All Articles
Original Article421 downloads
Communities of Practice for Transforming Tacit Knowledge into Explicit Knowledge in Autism Literacy: A Comparative Study of Bolivia, Brazil, Ecuador, and ParaguayThis study examines pedagogical practices for autism literacy across four countries and explores the potential of establishing a communication network to facilitate the effective exchange of knowledge and experiences. By leveraging local cultural strategies, knowledge management, and organizational intelligence, the research aims to transform tacit knowledge—common in languages with phonetic simplicity, such as Latin-based languages—into explicit knowledge, particularly in countries with law-based educational frameworks.
The study addresses key challenges in autism learning, including inattention, hyperactivity, impulsivity, anxiety, irritability, tantrums, defiance, and aggression. These difficulties are compounded by the widespread lack of recognition of the heterogeneity within the autism spectrum.
Through interviews conducted in the selected countries, this research seeks to answer the following question: To what extent does the transformation of tacit knowledge into explicit knowledge impact autism literacy? The findings suggest that communities of practice play a crucial role in supporting pedagogical approaches, as many educators and caregivers feel overwhelmed and discouraged, often abandoning efforts due to a lack of understanding of literacy concepts, such as writing.
Based on these insights, the study proposes the implementation of the phonemic method for literacy, along with a knowledge management portal that integrates learning resources, communities of practice, expert analyses, and semantic web technologies to enhance organizational intelligence in autism education.
Original Article148 downloads
THE INFLUENCE OF WAGE INEQUALITY ON TRADE IN SERVICES IN SUB-SAHARAN AFRICAThe aim of this research is to analyze empirically the influence of wage inequality on international trade in services in Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA). This work uses a methodology based on data from the World Bank's World Data Indicator and the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO), on the one hand, and panel data modelling using Ordinary Least Squares (OLS) and Generalized Moment Methods (GMM), on the other. The results obtained show that trade in services in SSA contributes to economic diversification in this region, notably with the supply of tourism, financial, information and communication technology and personnel services. However, wage inequality has a negative impact on trade in services in Sub-Saharan Africa, and consequently reduces trade in services in this part of the world.
Economic policies in Sub-Saharan Africa should therefore be geared towards improving people's purchasing power. What's more, public authorities need to strengthen the enforcement of labor laws, improve working conditions and the business environment, and combat discriminatory practices in the workplace.
Original Article164 downloads
A Model and a Portal to Enhance Social Participation through the Integration of Communities of Practice and the Semantic Web: A Comparative Study between Argentina and BrazilIn Argentina, social participation is primarily exercised through draft laws proposed by society and referendums, as seen in the abortion debate, where the majority of the population supported legalization. Despite this engagement, access to education and books—although significantly higher than in Brazil—is not a determining factor in participatory culture. Buenos Aires alone, for instance, has more bookstores than the entirety of Brazil, yet this has not necessarily translated into more effective civic engagement.
In contrast, Brazil lacks a strong tradition of enhancing representative democracy through direct social participation. However, the government has launched several initiatives, such as the “Dialoga Brasil” and “Diálogos Federativos” programs, hosted on the “Participa” portal, aiming to collect and apply collective knowledge. These efforts, however, have largely served as a means to overshadow widespread corruption and maintain governance without leveraging modern management tools like Knowledge Management (KM) and Organizational Intelligence (OI). The result was an overwhelming influx of contributions, which, due to outdated filtering techniques such as data mining, failed to effectively capture and utilize public input.
To address this challenge, this study proposes the development of a Social Participation Portal structured into thematic areas (Communities of Practice) and powered by the Semantic Web, utilizing an ontological architecture to represent, analyze, and interpret diverse societal contributions. In addition to the portal, the study introduces a Knowledge Management (KM) and Organizational Intelligence (OI) model to enhance the principles of the American New Public Service (NPS) approach. The proposed model seeks to transform raw data and information into actionable knowledge, intelligence, and ultimately, wisdom.
As a key intermediate construct, the study highlights the role of culture, recognizing that newly generated knowledge through social participation fosters shifts in beliefs, values, and assumptions, which subsequently impact the application of intelligence. To examine these relationships, the study employs an interview-based methodology conducted at the National University of La Plata (UNLP) in Buenos Aires, Argentina, and the State University of Bahia (UNEB) in Salvador, Brazil. Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) is used to test the interconnections between culture, knowledge, and intelligence.
The findings indicate that the KM-OI model is an effective strategy for improving public policy outcomes and reducing corruption by enhancing the quality of social participation, particularly in knowledge creation (KM) and application (OI) within governmental frameworks. However, fostering an organized, mature, and participatory civil society requires a long-term process of cultural transformation.
Original Article2199 downloads
Admiring Celebrities: A Critique of the Celebrity Attitude Scale and the Absorption-addiction ModelI described the 23-item Celebrity Attitude Scale (CAS) and cited several studies that attest to its reliability and validity. Research with the CAS has led to the Absorption -addiction model, which holds that the vast majority of celebrity admirers do so primarily for entertainment and social reasons (CAS-ES; level one). A minority become intensely involved with their favorite celebrities, closely identifying with their personal lives (CAS-IP; level two). An even smaller minority becomes so involved with their favorite celebrity that they would condone stalking and consider illegal behaviors directed toward their favorite celebrity (CAS-BP; level three). The Absorption-addiction model could be conceptualized as a part of the broader theory of Extremism. Extremism holds that attitudes and behaviors stem from a motivational imbalance whereby a particular need becomes so dominant that it overwhelms other basic needs (Aruguete et al., 2024). A small percentage of celebrity worshipers become so attached to their favorite celebrity that they tend to neglect other important needs. I present considerable empirical evidence to support the Absorption-addiction model and point out that there are indeed many “serious fans” who do not meet any criteria for pathology. I debunk the claim that those who obsess about celebrities become stalkers of celebrities, by presenting evidence that only a tiny minority of celebrity worshipers become celebrity stalkers. Finally, I propose a change to the Absorption-addiction model. Based on an accumulation of years of evidence and two recent studies, CAS-IP and CAS-BP are now merged into one level that should be labeled as unhealthy.
Original Article285 downloads
ENTREPRENEURSHIP STUDY CENTRES: UNLEASHING THE PAGEANT OF INHERENT CREATIVITY AND INNOVATION IN AFRICAN-ASIAN UNIVERSITIESEntrepreneurship Study Centres (ESCs) in African and Asian Universities are reshaping academic landscapes by fostering creativity, innovation, and entrepreneurial spirit among students and staff. These centres are critical in addressing unemployment and driving economic growth through structured entrepreneurial training. Despite the growing role of ESCs, their potential remains underexplored in mainstream academic discourse. Limited research exists on their direct impact on job creation, social transformation, and sustainable development. This study bridges that gap by highlighting their role in unlocking latent entrepreneurial talents. It examines how ESCs function as incubators for innovation, job creation, and economic transformation. The study investigates their effectiveness in equipping students with the skills, mentorship, and resources necessary to translate ideas into viable ventures. A qualitative and case-based approach was used, drawing from real-world evidence and success stories from African and Asian universities. The study analysed ESCs' mentorship programs, industry collaborations, and entrepreneurship education models. Findings reveal that ESCs significantly enhance entrepreneurial capacity, promote innovation through competitions, and facilitate knowledge transfer. However, challenges such as inadequate infrastructure, bureaucratic bottlenecks, and funding limitations hinder their full potential. ESCs represent a transformative force in higher education, unlocking economic and social potential. The study calls for an improved and consistent integration of entrepreneurship education into university curricula while advocating for sustained funding, policy incentives, and strategic partnerships to maximize their impact. Strengthening ESCs will drive Africa and Asia’s academic communities toward a future defined by innovation and sustainable enterprise.
Original Article212 downloads
NATURE OF POLITICAL MESSAGES AND YOUTH BEHAVIOR DURING 2022 ELECTIONS IN KISUMU COUNTY, KENYAThe study sought to establish influence of nature of political messages on youth behavior during 2022 elections in Kisumu County, Kenya. The existing gap in knowledge was the understanding of how political communication can influence youth behavior during election campaigns. Even though youth play a critical role in various stages in future leadership, they can be used as a source of unity as well as source of division. If youth are not used productively during electioneering periods, they may have negative impact on themselves, families and society at large affecting voter turnout, voting trends and inter-ethnic relationships. The study informed by Speech Act Theory and Theory of Political Propaganda. The study was conducted using the descriptive design, with the mixed methods approach. Quantitative data was collected from 400 respondents of Kisumu County, Kenya, while qualitative data obtained through 10 in-depth interviews and 30 respondents for Focus Group Discussions. The study findings revealed that nature of political messages influence youth behavior. The study recommends the need for political class to follow laid down legislations for proper youth engagement in political matters without causing mayhem among in the society.
Original Article1538 downloads
ECONOMIC CONDITION OF INDIA DURING MUGHAL PERIOD (16th - 18th CENTURY): AN INTROSPECTIVE STUDYThe latter Mughal Empire had a number of economic difficulties in spite of its opulence. The empire's resources were depleted by the ceaseless battle, especially during Aurangzeb's leadership. The stability of the economy was threatened by the emergence of administrative inefficiencies and corruption. Again, established commercial networks and economic systems started to be upended by the expanding influence of European powers, particularly the British East India Company.
Objective: The main aim of the study is to explore the economic condition of the people during Mughal period in India.
Methodology: This study is based different materials collected from different secondary sources. Descriptive analysis, content analysis, and text analysis are among the several quantitative and qualitative analytic techniques used.
Results and Discussions: The economy of the Mughals was vast and thriving. Up to 1750, India accounted for 24.5% of global industrial production. Similar to Western Europe in the eighteenth century before the Industrial Revolution, India's economy has been compared to a proto-industrialization model. The nation was united under the Mughals, who also constructed a vast road network and standardised the currency. The Mughals established a public works agency that designed, built, and maintained a vast road network that connected villages and cities throughout the empire and facilitated commerce, making it an essential aspect of the economic infrastructure.
Findings: The foundation of wealth was agriculture. Mughal India was a pioneer in metals, carpets, jewels, and textiles. A commercialized economy was encouraged by a standardized currency system. The economy was undermined by excessive taxes, corruption, and ineffective administration.
Conclusion: The economic variables demonstrated encouraging development characteristics, including a potential rise in agricultural production, trade and commerce, township creation, and an effective money circulation system.
Original Article775 downloads
Word Formation and Translation Strategies for Immunological TerminologyThe main word formation of immunological terminology include compounding, derivation, abbreviation, and terminologization. Based on these word-formation principles, the translation of immunological terms should strictly follow the three requirements, i.e. conceptual accuracy, standardized term and contextual appropriateness. Based on the deep analysis of the context, translators should convey the accurate specialized knowledge and reproduce the translated term according to the writing convention of the target language. These translation requirements help translators to achieve the accuracy and appropriateness of terminology translation in immunological literature.
Original Article874 downloads
The effects of a stressful school working on the principal's leadership of learningPurpose
The main objective of the study is to look into the factors that affect the mental health of school principals in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. The purpose of the study is to identify the particular difficulties and pressures that lead to poor mental health among this province's school administrators.
Design/Methodology/Approach
The study will use a qualitative research methodology to examine the experiences of school principals. There are 7,000 school principals in KwaZulu-Natal, and 50 of them were selected as a sample size for in-depth interviews. Data was collected using semi-structured interviews, and theme analysis was performed using NVivo 14 software.
Findings/Results
According to the study's findings, there are several important factors that negatively impact the mental health of KwaZulu-Natal school principals. High stress levels, financial strains, an overwhelming workload, and a lack of support systems were among them. The COVID-19 pandemic of 2019–2021 exacerbated these issues by increasing worry and exhaustion.
Practical Implications
The results of the study have significant ramifications for policy making and school administration. It is crucial to create and implement all-encompassing strategies to support school leaders' mental health. These strategies include reducing workload, making counseling services more accessible, and developing leaders with a focus on stress management and self-care. The student recognized that student outcomes and school leaders' ability is enhanced for effectively to lead schools by prioritizing their mental health.
Originality/Value
This study contributes to the growing body of research on the mental health of educational leaders. Focusing on KwaZulu-Natal's unique context, the study provides significant insights into the unique challenges encountered by school principals in the area. The findings can direct the development of targeted treatments meant to improve the wellbeing of school administrators and, ultimately, raise academic standards.
Original Article450 downloads
Communities of Practice for transforming tacit knowledge into explicit knowledge in the context of illiteracy: a comparative study Bolivia, Brazil, Venezuela, Paraguay, Venezuela, Suriname, French Guiana, Ecuador y PerúThis article investigates pedagogical practices for “reducing” illiteracy in Brazil and poor countries in South America (decision of the system after the American Military Operation CONDOR) proposes the establishment of a communication network capable of enabling the effective exchange of knowledge and experiences between people who discuss this topic, through a plan of Cultural Intelligence (travel) and Knowledge Management (read), in order to transform tacit knowledge into explicit knowledge. By analyzing educational management in the three countries, the article answers the following research question: To what extent does the transformation of tacit knowledge into explicit knowledge impact literacy? The work concludes, after analyzing interviews carried out in Bolivia, Brazil, Venezuela, Paraguay, Venezuela, Suriname, French Guiana, Ecuador y Peru, that Communities of Practice can help in pedagogical practices since many feel depressed and soon give up due to the fear of not understanding the content (students) and not accepting the situation (teachers), violence, weak infrastructure and outdated teaching methods, such as the syllabic method instead the phonetic one. The work then proposes the phonemic method in addition to a portal that integrates Knowledge Management practices (lessons learned and communities of practice) and Cultural Intelligence (the capacity to learn with cultures with more habit of reading or at least the capacity to understand other cultures instead only taking photos to post in social networks as the Latin Culture well known due to the easy language, good weather and many distractions).
