North American Academic Research

NAAR is an international, open access journal, published weekly online by TWASP.
Online ISSN: 1945-9098
Impact Factor : 3.75 (2023) 
5-Year Impact Factor: 4.6 (2023)
Acceptance rate: 42% 
Submission to first decision: 2 days

 

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December 2025 Total article: 8


  Volume: 8 Issue: 12
Article: Institutional Pressures and Corporate Social Responsibility in Syrian Construction Projects: The Influence of Political, Economic, and Cultural Factors
Fares Alnajjar, Li Ma, Ehaa Alnajjar
December 2025, Volume 8, Issue 12
North American Academic Research, 8(12), 517-535. doi: https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.18719167
Abstract: This study investigates how political stability, economic policy uncertainty, and cultural norms influence Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) implementation in the Syrian construction sector through the mediating role of institutional pressures. Drawing on institutional theory, the research conceptualizes coercive, normative, and mimetic pressures as the mechanisms linking macro level contextual factors to firm-level CSR behaviors. Using a quantitative design, data were collected from 310 professionals working in public and private construction firms in Syria and analyzed using Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM). The results demonstrate that all three contextual factors significantly and positively affect CSR both directly and indirectly through institutional pressures. Political stability enhances coercive mechanisms by strengthening regulatory enforcement; economic policy uncertainty stimulates normative and mimetic responses as firms seek legitimacy amid volatility; and cultural norms shape socially embedded CSR practices emphasizing community solidarity and ethical responsibility. Institutional pressures partially mediate these relationships, confirming their central role in translating external environments into corporate behavior. The findings extend institutional theory to fragile and post-conflict settings, revealing that CSR in such contexts functions as both a strategic adaptation and a moral commitment. Practically, the study offers guidance for policymakers and construction managers to design context-sensitive CSR frameworks that promote legitimacy, trust, and sustainable reconstruction in transitional economies like Syria.

Cite this article as: Fares Alnajjar, Li Ma, Ehaa Alnajjar;  Institutional Pressures and Corporate Social Responsibility in Syrian Construction Projects: The Influence of Political, Economic, and Cultural Factors;  North American Academic Research, 8(12), 517-535. doi: https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.18719167

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  Volume: 8 Issue: 12
Article: Comparative Analysis of Civil Aircraft Trade in the USSR and Modern Russia: Causes of Decline, Current Challenges, and Development Prospects
Yan Syrbo
December 2025, Volume 8, Issue 12
North American Academic Research, 8(12), 512-526. doi: https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.18263643
Abstract: The Soviet Union once stood as a major producer and exporter of civilian aircraft, accounting for approximately one-quarter of global civilian aircraft output in the late 1980s. In stark contrast, the post-1991 Russian civil aircraft industry experienced a dramatic collapse: annual production fell from 715 civilian aircraft in 1990 to only 56 by 1998, and to a mere 4 aircraft in 2000. This article provides a comparative analysis of civil aircraft trade in the USSR and modern Russia, examining the historical peak and subsequent decline of the sector. Key economic and policy factors behind Russia’s diminished aircraft manufacturing and exports are discussed, including the fragmentation of the Soviet industrial base, the loss of domestic and export markets, competition from Western manufacturers, and the impact of international trade regimes and sanctions. The paper also analyzes current challenges facing Russia’s civil aviation industry—such as limited industrial capacity, financing constraints, and intense global competition—and evaluates development prospects. Government-led strategies for revival are explored, including import substitution programs, new aircraft projects like the Sukhoi Superjet 100 and MC-21, and attempts at international partnerships. While Russia is pursuing an ambitious revitalization of its civil aircraft sector (including plans to produce 1,000 airliners by 2030), significant obstacles remain. The analysis concludes that without sustained investment, technological innovation, and integration into global markets (or the development of viable alternatives), Russia’s civil aviation industry will continue to lag, with its future hinging on the success of current import-substitution initiatives and the geopolitical climate shaping trade and cooperation.

Cite this article as: Yan Syrbo;  Comparative Analysis of Civil Aircraft Trade in the USSR and Modern Russia: Causes of Decline, Current Challenges, and Development Prospects;  North American Academic Research, 8(12), 512-526. doi: https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.18263643

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  Volume: 8 Issue: 12
Article: Application of Recycled concrete from construction solid waste in engineering
Md Masum Mia
December 2025, Volume 8, Issue 12
North American Academic Research, 8(12), 51-56. doi: https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.18146787
Abstract: As people's awareness of ecological environment protection gradually strengthens, it is inevitable that a large amount of solid waste will be generated in the construction production process. The reuse of these wastes has received widespread attention both domestically and internationally. The plain concrete prepared by using recycled aggregates from construction solid waste can fully meet the quality acceptance standards of plain concrete engineering in terms of working performance, mechanical properties, and appearance quality under the conditions of 30% fly ash replacement rate and 50% recycled coarse aggregate replacement rate. Moreover, the construction and construction costs of each cubic meter of concrete can be reduced by about 50 yuan, and the cost can be reduced by 10.5%, significantly reducing construction production costs and post maintenance costs. This is in line with the national "dual carbon" emission reduction policy, with significant economic and environmental benefits, and has broad prospects for promotion and application.

Cite this article as: Md Masum Mia;  Application of Recycled concrete from construction solid waste in engineering;  North American Academic Research, 8(12), 51-56. doi: https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.18146787

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  Volume: 8 Issue: 12
Article: Integrated Architectural and Structural Design of a Multi-Storey Steel Educational Building: Code-Compliant Gravity, Wind, and Seismic Performance Assessment
Md Ashraful Islam, Zobayer Hossain, Md Nazrul Islam
December 2025, Volume 8, Issue 12
North American Academic Research, 8(12), 475-484. doi: https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.18146203
Abstract: This study presents the complete architectural and structural design of a multi-storey steel office and teaching building developed in accordance with current Chinese technical standards. The project integrates architectural planning, structural modeling, member design, seismic assessment, and foundation engineering into a unified design framework. The architectural concept was first established in Autodesk Revit, after which the structural model was transferred to Autodesk Robot Structural Analysis for detailed load application, automated load-combination generation, member verification, and connection design, following the requirements of GB50017-2017 and related national codes. The reinforced-concrete components including slabs, stair systems, and isolated spread footings were designed according to GB50010-2010 and foundation provisions of GB50007-2011. A modal seismic analysis was conducted based on the Chinese seismic code (GB50011-2010), with the structural system satisfying the requirement of achieving more than 90% cumulative mass participation in the principal directions. The analysis results show that the steel frame, supported by appropriately sized H-section columns and beams, delivers favorable stiffness and ductility under the design earthquake intensity of 7 degrees (0.10-0.15g).The final design satisfies strength, stability, and serviceability demands, and the structural components exhibit safe margins against lateral and gravity effects. The project demonstrates the efficiency of the integrated modeling-to-analysis workflow and highlights the advantages of structural steel for mid-rise educational buildings.

Cite this article as: Md Ashraful Islam, Zobayer Hossain, Md Nazrul Islam;  Integrated Architectural and Structural Design of a Multi-Storey Steel Educational Building: Code-Compliant Gravity, Wind, and Seismic Performance Assessment;  North American Academic Research, 8(12), 475-484. doi: https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.18146203

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  Volume: 8 Issue: 12
Article: Optimization of Cross-Border E-Commerce Logistics Efficiency in International Trade between China and Kazakhstan
Gordeyeva Yekaterina
December 2025, Volume 8, Issue 12
North American Academic Research, 8(12), 28-38. doi: https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.18076655
Abstract: This study investigates the optimization of Cross-Border E-Commerce (CBEC) logistics efficiency between China and Kazakhstan, situated within the strategic context of the Belt and Road Initiative. With bilateral trade reaching a historic high of $43.8 billion in 2024, the logistics architecture is undergoing a fundamental shift from traditional bulk transit to high-frequency, fragmented parcel flows driven by digital platforms. Utilizing Data Envelopment Analysis (DEA) to measure node efficiency and the Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP) to evaluate supply chain risks, this report analyzes the structural and operational bottlenecks currently constraining the corridor. The research highlights that while "hard" infrastructure investments at the Alashankou and Khorgos rail crossings have successfully expanded physical capacity, systemic inefficiencies persist due to statistical discrepancies and customs delays. The findings indicate that the primary driver for future optimization lies in "soft" infrastructure connectivity, specifically the deployment of the "Smart Customs" pilot projects, automated guided vehicles (AGVs), and the harmonization of digital standards via the "Single Window" system. The study concludes that for Kazakhstan to evolve from a transit territory into a central Eurasian logistics hub, it must prioritize digital interoperability and "logistics as a service" models over simple volume expansion.

Cite this article as: Gordeyeva Yekaterina;  Optimization of Cross-Border E-Commerce Logistics Efficiency in International Trade between China and Kazakhstan;  North American Academic Research, 8(12), 28-38. doi: https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.18076655

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  Volume: 8 Issue: 12
Article: The Impact of Trade Openness on the Income Gap between Urban and Rural Areas in China - From the Perspective of Spatial Econometrics
Yusupov Ulugbek
December 2025, Volume 8, Issue 12
North American Academic Research, 8(12), 310-318. doi: https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.18069961
Abstract: This article uses provincial panel data from 2000 to 2021 in China to study the impact of trade openness on the urban-rural income gap from the perspective of spatial econometrics. Firstly, this article proposes a theoretical hypothesis: the impact of trade openness on the income gap between urban and rural residents is uncertain, while spatial correlation has a positive effect on the income gap between urban and rural residents. This article further verifies the above hypothesis and concludes that trade openness has increased the income gap between urban and rural residents in China, and spatial correlation also has a positive effect on the income gap between urban and rural residents. From the results of other control variables, the increase of regional economic strength, financial service industry level, regional industrial development, local government expenditure level and urban and rural fixed assets investment ratio will expand the income gap between urban and rural residents, but the increase of labor input level will narrow the income gap between urban and rural residents.

Cite this article as: Yusupov Ulugbek;  The Impact of Trade Openness on the Income Gap between Urban and Rural Areas in China - From the Perspective of Spatial Econometrics;  North American Academic Research, 8(12), 310-318. doi: https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.18069961

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  Volume: 8 Issue: 12
Article: Oil Prices effect on the Russian Economy
Kirill Kizub
December 2025, Volume 8, Issue 12
North American Academic Research, 8(12), 16-27. doi: https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.17964165
Abstract: This study examines the impact of global oil price changes on the Russian economy, focusing specifically on GDP growth, government revenue, and exchange rate stability. Using econometric models and data from 2000 to 2022, the analysis reveals a strong positive correlation between rising oil prices and increases in GDP growth and government revenue, highlighting Russia’s economic reliance on oil exports. Additionally, oil price changes are shown to inversely affect exchange rates, with higher oil prices strengthening the ruble, while de-clines lead to depreciation. These findings underscore the vulnerability of the Russian economy to external oil price shocks and suggest critical policy implications. Diversification of revenue sources and the establishment of stabilization funds are recommended to mitigate risks associated with oil market volatility, ensuring a more resilient economic framework for future growth.

Cite this article as: Kirill Kizub;  Oil Prices effect on the Russian Economy;  North American Academic Research, 8(12), 16-27. doi: https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.17964165

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  Volume: 8 Issue: 12
Article: Artificial Intelligence for Cybersecurity: A Comprehensive Analysis of Threats, Attacks and Intelligent Defense Mechanisms
Masud Rana, Marjia Akter, Simi Akter
December 2025, Volume 8, Issue 12
North American Academic Research, 8(12), 1-15. doi: https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.17925483
Abstract: Today, in the digital age, it is hard to find a day-to-day task that has not been streamlined as a result of some form of technological advancement. But, well, because technology doesn’t give people many tools and protections. And as more and more devices become connected to the Internet, the issue of how to secure these connected devices does so at an equally steep spiral. Data leakage, identity theft, fraudulent activities, password ex- posures and system intrusions are becoming increasingly frequent news in daily life. One remaining fear that yet remained under control was the ever-growing threat of cyber-attacks. AI is been used in almost every domain of various sciences and engineering. AI’s intervention does not just automate the task but it makes the process much faster. So it should be no surprise that such a delectable buffet would whet the appetite of cybercriminals. So the traditional cyber threats and attacks are nothing but “intelligent” threats. This paper introduces the issue of cyber security along with cyber-attack techniques, and analysis of common defense solutions with both unwise and wise strategies. And finally, wrap up the conversation with what potential we may see in the future of AI and its role as a security tool.

Cite this article as: Masud Rana, Marjia Akter, Simi Akter;  Artificial Intelligence for Cybersecurity: A Comprehensive Analysis of Threats, Attacks and Intelligent Defense Mechanisms;  North American Academic Research, 8(12), 1-15. doi: https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.17925483

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