Nyepi Day and Tri Hita Karana: Local Wisdom as a Culturally Embedded Framework for Global Environmental Awareness

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This study examines Nyepi Day in Bali as an expression of local wisdom rooted in the philosophy of Tri Hita Karana and explores its relevance as a framework for global environmental awareness. In the context of escalating environmental challenges, mainstream sustainability approaches often prioritize policy and technological solutions while overlooking the role of cultural and ethical practices. Employing a qualitative case study design, this research draws on participant observation, in-depth interviews, and document analysis with 30 respondents to investigate the interrelated dimensions of ritual practice, cultural expression, and ecological impact. The findings indicate that Nyepi represents a form of collective ecological restraint, marked by a complete cessation of human activities for 24 hours that leads to reduced energy consumption, lower emissions, and minimal environmental disturbance. This practice reflects the integration of parahyangan (human–divine), pawongan (human–human), and palemahan (human–nature) relationships within Tri Hita Karana, demonstrating a holistic model of sustainability grounded in cultural values. Furthermore, the Ogoh-ogoh festival preceding Nyepi reinforces social cohesion and cultural continuity while symbolically preparing the community for environmental and spiritual purification. This study argues that Nyepi offers an alternative model of sustainability that goes beyond awareness-based initiatives such as Earth Day by emphasizing collective behavioral transformation. The research contributes to sustainability scholarship by highlighting the potential of local wisdom as a practical and culturally embedded framework for advancing global environmental consciousness.

The Effect of Audit Quality, Audit Committee, and Corporate Social Responsibility on Firm Value with Firm Size as a Moderating Variable

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This study aims to examine the effect of audit quality, audit committee, and corporate social responsibility (CSR) on firm value, with firm size as a moderating variable. This research employs a quantitative approach using secondary data obtained from the annual financial reports of energy sector companies listed on the Indonesia Stock Exchange. The sample was selected using purposive sampling, resulting in 75 observations. The data were analyzed using multiple linear regression and Moderated Regression Analysis (MRA). The results indicate that audit quality, audit committee, and CSR have a positive and significant effect on firm value. Firm size also has a positive effect and is proven to moderate the relationship between audit quality, audit committee, and CSR on firm value. Additionally, control variables, namely profitability and leverage, are found to have a positive and significant effect on firm value. Simultaneously, all variables in this study significantly influence firm value.

Understanding the Link Between Emotional Intelligence and Substance Use Disorder

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Emotional Intelligence (EI) is an important psychological construct that influences emotional regulation, interpersonal relationships, stress management, and decision-making. Substance Use Disorder (SUD), on the other hand, is a chronic psychological and behavioural condition characterized by compulsive substance use despite harmful consequences. In recent years, researchers have increasingly focused on understanding the relationship between Emotional Intelligence and Substance Use Disorder. Individuals with low emotional intelligence often struggle to identify, understand, and regulate emotions effectively, making them more vulnerable to substance use as a maladaptive coping strategy.

This theoretical article explores the relationship between Emotional Intelligence and Substance Use Disorder from psychological, social, emotional, and neurobiological perspectives. The article discusses major theories such as Self-Medication Theory, Emotional Regulation Theory, Stress and Coping Theory, and Social Learning Theory to explain how emotional deficits contribute to addiction. It also highlights the role of family environment, trauma, peer pressure, mental health conditions, and social factors in shaping emotional functioning and substance use behaviours.

The article further explains how higher Emotional Intelligence acts as a protective factor by improving emotional awareness, resilience, impulse control, empathy, and coping skills. Emotional Intelligence-based interventions such as Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, mindfulness training, emotional skills training, and family therapy can significantly improve addiction prevention and recovery outcomes.

The study concludes that Emotional Intelligence plays a significant role in understanding addiction vulnerability, relapse prevention, and psychological well-being. Strengthening emotional competencies may reduce substance dependence and promote healthier coping mechanisms and social adjustment.

Estimation of carbon sequestration in vineyards in the island of Crete, Greece

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Climate change consists of a serious global environmental problem and many efforts are focused on its mitigation either by reducing the anthropogenic carbon emissions or by absorbing atmospheric carbon. Agricultural crops usually absorb carbon via photosynthesis acting as carbon sinks. Viticulture is well developed in Crete, Greece since ancient times and the island nowadays produces several well-known grapes and wines. The carbon uptake in Cretan vineyards in Crete has been evaluated. The carbon sequestration rate in vineyards from existing studies in several countries has been used for the evaluation. These studies indicate that carbon uptake in vineyards varies in a wide range of values at 69 – 900 g C m-2 yr-1.  The total surface area of vineyards in Crete is 22,184 ha while their annual carbon sequestration has been estimated at 55,460 t C corresponding at an annual carbon sequestration per capita 0.36 t CO2. Although our results should be considered as indicative, they show that carbon sequestration in Cretan vineyards is not negligible and it should be considered in policy development regarding decarbonization in the island. Our results could be useful to policy makers and to stakeholders of the viticulture industry in the island.

Learning Motivation and Enhancement Strategies for Future Teachers: A Study of the Current Situation at the Faculty of Pedagogy, Thu Dau Mot University

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Learning motivation plays a key role in improving training quality and shaping professional attitudes among future teachers. This article focuses on examining the current state of learning motivation among students of the Faculty of Pedagogy, Thu Dau Mot University, and evaluating the motivation-enhancement strategies currently being implemented. The study employed a quantitative method through a questionnaire survey of 150 students in the Faculty of Pedagogy. The findings show that most students have fairly good and good levels of learning motivation, in which intrinsic motivation, including love for the profession and the desire for personal development, is more dominant than external motivation. However, the study also identifies several barriers affecting motivation, such as pressure from the training program, limited self-study skills, and the influence of factors in the academic environment. Regarding enhancement strategies, the survey results indicate that students highly appreciate the role of innovating teaching methods and practical experiential activities. Nevertheless, the implementation of support measures from the university and lecturers remains inconsistent in some stages, especially in personalizing training pathways and providing professional psychological support. Based on the analysis of the current situation, the article proposes several enhancement strategies, including renewing forms of interaction between lecturers and students, improving the digital learning environment, and developing specialized career-counseling programs. These findings provide practical grounds for educational managers at Thu Dau Mot University to adjust policies and training methods in order to maximize the potential of pedagogy students.

An Assessment of Sleep Quality and Associated Factors in Hospitalized Patients: Perspectives from a Tertiary Care Setting in the Eastern Region of Saudi Arabia

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Sleep is a vital component of human behavior essential for survival and long-term health. However, hospitalized patients frequently experience poor sleep quality due to environmental and illness-related disruptions, which can hinder recovery. This study aimed to assess sleep quality and identify associated factors among hospitalized patients in a tertiary care setting in the Eastern Region of Saudi Arabia. A descriptive, cross-sectional design was utilized, involving 345 adult participants recruited through convenience sampling. Data were collected using the Richards-Campbell Sleep Questionnaire (RCSQ), assessing five core items: sleep depth, latency, awakenings, return to sleep, and overall quality. Non-parametric tests were employed for data analysis. Patients reported a moderate mean sleep quality score of 3.59/6. Although 69.6% provided a positive overall rating, 63.5% experienced light sleep and 48.4% struggled with sleep latency. Statistical analysis revealed that age and hospital department did not significantly correlate with sleep quality. However, a slight positive correlation was found between longer hospitalization and improved sleep onset, suggesting environmental adaptation. Sleep disturbances are a prevalent, systemic issue in hospital settings, primarily driven by extrinsic environmental factors. Enhancing sleep quality requires institutional interventions, such as implementing protected sleep cycles and reducing nocturnal clinical interruptions.

Ethnopedagogy in English Language Teaching: Teacher Beliefs and Implementation of Brain-Based and Cultural Approaches in Senior High Schools, Tana Toraja

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This study investigates ethnopedagogical strategies in English Language Teaching (ELT) through the lens of teacher beliefs, specifically examining how Toraja cultural approaches are integrated by senior high school English teachers in Tana Toraja, South Sulawesi, Indonesia. Employing a qualitative case study design, data were collected from three English teachers through semi-structured interviews and classroom observations, and analyzed using thematic analysis. Findings reveal that all three teachers hold strong and positive beliefs that integrating Toraja local culture including rituals, folklore, traditional food, and sacred sites facilitates students’ comprehension, memory retention, and confidence. Teachers view ethnopedagogy not only as an instructional strategy but as a moral responsibility to preserve Toraja culture and instill character values. Implementation analysis shows that ethnopedagogical strategies are most consistently applied in opening activities, speaking simulations, and closing reflections, while gaps remain in the use of culturally diverse audio-visual media and listening skill development. This study contributes to the growing body of research on culturally responsive ELT in indigenous contexts and recommends integrating ethnopedagogy with systematic professional development for teachers in culturally rich but under-resourced regions.

English Language Needs of Retail Store Employees: A Study on Communication Demands in Business Transactions

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This study investigates the English language needs of retail store employees in conducting business transactions and identifies the types of English-speaking activities required to support effective communication in retail settings in Toraja, South Sulawesi, Indonesia. Employing a qualitative descriptive design with thematic analysis following Miles, Huberman, and Saldaña’s interactive model, data were collected through in-depth semi-structured interviews, workplace observations, and document analysis involving twelve retail store employees and four store managers across four retail establishments. Thematic analysis revealed five principal English language need domains: transactional communication, product knowledge communication, complaint and conflict resolution, relationship-building and rapport, and digital-mediated communication. Furthermore, seven essential English-speaking activity types were identified: greeting and service initiation dialogues, product inquiry and recommendation exchanges, negotiation and price discussion activities, complaint handling and problem-solving conversations, telephone and digital communication practices, cross-cultural interaction simulations, and professional presentation and reporting activities. The findings demonstrate that retail employees’ English communication needs extend significantly beyond basic conversational competence to encompass domain-specific vocabulary, pragmatic awareness, and interactional strategies essential for navigating the communicative demands of contemporary retail environments. These findings contribute to the needs analysis literature in English for Specific Purposes and offer empirically grounded implications for language curriculum design, workplace training programs, and English language policy in retail and service industries.

English Learning in the Interior of Papua: Unveiling Student Needs and Pedagogical Realities in Vocational Schools

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English language education in Indonesia’s 3T (Frontier, Outermost, and Disadvantaged) regions remains critically underexamined, particularly in vocational school contexts where language proficiency carries direct implications for students’ economic futures. This study investigates the characteristics of English learning currently implemented in vocational schools in the interior of Papua and examines students’ needs for more effective English instruction in 3T areas. Employing a qualitative case study design, data were collected through semi-structured interviews with three English teachers and five Grade X vocational students, supplemented by non-participant classroom observations and document analysis. Data analysis followed Miles, Huberman, and Saldana’s (2020) interactive model of data condensation, display, and conclusion drawing. Findings reveal that current English instruction is shaped by ten intersecting themes, including persistent foundational skill deficits, teacher-led contextual and creative adaptations, severe resource scarcity, technology constraints with teacher-dependent access, and strategic use of local language as a pedagogical bridge. Analysis of student needs identified twelve themes, encompassing strong preferences for interactive and game-based activities, locally relevant content connected to Papuan cultural heritage, comprehensive skill development with emphasis on speaking and reading, critical access to basic learning resources, collaborative learning structures, and robust future-oriented motivation centered on career aspirations in tourism and hospitality. The findings underscore the urgent need for differentiated curriculum approaches, investment in foundational resources, infrastructure development, and culturally responsive pedagogical models tailored to the realities of remote Indonesian education.

Digital Marketing Communication Strategies and The Implementation of Sharia Financing Values in Agribusiness Msmes: Case Study of Kebun Binar Bumi

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This study aims to analyze digital marketing communication strategies and the implementation of sharia capital values in agribusiness MSMEs through a case study of Kebun Binar Bumi. Amid rapid digitalization and the expansion of Islamic financial inclusion, agribusiness MSMEs face a dilemma between utilizing digital market opportunities and maintaining conventional distribution systems through middlemen. This study adopts Karl E. Weick’s sensemaking perspective to understand how MSME actors interpret digital transformation, market uncertainty, and post-pandemic financial risks. Furthermore, this study incorporates the Stimulus-Organism-Response (S-O-R) framework to evaluate how massive digital marketing efforts trigger consumers’ internal trust and drive behavioral responses, such as repeat orders. Using an interpretive qualitative case study approach, data were collected through in-depth interviews, participant observation, social media observation, and documentation studies. The findings reveal that: (1) Kebun Binar Bumi successfully implemented inbound digital marketing through Instagram and WhatsApp by emphasizing educational communication, storytelling, transparency, and trust-building; (2) the enterprise adopted a bootstrapping strategy as a form of sharia-oriented financial prudence due to limited literacy regarding Islamic financing contracts and concerns over unstable market conditions ; and (3) post-COVID-19 collective economic trauma strongly influenced financial behavior, causing the business to become more risk-averse toward external financing. This study identifies a significant gap between the availability of Islamic financial products and the psychological readiness of MSME actors. The study recommends that Islamic financial institutions move beyond financing-oriented approaches and develop business incubation, mentoring, and market stabilization models for MSMEs.