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GNSI Decision Brief: Policy Options for Securing U.S. Interests in Afghanistan
No full textSince the withdrawal of its forces from Afghanistan in August 2021, the U.S. has faced the challenge of formulating policies that safeguard its interests there while navigating the complex security, humanitarian, and diplomatic landscape of the South and Central Asian regions. After the withdrawal, the Biden administration implemented a policy of counterterrorism operations, limited diplomatic engagement with the Taliban, humanitarian assistance delivered indirectly through non-governmental organizations, and the maintenance of targeted economic sanctions against the Taliban government and specific Taliban leaders. With President Donald Trump\u27s return to office in January 2025, these approaches are subject to review and modification in accordance with the new administration\u27s priorities.https://digitalcommons.usf.edu/gnsi_decision_briefs/1025/thumbnail.jp
Online Discussion or Authentic Dialogue? How Design Affects Discussions in Two Alternative Types of Online Forums
No full textAuthentic dialogue demands that we respond, interpret and sometimes disagree with others\u27 ideas—a key component of participation in a democratic society. Yet the sharing and uptake of different ideas can be hampered by traditional online platforms which divide students into isolated threads. To tackle this issue, we introduce two novel online forums designed to foster engagement and idea exchange: a linear chat, akin to SMS, and a collaborative writing forum we call CREW. Seventy-three graduate students, divided into 18 small groups, tested these forums. We used discourse analysis to measure idea uptake and other dialogic features. From this analysis, seven discussions emerged as particularly interactive and engaging, exhibiting a high uptake-to-turn ratio. We noticed linear chat encouraged a high proportion of uptake, but also produced ‘tangles’—breaks in related post chains. CREW discussions sparked similar engagement but resolved most tangles since they required a collaborative written response. This study offers fresh insights in both research and teaching for improving online discussions
Measuring social capital in tourism operation and its influences on peoples’ involvement
No full textThis study developed a reliable scale for measuring Social Capital in the context of tourism operations and examines its influences on Peoples\u27 Involvement. The quantitative research method was employed, and the five stages of data purification processes were performed: identification of dimensions and indicators, item-to-total correlation, and explorative factor analysis, confirmatory factor analysis, and the structural equation model. The study identifies four dimensional scales of social capital across 13 indicators: bonding social capital, social bridging capital, social linking capital, and social harmless capital, and confirms that social capital has a significant influence on peoples\u27 involvement. As the first effort at scale development, the present study has added value to the present knowledge of social capital in tourism and argued that social capital has the ability to predict people\u27s involvement in the tourism industry. The findings have important implications for the tourism industry and the sustainable tourism operations
Taliban 1.0 and 2.0 in Afghanistan: Same Policies, Persistent Vision
No full textThe Taliban emerged as a movement in 1994, toppled the government of the Mujahideen, and ruled Afghanistan from 1996 to 2001. They finally recaptured power in 2021 after the US withdrawal from the region. This paper refers to the first Taliban rule as Taliban 1.0 and their second as Taliban 2.0. Taliban 1.0 imposed draconian laws and regulations on women and minorities while harboring regional and international terrorist organizations. Later, the Taliban 2.0 followed its predecessor in policies regarding women, minorities, and sheltering terrorist organizations. Considering this background, this paper addresses whether Taliban 1.0 and 2.0 maintain the same policies and persistent vision. To answer this, I will compare their policies to find out if there is consistency
Exploring the effects on capital punishment sentencing of aggravating and mitigating factors that are not accepted
No full textMurder trials in which the death penalty is sought involves the jury\u27s consideration of aggravating factors (circumstances necessary for the crime to be death penalty eligible) and mitigating factors (considerations submitted by the defense intended to dissuade a death sentence). Using data from capital murder trials in North Carolina from 1990 to 2023, this study examines the relationship of accepted and the heretofore unexplored impact of rejected aggravating, statutory mitigating, and non-mitigating factors on jury sentencing decisions while controlling for a host of other relevant variables. As expected, accepted aggravating factors statistically increased the odds of a death sentence while accepted statutory mitigating factors decreased those odds. However, in a finding not considered in previous the literature, we also determined that aggravating factors submitted but not accepted by the jury decreased the odds of a death sentence while mitigating factors (both statutory and non-statutory) submitted but not accepted increased the odds. A complex analysis of individual aggravators and mitigators revealed considerable variation in these impacts. The implications for the processing of capital punishment cases are discussed
GOOD ADMINISTRATIVE-PEDAGOGICAL PRACTICES THAT CONTRIBUTE TO THE PERFORMANCE OF BRAZILIAN PUBLIC SCHOOLS IN CRISIS CONTEXTS: EXPERIENCES IN BRAZIL, THE USA AND ENGLAND DURING THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC
No full textThe COVID-19 pandemic has represented one of the greatest challenges ever faced by education systems worldwide, further exacerbating existing inequalities and disproportionately affecting students from more vulnerable families. In this sense, understanding the entire context related to the latest health crisis and seeking to understand how education systems in different parts of the world prepared for isolation becomes vital so that developing nations can prepare for the next crisis in a more serene and productive way for their students. Thus, the objective of this research is to propose a set of good administrative-pedagogical practices that contribute to the performance of schools in crisis contexts. Based on a comparative analysis of public schools in Brazil, the USA and England, the study uses a mixed methodological approach, combining elements of quantitative and qualitative research, such as document analysis, econometrics, Data Envelopment Analysis (DEA), multiple case studies and surveys. Ultimately, the research aims to offer a reference methodology that can guide managers, teachers and policy makers in promoting more robust and inclusive public education during crises
Ethics, Uniqueness, and Consumer Mindsets: Exploring Hologram Circus as an Emerging Touristic Attraction
No full textHologram technology has emerged as a groundbreaking tool in the events industry, providing visually stunning and immersive experiences. The integration of hologram technology into live performances has revolutionized the events and entertainment industry, enabling immersive and sustainable experiences. Circus Roncalli\u27s holographic performances have garnered global attention for replacing live animals with 3D holograms, offering an ethical alternative without compromising on entertainment value. Circus Roncalli stands at the forefront of this innovation, utilizing holograms instead of live animals to create captivating and ethically responsible performances. Despite the growing interest in holographic events, research on the drivers of audience intention to attend such experiences remains scarce. This study aims to fill this gap by exploring how perceived ethicality and perceived uniqueness influence positive attitudes and the subsequent intention to attend hologram-based events, using Circus Roncalli as a case study. Leveraging structural equation modeling, the research will examine how perceived ethicality, perceived uniqueness, and positive attitudes shape attendees\u27 intention to experience such innovative events
AI Influencers vs Human Influencers: Redefining Digital Consumer Behavior and Marketing Strategies in the Age of Artificial Intelligence
No full textAs artificial intelligence (AI) continues to revolutionize industries, its application in digital marketing is becoming increasingly transformative. This study investigates the potential of AI-powered influencers to drive consumer decision-making compared to traditional human influencers. By leveraging AI for content generation and consumer engagement, the study addresses key questions around the efficacy, authenticity, and trustworthiness of AI-generated marketing campaigns. Grounded in digital consumer behavior theories and marketing frameworks such as the RACE Model and Content Marketing Mix, this research explores the implications of integrating AI-driven influencers into marketing strategies. A mixed-methods approach combining sentiment analysis, experimental content generation, and expert evaluations offers insights into consumer perceptions of AI-generated and human-generated content. Findings aim to contribute to both theoretical advancements in AI-enabled marketing and practical strategies for businesses navigating the evolving digital landscape. This study ultimately seeks to redefine the role of AI in influencing digital consumer behavior and shaping the future of marketing campaigns
A Modern Look at Tampa\u27s Museums: Sustainability, Evening Socials, and Exploring the Gulf Islands National Seashore
No full textThis study focuses on enhancing sustainability and expanding the reach of selected museums in Tampa amidst a competitive landscape. It emphasizes the need for transformative changes and effective marketing strategies to maintain relevance and financial viability. The research promotes the adoption of self-sustaining social marketing techniques to generate economic returns and foster deeper community engagement. Central to this investigation is a novel museum concept aimed at promoting environmental stewardship and cultural awareness while facilitating social interactions among diverse populations. By doing so, it seeks to attract a broader audience to Tampa, known for its rich history, vibrant culture, and stunning attractions. Additionally, the study explores synergies between art tourism and sustainability, positioning museums as active agents of social change rather than mere cultural repositories. It considers their potential to promote sustainable tourism practices, thereby enhancing Tampa’s profile as a destination for local and international visitors. By leveraging Tampa\u27s unique cultural assets, the proposed model aims to create a more robust visitor experience, encouraging repeat visits and long-term community investment. Ultimately, the research underscores the necessity for museums to rethink their operational and marketing approaches in line with evolving societal expectations and economic realities, offering insights for stakeholders looking to foster a thriving cultural ecosystem in Tampa