Ravensbourne University London

ABSTRACT This research analyze the multifaceted influences on environmental sustainability in five ASEAN countries. We employ the Environmental Kuznets Curve (EKC) framework to analyze the relationships between ecological footprint (dependent variable) and tourism arrivals, geopolitical risk, renewable energy consumption, Gross Domestic Product (GDP), and GDP squared. The EKC theory asserts that an inverted U‐shaped correlation between GDP and environmental deterioration (this paper ecological footprint is the proxy). The study expect tourism arrivals, geopolitical risk, and renewable energy consumption is expected to have a reductive influence on environmental footprint, signifying their potential to contribute to environmental sustainability. The empirical outcomes confirm the of an EKC in ASEAN countries. Initially, rising GDP increases the ecological footprint, reflecting the environmental pressures driven by development. However, this trend reverses at a certain point, suggesting that further economic development or GDP squared can lead to a decline in the ecological footprint as countries prioritize environmental protection and adopt cleaner technologies. Additionally, tourists' arrivals negatively impact the ecological footprint, potentially due to increased awareness and implementation of sustainable tourism practices. Geopolitical risk also demonstrates a negative association with the environmental footprint. Finally, renewable energy consumption negatively influences ecological footprint, highlighting its role in diminishing environmental degradation. Overall, the findings emphasize the importance of promoting sustainable tourism activities, fostering renewable energy adoption, and implementing targeted environmental policies alongside green economic growth strategies.

This chapter examines the challenges to meaning objectivity faced by text-based researchers. It considers how the subject-object divide interferes with the validity and reliability of research claims. With a mixed methods approach, the chapter shows that subjectivity has a significant impact on the meaning and interpretation of text, and that external influences on subjectivity can be, but are not enough, to stabilise meaning. It argues that researchers working with words should, as part of the fundamental research, establish a base line of meaning among their participants. Taking this approach would enhance research axiology. Accordingly, this chapter proposes a signification grammatology, the SOPHIC (Subject-Object Participation in Hermeneutical Interpretation and Conceptualisation) framework, for the instantiation of participation and ethical reasoning in text-based research. This framework aims to provoke and stimulate evaluation and legitimation of text-based research claims.

ABSTRACT This study investigates how different jurisdictions implement external moderation of school-based assessment (SBA). Concerns about high-stakes examinations at upper secondary level prompt systems to incorporate SBA into their qualifications. While addressing issues of validity and student stress, SBA raises reliability concerns, potentially compromising trust in the qualifications. External moderation is frequently used to allay such concerns. This study identifies illustrations of moderation in secondary school exit examinations and investigates the local contexts in which they occur. A two-phase sequential design was used to explore the variables of interest across 13 jurisdictions using a review of publicly available documentation and interviews with examination officials in 9 examination organisations. Findings reveal how education systems use moderation to ensure consistency of standards within and across schools. A range of approaches were identified but showing a marked mixing of models. The findings provide useful advice for jurisdictions contemplating introducing externally moderated SBA.

Purpose : This research explored the factors prompting the diffusion of predictive analytics (PA) in international e-fashion companies. A typology of motives, advantages, and diffusion challenges was provided, and recommendations on overcoming them were suggested to PA executives. Methodology : Based on integrating the technology – organization – environment (TOE) perspectives into the steps of diffusion of innovation (DOI) theory, a new systemic framework was developed to explain the process of diffusing PA in e-fashion and to help design interactive, innovative marketing strategies that enhanced the customer experience in such an international e-commerce industry. This study adopted an interpretative approach by conducting 20 semi-structured interviews with e-commerce analytics leaders in the top 10 fashion companies between 2020 and the end of 2024. Findings : The findings referred to a range of motives based on intention to use, market niche, and informational, transactional, and transformational values provided by the companies. The challenges emphasized by the participants were complexity, organizational readiness, compatibility, management support, observability, privacy and security, external support, trialability, competitive pressure, and government regulations. Practical Implications : The study offered guidelines for PAs on how to set the right questions, frame their dataset, and set the right interactive, innovative strategy for customers. Originality : A dynamic framework of PA diffusion was provided to reflect the “Linear vs. Cyclical Process,” “Static Factors vs. Dynamic Processes,” “Inclusion of Post-Adoption Benefits,” “Nuanced Understanding of Management Support,” and “Specification of Key Challenges and Pathways.”

ABSTRACT This graphic research paper contributes to wider debates about creative practice as a form of historical research. While much has been written on how visual culture – film, comics, video games, theatre, fine art – can offer complex portrayals of the past, there remains a disconnect between appreciating art/design as an inventive form of representation and valuing creative practice as academic historical research in its own right. Drawing on formal and stylistic techniques discussed in comics and ‘comics- based research’ studies, we present an interrogation of the ways in which creative practitioners engage with documents, artefacts and, indeed, more philosophical debates on the nature of history. Told as an imagined dialogue between a historian and an artist, our narrative overflows with historical references, informed speculations (what Natalie Zemon Davies called ‘possible truths’), metaphors, symbolic juxtapositions and temporal leaps. We encourage readers to engage with text and image as two separate narratives, with the latter often expanding the argument beyond the former’s more straightforward exposition. Extensive, explanatory endnotes conclude our paper, but, as we argue, any individual reading could elicit different interpretations, with readers devising their own meanings and filling in the gaps.

Review of: The future of fibres on show at the 12th Future Fabrics Expo, Magazine London, London, 25–26 July 2024

Literacy gaps between genders continue to exist worldwide, limiting opportunities for women and girls. This book chapter explores the role of education policy in addressing these disparities in the United Kingdom (UK). It examines how policies can be designed to promote gender equality in literacy, focusing on key areas such as access to education, curriculum development, teacher training, and community engagement. This chapter draws on existing research and case studies to highlight effective policy interventions that have successfully narrowed the gender literacy gap. By analysing the impact of these policies, this chapter aims to identify best practices and provide recommendations for future policy development. Ultimately, this chapter seeks to contribute to the ongoing efforts to create more equitable and inclusive educational systems that empower women and girls through literacy.

Food safety is being transformed by artificial intelligence (AI), which is boosting contamination detection, real time monitoring and transparency of food supply chain. AI based techniques like machine learning, deep learning and computer vision help to detect chemical, microbial and physical contaminants in food more accurately and efficiently. These advancements have led processes to be automated, minimize the impact of human error and facilitate better decision taking. Other innovations include rapid, automated detection and traceability using AI driven spectroscopy, sensor based monitoring and block chain integration. Challenges in adopting AI, however, include fragmented and proprietary data, lack of model interpretability, the sheer implementation costs, and regulatory hurdles. Implementing AI has cost and technical challenges for small and medium sized businesses. Also, the AI models must be explainable and FMV compliant to provide the necessary transparency and reliability. Future research will consist of building upon the AI models developed in this thesis, incorporation of AI with IoT and edge computing for real time monitoring as well as setting up of ethical and regulatory frameworks. Trust in AI driven food safety will be developed with standardized AI regulations, unbiased predictions, and data privacy protections. Although AI presents some hurdles, it has the power to contribute in building a much safer, more efficient and transparent global food supply chain.