Over 2 million researchers from around the world have made use of our Open Access research platform, attracted by thousands of articles on everything from handbag manufacture and beauty vlogger trends to in-depth political analysis and ground-breaking medical discoveries. Every month, our journal editors choose a few articles for our Top Picks series; we hope you enjoy this month’s selection!
Digital Trends in the Consumption of South Korean Music Industry Cultural Products
Have you ever wondered how that song in your head (the one you just can’t stop humming) got there? South Korean music (or ‘K-Pop’) has enjoyed soaring popularity for many years, its influence spreading well beyond national and regional borders. This steady global growth has been facilitated by digital marketing and is partially driven by the oversaturation of the domestic market, forcing the music industry to constantly seek out new audiences and consumers. This article looks at how digital marketing paved the way for K-Pop to take Russia by storm.
Learn which strategies were the most successful with different demographics here.
Exploring Bahraini Parents' Views on Parental Involvement in Primary Education
From the moment we are born, we never stop learning. Every experience we have, every action we take has an impact and helps to shape the way we see the world and interact with it. This learning curve is especially steep for young children, and parents can have a particularly important effect on their children’s education, both at home and at school. This newly published article looks at how parents view their role in their children’s education, particularly primary school education, with an emphasis on the cultural context of Bahrain.
Discover the unexpected ways a parent can impact their child’s educational development here.
Microbial Load of Chicken Shawarma and the Handlers' Compliance with Food Safety Practices in Jordan
Succulent chicken, paired with crunchy pickles and a tasty sauce – it is no surprise that chicken shawarma is a popular traditional food across the Eastern Mediterranean region (and indeed much of the world). With the grab-and-go dining movement gathering pace, pre-made chicken shawarma sandwiches and wraps are widely in demand. However, food handlers are not always complying with food safety best practices, or even aware of them. This article explores the issue of food safety with regards to chicken shawarma, with a view to developing a comprehensive food safety program. We all love good food – but is it always safe to eat?
Continue to the full article here.
Correlation Between Organizational Commitment and Employee Performance When Working from Home During the Covid-19 Pandemic
Perhaps the biggest cultural change Covid-19 brought was the global transition to remote working. Now, working from home has its advantages – no tedious commuting means you can sleep later, you can wear pyjamas all day or work from your sofa, you can even do the laundry or pick up your kids from school on your lunchbreak. But increasingly, studies are showing that working from home causes significant pressures and can negatively impact the emotional and mental wellbeing of employees. So how can we address these issues? A recent study considers one approach which employers and employees can follow to improve remote working conditions and enhance operational efficiency.
Learn more about productivity in the context of remote working here.
The Effect of the Puzzle Playing Method on Improving the Cognitive Development of Children Aged 4-6 Years
veryone loves a good puzzle – whether it is a complex 5,000-piece map of the world, a simple 10-piece picture of a cat, or the new global craze for Wordle, puzzles have been shown to engage minds and help cognitive development in all age groups. In fact, puzzle-solving is now a major education approach. A recent study has shown the particular benefits of playing with puzzles for children of 4 to 6 years old, improving motor skills, social skills, and mental acuity.
Learn how puzzles have helped your mind develop, possibly without you even realising! Read the full article here.
