Study Motivation, Self-Esteem and Stress in University Students with Special Educational Needs: A Comparative Analysis with Normotypical Students

This study examines the relationship between self-esteem, study motivation, attentional difficulties, and perceived stress among university students with special formative needs, including specific learning disorders and disabilities), certified by public healthcare institutions. The research aims to compare these students  (n. 150) with their typically developing peers (n. 150) to identify differences in academic and psychological factors. Results indicate that students with special needs demonstrate similar organizational study skills but exhibit higher metacognitive awareness and information processing abilities, likely as a compensatory mechanism. However, they face greater challenges in planning and structuring their learning process. While their perceived stress levels are slightly higher, their self-esteem is unexpectedly higher than that of typically developing students, possibly due to the resilience developed through overcoming academic difficulties. These findings highlight the importance of tailored support programs, including tutoring, digital tools, and psychological support, to enhance study strategies and stress management for both student groups. Addressing these challenges effectively could lead to a more inclusive and successful academic experience for all students.

The Effect of Kahoot on EFL Students’ Reading Comprehension: A Quasi-Experimental Study

This study examined the effect of using Kahoot on students’ reading comprehension of descriptive texts in an EFL classroom. A quantitative approach employing a quasi-experimental design was used. The participants were 54 tenth-grade students from a senior high school in Palembang, Indonesia, divided into an experimental group and a control group. Data were collected through pretests and posttests consisting of 20 multiple-choice items. The findings revealed that students taught using Kahoot achieved a significantly higher posttest mean score (M = 81.85) than those taught through conventional instruction (M = 62.22). An independent samples t-test indicated a statistically significant difference between the two groups (t = –11.420, p < 0.05). These results demonstrate that the use of Kahoot had a positive and significant effect on students’ reading comprehension achievement. It can be concluded that integrating Kahoot into reading instruction is an effective pedagogical strategy for improving EFL students’ comprehension of descriptive texts. The findings suggest that game-based digital learning tools can enhance engagement and learning outcomes in secondary school English classrooms.

Effectiveness and Regularity of the Use of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) Among Business Education Students at Delta State Tertiary Institutions

This study examined the effectiveness and regularity of ICT usage among business education students in Delta State tertiary institutions.  Five research questions were raised and answered, while five null hypotheses were formulated and tested at a 0.05 level of significance.  The descriptive survey design was adopted for the study.  The study population comprised 578 business education students. Simple random sampling was used, with a sample size of 174.   The instrument used was a structured questionnaire and was validated by three experts.  The test-retest method was used in testing the reliability of the instrument, and a reliability coefficient of 0.78 was obtained.  Data collected from the respondents were analysed using Mean, Standard Deviation, t-test statistics, and Analysis of Variance (ANOVA).  The study found that business education students frequently use ICT tools for academic activities in tertiary institutions in Delta State. Additionally, personal, institutional, and environmental factors influence the frequency and quality of ICT use among Business Education students in Delta State tertiary institutions, among others. It was concluded that ICT usage has impact on academic performance and professional development of Business Education students in Delta State tertiary institutions to a high extent.  It was recommended among others that Management of tertiary institutions should encourage their students to acquire their personal mobile devices such as android phones, hi-phones among others that they will use specifically for academic purposes.

Exploring Interpersonal Relationship Dynamics of Newlywed Arranged Marital Couples from Tamil Nadu, India: A Narrative Inquiry

The practice of arranged marriage is an area of concern in the changing milieu in India. When young couples start their relationship with a commitment without knowing their spouse very well, and struggle with fostering friendship and intimacy, the marriage may lead to separation and divorce. Therefore, this research aims to explore the interpersonal relationship dynamics of the newly married arranged marriage couples in Tamil Nadu and to discover the causes for relationship difficulties between couple in initial years and the best practices couples use to address them. The current study uses a qualitative method, incorporating narrative inquiry, with a semi-structured questionnaire for 10 couples (20 participants) as well as a joint interview of the couples.  They are college-educated and have been married for 3 years. Thematic analysis revealed that couples navigate differences in various areas such as in personality, emotions, personal freedom, communication, and resolving conflicts between spouse and in-laws.  Further, attitudes such as valuing and accepting the other, regarding conflicts as transitory and letting go of their ego helped them to sustain the relationship. These findings come as a tool to for the marital counselors, and psychologists to psycho-educate and to make an appropriate intervention to enhance the quality of relationship and prevent the future difficulties in initial years of marital life.

Public Perception of Transit-Oriented Development in Indonesian Transportation Policy

Rapid urbanization and increasing dependence on private vehicles have intensified sustainability challenges in metropolitan areas of Indonesia, making TOD a strategic policy response. However, the success of TOD initiatives is highly contingent upon public acceptance and perception. This study aims to examine how green urbanism influences public perception of TOD within the context of Indonesian transportation policy. Employing a quantitative research design, data were collected through an online survey administered to residents of the Greater Jakarta metropolitan area, yielding 219 valid responses. The study measured key constructs including green urbanism, environmental concern, environmental responsibility, and public perception of TOD using a Likert-scale instrument. Data were analyzed using Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) to assess the relationships among variables. The results demonstrate that green urbanism exerts a significant and positive effect on public perception of TOD, indicating that individuals who value environmentally sustainable urban practices are more likely to support transit-oriented policies. These findings suggest that environmental values play a critical role in shaping societal responses to transportation reforms. The study concludes that integrating green urbanism principles into TOD planning is essential for enhancing public support and policy effectiveness. From a policy perspective, the results underscore the importance of embedding sustainability-oriented narratives and community-oriented environmental strategies in urban transportation planning to ensure long-term viability and public legitimacy.

Assessing the Prevalence of Smoking in Biñan City, Laguna: A Basis for Establishing a Respiratory Therapist–Led Smoking Cessation Clinic

his descriptive study aimed to assess the prevalence of smoking among residents in Biñan City, Laguna, and to determine the perceived need for a community-based smoking cessation clinic led by respiratory therapists. A total of 400 respondents from various age groups and occupational backgrounds were surveyed using structured questionnaires. Descriptive statistical tools, including frequency distributions and measures of central tendency, were employed to analyze demographic characteristics, smoking behaviors, awareness of health risks, and preferences for cessation support. The results revealed that 70.5% of respondents were current smokers, with the highest prevalence among middle-aged adults and males. While awareness of smoking’s respiratory health risks was high (99%), knowledge of cardiovascular consequences was notably lower (81.5%). Only 37.5% of respondents were aware of existing cessation programs, though the majority (87.5%) supported the establishment of a clinic. Respiratory therapists were highly rated (mean score = 3.77) for their credibility and perceived effectiveness in cessation support. Respondents expressed strong willingness to quit smoking and showed preference for individualized, medically supervised interventions, particularly those offering counseling and pharmacologic aid. These findings support the development of a locally anchored, respiratory therapist–led smoking cessation program in Biñan City to meet the community’s needs and enhance public health outcomes.

Food Adoption, Transformation Strategies, And Customer Satisfaction of Selected Korean-Filipino Samgyeopsal Restaurants in Santa Rosa City, Laguna

This study examined the relationship between food adoption, transformation strategies, and customer satisfaction in selected Korean-Filipino samgyeopsal restaurants in Santa Rosa City, Laguna. Using a descriptive-correlational design, data were collected from 223 customers selected through simple random sampling across four restaurants. A validated, researcher-made questionnaire measured the five dimensions of food adoption: culture, tradition, consumer preferences, social bonding, and local economy; the two dimensions of transformation strategies: menu innovation and ambiance; alongside with the levels of customer satisfaction. Results showed that overall food adoption was rated “High” (M = 3.06), with social bonding ranking highest (M = 3.17), followed by culture (M = 3.06), consumer preferences (M = 3.04), and both tradition and local economy ranking the lowest (M = 3.02). Overall transformation strategies were rated “High” (M = 3.06), with ambiance ranking highest (M = 3.16) and menu innovation ranking the lowest (M = 2.95). Customer satisfaction was rated “High” (M = 3.00). Pearson r correlation analysis indicated significant relationships: food adoption dimensions correlated moderately with transformation strategies dimension of menu innovation (r = .185 to .283, p < .01). Food adoption dimension of tradition correlated moderately with transformation strategies dimension of ambiance (r = .164, p < .05). Food adoption dimensions showed a moderately positive correlation with customer satisfaction (r = .158 to 346, p < .01, p < .05). Transformation strategies dimensions presented a significant relationship with customer satisfaction (r = .207 to 324, p < .01). Findings confirm that high levels of specific food adoption dimensions are concordant to high levels transformation strategies dimensions and customer satisfaction. High levels of transformation strategies dimensions are also concordant to a high level of customer satisfaction. The study recommends to focus on staff training, customer feedback engagement, and acquiring an extensive understanding of Korean and Filipino culture for sustained business growth.

Brief Overview of Brazilian Music After the Week of Modern Art in 1922

It is necessary to outline a brief overview of the first aesthetic currents of Brazilian Music in the first half of the 20th century, from the Week of Modern Art to postmodernism, in the late 1970s and early 1980s. In Western culture, the definition of the term research and the way its execution is conceived are linked to established traditions where factors such as historical, social, and ideological context are at stake (COESSENS, 2014).

Applying Stakeholder Theory and the Garbage Can Model to Decision-Making in PE Curriculum Optimization at Vocational Colleges

With educational reform advancing and emphasis on students’ holistic development growing, optimizing PE curricula in vocational colleges has become a complex challenge. This study examines it by integrating Stakeholder Theory and the Garbage Can Model, adopting a qualitative approach with semi-structured interviews. The findings show it’s a multifaceted process with conflicting interests, ambiguous objectives, limited resources, and dynamic policies. Integrating the two theories, a comprehensive decision-making framework is proposed, suggesting that successful reform depends on inclusive participation, flexible strategies, and adaptive governance.

Knowledge Management (KM) Practices at Northeastern College: Insights from the College of Liberal Arts Students

One of the competitions in the knowledge economy is becoming increasingly crucial, and many HEIs are adopting knowledge management as a tool to sustain their market position. This study aims to determine and analyze the level of awareness and knowledge of the respondents from the College of Liberal Arts at Northeastern College regarding knowledge management and their practice of knowledge creation, capture, organization, storage, dissemination, and application. Specifically, it describes how respondents’ profiles and their levels of awareness and knowledge of KM relate to KM practice. Using the quantitative method, a survey was administered among 50 students. The data were analyzed using frequency percentages and a weighted mean. Results revealed that respondents are moderately aware and knowledgeable about KM. The study concludes that the institution is practicing the KM processes. However, knowledge organization and knowledge application are the most practiced and observed. The level of awareness of KM affects respondents perceived practice of the knowledge management processes, while the level of knowledge does not.