Cooperative Engagement Research Articles

Exploring fisherfolk community readiness for cooperative engagement in the Global South

Cooperatives have become significant contributors to the realization of the Sustainable Development Goals No. 1: No Poverty. Transitioning associations to cooperatives is crucial for promoting sustainable economic development, empowering communities, and enhancing collective well-being. This research assessed the readiness of Small-Scale Fisheries (SSF) communities in the Global South to form a cooperative. This research employed an exploratory research approach in six coastal Barangays of Batad, situated in the 5th District of Iloilo Province. The findings indicated that respondents have a slight level of awareness with regard to the advantages and economic advantages associated with becoming part of a cooperative. On the other hand, there was a clear difference in members’ perceptions of the benefits and financial returns that comes with belonging to a cooperative. According to the study, females are more likely to support the association’s move towards a cooperative structure, especially younger individuals. The main issue highlighted was the lack of skilled officers and inadequate resources and training for association members. A lecture on Cooperative Awareness and capability trainings on financial management, bookkeeping, and credit management should be organized in order to increase associations readiness to be a cooperative.

Exploring fisherfolk community readiness for cooperative engagement in the Global South

Cooperatives have become significant contributors to the realization of the Sustainable Development Goals No. 1: No Poverty. Transitioning associations to cooperatives is crucial for promoting sustainable economic development, empowering communities, and enhancing collective well-being. This research assessed the readiness of Small-Scale Fisheries (SSF) communities in the Global South to form a cooperative. This research employed an exploratory research approach in six coastal Barangays of Batad, situated in the 5th District of Iloilo Province. The findings indicated that respondents have a slight level of awareness with regard to the advantages and economic advantages associated with becoming part of a cooperative. On the other hand, there was a clear difference in members’ perceptions of the benefits and financial returns that comes with belonging to a cooperative. According to the study, females are more likely to support the association’s move towards a cooperative structure, especially younger individuals. The main issue highlighted was the lack of skilled officers and inadequate resources and training for association members. A lecture on Cooperative Awareness and capability trainings on financial management, bookkeeping, and credit management should be organized in order to increase associations readiness to be a cooperative.

Structural and functional model of formation of STEM-competencies of students of professional higher education institutions in mathematics teaching

Abstract This study focuses on the vocational preparation of learners in professional pre-higher educational establishments. The primary objective is to provide a theoretical foundation for, construct, and empirically evaluate the efficacy of a structural-functional paradigm for cultivating STEM proficiencies among students in these institutions through mathematics instruction. The pedagogical experiment corroborated the research postulate that attaining advanced STEM competencies in mathematics among professional pre-higher education students can be facilitated through a learning model that incorporates specific pedagogical conditions: motivating and stimulating students to engage in educational, cognitive and research activities in mathematics through engagement in cooperation and the use of individual and group coaching; implementation of STEM projects in mathematics teaching; usage of ICT to ensure visibility and research orientation of mathematics teaching. The experimental outcomes and accompanying educational resources have enabled a comprehensive analysis of the challenges associated with implementing STEM methodologies in mathematics instruction. This article aims to elucidate the key attributes of the devised structural-functional model and evaluate its implementation efficacy, with particular emphasis on the application of the authors’ developed pedagogical support materials.

Three-dimensional cooperative guidance with impact angle constraints via value-policy decomposed multi-agent reinforcement learning

For a three-dimensional impact angle-constrained time-coordination guidance problem, a value-policy decomposed multi-agent twin delayed deep deterministic (VPD-MATD3) policy gradient algorithm is proposed in this paper, and a temporal-spatial cooperative guidance law is designed consequently. The derived cooperative engagement kinematics is formulated as a value-policy decomposed partially observable Markov decision process. Value decomposition and policy decomposition are correspondingly proposed to address the two bottlenecks of reward coupling and policy coupling in 3D guidance, thus improving the training process. The training environment with multiple uncertainties, such as observation noise, maneuverability perturbation, autopilot time lag, switching communication topology, and random initialization, is subsequently constructed. Time-energy type reward functions are designed, incorporating energy consumption as a direct optimization indicator via a penalty term. A long short-term memory network layer is inserted inside the policy networks to suppress the negative effect of observation noise. The policy training curves verify the significant effect of the proposed algorithm in improving training convergence. The policy testing results illustrate the robustness and generalization of the VPD-MATD3 cooperative guidance law and its ability to cope with randomly switched communication topologies. Moreover, the comparative testing further reveals its time-energy suboptimal property.

Assessing the Quality of Teaching and Learning in Higher Education: Perspectives from a South African University

This research investigates the notions of quality teaching and learning at Mandela University, centering on lecturers and students as pivotal stakeholders. Using Schindler et al.’s model, the study explored how these internal groups perceive quality in higher education (HE). A qualitative, participative, and visual methodology, inspired by the Mmogo-method® and grounded in social inclusion theory, was employed. This approach fostered an interactive environment for a collective understanding of HE quality through collaboration and participation. The results revealed differing views between lecturers and students on what defines quality. Lecturers viewed it as an action-oriented process, emphasizing tangible elements such as inputs, outputs, policies, and strategic areas. In contrast, students perceived quality more subjectively, focusing on intangible aspects, particularly the attitudes within the lecturer-student relationship. The practical implications of the study suggest the potential for a comprehensive evaluation process to foster a quality-driven culture at Mandela University. It underscores the significance of collaboration, communication, cooperation, and meaningful engagement among all stakeholders during both development and implementation phases. Although the context’s influence on defining quality in HE was not markedly different, notable references included Africa’s challenges and the graduates’ commitment to their communities. Overall, this study redefines perceptions of quality in higher education, highlighting the essential role of stakeholder involvement in nurturing a quality-focused institutional culture. By embracing diverse perspectives and committing to continuous improvement in teaching and learning, it proposes enhancing the overall quality of higher education at Mandela University. Keywords: Quality assurance; Higher Education, Teaching, Learning, Mandela University

Navigating the Integration of Machine Learning in Healthcare: Challenges, Strategies, and Ethical Considerations

The amalgamation of artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) in healthcare offers a revolutionary prospect to improve patient outcomes, optimize workflow, and curtail expenses. Robust computational resources, competent interdisciplinary teams, and careful management of high-quality, diverse datasets are necessary for the successful deployment of ML models. To preserve public confidence and guarantee adherence to legal requirements, ethical issues, specifically those pertaining to patient consent, data privacy, and confidentiality are crucial. Regulatory bodies, legislators, and healthcare providers must all be involved in stakeholder engagement to establish a supportive environment for ML integration. The research highlights the significance of transparency and interpretability, promoting explainable AI models that augment clinician trust and enable wider adoption in the medical community. This thorough analysis finds important gaps in the current state of ML applications in healthcare and highlights new trends. It discusses ethical ramifications, realistic implementation guidelines, and the need for cooperative stakeholder engagement. The goal of the paper is to close the “translation gap” between model development and clinical application by examining real-world applications and offering a framework for the methodical integration of ML in clinical settings. The study promotes models that are not only technically sound but also user-friendly and in line with the practical needs of healthcare professionals by emphasizing the human-centric design of ML systems. By facilitating accurate and timely diagnoses, optimizing treatment plans, and eventually raising the standard of healthcare services as a whole, the strategic application of ML in the medical field holds the potential to completely transform patient care. This study opens the door to a future in which AI-driven healthcare solutions are smoothly integrated into routine clinical practice by providing useful insights and guidelines to enhance trustworthy and moral integration.

Harnessing the potential: exploring development opportunities and charting strategic pathways for China’s enhanced engagement in international blue carbon cooperation

Abstract In light of the urgent need to combat climate change and attain carbon neutrality, the development of blue carbon has emerged as a pivotal strategy for the global community. This approach offers significant potential for both mitigating and adapting to the impacts of climate change. As a result, international collaboration on blue carbon initiatives has become a focal point in the worldwide response to the climate crisis. China, blessed with extensive blue carbon resources, recognizes the development of these ecosystems as a critical component in its efforts to make a substantial contribution to the global endeavor to curb climate change and achieve sustainable environmental goals. This article offers a comprehensive analysis of China’s opportunities and challenges in international blue carbon collaboration. Despite its vast potential, China faces significant hurdles, including the degradation of blue carbon ecosystems, a delayed start in implementing blue carbon practices, and inconsistencies in the blue carbon standard system. To enhance its participation in global blue carbon initiatives, China should pursue several key strategies, including preserving and restoring its blue carbon ecosystems, strengthening domestic protection and application mechanisms, promoting the construction of an international blue carbon system, establishing a scientific cooperation platform to facilitate capacity building and technology transfer and advocating for an international blue carbon market trading mechanism. By prioritizing these key areas, China can simultaneously foster domestic blue carbon conservation and development while solidifying its role as a pivotal contributor to global climate change mitigation efforts.

Psychological characteristics of environmental stakeholders and interactions in their social network

This research explores the roles of (1) the stakeholder categories conservation association, land use association, public authority and research group, (2) Organizational Culture, operationalized by the Organizational Culture Assessment Instrument; (3) Environmental Worldview, operationalized by the New Environmental Paradigm; and (4) Environmental Risk Perception, operationalized by the Myths of Physical Nature, in shaping the interactions in the social network of environmental stakeholders in the city and district of Osnabrück in Northwest Germany. First, the study examines the stakeholder categories (1), regarding the expression of the constructs (2), (3) and (4) among them. Second, all constructs (1), (2), (3) and (4) are examined regarding possible correlations with the presence of collaboration and conflict between stakeholders. Our analysis reveals that (1) Stakeholder Categories are significantly correlated with the presence of collaboration, but not of conflict. (2) A significant correlation between membership of a stakeholder category and the dominant manifestation of a particular organizational culture is present, while no correlation between Organizational Cultures and the presence of collaborations or conflicts could be found. Moreover, the study highlights (3) a generally pro-environmental orientation across stakeholders as captured by the New Environmental Paradigm (NEP), indicating a shared foundation for potential collaborative efforts. (4) Analysis of Environmental Risk Perception, through the Cultural Theory’s myths of physical nature, uncovers a widespread preference for the hierarchical myth, suggesting a common perception of environmental risks and resilience. This study emphasizes the importance of understanding psychological and social dimensions in environmental stakeholder management to enhance collaborative efforts towards sustainable development. It highlights the need for management approaches that acknowledge the complex interplay of diverse psychological constructs in driving effective and sustainable collaborations between stakeholders of regional land use, nature conservation, public authorities, academia and other sectors depending on the context. Through its insights into stakeholder interactions, this research contributes to the broader discourse on achieving sustainable development goals through informed, cooperative stakeholder engagement.

An exploration of cooperative stakeholder engagement and risk‐taking behavior in privately held family firms

AbstractThis study explores the impact of cooperative engagement with nonfamily employees, consumers, and communities on risk‐taking behavior of privately held, long‐lived family firms. We posit that cooperative relations can build and reinforce connectedness among the family and nonfamily stakeholders which, in turn, can lead to increased risk‐taking. More specifically, the increased stability from widespread cooperative nonfamily engagement will positively moderate risk‐taking behavior by amplifying the influence of family involvement in privately held family firms. Using a unique survey of long‐lived, privately held family firms, we find support for our hypotheses: cooperative engagement interacts with the essence of family involvement to amplify risk‐taking. This study contributes to the stakeholder engagement and family firm literatures and offers managerial and policy implications by underscoring the benefits of cooperative engagement as it enhances risk‐taking of family firms, a precursor of growth.

A Jigsaw Technique as a Stimulant for Promoting Reading Comprehension among EFL High School Students

This research explores the impact of implementing the Jigsaw technique as a cooperative learning strategy on the reading comprehension skills of 10th-grade students studying English as a Foreign Language (EFL) at SMA Negeri 1 Botumoito. The study specifically focuses on students' understanding of report texts, including their ability to identify main ideas, details, vocabulary, references, and inferences. The Jigsaw technique was chosen due to its potential to enhance cooperative learning and engagement among students. The study involved a sample of 60 students over eight weeks. Data were collected through pre-test and post-test assessments, and the results were analyzed using paired samples t-tests. The analysis indicated a statistically significant improvement in students' reading comprehension, with mean pretest scores of 45.55 rising to posttest scores of 74.00. The t-test results (t = 0.000, p < 0.05) confirmed the hypothesis that the Jigsaw technique positively influences reading comprehension skills. Despite some challenges, such as time constraints and dynamics between academically strong and weak students, the research interventions facilitated a positive learning environment and stimulated students' critical thinking and problem-solving skills. These findings suggest that the Jigsaw technique is an effective strategy for improving reading comprehension in EFL contexts. The study recommends further research to explore the long-term impacts and adaptations of the Jigsaw technique in diverse educational settings.

Barriers and facilitators to the implementation of personalised medicine at the micro-, meso- and macro-regional levels

Abstract Background/Introduction Personalised Medicine (PM) involves tailoring treatment to a patient's characteristics, needs and preferences. It classifies patients based on their disease risk or response to treatment using diagnostic markers and aims to improve treatment control, precision and disease prediction. An organised approach is crucial for the integration of PM into European healthcare systems in order to shape the future of health and social care. PM's dynamic evolution, which takes into account individual factors in disease progression and drug efficacy, allows for more accurate and tailored care. Despite its emergence, the economic focus on specific interventions has neglected a comprehensive theoretical framework, potentially hindering the progress of PM in clinical practise. [1] Purpose The purpose of the study was to identify barriers and facilitators to the implementation of innovative interventions and to identify best practises that are applicable across European countries and support the implementation of e-health, m-health and PM interventions at micro-, meso- and macro-regional levels. The research was funded and carried out as part of the international Regions4PerMed (H2020) project. Methods The methodology of the study consisted of a combination of desk research and qualitative research methods. Desk research involved analysing existing articles, with a focus on the literature related to barriers and facilitators in e-health and m-health. Following the desk research, a semi-structured questionnaire entitled "Barriers and facilitators of Personalised Medicine implementation - qualitative study under Regions4PerMed (H2020) project" was developed. In addition, three focus groups were organised to explore the topic of the study in greater depth. Results The findings on potential support for adapting e-health, m-health and PM to citizens' needs were categorised into different areas of need, including education, funding, dissemination, data protection/data sharing, data analysis, system changes, integrated care policies, cooperation, healthcare providers, physicians, public and patient engagement. The barriers and facilitators were categorised according to the primary stakeholders involved in the implementation challenges. Conclusion(s) The implementation of technological solutions improves diagnostic procedures and decision making in health and social care, leading to more precisely tailored treatments, lower costs and shorter treatment durations. PM plays a crucial role in rationalising the diagnosis, prevention and treatment of diseases. The overall aim is to break down barriers between healthcare providers such as public authorities and hospitals in order to promote closer collaboration. However, PM faces challenges, including incongruent legislation, bureaucratic procedures and lengthy legislative processes. Obstacles also include the approach to physician education and the lack of social awareness of PM.

Breaking the financial bottleneck of local universities of China: an analysis of the current situation of university intellectual property

PurposeWith the global economic slowdown in 2023, most universities in the central and western regions of China may face the problem of shortage of government financial funding, which is directly related to the development of science and technology of the universities. With the support of the local government, most of the ordinary universities have shifted attention to the transfer and transformation of intellectual property based on school-enterprise cooperation, hoping to seek more commercialization income as an extra source of income. Therefore, this paper aimed to study the current situation of university intellectual property, i.e. the reserve and distribution of transferable patents, discipline distribution of patents, and regional cooperation of university patents.Design/methodology/approachA patent database of 10 key universities in Henan Province of China from 2012 to 2021 was established. The evaluation indicator model by the Entropy method was conducted to reveal the interaction mechanism between quantity indicators, quality indicators, and value indicators. Based on the data analysis, the development direction of the discipline construction and school-enterprise cooperation for local universities was clear.FindingsThe findings indicated that the number of patent applications from ten key universities in Henan Province has been increasing rapidly over the years. The trend for authorized invention patents has remained relatively stable. Compared with the patent applications and authorizations, the growth of transferable patents was notably slow. The significance of strategic layout of dominant disciplines and related high-value patents was not appreciated enough by Chinese government and universities. There was a large difference of dominant disciplines between 10 key universities, and the patent level of each university was directly proportional to the number of dominant disciplines. The university patent level heavily relied on the researchers' contributions and the distribution mechanism of scientific research resources within the university. Guangdong Province and the Yangtze River Delta of China, being economically developed regions, exhibited the most active engagement in patent technology cooperation. Conversely, the central and western regions displayed relatively lower participation in high-value patent research and development.Research limitations/implicationsThis study can provide a unique perspective to understand and solve the financial bottleneck problem of ordinary universities in the central and western regions of China. The discipline construction and school-enterprise cooperation are just one of the existing schemes, but it still cannot solve the financial problems faced by local universities in China towards the government.Practical implicationsThe findings of this study can serve as a foundation for further investigation into policies aimed at improving the financial problems of ordinary universities in the central and western regions of China.Originality/valueAs an important attempt, the study tried to focus the financial problem of universities in the central and western regions of China based on the evaluation of the current situation of university intellectual property. This research findings are of great value in finding optimal layout between university patents, disciplines and school-enterprise cooperation.

The Tightrope of Individual Liberties amid Pakistan’s Counter-Terrorism Agenda

This doctrinal research article explores the nuances, pitfalls, and opportunities within this intricate landscape. This doctrinal research delves into the intricate balance between individual liberties and Pakistan's counter-terrorism agenda, navigating the complex terrain where security imperatives intersect with fundamental rights. As Pakistan grapples with persistent security threats from terrorism, its response has often entailed the implementation of stringent measures aimed at thwarting terrorist activities and ensuring public safety. However, these measures have raised concerns about their impact on civil liberties, including freedoms of expression, association, and privacy. Drawing upon legal frameworks, policy documents, and judicial precedents, this research critically examines the evolving landscape of counter-terrorism laws and practices in Pakistan and their implications for individual liberties. It scrutinizes the compatibility of counter-terrorism measures with constitutional guarantees and international human rights standards, assessing the extent to which security imperatives have encroached upon fundamental rights and freedoms. Furthermore, this research explores the role of judicial oversight, executive discretion, and legislative reforms in reconciling the tension between security concerns and individual liberties within Pakistan's legal framework. It analyses landmark court decisions, legislative enactments, and government policies to elucidate the legal and institutional mechanisms aimed at safeguarding individual liberties while countering terrorism effectively. Moreover, this research situates Pakistan's counter-terrorism efforts within the broader context of regional security dynamics, highlighting the interconnectedness of domestic security challenges with regional conflicts, geopolitical rivalries, and transnational terrorist networks. It underscores the importance of regional cooperation, information sharing, and diplomatic engagement in addressing common security threats while respecting individual liberties across borders. By critically examining the tightrope walk between individual liberties and Pakistan's counter-terrorism agenda, this research contributes to a nuanced understanding of the challenges and trade-offs inherent in balancing security imperatives with respect for fundamental rights.

Opportunities and Challenges of China’s Economic and Political Development under the Third Term of Xi Leadership: A Viewpoint of India

China’s economic and political development under the third term of Xi Jinping’s leadership presents both opportunities and challenges, viewed by India’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi. While there are potential rooms for cooperation and diplomatic engagement between India and China, there are also significant disagreements related to border disputes, trade imbalances, and geopolitical tensions. Navigating these dynamics requires careful diplomacy, strategic arrangements, and a balance of interests among the leaders in both countries. However, the conflict between India and China is potentially and geopolitically inevitable because of several key factors inherent in the international system. Since both are rising powers, seeking to assert their influence and interests either regionally or globally; moreover, both states have strong nationalist sentiments that can be mobilized by ambitious leaders to justify assertive policies and provocative tongues, making it difficult to compromise on unresolved problems and easier to ignite a destructive blaze.

Turkey and the EU: waning foreign policy alignment in a changing international context

ABSTRACT The current relationship between the European Union (EU) and Turkey is dragged outside the standard EU accession framework and is increasingly shaped by Turkey’s positions and actions regarding a set of regional and global foreign policy issues. For the EU to carry forward Turkey’s long-stalled accession negotiations, Turkey is expected to show progress on multiple fronts, including a satisfactory level of policy alignment with the EU’s Common Foreign and Security Policy (CFSP). This article provides an in-depth analysis of Turkey’s poor alignment with the EU’s CFSP positions since 2014. It looks into regional as well as international issues that occupied the agenda of EU foreign policy and explores the utility-based and normative explanations behind Turkey’s (dis)engagement in policy cooperation.

Navigating the Regulatory Labyrinth: Compliance Dilemmas and Lead User Innovation in the Fintech Sector

Abstract This research article deals with the lead user innovation difficulties in the Kenyan financial technology sector, specifying the regulatory compliance challenges. The flourishing of fintech firms in diverse aspects and sectors have faced numerous dilemmas, particularly in intellectual property, privacy and consumer safety regulations which may lead to lack of adherence. The consequences of non-compliance can be severe, including legal penalties and reputational damage. Despite the importance of innovation in fintech companies, the dilemmas innovators face in navigating regulatory compliance is not yet fully investigated. This research adopts and employs a sequential mixed-method approach that allows complex connection of lead users and regulators in terms of compliance. Survey data from 321 lead users and in-depth interviews with 36 lead users and five regulators revealed a range of compliance challenges. Intellectual property laws scored the least adherence, with the plethora of regulations and overseeing bodies contributing to increased non-compliance. The outcomes highlight the pressing compliance issues faced by lead users and underscore the potential of regulatory bodies to bolster adherence. The outcomes indicate the need for a different approach to regulatory compliance by lead users. This paper underscores the necessity of cooperative engagement between innovators and regulators to effectively maneuver through the dynamic compliance landscape of the financial technology industry.

Sustainable Evolution: Investigating the Factors Contributing to the Transformation of Coffee Businesses from Unplanned to Well-Planned, Sustainable Enterprises in Padang

This research aims to identify the factors contributing to the sustainable evolution of coffee businesses in Padang, West Sumatra. The research is an exploratory qualitative study. Each coffee shop, while differing in focus and approach, prioritizes quality, utilizes technology, and implements strategies for long-term sustainability in its operations. Each coffee shop demonstrates unique strategies in outbound logistics, whether through distribution methods, technology integration, strategic cooperation, or customer engagement, tailored to its specific business model and target audience. Each coffee shop employs unique marketing and sales strategies tailored to its business model and target audience, emphasizing customer engagement, promotional diversity, and long-term relationship building. Each coffee shop offers unique services, focusing on customer experience, atmosphere, personalized interactions, and proactive issue resolution to build strong customer relationships and foster loyalty. Each coffee shop employs distinct procurement strategies tailored to its business model and goals, focusing on supplier relationships, diversification, and preparedness for uncertainties to ensure smooth operations and long-term sustainability. Each coffee shop employs structured mentoring, technology integration, and maintenance practices tailored to support long-term sustainability and business growth, ensuring efficient operations and a positive environmental and community impact. Each coffee shop employs structured recruitment, training, and development programs tailored to their business needs, emphasizing employee skill enhancement, performance improvement, and continuous learning to provide excellent service. Each coffee shop employs technology as a tool to enhance sustainability, efficiency, and productivity, utilizing strategies tailored to their specific needs and challenges, whether it’s overcoming network interference, ensuring reliable technology selection, or managing repair costs efficiently.

Towards achieving the sustainable development goals: a collaborative action plan leveraging the circular economy potentials

This contribution to the journal “Gruppe. Interaktion. Organisation. (GIO)” delves into the critical role of Sustainable Development Goal 17 (SDG 17), “Partnership for the Goals,” in fostering interdisciplinary collaboration to further circular economy objectives. Aiming to address the existing research focus on isolated technical aspects within the circular economy, this study uses an expertise- and interaction-based foresight process to integrate perspectives from business, engineering, social sciences, and work and organizational psychology to unearth broader, interconnected challenges and solutions for the implementation of circular economy practices. Based on the pooled experience of experts within the foresight process, this contribution elucidates major challenges, ongoing issues, and prospective hurdles to be tackled by 2030 in circular economy, presenting an action plan centered on interdisciplinary cooperation and stakeholder engagement to advance labor conditions and continuous learning, sustainable and regenerative systems, minimize waste, and optimize resource efficiency. The collaborative action plan serves as a pivotal resource for the transformation task for researchers and practitioners, offers insights and strategic directions for implementing circular economy practices, and emphasizes collective responsibility and action in achieving global sustainability, all while aligning with the principles of SDG 17. The presented collaborative approach propels the discourse on sustainability forward, highlighting the potential of the circular economy in realizing a more sustainable world by 2030.

A Qualitative Exploration of the Built Environment as a Key Mechanism of Safety and Social Cohesion for Youth in High-Violence Communities

The characteristics of a neighborhood’s built environment may influence health-promoting behaviors, interactions between neighbors, and perceptions of safety. Although some research has reported on how youth in high-violence communities navigate danger, less work has investigated how these youth perceive the built environment, their desires for these spaces, and how these desires relate to their conceptions of safety and perceptions of other residents. To fill this gap, this study used focus group data from 51 youth ages 13–24 living in New Orleans, Louisiana. Four themes were developed using reflexive thematic analysis: community violence is distressing and disruptive, youth use and want to enjoy their neighborhood, systemic failure contributes to negative outcomes, and resources and cooperation create safety. This analysis indicates that young people desire to interact with the built environment despite the threat of community violence. They further identified built environment assets that facilitate socialization and recreation, such as local parks, and social assets in the form of cooperation and neighbor-led civic engagement initiatives. In addition, the youth participants demonstrated awareness of structural inequities that influence neighborhood health and violence-related outcomes. This study contributes to efforts to understand how youth with high levels of community violence exposure understand and interact with the built and social environments.

Role of Biodiversity and its Importance in Sustainable Development: A Comprehensive Review

Biodiversity, the variety of life on Earth, plays a crucial role in sustainable development by providing essential ecosystem services, supporting livelihoods, and fostering resilience to environmental changes. This comprehensive review explores the significance of biodiversity in sustainable development through an examination of its ecological, economic, and socio-cultural dimensions. The paper discusses the current state of global biodiversity, the drivers of biodiversity loss, and the consequences for ecosystems and human well-being. It also evaluates the role of biodiversity in key sectors such as agriculture, medicine, and tourism, highlighting the economic value derived from biodiversity. Furthermore, the review addresses policy frameworks and initiatives aimed at conserving and managing biodiversity, emphasizing the importance of international cooperation and community engagement. Finally, future directions for research and action to enhance biodiversity conservation and promote sustainable development are proposed.