📄 social_science

Campus Party Wings and Future Political Leaders: Evidence from the University of Malawi

Drawing on political socialization theory and interviews with twenty participants, this study of the University of Malawi reveals that university-based party wings serve as consequential yet institutionally constrained bridges between campus and national politics that simultaneously cultivate future leaders' competencies and democratic dispositions while exposing them to patronage networks.

Alpha Bekelesi, Ernest Pondani2026-08-18
📄 social_science

Perception of Academic Staff on the Readiness for Institutional Autonomy in the Public Research Universities

This study examines the moderate level of academic staff readiness for institutional autonomy in Ethiopian public research universities, identifying that successful transition depends not only on policy adaptation but also on psychological preparedness, clear organizational structures, effective communication, and constructive dialogue between university management and the state.

Tadesse Bekele Megenessa, Mitiku Bekele Gemeda, Dessalegn Beyene Debelo2026-08-18
📄 social_science

Development and Validation of a Student-Centered Tpack-Based Instrument for Evaluating Technology-Supported Environmental Learning in Higher Education

This study developed and psychometrically validated a reliable 41-item student-centered TPACK-based instrument to assess university students' perceptions of technology-supported environmental learning, thereby extending the TPACK framework's application from teacher education to higher education contexts focused on Education for Sustainable Development.

Zulfiya Unerbayeva, Turar Akylbekova, Onlassyn Kulumbetova, Salih Çepni, Zhazira Mukatayeva, Bekbolat Ibashev, Dauren Ba (…)2026-08-18
📄 social_science

Emotion–Message Congruency in Sustainability Communication: The Interactive Effects of Discrete Emotions and Message Framing in Reducing Single-Use Plastic Consumption

This research demonstrates that the effectiveness of sustainability communication in reducing single-use plastic consumption depends on the congruency between discrete emotions (sadness or disgust) and message framing (gain or loss), with psychological distance serving as a key moderator of these interactive effects.

Duygun Alici Kilic, Ibrahim Taylan Dortyol2026-08-18
📄 social_science

The Failure to Adopt Bill S-228 and Restrictions on Unhealthy Food Marketing in Canada – A Multiple Streams Framework Analysis

Using the Multiple Streams Framework, this study analyzes the failure of Canada's 2019 Bill S-228 to restrict unhealthy food marketing to children, attributing the outcome to opponents successfully reframing the policy debate around industry and community harms while outmaneuvering health advocates through strategic lobbying and coalition-building.

Steve G. Machat, Sara F.L. Kirk2026-08-18
📄 social_science

Age-stratified potential accessibility to metro stations through a spatial-justice lens: Walking-cycling contrasts and spatial associations with residential demand

This study analyzes age-stratified potential accessibility to metro stations in Hefei, China, revealing that while cycling significantly expands coverage and reduces spatial inequality compared to walking, substantial disparities persist across age groups and between high-demand areas and peripheral regions, necessitating integrated planning that addresses both access levels and demographic equity.

Dan Li, Zhiqiang Gan, Mingzhu Wang, Jingyuan Chen, Yunbin Zhang, Daofeng Liu2026-08-18