Current Level Of Participation Research Articles

A Review of the Progress and Potential of Energy Generation from Renewable Sources in Latin America

AbstractSustainable energy economics in Latin America has become relevant due to the region’s dependence on the oil market and the disruption caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. A systematic review of the ten major economies in the region based on gross domestic product is conducted. We primarily analyze production performance of hydro, wind, and solar energies, in terms of total gigawatt hours produced, current participation levels in energy matrices, and total installed capacity. Current and future trends and legal frameworks for each technology and country are discussed. Our analyses indicate that Latin America and the Caribbean can potentially increase the usage of renewable energy sources given a plethora of natural resources, favorable geographical and climatic conditions, and existing large-scale hydro installations to counteract the inconsistency of wind and solar projects. Therefore, governments in the region must overhaul sustainable policies to increase awareness and reduce energy dependence on foreign powers.

‘We capture their comments before we leave the station’: Service User Involvement in the Delivery of Appropriate Adult Schemes

The concept of participation is now widely accepted in healthcare and social services, but is less apparent in the delivery of services for vulnerable people who encounter the Criminal Justice System and its associated agencies (Buck et al, 2020). This article considers the extent to which children and ‘vulnerable’ adults who have been detained in police custody are currently able to actively participate in the design and delivery of Appropriate Adult Schemes. This paper draws together responses from 43 services in England and Wales concerning levels of service user engagement to ascertain the current level of participation, and to make recommendations for the future. The paper applies Forbat, et al.'s (2009) models of service user involvement to conceptualise ideological drivers which underpin the Appropriate Adult Scheme's commitment to involvement. The data reveal that while there is a genuine desire to improve service user participation, that institutional, financial, and attitudinal barriers mean that participation either does not occur or is at a very cursory level.

Inter-Rater Reliability of the Pizzi Health and Wellness Assessment (PHWA)

The objective of this study is to determine the inter-rater reliability of the Pizzi Health and Wellness Assessment (PHWA) by comparing the consistency in scores between clients and their caregivers in the following areas of participation: social, physical, family, occupational, mental/emotional, and spiritual. A retrospective inter-rater correlational design was used to analyze the agreement of scores from a convenience sample consisting of two groups: clients with disabilities (n = 19) and their healthy caregivers (n = 19). Inter-rater reliability was calculated using correlations for the PHWA as a whole, and for the current level of participation and wishing to improve participation subsections. Inter-rater reliability as calculated by an Intraclass Correlation Coefficient, and either the Pearson or Spearman rho correlation and found to be reliable between clients and caregivers (rICC = .636, p < .001; rho = .642, p < .001). More specifically, current level of participation demonstrated acceptable reliability (rICC = .513, p < .001; r = .521, p < .001) as did wishing to improve participation (rICC = .689, p < .001; r = .725, p < .001). This supports the PHWA as a clinically relevant health and wellness occupational therapy assessment.

Developing Participatory Analytics Techniques to Inform the Prioritisation of Cycling Infrastructure

The planning of bicycle infrastructure across our cities remains a complex task involving many key stakeholders, including the community, who traditionally have had limited involvement in the planning process. This research develops an interactive bicycle prioritisation index tool which includes participatory spatial and textual citizen feedback. The research involves three components. Firstly, results of a survey of current cyclists in Sydney (n = 280), their current level of participation, priorities in investment in cycling and preferred locations for cycling infrastructure. This survey was undertaken between May and June 2020. Secondly, it documents the development of an interactive, digital bicycle planning tool which is informed through citizen feedback. Thirdly, it evaluates the approach in conversation with potential end-users, including government, planning practitioners, and advocacy group members. A clear preference for active participation mechanisms (86%) was articulated by current cyclists, as opposed to a reliance on the existing data available and passive data. The resulting tool was understood by interview participants and documented both existing utility and future work needed for practical implementation of similar systems. The research proposes the combination of multiple passive and active data traces with end-user evaluation to legitimise the citizen co-design of bicycle investment prioritisation initiatives. A case study approach was taken, focusing on the city of Sydney, Australia. The bicycle planning support system can be used by cities when engaging in cycle prioritisation initiatives, particularly with a focus on integrating citizen feedback and navigating the new and complex data landscapes introduced through recent, passively collected big data sets.

Psychometric Validation of the Wisconsin Community Participation Scale in a Sample of People with Chronic Health Conditions and Disabilities Living in the Community

Increasing community participation can reduce the risk for functional disabilities; participation is influenced by person and environment contextual factors. Development and validation of a brief community participation assessment can advance and support evidence-based assessment in clinical rehabilitation counseling practice. It will be an invaluable rehabilitation and public health surveillance tool that can be used to gauge the health conditions and participation of people with disabilities. The current study evaluated and validated the Wisconsin Community Participation Scale (WCPS) in 982 individuals with chronic health conditions and disabilities. Participants indicated five most meaningful life roles: (a) being able to get around with or without help, (b) live independently with or without help, (c) live a healthy lifestyle, (d) work, and (e) engage in leisure and recreation activities. The WCPS scores were positively associated with physical health, mental health, and life satisfaction and negatively related to functional disability in the theoretically expected directions. The WCPS can help rehabilitation counselors assess their clients’ current level of participation in meaningful life roles that are important to them. Rehabilitation counselors can use the WCPS assessment data to guide treatment planning and empower clients to build confidence and self-efficacy to participate in personally meaningful activities in the community.

Оценка гендерных различий, характерных для основных стадий предпринимательской деятельности

The article is devoted to the actual problem of the existing differences in the entrepreneurial activity of women and men. The aim of the study is to assess the current levels of participation of women and men in business activities in modern national economies. The study solved the problems of determining the values of indicators that characterize the initial stage of entrepreneurship, stabile entrepreneurship, as well as the exit of entrepreneurs from their businesses. As a starting point, the study used the results of surveys conducted in 59 countries during the implementation of the Global entrepreneurship monitoring project. In the course of the work, the assessment of nine indicators characterizing such stages as start- up and stabile entrepreneurship, as well as the termination of this activity, was considered. The study developed functions that show the distribution of indicators across 59 countries that describe the proportion of women and men in the three main stages of entrepreneurship. In addition, gender differences in these three stages were assessed. The results showed that in most countries there is a gender gap between the indicators of entrepreneurial activity, that is, women participate in it to a lesser extent than men. Comparing the values of indicators for Russia and foreign countries showed that both women and men in our country are less interested in an entrepreneurial career in contrast to other countries. The results obtained are new and original. They have theoretical and practical implications for governments and entrepreneurs. The methodological approach to assessing gender differences in entrepreneurship presented in the article can be used in further research. The new knowledge gained is of interest and can be used in the educational process at universities.

Public Participation and the Governance of Mineral Resources in Zimbabwe

Public participation in policy issues by the locals is a crucial ingredient that guarantees the success of any policy decision, national project and public programme. Public participation should permeate every sphere of governance. In this vein, Zimbabwe is endowed with numerous mineral resources. The indigenous Zimbabwean are statutorily deemed as the owners of the mineral resources hence their participation in policy processes and spaces that relate to the governance of natural resources is pertinent. However, it was noted that the Zimbabwean population is not fully benefiting from the extraction of these mineral resources. The paper therefore explores the magnitude and essence of public participation in the governance of mineral resources in Zimbabwe. In achieving this, the paper is informed by Arnstein’s ladder of participation as the theoretical framework. In addition, data was gathered from documentary review and in-depth interviews with key informants. The study observed that public participation in respect of mineral governance can be undertaken through public hearing meetings, national budget consultative meetings and alternative mining indabas. However, the current level of participation is within the range of non-participation and lower tokenism. In addition, there is also lack of feedback and information flows in one direction from the Government officials to the citizens. The Government does not really take seriously the contributions from the public. The study therefore proffered some recommendations to enhance the levels of knowledge and participation by the public in the governance of mineral resources in Zimbabwe.

Outcomes After Ulnar Collateral Ligament Revision Reconstruction in Baseball Players

Background: There is a lack of evidence regarding the success of ulnar collateral ligament (UCL) revision reconstruction. Understanding outcomes after UCL revision reconstruction is important in clinical decision making for overhead athletes. Purpose: To evaluate return to play and patient-reported outcomes after UCL revision reconstruction. Study Design: Case series; Level of evidence, 4. Methods: All patients who underwent UCL revision reconstruction, attributed to retear of the ligament or pain, between June 2004 and July 2016 at 2 surgical centers were identified. Charts were reviewed for age, sex, date of primary and revision reconstruction, sport played, level of play, graft type, and complications. Patients were contacted by telephone to determine time to return to play, current level of participation, Conway score, Kerlan-Jobe Orthopaedic Clinic (KJOC) Shoulder and Elbow Score, and satisfaction. Results: Of the 65 consecutive baseball players who underwent revision UCL reconstruction, 40 (62%) were contacted at a minimum 22 months after surgery. Of these, 38 (95%) were pitchers and 2 (5%) were position players. Time to return to throwing was 6.2 ± 2.3 months (mean ± SD), and the KJOC score was 74.2 ± 20.7. Based on the Conway score, 50% (20/40) had an excellent result, indicating a return to the previous competition level for at least 1 year, and 30% (12/40) had a good result, indicating a return to a lower level for at least 1 year. For those who were able to return to competition, it took 12.7 ± 3.6 months. In pitchers, 47% (18/38) returned to their previous competition levels for at least 1 year, with a KJOC score of 73.7 ± 21.1. Pitchers were able to return to throwing at 6.3 ± 2.3 months and competition at 12.8 ± 3.7 months. Conclusion: Only half of baseball players undergoing UCL revision reconstruction were able to return to their previous levels of competition. Outcomes for revision reconstructions are not as promising as primary procedures. Baseball players should be cautioned that they may not return to their previous levels of play after a revision reconstruction.

Injuries And Injury-related Pain Relationships To NSAID Use And Abuse In Collegiate Athletes

Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are commonly used by athletes to treat musculoskeletal pain and injuries. The relationship between NSAID use and current pain and injuries in collegiate athletes in unknown. Understanding this relationship is important due to the potential for athletes to improperly obtain and abuse NSAIDs. PURPOSE: To investigate how pain and injury effects current collegiate athlete NSAID use during both in and out of season. METHODS: Athletes from all 3 NCAA Divisions self-reported data on in and out of season NSAID use, purchase, and dosage. The Oslo Sports Trauma Research Center Overuse Injury Questionnaire (OSTRC) was used to evaluate current level of participation and pain. Logistic regressions were used to assess the relationship between current NSAID use and OSTRC total score. Models were adjusted for age, gender, NCAA division, history of orthopaedic surgery, and history of major injury, with unadjusted and adjusted Odds Ratios (OR) with 95% confidence intervals (95% CI). χ2 and Kruskall Wallis tests assessed the relationship between NSAID use and OSTRC overuse and substantial overuse injuries in and out of season. RESULTS: 252 athletes (age of 19.43 ± 1.2 years; Male: 28%; D1: 101, D2: 74, D3: 77) completed the survey. 33% currently used NSAIDs, 48% self-purchased, and 53% took two pills per dose. 36% did not answer where NSAIDs were obtained and 34% did not answer what dosage was taken. The OSTRC median score was 0 (IQR: 0-22). 53% had overuse injuries, while 20% had substantial overuse injuries. Current NSAID users had greater odds of having increased OSTRC scores (1.03 (95% CI: 1.02, 1.04), p<0.001). OSTRC overuse and substantial overuse injured athletes were more likely to use NSAIDs (over use: χ2 = 34.0, p<0.001; substantial overuse: χ2 = 28.2, p<0.001) and use them out of season (over use: χ2 =24.4, p<0.001; substantial overuse: χ2 = 21.4, p<0.001) as compared to non-overuse and non-substantial overuse injured athletes. CONCLUSION: NSAID use is high and the majority of athletes purchase their own NSAIDs, instead of receiving them from a medical professional. Injured athletes are more likely to use NSAIDs both in and out of season. Sports medicine professionals needs to monitor NSAID use and abuse in order to mitigate potential NSAID-related negative health impacts.

Estimation de l’impact du programme actuel de dépistage organisé du cancer colorectal

BackgroundColorectal cancer is the third most common cancer and the second most deadly in France. A Cochrane meta-analysis has confirmed the benefits of colorectal cancer screening. A nationwide colorectal screening program was set up in France in 2009 for medium-risk, asymptomatic people aged 50 to 74 years. It has been based, since 2015, on the Fecal Immunochemical Test. The participation rate for 2016–2017 was 34%, which is lower than the European objectives. The objective of this study was to evaluate the impact of the program at the current participation rate and at rates of 45% and 65%. MethodsThe epidemiological impact of the program was estimated from the results of an individual simulation model adapted from the Microsimulation Screening Analysis Colon model, calibrated and transposed to the French context. An initial analysis was conducted to estimate the individual impact of screening and a second for the entire eligible population, at various participation rates. ResultsThe test is associated with a lifetime reduction in the risk of colorectal cancer of 24% for men and 21% for women, and a reduction in the risk of death from colorectal cancer of 51% and 43% respectively. At the current level of participation, the program reduces incidence by 5% and mortality by 14% compared to no organized screening. The impact would be reduced by an additional 3% and 8% for participation rates of 45% and 65% respectively. Similarly, mortality would decrease by an additional 8% and 22%. ConclusionThese results confirm that in a population at medium risk for colorectal cancer, the organised programme is an effective strategy for reducing its incidence. They also confirm that the achievement of European objectives remains a key issue for improving the effectiveness of organized screening. An evolution of immunological test delivery modalities could help to achieve these participation objectives.

Estimation of the epidemiological impact of the organized screening program for colorectal cancer

Abstract Introduction Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the third most common cancer and the second most deadly in France. A CRC national organized screening (OS) program was set up in France in 2009. It targets asymptomatic people aged 50 to 74 year with medium risk of CRC. OS program is based on fecal immunochemical test (FIT) followed by colonoscopy. Participation rate over the last period showed a participation rate of 34%, far from the European standards and the 45% target objective of the French cancer plan. Methods The epidemiological impact of the DO-CCR was estimated from the results of an individual simulation model adapted from the MISCAN-Colon model, calibrated and transposed to the French context. The model simulates the natural history of CRC in a cohort of 5,000,000 individuals from birth to death. The simulated population reproduced the age and sex structure of the French population. Current screening strategy was simulated for the entire population. A first analysis was conducted to estimate the individual impact of screening by sex and by age of screening initiation and cessation. A second analysis was carried out to estimate the global impact of the based on various participation rates. Results FIT every 2 years, from the age of 50, is associated with a reduction in the CRC incidence of 21% for women and 24% for men and a reduction in CRC mortality of 43% for women and 51% for men. At the current level of participation, the OS reduces incidence by 5% and mortality by 14% (2,200 CCR and 2,600 deaths per year) compared to no OS. The impact would be reduced by an additional 3% and 8% for participation rates of 45% and 65% respectively, a decrease of 1,300 and 3,500 cases per additional year. Similarly, mortality would decrease by an additional 8% and 22% for participation rates of 45% and 65%, respectively additional decreases of 1,400 and 4,000 deaths per year. Key messages These results confirm that in a population at medium risk for CRC, the OS is an effective strategy for reducing incidence of CRC. Increasing participation rate to reach the Cancer Plan’s objectives remains a key issue in France.

Potential for HPV vaccination and primary HPV screening to reduce cervical cancer disparities: Example from New Zealand

BackgroundCervical cancer rates are over twice as high, and screening coverage is lower, in Māori women compared to other women in New Zealand, whereas uptake of HPV vaccine is higher in Maori females. We aimed to assess the impact of HPV vaccination and the proposed transition to 5-yearly primary HPV screening in Māori and other women in New Zealand, at current participation levels; and additionally to investigate which improvements to participation in Māori females (in vaccination, screening, or surveillance for screening-defined higher-risk women) would have the greatest impact on cervical cancer incidence/mortality. MethodsAn established model of HPV vaccination and cervical screening in New Zealand was adapted to fit observed ethnicity-specific data. Ethnicity-specific models were used to estimate the long-term impact of vaccination and screening (vaccination coverage 63% vs 47%; five-year screening coverage 68% vs 81% in Maori vs European/Other women, respectively). ResultsShifting from cytology to HPV-based screening is predicted to reduce cervical cancer incidence by 17% (14%) in Maori (European/Other) women, respectively. The corresponding reductions due to vaccination and HPV-based screening combined were 58% (44%), but at current participation levels long-term incidence would remain almost twice as high in Māori women (6.1/100,000 compared to 3.1/100,00 in European/Other women). Among strategies we examined, the greatest impact came from high vaccine coverage and achieving higher attendance by Māori women under surveillance for screen-detected abnormalities. ConclusionRelative reductions in cervical cancer due to vaccination and HPV-based screening are predicted to be greater in Maori than in European/Other women. While these interventions have the potential to substantially reduce between-group differences, cervical cancer incidence would remain higher in Maori women. These findings highlight the importance of multiple approaches and the potential influence of factors beyond HPV prevention.

Family history-based colorectal cancer screening in Australia: A modelling study of the costs, benefits, and harms of different participation scenarios.

BackgroundThe Australian National Bowel Cancer Screening Programme (NBCSP) was introduced in 2006. When fully implemented, the programme will invite people aged 50 to 74 to complete an immunochemical faecal occult blood test (iFOBT) every 2 years.Methods and findingsTo investigate colorectal cancer (CRC) screening occurring outside of the NBCSP, we classified participants (n = 2,480) in the Australasian Colorectal Cancer Family Registry (ACCFR) into 3 risk categories (average, moderately increased, and potentially high) based on CRC family history and assessed their screening practices according to national guidelines. We developed a microsimulation to compare hypothetical screening scenarios (70% and 100% uptake) to current participation levels (baseline) and evaluated clinical outcomes and cost for each risk category. The 2 main limitations of this study are as follows: first, the fact that our cost-effectiveness analysis was performed from a third-party payer perspective, which does not include indirect costs and results in overestimated cost-effectiveness ratios, and second, that our natural history model of CRC does not include polyp sojourn time, which determines the rate of cancerous transformation.Screening uptake was low across all family history risk categories (64%–56% reported no screening). For participants at average risk, 18% reported overscreening, while 37% of those in the highest risk categories screened according to guidelines. Higher screening levels would substantially reduce CRC mortality across all risk categories (95 to 305 fewer deaths per 100,000 persons in the 70% scenario versus baseline). For those at average risk, a fully implemented NBCSP represented the most cost-effective approach to prevent CRC deaths (AUS$13,000–16,000 per quality-adjusted life year [QALY]). For those at moderately increased risk, higher adherence to recommended screening was also highly cost-effective (AUS$19,000–24,000 per QALY).ConclusionInvesting in public health strategies to increase adherence to appropriate CRC screening will save lives and deliver high value for money.

Stirring the strategic direction of scuba diving marine Citizen Science: A survey of active and potential participants.

Citizen Science (CS) strengthens the relationship between society and science through education and engagement, with win-win benefits. Marine Citizen Science (MCS) is increasingly popular, thanks to society’s growing interest in marine environments and marine issues. Scuba diving significantly increases the potential of MCS, thanks to the skills and behavioural properties of people who participate in the sport. To be able to exploit this potential, however, MCS needs to face challenges related to CS, to scuba diving activities and to the broader scuba diving industry. In particular, engagement and recruitment of potential volunteers, as well as retention of active participants, represent key milestones. In order to reach these milestones, information is required on current participation levels of scuba divers in MCS, as well as the motivations behind participation, and the opinions held by potential participants in MCS. This study explored different case studies and methods of data collection to provide an overview of actual and potential participation in MCS by the scuba diving community. The results show that scuba divers, whether active or potential marine citizen scientists, are well disposed towards MCS. Some barriers, however, prevent the full participation of scuba divers as marine citizen scientists. Certain barriers extend beyond the control of both divers and MCS projects, while others, such as limited access to MCS projects and poor feedback after participation, can and should be addressed. The recommendations of this research provide strategic direction to MCS, so that the broad scuba diving community can be successfully integrated into MCS. These recommendations acknowledge the important role played by stakeholders in the scuba diving industry, as well as professional intermediaries and hired experts.

Syrian pharmacovigilance system: a survey of pharmacists' knowledge, attitudes and practices.

The Syrian pharmacovigilance (PV) system consists of a PV unit responsible for all related activities at the national level. Pharmacists' participation in the system can play a major role in its efficiency. To date, little is known about the position or the contribution of Syrian pharmacists within the programme. To describe Syrian pharmacists' knowledge, attitudes, practices and perceived barriers to reporting of adverse drug reactions (ADR), and to evaluate the sociodemographic effects within Damascus and rural Damascus. We used a self-administered, cross-sectional, questionnaire-based survey conducted on a random sample of 656 registered pharmacists in 2 Syrian governorates. The response rate was 77%. Fifty-five percent of pharmacists had an acceptable level of knowledge about PV. Only 10.8% stated that they had reported an ADR at least once during their years of practice. Although 29.6% claimed they had reported ADRs to the Ministry of Health, 83.1% admitted that they did not know where or how they could get the official reporting forms. Pharmacists who participated in the survey demonstrated limited knowledge towards PV and the Syrian PV system, and had relatively mixed attitudes towards reporting. Although they acknowledged the importance of ADR reporting, the current level of participation is low. The reasons for under-reporting were uncertainty of the fate of the reports, how they would be addressed, the complexity of the forms and the modest publicity of the PV programme.

Long-term evaluation of benefits, harms, and cost-effectiveness of the National Bowel Cancer Screening Program in Australia: a modelling study

No assessment of the National Bowel Screening Program (NBCSP) in Australia, which considers all downstream benefits, costs, and harms, has been done. We aimed to use a comprehensive natural history model and the most recent information about cancer treatment costs to estimate long-term benefits, costs, and harms of the NBCSP (2 yearly immunochemical faecal occult blood testing screening at age 50-74 years) and evaluate the incremental effect of improved screening participation under different scenarios. In this modelling study, a microsimulation model, Policy1-Bowel, which simulates the development of colorectal cancer via both the conventional adenoma-carcinoma and serrated pathways was used to simulate the NBCSP in 2006-40, taking into account the gradual rollout of NBCSP in 2006-20. The base-case scenario assumed 40% screening participation (currently observed behaviour) and two alternative scenarios assuming 50% and 60% participation by 2020 were modelled. Aggregate year-by-year screening, diagnosis, treatment and surveillance-related costs, resource utilisation (number of screening tests and colonoscopies), and health outcomes (incident colorectal cancer cases and colorectal cancer deaths) were estimated, as was the cost-effectiveness of the NBCSP. With current levels of participation (40%), the NBCSP is expected to prevent 92 200 cancer cases and 59 000 deaths over the period 2015-40; an additional 24 300 and 37 300 cases and 16 800 and 24 800 deaths would be prevented if participation was increased to 50% and 60%, respectively. In 2020, an estimated 101 000 programme-related colonoscopies will be done, associated with about 270 adverse events; an additional 32 500 and 49 800 colonoscopies and 88 and 134 adverse events would occur if participation was increased to 50% and 60%, respectively. The overall number needed to screen (NNS) is 647-788 per death prevented, with 52-59 colonoscopies per death prevented. The programme is cost-effective due to the cancer treatment costs averted (cost-effectiveness ratio compared with no screening at current participation, AUS$3014 [95% uncertainty interval 1807-5583] per life-year saved) in the cost-effectiveness analysis. In the budget impact analysis, reduced annual expenditure on colorectal cancer control is expected by 2030, with expenditure reduced by a cumulative AUS$1·7 billion, AUS$2·0 billion, and AUS$2·1 billion (2015 prices) between 2030 and 2040, at participation rates of 40%, 50%, and 60%, respectively. The NBCSP has potential to save 83 800 lives over the period 2015-40 if coverage rates can be increased to 60%. By contrast, the associated harms, although an important consideration, are at a smaller magnitude at the population level. The programme is highly cost-effective and within a decade of full roll-out, there will be reduced annual health systems expenditure on colorectal cancer control due to the impact of screening. Australia Postgraduate Award PhD Scholarship, Translational Cancer Research Network Top-up scholarship (supported by Cancer Institute NSW) and Cancer Council NSW.

Physical activity levels, mood, and combat-related acquired brain injury: A cross-sectional examination of Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom service members

A significant number of military service members are returning from Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom with acquired brain injuries, and these injuries have been significantly linked with depression symptomology. The primary purpose of this study was to examine the relationship between current levels of participation in leisure-time physical activity (LTPA) and self-reported depressive symptoms in adults with a combat-related acquired brain injury. The study also examined if differences exist in reported levels of LTPA and depressive symptoms between demographic groups and the perceived psychosocial benefits of participation in LTPA for adults with a combat-related acquired brain injury. A cross-sectional survey design using self-reported measures was used; 33 participants completed the survey. Results indicate that there was no significant correlation between current level of participation in LTPA and self-reported depressive symptoms. A diagnosis of post-traumatic stress disorder was the only demographic variable significantly correlated with higher self-reported depressive symptoms. Participants ranked “improved mood” as the highest perceived benefit of LTPA and “decreased anxiety” the lowest. Additionally, the perceived benefits of “improved mood,” “decreased anger,” and “increased self-esteem” were significantly correlated with lower levels of self-reported depression.

Mechanisms to facilitate citizen participation in public policy making

This study aimed to identify mechanisms to facilitate citizen participation in public policy making in Islamic Parliament of Iran. After conducting a thorough review of the research literature and extracting the Arnstein ladder of participation, the current level of citizens' participation in public policy making, first from the Islamic Consultative Assembly representatives' and next from citizens' viewpoint, was considered. The results showed the current level of public participation in public policy making. Then a few interviews with the university professors and the Islamic Parliament representatives were held to identify mechanisms to facilitate citizen participation in public policy making based on the current level of participation. The data were analysed using theme analysis and then ten mechanisms were extracted. Finally, the mechanisms were prioritised using TOPSIS technique in terms of effectiveness and efficiency and the final model was extracted. Based on findings, three most important solutions are respectively 'broadcasting participation educational programs', 'electronic participation' and 'forming factions as their roles are absolutely obvious'.

FEASIBILITY OF THE CHARITABLE TAX DEDUCTION INTRODUCTION

The article devoted to evaluation the influence of preferential tax treatment for charitable expenses of commercial organizations. The aim of the study is to prove that the introduction of tax incentives for charitable activities of commercial organizations will promote their charitable expenses. Banking sector’s organizations were selected for the empirical basis of the study; because the information about the charitable expenditure of other organizations is not available .The study has used a sample of 49 banks operating in Irkutsk Oblast as a constituent member of the Russian Federation in 2011-2014. The study sample was divided into three groups according to the principle proposed for the evaluation of social responsibility of banks in the United States. The current level of participation of banks in corporate philanthropy is evaluated in view of preferential taxation as a mechanism to reduce the cost of charitable services for the company. The study attempts to construct a theoretical model describing the effect of tax incentives for the financing of the charitable sector, as well as to find the optimal limit registration of charitable expenditure as an expense. It has also been found that, regardless of the charitable expenditures limit set as part of total expenses, the majority of credit organizations could exploit a maximum potential growth of donations (from 49,5 % to 74 % of the studied credit institutions, depending on the chosen accounting limit). It is concluded that introduction of preferential tax treatment might mean a possible rise in charitable expenditures, and the optimal level of charitable expenditure accounts as an expense in terms of budget efficiency is substantiated.

Judicial Meetings with Children in Australian Family Law Proceedings: Hearing Children's Voices

Australian family law judicial officers rarely take the opportunity to meet with children who are the subject of proceedings, despite the fact that the outcome of these proceedings will affect many important aspects of a child’s life. This appears to be at odds with the court’s obligation to regard the best interests of the child as the paramount consideration and the child’s right to participate pursuant to the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child. While it appears that the practice of judicial meetings with children is not encouraged in Australia, internationally there is growing support. Several countries have implemented guidelines or taken other steps to actively encourage greater use of the practice. In some countries, judicial meetings are carried out frequently, uncontroversially and successfully. Delegates at the 5th World Congress on Family Law and Children’s Rights in 2009 passed a resolution in support of judges considering whether to meet with a child in every case before them. This thesis looks at the benefits that can be gained, both for children and for decisionmaking, by judges meeting with children. These benefits are viewed within the wider context of how the right of children to express their views is exercised in family law matters and the literature on how children feel about their current level of participation in court proceedings. In determining what is in the best interests of a child, judges may be aided by a practice that enables them to learn more about a child’s needs and interests than via other recognised methods of hearing children’s views. The thesis explores the reasons why there are only a handful of cases in which Australian judges have met with children and discusses the main criticisms of the practice. The author conducted a unique empirical study to discover the views and experiences of the Australian family law judiciary about meeting with children. Utilising both qualitative and quantitative methods, the study involved in-depth interviews with four Family Court judges and a survey of all family law judicial officers in Australia. The results of the study make an original contribution to the field of judicial attitudes to children’s participation in family law. It was discovered that some problems discussed in the literature, such as due process and confidentiality, may be more perceived than real as judges were able to suggest ways to overcome them. The study found that many judges see strong benefits in meeting with children, but that they may be unable to overcome two lingering concerns. Judges perceive that they lack the skills and training to meet with children, and they are troubled by the prospect that judicial meetings may subject children to parental pressure or manipulation. The thesis makes recommendations to ensure greater certainty in the practice of judicial meetings with children. These include the implementation of Australian guidelines on when and how judicial meetings should be conducted. With recent child-focused changes to family law and practice, such as the Less Adversarial Trial procedure, and growing international discussion, it is anticipated that judicial culture may slowly change. With time, judges may consider the potential benefits of meeting with a child in every case that comes before them. It is argued that it is imperative they do so in order to give effect to the internationally recognised rights of children and the fundamental obligation of the family law courts to regard the best interests of the child as the paramount consideration.