent pandemic, several instruments for measuring HL about COVID-19 have been proposed in different countries, including the HLS-COVID-Q22 questionnaire. The diversity of cultures and languages necessitates the cross-cultural adaptation of this instrument. Thus, the present study translates, adapts, and validates the psychometric properties of the HLS-COVID-Q22 questionnaire to provide its cross-cultural adaptation from English to Spanish (Peru). Methods: As part of ensuring that the final questionnaire accommodates the cultural nuances and idiosyncrasies of the target language, the following activities were carried out: (a) a survey of 40 respondents; and (b) a focus group with 10 participants, followed by expert approval. In addition, the validity and reliability of the health instrument have been ascertained through a further pilot test administered to 490 people in the city of Tacna in southern Peru. Results: The resulting questionnaire helps measure HL in Peru, aiding better-informed decision-making for individual health choices. Conclusions: The presence of such a tool is advantageous in case of similar global health emergencies, when the questionnaire can be made readily available to support a promotion of strategies towards better self-care. Moreover, it encourages other Latin American stakeholders to adjust the instrument to their own cultural, language, and socio-economic contexts, thus invigorating the regional and global expansion of the HL study network. Full article
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25 pages, 4785 KiB  
Article
Osteogenic Differentiation of Mesenchymal Stem Cells Induced by Geometric Mechanotransductive 3D-Printed Poly-(L)-Lactic Acid Matrices
by Harrison P. Ryan, Bruce K. Milthorpe and Jerran Santos
Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2025, 26(15), 7494; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms26157494 - 2 Aug 2025
Viewed by 260
Abstract
Bone-related defects present a key challenge in orthopaedics. The current gold standard, autografts, poses significant limitations, such as donor site morbidity, limited supply, and poor morphological adaptability. This study investigates the potential of scaffold geometry to induce osteogenic differentiation of human adipose-derived stem [...] Read more.
Bone-related defects present a key challenge in orthopaedics. The current gold standard, autografts, poses significant limitations, such as donor site morbidity, limited supply, and poor morphological adaptability. This study investigates the potential of scaffold geometry to induce osteogenic differentiation of human adipose-derived stem cells (hADSCs) through mechanotransduction, without the use of chemical inducers. Four distinct poly-(L)-lactic acid (PLA) scaffold architectures—Traditional Cross (Tc), Triangle (T), Diamond (D), and Gyroid (G)—were fabricated using fused filament fabrication (FFF) 3D printing. hADSCs were cultured on these scaffolds, and their response was evaluated utilising an alkaline phosphatase (ALP) assay, immunofluorescence, and extensive proteomic analyses. The results showed the D scaffold to have the highest ALP activity, followed by Tc. Proteomics results showed that more than 1200 proteins were identified in each scaffold with unique proteins expressed in each scaffold, respectively Tc—204, T—194, D—244, and G—216. Bioinformatics analysis revealed structures with complex curvature to have an increased expression of proteins involved in mid- to late-stage osteogenesis signalling and differentiation pathways, while the Tc scaffold induced an increased expression of signalling and differentiation pathways pertaining to angiogenesis and early osteogenesis. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Novel Approaches for Tissue Repair and Tissue Regeneration)
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14 pages, 265 KiB  
Article
Bovine Leptospirosis: Serology, Isolation, and Risk Factors in Dairy Farms of La Laguna, Mexico
by Alejandra María Pescador-Gutiérrez, Jesús Francisco Chávez-Sánchez, Lucio Galaviz-Silva, Juan José Zarate-Ramos, José Pablo Villarreal-Villarreal, Sergio Eduardo Bernal-García, Uziel Castillo-Velázquez, Rubén Cervantes-Vega and Ramiro Avalos-Ramirez
Life 2025, 15(8), 1224; https://doi.org/10.3390/life15081224 - 2 Aug 2025
Viewed by 216
Abstract
Leptospirosis is a globally significant zoonosis affecting animal health, productivity, and the environment. While typically associated with tropical climates, its persistence in semi-arid regions such as La Laguna, Mexico—characterized by low humidity, high temperatures, and limited water sources—remains poorly understood. Although these adverse [...] Read more.
Leptospirosis is a globally significant zoonosis affecting animal health, productivity, and the environment. While typically associated with tropical climates, its persistence in semi-arid regions such as La Laguna, Mexico—characterized by low humidity, high temperatures, and limited water sources—remains poorly understood. Although these adverse environmental conditions theoretically limit the survival of Leptospira, high livestock density and synanthropic reservoirs (e.g., rodents) may compensate, facilitating transmission. In this cross-sectional study, blood sera from 445 dairy cows (28 herds: 12 intensive [MI], 16 semi-intensive [MSI] systems) were analyzed via microscopic agglutination testing (MAT) against 10 pathogenic serovars. Urine samples were cultured for active Leptospira detection. Risk factors were assessed through epidemiological surveys and multivariable analysis. This study revealed an overall apparent seroprevalence of 27.0% (95% CI: 22.8–31.1), with significantly higher rates in MSI (54.1%) versus MI (12.2%) herds (p < 0.001) and an estimated true seroprevalence of 56.3% (95% CI: 50.2–62.1) in MSI and 13.1% (95% CI: 8.5–18.7) in MI herds (p < 0.001). The Sejroe serogroup was isolated from urine in both systems, confirming active circulation. In MI herds, rodent presence (OR: 3.6; 95% CI: 1.6–7.9) was identified as a risk factor for Leptospira seropositivity, while first-trimester abortions (OR:10.1; 95% CI: 4.2–24.2) were significantly associated with infection. In MSI herds, risk factors associated with Leptospira seropositivity included co-occurrence with hens (OR: 2.8; 95% CI: 1.5–5.3) and natural breeding (OR: 2.0; 95% CI: 1.1–3.9), whereas mastitis/agalactiae (OR: 2.8; 95% CI: 1.5–5.2) represented a clinical outcome associated with seropositivity. Despite semi-arid conditions, Leptospira maintains transmission in La Laguna, particularly in semi-intensive systems. The coexistence of adapted (Sejroe) and incidental serogroups underscores the need for targeted interventions, such as rodent control in MI systems and poultry management in MSI systems, to mitigate both zoonotic and economic impacts. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Animal Science)
14 pages, 590 KiB  
Article
General Practitioner’s Practice in Romanian Children with Streptococcal Pharyngitis
by Reka Borka Balas, Lorena Elena Meliț, Ancuța Lupu, Boglarka Sandor, Anna Borka Balas and Cristina Oana Mărginean
Medicina 2025, 61(8), 1408; https://doi.org/10.3390/medicina61081408 - 2 Aug 2025
Viewed by 107
Abstract
Background and Objectives: A correct diagnosis of beta-hemolytic group A streptococcus (GAS)-pharyngitis allows the prevention of complications and unnecessary use of antibiotics. The aim of this study was to assess the management of pediatric GAS-pharyngitis in Romanian general practitioners (GPs)’ practice. Material [...] Read more.
Background and Objectives: A correct diagnosis of beta-hemolytic group A streptococcus (GAS)-pharyngitis allows the prevention of complications and unnecessary use of antibiotics. The aim of this study was to assess the management of pediatric GAS-pharyngitis in Romanian general practitioners (GPs)’ practice. Material and Methods: a cross-sectional study was conducted using a questionnaire distributed to Romanian GPs. Results: In total, 56 GPs completed the questionnaire, mostly females (83.9%, n = 47) from an urban area (60.7%, n = 34). They treated 5–10 (35.7%) or more than 10 (32.1%) cases of GAS monthly and considered white exudate on tonsils (92.9%, n = 52) to be the most suggestive clinical sign. Of the GPs, 25% (n = 14) used the Centor Criteria, 10.7% (n = 6) performed a rapid antigen detection test, and 42.9% (n = 24) requested throat culture for diagnosis. The younger GPs used the Centor Criteria significantly more often (p = 0.027) than the older ones. Most GPs (69.6%, n = 39) preferred targeted antibiotic therapy. Amoxicillin-clavulanate was the most commonly used antibiotic (55.4%, n = 31). Most GPs preferred oral antibiotics (89%, n = 50) for 10 days (55.4%, n = 31). Conclusions: Antibiotic treatment was initiated mostly based on clinical symptoms and in a short-course therapy. GPs stated that they prefer targeted antibiotic therapy, but they did not use proper diagnostic tools. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Pediatrics)
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14 pages, 854 KiB  
Systematic Review
The Critical Impact and Socio-Ethical Implications of AI on Content Generation Practices in Media Organizations
by Sevasti Lamprou, Paraskevi (Evi) Dekoulou and George Kalliris
Societies 2025, 15(8), 214; https://doi.org/10.3390/soc15080214 - 1 Aug 2025
Viewed by 281
Abstract
This systematic literature review explores the socio-ethical implications of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in contemporary media content generation. Drawing from 44 peer-reviewed sources, policy documents, and industry reports, the study synthesizes findings across three core domains: bias detection, storytelling transformation, and ethical governance frameworks. [...] Read more.
This systematic literature review explores the socio-ethical implications of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in contemporary media content generation. Drawing from 44 peer-reviewed sources, policy documents, and industry reports, the study synthesizes findings across three core domains: bias detection, storytelling transformation, and ethical governance frameworks. Through thematic coding and structured analysis, the review identifies recurring tensions between automation and authenticity, efficiency and editorial integrity, and innovation and institutional oversight. It introduces the Human–AI Co-Creation Continuum as a conceptual model for understanding hybrid narrative production and proposes practical recommendations for ethical AI adoption in journalism. The review concludes with a future research agenda emphasizing empirical studies, cross-cultural governance models, and audience perceptions of AI-generated content. This aligns with prior studies on algorithmic journalism. Full article
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13 pages, 235 KiB  
Article
Motivations of Sports Volunteers at Mass Endurance Events: A Case Study of Poznan
by Milena Michalska, Mateusz Grajek and Mateusz Rozmiarek
Sports 2025, 13(8), 255; https://doi.org/10.3390/sports13080255 - 1 Aug 2025
Viewed by 206
Abstract
Sport volunteering plays an important role in achieving the goals of sustainable development by supporting the social dimension of sustainability, fostering social integration, and promoting a healthy lifestyle. However, there is a lack of systematic research in Poland on the motivations of sport [...] Read more.
Sport volunteering plays an important role in achieving the goals of sustainable development by supporting the social dimension of sustainability, fostering social integration, and promoting a healthy lifestyle. However, there is a lack of systematic research in Poland on the motivations of sport volunteers, particularly in the context of mass endurance events. This study employed a quantitative, cross-sectional design involving 148 sport volunteers engaged in mass endurance events in Poznan, Poland. To measure motivation, the Polish adaptation of the VMS-ISE scale was used. Data analysis was conducted using one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA). The results showed that volunteer motivations were relatively homogeneous regardless of gender and education level, with the exception of passion for sport, which was significantly stronger among men (p = 0.037). Significant differences were found based on place of residence: residents of medium-sized cities demonstrated the highest motivation for personal development (p < 0.001), whereas individuals from rural areas exhibited stronger patriotism, a greater need for interpersonal interaction, and a higher valuation of external rewards (p < 0.05). The motivations of sport volunteers in Poland are complex and sensitive to environmental factors. Understanding these differences allows for better alignment of recruitment and volunteer management strategies, which can enhance both the effectiveness and sustainability of volunteer engagement. It is recommended to develop volunteer programs that take into account the demographic and socio-cultural characteristics of participants. Full article
26 pages, 4349 KiB  
Article
Palazzo Farnese and Dong’s Fortified Compound: An Art-Anthropological Cross-Cultural Analysis of Architectural Form, Symbolic Ornamentation, and Public Perception
by Liyue Wu, Qinchuan Zhan, Yanjun Li and Chen Chen
Buildings 2025, 15(15), 2720; https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings15152720 - 1 Aug 2025
Viewed by 156
Abstract
This study presents a cross-cultural comparison of two fortified residences—Palazzo Farnese in Italy and Dong’s Fortified Compound in China—through a triadic analytical framework encompassing architectural form, symbolic ornamentation, and public perception. By combining field observation, iconographic interpretation, and digital ethnography, the research investigates [...] Read more.
This study presents a cross-cultural comparison of two fortified residences—Palazzo Farnese in Italy and Dong’s Fortified Compound in China—through a triadic analytical framework encompassing architectural form, symbolic ornamentation, and public perception. By combining field observation, iconographic interpretation, and digital ethnography, the research investigates how heritage meaning is constructed, encoded, and reinterpreted across distinct sociocultural contexts. Empirical materials include architectural documentation, decorative analysis, and a curated dataset of 4947 user-generated images and 1467 textual comments collected from Chinese and international platforms between 2020 and 2024. Methods such as CLIP-based visual clustering and BERTopic-enabled sentiment modelling were applied to extract patterns of perception and symbolic emphasis. The findings reveal contrasting representational logics: Palazzo Farnese encodes dynastic authority and Renaissance cosmology through geometric order and immersive frescoes, while Dong’s Compound conveys Confucian ethics and frontier identity via nested courtyards and traditional ornamentation. Digital responses diverge accordingly: international users highlight formal aesthetics and photogenic elements; Chinese users engage with symbolic motifs, family memory, and ritual significance. This study illustrates how historically fortified residences are reinterpreted through culturally specific digital practices, offering an interdisciplinary approach that bridges architectural history, symbolic analysis, and digital heritage studies. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Architectural Design, Urban Science, and Real Estate)
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23 pages, 458 KiB  
Article
Cross-Cultural Competence in Tourism and Hospitality: A Case Study of Quintana Roo, Mexico
by María del Pilar Arjona-Granados, Antonio Galván-Vera, José Ángel Sevilla-Morales and Martín Alfredo Legarreta-González
World 2025, 6(3), 108; https://doi.org/10.3390/world6030108 - 1 Aug 2025
Viewed by 690
Abstract
Economic growth, especially in emerging economies, has altered the composition of international tourism. It is therefore essential to possess the skills necessary to understand the influence of culture on human behaviour, thereby enabling an appropriate response to the traveller. This research aims to [...] Read more.
Economic growth, especially in emerging economies, has altered the composition of international tourism. It is therefore essential to possess the skills necessary to understand the influence of culture on human behaviour, thereby enabling an appropriate response to the traveller. This research aims to develop a tool for identifying openness, flexibility, awareness, and intercultural preparedness. It focuses on the metacognitive and cognitive aspects of cultural intelligence that shape the development of empathy in customer service staff in hotels in Quintana Roo. The variables were validated and incorporated into a quantitative study using multivariate analysis and inferential statistics. A sample of 77 questionnaires was analysed using simple random sampling under a proportional design. Multiple Correspondence Analysis (MCA) was employed as a discriminatory technique to identify the most significant independent variables. These were subsequently entered as regressors into ordinal logistic regression (OLR), along with age and work experience, in order to estimate the probabilities associated with each level of the dependent variable. The results indicated that age had minimal influence on the metacognitive and cognitive variables, whereas years of experience among tourism staff exerted a significant effect. Full article
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27 pages, 830 KiB  
Systematic Review
What Pushes University Professors to Burnout? A Systematic Review of Sociodemographic and Psychosocial Determinants
by Henry Cadena-Povea, Marco Hernández-Martínez, Gabriela Bastidas-Amador and Hugo Torres-Andrade
Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2025, 22(8), 1214; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph22081214 - 1 Aug 2025
Viewed by 277
Abstract
Burnout syndrome is a growing concern in higher education, affecting the psychological well-being and performance of university professors. This systematic review presents a narrative synthesis of findings from quantitative studies on sociodemographic and psychosocial determinants of academic burnout. Following PRISMA 2020 guidelines, sixty [...] Read more.
Burnout syndrome is a growing concern in higher education, affecting the psychological well-being and performance of university professors. This systematic review presents a narrative synthesis of findings from quantitative studies on sociodemographic and psychosocial determinants of academic burnout. Following PRISMA 2020 guidelines, sixty peer-reviewed articles published between Jan 2019 and May 2024 were selected from Scopus and Web of Science. Inclusion criteria required validated psychometric instruments and exclusive focus on university faculty. Methodological quality was assessed using the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale and CASP checklist. Data from approximately 43,639 academic staff were analyzed. Key risk factors identified include excessive workload, lack of institutional support, and workplace conflict. In contrast, collegial support, participative leadership, and job satisfaction functioned as protective elements. Variables such as age, gender, academic rank, and employment stability significantly influenced burnout vulnerability. While general patterns were observed across studies, differences in design and sampling require caution in generalization. The evidence supports the implementation of integrated strategies encompassing mental health programs, workload regulation, participatory governance, and culturally responsive approaches. These findings inform the development of institutional policies aimed at preventing burnout and fostering academic well-being. Future research should adopt longitudinal and cross-cultural designs to further explore burnout trajectories and support educational reform. Full article
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38 pages, 1465 KiB  
Article
Industry 4.0 and Collaborative Networks: A Goals- and Rules-Oriented Approach Using the 4EM Method
by Thales Botelho de Sousa, Fábio Müller Guerrini, Meire Ramalho de Oliveira and José Roberto Herrera Cantorani
Platforms 2025, 3(3), 14; https://doi.org/10.3390/platforms3030014 - 1 Aug 2025
Viewed by 286
Abstract
The rapid evolution of Industry 4.0 technologies has resulted in a scenario in which collaborative networks are essential to overcome the challenges related to their implementation. However, the frameworks to guide such collaborations remain underexplored. This study addresses this gap by proposing Business [...] Read more.
The rapid evolution of Industry 4.0 technologies has resulted in a scenario in which collaborative networks are essential to overcome the challenges related to their implementation. However, the frameworks to guide such collaborations remain underexplored. This study addresses this gap by proposing Business Rules and Goals Models to operationalize Industry 4.0 solutions through enterprise collaboration. Using the For Enterprise Modeling (4EM) method, the research integrates qualitative insights from expert opinions, including interviews with 12 professionals (academics, industry professionals, and consultants) from Brazilian manufacturing sectors. The Goals Model identifies five main objectives—competitiveness, efficiency, flexibility, interoperability, and real-time collaboration—while the Business Rules Model outlines 18 actionable recommendations, such as investing in digital infrastructure, upskilling employees, and standardizing information technology systems. The results reveal that cultural resistance, limited resources, and knowledge gaps are critical barriers, while interoperability and stakeholder integration emerge as enablers of digital transformation. The study concludes that successfully adopting Industry 4.0 requires technological investments, organizational alignment, structured governance, and collaborative ecosystems. These models provide a practical roadmap for companies navigating the complexities of Industry 4.0, emphasizing adaptability and cross-functional synergy. The research contributes to the literature on collaborative networks by connecting theoretical frameworks with actionable enterprise-level strategies. Full article
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19 pages, 440 KiB  
Article
Contextual Study of Technostress in Higher Education: Psychometric Evidence for the TS4US Scale from Lima, Peru
by Guillermo Araya-Ugarte, Miguel Armesto-Céspedes, Nicolás Contreras-Barraza, Alejandro Vega-Muñoz, Guido Salazar-Sepúlveda and Nelson Lay
Sustainability 2025, 17(15), 6974; https://doi.org/10.3390/su17156974 - 31 Jul 2025
Viewed by 291
Abstract
Sustainable education requires addressing the challenges posed by digital transformation, including technostress among university students. This study evaluates technostress levels in higher education through the validation of the TS4US scale and its implications for sustainable learning environments. A cross-sectional study was conducted with [...] Read more.
Sustainable education requires addressing the challenges posed by digital transformation, including technostress among university students. This study evaluates technostress levels in higher education through the validation of the TS4US scale and its implications for sustainable learning environments. A cross-sectional study was conducted with 328 university students from four districts in Lima, Peru, using an online survey to measure technostress. Confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) was performed to assess the psychometric properties of the TS4US scale, resulting in a refined model with two latent factors and thirteen validated items. Findings indicate that 28% of students experience high technostress levels, while 5% report very high levels, though no significant associations were found between technostress and sociodemographic variables such as campus location, employment status, gender, and academic level. The TS4US instrument had been previously validated in Chile; this study confirms its structure in a new sociocultural context, reinforcing its cross-cultural applicability. These results highlight the need for sustainable strategies to mitigate technostress in higher education, including institutional support, digital literacy programs, and policies fostering a balanced technological environment. Addressing technostress is essential for promoting sustainable education (SDG4) and enhancing student well-being (SDG3). This study directly contributes to the achievement of Sustainable Development Goals 3 (Good Health and Well-being) and 4 (Quality Education) by providing validated tools and evidence-based recommendations to promote mental health and equitable access to digital education in Latin America. Future research should explore cross-country comparisons and targeted interventions, including digital well-being initiatives and adaptive learning strategies, to ensure a resilient and sustainable academic ecosystem. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Sustainable Education and Approaches)
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24 pages, 11280 KiB  
Article
Identifying Landscape Character in Multi-Ethnic Areas in Southwest China: The Case of the Miao Frontier Corridor
by Yanjun Liu, Xiaomei Li, Shangjun Lu, Liyun Xie and Zongsheng Huang
Land 2025, 14(8), 1571; https://doi.org/10.3390/land14081571 - 31 Jul 2025
Viewed by 353
Abstract
The landscapes of China’s multi-ethnic areas are rich in natural and cultural value, but they are threatened by homogenization and urbanization. This study aims to establish a method for identifying and classifying the landscape characters in China’s multi-ethnic areas to support the protection [...] Read more.
The landscapes of China’s multi-ethnic areas are rich in natural and cultural value, but they are threatened by homogenization and urbanization. This study aims to establish a method for identifying and classifying the landscape characters in China’s multi-ethnic areas to support the protection and sustainable development of the landscape in these areas. Taking the Miao Frontier Corridor as an example, the study optimized a parameterization method of landscape character assessment (LCA), integrated relevant cultural and natural elements, and used the K-means clustering algorithm to determine the landscape character types and regions of the Miao Frontier Corridor. The results show that (1) the natural conditions, ethnic exchanges, and historical institutions of the Miao Frontier Corridor have had a significant impact on its overall landscape; and (2) using ethnic group culture as a cultural element in LCA helps to reveal the unique cultural value of areas with different landscape characters. This study expands the LCA framework and applies it to multi-ethnic areas in China, thereby establishing a database that can serve as the basis for cross-regional landscape protection, management, and development planning in these areas. The research methods can be widely used in other multi-ethnic areas in China. Full article
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