Abstract:This study evaluates the determinants of citizen trust in e-government platforms across 12 municipalities in Slovenia, Romania, and Slovakia. Survey data from 2400 residents combined with municipal digital service performance metrics were analyzed using multilevel regression models. Results show that perceived system usability and data privacy assurance are the strongest predictors of citizen trust, surpassing service efficiency gains. Municipalities that implemented transparent data handling policies and user-centered interface design exhibited trust scores 26 percent higher than those prioritizing backend administrative efficiency. Age and digital literacy moderated the relationship, with residents over 55 demonstrating lower trust regardless of system quality. Comparative analysis revealed that pre-existing institutional trust significantly shaped e-government acceptance in Romania and Slovakia, while Slovenian residents evaluated digital platforms more independently. These findings suggest that e-government adoption strategies should prioritize privacy communication and inclusive design over technical sophistication.
Abstract:This paper presents a techno-economic assessment of small-scale solar desalination systems designed for coastal communities in southern Mozambique. Three solar-powered reverse osmosis configurations with capacities ranging from 500 to 2000 liters per day were modeled using local meteorological data and evaluated for capital costs, operational expenses, and levelized water costs over a 20-year project horizon. Sensitivity analysis incorporated variations in solar irradiance, membrane replacement frequency, and community payment capacity. Results indicate that the mid-scale 1000-liter system achieves a levelized water cost of 0.018 USD per liter, which is competitive with existing water trucking services costing 0.025 USD per liter. Community surveys across four villages confirmed willingness to pay at this price point for 89 percent of respondents. The analysis demonstrates that solar desalination offers a viable pathway for improving freshwater access in remote coastal areas where grid connectivity is unreliable.
Abstract:This sociolinguistic study analyzes code-switching patterns among multilingual professionals in corporate environments in Almaty and Nur-Sultan, Kazakhstan. Audio recordings of 120 workplace interactions involving 45 employees fluent in Kazakh, Russian, and English were collected and transcribed over six months. Conversation analysis revealed three dominant switching patterns: intra-sentential switching for technical terminology, inter-sentential switching for hierarchical communication adjustments, and tag-switching for solidarity marking among peers. English insertions occurred predominantly in technology and finance sectors, while Kazakh-Russian alternation was more prevalent in government-affiliated organizations. Language choice correlated strongly with perceived professional identity and organizational culture rather than individual proficiency levels. The findings contribute to understanding how multilingual professionals navigate complex linguistic repertoires in post-Soviet corporate contexts and have implications for language policy development in multilingual workplaces.
Abstract:This randomized controlled trial evaluates the productivity effects of three drought-tolerant maize varieties among 600 smallholder farming households in the Balaka and Machinga districts of southern Malawi. Households were randomly assigned to receive either improved drought-tolerant seeds, conventional local varieties, or improved seeds with agronomic training over two consecutive growing seasons (2023-2025). Yield measurements demonstrated that drought-tolerant varieties produced 34 percent higher grain output during below-average rainfall seasons compared to local varieties. The addition of agronomic training further increased yields by 18 percent, indicating complementary knowledge effects. Cost-benefit analysis showed a positive return on investment within the first season for 78 percent of adopters. However, seed accessibility and affordability remained significant barriers to sustained adoption. These results support scaling targeted seed distribution programs coupled with extension services to strengthen food security in drought-prone sub-Saharan African regions.
Abstract:This study examines the relationship between microfinance participation and female entrepreneurial outcomes in three post-conflict districts of northern Uganda. Using a mixed-methods approach combining panel survey data from 480 women over 30 months with 60 in-depth interviews, we assess changes in business creation, revenue growth, and household decision-making authority. Difference-in-differences analysis shows that microfinance participants experienced a 41 percent increase in monthly business revenue compared to non-participants, with the strongest effects among women who received complementary business training. However, repayment pressures generated significant stress for 23 percent of borrowers, particularly during seasonal income fluctuations. Qualitative findings reveal that group lending structures fostered social capital and peer mentorship networks that extended beyond financial transactions. The study recommends flexible repayment schedules and integrated psychosocial support to maximize the developmental impact of microfinance in fragile contexts.
Abstract:This study compares the effectiveness of urban green infrastructure in mitigating the heat island effect across three medium-sized cities in Southeast Asia: Chiang Mai (Thailand), Mandalay (Myanmar), and Vientiane (Laos). Using Landsat thermal imagery combined with ground-level temperature monitoring across 45 sites per city during 2023 and 2024, we quantified surface temperature reductions associated with urban parks, street tree corridors, and green rooftops. Results indicate that cities with contiguous green corridors achieved average temperature reductions of 2.8 degrees Celsius compared to 1.4 degrees in cities relying primarily on isolated park spaces. Regression models controlling for building density and elevation confirmed that canopy connectivity was the strongest predictor of cooling efficacy. These findings inform climate adaptation planning for rapidly urbanizing cities in tropical regions where heat-related health risks are escalating.
Abstract:This cross-sectional study investigates the prevalence of postpartum depression (PPD) and associated risk factors among 520 first-time mothers attending rural health clinics in the Rajshahi and Rangpur divisions of Bangladesh. Participants were screened using the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale at six to twelve weeks postpartum. Results indicated a PPD prevalence of 28.4 percent, substantially higher than global estimates. Logistic regression analysis identified unplanned pregnancy (OR = 2.31), low household income (OR = 1.87), absence of spousal emotional support (OR = 3.12), and complicated delivery (OR = 1.94) as significant predictors. Qualitative interviews with a subsample of 40 mothers revealed pervasive stigma around mental health disclosure and limited awareness of available services. The study underscores the need for integrating routine mental health screening into existing maternal healthcare programs in resource-limited settings.
Abstract:This quasi-experimental study examines the effects of augmented reality (AR) integration on spatial reasoning skills and motivation among secondary school students in STEM subjects. Conducted across eight schools in Chennai, India, the study involved 384 students aged 14 to 16 who participated in AR-enhanced physics and geometry modules over one academic semester. Pre- and post-test comparisons using the Purdue Spatial Visualization Test revealed significant improvements in the experimental group compared to the control group (d = 0.74, p < 0.001). Motivation was assessed through the Intrinsic Motivation Inventory, showing elevated scores in interest and perceived competence dimensions. Teacher interviews highlighted increased classroom participation but noted challenges related to device availability and technical support. The findings suggest that AR tools can meaningfully enhance spatial cognition when accompanied by structured pedagogical frameworks and adequate infrastructure investment.
Abstract:This article presents an empirical study of the effectiveness of a training module aimed at teaching Kazakh idioms as cultural-symbolic units in a university course. The theoretical basis is the concept of symbolic competence, according to which phraseology is considered not only as lexical and semantic material but also as a carrier of cultural memory, values, and social norms. The study design is mixed (explanatory sequential mixed-methods) and includes a quasi-experiment (pretest/posttest with a control group) and a qualitative stage (interviews and reflective texts). The study involved 133 students (experimental group n = 67, control n = 66) of the educational program \"6B1701 - Training of Teachers of Kazakh Language and Literature\" at Zhanibekov University; the module was implemented over 6 weeks (12 lessons of 50 minutes). Quantitative instruments included a phraseological competence test (meaning knowledge, correct context selection, productive use), a national-cultural identity scale, and a cultural awareness/symbolic competence scale. Results showed that, compared with the control group, the experimental group achieved significantly higher gains in the overall idiom competence test score, with the greatest changes observed in the contextual appropriateness and productive use components. Statistically significant increases were also found in the national-cultural identity and cultural awareness scores. Qualitative analysis revealed three key themes: (1) awareness of cultural values through the figurative basis of idioms, (2) rethinking belonging and cultural pride, and (3) difficulties in interpreting symbols without context and cultural commentary. The findings substantiate the pedagogical feasibility of integrating cultural-symbolic interpretation, contextualization, and reflective writing into the teaching of phraseology in higher education and propose a replicable module for the training of future Kazakh language teachers.
Abstract:This study aims to analyze the school psychology of the use of artificial intelligence in education and research based on the opinions of primary and secondary school administrators and teachers. This study primarily involved teachers and school administrators participating in panels, workshops, and other workshops related to artificial intelligence in education based on a qualitative research design. In addition to conducting interviews with all participants, the study also employed a triangular research approach, using observations and document reviews to address the research objectives. It has been concluded that artificial intelligence plays a significant role in educational research, as it establishes the theoretical foundations of the education system in schools and generates scientific solutions to emerging problems. Artificial intelligence in education is particularly beneficial in interdisciplinary learning, creativity, innovation, critical and ethical thinking, lifelong learning, and the correct use of knowledge. The findings of this study indicate that the application of artificial intelligence in education provides research skills, enables the creation of creative and original products, makes significant contributions to learning processes, and, in this context, helps improve the quality of education for school psychology. It facilitates the development of diverse ideas. The use of AI in education has become a central component of the future of education.