Predictors of Behavior Problems in Preschool Children: The Role of Psychological Self-Regulation and Cognitive Executive Functions

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The aim of this transversal research was to examine the influence of predictors of psychological self-regulation (temperament – effortful control, positive and negative emotionality, and cognitive executive functions) on the prediction of criterion variables of internalized and externalized behavior problems in preschool-aged children. The pertinent sample included 170 parents (53% mothers and 47% fathers) and preschool children of both sexes aged 4–6.5 years from the preschool “Radosno detinjstvo” in Valjevo. The following measurement instruments were applied: Childhood Executive Functioning Inventory, The Early Childhood Behavior Questionnaire, Child Behavior Checklist, Questionnaire on the use of digital media by preschool children, executive function tasks for children (“Day–Night”), backward digit span, and verbal fluency. The obtained alpha reliability coefficients suggest that the used instruments, with reliable internal consistency, are valid for measuring the Serbian population. The results of the hierarchical linear regression model, with a relevant proportion of variance (29.28% and 28.52%), showed that externalized and internalized behavior problems are in a statistically significant positive correlation with factors of perceived executive functions – inhibition deficit and working memory deficit. Additionally, the temperament dimension of partial effortful control manifested as a relevant determinant contributing to the explanation of variability in the construct of behavior problems in preschool-aged children. The study discusses the theoretical and practical implications of these findings.

The Effectiveness of Task-Based Grammar Activities in Improving English Grammar Proficiency among University Students in a University in Northern Viet Nam

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This study aimed to examine the effectiveness of task-based grammar activities in improving the English grammar proficiency of university students at a university in Viet Nam. Specifically, it compared the grammar performance of students taught through the Task-Based Approach with those taught through the Grammar-Translation Method. The study employed a quasi-experimental pre-test and post-test design involving 60 students, who were divided into an experimental group and a control group, with 30 students in each group. The experimental group was taught grammar through task-based activities, while the control group received instruction through the Grammar-Translation Method. Data were collected using grammar pre-tests and post-tests and were analyzed using mean scores, standard deviation, and t-test procedures. The findings showed that both groups improved after the intervention; however, the experimental group achieved a higher post-test mean score than the control group. The results indicate that task-based grammar activities were more effective in enhancing students’ grammar proficiency, increasing their classroom participation, and promoting more meaningful use of grammatical structures in communication. The study concludes that the Task-Based Approach is a suitable and effective method for teaching English grammar at the university level, particularly in contexts where traditional grammar instruction remains dominant.

The Role of Auditor Independence, Ethical Behavior and Professional Skepticism on Audit Quality: Evidence from The Gambia

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There are continuing questions about audit quality outcomes in Africa, especially in The Gambia, where the audit environment is relatively small and may be affected by governance and oversight challenges, regulatory capacity constraints, perceived institutional pressures, and limited resources. The current study aims to test and analyze the significant influence of auditor independence, ethical behavior, and professional skepticism on audit quality in The Gambia. The study uses a sample of 35 external auditors serving in the public sector because this accounts for the largest number in The Gambia’s audit system. The study adopted a random sampling method, and the data were analyzed using multiple linear regressions in SPSS 31.0 to test the hypotheses. The regression results show that auditor independence (β = 0.349, p = 0.002), ethical behavior (β = 0.286, p = 0.005), and professional skepticism (β = 0.270, p = 0.004) all have a positive and significant influence on audit quality in The Gambia. The study’s results provide country-specific evidence from a small and underexplored African audit environment and offer practical implications for regulators, professional bodies, and future researchers.

The History of Vietnamese Feminism: Huỳnh Thị Bảo Hòa, an Early Twentieth-Century Feminist

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This article examines the contributions of Huỳnh Thị Bảo Hòa to the history of Vietnamese feminism. She was among the earliest female intellectuals to advocate for and defend the roles and positions of women within the family and society. To conduct this study, we closely analyzed her articles published in Đông Pháp thời báo between 1926 and 1927, particularly those concerning women and family life, domesticity, women’s education, and professional careers. Her contributions to the Vietnamese feminist movement in the early twentieth century are undeniable. This study aims to open further avenues for research on Vietnamese feminism in the early twentieth century.

The Use of Digital Storytelling to Improve Speaking Skills for Students at Ba Ria – Vung Tau College of Technology

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The article aims to investigate how digital storytelling can motivate students to learn English speaking with greater interest and active participation. It also explores the influence of digitised learning environments on traditional teaching practices, highlighting changes in the way of language teaching and learning. Quantitative data was collected through self-assessment surveys and structured questionnaires, and qualitative data was collected through semi-structured interviews. The selected students of 60 were then evenly assigned into two groups of the control group (n = 30) and the experimental group (n = 30). The findings from quantitative data indicate that students exposed to digital storytelling achieved significantly better speaking skills than those taught with traditional methods. Students also had greater motivation when learning speaking skills with digital storytelling. Besides, digital storytelling made teachers change their traditional teaching method. In addition, the findings from qualitative data revealed that both teachers and students have positive attitude with the use of digital storytelling. These results suggest that digital storytelling can play a vital role in enhancing speaking proficiency by integrating technology into English language teaching and learning.

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.

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.

Analysis of the Implementation of Drug Counseling as an Effort to Prevent Drug Abuse at Ketapang State High School

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This study aims to analyze the implementation of drug counseling as an effort to prevent drug abuse in Ketapang State High School. The focus of this research includes the implementation of counseling activities, its effectiveness in improving student understanding, and its influence on drug prevention behavior. This study uses a qualitative approach with a descriptive method. The research subjects consisted of students, teachers, and related parties at SMA Negeri 1, SMA Negeri 2, and SMA Negeri 3 Ketapang. Data collection techniques are carried out through observation and interviews, while data analysis uses an interactive model that includes data reduction, data presentation, and conclusion drawn. The results of the study show that drug counseling has been carried out through socialization activities, seminars, and cooperation with external institutions such as the National Narcotics Agency and the police. The counseling is able to increase students’ knowledge and awareness about the dangers of drugs. However, its effectiveness in shaping preventive behavior is still not optimal. In the indicators of preventive behavior, students have shown the ability to avoid risky environments and have begun to be able to resist the invitation to drugs, although they are not yet fully strong. Meanwhile, when it comes to reporting drug abuse, students still show doubts and a lack of courage. This is due to the conventional extension methods and the lack of a participatory and sustainable approach. Thus, it can be concluded that the implementation of drug counseling at Ketapang State High School has gone well in terms of knowledge, but it needs to be strengthened in the aspect of forming preventive behavior through more innovative, interactive, and life skills-based methods.

Some Solutions to Enhance the Role of Thai Nguyen University Students in Identifying and Criticizing Deviant and “Non-Standard” Behaviors in the Current Cyberspace

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Students of Thai Nguyen University study and live primarily in the urban area of ​​Thai Nguyen province, Vietnam. They are a young and vibrant force in society, considered the “future of the country.” Characterized by their youthful psychology – easy to embrace new things, a desire for freedom, and a yearning for self-affirmation  – their understanding of socio-political issues is sometimes limited and flawed. Based on an analysis of some theoretical issues and manifestations of deviant and “non standard” behaviors in the current cyberspace, this article proposes several solutions to enhance the role of Thai Nguyen University students in identifying these deviant and “non standard” behaviors in the cyberspace.

Gastronomy of Traditional Chinese, Dayak, and Malay (Tidayu) Cuisine: Enhancing Culinary Experience and Profitability of Star-Rated Hotels in Pontianak City

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This study examines how the gastronomic values embedded in traditional Chinese, Dayak, and Malay (Tidayu) cuisine can be leveraged to enhance culinary experiences and improve hotel profitability in Pontianak City. Adopting a qualitative exploratory design, the study draws on in-depth interviews, observations, and document analysis involving hotel managers, chefs, and guests in star-rated hotels. The findings suggest that gastronomic practices are not merely functional but constitute symbolic systems that encode cultural values such as harmony, social cohesion, spirituality, and ecological consciousness. When strategically curated within hotel services, these values reconfigure culinary offerings into immersive, meaning-laden experiences that extend beyond consumption. This process enhances customer perceived value by integrating functional, emotional, and symbolic dimensions. The study argues that the commodification of culturally grounded gastronomy can serve as a strategic mechanism for differentiation and sustained competitive advantage. It contributes to the literature by bridging cultural theory and hospitality management, demonstrating how local food heritage can be operationalized as a value-creation strategy that aligns experiential consumption with long-term profitability and cultural sustainability.