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DOAJ Open Access 2026
The Confucian Conception of Self: Collectivist or Relational?

Thomas Moore

In this paper, I clarify the Confucian conception of self by distinguishing it from com­mon misrepresentations, most notably its conflation with collectivism, as critiqued by Jana Rošker. These distortions, arguably rooted in the application of inappropriate West­ern frameworks, portray the Confucian self as self-effacing and subordinate to society. Drawing on key sinological and philosophical work, including that of David Hall, Roger Ames, and Jana Rošker, I argue instead that the Confucian self is relational and proces­sual: constituted through one’s roles and relationships, not erased by them. I develop this interpretation in two stages. First, I show through conceptual analysis how the Confucian self integrates individuality and interdependence by situating personhood in a shared awareness of social roles. Second, I analyse the Analects and Mencius to show how the ideal of ren (仁) embodies ethical self-cultivation as a dynamic, ongoing process. I con­clude that the Confucian self is best seen as a shared or social self-consciousness of roles and relations.

Social sciences and state - Asia (Asian studies only)
S2 Open Access 2026
Middle East Conflicts & Their Influence on International Politics

Shahbaz Ahmed, Madiha Bashir

Geopolitical processes and relations in the Middle East have profoundly shaped world politics since the early twentieth century. This study focuses on the degree to which regional conflicts impact global political systems, alliances, and decision-making. Using empirical techniques like correlation and regression analysis, it assesses the relationship between regional instability, shifts in the global distribution of power, and diplomatic reactions. The results confirm that these conflicts significantly influence international alignments, foreign policy orientations, and security arrangements, with organizations like the United Nations playing a critical, though often challenging, role in mediation. The analysis identifies regional volatility as a key driver of global energy market fluctuations and migration crises, directly impacting economic stability and domestic politics worldwide. Furthermore, the Middle East serves as a primary theatre for great power competition, where rivalries between the United States, Russia, and China are expressed through proxy conflicts and arms deals. This competition restructures international power dynamics, often entrenching local conflicts while creating transnational security threats, such as the proliferation of non-state armed groups. These interconnected effects: economic, humanitarian, and strategic, demonstrate that Middle Eastern instability is a persistent and potent input into the global system. The perpetual turmoil in the Middle East continuously reshapes the international arena by forging new security alliances, altering trade routes, and consuming significant diplomatic capital. The paper argues that regional stability is therefore not an isolated concern but a fundamental prerequisite for broader global order. This necessitates an integrated international approach, recognizing that events in the Middle East rarely remain contained, instead sending disruptive reverberations throughout the entire network of contemporary international relations. References Abu-Rish, Z. (2021). The politics of state formation and failure in the modern Middle East. Cambridge University Press. Amin, S. (2019). Modern imperialism, monopoly finance capital, and Marx’s law of value. Monthly Review Press. Anderson, L., & Seib, P. (2022). Media, war, and conflict in the Middle East: Narratives, networks, and new actors. Palgrave Macmillan. Asif, M., Ali, A., & Shaheen, F. A. (2025). Assessing the Effects of Artificial Intelligence in Revolutionizing Human Resource Management: A Systematic Review. Social Science Review Archives, 3(4), 2887–2908. https://doi.org/10.70670/sra.v3i3.1055 Asif, M., & Asghar, R. J. (2025). Managerial accounting as a driver of financial performance and sustainability in small and medium enterprises in Pakistan. Center for Management Science Research, 3(7), 150–163. https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.17596478    Barnett, M. (2021). Dialogues in Arab politics: Negotiations in regional order. Columbia University Press. Bishara, A. (2022). Crossing borders: Conflict and cooperation in the Middle East. Stanford University Press. Buzan, B., & Lawson, G. (2015). The global transformation: History, modernity and the making of international relations. Cambridge University Press. Dunne, T., & Petersen, M. J. (2022). International relations theories: Discipline and diversity (6th ed.). Oxford University Press. El-Affendi, A. (2021). Narratives of reform and revolution in the Arab world. Routledge. Fawcett, L. (2023). International relations of the Middle East (6th ed.). Oxford University Press. Finnemore, M., & Sikkink, K. (1998). International norm dynamics and political change. International Organization, 52(4), 887–917. Gause, F. G. III. (2019). The international relations of the Persian Gulf. Cambridge University Press. Halliday, F. (2020). The Middle East in international relations: Power, politics and ideology. Oxford University Press. Hinnebusch, R. (2020). The international politics of the Middle East (3rd ed.). Manchester University Press. Kamrava, M. (2020). Inside the Arab state. Oxford University Press. Katz, M. N. (2021). The Russia–Turkey–Iran triangle and the future of the Middle East. Middle East Policy, 28(2), 35–47. https://doi.org/10.1111/mepo.12525 Khalidi, R. (2020). The hundred years’ war on Palestine: A history of settler colonialism and resistance, 1917–2017. Metropolitan Books. Korany, B., & Dessouki, A. E. (Eds.). (2022). The foreign policies of Arab states: The challenge of globalization. American University in Cairo Press. Luciani, G. (2022). Oil and political economy in the Middle East: Economic diversification and national visions. Palgrave Macmillan. Lynch, M. (2021). The new Arab wars: Uprisings and anarchy in the Middle East. PublicAffairs. Mearsheimer, J. J. (2014). The tragedy of great power politics (Updated ed.). W.W. Norton & Company. Miller, R. (2020). Geopolitics and energy in the Middle East: Stability, resources, and power. Global Policy Journal, 11(1), 45–61. https://doi.org/10.1111/1758-5899.12703 Nassar, J. (2020). Globalization and terrorism: The Middle East experience. Rowman & Littlefield. Roberts, A. (2021). The United Nations, global governance, and the limits of international law. Routledge. Said, E. W. (2020). Culture and imperialism. Vintage. Selim, M. H. (2023). Global power shifts and Middle East security. Springer. Sørli, M. E., Gleditsch, N. P., & Strand, H. (2021). Why is there so much conflict in the Middle East? Journal of Peace Research, 58(4), 500–516. https://doi.org/10.1177/0022343321997842 Talmiz, A. (2022). West Asia at war: Repression, resistance and great power games. HarperCollins. Tell, T. (2023). Proxy wars and the changing nature of regional conflict in the Middle East. International Affairs, 99(3), 547–565. https://doi.org/10.1093/ia/iiad056 Valbjørn, M. (2022). The Middle East after the Arab uprisings: The return of geopolitics. Third World Quarterly, 43(6), 1125–1143. https://doi.org/10.1080/01436597.2022.2069979 Wallerstein, I. (2020). World-systems analysis: An introduction. Duke University Press. Wehrey, F. (2021). The burning shores: Inside the battle for the new Libya. Farrar, Straus and Giroux. Zahlan, R. S. (2020). The making of the modern Gulf states. Routledge. Zartman, I. W. (2021). Ripe for resolution: Conflict and intervention in Africa and the Middle East. Oxford University Press.

S2 Open Access 2026
The Role of Maternal-Fetal Attachment and Psychological Well-being in Infant Neurodevelopment

Sayali Khanim Hajisoy Vidadi

This study examines the relationship between maternal psychological distress during the perinatal period, maternal-fetal attachment, and subsequent neurodevelopmental outcomes in infants. The historical reverence for motherhood in Azerbaijan faces contemporary challenges as limited awareness leaves expectant mothers vulnerable to psychological hardships during the perinatal period. The intrauterine environment is influenced not only by maternal nutrition but also by maternal emotional states, with implications for fetal neurodevelopment.  A cross-sectional correlational study was conducted with 276 mothers of children diagnosed with various neurodevelopmental conditions, including Cerebral Palsy, Autism Spectrum Disorder, Down Syndrome, and Developmental Delay. Participants completed retrospective assessments of prenatal psychological distress, maternal-fetal attachment behaviours, and provided demographic and clinical information. Results of the 276 participants, 140 (50.7%) reported significant psychological distress during gestation. A statistically significant association was identified between prenatal distress and child's diagnostic category (χ² = 14.27, df = 5, p = .014). Mothers of children with Autism Spectrum Disorder reported the highest rates of prenatal distress (68.4%). Significant inverse relationships were observed between prenatal distress and maternal-fetal attachment behaviours, including emotional closeness to the fetus (r = -.42, p < .001).  Findings demonstrate a significant correlation between maternal psychological distress during pregnancy and subsequent neurodevelopmental challenges in offspring. The results underscore the need for perinatal mental health screening and culturally appropriate intervention programs in Azerbaijan. References Ainsworth, M. D. S., Blehar, M. C., Waters, E., & Wall, S. (1978). Patterns of attachment: A psychological study of the strange situation. Lawrence Erlbaum. Asif, M. (2021). Contingent effect of conflict management towards psychological capital and employees' engagement in financial sector of Islamabad (Doctoral dissertation, Preston University). https://doi.org/10.13140/RG.2.2.17616.79360 Asif, M. (2022). Integration of information technology in financial services and its adoption by the financial sector in Pakistan. Inverge Journal of Social Sciences, 1(2), 23–35. https://doi.org/10.63544/ijss.v1i2.31 Asif, M. (2024). The complexities of bioterrorism: Challenges and considerations. International Journal of Contemporary Issues in Social Sciences, 3(3), 2175–2184. Asif, M., Ali, A., & Shaheen, F. A. (2025). Assessing the effects of artificial intelligence in revolutionizing human resource management: A systematic review. Social Science Review Archives, 3(4), 2887–2908. https://doi.org/10.70670/sra.v3i3.1055 Asif, M., & Asghar, R. J. (2025). Managerial accounting as a driver of financial performance and sustainability in small and medium enterprises in Pakistan. Center for Management Science Research, 3(7), 150–163. https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.17596478 Asif, M., Imran, A., Joseph, V., Haqdad, U., Samraameer, & Asif, M. (2022). Mediating role of trust between emotional intelligence and project team performance in telecommunication sector. PalArch's Journal of Archaeology of Egypt/Egyptology, 19(4), 988–1005. Asif, M., Khan, A., & Pasha, M. A. (2019). Psychological capital of employees' engagement: Moderating impact of conflict management in the financial sector of Pakistan. Global Social Sciences Review, 4(3), 160–172. https://doi.org/10.31703/gssr.2019(IV-III).15 Asif, M., Pasha, M. A., Mumtaz, A., & Sabir, B. (2023). Causes of youth unemployment in Pakistan. Inverge Journal of Social Sciences, 2(1), 41–50. https://doi.org/10.63544/ijss.v2i1.21 Asif, M., Pasha, M. A., Shafiq, S., & Craine, I. (2022). Economic impacts of post COVID-19. Inverge Journal of Social Sciences, 1(1), 56–65. https://doi.org/10.63544/ijss.v1i1.6 Asif, M., Pasha, M. A., & Shahid, A. (2025). Energy scarcity and economic stagnation in Pakistan. Bahria University Journal of Management & Technology, 8(1), 141–157. Asif, M., & Sandhu, M. S. (2023). Social media marketing revolution in Pakistan: A study of its adoption and impact on business performance. Journal of Business Insight and Innovation, 2(2), 67–77. https://doi.org/10.52783/eel.v13i5.901 Asif, M., Shah, H., & Asim, H. A. H. (2025). Cybersecurity and audit resilience in digital finance: Global insights and the Pakistani context. Journal of Asian Development Studies, 14(3), 560–573. https://doi.org/10.62345/jads.2025.14.3.47 Asif, M., & Shaheen, A. (2022). Creating a high-performance workplace by the determination of importance of job satisfaction, employee engagement, and leadership. Journal of Business Insight and Innovation, 1(2), 9–15. Asif, M., Shahid, S., & Rafiq-uz-Zaman, M. (2025). Immersive technologies, awe, and the evolution of retail in the metaverse. International Premier Journal of Languages & Literature, 3(4), 713–748. https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.18136481 Aslam, M., & Asif, M. (2025). Organizational power structures and the reproduction of gender inequality. Apex Journal of Social Sciences, 4(1), 57–67. Aurangzeb, & Asif, M. (2021). Resources management and SMEs' performance. Humanities & Social Sciences Reviews, 9(3), 679–689. https://doi.org/10.18510/hssr.2021.9367 Aurangzeb, D., & Asif, M. (2021). Role of leadership in digital transformation: A case of Pakistani SMEs. In Proceedings of the Fourth International Conference on Emerging Trends in Engineering. Aurangzeb, Mushtaque, T., Tunio, M. N., Zia-ur-Rehman, & Asif, M. (2021). Influence of administrative expertise of human resource practitioners on job performance: Mediating role of achievement motivation. International Journal of Management, 12(4), 408–421. https://doi.org/10.34218/IJM.12.4.2021.035 Barker, D. J. P. (1998). Mothers, babies and health in later life (2nd ed.). Churchill Livingstone. Bowlby, J. (1969). Attachment and loss: Vol. 1. Attachment. Basic Books. Buss, C., Davis, E. P., Shahbaba, B., Pruessner, J. C., Head, K., & Sandman, C. A. (2012). Maternal cortisol over the course of pregnancy and subsequent child amygdala and hippocampus volumes and affective problems. Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, 109(20), E1312–E1319. https://doi.org/10.1073/pnas.1201295109 Copelon, R., Zampas, C., Brusie, E., & Devore, J. (2005). Human rights begin at birth: International law and the claim of fetal rights. Reproductive Health Matters, 13(26), 120–129. https://doi.org/10.1016/S0968-8080(05)26218-3 Coussons-Read, M. E. (2013). Effects of prenatal stress on pregnancy and human development: Mechanisms and pathways. Obstetric Medicine, 6(2), 52–57. https://doi.org/10.1177/1753495X12473751 Cranley, M. S. (1981). Development of a tool for the measurement of maternal attachment during pregnancy. Nursing Research, 30(5), 281–284. https://doi.org/10.1097/00006199-198109000-00008 Glover, V., O'Donnell, K. J., O'Connor, T. G., & Fisher, J. (2018). Prenatal maternal stress, fetal programming, and mechanisms underlying later psychopathology: A global perspective. Development and Psychopathology, 30(3), 843–854. https://doi.org/10.1017/S095457941800038X Honda, G. (2020, December 6). The process of integration. Psychology Today. https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/pain-loss-and-suffering/202012/the-process-integration IBM Corp. (2021). IBM SPSS Statistics for Windows (Version 28.0) [Computer software]. IBM Corp. Khamidullina, Z., Marat, A., Muratbekova, S., Mustapayeva, N. M., Chingayeva, G. N., Shepetov, A. M., Ibatova, S. S., Terzic, M., & Aimagambetova, G. (2025). Postpartum depression epidemiology, risk factors, diagnosis, and management: An appraisal of the current knowledge and future perspectives. Journal of Clinical Medicine, 14(7), 2418. https://doi.org/10.3390/jcm14072418 Mumtaz, A., Munir, N., Mumtaz, R., Farooq, M., & Asif, M. (2023). Impact of psychological and economic factors on investment decision-making in Pakistan stock exchange. Journal of Positive School Psychology, 7(4), 130–135. Pasha, M. A., Ramzan, M., & Asif, M. (2019). Impact of economic value added dynamics on stock prices: Fact or fallacy? Global Social Sciences Review, 4(3), 135–147. https://doi.org/10.31703/gssr.2019(IV-III).13 Persico, G., Antolini, L., Vergani, P., Costantini, W., Nardi, M. T., & Bellotti, L. (2017). Maternal singing of lullabies during pregnancy and after birth: Effects on mother-infant bonding and newborns' behavior. Women and Birth, 30(4), e214–e220. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.wombi.2017.01.007 Shahid, N., Asif, M., & Pasha, A. (2022). Effect of internet addiction on school-going children. Inverge Journal of Social Sciences, 1(1), 12–47. https://doi.org/10.63544/ijss.v1i1.3 Stanford University. (n.d.). New publication shows link between losing a relative during pregnancy and mental health of child. Stanford Health Policy. Retrieved March 17, 2026, from https://healthpolicy.fsi.stanford.edu/news/new-publication-shows-link-between-losing-relative-during-pregnancy-and-mental-health-child UN Women. (2023, May 15). Gender equality starts at home: Five ways to drive change within the family. https://www.unwomen.org/en/news-stories/feature-story/2023/05/gender-equality-starts-at-home-five-ways-to-drive-change-within-the-family University of Edinburgh. (2022, February 23). Stress in pregnancy linked to changes in infant's brain development. https://cardiovascular-science.ed.ac.uk/news-events/news/stress-pregnancy-baby-brain-development Usama, H. A., Riaz, M., Khan, A., Begum, N., Asif, M., & Hamza, M. (2022). Prohibition of alcohol in Quran and Bible: A research and analytical review. PalArch's Journal of Archaeology of Egypt/Egyptology, 19(4), 1202–1211.

S2 Open Access 2026
Entrepreneurship in the Era of Artificial Intelligence: Redefining Opportunity Recognition, Labour Substitution, and Innovation Processes

Muhammad Sarfraz Latif, Mansoor Ahmed Soomro, Asif Ahmad et al.

This study examined the transformative role of artificial intelligence (AI) in entrepreneurship, focusing on opportunity recognition, labour substitution, and innovation processes. Rapid advancements in AI technologies altered traditional entrepreneurial practices by enabling data-driven decision-making, predictive analytics, and automation of routine tasks. Using a quantitative research design, data were collected from 350 entrepreneurs and managers of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) who had adopted AI in their business operations. Descriptive statistics, reliability tests, regression analysis, and structural equation modelling (SEM) were employed to analyse the relationships between AI adoption and entrepreneurial outcomes. The results revealed that AI adoption significantly enhanced opportunity recognition by enabling entrepreneurs to identify emerging market trends, assess risks, and make informed strategic decisions. AI also facilitated labour substitution by automating repetitive tasks, allowing human resources to focus on creative and analytical roles. Moreover, AI-driven innovation processes accelerated product development, improved operational efficiency, and supported experimentation, thereby strengthening entrepreneurial performance. Despite these positive outcomes, challenges such as workforce displacement, ethical concerns, and limited access to AI technologies were identified as barriers to full adoption. The study concluded that AI functions as a strategic enabler that reshapes entrepreneurial practices, labour dynamics, and innovation strategies. The findings provide valuable insights for entrepreneurs, policymakers, and academic institutions to implement adaptive strategies for sustainable and inclusive entrepreneurial growth in the era of artificial intelligence. References Ali, A., & Rafiq-uz-Zaman, M. (2025). Institutional inertia vs. ethical innovation: A comparative analysis of AI governance at The Islamia University of Bahawalpur and Cambridge University Press. Contemporary Journal of Social Science Review, 3(4), 91–102. https://doi.org/10.63878/cjssr.v3i4.1695 Asif, M., Shahid, S., & Rafiq-uz-Zaman, M. (2025). Immersive technologies, awe, and the evolution of retail in the metaverse. International Premier Journal of Languages & Literature, 3(4), 713–748. https://ipjll.com/ipjll/index.php/journal/article/view/295 Audretsch, D. B., & Belitski, M. (2023). Artificial intelligence, entrepreneurship, and economic growth. Small Business Economics, 61(3), 1017–1035. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11187-022-00673-4 Badghish, M., & Soomro, T. R. (2024). Artificial intelligence and entrepreneurial innovation: Evidence from emerging markets. Technological Forecasting and Social Change, 191, 122450. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.techfore.2023.122450 Brynjolfsson, E., Rock, D., & Syverson, C. (2021). The productivity J-curve: How intangibles complement general purpose technologies. American Economic Journal: Macroeconomics, 13(1), 333–372. https://doi.org/10.1257/mac.20180345 Bughin, J., Hazan, E., Ramaswamy, S., Chui, M., Allas, T., Dahlström, P., Henke, N., & Trench, M. (2018). Artificial intelligence: The next digital frontier? McKinsey Global Institute. https://doi.org/10.2139/ssrn.3213930 Bui, T. H., & Duong, P. T. (2024). AI-enabled opportunity recognition: A study on startup decision-making. Journal of Business Research, 161, 113556. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jbusres.2023.113556 Cockburn, I. M., Henderson, R., & Stern, S. (2019). The impact of artificial intelligence on innovation. NBER Working Paper, 24449. https://doi.org/10.3386/w24449 Dwivedi, Y. K., Hughes, L., Ismagilova, E., Aarts, G., Coombs, C., Crick, T., Duan, Y., Dwivedi, R., Edwards, J., Eirug, A., Galanos, V., Ilavarasan, P. V., Janssen, M., Jones, P., Kar, A. K., Kizgin, H., Kronemann, B., Lal, B., Lucini, B., … Williams, M. D. (2021). Artificial intelligence (AI): Multidisciplinary perspectives on emerging challenges, opportunities, and agenda for research. International Journal of Information Management, 57, 101994. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijinfomgt.2019.08.002 Fossen, F. M., McLemore, T., & Sorgner, A. (2024). Artificial intelligence and entrepreneurship. Foundations and Trends® in Entrepreneurship, 20(8), 781–904. https://doi.org/10.1561/0300000130 Haefner, N., Wincent, J., Parida, V., & Gassmann, O. (2021). Artificial intelligence and innovation management: A review, framework, and research agenda. Technological Forecasting and Social Change, 162, 120392. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.techfore.2020.120392 Jamil, R., Zhang, Y., Anwar, M., & Mustafa, S. (2025). Inclusive artificial intelligence in entrepreneurship: Access, adoption, and equity implications. Small Business Economics, 65(2), 1105–1124. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11187-024-00850-7 Kraus, S., Jones, P., Kailer, N., Weinmann, A., Chaparro-Banegas, N., & Roig-Tierno, N. (2022). Digital transformation: An overview of the current state of the art of research. Journal of Small Business Management, 60(1), 1–25. https://doi.org/10.1080/00472778.2020.1766690 Li, X., Wang, J., & Liu, X. (2022). Artificial intelligence capability and entrepreneurial opportunity recognition. Journal of Business Venturing Insights, 18, e00313. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jbvi.2022.e00313 Machucho, J., & Ortiz, P. (2025). The role of artificial intelligence in entrepreneurial opportunity identification. Journal of Small Business Management, 63(1), 67–88. https://doi.org/10.1080/00472778.2023.2198765 Mariani, M. M., Perez-Vega, R., & Wirtz, J. (2023). Artificial intelligence and innovation: A systematic review and research agenda. Technovation, 120, 102528. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.technovation.2022.102528 Mikalef, P., Fjørtoft, S. O., & Torvatn, H. Y. (2024). Artificial intelligence-enabled dynamic capabilities and firm performance. Journal of Business Research, 168, 114101. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jbusres.2023.114101 Obschonka, M., Audretsch, D. B., & Volkmann, C. (2020). Artificial intelligence and big data in entrepreneurship. Small Business Economics, 55(2), 339–351. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11187-019-00186-0 Omidmand, P., Dorri, R., Mozaffari, A., & Ataei, S. (2025). Artificial intelligence applications in lean startup methodology: A bibliometric analysis of research trends and future directions. Journal of Small Business and Entrepreneurship Development, 13(1), 45-67. Park, J.-H., Kim, S.-J., & Lee, S.-T. (2025). AI and creativity in entrepreneurship education: A systematic review of LLM applications. AI, 6(5), 100. https://doi.org/10.3390/ai6050100 Rafiq-uz-Zaman, M. (2022). Strategic upskilling: Fusing technical expertise with human capabilities. Journal of Business Insight and Innovation, 1(1), 76–86. https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.17766381 Rafiq-uz-Zaman, M. (2023). Bridging CPEC-driven industrial growth and skill-based education in Pakistan: A systematic review. Journal of Business Insight and Innovation, 2(1), 55–78. https://insightfuljournals.com/index.php/JBII/article/view/57 Rafiq-uz-Zaman, M. (2023). Redesign for 21st-century skills: Preparing learners for a rapidly changing workforce. Journal of Business Insight and Innovation, 1(2), 89–102. https://insightfuljournals.com/index.php/JBII/article/view/58 Rafiq-uz-Zaman, M. (2024). Leveraging skill development and STEAM innovation for business growth: A strategic framework for enhancing workforce performance in emerging markets. Journal of Business Insight and Innovation, 3(1), 48–63. https://insightfuljournals.com/index.php/JBII/article/view/55 Rafiq-uz-Zaman, M. (2025). Beyond the blackboards: Building a micro-edtech economy through teacher-led innovation in low-income schools. Journal of Business Insight and Innovation, 4(1), 46–52. https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.16875721 Rafiq-uz-Zaman, M. (2025). From chalkboards to competence: Rethinking skill-based education in Pakistan for a business-led innovation economy. International Journal of Academic Research for Humanities, 5(3), 1–13. https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.17112058 Rafiq-uz-Zaman, M. (2025). Use of artificial intelligence in school management: A contemporary need of school education system in Punjab (Pakistan). Journal of Asian Development Studies, 14(2), 1984–2009. https://doi.org/10.62345/jads.2025.14.2.56 Rafiq-uz-Zaman, M. (2025). Between adoption and ambiguity: Navigating the AI policy vacuum in Pakistani higher education. Research Journal for Social Affairs, 3(6), 877–885. https://doi.org/10.71317/RJSA.003.06.0523 Rafiq-uz-Zaman, M., Malik, N., & Bano, S. (2025). Learning to innovate: WhatsApp groups as grassroots innovation ecosystems among micro-entrepreneurs in emerging markets. Journal of Asian Development Studies, 14(1), 1854–1862. https://doi.org/10.62345/jads.2025.14.1.47 Raisch, S., & Krakowski, S. (2021). Artificial intelligence and management: The automation–augmentation paradox. Academy of Management Review, 46(1), 192–210. https://doi.org/10.5465/amr.2018.0072 Review of Managerial Science. (2026). Artificial intelligence technologies and entrepreneurship: A hybrid literature review. Advance online publication. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11846-025-00839-4 Siddiqui, D., Mumtaz, U., & Ahmad, N. (2024). Artificial intelligence in entrepreneurship: A bibliometric analysis of the literature. Journal of Global Entrepreneurship Research, 14(1), 1–27. https://doi.org/10.1007/s40497-024-00385-5 Sirait, M., Hidayat, R., & Nugroho, Y. (2025). Artificial intelligence, labor substitution, and human capital development in startups. Journal of Innovation & Knowledge, 10(2), 101430. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jik.2024.101430 Twabu, J. (2025). The impact of artificial intelligence on product innovation in SMEs. Technovation, 129, 102874. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.technovation.2024.102874 Yesuf, Y., & Fields, Z. (2025). Artificial intelligence adoption as a driver of innovation and competitiveness in SMEs: A bibliometric and systematic revi

S2 Open Access 2026
Economic Transformation in Emerging Economies: The Role of Structural Change and Human Capital

Shahzeb Khattak, Rida Fatima

This study examined the role of structural change and human capital in promoting economic transformation in emerging economies. Economic transformation has been widely recognized as a key driver of sustainable growth, particularly in developing regions where sectoral shifts and human capital development play significant roles in improving productivity and competitiveness. The study aimed to analyse how structural transformation and human capital development influenced economic growth and long-term economic development. A quantitative research approach was employed using panel data collected from selected emerging economies for the period 2000–2022. Secondary data were obtained from internationally recognized databases, including the World Bank and international development reports. Econometric techniques such as descriptive statistics, panel unit root tests, co-integration analysis, Fully Modified Ordinary Least Squares (FMOLS), and Granger causality tests were applied to examine the relationships among the variables. The empirical results indicated that structural change had a positive and statistically significant effect on economic transformation (β = 0.421, p < 0.01), while human capital also demonstrated a strong positive impact (β = 0.356, p < 0.01). In addition, trade openness (β = 0.215) and technology adoption (β = 0.298) were found to significantly contribute to economic growth. The Granger causality results further confirmed that structural change and human capital caused economic transformation in the long run. The findings suggested that emerging economies could accelerate sustainable economic growth by promoting industrial diversification, strengthening human capital development, and supporting technological innovation. These strategies are essential for enhancing productivity, improving global competitiveness, and achieving long-term economic development. References Acemoglu, D., & Guerrieri, V. (2008). Capital deepening and nonbalanced economic growth. Journal of Political Economy, 116(3), 467–498. https://doi.org/10.1086/589523 Acemoglu, D., Johnson, S., & Robinson, J. (2001). The colonial origins of comparative development. American Economic Review, 91(5), 1369–1401. https://doi.org/10.1257/aer.91.5.1369 Aghion, P., & Howitt, P. (2009). The economics of growth and innovation. MIT Press Journal Series. https://doi.org/10.7551/mitpress/7435.001.0001 Aghion, P., Antonin, C., & Bunel, S. (2019). Artificial intelligence, growth and employment: The role of policy. Economics of Innovation and New Technology, 28(8), 806–827. https://doi.org/10.1080/10438599.2019.1604685 Ahmad, M., & Khan, R. E. A. (2018). Age-structure, human capital and economic growth in developing economies. Pakistan Journal of Commerce and Social Sciences, 12(1), 229–252. https://doi.org/10.2139/ssrn.3185620 Andreoni, A., & Chang, H. J. (2019). The political economy of industrial policy. Structural Change and Economic Dynamics, 48, 136–150. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.strueco.2018.10.001 Autor, D., Dorn, D., Katz, L., Patterson, C., & Van Reenen, J. (2022). The fall of the labor share and the rise of superstar firms. Quarterly Journal of Economics, 135(2), 645–709. https://doi.org/10.1093/qje/qjaa004 Barany, Z., & Siegel, C. (2018). Job polarization and structural change. American Economic Journal: Macroeconomics. https://doi.org/10.1257/mac.20160320 Barro, R. J., & Sala-i-Martin, X. (2004). Economic growth and human capital accumulation. Journal of Economic Growth, 9(2), 1–30. https://doi.org/10.1023/B:JOEG.0000031429.20226.d2 Castellacci, F., & Natera, J. M. (2016). Economic growth, human capital and structural change: A dynamic panel data analysis. Research Policy, 45(8), 1636–1648. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.respol.2016.04.006 Che, N. X. (2010). Factor endowment, structural change and economic growth. Journal of Economic Development Studies. https://doi.org/10.2139/ssrn.1609795 Chowdhury, M. N. M., Uddin, M. J., Uddin, N., & Uddin, S. (2018). Human capital development and economic growth in Bangladesh. Journal of World Economic Research, 7(2), 52–63. https://doi.org/10.11648/j.jwer.20180702.12 Cirera, X., Comin, D., & Cruz, M. (2021). Bridging the technological divide: Technology adoption by firms in developing countries. World Bank Research Observer, 36(2), 225–259. https://doi.org/10.1093/wbro/lkab003 Cuaresma, J. C., Doppelhofer, G., & Feldkircher, M. (2018). The determinants of economic growth in European regions. Regional Studies, 52(1), 44–58. https://doi.org/10.1080/00343404.2016.1261758 Diebolt, C., & Hippe, R. (2019). The long-run impact of human capital on innovation and economic development. Economic Modelling, 76, 221–234. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.econmod.2018.08.020 Dosi, G., Fagiolo, G., & Roventini, A. (2016). Education, structural change and economic development. Structural Change and Economic Dynamics, 38, 55–68. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.strueco.2016.04.002 Duernecker, G., & Herrendorf, B. (2016). Structural transformation of the world economy. Journal of Economic Growth. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10887-016-9135-9 Felipe, J., Mehta, A., & Rhee, C. (2021). Manufacturing matters…but it’s the jobs that count. Cambridge Journal of Economics, 45(1), 139–168. https://doi.org/10.1093/cje/beaa041 Gennaioli, N., La Porta, R., Lopez-de-Silanes, F., & Shleifer, A. (2013). Human capital and regional development. Quarterly Journal of Economics, 128(1), 105–164. https://doi.org/10.1093/qje/qjs050 Gereffi, G. (2018). Global value chains and development. Cambridge Journal of Economics, 42(3), 1–20. https://doi.org/10.1093/cje/bex060 Hanushek, E. A., & Woessmann, L. (2020). Education, knowledge capital, and economic growth. The Economics of Education Review, 74, 101961. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.econedurev.2019.101961 Herrendorf, B., Rogerson, R., & Valentinyi, A. (2014). Growth and structural transformation. Handbook of Economic Growth. https://doi.org/10.1016/B978-0-444-53540-5.00006-9 Joseph, E. T., & Pauline, O. C. (2021). Economic growth and quality adjusted human capital equation: Moderating role of social capabilities in Africa. Applied Journal of Economics, Management and Social Sciences, 2(2), 1–15. https://doi.org/10.53790/ajmss.v2i2.19 Joshi, S. (2021). Structural change, human capital, productivity and economic growth. World Association for Sustainable Development Journal. https://doi.org/10.47556/J.WASD.2021.7 Lawanson, O., & Evans, O. (2019). Human capital, structural change and economic growth in developing countries. Economics of Human Resource Issues. https://doi.org/10.2139/ssrn.3459487 Leite, D. W., & Cardoso, L. C. B. (2023). Human capital and technology in the growth of economic structure. Investigación Económica, 82(323), 27–52. https://doi.org/10.22201/fe.01851667p.2023.323.82953 Lin, J. Y., & Monga, C. (2017). Growth identification and facilitation: The role of the state in the dynamics of structural change. Development Policy Review, 35(2), 195–221. https://doi.org/10.1111/dpr.12178 Lucas, R. E. (1988). On the mechanics of economic development. Journal of Monetary Economics, 22(1), 3–42. https://doi.org/10.1016/0304-3932(88)90168-7 McMillan, M., & Harttgen, K. (2014). What is driving the African growth miracle? World Development, 65, 1–14. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.worlddev.2014.01.018 McMillan, M., Rodrik, D., & Sepúlveda, C. (2017). Structural change, fundamentals, and growth. World Bank Economic Review. https://doi.org/10.1093/wber/lhw020 McMillan, M., Rodrik, D., & Verduzco-Gallo, Í. (2014). Globalization, structural change, and productivity growth. World Development, 63, 11–32. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.worlddev.2013.10.012 Mehmood, R., Ullah, Z., & Lal, I. (2021). Human capital, urbanization and dynamics of economic growth. Journal of Human, Earth, and Future, 2(4), 322–334. https://doi.org/10.28991/HEF-2021-02-04-06 Ngai, L. R., & Petrongolo, B. (2017). Gender gaps and the rise of the service economy. American Economic Journal: Macroeconomics. https://doi.org/10.1257/mac.20150253 Okoye, P., Okechukwu, I., & Adeyemi, K. (2025). Human capital and institutional quality as drivers of structural transformation in Africa. Discover Sustainability, 6, 1311. https://doi.org/10.1007/s43621-025-02164-y Porzio, T., Rossi, F., & Santangelo, G. (2022). The human capital origins of structural transformation. American Economic Review, 112(8), 2774–2814. https://doi.org/10.1257/aer.20201267 Rafiq-uz-Zaman, M. (2025a). Bridging the skills divide: A comparative study of skill-based education across SAARC countries with a policy roadmap for Pakistan. Social Science Review Archives, 3(3), 787–795. https://doi.org/10.70670/sra.v3i3.913 Rafiq-uz-Zaman, M. (2025b). Empowering the excluded: A review of skill-based education for eunuchs in South Asia. Global Political Review, X(III), 60–69. https://doi.org/10.31703/gpr.2025(XIII).06 Rafiq-uz-Zaman, M. (2025c). The integrated skill-based education framework (ISEF): An empirically grounded model for reforming skill-based education in Pakistan. Global Social Sciences Review, X(III), 157–167. https://doi.org/10.31703/gssr.2025(X-III).14 Rafiq-uz-Zaman, M., & Nadeem, M. A. (2025a). Gauging the gap: Student perceptions of skill proficiency in skill-based education within schools of Punjab, Pakistan. ACADEMIA International Journal for Social Sciences, 4(2), 2307–2317. https://doi.org/10.63056/ACAD.004.03.0553 Rafiq-uz-Zaman, M., & Nadeem, M. A. (2025b). Unveiling critical success factors for skill-based education programs: A student-centered analysis in Pakistani schools. Inverge Journal of Social Sciences, 4(3), 11–19. https://doi.org/10.63544/ijss.v4i3.139 Rafiq-uz-Zaman, M., Malik, N., & Bano, S. (2025). Effectiveness of STEAM education in enhancing 21st-century skills: A systematic review. Journal of Asian Development Studies, 14(3), 590–598. https://doi.org/10.62345/jads.2025.14.3.49 Riaz, U., Hussain, B., & Bhatti, A. A. (2020).

S2 Open Access 2026
The Future of Work in Digital Banking: Aligning HR Tech Adoption with Marketing Innovation and Financial KPIs

Dr. Rafique Ahmed Khoso, Dr. Farhan Ali Soomro, Muhammad Hamza et al.

This study investigated how the future of work in digital banking was shaped by the strategic alignment of human resource (HR) technology adoption, marketing innovation, and financial key performance indicators (KPIs). As banks increasingly relied on artificial intelligence, analytics, and digital platforms, traditional boundaries between workforce management, customer engagement, and financial performance were transformed. Using a quantitative research design, data were collected from managerial employees in digital banking institutions to examine how HR technologies and marketing innovation influenced financial outcomes. The findings demonstrated that HR technology adoption significantly improved workforce efficiency, service quality, and cost control, which in turn enhanced financial performance. Marketing innovation, through personalization, omnichannel engagement, and data-driven campaigns, also showed a strong positive relationship with revenue growth and customer lifetime value. More importantly, the results revealed that marketing innovation strengthened the impact of HR technology on financial performance, indicating that digitally skilled employees were better able to translate technological capabilities into customer value and financial returns. This alignment reflected a shift toward hybrid human–technology work systems in which employees collaborated with intelligent tools rather than being replaced by them. The study contributed to the literature on digital transformation and the future of work by demonstrating that sustainable financial performance in digital banking depended not only on technology investments but on their strategic integration across HR and marketing functions. The findings offered practical guidance for banking leaders seeking to build agile, innovative, and financially resilient digital organizations. Abdurrahman, A., Suriani, S., Nonci, J., Nur, A., & Irfani, A. I. (2024). Impact of dynamic capabilities on digital transformation and banking performance. Journal of Open Innovation: Technology, Market, and Complexity, 10(3), 158. https://doi.org/10.3390/joitmc10030158 Ainel, K. (2025). Development of digital bank marketing in modern conditions. SHS Web of Conferences. [Advance online publication]. https://www.shs-conferences.org/ Alqararah, E. A. (2025). Digital transformation in Jordanian banks and financial performance. Journal of Financial Services Research, 18(4), 196–214. https://doi.org/10.3390/1911-8074/18/4/196 Basu, S., Das, N., & Bhattacharya, S. (2023). 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Artificial intelligence for the real world. Harvard Business Review, 96(1), 108–116. Faraj, S., Pachidi, S., & Sayegh, K. (2018). Working and organizing in the age of the learning algorithm. Information and Organization, 28(1), 62–70. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.infoandorg.2018.02.005 Gerling, C., & Lessmann, S. (2024). Leveraging AI and NLP for bank marketing: A systematic review and gap analysis. Journal of Marketing Analytics. Advance online publication. https://doi.org/10.1007/s41060-024-00356-2 Huang, M.-H., & Rust, R. T. (2021). A strategic framework for artificial intelligence in marketing. Journal of the Academy of Marketing Science, 49(1), 30–50. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11747-020-00749-9 Jarrahi, M. H., Newlands, G., Lee, M. K., Wolf, C. T., Kinder, E., & Sutherland, W. (2021). Algorithmic management in a work context. Big Data & Society, 8(2), 1–16. https://doi.org/10.1177/20539517211042420 Jung, H., Kim, D., & Na, Y. (2023). The impact of digital marketing innovation on firm performance. Sustainability, 15(7), 5711. https://doi.org/10.3390/su15075711 Kane, G. C., Palmer, D., Phillips, A. N., Kiron, D., & Buckley, N. (2015). Strategy, not technology, drives digital transformation. MIT Sloan Management Review, 14(1), 1–25. https://doi.org/10.7551/mitpress/11425.003.0001 Köchling, A., & Wehner, M. C. (2020). Discriminated by an algorithm. Journal of Business Ethics, 165(1), 135–151. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10551-019-04177-8 Mannermaa, A. (2024). HR analytics adoption in the financial industry. Journal of Business Analytics, 5(1), 112–130. https://doi.org/10.1080/00000000.2024.0000001 Marler, J. H., & Boudreau, J. W. (2017). An evidence-based review of HR analytics. International Journal of Human Resource Management, 56(1), 3–26. https://doi.org/10.1002/hrm.21803 Murugesan, U., Subramanian, P., Srivastava, S., & Dwivedi, A. (2023). A study of artificial intelligence impacts on human resource digitalization. Digitalization Journal, 2, 100249. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.dajour.2023.100249 Ncube, T. R., Sishi, K. K., & Skinner, J. P. (2025). The impact of artificial intelligence on human resource management practices: An investigation. SA Journal of Human Resource Management, 23, a2960. https://doi.org/10.4102/sajhrm.v23i0.a2960 Rafiq-uz-Zaman, M. (2024). Leveraging Skill Development and STEAM Innovation for Business Growth - A Strategic Framework for Enhancing Workforce Performance in Emerging Markets Platform. Journal of Business Insight and Innovation, 3(1), 48–63. https://insightfuljournals.com/index.php/JBII/article/view/55 Rafiq-uz-Zaman, M. (2025). Bridging the skills divide: A comparative study of skill-based education across SAARC countries with a policy roadmap for Pakistan. Social Science Review Archives, 3(3), 787–795. https://doi.org/10.70670/sra.v3i3.913 Rafiq-uz-Zaman, M. (2025). The Integrated Skill-Based Education Framework (ISEF): An Empirically Grounded Model for Reforming Skill-Based Education in Pakistan. Global Social Sciences Review, X(III), 157-167. https://doi.org/10.31703/gssr.2025(X-III).14 Rafiq-uz-Zaman, M., Malik, N., & Bano, S. (2025). Learning to Innovate: WhatsApp Groups as Grassroots Innovation Ecosystems Among Micro-Entrepreneurs in Emerging Markets. Journal of Asian Development Studies, 14(1), 1854-1862. https://doi.org/10.62345/jads.2025.14.1.47 Raisch, S., & Krakowski, S. (2021). Artificial intelligence and management. Academy of Management Review, 46(1), 192–210. https://doi.org/10.5465/amr.2018.0072 Ransbotham, S., Kiron, D., Gerbert, P., & Reeves, M. (2017). Reshaping business with artificial intelligence. MIT Sloan Management Review, 59(1), 1–17. https://doi.org/10.7551/mitpress/11425.003.0004 Saura, J. R., Ribeiro-Soriano, D., & Herráez, B. R. (2024). Is AI-based digital marketing ethical? Assessing new challenges. Journal of Business Ethics, 172(4), 781–796. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10551-024-05278-1 Sebastian, I. M., Ross, J. W., Beath, C., Mocker, M., Moloney, K., & Fonstad, N. O. (2017). How big old companies navigate digital transformation. MIS Quarterly Executive, 16(3), 197–213. Shankar, V., Kleijnen, M., Ramanathan, S., Rizley, R., Holland, S., & Morrissey, S. (2020). Mobile shopper marketing. Journal of Retailing, 96(1), 1–14. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jretai.2019.10.001 Sultan, J. (2023). Effect of digitalisation on bank’s financial performance in Pakistan. Pakistan Journal of Humanities and Social Sciences, 11(2), 1234-1245. Tambe, P., Cappelli, P., & Yakubovich, V. (2019). Artificial intelligence in human resources management: Challenges and a path forward. California Management Review, 61(4), 15–42. https://doi.org/10.1177/0008125619867910 Tarafdar, M., Beath, C. M., & Ross, J. W. (2019). 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S2 Open Access 2026
Geopolitics of Energy Transition: United States Assistance to Pakistan

Shamaim Ali, Dr. Sameera Imran, L. Rehman et al.

This article provides a comprehensive examination of the United States' role in addressing Pakistan's pressing energy security challenges. As a nation heavily reliant on energy imports, Pakistan faces the critical task of securing substantial technological and economic assistance from major global powers to satisfy its domestic energy requirements. The United States, as an established global leader, not only possesses the advanced technological capabilities necessary to support Pakistan's legitimate energy needs but also holds a strategic position to influence the region's energy landscape. Simultaneously, China has emerged as a key player, demonstrating a robust and growing interest in providing energy assistance to Pakistan. This dual interest from two of the world's foremost powers creates a complex geopolitical environment, requiring Pakistan to perform a delicate diplomatic balancing act to maintain constructive relations with both Washington and Beijing without alienating either. Employing Power Transition Theory as its central theoretical framework, this paper offers a critical and nuanced evaluation of the rationale underpinning U.S.-Pakistan green energy collaboration, explicitly juxtaposing it with the nature and scope of Chinese involvement in Pakistan's energy sector. The study utilizes a qualitative methodology, incorporating a mixed-methods approach to analyse a diverse array of primary and secondary data sources, including policy documents, bilateral agreements, and scholarly discourse. The central argument posits that the U.S. approach to facilitating a green energy transition in Pakistan is predominantly motivated by its own strategic security interests within the South Asian region, rather than purely developmental or environmental concerns. The analysis further concludes that in the face of intensifying strategic competition from China, the United States must accelerate and substantiate its energy cooperation efforts to remain a relevant and influential partner. Conversely, the findings suggest that Pakistan would benefit most from a diversified and pragmatic strategy, leveraging multiple energy partnerships to maximize its technological, economic, and political gains while navigating the complexities of great-power rivalry. References Abdullah, F. B., Iqbal, R., Jawaid, M., Memon, I., Mughal, S., Memon, F. S., & Rizvi, S. S. A. (2021). 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Transition from fossilized to defossilized energy system in Pakistan. Renewable Energy, 190, 19–29. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.renene.2022.03.059 RIGL (Ritar International Group Limited). (2024, October 21). The cost of a 2MW battery storage system. https://www.ritarpower.com/industry_information/The-cost-of-a-2MW-battery-storage-system_269.html Salik, M. A. N. (2023, April 21). Issue brief on "US-Pakistan Green Alliance: Advancing bilateral cooperation on sustainable development". Institute of Strategic Studies Islamabad. https://issi.org.pk/issue-brief-on-us-pakistan-green-alliance-advancing-bilateral-cooperation-on-sustainable-development/ Sattar, A., & Sattar, A. (2020). Pakistan's foreign policy 1947-2019: A concise history (5th ed.). Oxford University Press. Tammen, R. L., Kugler, J., & Lemke, D. (2017). Foundations of power transition theory. In Oxford research encyclopedia of politics. Oxford University Press. https://doi.org/10.1093/acrefore/9780190228637.013.296 U.S. Embassy & Consulates in Pakistan. (2024, January 19). Factsheet: Pak-US Green Alliance. https://pk.usembassy.gov/u-s-pakistan-green-alliance-framework-improves-climate-smart-agriculture-promotes-sustainable-economic-growth-aug-1-2024/ U.S. Mission Pakistan. (2024, August 1). U.S.-Pakistan 'Green Alliance' framework improves climate-smart agriculture, promotes sustainable economic growth. U.S. Embassy & Consulates in Pakistan. https://pk.usembassy.gov/u-s-pakistan-green-alliance-framework-improves-climate-smart-agriculture-promotes-sustainable-economic-growth-aug-1-2024/ United Nations. (2024). Country profile - Pakistan. https://www.un.org/esa/earthsummit/pakis-cp.htm United States Agency for International Development. (2024, September 26). U.S. foreign assistance to Pakistan 1947-2024 [Data set]. https://foreignassistance.gov/ United States Trade Representative. (2025). Pakistan. https://ustr.gov/countries-regions/south-central-asia/pakistan The White House. (2024, June 13). Fact sheet: Partnership for global infrastructure and investment at the G7 summit. https://www.whitehouse.gov/briefing-room/statements-releases/2024/06/13/fact-sheet-partnership-for-global-infrastructure-and-investment-at-the-g7-summit-2/ The World Bank. (2020). Global photovoltaic power potential by country. https://documents1.worldbank.org/curated/en/466331592817725242/pdf/Global-Photovoltaic-Power-Potential-by-Country.pdf World Economic Forum. (2024). Fostering effective energy transition 2024. https://www.weforum.org/publications/fostering-effective-energy-transition-2024/ Zafar, M. R., & Raja, M. Y. S. (2022). The challenge of energy transition and energy security needs of Pakistan in 21st century. Global Foreign Policies Review, 1(1), 11–23. https://doi.org/10.31703/gfpr.2022(v-i).02

S2 Open Access 2025
Storytelling Pedagogy for Creativity and Critical Thinking in Level VII History through Storytelling in Tech-Limited Settings

Raziah Tajammal, Ramshah Tajammal, Dr. Sadia Butt et al.

This action research explores the effectiveness of storytelling as a pedagogical strategy to enhance creativity and critical thinking skills among 64 Grade VII students (aged 12–13) in a technology-limited, middle-class school in Pakistan. The study was motivated by persistent challenges in traditional history education, which often relies on rote memorization, leading to student disengagement and a lack of higher-order cognitive development. The investigation employed a quasi-experimental design conducted over a two-week period. The intervention consisted of a pre-test to establish a baseline, two structured storytelling practice sessions, and a post-test. During the sessions, students were guided to create and present their own historical narratives using the “4 Ws” framework (who, what, when, why) to scaffold their analytical reasoning. This methodology was intentionally designed to be a low-cost, replicable model for educators in developing countries with constrained resources. Quantitative results demonstrated substantial improvement. The average score for story writing increased by 25%, from 57% to 82%. When assessed against a 5-point rubric, creativity scores rose from 2.80 to 4.28, and critical thinking scores improved from 2.77 to 4.13, indicating significant growth in both skill sets. Qualitative data from student narratives provided deeper context, revealing an enhanced ability to connect historical causes and consequences. A notable finding was students' spontaneous use of perspective-taking, often drawing narrative inspiration from the popular historical drama Diriliş Ertuğrul. While the study is limited by its sample size and short duration, the findings strongly suggest that storytelling is a viable, low-tech pedagogy for fostering higher-order thinking in resource-constrained settings. Future research should involve longitudinal studies with larger samples to validate the long-term impact and explore cross-disciplinary applications. References Adesina, O. C. (2006). Teaching history in twentieth century Nigeria: The challenges of change. History in Africa, 33, 17–37. https://doi.org/10.1353/hia.2006.0002 Adesote, S. A., & Fatoki, O. R. (2013). The role of ICT in the teaching and learning of history in the 21st century. Global Journal of Education Research, 8(21), 2155–2159. Akhtar, Q., Butt, S., & Niaz, M. (2024). Time series analysis of poverty reduction indicators: Case of Pakistan, India and Bangladesh. Qlantic Journal of Social Sciences and Humanities, 5(2), 170–183. Allison, J. (2008). History educators and the challenge of immersive pasts: A critical review of virtual reality ‘tools’ and history pedagogy. Learning, Media and Technology, 33(4), 343–352. https://doi.org/10.1080/17439880802497099 Alidri, A. (2022). Using emerging technologies to innovate the teaching and learning of history at Gulu University [Conference paper, 10th Pan-Commonwealth Forum (PCF10)]. https://doi.org/10.56059/pcf10.8873 Asif, M., & Shaheen, A. (2022). Creating a high-performance workplace by the determination of importance of job satisfaction, employee engagement, and leadership. Journal of Business Insight and Innovation, 1(2), 9–15. Astuti, C. W. (2017). The effectiveness of storytelling technique in teaching spoken narrative text to eleventh grade of senior high school students [Final project, Semarang State University]. Semarang State University. https://lib.unnes.ac.id/10213 Aurangzeb, M., Tunio, M., Rehman, Z., & Asif, M. (2021). Influence of administrative expertise on human resources practitioners on the job performance: Mediating role of achievement motivation. International Journal of Management, 12(4), 408–421. Barzaq, M. (2009). Integrating sequential thinking through teaching stories in the curriculum. Action Research. AlQattan Center for Educational Research and Development QCERD. Bates, A. W. (2015). Teaching in a digital age: Guidelines for designing teaching and learning. BCcampus. https://opentextbc.ca/teachinginadigitalage/ Booth, A. (1993). Learning history in university: Student views on teaching and assessment. Studies in Higher Education, 18(2), 227–235. https://doi.org/10.1080/03075079312331382389 Butt, S., Mubeen, I., & Yazdani, N. (2024). Exploring the lived experiences of individuals to manage and cope with type 2 diabetes applying IPA. Pakistan Languages and Humanities Review, 8(2), 526–539. Butt, S., & Yazdani, N. (2023). Implementation of quality management practices and firm’s innovation performance: Mediation of knowledge creation processes and moderating role of digital transformation. Pakistan Journal of Humanities and Social Sciences, 11(4), 3881–3902. Chang, C. (2014). An IPA-embedded model for evaluating creativity curricula. Innovations in Education and Teaching International, 51(1), 59–71. https://doi.org/10.1080/14703297.2013.856144 Dussel, I. (2022). Digital colonialism and education: Challenges for the global South. Comparative Education Review, 66(3), 456–478. https://doi.org/10.1086/720123 Ghernaout, D., Touahmia, M., Aichouni, M., Alghamdi, A., & Messaoudene, N. A. (2018). Fostering students’ creativity through innovative learning tools. Higher Education Research, 3(1), 9. https://doi.org/10.11648/j.her.20180301.13 Hadjiyanni, T., & Zollinger, S. W. (2010). Stimulating student interest in design history classes. Archnet-IJAR: International Journal of Architectural Research, 4(2/3), 296. Haleem, A., Javaid, M., Qadri, M. A., & Suman, R. (2022). Understanding the role of digital technologies in education: A review. Sustainability, 14(7), 4234. https://doi.org/10.3390/su14074234 Hammerness, K., & Kennedy, B. (2018). Teaching practices grounded in foundational knowledge, visions, and contexts. The New Educator, 15(1), 66–83. https://doi.org/10.1080/1547688X.2018.1506070 Hicks, D., Ogle, J. T., & van Hover, S. (2025). Simulations in social studies: Practical implications from classroom to extended reality. Annals of Social Studies Research for Teachers, 7(1), 29–53. https://doi.org/10.29173/assert86 Isbell, R., Sobol, J., Lindauer, L., & Lowrance, A. (2004). The effects of storytelling and story reading on the oral language complexity and story comprehension of young children. Early Childhood Education Journal, 32(3), 157–163. Khan Academy. (2024). Khan Academy efficacy results, November 2024. https://blog.khanacademy.org/khan-academy-efficacy-results-november-2024/ Kim, S. (2023). The role of educational technology in post-war Korea: A historical analysis. Asia Pacific Education Review, 24(4), 567–583. https://doi.org/10.1007/s12564-023-09845-6 Koster, J. B. (2012). Growing artists: Teaching the art to young children. Wadsworth. Le, T. T. A., Nguyen, T. A. M., Bui, T. T., Luu, T. D., & Dinh, T. K. L. (2021). Applying mind map in teaching history in primary schools – Case study of Dak Lak Province, Vietnam. Journal of Nonformal Education, 7(1), 119–126. https://doi.org/10.15294/jne.v7i1.29278 Masih, M., Suleman, S., Khan, M. H., Sahito, D. Z., & Shahid, D. S. (2025). The future classroom: Integrating AI and social media for adaptive learning. Inverge Journal of Social Sciences, 4(3), 98–111. https://doi.org/10.63544/ijss.v4i3.150 OECD. (2022). Education at a glance 2022: OECD indicators. Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development. https://doi.org/10.1787/3197152b-en Phillips, K. H. (1996). Teaching kids to sing. Schirmer Books. Rahmadina, S., Hindana, N. F., Haq, A. F., Alifia, F. E., Mahardika, I. K., Yusmar, F., Firdausi, S., & Astuti, S. R. D. (2025). Evolusi pendidikan klasik dan modern serta kajian terhadap faktor-faktor pendidikan. NUSRA: Jurnal Penelitian Dan Ilmu Pendidikan, 6(1), 39–47. https://doi.org/10.55681/nusra.v6i1.3381 Rashdi, S. M. F., Agha, N., & Hina, B. (2025). The Impact of Maternal Employment on Children’s Educational Attainment at Primary School Level: A Sociological Study of Working Mothers in Khairpur City. Inverge Journal of Social Sciences, 4(3), 288–297. https://doi.org/10.63544/ijss.v4i3.167 Sebbowa, D. K., & Ng’ambi, D. (2020). Teaching history in ways C21st students learn—a design-based research perspective. International Journal of Learning, Teaching and Educational Research, 19(9), 259–280. https://doi.org/10.26803/ijlter.19.9.14 Shah, D. M. I., & Tahir, D. A. R. (2025). The meanings of the ‘wisdom’ and the ‘hikmat’: A philosophical and analytical discourse. Inverge Journal of Social Sciences, 4(2), 33–41. https://doi.org/10.63544/ijss.v4i2.123 Silvita, S., Sutarno, & Indrowati, M. (2024). Improving evaluation skills through flipped-problem-based learning with digital storytelling task: A systematic review. Journal of Higher Education Theory and Practice, 24(1), 167–185. https://doi.org/10.33423/jhetp.v24i1.6769 Skinner, B. F. (1953). Science and human behavior. Macmillan. Sultana, I., & Sajjad, P. D. S. (2025). Shaping young minds: How school environment predicts social and emotional learning (SEL) in primary schools. Inverge Journal of Social Sciences, 4(3), 143–155. https://doi.org/10.63544/ijss.v4i3.154 UNESCO. (2007). ICT in education in sub-Saharan Africa [Working paper]. United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization. https://unesdoc.unesco.org/ark:/48223/pf0000152061 UNESCO. (2022). The ICT competency framework for teachers harnessing OER project: Digital skills development for teachers (Document CI-2022/WS/4). United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization. https://unesdoc.unesco.org/ark:/48223/pf0000383206 Van Broekhoven, K. 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S2 Open Access 2025
The Historical Evolution of Mewati Muslim community in India and Pakistan

Muhammad Asghar, Dr. Maqbool Ahmad Awan

The Mewati community, primarily located in the semi-arid regions of southern Haryana, northeastern Rajasthan, and western Uttar Pradesh, represents a culturally distinct and historically complex population in northern India. This paper provides a trace of how the community evolved since its Rajput roots by way of Islamization, during the imperial, colonial, and post-independence socio-political upheavals. The Mewasis first appeared as pastoral and trade communities which are firmly integrated in the socio-political life of Rajasthan. With the course of time, they became agrarian and had to navigate the socio-religious relations of cultural synthesis of Hindu and Muslim. The Mewati community is still marginalized even though it is resilient and adapts well; it has a high level of socio-economic disparities such as poor access to education, health and job opportunities. Females, especially, have even more disadvantaged issues like gender-based violence, early marriages, and limited mobility that worsens their marginalization. This paper also brings out the multi-layered migration patterns of the community with a cultural tendency to rural-urban migration due to economic neediness. Nonetheless, these migration patterns also indicate gendered patterns in which, men migrate to work, abandoning women to do the chores in their house and their farms. The education level of the Mewatis is still quite low as the educational accessibility is being hindered by social-cultural and infrastructural factors. Also, even with the working government welfare programs, including MGNREGA, Forest Rights Act, and Self-Help Groups, the community still experiences a gap in implementation, and low impact because of the socio-cultural barriers. The paper proposes a comprehensive strategy toward development that is sensitive to the Mewati cultural tradition, supports economic growth, and tackles the entrenched socio-cultural inequalities to be achieved by the participatory and context-based policy changes. References Abul Fazl. (1873). Ain-i-Akbari (H. Blochmann, Trans.; Vols. 1–2). Asiatic Society of Bengal. Aggarwal, P. C. (1966). A Muslim sub-caste of North India: Problems of cultural integration. Economic and Political Weekly, 1(5), 159–161. Babur. (1922). Baburnama: Memoirs of Babur, prince and emperor (A. Beveridge, Trans.). Luzac & Co. Barani, Z.-u.-D. (1871). Tarikh-i-Firoz Shahi (H. M. Elliot & J. Dowson, Eds. & Trans.). In The history of India as told by its own historians (Vol. 3, pp. 109–115). Trübner & Co. Chatterjee, R., Kundu, S., Srivastava, U., & Mukherjee, K. (2024). Misrecognized identities: An anthropological investigation of the identity struggle of de-notified, nomadic, and semi-nomadic communities of India. Man in India, 104(1), 1–18. Chauhan, A. (2003). Kinship principles and marriage alliances among the Meos of Mewat (Doctoral dissertation). Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi. Dabral, S., & Anjali, A. (2025). Inclusive and equitable education in NEP 2020: A study of scheduled castes and marginalized communities. Journal of Mountain Research, 20(1), 45–58. Darling, M. L. (1928). The Punjab peasant in prosperity and debt. Oxford University Press. Eaton, R. M. (2019). India in the Persianate age, 1000–1765. Allen Lane. Farah, N., Khan, I. A., Abro, A. A., Cheema, J. M., & Luqman, M. (2022). The nexus of land use changes and livelihood transformation of farmers at the rural–urban interface of Pakistan. Sarhad Journal of Agriculture, 38(1), 46–59.https://doi.org/10.17582/journal.sja/2022/38.1.46.59 Ghosh, D., & Chatterjee, D. (2024). Birhor society and culture: A study of a particularly vulnerable tribal group of Jharkhand, India. International Journal of Research and Review, 11(3), 112–118. Goyal, P. A., Das, A., & Singh, A. (2024). Nomadic roots and contemporary realities: An exploration of the Waghri community in Punjab. Journal of the Anthropological Survey of India, 73(2), 275–289. Gupta, C. (2004). Gendering colonial India: Reforms, print, and politics. Orient Blackswan. Gupta, G. (2025). Development of primary and secondary healthcare services in Rajasthan: A review study. Research Hub International Multidisciplinary Research Journal, 12(1), Article 104. Harugade, D. S. (2024). The development of reservation policies under Article 15 of the Indian Constitution and social justice in India. International Journal for Multidisciplinary Research, 6(2), 1–9. Hussain, R. (2025). Urdu historiography within the literary landscape of Rajasthan. International Journal for Multidisciplinary Research, 7(1), 22–30. Ismail, D., Rizal, D., Islami, M. H., & Azhari, A. (2025). Religious moderation and social welfare: A multidimensional approach to poverty alleviation and human development. Surau Journal of Islamic Studies, 4(1), 15–29. Jangir, H. P., & Budharam, R. (2024). From census to commission to life narratives: Tracing the Nat community’s socio-economic status. Advances in Sciences and Humanities, 10(2), 38–45. Joshi, N. (2023). Sociological examination of rural–urban migration in Rajasthan: A qualitative study. International Journal for Multidisciplinary Research, 5(4), 51–58. Kalauni, M. B. (2025). Local governance dynamics in the Rana Tharu community of Kanchanpur District. Nepal Sociological Journal, 12(1), 77–90. Mayaram, S. (1997). Resisting regimes: Myth, memory and the shaping of a Muslim identity. Oxford University Press. Mayaram, S. (2017). The Meo Muslims of Mewat: Identity, culture and rights. The Citizen. https://www.thecitizen.in Meena, S. (2025). Empowerment and gender equality among tribal women in Rajasthan. Anusandhanvallari, 6(1), 33–41. MENAFN. (2023, August 22). Why the Meos of Mewat have aroused right-wing ire. https://menafn.com Mewati Dunya. (2025). Meo history. https://mewatidunya.com/cultures/detail/36/Meo+History Nagoji, G. (2024). Multidimensional human development in India: Assessing progress in health, education, and employment through policy interventions and social welfare schemes. International Journal of Leading Research Publication, 5(2), 1–10. Nanda, B., Ray, N., & Mani, S. (2025). Women’s reproductive health in India: Connecting government policies and programmes with NFHS-5 data. Indian Journal of Community Health, 37(1), 18–25. Nizami, K. A. (1991). The life and times of Shaikh Nizam-ud-Din Auliya. Idarah-i Adabiyat-i Delli. Projects, C. T. W. (2005, August 29). Meo is a caste. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Meo_(ethnic_group) Rafiq-uz-Zaman, M. (2025). Empowering the excluded: A review of skill-based education for eunuchs in South Asia. Global Political Review, 10(3), 60–69.https://doi.org/10.31703/gpr.2025(XIII).06 Rafiq-uz-Zaman, M., Khalid, N., Faridi, M. Z., & Khan, Z. A. (2024). Smog mitigation and climate resilience in Pakistan: A policy-centric review of strategies and challenges. Social Sciences Spectrum, 3(4), 302–317.https://doi.org/10.71085/sss.03.04.175 Rafiq-uz-Zaman, M., Nadeem, M. A., & Rasheed, I. (2024). Empowering women through skill-based education in Pakistan: A narrative review. Global Sociological Review, 9(4), 52–59.https://doi.org/10.31703/gsr.2024(IX-IV).05 Sahu, B., & Tiwary, A. R. (2025). Migration, mobility, and margins: Exploring rural–urban shifts in the Lambani community. Journal of Informatics Education and Research, 5(1), 88–96. Sarkar, J. (1912). History of the Mughal Empire. M. C. Sarkar & Sons. Setua, M., & Islam, S. (2025). 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Shanlax International Journal of Management, 11(4), 98–105. Srivastava, S. (2025). Empowering the custodians: Women as a vector of cultural transmission of living heritage in Rajasthan, India. Asian Journal of Education and Social Studies, 48(2), 1–10. Tripathi, A., & Chandra, D. (2024). Nishad: History of the origin of primitive man. Multidisciplinary Journal, 6(1), 55–63. Vishvajeet, & Sharma, N. (2023). The role of the Right to Education Act, 2009 in empowering marginalized communities in rural India: A regional analysis. ShodhKosh Journal of Visual and Performing Arts, 4(2), 120–128. Wani, M. A., & Majid, T. (2024). Educational status of tribals of Jammu and Kashmir: A case study of Gujjar women in Budgam district. International Journal for Multidisciplinary Research, 6(1), 66–74. Yadav, S. C. (2023). Traditional rainwater harvesting systems in Rajasthan: Water resources conservation and sustainable management. Sustainability, Agri, Food and Environmental Research, 11(1), 1–12.

S2 Open Access 2025
Comparative Analysis of Science Teachers’ Professionalism of Public and Private Secondary Schools

Dr. Hamid Ali Nadeem, Dr. Arshad Mehmood Qamar, Kashif Aziz

This study presents a comparative analysis of professionalism among science teachers in public and private secondary schools in District Muzaffarabad, employing a mixed-methods quantitative approach. Data were collected from 180 teachers (92 public, 88 private) and 340 students (162 from public, 178 from private schools) using validated self-report and student-perception questionnaires with high reliability (Cronbach’s α = 0.89 and 0.87). Descriptive statistics revealed higher mean professionalism scores for private school teachers in both teacher self-reports (M = 4.60 vs. 4.40) and student evaluations (M = 4.30 vs. 3.90). Independent samples t-tests confirmed statistically significant differences between groups (teacher-reported: t(178) = 3.24, p = .043; student-reported: t(338) = 6.34, p = .040). Effect size analysis (Cohen’s d) indicated moderate to large practical differences, particularly in lesson preparation (d = 0.82), feedback delivery (d = 0.91), and dress code adherence (d = 1.12), all favouring private school teachers. Public school teachers scored higher in punctuality (d = 0.65) and conflict resolution (d = 0.53). Correlation analysis showed stronger alignment between teacher self-perception and student ratings in private schools (r = .62) than in public schools (r = .41). ANOVA results affirmed school type as a significant predictor of professionalism (F = 10.56, p = .002), with no significant gender interaction. The study concludes that private school science teachers demonstrate significantly higher professionalism in several observable domains, though both sectors exhibit strong ethical commitment. Recommendations include targeted professional development for public school teachers in lesson planning, feedback, and professional conduct, and for private school teachers in punctuality and conflict management. References Abbasi, N. N., Javed, M., & Naseem, A. (2021). A study of relationship between professionalism and teachers’ performance at secondary school level. Pakistan Journal of Social Sciences, 41(1), 1–12. Alderman, H., Orazem, P. F., & Paterno, E. M. (2001). School quality, school cost, and the public/private school choices of low-income households in Pakistan. Journal of Human Resources, 36(2), 304–326. Amobi, F. A. (2005). Pre-service teachers’ reflectivity on the sequence and consequences of teaching actions in a microteaching experience. Teacher Education Quarterly, 32(1), 115–130. Anam, F., Muharlisiani, L. T., Soewardini, H. M. D., & Purnomo, A. (2023). Reflections on 4F model learning for professionalism development of prospective teachers: Evidence from teacher professional education. Journal of Education Research, 4(4), 2498–2510. https://doi.org/10.37985/jer.v4i4.740 Azad, T. (2023). The Impact of Technology in the Classroom: An Insight into Students’ and Teachers’ Psychological Perspectives. Inverge Journal of Social Sciences, 2(2), 66–83. https://doi.org/10.63544/ijss.v2i2.30 Azhar, M., Hussain, M., & Bhatti, Z. I. (2019). Impact of school type on teachers’ professionalism: A comparative study. Journal of Educational Research, 22(2), 103–120. Baba Gana, A., Alimi, O. S., & Ehinola, G. B. (2011). Job satisfaction among teachers: A comparative analysis in public and private secondary schools. Journal of Educational Research and Development, 6(2), 34–43. Bedi, S., & Garg, A. (2000). The effectiveness of private versus public schools: The case of Indonesia. Journal of Development Economics, 61(2), 463–494. https://doi.org/10.1016/S0304-3878(00)00066-2 Cochran-Smith, M., & Lytle, S. L. (2009). Inquiry as stance: Practitioner research for the next generation. Teachers College Press. Darling-Hammond, L. (2006). Powerful teacher education: Lessons from exemplary programs. Jossey-Bass. Darling-Hammond, L., Hyler, M. E., & Gardner, M. (2017). Effective teacher professional development. Learning Policy Institute. https://learningpolicyinstitute.org/product/effective-teacher-professional-development-report Day, C., & Gu, Q. (2007). Variations in the conditions for teachers’ professional learning and development: Sustaining commitment and effectiveness over a career. Oxford Review of Education, 33(4), 423–443.https://doi.org/10.1080/03054980701450746 Demirkasımoğlu, N. (2010). Teacher professionalism from different perspectives. Procedia – Social and Behavioral Sciences, 9, 2047–2051. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.sbspro.2010.12.444 Gao, Z., Hu, G., Akram, S., Ul Hassan, M., Shahzad, M. F., & Jan, S. A. (2025). Comparative analysis of managerial strategies for enhancing teacher motivation in Public and Private Schools. Scientific Reports, 15(1), 6272. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-025-90900-9 Gujjar, A. A., Naoreen, B., Saifi, S., & Bajwa, M. J. (2010). Teaching practice: Problems and issues in Pakistan. International Online Journal of Educational Sciences, 2(2), 339–361. Hargreaves, A. (2000). Four ages of professionalism and professional learning. Teachers and Teaching: Theory and Practice, 6(2), 151–182. https://doi.org/10.1080/713698714 Hiebert, J., Gallimore, R., & Stigler, J. W. (2002). A knowledge base for the teaching profession: What would it look like and how can we get one? Educational Researcher, 31(5), 3–15.https://doi.org/10.3102/0013189X031005003 Hussain, T., Hashmi, A., & Perveen, Z. (2020). Attitude towards teaching profession in Pakistan: A case of public sector secondary school teachers. Pakistan Social Sciences Review, 4(2), 483–491. Ingersoll, R. M., & Perda, D. (2008). The status of teaching as a profession. In J. Ballantine & J. Spade (Eds.), Schools and society: A sociological approach to education (pp. 106–118). Pine Forge Press. Kalim, U., & Bibi, S. (2024). Assessing teacher competencies in public schools of Pakistan: A pathway for improving the effectiveness of professional development programs for teachers. SAGE Open, 14(2).https://doi.org/10.1177/21582440241236060 Khakwani, S., Khalid, S., & Ahmad, M. (2022). Teachers’ professionalism: Exploring public-school teachers’ professionalism. Pakistan Journal of Social Research, 4(3), 910–915. MacBeath, J. (2012). The future of the teaching profession. Education International. Malik, D. N., Tahira, D. . R., & Noreen, D. S. (2025). Investigating the Underlying Causes and Consequences of Gender-Based Violence: Exploring Effective Intervention and Prevention Strategies in Higher Educational Institutes. Inverge Journal of Social Sciences, 4(1), 132–147. https://doi.org/10.63544/ijss.v4i1.162 Mustafa, M. N. (2013). High school teacher professionalism in enhancing the quality of teaching and learning. Asian Social Science, 9(12), 168–177. https://doi.org/10.5539/ass.v9n12p168 Nadeem, H. A., & Iqbal, Z. (2023). Teachers’ professional skills and their corresponding school climates: A comparative analysis of professionally qualified and non-qualified teachers. Journal of Arts & Social Sciences, 10(2), 1–12. Nadeem, H. A., & Iqbal, Z. (2024). Investigating teachers’ professional dispositions and their corresponding school climates: A comparative analysis of qualified and non-qualified teachers. Jahan-e-Tahqeeq, 7(1), 1446–1459. Nadeem, H. A., & Lilla, Z. I. (2024). Professional competence of teachers and school climate: A conceptual perspective. UMT Education Review, 7(1), 1–23. Nawaz, N. (2013). Perspectives on the status of the teaching profession in Pakistan (Doctoral dissertation, University of Huddersfield). Nursalim, M., Fahrurrozi, F., & Amin, M. (2020). Effect of teacher professionalism and competence on teacher performance and student learning outcomes. International Journal of Research and Review, 7(11), 419–426. https://www.ijrrjournal.com OECD. (2020). Teachers and school leaders as valued professionals: TALIS 2018 results (Vol. 2). OECD Publishing. https://doi.org/10.1787/19cf08df-en Ogunwuyi, O., Adesope, A. O., & Bakare, K. M. (2024). Teachers’ roles in enhancing professionalism in the education industry. International Journal of Research in Education and Sustainable Development, 4(5),122–128. https://www.openjournals.ijaar.org Rizvi, M., & Elliott, B. (2007). Enhancing and sustaining teacher professionalism in Pakistan. Teachers and Teaching: Theory and Practice, 13(1), 5–19. https://doi.org/10.1080/13540600601106095 Sachs, J. (2003). The activist teaching profession. Open University Press. Tariq, M. N., John, S., Ishaque, M. S., & Burfat, G. M. (2012). A comparative study of public and private school head teachers’ vision for school improvement. Interdisciplinary Journal of Contemporary Research in Business, 4(1), 174–183. Tooley, J., Dixon, P., & Olaniyan, O. (2005). Private and public schooling in low-income areas of Lagos State, Nigeria: A census and comparative survey. International Journal of Educational Research, 43(3), 125–146. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijer.2006.05.001 Tuytens, M., & Devos, G. (2016). The role of feedback from the school leader during teacher evaluation for teacher and school improvement. Teachers and Teaching: Theory and Practice, 23(1), 6–24.https://doi.org/10.1080/13540602.2016.1203770 Zeeshan, M., ul Ain, Q., & Murtaza, H. (2024). Impact of professionalism on professional development of secondary school teachers. Journal of Development and Social Sciences, 5(3), 614–622.https://doi.org/10.47205/jdss.2024(5-III)55 Zeichner, K. (2010). Rethinking the connections between campus courses and field experiences in college and university-based teacher education. Journal of Teacher Education, 61(1–2), 89–99.https://doi.org/10.1177/0022487109347671 Zeichner, K., & Liston, D. (2014). Reflective teaching: An introduction (2nd ed.). Routledge. Zhou, S., & Hou, H. (2025). The interplay of self-efficacy, grit, and metacognition in shaping work engagement among EFL teachers: a comparative study of Mainland China and Hong Kong. BMC psychology, 13(1), 468. https://doi.org/10.1186/s40359-025-02761-6

S2 Open Access 2025
From HR to XR: Integrating Artificial Intelligence and Extended Reality for Future Workplace Learning

Ishaq Farid, Abdullah Javed, Saquib Yusaf et al.

This study investigates the transformative relationship between Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Extended Reality (XR) technologies and their multifaceted impact on workplace learning, specifically focusing on employee engagement, skill acquisition, and knowledge retention. The primary aim was to examine how adaptive, immersive learning environments influence cognitive, technical, and crucial soft skill outcomes. Utilizing a quantitative research design, data was gathered through structured observations, detailed surveys, and objective performance metrics from participants engaged in an AI-XR enhanced training program. Subsequent analysis confirmed a statistically significant positive relationship between these integrated training programs and superior learning outcomes. The findings further revealed that the AI-XR program not only streamlined procedural practices and technical proficiency but also profoundly influenced learners' emotional and behavioural engagement by fostering a sense of presence and interactive involvement. This underscores the critical importance of intentional instructional design elements, such as high scenario realism, advanced simulation techniques, and responsive AI-driven personalization, for maximizing training effectiveness. These elements directly enhance employee engagement and satisfaction, which are key drivers of overall organizational performance. The research substantiates the substantial potential of AI-XR integration to elevate employee performance through dynamic, scalable, and adaptable technology-driven learning solutions that simultaneously address hard and soft skill gaps. Practical implications emphasize the necessity for a phased, strategic implementation of such programs, ensuring alignment with core pedagogical principles and incorporating mechanisms for continuous evaluation and iterative improvement. Proposed future research directions identify the need for longitudinal studies to assess skill durability, cross-comparative analyses across diverse industry sectors, and deeper investigation into the integration of AI-XR platforms with advanced learning analytics for predictive insights and optimized learning pathways. References Barbu, D.-C., & Băjenaru, L. (2025). Framework design for reinforcing the potential of XR technologies in transforming inclusive education. Applied Sciences, 15(3), 1484. https://doi.org/10.3390/app15031484 Bateman, A., Rogers, C., & Partridge, H. (2025). Designing immersive learning systems: Impacts of cognitive load and multimodal cues. Interactive Learning Environments. (Advance online publication.) https://doi.org/10.1080/10494820.2024.2360987 Borsci, S., Lawson, G., & Broome, S. (2022). Designing effective immersive training environments: A critical review. Applied Ergonomics, 99, 103627. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.apergo.2021.103627 Borsci, S., Makri, C., & Wilson, R. (2022). Reviewing human factors challenges of virtual and augmented reality systems for training. Applied Ergonomics, 102, 103745. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.apergo.2022.103745 Carvalho, M. B. (2025). Immersive learning in professional education: New horizons for XR-driven pedagogies. British Journal of Educational Technology. (Online first.) https://doi.org/10.1111/bjet.13492 Chen, C.-M., Li, M.-C., & Li, Y.-L. (2023). Predictive learning analytics for early skill-gap identification in workplace training. Computers in Human Behavior, 139, 107537. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.chb.2022.107537 Chen, X., Zou, D., Cheng, G., & Xie, H. (2023). Artificial intelligence in education: A review of its applications in learning analytics and adaptive learning. Educational Technology & Society, 26(1), 1–15. https://doi.org/10.30191/ETS.202301_26(1).0001 de Giorgio, A., Luca, M., & Indino, E. (2023). Virtual reality training for occupational skill development: A meta-analytic review. Safety Science, 162, 106106. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ssci.2023.106106 Efendi, D., Apriliyasari, R. W., Prihartami, J. G. E., Wong, C. L., Natalia, R., Utomo, B., … Chen, K.-H. (2023). The effect of virtual reality on cognitive, affective, and psychomotor outcomes in nursing staff: systematic review and meta‑analysis. BMC Nursing, 22, https://doi.org/10.1186/s12912-023-01312-x Farhood, H., Saleh, M., & Al-Basheer, A. (2025). Employee acceptance of AI-enabled training: Predictors and outcomes. Journal of Applied Research in Human Resources, 13(1), 44–59. https://doi.org/10.32602/jarhr.2025.005 Jongbloed, B., Mendez, C., & Reinders, H. (2024). Skill development in virtual reality: An evidence-based synthesis. Computers in Human Behavior: Reports, 7, 100268. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.chbr.2023.100268 Jongbloed, J., Chaker, R., & Lavoué, E. (2024). Immersive procedural training in virtual reality: A systematic literature review. Computers & Education, 221, 105124. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.compedu.2024.105124 Khosravi, H., Kitto, K., & Williams, A. (2022). Explainable artificial intelligence in education: A systematic review. Computers & Education: Artificial Intelligence, 3, 100074. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.caeai.2022.100074 Kumar, V., & Sharma, A. (2022). Intelligent tutoring systems for personalized learning: A systematic review. Computers and Education: Artificial Intelligence, 3, 100059. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.caeai.2022.100059 Kumar, V., Shukla, S., & Sharma, R. (2022). Intelligent tutoring systems: A comprehensive review on personalized learning. International Journal of Educational Technology in Higher Education, 19(1), 1–28. https://doi.org/10.1186/s41239-022-00342-3 Lampropoulos, G. (2025). AI-integrated virtual environments for advanced skills training. Virtual Reality, 29(1), 1–17. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10055-024-00815-3 Lampropoulos, G. (2025). Augmented reality, virtual reality, and intelligent tutoring systems in education and training: A systematic literature review. Applied Sciences, 15(6), 3223. https://doi.org/10.3390/app15063223 Lin, C.-C., Huang, C.-C., & others. (2023). Artificial intelligence in intelligent tutoring systems toward sustainable education: A systematic review. Smart Learning Environments, 10, 41. https://doi.org/10.1186/s40561-023-00260-y Lin, X., Chen, L., & Xie, H. (2023). Artificial intelligence–enabled learning systems: Adaptive mechanisms and pedagogical implications. Educational Technology Research and Development, 71, 2399–2423. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11423-023-10213-3 Liu, K., Zhang, W., Li, W., Wang, T., & Zheng, Y. (2023). Effectiveness of virtual reality in nursing education: A systematic review and meta‑analysis. BMC Medical Education, 23. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12909-023-04662-xSpringerLink+1 Maathuis, C., Cidota, M. A., Datcu, D., & Marin, L. (2025). Integrating explainable artificial intelligence in extended reality environments: A systematic survey. Mathematics, 13(2), 290. https://doi.org/10.3390/math13020290 Maathuis, I., Brough, M., & de Laat, M. (2025). Ethical implementation of AI in workplace learning ecosystems. AI and Ethics. https://doi.org/10.1007/s43681-024-00436-0 Markwell, A., Boyd, M., & Brigden, K. (2023). Evaluating high-fidelity VR for professional skills development: A mixed-methods analysis. Education and Information Technologies, 28, 5899–5921. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10639-023-11828-w Radianti, J., Majchrzak, T. A., Fromm, J., & Wohlgenannt, I. (2020). A systematic review of immersive virtual reality applications in higher education: Design elements, lessons learned, and research agenda. Computers & Education, 147, 103778. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.compedu.2019.103778 Rafiq-uz-Zaman, M. (2025). Bridging the skills divide: A comparative study of skill-based education across SAARC countries with a policy roadmap for Pakistan. Social Science Review Archives, 3(3), 787–795. https://doi.org/10.70670/sra.v3i3.913 Rafiq-uz-Zaman, M. (2025). STEAM: A contemporary concept and a set of early childhood education. Journal of Childhood Literacy and Societal Issues, 4(1), 122-140. https://doi.org/10.71085/joclsi.04.01.77 Rafiq-uz-Zaman, M. (2025). Use of Artificial Intelligence in School Management: A Contemporary Need of School Education System in Punjab (Pakistan). Journal of Asian Development Studies, 14(2), 1984-2009. https://doi.org/10.62345/jads.2025.14.2.56 Rafiq-uz-Zaman, M., & Malik, N. (2025. STEAM for the Future: A Comparative Evaluation of Educational Strategies in Pakistan and India. ProScholar Insights, 4(3), 137-147. https://doi.org/10.55737/psi.2025c-43113 Rafiq-uz-Zaman, M., & Nadeem, M. A. (2025). Gauging the gap: Student perceptions of skill proficiency in skill-based education within schools of Punjab, Pakistan. ACADEMIA International Journal for Social Sciences, 4(2), 2307-2317. https://doi.org/10.63056/ACAD.004.03.0553 Rafiq-uz-Zaman, M., & Nadeem, M. A. (2025). Unveiling Critical Success Factors for Skill-Based Education Programs: A Student-Centered Analysis in Pakistani Schools. Inverge Journal of Social Sciences, 4(3), 11–19. https://doi.org/10.63544/ijss.v4i3.139 Rafiq-uz-Zaman, M., Malik, N., Bano, S. (2025). Learning to Innovate: WhatsApp Groups as Grassroots Innovation Ecosystems Among Micro-Entrepreneurs in Emerging Markets. Journal of Asian Development Studies, 14(1), 1854-1862. https://doi.org/10.62345/jads.2025.14.1.47 Rauschnabel, P. A., Babin, B. J., & Tom Dieck, M. C. (2022). Augmented reality in education: A review and framework for future research. Computers in Human Behavior, 128, 107126. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.chb.2021.107126 Rauschnabel, P. A., He, J., & Ro, Y. K. (2022). Augmented reality in education: A meta-review and cross-disciplinary analysis. The Internet and Higher Education, 54, 100860. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.iheduc.2022.100860 Steen, C. W., Söderström, K., Stensrud, B., et al. (2024). The effectiveness of virtual reality training on knowledge, skills and attitudes of health care professionals and students in assessing and treating mental health disor

S2 Open Access 2024
Low-Density Urbanisation: Prestate Settlement Growth in a Pacific Society

Phillip Parton, Geoffrey Clark

The recognition of low-density urbanisation has been important in documenting how diverse human settlements generated enduring social and economic change. In tropical regions, the key challenges to studying low-density urbanisation have been the difficulty in acquiring past built environment data and integrating the frameworks that illuminate the social behaviours intrinsic to urbanisation. The introduction of lidar mapping and urban science methods has proven revolutionary in our understanding of low-density urbanisation as demonstrated by emerging research on settlements and states in Mesoamerica and Southeast Asia. These studies draw on urban theory to highlight patterns in the built environment associated with profound societal changes including the rise of social institutions, agglomeration effects, and ongoing settlement growth. Here, we present an approach that combines lidar survey and archaeological fieldwork with recent developments in urban science to understand the built environment of Tongatapu; the location of an archaic state whose influence spread across the southwest Pacific Ocean between the thirteenth and nineteenth centuries a.d. Quantitative results show—for the first time—that settlements on a Pacific island were urbanised in a distinct low-density form and that the processes of urbanisation began prior to state development. This study highlights the potential contribution of Pacific landscapes to urban science and the low-density settlement phenomena given the presence of large populations, hierarchical societies, and vast distributions of archaeological built remains on many island groups.

2 sitasi en
S2 Open Access 2024
A Comprehensive Review of Cogenerative Dialogue in Science Education

Seongheui Baek, Yoon‐Hee Ha, Sonya N. Martin

This study comprehensively explores cogenerative dialogue in science education from a sociocultural perspective. Analyzing 120 papers and theses from January 2001 to December 2022 in Korean and English journals, we examine their objectives, themes, methods, learners, educational levels, participants, researcher roles, coteaching connections, and program durations. Our data analysis reveals growing diversity in cogenerative dialogue research objectives and subjects across countries. Consistent patterns emerge regarding researcher roles, participant groups, and program durations. This research offers insights into the evolving cogenerative dialogue landscape in science education, informing future investigations and highlighting trends in this field. The findings presented not only shed light on the current state of research but also provide direction for future investigations, highlighting trends and distinctive features in various facets of cogenerative dialogue-related studies. Specifically, we offer suggestions for the need for research in Korean science education contexts and more broadly in the Asia-Pacific region.

1 sitasi en
arXiv Open Access 2024
Discovering Latent Themes in Social Media Messaging: A Machine-in-the-Loop Approach Integrating LLMs

Tunazzina Islam, Dan Goldwasser

Grasping the themes of social media content is key to understanding the narratives that influence public opinion and behavior. The thematic analysis goes beyond traditional topic-level analysis, which often captures only the broadest patterns, providing deeper insights into specific and actionable themes such as "public sentiment towards vaccination", "political discourse surrounding climate policies," etc. In this paper, we introduce a novel approach to uncovering latent themes in social media messaging. Recognizing the limitations of the traditional topic-level analysis, which tends to capture only overarching patterns, this study emphasizes the need for a finer-grained, theme-focused exploration. Traditional theme discovery methods typically involve manual processes and a human-in-the-loop approach. While valuable, these methods face challenges in scalability, consistency, and resource intensity in terms of time and cost. To address these challenges, we propose a machine-in-the-loop approach that leverages the advanced capabilities of Large Language Models (LLMs). To demonstrate our approach, we apply our framework to contentious topics, such as climate debate and vaccine debate. We use two publicly available datasets: (1) the climate campaigns dataset of 21k Facebook ads and (2) the COVID-19 vaccine campaigns dataset of 9k Facebook ads. Our quantitative and qualitative analysis shows that our methodology yields more accurate and interpretable results compared to the baselines. Our results not only demonstrate the effectiveness of our approach in uncovering latent themes but also illuminate how these themes are tailored for demographic targeting in social media contexts. Additionally, our work sheds light on the dynamic nature of social media, revealing the shifts in the thematic focus of messaging in response to real-world events.

en cs.CL, cs.AI
arXiv Open Access 2024
Controlling the Misinformation Diffusion in Social Media by the Effect of Different Classes of Agents

Ali Khodabandeh Yalabadi, Mehdi Yazdani-Jahromi, Sina Abdidizaji et al.

The rapid and widespread dissemination of misinformation through social networks is a growing concern in today's digital age. This study focused on modeling fake news diffusion, discovering the spreading dynamics, and designing control strategies. A common approach for modeling the misinformation dynamics is SIR-based models. Our approach is an extension of a model called 'SBFC' which is a SIR-based model. This model has three states, Susceptible, Believer, and Fact-Checker. The dynamics and transition between states are based on neighbors' beliefs, hoax credibility, spreading rate, probability of verifying the news, and probability of forgetting the current state. Our contribution is to push this model to real social networks by considering different classes of agents with their characteristics. We proposed two main strategies for confronting misinformation diffusion. First, we can educate a minor class, like scholars or influencers, to improve their ability to verify the news or remember their state longer. The second strategy is adding fact-checker bots to the network to spread the facts and influence their neighbors' states. Our result shows that both of these approaches can effectively control the misinformation spread.

en cs.MA, cs.SI
S2 Open Access 2024
Effects of Climate Change on Communities Living and Economic Structure of Indus Riverine Areas of Dera Ghazi Khan

Sharjeel Saleem, Dr. Muhammad Ali Tarar, Zona Khan

Climate change is the most important issue of the top current issues that the globe is experiencing. Climate change is the most significant and hazardous issue not just for Pakistan but globally as well. Pakistan is one of the underdeveloped nations in South Asia and is ranked among the five nations that have been worst affected by climate change. Climate change has severely influenced both the development of human lifestyles and existence, together with food scarcity, wildlife destruction, and risky meteorological conditions problems.  The objectives of the study were (1) to investigate the direct consequences of deforestation on the local ecosystem and (2) to examine how deforestation increases environmental changes. The study was delimited to people only in the Indus riverine areas in District Dera Ghazi Khan. All the people who are living in the Indus Riverine areas in District D.G. Khan served as the population of the study. A total sample size of 225 citizens was selected from District Dera Ghazi Khan. In the first stage, 3 Tehsils of District Dera Ghazi Khan e.g. (Dera Ghazi Khan, Kot Chutta, & Taunsa Shareef) were selected. In the second stage, 3 riverside union councils were selected from each Tehsil through a convenient sampling technique. In the third stage, 25 citizens were selected from each union council. Data was collected through an interview schedule and examined by ‘The Statistical Package for Social Sciences’ (SPSS). Obtained results indicate that climate change also happens in the community (99.1%), climate change decreases the local agricultural productivity (92.9%) and climate change has effect on the overall economic sustainability of the local community (95.5%). The bivariate analysis showed that more will be climate change vs less will be the agricultural productivity; less will the economic sustainability. So, all the hypothesis results are accepted after the analysis of the data.

S2 Open Access 2023
Understanding the Software of the Mind, Self and Culture: The Scientific Foundation of Indigenous and Cultural Psychology

U. Kim, Jisun Kim

The understanding of the nature and the software of the mind has generated immense debate in religion, philosophy, sciences and psychology. Drucker notes that the basic assumption about the reality is the foundation for science, axiom and algorithm adopted for the theory, concept and method. The assumption differentiates what is important from what is noise. In the medieval Europe, the Catholic Church provided a unified theory of the world as a reflection of God’s grand design and purpose. They held the power to define and thus had the power to control people’s lives. Their power was challenged during the Renaissance with the emergence of humanism. The Cartesian duality of separating the mind from body allowed the separation of church and state and science to flourish. In East Asia, Confucius articulated a different set of assumptions. Humans are defined as ingan 人間 (‘human between’) and assume relationship and compassion as the basic foundation. This is the basis of the cultural difference and theory of the mind. The Darwinian Evolutionary Theory replaced the religious definition, Cartesian duality, and empathy with the biological traits, instincts and natural selection. Psychology adopted the biological model to explain human behaviour. Research in paleoanthropology, genetics, and neurobiology outline the limitations of the biological model in explaining the human mind and behaviour. Bandura has documented the importance of human agency, consciousness, and self-efficacy in explaining human behaviour and provided empirical results with greater predictive and explanatory power than the traditional psychological theories. Indigenous and cultural psychology represents the continuation of the assumptions, theory and concepts outlined by Wilhelm Wundt and Albert Bandura. Kim outlines the transactional model of science, where human agency (measured by self-efficacy) can explain a person’s performance and outcome. Empirically, the Harvard Study of Adult Development, the 85-year longitudinal study, found the unexpected results that challenge the previous held assumptions. Waldinger and Schulz have found that maintaining good relationship is the most important predictor of happiness, health and longevity and not high income, success, IQ and personality. Kim and Kim found that for Millennials and Gen Z, happiness is predicted by relational and social efficacy, positive outlook, and receiving social support from family, friends and online communities, replicating previous results found across three generations and for the past 25 years in Korea. These results point to the importance of examining the basic assumptions of the theories in psychology and the scientific foundation of indigenous and cultural psychology.

DOAJ Open Access 2023
Unpacking “the West”: Divergence and Asymmetry in Chinese Public Attitudes Towards Europe and the United States

Adam Y. Liu, Xiaojun Li, Songying Fang

Recent public opinion polls conducted in Europe and the United States show increasingly negative views of China. Does the Chinese public hold similar views of “the West”? Conducting a two-wave survey in China, we found great divergence and asymmetries in Chinese public perceptions. First, Chinese views of European countries and the US diverge sharply, despite these countries being typically grouped together as “the West” in mainstream English and Chinese discourses; the Chinese viewed the US much more negatively than Europe. Second, whereas the Chinese reciprocated American antipathy, there was an asymmetry in public perceptions between China and Europe, with the Chinese expressing much greater favourability towards European countries than the other way around, though the degree of favourability still varied by country. Analyses of respondent attributes also yielded insights that both confirm and challenge some of the conventional wisdom regarding age, education, and party membership in Chinese public opinion.

Political institutions and public administration - Asia (Asian studies only), Social sciences and state - Asia (Asian studies only)
S2 Open Access 2023
The Anatomy of Talibanization: Religious Extremism and Social Transformation in Swat, Pakistan

Muhammad Irfan

This study explores how religious extremism and terrorism developed until the Taliban attempted to govern in Swat, followed by the military operation aimed at countering militancy in the area. In Swat, religious extremists have effectively worked to influence people's minds to prepare them for violence and hostility against the state. The study emphasizes the role of the military in the rise and decline of extremist ideologies. It highlights some fundamental causes of religious extremism, helping us better understand the issue and develop solutions. The research approach is historical, descriptive, and analytical. Articles and books by reputable analysts have been reviewed for this study. It also seeks to provide recommendations for addressing the current crisis, with post-conflict rehabilitation, reconstruction, and recovery advancing through efforts and support from the government, the international community, and NGOs. Nonetheless, significant efforts are necessary to complete the large-scale tasks of rebuilding and rehabilitating. If these recommendations are strengthened, peace and stability could be restored, with improved access to social services and employment opportunities, and the process of repatriation could proceed smoothly. References Ahmad, K. (2003, October–December). Islamic extremism in Pakistan. Journal of South Asia. Ali, I. (2007, December 7). Pakistan's military offensive in Swat may be start of long campaign. Jamestown Terrorism Focus. http://www.jamestown.org/single/?no_cache=1&tx_ttnews[tt_news]=4586 Ali, M. (2001). Reading Pakistan foreign policy 1971-1998. Oxford University Press.​ Ali, S. S. (2009, February 17). Is Sharia the answer. Dawn. Army, P. (2015, January 8). Pak Army restoring the beauty of Swat Valley. The Good Times. Ashraf, S. I. (2009). Nothing sells like terror. Aryana Institute for Regional Research Advocacy.​ Aziz, K. (2010, June). 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