Peri-urban forests are increasingly threatened by urbanization, fragmented governance, and limited land-use regulation, especially in Lebanon, where these landscapes play crucial ecological and cultural roles. Reliable sustainability assessment tools are needed to capture their multidimensional value and guide conservation strategies. This study applies the Landscape Sustainability Assessment (LSA) tool to Baabda Forest, a peri-urban green space of high ecological and cultural importance on the edge of Beirut, and compares the outcomes both with the LandScale framework and with results previously obtained from the Tannourine Cedar Forest Nature Reserve, a protected site in North Lebanon. Through a mixed-methods approach integrating spatial analysis, ecological fieldwork, socio-perceptual surveys, and institutional review, the research assessed ecological integrity, social functions, economic potential, and perceptual values. Findings show that Baabda Forest demonstrates significant ecological richness, cultural symbolism, and community engagement, but suffers from weak governance, lack of economic mechanisms, and absence of formal legal protection. In contrast, Tannourine benefits from structured management and national recognition, which strengthen its sustainability profile. The comparison between LSA and LandScale further reveals how international tools highlight governance and production issues but overlook cultural and perceptual dimensions that are critical in peri-urban contexts. This study demonstrates the added value of LSA as a holistic framework and emphasizes the need for participatory governance, sustainable economic activation, and legal designation to ensure Baabda Forest’s long-term sustainability, while providing insights transferable to similar landscapes globally.

This article analyzes the effectiveness of women’s legal standing to self-represent (capacidade postulatória), by investigating the normative and institutional obstacles that compromise access to the urgent protective measures provided for in the Maria da Penha Law. The central problem seeks to identify the main impasses that hinder the materialization of this right and to discuss how female legal autonomy can be ensured in the process. In this sense, the general objective of this study is to investigate the normative and institutional obstacles that compromise the swift and effective activation of legal protection mechanisms for women in situations of violence, with an emphasis on legal autonomy to formalize requests for protective orders. Among the specific objectives, the study examines the complexity of the legal process, the training of legal operators, the influence of underreporting of domestic violence cases, in addition to evaluating the role of alternative technological channels and, finally, the effectiveness of the measures granted in face of the problem of non-compliance by aggressors. The study is based on the hypotheses that biased sociocultural patterns, structural obstacles such as bureaucracy and technical language, and the lack of accessible information make the capacity for self-representation a restricted right in practice. The construction of this study was based on bibliographic and documentary research, with the qualitative analysis being guided by the dialectical and deductive methods. It is evident, at the end of the investigation, that the great challenge is to overcome these barriers so that legal protection ceases to be merely formal and becomes a concrete resource for access to justice for vulnerable women.

This study examines the organizational capabilities of government internal auditors in South Sulawesi Province, Indonesia, through a three-dimensional framework comprising resilience, routines, and resources to investigate how internal audit units develop adaptive capabilities for enhanced governance effectiveness in regional government contexts. A qualitative research design employs semi-structured interviews with key stakeholders including heads of provincial and regional inspectorates, Financial and Development Supervisory Agency representatives, academic experts, field auditors, and law enforcement officials, with data analysis utilizing deductive thematic analysis guided by the organizational capabilities framework to assess current capability states and transformation processes. Results reveal mixed organizational capabilities across the three dimensions, where routine capabilities demonstrate strong foundational structures through systematic operational procedures and formal authorization mechanisms yet remain constrained by limited technology integration, resource capabilities show adequate basic personnel distribution but suffer from critical shortages in senior expertise and insufficient budget allocations with structural independence limitations, and resilience capabilities exhibit moderate adaptive capacity in personnel reconfiguration and regulatory implementation though significant gaps persist in innovation capacity and proactive competency development. The study's focus on one Indonesian province limits generalizability to other regional contexts, suggesting future research could examine comparative capability development across multiple provinces and explore longitudinal transformation patterns. Findings provide actionable insights for enhancing internal audit effectiveness through targeted capability development strategies including technology integration initiatives, enhanced legal protection frameworks, and systematic capacity building programs that contribute to improved public governance, transparency, and accountability in Indonesian regional government while supporting democratic governance objectives and citizen trust. This research contributes novel empirical evidence on internal audit organizational capabilities in developing country contexts, providing theoretical insights for adaptive governance development and practical guidance for public sector reform initiatives.

ABSTRACTBusiness freedom (FR) and women's labor law (WLL) are critical in achieving the SDGs. This research aims to test the effect of these two factors on the SDGs while also considering economic growth and energy efficiency, framing the analysis within the legal, economic, and environmental dynamics of the SDGs holistically. Fourier‐augmented PANIC, cross‐sectional dependence tests, panel OLS, bootstrap quantile regression, and panel Granger causality tests are applied for this aim. The OLS and bootstrap quantile regression analyses indicate that while FR negatively affects SDG at lower quantiles, these effects turn positive in higher quantiles. This can mean that in countries with high institutional quality, the freedom to do business becomes a tool for supporting sustainable economic development. The WLL has positive effects on SDGs in all quantiles except the 20th quantile. This result clearly shows the decisive role of women's labor rights and legal protections in driving sustainable development. The Granger causality test also supports these results: FR and WLL have a positive Granger causality effect on the SDGs. Additionally, while GDP positively affects SDGs in all quantiles, renewable energy efficiency negatively affects SDGs at low quantiles and has a positive impact at higher quantiles.

This study analyzes the effectiveness of criminal sanctions against perpetrators of domestic violence and the level of legal protection provided to victims based on Law Number 23 of 2004 concerning the Elimination of Domestic Violence (PKDRT Law). The approach used is a normative juridical method by examining relevant laws and regulations, doctrines, and judicial practices. The results of the study show that although the PKDRT Law has provided a strong legal basis in cracking down on perpetrators, its effectiveness is still weak due to structural constraints, patriarchal culture, and lack of victim perspective among law enforcement officials. Legal protection for victims is still formalistic and has not touched on the aspects of psychological and social recovery. Therefore, it is necessary to reconstruct the criminal law paradigm through a restorative justice approach that prioritizes the restoration of the dignity of victims, social reconciliation, and the prevention of repeated violence. Reformulation of norms and strengthening the capacity of law enforcement agencies is also an urgent need for the law to function as an instrument of substantive justice, not just a tool of punishment. This research emphasizes that justice in domestic violence cases must be realized through a balance between legal certainty, victim protection, and universal human values.

ABSTRACTPrevious research documents conflicting views on the impact of strengthening creditor rights on corporate borrowing. Using the establishment of an Internet‐integrated judicial enforcement system (i.e., smart courts) in China as a quasi‐natural experiment, this study examines the impact of digital justice on creditors' lending decisions. We posit that smart courts improve the judicial system's efficiency, quality, and fairness, thereby reducing creditors' costs and risks and facilitating corporate borrowing. We find that firms in cities with established smart courts obtain relatively larger loans at lower costs. The effects of smart courts are more pronounced for firms with weak political connections and elevated information asymmetry and are particularly stronger in regions characterised by weaker legal protection. Overall, our findings highlight the positive impact of digital justice on the efficiency and quality of the legal system and its externalities extending beyond the legal sphere to corporate financing activities.

Mining is the backbone for ASGM community livelihood and it is a difficult and risky occupation operated without guarantee. Artisanal and small-scale mining in Ethiopia was poor industry dominated by a large number of unskilled and semi-skilled labor force. Because of vast informal engagement, ASGM history has not been properly recorded. Though the ASGM provides employment for a million peoples directly and indirectly in Ethiopia, mainly it operates informally, working without license, lack legal protection, and government support and not complying with government regulations and environmental mitigation matters. The legal enforcement level of proclamations is weak. Nearly all ASGM miners use manual tools in the country, and this strictly need technology interventions. Proclamation, regulations, laws, guidelines, policy and directives pertaining to ASGM on mining, environment, and related issues should be reviewed. This review article based on the previous study in assessing and analyzing ASGM sector in Ethiopia by addressing technical, legal, economic, and social factors. This aimed to gather information on ASGM in Ethiopia and assess previous study to improve productivity and market links, and promote sustainable development in the ASGM sector. The study revealed that the ASGM sector in Ethiopia remains underdeveloped, with minimal contribution to country’s GDP. Indeed, this review cannot go by without appreciating the current awareness and alertness that is happening within ASGM sector.

This research addresses the legal inequality in handling cases of violence against sex workers, focusing on the gap in criminal law protection. The study explores the social stigma, patriarchal culture, and legal biases that contribute to this issue. It also examines the inadequate regulations and the lack of gender equality awareness that further hinder justice for sex workers. The findings suggest that these factors perpetuate victim-blaming and prevent sex workers from accessing legal protection and support.The research utilizes a qualitative method with a normative legal approach, analyzing regulations and the interpretation of legal norms. Primary and secondary data sources were collected through comprehensive library research.The study reveals that social stigma and gender biases significantly affect the justice system's response to violence against sex workers, with many cases going unaddressed. The lack of specific legal protections for sex workers exacerbates the inequality in their legal treatment. Furthermore, limited resources and knowledge among law enforcement officials hinder effective handling of such cases. The research concludes that a comprehensive approach involving regulatory reform and social awareness is essential to address this issue.

Globalization and advances in communication technology have driven profound socio-cultural changes by intensifying cross-cultural interactions within digital spaces, to the point of blurring geographical boundaries. One clear manifestation of these changes is the growing prevalence of mixed or transnational marriages. Social media plays a pivotal role in constructing narratives of cross-cultural romance, yet it simultaneously provides a platform for social stigma and cyberattacks, particularly targeting Indonesian female content creators in mixed marriages. This study seeks to examine the various forms of stigma and online harassment they encounter, employing a netnographic observational approach, literature review, and theoretical frameworks drawn from symbolic interactionism, critical discourse analysis, and agenda-setting theory. The findings reveal that these female content creators frequently become targets of gender-based hate speech, nationalistic stereotypes, and recurring, organized racist attacks. Such patterns reflect the persistence of cultural and patriarchal biases that have migrated into digital spaces. Inadequate systemic support forces these women to rely on individual self-protection strategies. Consequently, this study highlighted the need to promote digital literacy, foster social empathy, and strengthen legal protections to build a safer and more equitable digital environment for women in mixed marriages, who hold significant potential to serve as bridges for inclusive cultural exchange.

This study analyzes the legal protection of child victims of human trafficking through a comparative examination of Indonesian positive law and Islamic law, with specific reference to the Jambi District Court Decision Number 566/Pid.Sus/2023/PN.JMB. The judgment in this case prioritized the punishment of the perpetrator while neglecting the crucial aspect of victim recovery. In response, the study proposes a model of legal harmonization, arguing that the integration of Islamic legal values into positive law has the potential to create a more comprehensive child protection system that is better aligned with Indonesia’s socio-cultural realities. The research employs a normative juridical approach, using comparative and case study methods, and draws upon statutory provisions, judicial decisions, Islamic legal literature, and relevant scholarly works. The findings demonstrate that both Indonesian positive law and Islamic law recognize child trafficking as a grave offence; however, positive law tends to emphasize punitive sanctions, while Islamic law highlights spiritual dimensions and community responsibility in addressing exploitation. The key differences lie in philosophical underpinnings, the flexibility of sanctions, and the treatment of victim recovery, with positive law adopting a legal-formal stance and Islamic law stressing holistic, community-based rehabilitation. The study concludes that harmonization between the two systems can strengthen prevention, rehabilitation, and protection mechanisms, producing a more equitable and culturally grounded framework. This study contributes to proposing an integrative model that combines the procedural certainty of positive law with the ethical and spiritual depth of Islamic law, consistent with the spirit of Pancasila and advancing the global discourse on culturally responsive child protection.

ContextGlobal aging and rising chronic disease burden have made hospice and palliative care (HPC) a healthcare priority. China has initiated three rounds of HPC pilot programs covering two-thirds of its cities, yet public utilization remains low. Understanding public knowledge, attitude, and preference (KAP) toward HPC is essential to overcoming adoption barriers and fostering acceptance.ObjectivesTo empirically evaluate public KAP for HPC, pinpoint influencing factors, and offer targeted strategies to address challenges.MethodsThis cross-sectional study assessed public KAP using the culturally adapted Public Knowledge, Attitude, and Preference of HPC Scale (P-KAPHPCs). Regression analysis was applied to identify factors associated with KAP. A structural equation model was constructed to test their interrelationship.ResultsAmong all the respondents, the mean score for HPC knowledge was 7.47 ± 2.14, with 41.10% of the respondents could explain HPC. Educational level and household income were associated factors of knowledge (p < 0.05). The overall attitude mean score rate was 84.18%. Public attitude toward end-of-life (EOL) arrangements for terminally ill patients was significantly influenced by age, attitude toward one’s own EOL care were affected by educational level (p < 0.05). The majority (67.80%) declined life-sustaining treatment (LST), with preference linked to gender, occupation, experience of witnessing a patient’s EOL process, primary family decision-makers, and family size (p < 0.05). Most respondents (47.30%) preferred home as the place for the EOL care. Structural equation modeling analysis showed that knowledge was positively associated with attitude (β = 4.97, p < 0.001) and knowledge was positively associated with preference (β = 0.22, p < 0.001).ConclusionsThe public attitude toward HPC is generally positive, though there is a need to improve the quality of public knowledge, and preference varies. Knowledge has a positive influence on both attitude and preference. Traditional cultural values and ethics sometimes create conflicts in HPC decision-making. Therefore, it is recommended to strengthen HPC education, enhance legal protections for advance care planning (ACP) and advance directives (AD), introduce culturally appropriate family consensus communication tools, and establish a home-community hybrid care model.Supplementary InformationThe online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12904-025-01891-3.

Among contemporary intellectual property debates, non-conventional trademarks (such as sounds, smells, tastes, shapes, and holograms) present unique challenges. They serve the primary function of trademarks todistinguish the goods or services of one proprietor from those of another. For example, customers often associate the distinct shape of the Coca-Cola bottle with the beverage itself, the peculiar blue colour of Tiffany with the company, the very popular “Tudum” sound of Netflix with its brand identity. Such trademarks help the companies to enhance their brand recognition through unique sensory memory. The aim of this paper is to critically study the legal recognition, registration, and protection of non-conventional trademarks under Indian law, emphasizing both legal and practical difficulties by analyzing various examples of these marks. Extensive case law has been analyzed to elaborate the scope of infringement of these marks and the defenses available against such claims. Further, this paper highlights that a thorough understanding of the important role of non-conventional trademarks is essential for shaping today’s intellectual property landscape, offering valuable insights into both the challenges and opportunities they present for businesses. The absence of objective standards and the requirement for visual representation often complicate establishing distinctiveness, proving infringement, or demonstrating consumer association.

Batik, as a national creation, is not only owned by Indonesia but also Malaysia with its own characteristics, giving rise to the need to protect the intellectual property of batik motifs amidst the potential for its preservation. The purpose of this study is to determine and compare the legal culture of small business actors in protecting innovative intellectual property batik motifs in Malaysia and Indonesia. The research method uses a comparative study with data collection through field observations in international community service programs, focus group discussions, question and answer discussions with batik artisans, direct visits to the Selangor Craft Industry Malaysia, and interviews with small business actors at workshop locations. The main findings indicate that the legal culture in Selangor Malaysia and Indonesia tends to not register copyrighted works of batik motifs, hampered by economic factors. The conclusion of the study underscores the importance of intellectual property legal protection to prevent preservation, with the formation of a strong legal culture can increase innovation, competitiveness, and income opportunities through licensing.

The purpose of this study is to analyze the legal protection of Cirebon Merawit Hand-drawn Batik as a geographical indication product, the challenges and implications of geographical indication protection for craftsmen and the local economy. The method used in this study with a 4-month activity design with a scope related to intellectual property rights in geographical indications, the main materials and tools used are primary data sources, secondary data sources and tertiary data sources. Data collection techniques in the form of interviews and documentation so that the analysis technique is descriptive analytical. The results of this study are an analysis of the legal protection of Cirebon Merawit Hand-drawn Batik as a geographical indication product is to prevent counterfeiting and unauthorized use, increase competitiveness and economic value and maintain the sustainability of local culture and heritage. Then the challenges in the Implementation of Geographical Indication Protection are the lack of awareness and socialization, violations and counterfeiting that still occur and global competition and the implications of Geographical Indication Protection for Craftsmen and the Local Economy are increasing craftsmen's income, local economic development and protection of local community rights.

Wattpad, as a digital storytelling platform, has become increasingly popular among writers, particularly in producing derivative works known as Alternate Universe (AU) fiction. These works frequently incorporate elements from existing intellectual property, including the names, images, and personas of public figures or fictional characters, often without prior authorization. This study aims to examine the legal protection afforded by copyright law to AU literary works published on the Wattpad platform, analyze the legal consequences of publishing such works that depict identifiable figures without consent, and explore efforts to raise awareness among Wattpad authors regarding copyright compliance. The research addresses the following issues: the juridical analysis of copyright protection for AU-based literature, the legal implications of unauthorized use of celebrity identity, and strategies to promote copyright awareness among content creators on Wattpad. Employing a normative juridical method with a qualitative approach, data were collected through legal literature review and expert interviews. The findings indicate that the use of identifiable personal attributes in AU works without permission constitutes a violation of copyright law, particularly infringing upon the moral and economic rights of the original rights holders. Furthermore, a lack of legal literacy among digital authors presents a significant challenge in the enforcement of intellectual property rights. Hence, systematic education and legal oversight are essential to uphold copyright protections in the digital creative space.

Indonesia is a country that is geographically strategic in the flow of global migration, but until now it has not been a party to the 1951 Refugee Convention or the 1967 Protocol. This non-binding has created uncertainty in the legal status and protection of international refugees in Indonesian territory. This article discusses how Indonesia, as a non-state party, continues to implement the principle of non-refoulement which is part of customary international law. Through a normative legal approach, this article examines national regulations such as the Presidential Regulation No. 125 of 2016 concerning the Handling of Refugees, and Indonesia's cooperation with UNHCR in the process of Refugee Status Determination. The findings show that despite not being conventionally bound, Indonesia has demonstrated compliance with basic humanitarian principles, including the prohibition of forced return of refugees to countries of origin. However, the absence of a national asylum legal system has limited legal protection, access to basic rights, and long-term certainty for refugees. Therefore, it is necessary to strengthen the domestic legal framework in order to provide legal certainty and align national policies with international protection standards. This study offers novelty by examining the legal position of refugees in Indonesia from the perspective of a country that is not a party to the 1951 Refugee Convention, but still applies the principle of non-refoulement as part of customary international law. Unlike previous studies that only highlight the role of UNHCR or the humanitarian aspect, this article emphasizes the importance of establishing a domestic legal framework as a form of state commitment in filling the gap in asylum law and providing certainty of long-term protection for refugees.

The bankruptcy law regulation in Indonesia has undergone several revisions, but with the various revisions, according to the author, it has not provided maximum legal protection and legal certainty to the parties involve in bankruptcy law itself, on the other hand, the Indonesian bankruptcy law regulation is more likely to favor the interests of creditors, this can be proven that the bankruptcy law regulation in Indonesia does not require a minimum amount of receivables and does not regulate insolvency requirements. Regarding the non-regulation of insolvency requirements in bankruptcy applications, this will harm debtors who are still solvent because they can be filed for bankruptcy, thus the need for an insolvency test to measure whether the debtor is solvent or insolvent. With the implementation of the insolvency test, of course, it makes the bankruptcy legal regime appropriate because basically in the bankruptcy legal regime only debtors who are truly unable to pay debts can be terminated by bankruptcy considering that in the principles of bankruptcy law universally there is the principle of insolvency. Therefore, the implementation of the insolvency test in the regulation of bankruptcy law in Indonesia will provide legal certainty to debtors and protection to debtors who are still solvent. In conducting this legal research, normative juridical methodology was used by using statute approach, conceptual approach, and comparative approach.

Purpose The number of workers suffering from menopausal and perimenopausal symptoms has increased in recent years. They are vulnerable to dismissal and discrimination. The number of menopause related employment tribunal claims has also increased significantly in recent years. This research aims to evaluate social, medical and legal attitudes to menopause, considers whether existing pathways to protection under the Employment Rights Act 1996 (ERA1996) and Equality Act 2010 (EA 2010) are sufficient and explores the possible approaches to strengthening protection. Design/methodology/approach The research carries out an analysis of the literature and uses the themes identified from the literature to provide a theoretical framework within which to analyse the relevant legislation and case law to identify the gaps in protection. It considers how to address these gaps. Findings Protection from dismissal is provided by the ERA1996 to employees. Protection from discrimination provided by the EA 2010 to a wider category of workers provided the reason for the treatment is a protected characteristic. The extent of the protection available depends on which protected characteristic underpins the claim. Proposals to strengthen the protected characteristics have been rejected and changes in the law focus on education and reporting and do not improve remedies available to individuals. Research limitations/implications As a result of the conclusions of this review, policymakers should consider whether the legal protection offered is sufficient and large employers should review their policies and practice in light of forthcoming legislative developments. Originality/value This research offers fresh perspectives on the issues raised by menopause in the workplace by examining social, medical and legal attitudes to menopause, providing context for analysis of the law and practical guidance for employers and policymakers, contributing to the ongoing attempts to improve protection in this area.

Ulayat land transactions based on the Letter C document remain prevalent in many parts of Indonesia, despite lacking explicit recognition in the national land law framework. This article aims to analyze the legality of customary land transactions using Letter C, within the perspectives of both customary and national law. Using a socio-legal approach, this research draws upon literature and field data. The findings show that Letter C holds strong social legitimacy at the community level due to its historical, administrative, and symbolic functions. Though weak under national law, courts still consider Letter C as supporting evidence in land disputes. Transactions are considered valid under customary law when they fulfill the principles of konkret, kontan, and terang, and involve approval from customary leaders and village authorities. In conclusion, the state must build a legal bridge that recognizes and accommodates such local practices to reduce agrarian conflict and strengthen legal protection for indigenous communities.

It is indicated that the development of transplantology in Ukraine at the present stage is taking place under extraordinary circumstances caused by Russia’s full-scale armed aggression against our state. Despite the fact that transplantology is considered one of the most progressive areas of modern medicine and the embodiment of the achievements of the 21st century, in the conditions of Ukraine this medical field faces a wide range of legal, ethical and organizational challenges. The article examines the legal mechanisms for preventing abuse in the field of transplantology in Ukraine under martial law. The author analyzes the legislative changes of 2018-2025 aimed at modernizing the transplantation system, paying particular attention to Law No. 4203-ИХ of 2025, which established categorical prohibitions on the removal of organs from deceased servicemen and other vulnerable categories of the population. New challenges for transplantology generated by a full- scale war are considered, in particular, increased risks of abuse in the medical field and weakening of control mechanisms under martial law. Considerable attention is paid to the analysis of the Russian disinformation campaign regarding «black» transplantology in Ukraine, which includes the dissemination of false information about the alleged systemic abuse of the organs of servicemen. The author examines in detail the legal, medical and technical restrictions that make secret organ harvesting impossible, in particular the need for mandatory consent, the ban on unidentified persons, the conditions for declaring death and the need for specialized medical conditions. The study shows that transplantology as a branch of medicine has acquired special importance in wartime due to the growing need for life-saving operations. At the same time, positive changes in regulatory regulation are analyzed, in particular the introduction of hospital tissue banks, the creation of the National Transplant Committee and full state financing of transplantations through the medical guarantees program. The author proves that the existing multi-level system of legal protection provides reliable guarantees against abuses in the field of transplantology, while Russian propaganda is aimed at demoralizing Ukrainian society and undermining trust in the state’s medical system.