Cooperative Environment Research Articles

SHARING BEHAVIOR IN THE CONTEXT OF ALTRUISM AS A FORM OF STRATEGY FOR BUILDING EMPATHY AND SOLIDARITY

Sharing behavior is a key in altruism that serves as a strategy to strengthen empathy and solidarity within the community (Guttman et al., 2016). This study investigates the relationship between sharing behavior and altruism, and its effects on the development of empathy in the community. The literature review shows that the act of sharing not only strengthens social relationships but also increases understanding between individuals (Chiu et al., 2006). When individuals engage in sharing, they tend to be more caring towards others, and create a more cooperative environment (Schor & Fitzmaurice, 2015). Sharing behavior also plays a role in strengthening group solidarity, building trust and support among community members. Studies show that communities with a strong culture of sharing are better able to face various social and economic challenges (Carleton & Hsiang, 2016). However, barriers such as stigma and mistrust can hinder participation in sharing. Therefore, it is important to design interventions that can overcome these barriers and raise awareness of the importance of sharing as a form of altruism. Thus, it can be said that sharing behavior has an important role in building empathy and solidarity, and requires collaboration from various sectors to create a more inclusive and empathetic society (Tomasello et al., 2005)

ECOSYSTEM COLLABORATION FOR CLIMATE ACTION: A CASE STUDY OF THE ILCA PROJECT

In recent years, the number of initiatives dealing with climate change has increased significantly as human activity releases more and more greenhouse gases into the environment. There is no doubt that the effects of these emissions are numerous and increasingly alarming. Against this background, this paper assumes that climate change requires the engagement of various groups of stakeholders. This engagement is referred to in this paper as ecosystem cooperation for climate action. A feature of ecosystem cooperation is the potential to create a multistakeholder network of new partnerships that can generate innovative solutions to climate change problems. This paper argues that ecosystem collaboration is particularly important for both preventing and responding to climate change. Following a theoretical explanation of the concept of ecosystem collaboration, a case study on climate change and sustainability is presented. This case study highlights best practise examples within a European project entitled “Innovation Laboratories for Climate Actions” (ILCA). Through a consortium of six universities and three research institutes from different European countries, the ILCA project aimed to engage multiple stakeholders in national, regional and local ecosystems to develop innovative solutions to tackle climate change. The project brought together businesses, public administrations, civil society and academia from each country. The findings of this paper emphasise the importance of the ILCA project in tackling climate change through ecosystem collaboration and the establishment of a ‘Climate Innovation Lab’ at the Stefan cel Mare” University in Suceava. Such a lab brings together experts from different fields such as economics, engineering and medicine to find innovative solutions to climate problems. We also emphasise the active role of innovation in helping tourism businesses to adapt to climate change. Innovation and collaboration are crucial to fostering a cooperative environment in relation to climate change mitigation.

Enhancing Collaborative Leadership in Healthcare: Addressing Ego Conflicts for Organizational Harmony and Improved Patient Care

In today’s complex healthcare environment, fostering collaboration between medical professionals and administrative teams is essential for delivering high- quality patient care. However, non-clinical conflicts, often driven by differences in authority, communication gaps, and ego clashes, can disrupt organizational harmony. These conflicts between doctors, nursing heads, and corporate teams can negatively affect operational efficiency, care outcomes, and staff morale. This article explores the root causes of these conflicts, highlights successful global strategies for resolving them, and provides a comprehensive framework for promoting a culture of mutual respect and teamwork within healthcare settings. By implementing these approaches, healthcare organizations can create a cooperative environment that enhances both staff satisfaction and patient outcomes. Moreover, the article examines how these strategies can be applied globally to address similar challenges across diverse healthcare settings.

The Impact of Violent Media on Aggressive Behavior

In contemporary society, advancements in technology and the proliferation of online social media have provided numerous channels for accessing video and gaming content. Despite these developments, the depiction of violence in videos and games remains a contentious issue due to its potential aggressive impact on users. The relationship between exposure to violent media and subsequent aggressive behavior is multifaceted, involving both internal factors (such as perceived aggression, trait anger, violent emotions, and implicit aggression) and external factors (including cultural differences, age of exposure, proximity to real-life violence, domestic violence, and life setbacks). Internal factors significantly influence how individuals process and react to violent media, potentially reinforcing aggressive tendencies. External factors further moderate these effects, with cultural context and early exposure playing crucial roles in shaping long-term behavior. To address the aggression stemming from violent media, a multi-faceted approach is necessary. This includes monitoring and regulating young individuals' media consumption, implementing media literacy programs, providing robust support systems for those facing domestic violence or significant life setbacks, and therapeutic interventions such as cognitive-behavioral therapy. Moreover, promoting cooperative gaming environments and culturally tailored interventions can enhance the effectiveness of these strategies. Ultimately, a comprehensive understanding of the interplay between internal predispositions and external influences is crucial for mitigating the negative societal impacts of violent media.

Students' ideas about life and professional success in relation to career orientations and life satisfaction

Introduction. Studying ideas about success among young people studying at a university can help identify their life goals, expectations, and values, which in turn will ensure more effective preparation of future specialists for professional activities. The purpose of the study was to identify ideas about professional and life success in relation to career orientations and life satisfaction among students. Materials and methods. The study, in which 111 students took part, was conducted at the University of Architecture and Civil Engineering (Russian Federation, St. Petersburg). Projective methods were used, including the method of unfinished sentences, the «Study of Career Orientations» test by E. Shein, the «Life Satisfaction» test (LS) by N.N. Melnikova. Methods of mathematical statistics: frequency analysis, cluster analysis (Ward's method), correlation analysis: Spearman correlation coefficient, factor analysis (Varimax method). Results. Data analysis showed that for students, success in life includes not only material, but also psychological well-being, as well as self-realization, recognition and the opportunity to help people. Professional success lies in social status, material wealth, professional competence, the presence of useful connections and the opportunity not to engage in work. Examples of life success for modern students are relatives (30%), professional success – representatives of the business sphere (34%). Students show a desire for self-realization, while wanting to maintain harmony between their personal life and career (r=0,26; p≤0,001). Respondents who attach great importance to social status tend to perceive their life as more harmonious (r=0,23; p≤0,01). Orientation towards «autonomy» (r=0,21; p≤0,01) and «entrepreneurship» (r=0,23; p≤0,01) increase life satisfaction. Conclusion. The practical significance of the study lies in the possibility of creating programs aimed at developing skills to achieve professional and personal well-being and helping students. Knowledge about the needs and expectations of future specialists will allow employers to create a motivating environment for comfortable cooperation and achieving goals.

The Brazilian Network of Higher Education Institutions for Sustainable Development (Rede UniSustentável)

The Brazilian Network of Higher Education Institutions for Sustainable Development – colloquially known as UniSustentável – is a program of education, research, extension, entrepreneurship, and innovation implemented at the Federal University of Mato Grosso do Sul (UFMS). The Network aims to carry on an environment of cooperation, collaboration, exchange, and communication among member Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) with the purpose of building a more sustainable society, educating people and fostering good practice in sustainability adoption. The Network will be preferably composed of Brazilian HEIs and operates on a non-profit basis, without affiliations to political parties or religious connotations. The coordination of the Network is carried out by an elected Coordinator and Coordinator-adjunct on a biennial basis, with administrative support provided by an administrative committee and a general assembly. UniSustentável is affiliated to the Alliance of Ibero-American Networks of Universities for Sustainability and the Environment (ARIUSA). Founded in September 2023 with 3 member HEIs, as of April 2024, it has expanded to include 20 HEIs located in all 5 Brazilian regions. The network's activities are organized into working groups, each overseen by a responsible HEI and comprised of staff, faculty, and students from member HEIs, as well as the potential involvement of invited experts. Despite its short existence, UniSustentável has already demonstrated that it is possible to work towards sustainability through the collaboration of HEIs.

Analysis of the mpox outbreak in Europe in 2022: vaccination rollout in the most affected countries

Abstract Background The mpox virus spreads through contact with infected material and causes flu-like symptoms and skin lesions. Common in Central and West Africa, a global rise in mpox cases in 2022 was observed, affecting mainly men who have sex with men. Methods The study analysed vaccination policies in the most affected WHO-EURO countries during the mpox outbreak, including the Netherlands, France, UK, Spain, Germany, Belgium, Portugal, and Switzerland. Epidemiological data from May to October 2022 (first wave) were compared. Additionally, the role of EU health institutions in assisting member states in controlling virus spread across the region was examined. Results By the end of May 2022, three countries (The Netherlands, France, and UK) initiated post-exposure vaccination shortly after the first case identification. Portugal, one of the most affected countries, implemented pre-exposure prophylaxis for high-risk groups by September, followed by Switzerland in November. Vaccination access for non-exposed priority groups varied, with France not requiring a medical prescription. EU cooperation in health was pivotal during the outbreak, with vaccines distributed through the EU4Health program budget via HERA to ensure preparedness. However, detailed information remains limited. Conclusions Countries’ responses to the mpox virus outbreak varied significantly, with discrepancies not always aligning with epidemiological data. These differences could stem from various factors, such as behavioural patterns, prior immunisation rates, and neighbouring countries’ policies. However, the unequal access to vaccines across the region underscores existing health disparities, particularly affecting stigmatised populations. Data on immunisation records were notably scarce in most countries, hindering thorough analysis of policy implementation and effectiveness. Additionally, further exploration is warranted into the role of LGBT associations and evidence of stigma surrounding the outbreak. Key messages • The mpox 2022 outbreak in Europe provides an important picture of cross-border health policies and public health responses for future emergences in a European cooperative environment. • Most national authorities provided limited information during the mpox 2022 outbreak; data on immunisation records and vaccine access is pivotal to assess countries’ health policies.

Clarifying social norms which have robustness against reputation costs and defector invasion in indirect reciprocity

The evolution of cooperation through indirect reciprocity is a pivotal mechanism for sustaining large-scale societies. Because third parties return cooperative behaviour in indirect reciprocity, reputations that assess and share these third parties’ behaviour play an essential role. Studies on indirect reciprocity have predominantly focused on the costs associated with cooperative behaviour, overlooking the costs tied to the mechanisms underpinning reputation sharing. Here, we explore the robustness of social norms necessary to secure the stability of indirect reciprocity, considering both the costs of reputation and the resilience against perfect defectors. Firstly, our results replicate that only eight social norms, known as the ‘leading eight,’ can establish a cooperative regime. Secondly, we reveal the robustness of these norms against reputation costs and perfect defectors. Our analysis identifies four norms that exhibit resilience in the presence of defectors due to their neutral stance on justified defection and another four that demonstrate robustness against reputation costs through their negative evaluation of unjustified cooperation. The study underscores the need to further research how reputational information is shared within societies to promote cooperation in diverse and complex environments.

Contribution of Green Supply Chain Management Practices towards a Sustainable Development—Applied Study in the Food Industry in Lebanon

This paper explores the effect of Green Supply Chain Management (GSCM) practices on the dimensions of Sustainable Development (SD) in the context of the Lebanese food industry. It aimed to examine to what extent GSCM practices and SD schemes are perceived in the food industry. As there is a growing concern and raising awareness of traceability among consumers in the food supply, researches can have a contribution to develop sustainability in food industry. As such, six GSCM practices, namely Eco-design (ED), Internal Environmental Management (IEM), Investment Recovery (IR), Green Purchasing (GP), Environmental Cooperation (EC) and Reverse Logistics (RL) were employed. These six GSCM variables were used to analyze structural relationships with the three dimensions of the SD, that is to say economic, environmental and social performances. The proposed model was tested using a questionnaire based survey via two modes of face to face and emails using a plant survey, senior managers of 88 food companies in Lebanon. The data were analyzed in SPSS and AMOS statistical programs. An Exploratory (Unrestricted) Factor Analysis (EFA), Confirmatory (Restricted) Factor Analysis (CFA) and multiple regressions were applied. The Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) revealed that the GSCM practices IR, GP, ED and IEM had significant relationships with one or more of the SD dimensions.On the basis of the findings, implications that may ameliorate the effect of GSCM practices on the SD dimensions can be taken into consideration. For instance, the enhance of the environmental cooperation with the suppliers and customers, improving the image of the company in the mind of their customers, reinforcing the commitment of GSCM from managers, utilization of cleaner technology, activation of internal performance evaluation system, enhancing the labor conditions and performing special training for workers on environmental issues.

Tapping the power of cooperation: unveiling the impact of intangible capital on competitive advantage

PurposeThis study analyzes the effects of cooperation on the relationship between intangible capital and competitive advantages.Design/methodology/approachThis study takes the case of an information technology company in a cooperative network environment through distribution channels and uses a quantitative approach to obtain and analyze data. Data were collected using a questionnaire and analyzed using structural equation modeling.FindingsThe creation of competitive advantage for the company was facilitated by psychological capital and cooperation networks.Originality/valueOur research reveals that cooperation networks mediate the relationship between intangible capital and competitive advantage, leading to moderate competitive leverage. This finding suggests that combining these dimensions can enhance future discussions on incorporating social capital as a third-order dimension in intellectual capital. Despite the rejection of psychological capital dimensions like optimism and persistence in the model, they still indicate critical success factors, which may be used in further research.

The Spiritual Education Value and Practical Approaches of Early Childhood Dance

Early childhood dance is an art activity for young children created according to the characteristics of their physical and mental development, which is characterized by intuitive image, sociality, and children's fantasy. It is characterized by intuitive image to show the form of all things for young children, which shows the knowledge of truth; young children shape their good character in the collective dance environment of cooperation and communication, which is for the sake of goodness; and young children experience the charm of dance art in the dance world of children's fantasy, which is for the sake of cultivating beauty. The truth, goodness and beauty it contains can nourish young children's hearts and promote the formation of positive psychological qualities in young children, which is an important way to educate young children. In this sense, educators should fully explore the value of early childhood dance according to the level of physical and mental development of young children, so as to achieve the dance wisdom - to promote the development of young children's cognitive ability, to dance ideology - to enhance the quality of young children's will, to dance and express their feelings. --Cultivate young children's positive emotions and feelings, nurture children's personality, and guide children's pro-social behavior. To realize dancing to nurture the heart and dancing to nurture people, and to promote the comprehensive and harmonious development of young children's body and mind.

AI/ML-based services and applications for 6G-connected and autonomous vehicles

AI and ML emerge as pivotal in overcoming the limitations of traditional network optimization techniques and conventional control loop designs, particularly in addressing the challenges of high mobility and dynamic vehicular communications inherent in the domain of connected and autonomous vehicles (CAVs). The survey explores the contributions of novel AI/ML techniques in the field of CAVs, also in the context of innovative deployment of multilevel cloud systems and edge computing as strategic solutions to meet the requirements of high traffic density and mobility in CAV networks. These technologies are instrumental in curbing latency and alleviating network congestion by facilitating proximal computing resources to CAVs, thereby enhancing operational efficiency also when AI-based applications require computationally-heavy tasks. A significant focus of this survey is the anticipated impact of 6G technology, which promises to revolutionize the mobility industry. 6G is envisaged to foster intelligent, cooperative, and sustainable mobility environments, heralding a new era in vehicular communication and network management. This survey comprehensively reviews the latest advancements and potential applications of AI/ML for CAVs, including sensory perception enhancement, real-time traffic management, and personalized navigation.

Possible development path for agricultural economic and trade cooperation in FTAAP: A numerical simulation

Exploring the path of developing agricultural economy and trade cooperation in the Free Trade Area of the Asia Pacific (FTAAP) is of great practical significance for deepening economic integration in the Asia Pacific region and strengthening regional agricultural development. This paper proposes three feasible paths based on RCEP, CPTPP, and the integration of RCEP and CPTPP to establish FTAAP. Moreover, a dynamic computable general equilibrium model of global trade is used to simulate the macroeconomic effects and the agricultural effects represented by China in forming FTAAP under these three paths. The research results show that six common policy nodes will promote macroeconomic growth in participating countries, and the effects of the in-depth implementation of RCEP and CPTPP will be greater than those of the initial implementation. Due to the broader base of participating economies and the higher level of openness, establishing FTAAP under Path 3 will yield greater macroeconomic effects and agricultural effects. Therefore, the path based on the integration of RCEP and CPTPP is an optimal selection for economic and trade cooperation of agriculture in FTAAP. All parties should actively overcome the obstacles to forming FTAAP and provide a stable internal and external industrial development environment for regional agricultural economic and trade cooperation.

Does environmental cooperation with suppliers matter under environmental strategy focus and digital technology knowledge?

ABSTRACT Environmental cooperation with suppliers (ECS) helps firms to effectively manage dispersed suppliers, thereby addressing stakeholders’ environmental concerns. However, the literature is inconclusive regarding the relationship between ECS and financial performance (FP). Unlike previous research on ECS, this study uses the motivation-opportunity-ability (MOA) theory to analyze the relationship between ECS and FP, with firm innovativeness as a mediator. Furthermore, environmental strategy focus and digital technology knowledge are considered contingent factors in the link between ECS and FP. The SPSS version of PROCESS was employed to test the hypotheses, using ordinary least squares regression with survey data collected from 136 Chinese firms. The results reveal that firm innovativeness positively mediates the relationship between ECS and FP. Moreover, environmental strategy focus and digital technology knowledge strengthen the indirect impact of ECS on FP via firm innovativeness. Finally, this study provides theoretical and practical implications for firms when implementing ECS and firm innovativeness.

The Role of Islamic Education in Building Collaborative Cultures within Nigerian Schools

This study investigates the role of Islamic education in fostering collaborative cultures within Nigerian schools. Recognizing the historical and cultural significance of Islamic education in Nigeria, this research explores how its principles and practices can contribute to building an environment of cooperation and mutual support among students. Utilizing a mixed-methods approach, data were collected through surveys and interviews with educators, students, and administrators from various Nigerian schools. The findings indicate that Islamic education promotes values such as community support, respect for diversity, and collaborative learning, which are essential for creating a cooperative school culture. The study highlights the potential of integrating Islamic educational principles into broader educational practices to enhance collaboration and improve educational outcomes. The implications of these findings suggest that policymakers and educators should consider the benefits of Islamic education in fostering a more inclusive and collaborative educational environment.

Q&A: Tareq Abu Hamed champions environmental cooperation in the Middle East

The Palestinian director of a research institute in Israel uses dialog and science diplomacy to tackle regional challenges related to water, energy, climate adaptation, and more.

Context transcription factors establish cooperative environments and mediate enhancer communication

Many enhancers control gene expression by assembling regulatory factor clusters, also referred to as condensates. This process is vital for facilitating enhancer communication and establishing cellular identity. However, how DNA sequence and transcription factor (TF) binding instruct the formation of high regulatory factor environments remains poorly understood. Here we developed a new approach leveraging enhancer-centric chromatin accessibility quantitative trait loci (caQTLs) to nominate regulatory factor clusters genome-wide. By analyzing TF-binding signatures within the context of caQTLs and comparing episomal versus endogenous enhancer activities, we discovered a class of regulators, ‘context-only’ TFs, that amplify the activity of cell type-specific caQTL-binding TFs, that is, ‘context-initiator’ TFs. Similar to super-enhancers, enhancers enriched for context-only TF-binding sites display high coactivator binding and sensitivity to bromodomain-inhibiting molecules. We further show that binding sites for context-only and context-initiator TFs underlie enhancer coordination, providing a mechanistic rationale for how a loose TF syntax confers regulatory specificity.

A Conceptual Study on Effective Teaching Strategies for Inclusive Classrooms

Creating inclusive classrooms is a crucial aspect of modern education, aiming to provide equal learning opportunities for all students, including those with disabilities and diverse learning needs. The study reviews related literature to find effective teaching strategies for an inclusive classroom. To accommodate varied learning styles and capacities, the research strongly emphasizes differentiated training. Additionally, it discusses the Universal Design for Learning (UDL) framework, which offers a variety of interaction, representation, and expression options to improve teaching and learning initiatives. The integration of assistive technology is highlighted for its role in enabling students to access the curriculum and participate fully in classroom activities. Furthermore, as a strategy for fostering an active and encouraging learning environment in the classroom, Positive Behaviour Support (PBS) is covered. The study emphasizes how significant it is to foster an inclusive, cooperative, and respectful classroom environment. This research offers a guide for teachers who are dedicated to establishing inclusive classrooms that promote the achievement of all students through a blend of theoretical concepts and real-world experiences. Therefore, this conceptual paper analyzes the importance of selecting appropriate teaching strategies to create a practical inclusive classroom.

A cooperative perception based adaptive signal control under early deployment of connected and automated vehicles

Connected vehicle-based adaptive traffic signal control requires certain market penetration rates (MPRs) to be effective, usually exceeding 10%. Cooperative perception based on connected and automated vehicles (CAVs) can effectively improve overall data collection efficiency and reduce required MPR. However, the distribution of observed vehicles under cooperative perception is highly skewed and imbalanced, especially under very low CAV MPRs (e.g., 1%). To address this challenge, this paper proposes a novel deep reinforcement learning-based adaptive traffic signal control (RL-TSC) method that integrates a traffic flow model, known as the cell transmission model (CTM), denoted as CAVLight. Traffic states estimated from the CTM are integrated with the data collected from the cooperative perception environment to update the states in the CAVLight model. The design of reward function aims for reducing total vehicle delays and stabilizing agent behaviors. Extensive numerical experiments under a real-world intersection with varying traffic demand levels and CAV MPRs are conducted to compare the performance of CAVLight and other benchmark algorithms, including a fixed-time controller, an actuated controller, the max pressure model, and an optimization-based adaptive TSC. Results demonstrate the superiority of CAVLight in performance and generalizability over benchmarks, especially under 1% CAV MPR scenario with high traffic demands. The influence of CTM integration on CAVLight is further explored through RL agent policy visualization and sensitivity analysis in CTM parameters and CAV perception capabilities (i.e., detection range and detection accuracy).

Transboundary Ecological Network Communities based on natural protected areas: A case study of the Mekong River Basin, Asia

Natural protected areas (NPAs) around the world play a crucial role in preserving Earth's biodiversity. Ecological networks can be used to identify the close connections between NPAs. The Mekong River, one of the most crucial international rivers in Southeast Asia, boasts a temperate climate and abundant water resources, serving as a hotspot for global biodiversity and a densely populated area with a complex macro-ecosystem. This study, based on the characteristics of cross-border ecosystems in the Mekong River Basin, introduces the concept of “Ecological Network Communities” (ENCs) and demonstrates its foundational construction methodology: firstly, the Minimum Cumulative Resistance (MCR) model is employed to construct ecological networks based on NPAs, followed by applying Clauset-Newman-Moore (CNM) algorithm for community detection within the river basin. The results of the study indicate the presence of deep structures within the ecological networks of the Mekong River Basin and ENCs are observed to exhibit variations over time. The study delves into the complexities of transboundary ecological networks, offering an effective methodology for community detection and uncovering the "Community Merging Effect” observed during the research. It emphasizes the need for constructing ecological networks and community-based management of protected areas, providing new directions for cross-national environmental cooperation and ecosystem management oriented towards complexity.