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The Armenian Cardinal Gregory Peter XV Aghajanian—a Pioneering Figure in the Holy Roman Church
Full text linkThe presented paper is dedicated to one of the prominent Armenians of the 20th century world, Cardinal Gregory Peter XV Aghajanian (1895–1971), who, with his influential role, stands as a monumental figure in the Holy Roman Catholic Church, at the same time being an outstanding figure of Armenian identity and heritage. Being born in a region marked by political and social upheaval (in the Caucasus), then living in the West and in the East parts of the world and traveling around the globe, he devoted his life to the clerical mission and regulation of inter-ecclesiastical issues, ecumenical and interfaith dialogue, aiming to spread Catholicism as well as to bridge divisions between different Christian denominations and promote understanding among diverse Christian communities. Cardinal Aghajanian, an Armenian Catholic priest, played a significant role as a high-ranking cleric and ‘pastoral diplomat’ within the Vatican. Being the Patriarch-Catholicos of Cilicia from 1937 to 1962, he attained the rank of cardinal in 1946 and subsequently held the position of prefect of the Congregation for the Propagation of the Faith from 1958/60 to 1970. He played a key role in the Second Vatican Council (1962-1965), acting for renewal and reforms within the Catholic Church. Appointed as a member of the Roman Curia and serving in different positions, he attempted to promote dialogue between the Catholic Church and Eastern Orthodox churches. He was also known for his work with the Eastern Catholic Churches and his contributions to their missionary activities and the canon regulation. His contributions are also obvious to the Armenian Catholic presence within the larger Catholic community. Aghajanian's ecclesiastical and missionary legacy is characterized by his commitment to unity and the promotion of peace, making him a pioneering figure in the evolution of the Church during a transformative period of the 20th century. His brilliant knowledge and diplomatic skills, mastering the art of negotiation, and the virtues characteristic of a cleric earned him a position of influence within the Roman Church, where his insights and guidance were sought after in matters of both faith and governance. He was twice nominated and considered as a candidate for Pope (1958 and 1963), possibly due to the above circumstances. Finally, he lived during a unique period of the evolution of the Holy Roman Catholic Church, i.e., during the reign of the 20th century's distinguished popes, among them Pius X (1903-1914), Benedict XV (1914-1922), Pius XI (1922-1939), Pius XII (1939-1958), John XXIII (1958-1963), and Paul VI (1963-1978). So, he was the Armenian who was noticed by some of the mentioned popes, entrusting him with a number of important positions and missions, thus further ensuring his irreplaceable place in the then-operating Roman Curia and the Church atmosphere in general. Essentially, Cardinal Aghajanian was destined to become one of the most famous figures of the Holy See of the Vatican in the middle of the 20th century, to be a part of various world political-diplomatic, spiritual, ecclesiastical, and international affairs, and in consequence to be at the center of those events. His rich lifetime activities may be divided into a few parts: a priest and a teacher, a bishop and an administrator, the patriarch—a caring father and a pastoral diplomat, a cardinal and a voice for spreading Christianity, a high-ranking cleric, and a diplomatic figure in ecclesiastical-political matters. He always acted for Catholicism, for the propagation of the faith and evangelization
Role of Environmental Tax, Financial Development and Political Stability to Address the Renewable Energy Challenges: Empirical Study for MENA Region
Full text linkThe rise in economic growth and use of energy in developing countries are causing a big increase in the environmental pollution that harms the public health. So, this study is about the incline towards renewable energy in developing countries. It looks at how things like having more money, taxing pollution, and having a stable government can help these countries to use more renewable energy. We have compiled the data from approximately 21 MENA countries from 1990 to 2020 using GMM and CSARDL approaches. The results from CSARDL matched the results from GMM, which makes the findings reliable and strong. The long- term findings showed that although green invention and the use of renewable energy cut emissions, financial development raises carbon emissions. However, there was a notable variation in the emigrations mitigating impacts of both variables, with green invention having a lesser significance with emission mitigation. While the short-run outcome likewise yield parallel conclusions, the magnitude of their measure is comparatively lower. The finding report the incorporation of green technology and renewable energy with financial sector will be useful to counter the environmental consequences
An Empirical Study on the Impact of Shadow Banking of Real Estate Enterprises on Debt Default Risk
Full text linkAs a pillar industry in China, the real estate industry plays a crucial role in China's economic development. Of course, there are also many potential risks. Judging from the current situation, many real estate enterprises show the trend of shadow banking, and the scale is also expanding. The financial reports of some listed enterprises show that the total amount of entrusted financial management is as high as billions of yuan, which invisibly leads to the decentralized development of cash flow of enterprises, which is already tense, and creates many unfavorable factors for the real economy. However, under such obvious impact, why do a large number of real estate enterprises choose shadow banking, and what impact will it have on the debt default risk of enterprises? Under the above research background, this paper intends to explore the impact of shadow banking on the debt default risk of real estate enterprises, and at the same time, investigate the regulatory effect of enterprise leverage on the relationship between the above variables. It is hoped that through the empirical research in this paper, we can judge whether the shadow banking of real estate enterprises has exacerbated or alleviated the risk of debt default, understand the influence relationship between various variables through a detailed analysis of its theoretical transmission mechanism, and put forward policy recommendations for the implementation of the follow-up policies of the real estate industry in China
Multi-scalar Water Governance: Between State Failures and the Increasing Responsibility of Local Communities
Full text linkIn a context of increasing pressure on water resources due to climate change, rapid urbanisation and population growth, the limits of centralised state approaches to water management are becoming increasingly apparent. This study is part of a critical analysis of water governance mechanisms at different scales with views on the role of local communities in a multi-scalar system. Its main objective is to examine the extent to which the State's shortcomings in sustainable water management pave the way for local stakeholders greater responsibility. The methodology is based on a systematic and analytical literature review based on Elinor Ostrom's theory of the commons and multi-scalar governance. Scientific sources, institutional reports as well as national and international normative frameworks were consulted. The results reveal a gradual process of powers delegation, often under constraint, to local authorities and local users, without any effective transfer of technical and financial resources. Furthermore, the research also highlighted the emergence of hybrid arrangements among public, private and community actors, reflecting a reshaping of governance. The results suggest that effective water governance requires a coherent articulation of action at different scales, recognition of local knowledge, and endogenous capacity building. In addition, public water policies need to be rethought in terms of subsidiarity, inclusion and resilience.
Customer Satisfaction Drivers with Digital Therapeutic Platform Experiences: The Mediating Effect of Perceived Hedonic Value
Full text linkUnderpinned by expectancy disconfirmation theory and perceived value theory, this paper explores customer satisfaction drivers towards digital therapeutic platforms (i.e., reliability, product diversity, and sales promotion). Besides, this paper examines the role of perceived hedonic value in three drivers–customer satisfaction relationships. Employing online survey, 416 Saudi customers’ responses were collected. ADANCO-PLS findings indicated that reliability, product diversity, and sales promotion directly affect perceived hedonic value. Further, perceived hedonic value was partially mediated in the relationships between customer satisfaction towards therapeutic service-related digital platforms and its three drivers. This paper contributes to the existing literature on digital platforms by providing evidence on how digital platforms that incorporate pleasure, and utilitarian dimensions positively influence customers’ experiences in digital therapeutic services. Our findings have valuable implications for platform providers who want to maximize customer involvement and satisfaction
Perceptions of Elementary Learners on the Functions of School Counselors in Alamada, Cotabato, Philippines
Full text linkThis study explored the perceptions of elementary learners regarding the roles and functions of school counselors in selected public schools in Alamada, Cotabato, Philippines. It aimed to identify the learners’ socio-demographic characteristics in terms of sex, age, and ethnolinguistic group, determine their perceived importance of various counselor roles, and examine whether significant relationships exist between these characteristics and their perceptions. A descriptive-correlational research design was employed, utilizing a validated structured questionnaire to gather data. The sample consisted of selected Grade 6 learners from Raradangan, Macabasa, and Pigcawaran Elementary Schools, chosen through convenience sampling. Descriptive statistics and Spearman-rho correlation analysis were used to analyze the data. Findings revealed that learners perceive all six counselor roles as very important, with the role of collaborator receiving the highest mean rating. Significant relationships were found between sex and perceptions of counselors as advocates, collaborators, coordinators, and managers, while age showed no significant relationship with any role. The ethnolinguistic group was significantly related only to the role of data utilizer. These results suggest that learners’ perceptions of counselor roles are generally positive but can be influenced by specific socio-demographic factors. Based on the findings, it is recommended that school counseling programs be enhanced through gender-responsive and culturally sensitive practices. Strengthening collaboration among counselors, educators, parents, and community stakeholders is also vital to improving the delivery and impact of guidance services in elementary education
Exploring Students’ Learning Motivation and Motivational Strategies in Engineering Mechanics Education
Full text linkThis study aims to explore the current status of students’ learning motivation and corresponding motivational strategies in the Engineering Mechanics course. A total of 114 students majoring in Mechanical Design and Manufacturing at a university in Fujian Province, China, participated in the study. Based on educational psychology theories, a self-designed questionnaire was used to measure learning motivation across three dimensions: cognitive drive, self-enhancement drive, and affiliative/auxiliary learning drive. Results indicated that students scored highly on all three dimensions, demonstrating strong interest in course content, a pronounced desire for self-improvement, and good team collaboration awareness. The differences among the dimensions were minimal, suggesting a balanced and coordinated motivational structure. Gender analysis showed that male students scored slightly higher than females, but differences were not statistically significant, indicating a limited effect of gender on learning motivation. Grade-level analysis revealed no significant differences across years, suggesting that learning motivation remained relatively stable throughout different academic stages. Correlation analysis demonstrated strong positive relationships among the three dimensions, indicating that cognitive interest, self-enhancement needs, and collaborative tendencies mutually reinforce one another to form a coherent motivational system. Based on these findings, pedagogical strategies are proposed: enhancing cognitive drive through contextualized case studies and inquiry-based tasks; strengthening self-enhancement drive via goal setting, tiered tasks, and positive feedback; and improving affiliative/auxiliary learning drive through group collaboration, classroom interaction, and performance presentations. This study provides empirical evidence and practical guidance for teaching design and learning motivation enhancement in foundational engineering courses
The Role and Benefits of ChatGPT in the Agriculture Sector in EU Countries
Full text linkThe implementation of ChatGPT in the agricultural sector throughout the countries of the EU is revolutionising conventional farming methods. ChatGPT utilises sophisticated artificial intelligence capabilities to offer immediate assistance and valuable information to farmers, thereby improving their ability to make informed decisions and increasing their efficiency. The uses of this technology span from enhancing crop yields through predictive analytics to providing personalised guidance on sustainable farming methods. Moreover, ChatGPT enhances the effectiveness of supply chain management and enhances communication between stakeholders. This technological innovation aligns with the European Union's objectives of fostering a more sustainable and innovative agricultural future. This study examines the role and benefits of ChatGPT, an advanced artificial intelligence technology, in the agriculture sector of EU countries. The analysis is based on a mixed-effects model using secondary data from the European Commission's agricultural database and various agricultural research institutions across EU countries. The model includes covariates such as crop yields, water consumption, and decision-making scores, and accounts for country and year fixed effects. The results indicate that ChatGPT adoption has a statistically significant and positive impact on crop yields, resource consumption, and decision-making capabilities. Specifically, ChatGPT adoption leads to a 0.87 metric ton increase in crop yields per hectare, a 230 cubic meter reduction in water consumption per hectare, and a 1.24-point increase in decision-making scores. The findings demonstrate the potential of ChatGPT to improve agricultural performance in EU countries, and highlight the importance of integrating AI technologies in the agricultural sector to address pressing challenges such as resource scarcity and climate change. The study has some limitations, including potential unobserved confounding factors and the generalizability of the findings across different agricultural practices and contexts. Future research should explore the long-term impacts of ChatGPT and other AI technologies on agriculture
Financial Inclusion and Resilience Among Farmers in Rural Communities
Full text linkFarmers are among the underserved community and often face difficulties to accessing financial services which hinders their ability to improve productivity, manage risks, and achieve economic resilience in the long term. This study explores the financial inclusion among farmers in rural communities focusing on the challenges they encounter and their coping mechanisms to survive economic shocks and financial exclusion. This study used convergent parallel mixed-methods design, and data were collected across seven municipalities in Southern Palawan, Philippines with 369 farmers participants. The study determines the socio-economic profile of farmers in terms of educational attainment, training and seminars attended, average income per cropping, farm size, and financial services obtained. While majority of the farmers are in elementary and high school levels, they have varied income brackets along with their farm size and access to different financial services, such as loans and insurance. A significant portion of farmers reported utilizing financial services from microfinance companies and informal credit sources. Thus, challenges identified include limited access to financial resources, inadequate financial management skills, loan dependency worsened by misalignment with agricultural cycles, leaving farmers more susceptible. Farmers cope by relying on loans and credits sought after microfinance companies and informal financial providers, alternative income sources, and crop insurance. The study suggests a financial inclusion program to give farmers in rural areas better access to an affordable and quality financial services along with policies supporting sustainable agricultural practices and continuous financial education emphasizing practical approach
Social Reconstruction toward Wellness Tourism Development: Pivotal Roles of Woman Empowerment and Participation
Full text linkDrawing on feminist ecology theory, this paper explores how woman empowerment (i.e., psychological, social, political, and economic aspects) may lead to social reconstruction toward wellness tourism development in Saudi Arabia. Furthermore, the existing paper examines the mediating role of women's participation in the development of wellness tourism. This paper employs an empirical quantitative method to analyse the interrelations among these variables, using 438 responses from Saudi and non-Saudi women. Findings confirmed that women's participation in wellness tourism development was partially mediated in the nexuses between four woman empowerment aspects and social reconstruction toward wellness tourism development. Results showed that women's initiatives in wellness tourism (e.g., holistic retreats, healing centres, and eco-tourism) generate community resilience, contribute to gender equity, and sustain heritage. This paper presents new insights into policy development, sustainable tourism planning, and gender-sensitive economic reform in the Saudi context