International Community Research Articles

Policyholders’ subjective beliefs: approaching new drivers of insurance ESG reputational risk

Abstract Firms, insurance companies, pension funds, and broadly speaking the international community focus already their engagement activities on environmental, social and governance (ESG) issues since it can create long-term shareholder value, by determining the future performance of markets. Indeed ESG criteria adoption has multiple positive dimensions and outcomes, meanwhile, the analysis of the risks related to sustainability is already uncommon. In this paper, we provide a formal theoretical valuation system on ESG reputation, i.e., the reputation or the gain in confidence produced by possession of a positive reputation compared to the lack of one when the ESG criteria are integrated into the business analysis. In particular, we model the ESG reputational risk by means of the paradigms of behavioural finance. We define the ESG reputational risk by subjective probabilities framed in a probability function based on preferences set of the potential trustees, such as actors or objects in whom others may seek to place trust. Furthermore, we compute the sustainability premium or discount, which measures the economic impact of the good or bad reputation due to ESG investments. One of the approach’s main features is the flexibility coming from the opportunity to assign a given analytical form of the utility function describing the trustor’s preferences. From an operational point of view, our results should encourage the firms and other institutions to accurately evaluate the reputational risks related to ESG investments.

Pastoralism and women’s role in food security in the Ethiopian Somali region

AbstrctPastoralism has a significant role in food security for ages particularly in sub-Saharan Africa, where elevated levels of food insecurity persist. The main aim of this paper is to explore the role of pastoralists and their livestock in enhancing food security in the Somali region of Ethiopia, with a special focus on the contributions of women involved in pastoral activities starting from the fact that their crucial role was often underemphasized in earlier studies. The survey was based on two primary qualitative data collections methods: in depth interviews and focus group. In contrast secondary data were acquired through an insight into literature on the subject. The results from the study have shown a strong relationship between pastoralism and food security in the Somali region highlighting the need to address challenges that limit women’s roles and participation in pastoral activities. The findings of the study have implications for policymakers, development practitioners, pastoral communities and the wider international community. Promoting sustainable livestock farming and enhancing food security in the Somali region of Ethiopia is critical to achieving global food security and sustainable development. The findings also highlighted the need for further research to explore the links between sustainable livestock husbandry, traditional knowledge, and adaptation to climate change in pastoral communities.

Conception, construction, implementation, and challenges with establishing a Tinian ex situ conservation program for Cycas micronesica: Lessons learned

AbstractGuam was invaded by the cycad‐specific Aulacaspis yasumatsui (Diaspididae) in 2003. Aulacaspis yasumatsui is a major threat to cycad species. Within months, the pest began killing Cycas micronesica trees. A conservation plan to establish an ex situ germplasm collection of this cycad species on the nearby island of Tinian (Commonwealth of the Mariana Islands) that was free of the pest was developed in 2005. We report on the original construction and development of this collection and discuss the relevance of this case study to the international plant conservation agenda. Seeds were collected from 12 areas of occupancy in Guam, and more than 1000 seedlings were planted in a remote forested site in north Tinian in 2008. The semi‐natural germplasm collection was maintained by a resident crew, and the population grew to almost 1200 healthy individuals by 2018. Changes in management personnel in the funding agency occurred in 2018, excluding all cycad specialists from the project thereafter. An invasion of A. yasumatsui into the remote ex situ site was recognized in 2019, and observations from 2023 confirm only 208 surviving individuals remain due to the changes in conservation protocols. Conservation failures should be summarized and published such that the international conservation community can learn from the mistakes. Therefore, our goal herein is to document the developments of this case study to inform conservation of all cycad species that become threatened by A. yasumatsui.

BRICS and Climate Change Law: An Opportunity to Save the Planet

Climate change is a global problem requiring the cooperation of different states to cope with it. This global challenge has been a major concern for the international community mainly through several United Nations Treaties and other international bodies. Despite having a huge appeal to all countries of the world, the implementation of climate change interventions has yet to produce the desired results. The BRICS Plus initiative presents an opportunity for further cooperation with like-minded countries that are at the forefront of driving the global economy. BRICS Plus also presents an opportunity for cooperation to tackle climate change. This paper analyses how countries' cooperation under the BRICS contributes to developing the international climate change regime. BRICS is a bloc of top emerging economies - Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa - which has been enlarging since January 2024 by adding new member states such as Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates (UAE). This paper evaluates relevant provisions of the Johannesburg II Declaration of 2023 and the climate pledges of original and new BRICS members expressed in their Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) under the Paris Agreement. Based on this evaluation, the article concludes with a common vision of the development of climate change policy by the bloc and how differences and similarities of approaches of the BRICS members contribute to the cooperation for addressing the climate change challenge.

War Crimes and Legal Accountability in the 2023 Israel-Gaza Conflict

Hamas's use of armed force against Israel precipitated a large-scale war. Both Israel and Palestine suffered significant losses, including civilian casualties and damage to civilian infrastructure. Given these events, it is crucial to assess the violations committed by both sides to offer recommendations for international alignment and post-conflict resolution efforts. This research examines visual and written online news coverage of war events during the conflict's first ten days, along with international responses. The study aims to evaluate potential violations committed by Israel and Hamas according to jus in bello principles, drawing from both international agreements and customary international law. Furthermore, this research will assess the international community's legitimacy regarding parties perpetuating the destruction. This research found that both Hamas and Israel have violated international law. Specifically, they violated jus in bello (humanitarian law), and Hamas additionally violated jus ad bellum (the law of aggression). Conversely, Israel's actions in self-defense are considered illegal. As a result of these violations, both Hamas and Israel could potentially be held accountable before the International Criminal Court.KEYWORDS: International law, Justice of war, Israel-Palestine dispute, Use of force.

Fighting the Minor Evils: Slavery and the Diverse Lives of Abolitionism in the Ottoman Empire

Abstract Historians have long argued that abolitionism, as a distinct political project, never fully took root in the Ottoman Empire. While anti-slavery measures emerged from the mid-nineteenth century onwards, they are often seen as state-imposed responses to diplomatic pressure. From a state-focused perspective, abolition indeed appears to be the result of actions by the Ottoman state and international community, inevitably so, given its entanglement with the emergence and development of the Congress system in the aftermath of the Congress of Vienna. Yet a focus on individuals, organizations, and institutions also suggests a subversive, practical abolitionism concerned with everyday injustices rather than lofty ideals. This paper examines such efforts, reframing abolitionism as a political issue rather than a moral one detached from broader transformations. By situating abolitionist thought within the late Ottoman Empire’s increasingly radical politics, it challenges the conventional state-centered narrative, highlighting the diverse actors who shaped anti-slavery discourse and action.

The Significance of the Berlin Process for Kosovo - Challenges and Opportunities for Sustainable Integration

Purpose: This scientific work aims to reveal the depth of the influence of the Berlin process on the integration process of the Western Balkans, i.e. Kosovo. Through the assessment of challenges and achievements, the impact of this process will be presented in the progress of the perspective of Kosovo's membership in the European Union and the construction of a stable and united region in the Western Balkans. Theoretical Reference: The Berlin Process is an initiative initiated and led by Germany, the purpose of which is to facilitate regional cooperation between the six countries of the Western Balkans (WB6) with a vision to help them meet the criteria for accession to the European Union (EU). After the decision of the European Union to suspend the enlargement process for a period of 5 years, in order to prevent the weakening of the continuation of reforms in the countries of the Western Balkans, the Berlin Process was introduced at the initiative of Chancellor Merkel and with the support of the EU member states, as an instrument for the continuation of the multilateral and reform dialogue for the countries of the Western Balkans. Balkans. This process, supported by EU financial aid for the countries of the Western Balkans, positively contributed to the acceleration of infrastructural, economic and energy market reforms, the promotion of cultural, academic and youth cooperation, as well as the intensification of dialogue. on unresolved bilateral issues such as Kosovo-Serbia, etc. Method: Data processing of 110 respondents and a structured interview of five domestic actors of this process will give us clear conclusions and recommendations that are worth including in the further continuation of negotiations and the implementation of the requirements arising from this initiative. Results and conclusion: The results emphasize the need for the commitment and support of the countries participating in the process, and especially the EU, in supporting Kosovo's commitment to reforms and integration into the international community. Also, through research, we managed to discuss the role of the Berlin process, in accelerating reforms and Kosovo's advantages on the way to integration into the European Union. Implications of the research: The work provides us with an opportunity to understand the challenges and importance of the Berlin Process for Kosovo and the role and influence of institutional and non-institutional actors, such as international actors and non-governmental organizations. Originality/value: The document contributes to the continuous promotion of the debate in Kosovo society, about the importance of such a process for regional cooperation and for governments in Kosovo to understand the role they play in the country's rapid progress towards the EU.

The iSchools landscape: Diversity, inclusiveness, and global identity

AbstractThe iSchools represent an international community of over 130 university faculties. They have a shared interest in research and teaching about information. The findings reported here provide insight into the perspectives and visions of the deans and directors of 75 iSchools. Findings show that (1) attention to people, information, and technology represents shared values; and (2) the global identity of the community blends diversity and inclusiveness. The diversity and inclusiveness of the iSchools requires balancing academic traditions with innovations. The current leaders use this balance to the community's identity as well as Information Science scholarship as a discipline.

The availability of essential medicines in public healthcare facilities in Afghanistan: navigating sociopolitical and geographical challenges.

During the past two decades, the Afghan government, along with the international community, has developed a system aimed at improving access to essential healthcare services under Afghanistan's challenging sociopolitical and geographical circumstances. In 31 provinces, nonstate actors competed for fixed-term contracts to implement a predefined package of healthcare services. In three provinces, the government organized the provision of healthcare services. An independent third party monitored service provision, including access to medicines. This study examines the availability of essential medicines in Afghanistan's public healthcare facilities and how this is shaped by sociopolitical challenges, geographical barriers, and the organization of the healthcare system. Between March and July 2021, enumerators collected data at 885 healthcare facilities across Afghanistan. For our analysis, we combined data on medicine availability and the functioning of the health system with publicly available information about geographical and sociopolitical factors, including security incidents. Using regression analysis, we identified facility-, district-, and provincial-level factors related to medicine availability in public healthcare facilities. On average, 70% of 31 selected essential medicines were available in 2021. The availability of medicines varied significantly between provinces and was considerably higher in those where services were contracted out to nonstate actors (n = 31; 91%) compared to provinces where service provision was organized by the government (n = 3; 9%). The most important drivers of variation in medicine availability included geographical barriers, securing and allocating funds at the provincial level, and organizing and sustaining physical capacity at the facility level. Insecurity was not a key factor driving variation in medicine availability. Despite the sociopolitical challenges in 2021, the availability of essential medicines in public healthcare facilities was relatively high. The results suggest that decentralized procurement of medicines by nonstate actors and timely payment of funds contribute to medicine availability. Strategies to improve medicine availability should target hard-to-reach areas and lower-level facilities.

INFLUENCE OF DRUG DELIVERY SYSTEMS ON THE SAFETY AND EFFECTIVENESS PROFILE OF RIBAVIRIN

Ribavirin is an antiviral drug with a wide spectrum of pharmacological activity. The development of drug delivery systems that increase the safety and effectiveness of ribavirin has been the subject of scientific research for decades. The aim of this article is to examine the published information on this topic, evaluate it according to several criteria, and outline the primary perspectives on this subject within the fields of pharmacy and pharmacology. The results of the evaluation indicate that, despite the extensive and ongoing discourse surrounding the potential modifications to ribavirin within the international scientific community, the majority of publications adopt an illustrative approach. Many relevant and promising applied studies require further development, comprehensive biopharmaceutical indicator testing, rigorous clinical efficacy assessment, and a thorough evaluation of patient compliance.

Children Subjected to Forced Separation and Wartime Trauma: Focus on Hostage Twins in the Hamas-Israel War

Abstract An especially critical task is to raise awareness of the effects of war on children, in general, and with reference to specific children whose circumstances might enhance their vulnerability. Starting points, from which we begin our discussion, are the abduction and separation of 3-year-old identical twins during the Hamas attacks on the South of Israel, on October 7, 2023. Emphasis is given to these twins’ circumstances and to all children’s heightened vulnerability to the detrimental effects of war-related trauma, including mental health issues such as anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress disorder. Specific attention is given to the profound bond between identical twins and the devastating consequences of separation on their immediate and long-term emotional well-being. Drawing on research findings surrounding children at war and on historical evidence for the effects of twin separation on individuals exposed to war, our commentary underscores the urgent need for awareness and condemnation of the direct targeting of children. We advocate the preservation of family ties as essential for fostering children’s resilience and emotional support. We also call upon professional organizations and the international community to prioritize the reunification of children with their families as a moral imperative in safeguarding the well-being and future of innocent children exposed to terrorism and conflict in war-torn regions.

Selected Papers from MEDER 2024: Advances of Mechanism Design for Robotic Machines

This Special Issue aims to promote and circulate the recent developments and achievements of the international community in the field of Robot Design within Mechanism and Machine Science, ranging from theoretical contributions to experimental and practical applications [...]

In silico studies and in vitro evaluation of isatin-pyridine oxime hybrids as novel reactivators of acetylcholinesterase inhibited by an A-230 surrogate.

Recent events involving nerve agents of the A-Series, a once elusive class of chemical warfare agents, have provoked a great concern in the international community. In this paper, continuing our research efforts in Medicinal Chemistry at theBrazilian Institute of Chemical, Biological, Radiological and Nuclear Defense (IDQBRN) (anOPCW-designated Laboratory for environmental samples), we explore ANMP, an A-230 surrogate, in the search for new treatment options for intoxications caused by these chemicals. Five isatin-pyridine oxime hybrids were evaluated as acetylcholinesterase (AChE) reactivators using a modified Ellman's assay. Our results indicate that monocationic hybrids with five methylene units, as well as its oxa-analog, are promising compounds for the design of new AChE reactivators.

Research on control allocation, legality and acquisition performance of cross-border M&A based on stakeholder theory

As the involvement of Chinese enterprises in cross-border mergers and acquisitions (M&A) increases, on the one hand, it can drive enterprises to integrate with the international community and accelerate their transformation and upgrading, continuously enhancing their international competitiveness; on the other hand, it will also cause enterprises to experience more setbacks and challenges, especially the “weak acquisition of the strong” reverse cross-border acquisitions, which makes enterprises face a higher risk of failure. Reasonable control rights allocation can fully utilize the competitive advantages of enterprises, achieve synergistic cooperation among shareholders, board of directors, and management, promote the realization of enterprises’ cross-border acquisition goals, and thus enhance the value creation of acquisitions. There is a positive correlation between internal legitimacy and acquisition performance; the relevant assumptions about the distribution of shareholder control rights are invalid; the control rights at the board of directors level are negatively correlated with internal legitimacy and acquisition performance, and internal legitimacy has a mediating effect between the control rights at the board of directors level and acquisition performance, but the moderating effect of the acquisition mode is not significant; the control rights at the management level are negatively correlated with internal legitimacy and acquisition performance, and internal legitimacy has a mediating effect between the control rights at the management level and acquisition performance, and the acquisition mode negatively moderates the relationship between the control rights at the management level and internal legitimacy. This study takes the post-acquisition control rights allocation as the entry point, and examines the cross-border acquisition activities of Chinese enterprises from the perspective of stakeholders. The research results not only can enrich existing acquisition theory, but also can provide theoretical guidance for Chinese enterprise managers on allocation of control of target enterprises, and provide a theoretical basis for the state to formulate and optimize the system and policies of enterprises’ cross-border acquisitions.

When Literature Meets Nursing Knowledge: An Innovative Approach to Strengthen the Learning of Disciplinary Fundamentals.

Conceptual models and nursing theories form the foundation of nursing science, guiding clinical reasoning and improving care quality. Teaching these abstract theoretical concepts presents a pedagogical challenge, particularly for novice students who often perceive them as complex. This article presents an innovative pedagogical approach combining art and nursing science. The method uses literary analysis as a learning vector, mobilizing Meleis' transition theory through the development of an analytical reading report. This strategy demonstrates its effectiveness in developing students' analytical and writing skills, facilitating the appropriation of disciplinary knowledge. Its transferability makes it a relevant tool for the international community of nursing educators.

The Post-War Evolution of Globalisation and International Order: From Liberal to Neoliberal International Order

ABSTRACT Great-power tensions, regional conflict, and income inequality are some of the principal troubles facing the international community. The blame for this current global turmoil is commonly framed as the outcome of globalisation gone awry. This article challenges this conclusion. First, globalisation cannot be the primary explanation for these outcomes since it is not an ideology, a distinct set of ideas, or a programme of policies. Globalisation is only a framework of integration that necessarily requires ideas, tenets, and strategies to animate it. Second, it is important to distinguish between two different periods of discrete global order: the Liberal International Order which began in 1945 and ended in 1980 followed by the Neoliberal International Order which finished in 2015. Concomitantly, the ideology, principles, and policies that infused each order determined the substance of globalisation during each period. Conflating liberal and neoliberal ideologies and the orders they imbued obscures the fact that their substance and consequences diverged significantly. A proper scrutiny of each order and its underlying ideology would also induce a careful examination of globalisation particularly of the benefits accrued during the liberal period. Ultimately, it was the implementation of neoliberal policies that are at the root of the current turbulence.

Shaping Modern "Chang'an" A Study on the Urban Image Construction of Xi'an in Central Asian Countries

With its long historical and cultural heritage and rich cultural resources, Xi'an has become a world-renowned "ancient capital for thousands of years". As the forerunner of cooperation in jointly building the "Belt and Road" Initiative, the five Central Asian countries have had close and profound relations with Xi'an since the "Ancient Silk Road". With the implementation of the "Belt and Road" Initiative and the China-Central Asia Summit held in Xi'an, the frequency of Xi'an entering the international vision has greatly increased, which also presents new requirements for the construction of Xi'ans urban image. This paper, based on the analysis of reports on Xi'an by mainstream media in Central Asian countries and the construction of relations between China and Central Asian countries, aims to analyze the problems existing in the construction of Xi'ans urban image under specific practices, explore strategies for transforming Xi'ans urban image from "flat" to "three-dimensional", and discuss the innovative path of constructing Xi'ans urban image in Central Asian countries and the international community. The goal is to shape a "modern Chang'an."

Women's Experiences in the Context of Climatic Crisis: An African Theo-Eco-feminist Approach to food insecurity in Kenya

Climate change is a pressing global issue that profoundly impacts our planet and its inhabitants. In response, the international community has recognized the urgency to address this challenge and has set forth the Sustainable Development Goals(SDGs) as a framework for action. SDG 13 specifically focuses on climate action, emphasizing the need for climate mitigation and adaptation measures to combat climate change effectively. Food insecurity in Kenya as occasioned by climate change has particularly affected women in rural parts of Kenya specifically in Kitui County. To address this problem, the study sought to analyze the impact of climate change on food insecurity in Kitui County, with a particular focus on its effects on rural women, and to understand how women have contributed to curbing food insecurity, with a focus on their roles in agricultural production. This study adopted an African-Theo-Eco-feminist approach as an intersectional response to climate change, emphasizing women's critical role in environmental sustainability and community resilience. A comprehensive desktop review and qualitative in-depth interviews coupled with semi-structured and open-ended questions were used to examine how women have contributed to addressing food insecurity. Key findings reveal that climate change exacerbates existing gender inequalities, disproportionately affecting women's access to resources and decision-making power in agricultural contexts. This research contributes to the growing body of literature on gender responsive climate change adaptation, offering insights into the complex interplay in theological, ecological, and feminist perspectives in the Kenyan context. The findings have implications for policy development, emphasizing the need for gender-sensitive climate adaptation strategies that recognize and leverage women's unique knowledge and experiences.

Literary Art as Countercheck to Women Trafficking: An Explication of Akachi Adimora-Ezeigbo’s Trafficked and Chika Unigwe’s On Black Sisters Street

Trafficking has been described as all activities that entail the conveyance, sheltering and trade in humans within or across national and international boundaries through deceit, kidnap, or other forceful means with the intent of engaging victims in forced services or labor. Trafficking, particularly of women and children, is considered by the international community a fast-growing global avarice. Dominant features of the trafficking trade include: domestic servitude and prostitution which is different in comparison to the context of the Trans-Atlantic Slave Trade. This study takes on prostitution in trafficking, engaging the inherent potential and the existing influence of the literary writer to redefine and reposition the society. This is done by examining portrayals of character-types, development of the plot and depths of the thematic preoccupation and literary elements which have contributed immensely to the re-definition of Africa in Africa, and Africa before the international community. This paper employs Akachi Adimora-Ezeigbo’s Trafficked and Chika Unigwe’s On Black Sisters’ Street, novels that thematically dwell on this global concern. It critically engages national and international postures in examining dimensions of trafficking like industry and cartel, prostitution as a vocation for the trafficked, portrayals of the stakeholders, portrayals of the victims, value systems that promote the desire of young women to live and earn money abroad, and psychological, physiological, and sociological import of being trafficked and serving as a sex-slave. Trafficked and On Black Sisters' Street are Nigerian literary templates that serve as deterrence for the class of women this new tool of trade targets.

MxML (Exploring the Relationship between Measurement and Machine Learning): Survey of the Measurement Community

The field of educational measurement (hereafter shortened as measurement) has seen rapid growth in applications of machine learning (ML) recently. However, it is imperative to examine potential gaps between ML and the fundamental principles of measurement. The MxML project seeks to shed light on how to close the gaps between the two to harness the power of ML to serve measurement practices. Phase 1 of the project was a systematic review of the recent 10 years of measurement literature, in which we provided a snapshot of the literature in (1) areas of measurement where ML is discussed, (2) types of articles, (3) ML methods discussed, and (4) potential gaps between measurement and ML. This paper reports the findings from Phase 2 of the project, a survey of the international measurement community to understand measurement professionals’ experiences, attitudes, and thoughts toward incorporating ML techniques into measurement.