Lines Of Action Research Articles

La Construcción y consolidación de la paz: acciones en el marco de la responsabilidad social de las mipymes en colombia

This article is the result of one of the objectives formulated in the research project, developed between the Minuto de Dios University Corporation - UNIMINUTO, Bogotá headquarters, the ITM Higher Education Institution of Medellín and the National Institute of Professional Technical Training - INFOTEP of San Juan del César (La Guajira), which seeks to propose Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) strategies for MSME that encourage the linkage of these organizations to peace-building actions from the territory. It starts from the question: What are the actions within the framework of social responsibility, carried out by MSME, that enable the construction and consolidation of Peace in their territories? The reference places, the Metropolitan Area of Medellín, the municipality of San Juan del César and the municipality of Aguazul (Casanare), were taken into account as analysis scenarios. The topic of Social Responsibility for MSME is framed, in an analytical and descriptive manner, in the components presented by the ISO 26000 standard (ISO, 2010), and the lines of action formulated in the 2016 Peace agreement between the government of President of Colombia, Juan Manuel Santos and the extinct FARC Guerrilla (today the Comunes party) in Colombia. Based on the findings obtained, the business actions that are formulated in a CSR Plan must seek to deepen their relationship with the environment, positively impacting a stable and lasting construction of peace.

Antagonistic Feedback Control of Muscle Length Changes for Efficient Involuntary Posture Stabilization.

Simultaneous and cooperative muscle activation results in involuntary posture stabilization in vertebrates. However, the mechanism through which more muscles than joints contribute to this stabilization remains unclear. We developed a computational human body model with 949 muscle action lines and 22 joints and examined muscle activation patterns for stabilizing right upper or lower extremity motions at a neutral body posture (NBP) under gravity using actor-critic reinforcement learning (ACRL). Two feedback control models (FCM), muscle length change (FCM-ML) and joint angle differences, were applied to ACRL with a normalized Gaussian network (ACRL-NGN) or deep deterministic policy gradient. Our findings indicate that among the six control methods, ACRL-NGN with FCM-ML, utilizing solely antagonistic feedback control of muscle length change without relying on synergy pattern control or categorizing muscles as flexors, extensors, agonists, or synergists, achieved the most efficient involuntary NBP stabilization. This finding suggests that vertebrate muscles are fundamentally controlled without categorization of muscles for targeted joint motion and are involuntarily controlled to achieve the NBP, which is the most comfortable posture under gravity. Thus, ACRL-NGN with FCM-ML is suitable for controlling humanoid muscles and enables the development of a comfortable seat design.

Five paradoxes navigated by incumbent private sector firms moving towards climate-oriented innovation in food systems

The role of large private sector firms in rerouting our food systems towards sustainability through climate-oriented innovation is highly contested. The contestation has resulted in a portrayal in academic literature of these incumbents as either the key driver of sustainability transitions or as fundamentally contradictory to addressing climate change in food systems. Controversies and tensions can reinforce stalemates, which hamper progress towards climate-oriented innovation. This study explores the utility of a paradox lens which shifts the research gaze to the emergence of unavoidable and persistent tensions in encounters of distinct logics and lines of action, and opens space to examine how these encounters can nevertheless be used productively and creatively in overcoming stalemates. Based on reflexive practice and interviews with professionals from seven purposefully selected incumbent private sector firms in the agri-food sector, we identify five paradoxes: the paradox of direction—between mitigation and adaptation; the paradox of justification—between exploration and exploitation; the paradox of internal alignment—between mainstreaming and specialization; the paradox of external alignment—between collaboration and competition; and the paradox of evidence—between accountability and learning. Our analysis of how agri-food firms navigate paradoxes focuses on considerations, tensions, and decisions in organizing climate-oriented innovation. In our discussion, we examine whether and how paradoxical thinking enables civil society practitioners to accelerate climate-oriented innovation in food systems through interactions and collaborations with the private sector. We conclude that a paradox lens affords researchers, practitioners, and policymakers to move beyond the binary view on the role of incumbents’ climate-oriented innovation, and instead provides strategic insights for engaging incumbents and their inherent contradictions in transforming our food systems under a changing climate.

A Reformulation of the Laminar Kinetic Energy Model to Enable Multi-mode Transition Predictions

AbstractThe paper describes the development of a novel transition/turbulence model based on the laminar kinetic energy concept. The model is intended as a base framework for data-driven improvements. Starting from a previously developed framework, mainly aimed at separated-flow transition predictions, suitable terms for model generalization are identified and reformulated for handling different transition modes, namely bypass and separated-flow modes. The ideology for the definition of new terms has its roots in mixing phenomenological and correlation-based arguments, ensuring generality and flexibility and allowing a variety of lines of action for improving model components via machine-learning approaches. The model calibration, carried out with reference to flat plate test cases subjected to different pressure gradients and freestream turbulence levels, is discussed in detail. Although the constructed model is calibrated on a group of classic flat plat cases, the validation campaign, mostly carried out on gas turbine cascades, demonstrates its ability to predict transitional flows with engineering accuracy. Finally, while the model is not specifically developed for natural transition predictions, satisfactory predictions are obtained in scenarios with low freestream turbulence for flat plate and airfoil flows.

Drivers of the food system based on food sovereignty domains: an integrative systematic literature review

Food sovereignty, as defined by the comprehensive definition offered in the 2007 Nyéléni Forum, encompasses essential action lines for transforming a food system based on food sovereignty principles. Understanding how current food system initiatives align with these principles is essential for identifying the necessary processes of change to drive this transformation. This study aimed to consolidate the contributions of advancements in food sovereignty to the existing literature. A systematic literature review was conducted to achieve this, analyzing 250 papers published between 2008 and 2023. The focus was on the research methods employed by the authors, food initiatives within the domains of food sovereignty, and the key drivers of a food system rooted in food sovereignty principles. The findings revealed that approximately 36% of the studies utilized interviews, surveys, and questionnaires for data collection, while 34% concentrated on targeted fieldwork through case studies. Around 19% of the studies involved in-depth interaction with specific groups, and just under 10% employed document analysis methods. The most extensively discussed domain was the use of agroecological management practices for food production, followed by the valuation of traditional knowledge, the promotion of social justice and equity, self-determination through the transformation of economic and political institutions, and the localization of food production and consumption. The food initiatives outlined overarching goals within each domain of food sovereignty, with three common goals identified across these domains: food security and consumption, environmental stewardship, and crisis preparedness. Furthermore, 29 drivers of a food system based on the domains of food sovereignty were identified, encompassing networks and a holistic approach present in all 5 domains. The study also highlights the implications for supporters of food sovereignty within the context of the identified goals of the food initiatives.

Would teaching gender as core, not boutique, move us closer to the SDG gender equality goal?

ABSTRACT The Sustainable Development Goals, through Goal 5 on Gender Equality, put gender as a focus at the heart of every endeavour. Yet with 2030 looming, across the globe, we have made insufficient progress towards gender equality. Despite a plethora of mentions of the aim to achieve gender equality in regional and international documents, progress is slow (see https://www.unwomen.org/en/digital-library/publications/2022/09/progress-on-the-sustainable-development-goals-the-gender-snapshot-2022 and https://pacificdata.org/dashboard/sdg-5-gender-equality). What can be done? If transformative change is required, then a range of options needs to be explored. Could expanding exposure as to who studies gender be just one tool for building a pipeline of actors who take a gender lens when engaging with key issues, and speeding up progress towards the gender equality goal of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG Goal 5)? How should we rethink the teaching of gender and development? My proposition is that gender should be mainstreamed in every course through a revised curriculum as a practical lever for change and to hasten progress towards Goal 5. The hope is that this paper can encourage conversation both in gender and development circles and the scholarship of teaching and learning, and prompt new lines of research and action towards rethinking the teaching of gender and development, which can then strengthen the knowledge base in the pipeline of political decision-makers and development actors. This paper is a call to action for the repositioning of gender at the heart of all studies – not as an elective or “boutique”, but as core to every subject.

A SYNTHESIS OF THE DETERMINANTS OF SUCCESSFUL INTERCULTURAL COMMUNICATION IN ORGANISATIONS

Organisations exist, function and develop through communication. Intercultural communication is a specific communication activity in which the parties involved represent different cultures. The current context, dominated by globalisation, multiculturalism, internationalisation and digitalisation, underlines the importance of studying intercultural communication in an organisational context. The aim of this paper is to develop a comprehensive synthesis of the factors that influence the effectiveness of intercultural communication in organisations and to propose research hypotheses for future studies in this area. The methodology used to conduct this study includes the methods of analysis, synthesis, induction (for logical connections), deduction (for identifying theories from the literature), abduction (for identifying causes and factors and building hypotheses) and hierarchical classification (for grouping factors in the three-level taxonomy). The analysis of the factors mentioned in the literature on the effectiveness of intercultural communication in organisations has led to the development of a three-level taxonomy that groups them into five categories: management-related factors, group factors, individual factors, cultural factors and communication factors. This systematic and clarifying approach suggests linkages and directions for research as well as lines of action for practitioners to ensure sustainable development of multicultural organisations and increase the chances of success of intercultural communication in different organisational contexts. The novelty of the paper lies in the fact that the existing literature does not propose a systemic view of the factors that influence intercultural communication outcomes. Most of the identified research presents comparative, descriptive approaches to the characteristics of intercultural communication in specific cultural contexts.

Integrating the SDGs into the agenda of an Argentine university

PurposeThe purpose of this study is to explore the incorporation of the sustainable development goals (SDGs) at the National University of Moreno (Universidad Nacional de Moreno, UNM, in Spanish), focusing on teaching and research activities, encountering difficulties from primary and secondary information sources, to integrate the SDGs, and contribute with actions for their incorporation into teaching and learning processes and research, in a newly established university.Design/methodology/approachTo describe the implementation of the SDGs, an empirical study was conducted using a mixed methodology for data collection. Data collected from the survey were combined with information from the UNM project database for the period 2017–2022. Non-parametric methods were used to analyse both sets of data.FindingsThis study provides an initial overview of SDG implementation at UNM, allowing the identification of constraints and challenges to scale up contributions to the SDGs at UNM, as well as the generation of relevant action lines in the interaction with university's authorities.Research limitations/implicationsConducting studies through questionnaires has limitations, similar to other cases analysed. To increase the validity of the data, prior consultations were carried out. In addition, the database of research projects was used to identify the application of the SDGs in research. However, an approximation of the current situation could be obtained.Practical implicationsParticular importance was given to the challenges encountered during the data analysis phase in relation to capacity building needs. This enabled a set of actions to be defined to bring the SDGs closer to the UNM.Originality/valueAlthough the paper used methodologies already proposed by other authors, such as survey collection, its value lies in demonstrating the possibility of using them to analyse whether the SDGs are integrated into teaching and research activities in a recently founded university, where the SDGs are integrated into its principles. The analysis also complements the survey results with information from project databases, which has not yet been analysed in the literature. Based on the results, activities are designed so that the SDGs could begin to guide teaching and research activities.

Two profiles of post-stroke drivers based on their driving perception

ObjectiveStroke is the leading cause of acquired disability in adults, and can induce different sequelae which impact on abilities such as driving. This study investigated how post-stroke patients perceived their driving practice and behavior. The aim of this study was to determine different profiles of post-stroke drivers according to their driving perception. MethodsAmong 86 post-stroke patients who had undergone an official fitness-to-drive assessment in 2019 in the Kerpape Center or the Henry Gabrielle Hospital (France), 69 returned to drive. These 69 participants completed a questionnaire about their socio-demographic and clinical characteristics, and driving perception, approximately three years after resuming driving. Questions about driving perception were statistically analyzed using hierarchical clustering analysis. Socio-demographic, driving, and clinical characteristics from the clusters obtained were then compared. ResultsClustering analysis revealed two profiles of post-stroke drivers. One group consisting of 2/3 of the participants reported modified driving behavior, while the other group perceived no driving changes. A higher proportion of participants from the modified driving group reported driving significantly less, experiencing less pleasure, increased tiredness and more fear when driving post-stroke than those from the unmodified driving group. They also stated that they experienced more difficulties, avoided more situations, and implemented more driving strategies than participants in the unmodified driving group. Participants in the modified driving group were also younger (p = 0.014), lived in more rural areas (p = 0.028), and had more sequelae, including fatigue (p = 0.002), motor sequelae (p = 0.035), and cognitive sequelae (p = 0.013) than participants who did not modify their driving. ConclusionsTwo profiles of post-stroke drivers were identified: those who had perceived the need to modify their driving behavior, and those who had perceived no driving changes. Differences in socio-demographic characteristics may partly explained the divergencies between the two groups. Other factors such as self-awareness of driving abilities may influence their driving perception. Two lines of action could be investigated to enable post-stroke drivers to better appreciate their driving abilities. The first would be to develop targeted support programs to help drivers become more aware of their own abilities, for example using video support during on-road training to replay critical situations and improve awareness of their own abilities. A second approach would be to deploy technological driving assistance systems. A monitoring system enabling the driver to adjust his driving in real time could be very useful and relevant to develop.

May urban digital twins spur the New Urban Agenda? The Spanish case study

The New Urban Agenda was conceived as a global endeavor to transpose the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) of the 2030 Agenda into urban areas. Both initiatives were merged into the Spanish Urban Agenda (SUA), which includes 10 strategic and 30 specific goals, among which leading and promoting digital innovation toward the development of smart cities stand out. As Urban Digital Twins (UDTs) are a technology that arises to enhance smart cities, this research aims at assessing how they may contribute to the achievement of the SUA. A framework was accordingly built to associate UDTs with the SUA to then be applied to the Barcelona digital twin as case study. A combination of an in-depth literature review on UDTs and the Delphi technique was used as methodological approach. More than 70 % of the strategic and specific goals included in the SUA, as well as the four sustainability dimensions are represented in the new instrument. The case study reflected a limited contribution in pursuing the SUA. Nevertheless, the proposed framework offers potential lines of action to reinforce the role of the Barcelona digital twin towards the SUA.

Extending the process frontier of digital transformation: A flow‐oriented perspective

AbstractStrong interest in digital transformation to increase business value calls for new and improved theorising of the digital transformation process. Traditional perspectives fail to address the complex socio‐technological challenges and entanglement of actions at multiple levels that characterise the process. This research adopts a flow‐oriented perspective to extend the process frontier of digital transformation. This entails analysing the lines of action that intertwine to form storylines of digital transformation. Drawing on a multilevel longitudinal qualitative study, the research offers three valuable contributions: First, the paper advances the discourse on digital transformation by introducing the heretofore unrecognised phenomenon of transitional moments. Second, by introducing a novel taxonomy for lines of action, the paper demonstrates the evolving nature of the digital transformation process, surpassing conventional rational‐system model interpretations. These two contributions broaden the process frontier of digital transformation by underscoring the dynamic and continuous nature of digital transformation, emphasising its non‐linear progression, and rejecting the notion of an idealised direct path to a predefined goal. These two additions to the digital transformation discourse lay the foundations for our third contribution, which is a set of proposed research approaches for future investigations into digital transformation, regardless of research focus, phenomena, or domain.

Consulting and advising business startups

Startups are recently established companies, which are mainly based on selling products and/or services through information and communication technologies. They are companies that differ from others in that they have fairly small costs compared to their profits and that also tend to develop significantly. The objective of this investigation was to study the organizations that provide startup consulting and advice to Venezuelan entrepreneurial companies. A qualitative, case study-type investigation was carried out with the support of documentary research, for which 17 experts who work in three organizations that advise startup companies were interviewed. It was determined that the organizations studied converge in that all the experts are specialists in technology, financial, legal aspects, marketing, business models, likewise, the organizations studied specify mission and reasons for undertaking. It was concluded that each institution advises these ventures from its experience and the dynamics of the market that is present, therefore it is recommended to propose lines of action or guidelines, such as financing, technology, marketing, values, among others.

Humeral rotation osteotomy is not associated with glenohumeral and scapulohumeral decentering at long-term follow-up

BackgroundWeber rotational osteotomy which increases humeral retrotorsion in patients with anterior shoulder instability has become unpopular because of recurrence of instability and high rates of early onset OA. However, the wear pattern in patients after rotational osteotomy remains unknown. The aim of this study was to determine the influence of surgically increased humerus retrotorsion on glenohumeral and scapulohumeral centering in a long-term follow-up. MethodsThe data of 18 shoulders in 18 patients diagnosed with a unilateral chronic recurrent anterior shoulder instability treated with an internal rotation subcapital humerus osteotomy between 1984 and 1990 were drawn from a previously published cohort and enrolled in the study. All patients had available bilateral CT scans performed after a mean follow-up of 14 (12-18) years. On these CT scans a comparison of the operated and the contralateral healthy side with regards to humerus torsion, glenoid version, glenoid offset, glenohumeral and scapulohumeral subluxation indices, rotator cuff action lines and osteoarthritic changes (OA) was performed. ResultsThe analysis of follow-up CT scans revealed a significantly higher mean humeral retrotorsion in the operated side compared to healthy side (41.6° ± 14.0° vs. 20.7°±8.2°, p<0.001). No differences were found in terms of glenohumeral subluxation index (0.50 ± 0.08 vs 0.51 ± 0.03, p = 0.259), scapulohumeral subluxation index (0.53 ± 0.09 vs 0.54 ± 0.03, p = 0.283), glenoid version (- 3.9° ± 4.6 vs - 4.1° ± 3.7, p = 0.424), glenoid offset (4.0 mm ± 2.8 vs 4.0 mm ± 1.3, p = 0.484), infraspinatus action lines (102.5° ± 4.7 vs 101.2° ± 2.1, p = 0.116) , subscapularis action lines (74.0° ± 6.0 vs 73.1° ± 2.3, p = 0.260) and resultant rotator cuff action lines (87.8° ± 4.9 vs 87.0° ± 1.8, p = 0.231) between operated and healthy shoulders. Osteoarthritic changes were observed in all operated shoulders and in 13 of 18 healthy shoulders. The OA Grade was mild in 5 patients, moderate in 11 and severe in 2 cases for operated shoulders and mild in 13 healthy shoulders at the last follow-up. ConclusionThe surgical increase of humeral retrotorsion by 20-30° did not affect glenohumeral and scapulohumeral centering in patients with a Weber rotational osteotomy after a long-term follow-up compared to the healthy side. While a high degree of early onset OA was observed it remains unclear whether the cause is the surgical interventions performed or the joint instability itself.

Risk analysis applied to the process of managing medical single use devices in a hospital pharmacy department

During the COVID-19 pandemic, single use medical devices' supply (SUMD) was marked by repetitive and unforeseen interruptions. The present study aimed to determine the risks related to the processes of management of medical devices in our CHU according to a method of failure mode, effect and criticality analysis (FMECA). Qualified healthcare professionals were recruited to form a multidisciplinary consensus committee. By analyzing the process map, all failure modes, causes and consequences were identified through brainstorming meetings. They were then classified taking into account the criticality index (CI) calculated according to three parameters: frequency, severity, and detectability. The prioritization was carried out by considering the mean and the median values of the CI as limits. Corrective and preventive actions were then proposed. A total of 49 failure modes were identified, accumulating 4466 criticality points. The most critical step is that relating to the inter-depot order with a CI equal to 783 points. An action plan was developed, allows us to control 64% of the overall criticality of the risks linked to the process. Three main lines of action have been proposed: continuous training, especially for managerial and administrative tasks, logistical improvement (architectural reorganization and implementation of systems for securing the circuit of SUMDs) and support for the digitization of hospital pharmacy. The FMECA is a consensual method, which makes it possible to propose actions in order to reduce the risks linked to the process of managing medical devices. Optimizing the estimation of needs, strengthening communication with stakeholders and securing the circuit are essential to guarantee the availability of SUMDs for the benefit of the patient.

Optimizing Masonry Mortar: Experimental Insights into Physico-Mechanical Properties Using Recycled Aggregates and Natural Fibers

The European Green Deal establishes the efficient management of construction resources as one of its main lines of action. In this sense, the recovery of construction and demolition waste for its reincorporation into the manufacturing process of new sustainable materials has become necessary for the industry. This work deals with the physical and mechanical characterization of cement mortars made with recycled concrete aggregates and reinforced with natural fibers. The reinforcement fibers used (abaca, coconut, and toquilla) are more environmentally friendly compared to traditional synthetic reinforcements. The aim of this research is to analyze the main physico-mechanical properties of these sustainable cement mortars. The results show that mortars made with recycled sand have a lower density and better thermal performance than traditional mortars. In addition, with the incorporation of these natural fibers, the flexural strength of the mortars with recycled aggregate increased by up to 37.6%. Another advantage obtained from the incorporation of these natural fibers is the reduction in shrinkage in the masonry mortars during the drying process, giving them greater dimensional stability and making their behavior similar to that of traditional mortars. Thus, this work shows the potential application of masonry mortars produced under circular economy criteria and their application in the building sector.

Ontogeny of the masticatory muscles in the opossum Didelphis albiventris (Marsupialia, Didelphimorphia, Didelphidae).

Opossums (marsupials of the Didelphidae family) retain a generalized masticatory apparatus and tribosphenic molars, often used as models to understand the evolution of mastication in early therian mammals. Like all marsupials, their growth goes through a stage when pups complete their development while permanently attached to the mother's teats before weaning and starting feeding on their own. Yet, while the masticatory muscles of adults are known, as is the ontogeny of the cranium and mandible, the ontogenetic changes in the masticatory muscles remain unknown. Here we describe for the first time the changes in the masticatory muscles observed in lactating pups, and weaned juveniles, subadults, and adults in the White-eared opossum, Didelphis albiventris, through dissection of 25 specimens and quantification of relative muscle masses, lines of actions and mechanical advantages whenever possible. We also assessed the scaling patterns of muscle masses and mechanical advantages through ontogeny. The main changes, as expected, were found between suckling and weaned specimens, although some changes still occurred from juveniles to adults. The adult adductor musculature is similar to the other Didelphis species already known, with a dominant m. temporalis that originates on the lateral wall of the skull, up to the sagittal and nuchal crests, and fills the zygomatic arch when inserting into the lateral and medial surfaces of the coronoid process, respectively through the pars superficialis and pars profunda. The m. masseter is also subdivided in superficial and deep bundles which originate posteriorly in the maxilla and zygomatic arch, and insert into the angular process and masseteric fossa in the mandible. The m. pterygoideus medialis originates from the palatine, the pterygoid bone and the alisphenoid, and it inserts on the angular process medially. Suckling pups showed muscles with more restricted attachments, reduced muscle lines of action, and less diversity in the fiber orientation. The absence of the postorbital constriction also resulted in a distinct morphology of the m. temporalis pars profunda, through two bundles, one anterior and one posterior, which insert more inferiorly into the mandible. These major changes can be related to the onset of mastication and to size-related changes in growing weaned age classes. In general, all adductor muscles grew with positive allometry, and increased their fixation areas through, in part, the development of specific regions of the cranium and mandible. Their lines of action also increase and diversify along ontogeny. These changes can be related to the functional requirements for fixation during lactation, which shift to adduction and mastication movements after weaning.

Valuing public land in land policy: The role of accountancy regulations

Land values change in planning processes. Accountancy regulations define the book value of land held by local authorities. This affects the evaluation of alternative lines of action in land development, and in this way, the land policy of local authorities. This paper reflects on the case of the Netherlands, which has a well-established tradition of public land development. Traditionally, valuation has been based on historic costs: the prices for acquisition and costs of infrastructure provision paid in the past, and not the current exchange values. Losses foreseen must be taken immediately; profits can only be booked after they have been made. This paper analyses the changes in these accountancy regulations over time and studies their impact on the economic position of local authorities. It considers both regulations as the outcomes of these as being found in administrative records and the practice in the City of Enschede where there was a difference between the official value as recorded in the books and the value that was the basis for decision-making. The paper discusses the impact on land policy. There is a tension between regulations that more-and-more aim for a direct reflection of property market volatility in the books and the aim of local authorities to present financial stability. This may contribute to less financial involvement in land policies.

When urbanization and natural ecosystems collide: governance model to manage a mangrove ecosystem in a dual city

AbstractThis paper aims to describe the process of constructing and implementing a governance model for a mangrove ecosystem located along two waterways within a touristic city (Cartagena de Indias, Colombia). This city has symptoms of rapid and unplanned urbanization, weak governability, and social exclusion. All of those factors were considered when the governance model was developed. During its implementation, three stakeholders negotiated in good faith until a sustainable productive project was identified. This project fits well with the characteristics of the mangrove ecosystem and the city. The model is structured around six strategies within three lines of action. A list of measurable indicators is also proposed to quantify the effectiveness of the model during its implementation. Finally, caveats and key challenges to the model’s implementation are further discussed.

The limits of right-sizing: analyzing social housing strategies in French shrinking cities

ABSTRACT Right-sizing is becoming an increasingly relevant topic within the burgeoning literature on shrinking cities, specifically as a means for cities to cope with population loss. It encompasses various measures, such as demolishing vacant housing, consolidating urban development, and reusing vacant land for community gardens. Right-sizing promises to reduce financial concerns and increase quality of life. However, several studies have pointed out the limitations of its application, as it is bound by the principles of austerity. Recent research has argued for a more nuanced interpretation of the concept, as right-sizing can have differing impacts and outcomes depending on the local context. Following these recent contributions, this paper aims to deconstruct the right-sizing approach by analyzing social housing strategies in two shrinking cities in France (Le Creusot and Montluçon). The analysis shows that these two cities have been implementing strategies that include some quantitative adjustments of supply to demand. However, the strategies adopted are considerably more complex than mere quantitative adjustment and include a variety of synergistic lines of action. Thus, the aim of this paper is twofold: first, to highlight the limitations of right-sizing as an analytical concept, and second, to contribute to identifying appropriate social housing policies for shrinking cities.

Diplomacy in Expansion. Promoting Knowledge Through International Relations

Abstract To say that today’s international security environment has become highly complex is a truism. No one doubts this anymore, which is not to say that the efforts to argue such a reality have lost their relevance. On the contrary, the need and importance of scientific investigation are becoming critical as the international security environment becomes increasingly dynamic, generating cascading challenges. The speed of change, on the one hand, and the often claimed low level of unpredictability regarding the direction of developments taking place in society today, in any domain and at national and global levels alike, on the other hand, call for the identification and analysis, including the reassessment and reinterpretation, of opportunities and threats that are increasingly seen as existential, profound and global. Global issues that impact the security environment, which is referred to as ‘international, ‘ are being addressed by a wide range of actors, sometimes brought together in public-private dialogue networks, who can offer solutions based on their expertise and understanding of the field. This paper aims to question the role of international relations in promoting and supporting higher education as a distinct entity within an institutionalized effort to draw international academic knowledge into the mechanism of addressing pressing global issues impacting the international security environment. Thus, taking the internationalization of higher education as a starting point, some lines of action are proposed for the promotion of knowledge through a diplomatic approach aimed at enhancing its social aspect in direct relation with the transformations of the international system and the challenges to international security.