Foster Participation Research Articles

Community-Driven Health Promotion: Evaluation of a Rural Microgrant Program.

Microgrants for health promotion have the potential to engage communities in designing and implementing place-based interventions to improve health and social outcomes. However, the evidence base around microgrants for health promotion is limited. This study presents the evaluation of a health service-funded microgrant program for health promotion in rural Australia. The evaluation framework was developed through a participatory approach and involved collaborative logic model building and co-prioritized evaluation questions with health service staff and grant recipients. Evaluation questions focused on participation, short-term outcomes, and the perceived value of program activities. Qualitative methods (reflexive thematic analysis) were used to answer the evaluation questions. Data sources included semi-structured interviews with grantees (n = 11) and the health service's health promotion team (n = 4), electronic field notes kept by the health promotion team (n = 50 documents), electronic progress reports completed by grantees (n = 6) and information and feedback forums (n = 2). Since the program's inception in 2019, the health service has received 22 grant applications of which 15 were approved and 14 disbursed. Evaluation results show that grantees were community members with multiple roles, often with previous experience in applying for grants. Expected outcomes have been partially met, especially with regard to the program's aim of community empowerment. The most notable impact was the enhancement of participants' perception of and relationship with the health promotion team, as well as the creation of opportunities for community members such as exposure to art and bridging of social groups. Microgrants represent a feasible way to increase health opportunities and foster community participation in the planning and delivery of health promotion programs. The key program activities identified and suggested improvements can help guide program replication and adaptation by other small organizations. Community members who had previously received a health service grant were invited to participate in collaborative workshops and follow-up surveys to codesign the grant program evaluation framework, co-prioritize evaluation questions and guide the results' dissemination plan.

Sustainable restoration: addressing critical challenges through university‐led projects

The urgency to restore ecosystems amid climate change and biodiversity loss has led to widespread engagement in habitat restoration projects. However, many projects fall short of their goals, highlighting the need for innovation. We use a case study at our university to explore how the integration of habitat restoration into university curricula might address some of the major challenges to long‐term restoration success. We demonstrate how integration with university activities could help address three key challenges in restoration: insufficient planning and monitoring, limited community engagement, and lack of long‐term funding. Our approach demonstrates how involving students and faculty in restoration projects can enhance adaptive management by including these efforts in science curricula, foster community participation through volunteer engagement, and reduce costs through volunteer efforts and collaboration with campus entities. These findings suggest that universities can play a vital role in advancing ecological restoration, benefiting both society and the environment.

A conceptual framework for digital health marketing strategies to enhance public health outcomes in underserved communities

This paper proposes a conceptual framework for integrating digital health marketing strategies with public health initiatives to enhance healthcare access and outcomes in underserved communities. The framework focuses on leveraging digital marketing tools such as social media, mobile applications, email campaigns, and search engine optimization to disseminate critical health information, promote preventive measures, and engage communities in healthier behaviors. It addresses the persistent challenges faced by underserved populations, including limited healthcare access, low health literacy, and cultural barriers, by utilizing the accessibility and broad reach of digital channels. The proposed framework incorporates three core components: (1) Health Information Dissemination, which explores the use of targeted digital campaigns to provide culturally relevant and accessible health education; (2) Community Engagement, which leverages interactive platforms such as social media and mobile apps to foster participation in preventive healthcare initiatives and healthy lifestyle practices; and (3) Behavioral Change Promotion, which emphasizes using digital tools to influence health behaviors through personalized messaging, reminders, and virtual support groups. By integrating digital marketing strategies into public health programs, the framework aims to improve healthcare outcomes by increasing awareness of preventive measures, enhancing early diagnosis, and promoting disease management. It also underscores the role of data analytics in refining outreach efforts by identifying specific health needs, tracking engagement, and measuring the effectiveness of interventions. This conceptual framework holds promise for healthcare providers, policymakers, and digital marketers seeking to enhance public health outcomes in underserved communities. It provides a structured approach to combining the strengths of digital marketing with public health goals, creating more inclusive, accessible, and effective health interventions. Future research and case studies can build on this model to refine digital health marketing strategies and assess their long-term impact on public health in underserved populations.

A consumer-satisfaction model to foster consumer participation in digital sustainable energy systems

Active consumers lie at the heart of the energy transition towards digital sustainable energy systems. With digital technologies becoming more prevalent in smart homes and factories, there exists an array of opportunities for energy consumers to play an active role in the energy system and gain economic as well as ecological benefits, e.g., by generating renewable electricity themselves. Once consumers seize these opportunities, it affects the characteristics of consumed or sold energy, which we refer to as energy features (e.g., electricity price or regionality). To foster active consumer participation, understanding consumers’ preferences regarding energy features is imperative. We survey 401 private and 40 industrial consumers in Germany and analyze consumer satisfaction building on the Kano Model. Our results reveal which energy features are most important to foster consumer satisfaction and which are less important. Thus, they provide valuable insights on how to successfully foster active consumer participation in digital sustainable energy systems.

Experiential value and environmentally responsible behavioral intention in rock-climbing tourism: The role of place attachment and biospheric value

With increasing emphasis on environmental issues in outdoor leisure tourism, understanding the environmentally responsible behavioral intention (ERBI) of tourists is crucial to sustainable development. We explored the novel chain-mediating effect of experiential value on ERBI through place attachment and biospheric value among 300 recreational climbers in Yangshuo County, Guilin City. Using confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) and structural equation modeling (SEM), we found that the experiential value of climbing resorts had a direct effect on place attachment and biospheric value. Experiential value and place attachment had a moderate effect on ERBI, while biospheric value had a positive effect on ERBI. However, experiential value and place attachment indirectly influenced ERBI through the mediating effect of biospheric value. Finally, experiential value indirectly affected ERBI via the chain-mediating effects of place attachment and biospheric value. These findings extend existing theoretical frameworks by elucidating previously underexplored chain-mediation relationships. Practical insights derived from this study include strategies for enhancing the management and environmental protection of rock-climbing resorts. These strategies should focus on deepening the emotional connection between recreational climbers and the environment through innovative marketing approaches that emphasize tailored environmental protection activities, community involvement, and sustainable tourism practices. Management implicationsThe findings suggest three innovative strategies, building on existing practices, to foster sustainable tourism in rock-climbing resorts by connecting tourists with the environment. First, immersive programs such as ecotourism, wildlife observation, and multimedia experiences would enhance experiential value. These programs can promote environmentally responsible behavior by actively engaging tourists in environmental education and encouraging deeper interactions with nature, fostering place attachment and biospheric values. Second, content marketing, including storytelling and environmental campaigns that emphasize the ecological significance of rock-climbing resorts could position them as advocates for environmental conservation, especially ecosystem and biodiversity preservation. Third, personalized marketing can strengthen place attachment. Tourists could share personal photos on social media and receive symbolic rewards, such as sustainable tourism certificates. These strategies will actively engage tourists in environmental conservation and sustainable tourism efforts, foster long-term participation, and enhance the unique appeal of resorts as leaders in eco-friendly tourism. Management implicationsThe findings suggest three innovative strategies, building on existing practices, to foster sustainable tourism in rock-climbing resorts by connecting tourists with the environment. First, immersive programs such as ecotourism, wildlife observation, and multimedia experiences would enhance experiential value. These programs can promote environmentally responsible behavior by actively engaging tourists in environmental education and encouraging deeper interactions with nature, fostering place attachment and biospheric values. Second, content marketing, including storytelling and environmental campaigns that emphasize the ecological significance of rock-climbing resorts could position them as advocates for environmental conservation, especially ecosystem and biodiversity preservation. Third, personalized marketing can strengthen place attachment. Tourists could share personal photos on social media and receive symbolic rewards, such as sustainable tourism certificates. These strategies will actively engage tourists in environmental conservation and sustainable tourism efforts, foster long-term participation, and enhance the unique appeal of resorts as leaders in eco-friendly tourism.

Addressing Low Speaking Proficiency in EFL Students: The Impact of Integrated Teaching Strategies in an Islamic Education Setting

The primary aim of this study was to address the challenges of low speaking proficiency and motivation among second-year students in an Islamic education university department. This was achieved by implementing an integrated teaching strategy within a Classroom Action Research (CAR) framework to enhance students' speaking skills and active involvement in the learning process. The study employed a CAR design, conducted over two cycles. Each cycle comprised four stages: planning, action, observation, and reflection. The intervention involved an integrated teaching strategy that combined multiple language skills—listening, speaking, reading, and writing—within a cohesive instructional framework. Data were collected through post-tests, observation checklists, and reflection notes. Quantitative data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and paired sample t-tests, while qualitative data were examined through thematic analysis. The results demonstrated significant improvements in both speaking performance and student engagement between Cycle 1 and Cycle 2. In Cycle 1, the majority of students scored in the "Fair" category, with only 24.39% achieving "Good" scores. Following strategic adjustments, Cycle 2 saw a marked increase in average post-test scores, with 87.80% of students meeting or exceeding the success criteria. The level of active involvement also rose significantly, reflecting the effectiveness of the revised integrated strategy. The findings highlight the value of integrated language instruction and the importance of iterative refinement in teaching methodologies. This study contributes to the theoretical understanding of language acquisition and offers practical insights for EFL educators, particularly in contexts where students face challenges in developing speaking proficiency. The study underscores the need for creating supportive and engaging learning environments that foster student participation and language development.This study provides empirical evidence supporting the effectiveness of integrated teaching strategies in EFL contexts, particularly within Islamic education settings. It demonstrates how Classroom Action Research can be utilized to improve teaching practices and student outcomes continuously. The research offers a model that can be adapted and applied in similar educational contexts to enhance language learning.

Occupational Participation Among Older Adults During the COVID-19 Pandemic.

Background. The COVID-19 pandemic led to abrupt occupational disruption for all people. However, some populations, like older adults, were disproportionately impacted particularly in the earlier waves. Purpose. The purpose of this study was to explore and understand how the occupational participation of community-dwelling older adults was experienced during the COVID-19 pandemic, using the Canadian Model of Occupational Participation (CanMOP) to contextualize findings. Method. Sixty-seven older adults participated in semi-structured interviews from September 2020 to May 2021, 37 of which also participated in a follow-up interview one-year later. Findings. Using reflexive thematic analysis, four themes were generated: (1) experiences of loss are complex and layered for older adults, (2) technology as a medium for occupational participation, (3) risk perception influences return to occupation, and (4) age-related challenges for older adults resuming volunteer work. Conclusion. Increasing frequency and severity of influenza pandemics and other disasters are a global concern, and OTs can use their skillsets to foster participation and expand occupational possibilities for older adults. The CanMOP was a helpful tool to understand the nuances underlying the participation of older adults in this context.

Abstract A129: So much of everything is rooted and caring for the family:” Community-Informed Colorectal Cancer Screening Education Recommendations for Filipinos in Hawaiʻi

Abstract Background. Colorectal cancer (CRC) incidence in Hawai‘i is higher than the U.S. with the highest age-adjusted rates among Filipinos. Among Asian and Pacific Islander ethnic subgroups in Hawaiʻi, Filipinos have the lowest CRC screening rates (69.9) compared to Japanese (82.0), and Native Hawaiians (73.3). Majority of CRC diagnoses can be prevented by CRC screening. This qualitative pilot study examined descriptive cognitive and cultural beliefs associated with CRC and screening and recommendations for culturally relevant prevention to reach Filipinos in Hawaiʻi. Methods. Key informant interviews were conducted in English with Ilokano translation when needed. Questions covered participants' knowledge about CRC and screening and their preferences in receiving CRC prevention education. Interviews lasted 15-30 minutes and were transcribed verbatim. Using Dedoose, two coders used inductive thematic coding. Codes were compared for corroboration, a referee was included when needed, and recoding continued until coders reached agreement. Results. Eleven females and three males (N=12) aged 50+ who identified as Filipino were interviewed. A total of 293 codes were created under 12 primary themes, e.g., “CRC attitudes and beliefs,” “family,” “culture-deterrents.” Common themes across interviewees were : 1) Health is not a priority 2) Family as motivation 3) No/limited knowledge of colorectal cancer 4) Education preferred through personal experiences and familiar relationships. Knowledge of CRC was low (N=9/12). Healthcare is often deprioritized due to cultural beliefs (N=11/12), busy schedules (N=8/12), fear of diagnosis (N=8/12), and, with economic pressures leading participants to prioritize work over health (N=8/12). However, strong familial motivations drive participants to take preventive health measures to avoid burdening their loved ones (N=7/12). Culturally tailored CRC prevention education programs should incorporate language and cultural relatability (n=10/12), storytelling (N=9/12),, and trusted medical authority (N=8/12).Conclusion. Addressing the identified barriers (limited knowledge) and leveraging strong family values will foster participation in CRC screening and participation in programs promoting screening. Personable and culturally tailored education that fosters emotional and relatable connections encourages participants' motivation and understanding of CRC to effectively reach Filipino communities in Hawaiʻi. Findings provide insight toward developing novel, culturally tailored interventions for Filipino families to increase CRC screening participation in this Asian community who experience screening disparities. Citation Format: Jena Funakoshi, Alisa Peralta, Marc Rollon, Tressa P. Diaz, Angela Sy. So much of everything is rooted and caring for the family:” Community-Informed Colorectal Cancer Screening Education Recommendations for Filipinos in Hawaiʻi [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 17th AACR Conference on the Science of Cancer Health Disparities in Racial/Ethnic Minorities and the Medically Underserved; 2024 Sep 21-24; Los Angeles, CA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev 2024;33(9 Suppl):Abstract nr A129.

Abstract A115: Utilizing digital storytelling to improve the recruitment of Black and Hispanic patients for a genetic predisposition to prostate cancer screening trial

Abstract Introduction: Clinical genomics leads to more effective cancer prevention, diagnosis, and treatment. Prostate cancer (PC) significantly impacts Black and Hispanic men, but participation in clinical trials and PC risk management methods like genetic testing and screening remains low. Barriers to diversity and inclusion in clinical trials include cultural and socioeconomic factors. Digital storytelling is an effective tool for building trust and increasing community engagement. We aim to develop and assess the use of digital storytelling to improve recruitment of Black and Hispanic patients in a trial for men at high genetic risk for developing PC (clinicaltrials.gov NCT03805919) and raise awareness of genetic testing and enrollment in clinical trials within these communities. Methods: Guided by the Assessing Community Engagement Conceptual Model, we will establish a community advisory panel (CAP) comprised of patient advocates, community, and clinical partners with a strong interest in increasing clinical trial representation of Black and Hispanic patients at high genetic risk for developing PC. CAP participants will be identified from existing partners and through snowballing techniques, which involve asking partners to recommend other CAP participants. The CAP will co-design storytelling interview questions, baseline, and outcome assessments and collectively determine effective methods for digital story dissemination. To evaluate the impact of storytelling on awareness, interest, and participation in genetic testing, medical management, and clinical trial recruitment among Black and Hispanic men, outcome assessments co-designed with the CAP will be administered pre and post-video viewing and include viewer qualitative interviews. Results: Filmed interviews with Black and Hispanic participants will be conducted. Interviews will focus on participant experiences with clinical trials, genetic testing, and cancer risk management. Interview transcripts will be in English and Spanish with forward and back translation to ensure accuracy using National Institutes of Health resources. Local and national partners, community organizations, faith-based institutions, healthcare facilities, and advocacy groups identified by the CAP will facilitate dissemination. Digital stories will be distributed across various multimedia platforms to maximize outreach and accessibility, including community web platforms, social media channels, podcasts, local radio stations, educational workshops, health fairs, cultural events, churches, and support groups. Conclusion: Building strategies for improving patient-centered care delivery and community engagement within culturally diverse populations will enhance clinical trial diversity and inclusion. Using digital storytelling as a recruitment strategy for clinical trials can foster trust, engagement, and participation within Black and Hispanic communities. Study findings will contribute to future clinical trial design and recruitment to enhance underrepresented minority participation in clinical research. Citation Format: Yi Liu, Brenda Adjei, Anna Couvillon, Kathleen Calzone, Fatima Karzai. Utilizing digital storytelling to improve the recruitment of Black and Hispanic patients for a genetic predisposition to prostate cancer screening trial [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 17th AACR Conference on the Science of Cancer Health Disparities in Racial/Ethnic Minorities and the Medically Underserved; 2024 Sep 21-24; Los Angeles, CA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev 2024;33(9 Suppl):Abstract nr A115.

Ascending past constraints through immersion into the social worlds of climbing gyms

Gyms are community hubs centered around physical activity and in recent years indoor climbing gyms have witnessed unprecedented growth globally as the sport has moved from extreme to the mainstream. As the sport continues to grow, the industry seeks to understand how to both keep new climbers and progress climbers already invested in the sport. The study sought to understand how individuals encountered and negotiated constraints as they became progressively immersed into the social worlds of the activity. Interviews were conducted with indoor rock climbers in Australia and Canada ranging in experience and social world progression (N = 27). The findings revealed the nature of constraints and the ways in which individuals negotiated them evolved as they become more immersed into the social community of climbing. Practically, this research provides the climbing industry with insight on how to assist in creating and maintaining climbing communities to foster continued participation.

Community engagement in mobile and hard-to-reach populations: a community-based intervention for malaria elimination in a tri-national region of the Guiana Shield.

Several countries of the Guiana Shield are aiming at the control and elimination of malaria in areas where Artisanal and Small-scale Gold Mining (ASGM) activities predominate, raising questions about how to strengthen community engagement to improve the effectiveness of health programs. The Curema project focuses its intervention on the mobile and hard-to-reach ASGM population, complementing the efforts of national programs in the Guiana Shield. The Curema intervention combines targeted drug administration for suspected Plasmodium vivax asymptomatic carriers, the Malakit distribution, and health education activities. The primary goals of this manuscript are to outline a pathway to foster community participation in the Curema project aimed at eliminating malaria. Thus, it presents a vision of the challenges that the AGSM community poses in terms of community participation for an asymptomatic problem; and highlights the community-based model and the Information, Education and Communication (IEC) components as foundations for participation. In addition, it also presents culturally sensitive IEC strategies designed through iterative and collaborative consultative processes and other bottom-up outreach activities. The community engagement approach facilitates adaptability and responsiveness in a complex, evolving context increasing the effectiveness of interventions.

Prevalence and Factors Associated With Healthy Aging in a Large Representative Community Sample of Older Ethiopians.

Objectives: To examine the prevalence and predictors of healthy aging among community-dwelling older adults living in Bahir Dar, Ethiopia. Methods: A community-based cross-sectional study included older adults aged 60 and above (n = 845; Mage = 71 years; 56.4% females). Poisson regression estimated the Relative Risk (RR) of factors associated with healthy aging status. Results: 36.7% of respondents were classified as healthy agers. Factors associated with an increased likelihood of healthy aging included reporting not being lonely, adequate nutrition, no multimorbidity, good self-rated health, financial independence, and engaging in at least 1hour of moderate physical activity per week. Discussion: The proportion of healthy agers in this study was substantially lower compared to developed countries but comparable to the prevalence reported in similar developing nations. Enhancing physical activity, ensuring proper nutrition, interventions to foster social participation engagement, and networking, and managing chronic diseases were identified as promising strategies to promote healthy aging.

EXPLORING THE MOTIVATIONAL FACTORS INFLUENCING YOUTH ATTENDANCE AT BADMINTON MATCHES

Sports play a significant place in Malaysian culture, serving as both a spectator and participant activity. Organized badminton events have the potential to enhance sport tourism revenue by drawing in both local and international fans keen to support their favourite teams. Understanding the motivations of specific market segments, particularly the youth, is vital for effective sports industry marketing. However, a lack of motivation among youth to attend badminton events can lead to diminished interest in these events. Consequently, this study aims to examine the factors influencing the motivation of youth to attend badminton matches in Malaysia. The study's sample comprises 341 students from UUM, selected through convenience sampling technique. The findings reveal that self-esteem is the foremost motivation for attending badminton matches (mean=4.31), followed by factors of group (mean=4.30), family (mean=4.17), entertainment (mean=4.08), escape (mean=3.98), eustress (mean=3.94), and aesthetics (mean=3.37). Furthermore, most respondents identify as badminton fans, indicating potential growth opportunities for the badminton industry. Understanding fan motivations can enable the industry to better meet their needs, thereby contributing to its expansion and success. This study underscores the importance of engaging youth in badminton events to foster sustained interest and participation in sports tourism initiatives.

Improving Disaster Response in Indonesia Through Culturally Integrated Communication Strategy

This study aims to analyze the communication strategies employed by the Regional Disaster Management Agency (BPBD) in disaster risk reduction efforts in Sidoarjo. Effective communication is crucial in ensuring community preparedness and resilience against disasters. This research adopts a qualitative method with a case study approach, using in-depth interviews, documentation, and literature review as data collection techniques. The primary data were analyzed using thematic analysis to identify critical patterns and insights. The results reveal that BPBD employs various communication strategies, including social media, public campaigns, and collaboration with local leaders. These efforts are designed to increase public awareness, disseminate early warning information, and foster community participation in disaster preparedness programs. Challenges identified include limited access to remote areas, inadequate resources, and low public engagement due to cultural and socio-economic factors. The discussion emphasizes the importance of integrating local wisdom and community-based approaches to enhance the effectiveness of disaster communication. The study concludes that combining modern technology and traditional communication methods is essential for comprehensive disaster risk reduction. Strengthening stakeholder collaboration and investing in capacity-building initiatives are also recommended for future improvements.

Fostering social participation among older adults: Perspectives of stakeholders

Background Fostering social participation for active and healthy ageing among older adults is an urgent issue in a changing society that requires new approaches from occupational therapists as well as from society at large. Aim To explore possibilities to foster social participation for older adults in society from the perspective of stakeholders. Material and methods A qualitative design was applied. 18 key informants, engaged in supporting older adults in their organisational roles as either professionals or volunteers, participated in five different focus groups discussions. Results The results involved two overarching themes that reflects different perspectives on key informants’ possibilities to foster social participation for older adults. The first theme describes how they direct their attention towards their roles within the organisations to foster social participation in their own context. The second theme describes the broader societal perspectives that they address to establish a common ground for collaboration and knowledge-sharing among different stakeholders. Conclusions The findings emphasise how addressing common challenges and developing collaboration are essential to foster older adults’ social participation. It is therefore necessary to involve policy-makers and decision-makers. Occupational therapists and researchers should consider the value of occupational justice to drive collective and social approaches.

Harnessing Nature's Power to Cleanse Water Bodies through Phytoremediation of Aquatic Plants

The use of plants to remove, detoxify, or immobilize environmental contaminants, a process known as phytoremediation, is an emerging field with significant potential for the sustainable and economical treatment of polluted water bodies. Aquatic plants are uniquely suited for this purpose due to their inherent capabilities to uptake and metabolize a diverse range of pollutants such as heavy metals, pesticides, and organic compounds. Although the method does present challenges, including the length of time for effective cleanup and potential toxin bioaccumulation, innovative advancements in fields like genetic engineering and integrated remediation techniques offer promising avenues to overcome these hurdles. Additionally, the function of phytoremediation in carbon sequestration, paired with potential commercial uses, underscores its role as an essential tool for sustainable environmental stewardship. Therefore, it's crucial to continue research, encourage policy backing, and foster community participation to fully exploit the benefits of phytoremediation in aquatic settings.

Human dimensions in shellcraft: tool ownership differentiates taxa utilised and products produced

Throughout the Pacific Islands, shellcraft has begun to feature prominently in development intervention which aims to generate positive livelihood outcomes for coastal communities. This activity often involves the post-harvest processing of natural assets, namely shells and skeletal remains of marine taxa, into jewellery by individuals or small-sized enterprises. To foster participation in shellcraft, development intervention commonly involves gifting or subsidising physical assets. Yet knowledge of the natural (i.e., taxa) and physical (i.e., tools) assets required for shellcraft remains scant. An understanding of human dimensions in shellcraft pertaining to patterns in asset use, such as how tool ownership differentiates taxa utilised and products produced, is important for determining if access to a specific tool is necessary, or an encumbrance, for achieving a desired outcome. In this study, we identified tools used and variation in tool ownership among artisans engaged in shellcraft to afford an accurate and realistic understanding of the tools required to participate in this activity. We then evaluate how ownership of a specific tool or type of tool differentiates both taxa utilisation and product production for shellcraft. Results indicate ownership of neither all nor any specific tool was required to participate in shellcraft, with artisans typically owning a unique combination of tools. Furthermore, results identified that some specific tools were critical for affecting the attractiveness of utilising certain taxa or producing certain products. Implications of the significant relationships between specific tools and certain taxa or products are discussed in the context of development intervention and commonly articulated theories of change where shellcraft is linked to subsistence fishing, aquaculture, or tourism.

“Tell Me who You Hang Out with and I'll Tell You Who You Are”: Analysis of How the Social Contacts´ Gender Predicts Self-Concept as a Socially Engaged Person and Intention of Future Social Participation Among Young People

The purpose of this work was to study the effect of gender on the social influence processes that explain the young people’ social participation. A total of 962 Spanish undergraduate students completed a questionnaire assessing their likelihood of engaging in social participation in the future, their self-concept as socially engaged people, and the number of socially involved contacts in their social networks, distinguishing between male and female contacts. We found that gender homophily characterised the social networks of both women and men. Consistent with gender stereotyping, being female predicted self-concept and the intention to be civically engaged, and being male predicted the intention to be politically engaged. For both genders, the number of female contacts predicted the intention to be civically engaged only, and the number of male contacts predicted the intention to be politically engaged. Moreover, for males, having a more gender-heterogeneous social network predicted to a greater extent their self-concept as socially engaged. The findings provide new insights for targeting interventions designed to foster social participation in women and men.

Literature review on the history of Indonesia's universal defense system

The debate over the concept of Indonesia's national defense and security system has been a significant topic since independence until the reform era. This article aims to discuss the dynamics of the Universal People's Defense System within the National Defense and Security System from the independence period to the reform era. A documentation study method is used to collect and analyze important documents such as laws, government policies, official reports, and relevant literature. Data analysis is conducted to identify significant changes in the concept and implementation of the National Defense System and its impact on the system's sustainability. Findings indicate that the national defense concept remains relevant and should be maintained. The Universal People's System involves all societal components, territorial integrity, natural resources, and other means, strengthening military and non-military defense integration, increasing respect, and enhancing deterrence. This concept is still valid in the reform era and remains upheld after the 1945 Constitution amendment. The debate on Indonesia's national protection and security system has been a fundamental issue from independence to the reform era, covering national security, protection, safety functions, and policies. Implications for education include integrating national defense topics in schools to foster public awareness and participation, contributing to a well-informed, participatory society.

Role of collaborative governance in unlocking private investment in sustainable projects

This scholarly investigation scrutinizes the involvement of the private sector in environmentally sustainable projects, employing the cross-sectional autoregressive distributed lag methodology on yearly data spanning from 2000 to 2020 across 11 low and lower-middle-income Asian nations. It specifically assesses the influence of the good governance index. Findings indicate a notable correlation, where a 1% enhancement in the index corresponds to a 0.34% increase in private engagement in green projects in the short term and a 0.64% increase in the long term. The study underscores the significance of economic stability; a 1% escalation in uncertainty leads to a 0.56% short term and 0.73% long-term reduction in private participation. It underscores the driving role of gross domestic product growth and the proliferation of small and medium-sized enterprises, emphasizing the necessity for tailored financial instruments to stimulate private investment in green projects. Moreover, it explores practical policy avenues such as e-government services, information and communication technology-driven digital transformation, sustainable corporate governance, and issuance of state-backed green bonds to foster private-sector participation in eco-friendly initiatives. Future research avenues encompass examining the repercussions of the pandemic on private green investments and evaluating the efficacy of the public-private partnership model in green projects across these economies.