Meaningful Progress Research Articles

Meaningful progress towards a high-fidelity endoscopic submucosal dissection training simulator model

Meaningful progress towards a high-fidelity endoscopic submucosal dissection training simulator model

Toward an International Grundnorm for Climate Change: Ensuring Sustainability Away from the Traditional Notion of Security

Climate change has been considered a critical challenge that transcends traditional notions of security, demanding a shift in perspective toward environmental sustainability. Historically, security has been viewed as an inviolable boundary, shaped significantly by the aftermath of World War II, when the international community prioritized peace, territorial integrity, and political independence. However, humanity now faces unprecedented threats that cannot be addressed through rigid or outdated definitions of security. Climate change impacts the entire planet, affecting both living and non-living organisms, and has arisen primarily from anthropogenic activities over the past two centuries. Consequently, solutions must originate from within human societies, emphasizing sustainability alongside action. Despite extensive discourse, meaningful progress remains limited. This paper, drawing on scientific data about climate change’s far-reaching consequences, aims to highlight that climate change, despite theoretical and practical challenges, has the potential to supplant traditional State-centered security as the Grundnorm of international law, serving as the critical threshold that demands a comprehensive reform and reimagining of the international legal framework. It concludes that climate change’s new normativity represents opportunities to reform law and order to ensure life and sustainability.

A systematic-narrative hybrid review of evidence: Exploring how corporate social responsibility initiatives impact population health.

Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) refers to initiatives undertaken by corporations that aim to make a positive impact on society. It is unclear to what extent these aims are achieved in relation to population health. We explored the evidence for mechanisms by which CSR has positive or negative effects on population health through a systematic-narrative hybrid review of 97 relevant articles. We found few examples overall that could trace a CSR initiative through to verifiable impacts on the population. Our review found that generally the evidence for the impacts of CSR on population health was patchy, highly heterogenous and of varying quality. We found some potential positive impacts of CSR on health; including on poverty alleviation, development, health care, the environment and the health and wellbeing of workers. Some CSR initiatives were rebranding of core functions, such as HR practices and employee wellbeing strategies, or were a partial redressing of the problems the corporation itself is creating, such as CSR initiatives that sought to improve workplace safety, reduce corporate environmental footprints or relocate people displaced by mining activities. We situate these impacts in relation to the role and intent of CSR, and argue that meaningful progress on CSR can only be made with greater transparency and reporting of initiatives to more fulsomely evaluate their impacts - as well as the political economy in which these sit. It is further critical to strengthen government regulation and oversight to maximise any public good that can come from CSR, and minimise the negative consequences reported in research literature.

Carbon neutrality: Synergy for energy transition, circular economy and inclusive green growth.

The relentless surge in carbon emissions is exacting a devastating toll on human wellbeing, critical infrastructure, and natural ecosystems, leaving a stark and distressing legacy of destruction. Communities worldwide are reeling from the impacts of pervasive smog, record-breaking wildfires, and deadly heatwaves-manifestations of a climate crisis that grows more severe by the day. Once a vanguard of environmental policy, the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) now struggles with exceeding emissions targets, eroding its credibility and influence. Fragmented implementation of key frameworks-such as Inclusive Green Growth, the Circular Economy, and Energy Transition-has undermined their impact. The urgency of the moment was underscored by the report of COP29, which issued an unequivocal call to action for OECD nations to step up and lead with ambitious, unified strategies. Embracing inclusive green growth (IGG)-a paradigm that harmonizes economic development with environmental sustainability and social equity-offers a clear path forward. By integrating these elements into a cohesive response, the OECD can reignite its leadership role and drive meaningful progress toward a sustainable future. This paper advocates for a unified strategy integrating IGG, CE, and ET to achieve carbon neutrality. It introduces a streamlined environmental model designed to assess the effectiveness of this integrated approach rigorously. Drawing on data from 24 countries between 2000 and 2020, and employing advanced time series and dynamic analysis, this study offers theoretical and empirical insights into the interactions among the key variables. The results show that integrated policies significantly enhance the effectiveness of green growth and energy transitions, ensuring equitable benefits across all societal segments, including marginalized communities. By addressing the complex, interrelated nature of sustainability challenges, these policies offer a robust framework consolidating diverse perspectives and expertise, driving transformative and profound change.

TRANSFORMING MARGINALIZED SOCIETY: SOCIAL ENTREPRENEURSHIP IN TODAY’S MALAYSIAN BUSINESS LANDSCAPE

Social entrepreneurship is becoming more widely acknowledged as crucial in tackling the most urgent social, environmental, and economic issues in the world. While existing reports on social entrepreneurship in Malaysia provide a broad overview, they often fail to capture the nuanced and dynamic growth of social enterprises serving the autism spectrum disorder community, where practical innovations and focused initiatives drive meaningful progress and provide crucial support for individuals and families. A qualitative study approach, using multiple case studies, has been used to explore and understand the phenomenon of social entrepreneurship in Malaysia by choosing six founders of social companies based in Klang Valley, Malaysia, to participate in this study. Data collection would be a face-to-face interview. Using thematic analysis, the researcher can identify these organizations' unique challenges and the targeted initiatives driving meaningful progress and providing crucial support for individuals and families. subsequently developing strategies to enhance the impact and sustainability of social enterprises in Malaysia.

Unspoken Answers: Using Silence in Session – Engaging Client Silence With Thoughtful Solution Focused Questions to Address Family Discord

This article explores how using silence as part of a family therapy session can address family discord, particularly when paired with thoughtful Solution Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT) questions that prompt clients to reflect and respond within their own minds, fostering personal insights without the pressure of verbal responses. This method led to unspoken answers that ultimately facilitated meaningful progress. The powerful changes for the family were reinforced in follow-up meetings, revealing significant shifts in the family dynamic. This article details the questions posed, the therapeutic process, and the outcomes observed, illustrating how engaging client silence with Solution Focused questions can be a powerful way to address family discord.

Assessing South Africa’s marine protected area quality and progress towards conservation goals: An application of The MPA Guide framework

Marine protected areas (MPAs) are a widely used area-based conservation tool for preventing or reversing the loss of marine biodiversity and sustaining the social-ecological systems that it underpins. Global targets for ocean protection typically track the extent of ocean area within MPAs. However, understanding the effectiveness of protection is crucial, as the level of protection and associated benefits for biodiversity and human wellbeing can vary among different types of MPAs. In South Africa, 41 MPAs currently protect 5.4 % of the country’s mainland exclusive economic zone (EEZ), each with varied conservation goals and unique zonation. We evaluated all 41 MPAs using the MPA Guide assessment framework to clarify levels of protection, expected conservation outcomes, and meaningful progress towards meeting national protection targets. We also compared types of site-specific management goals to the assessed level of protection for each MPA to understand whether MPAs are likely to achieve their stated goals. We found that all MPAs are at least Implemented, with most coverage Fully or Highly Protected (70.1 % of total MPA area; 3.8 % of EEZ). We also found that 40 MPAs have levels of protection that are likely to support all types of site-specific management goals. Our results indicate that South Africa’s MPA network has strong potential to deliver positive conservation benefits if MPA funding and capacity constraints, as well as other socio-economic factors, are addressed. Future protection initiatives should consider these factors prior to anticipated MPA expansion.

Youth Restiveness and Leadership Problem in Nigeria

Youth restiveness has escalated in contemporary Nigeria, becoming a source of national concern. Unfortunately, Nigeria cannot thrive and make any meaningful progress if it continues to being plagued by youth restiveness. Being the most populous country in Africa and one of the most populous nations globally, Nigeria has a higher population of young people, that are restive than most countries of the world. Nigeria’s peace, security, progress and unity as a nation are under siege due to this phenomenon. However, the causes of youth’s restiveness are linked to unemployment, lack of basic and quality education, inadequate provision of welfare package, lack of infrastructural facilities, inequality and lack of other basic social amenities. The increased and negative effects of youth restiveness are present everywhere in Nigeria today as kidnapping, ritual killings, militancy, crimes, violence, bombing, destruction of government properties, cultism, armed robbery and political instability, among a host of others, bedevil the country. However, in some ways, youth restiveness could be linked to the failure and bad leadership style in Nigeria. The conflict theory will be used to explain threatening situations like war, killings, revolution, domestic violence, cybercrime and others. It is however pathetic that successive governments in Nigeria have failed to provide solutions to this menace through the provision of basic and quality education to teaming Nigeria youths, as well as employment opportunities, and other effective empowerment programmes. This study argues that for us to curtail and control youth restiveness in Nigeria, the government should harness youth skills and talents, ensure the provision of employment opportunities, and put in place quality education. The strength, wisdom and leadership skills of the youths should be channelled to various leadership positions in the society for growth.

Navigating the Role and Approach of Gut Microbiota in Addressing Alzheimer's Disease Pathogenesis

Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder characterized by amyloid beta plaques and tau protein neurofibrillary tangles, leading to cognitive decline. The lack of effective treatments compounds the significant human and financial burdens AD poses. Despite extensive research, the exact mechanisms of the disease remain elusive. Recent studies have shown promise in using anti-Aβ antibodies to reduce amyloid accumulation and slow dementia progression. However, diversifying therapeutic strategies is crucial for making meaningful progress. In recent years, research has increasingly focused on the microbiota-gut-brain axis in AD. Mounting evidence suggests that changes in gut microbiota composition are linked to AD progression, implicating various pathways. Dysregulation of microbiota taxa can trigger systemic inflammation by increasing gut permeability, ultimately leading to neural damage and neurodegeneration. Poor dietary habits and aging exacerbate gut dysbiosis, worsening AD pathology. However, investigations in this area are still in their early stages, with many aspects awaiting exploration and understanding. A thorough comprehension of the complex interactions within the microbiota-AD relationship is essential for refining therapeutic approaches. Interventions targeting gut microbiota, such as dietary adjustments, probiotics, and faecal microbiota transplantation, offer potential as therapeutics. This review highlights the detrimental role of gut dysbiosis in AD, offering insights into enhancing therapeutic avenues for the disease. Graphical abstract: The bidirectional interaction between the brain and the gut through neuroendocrine, immune, and metabolic pathways. Created with BioRender.com

Shining a spotlight on youth involvement in mental health research: Challenges and innovations.

Despite progress in youth involvement in mental health research, considerable gaps remain in our understanding, conceptualisation, and implementation of involving children and young people in this field. This Editorial Perspective reflects on how these gaps present challenges to our research practices and often serve as barriers to meaningfully involving youth voices and experiences into the research process. We take a critical perspective to recent advances in the field of youth involvement in mental health research, reflected by the studies included in this special issue, and highlight examples of good practice paving the way for more equitable and inclusive approaches. Meaningful progress in mental health research relies on the active involvement of young people. Researchers, practitioners and policymakers have an ethical and moral responsibility to create a safe and inclusive environment that empowers young people to participate in research that impacts their lives, care, and overall quality of life.

Deepening the Decade: Collaborative Action for Advancing Deep‐Ocean Science and Policy in the United Nations Decade of Ocean Science for Sustainable Development

AbstractThe current United Nations Decade of Ocean Science for Sustainable Development (2021–2030; hereafter, the Decade) offers a unique opportunity and framework to globally advance ocean science and policy. Achieving meaningful progress within the Decade requires collaboration and coordination across Decade Actions (Programs, Projects, and Centres). This coordination is particularly important for the deep ocean, which remains critically under‐sampled compared to other ecosystems. Despite the limited sampling, the deep ocean accounts for over 95% of Earth's habitable space, plays a crucial role in regulating the carbon cycle and global temperatures, and supports diverse ecosystems. To collectively advance deep‐ocean science, we gathered representatives from 20 Decade Actions that focus at least partially on the deep ocean. We identified five broad themes that aim to advance deep‐ocean science in alignment with the Decade's overarching 10 Challenges: natural capital and the blue economy, biodiversity, deep‐ocean observing, best practices in data sharing, and capacity building. Within each theme, we propose concrete objectives (termed Cohesive Asks) and milestones (Targets) for the deep‐ocean community. Developing these Cohesive Asks and Targets reflects a commitment to better coordination across deep‐ocean Decade Actions. We aim to build bridges across deep‐ocean disciplines, which encompass natural science, ocean observing, policy, and capacity development.

Comparative analysis of porcine-uterine decellularization for bioactive-molecule preservation and DNA removal.

Decellularized uterine extracellular matrix has emerged as a pivotal focus in the realm of biomaterials, offering a promising source in uterine tissue regeneration, research on disease diagnosis and treatments, and ultimately uterine transplantation. In this study, we examined various protocols for decellularizing porcine uterine tissues, aimed to unravel the intricate dynamics of DNA removal, bioactive molecules preservation, and microstructural alterations. Porcine uterine tissues were treated with 6 different, yet rigorously selected and designed, protocols with sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS), Triton® X-100, peracetic acid + ethanol, and DNase I. After decellularization, we examined DNA quantification, histological staining (H&E and DAPI), glycosaminoglycans (GAG) assay, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), and Thermogravimetric Analysis (TGA). A comparative analysis among all 6 protocols was conducted with the results demonstrating that all protocols achieved decellularization; while 0.1% SDS + 1% Triton® X-100, coupled with agitation, demonstrated the highest efficiency in DNA removal. Also, it was found that DNase I played a key role in enhancing the efficiency of the decellularization process by underscoring its significance in digesting cellular contents and eliminating cell debris by 99.79% (19.63 ± 3.92ng/mg dry weight). Our findings enhance the nuanced understanding of DNA removal, GAG preservation, microstructural alteration, and protein decomposition in decellularized uterine extracellular matrix, while highlighting the importance of decellularization protocols designed for intended applications. This study along with our findings represents meaningful progress for advancing the field of uterine transplantation and related tissue engineering/regenerative medicine.

Urgent Need of Plastic Waste Management: A Review

Plastic waste has emerged as an environmental challenge globally and has become a critical issue with widespread impacts on the environment, produces chemical pollution, creates micro-plastics, kills terrestrial wildlife, human health and animals, choking our oceans, killing and harming marine life and requires an immediate action. Plastic contaminates the air, soil, and water without appropriate collection and disposal methods, harming ecosystems and humans in the process. Plastic persists in the ecosystem for long, endangering species and dispersing pollutants. The use of plastic also fuels global warming. The majority of plastics comprises of chemicals derived from the combustion of fossil fuels including coal, oil, and gas. The paper examines types of plastic wastes and their sources; it's environmental and socio-economic impacts and the current state of PWM practices and strategies worldwide. It examines the current methods for gathering, recycling, and disposing of plastic garbage while seeking ways to improve them. Plastic pollution can modify natural processes and habitats, making ecosystems less able to adapt to climate change. This has a direct impact on the social well-being, food production, and livelihoods of millions of people. Plastic garbage is causing terrible issues and other serious health problems, especially in urban areas. These challenges have raised alarming public concerns leading to implementation of policies aimed at minimizing the amount of plastic waste generated in the environment. Additionally, it also emphasizes on importance of collaboration between governments, industries and people to achieve meaningful progress. By reviewing existing literature and data, the paper aims to focus on the complexities of PWM and highlight the areas of improvement.

Inquiring Children’s Security within the Framework of Human Security: A Theoretical Assessment

ABSTRACT While there is consensus on the individual as the primary referent object within the human security debate the question of which individuals? remains inadequately addressed. In this paper children are the primary referents and beneficiaries of security, arguing children’s human security possesses distinct characteristics that differentiate the nonviolent, preventable threats they face from those encountered by adults. Addressing these threats requires an integrated approach that combines theoretical exploration with practical policy implementation. The current academic discourse on human security, while extensive, must prioritize children’s specific needs by acknowledging them as key referents of security and essential subjects in both theory and practice. This involves recognizing children as active social and political agents, and addressing the unique dimensions of their vulnerability through comprehensive, targeted strategies. Achieving meaningful progress in safeguarding children’s security demands concerted efforts from all sectors, including researchers, policymakers, practitioners, and political leaders. Effective policy and practice require a collaborative approach that emphasizes the prevention and early identification of risks. Enhanced academic attention and robust discussions on children’s security are vital in shaping policies that reflect the urgency of these issues and drive effective interventions on a global scale. Keywords: children’s security, children’s rights, child well-being, human security, critical security. JEL Classification Codes: J13, H56, I31, K33, K38

More value and less waste in research on primary cam morphology and its natural history: a qualitative interview study of stakeholders' perspectives

Background Primary cam morphology, an acquired bony prominence at the head-neck junction of the femur, is highly prevalent in athlete populations, and causally associated with femoroacetabular impingement syndrome and early hip osteoarthritis. Experts agreed on key elements for primary cam morphology and a prioritised research agenda for the field. This research agenda will require higher-quality research to achieve meaningful progress on the aetiology, prognosis and treatment of primary cam morphology in athletes. Aim To explore stakeholders’ perspectives of high-quality research in the research field of primary cam morphology and its natural history. Methods Grounded in interpretive description, we used semi-structured interviews to explore stakeholders’ perspectives of high-quality research in the primary cam morphology research field. The framework for INcreasing QUality In patient-orientated academic clinical REsearch (INQUIRE) informed the interview guide. Audio-recorded interviews were transcribed and analysed using thematic analysis. We recruited a heterogenous and purposive maximum variation sample, drawing from a network of research contacts. Results Fifteen individuals, several with multiple perspectives on research quality in the field, participated. Exploring stakeholders’ perspectives on research quality through an established research quality framework (INQUIRE) illuminated areas for immediate action for research communities in the field of primary cam morphology and its natural history. We crafted five action inviting themes: research communities should: partner with athletes/patients; champion equity, diversity and inclusion; collaborate with one another; pursue open science; and nurture young scholars. Conclusion The findings of this study could inform concrete actions by research communities to pursue higher quality research—more research value and less waste—in the field of primary cam morphology and its natural history. Although the five action-inviting themes reflect contemporary trends in research, and could therefore be transferable to other areas of research, their practical application remains context- and field-specific.

How Advocates Can Use the Revised Circular A-4 Means to Push for Stronger Worker and Environmental Protections.

For public interest advocates engaged on issues of worker health and safety and environmental protections, regulatory cost-benefit analysis has long been seen as an obstacle to meaningful progress. In November 2023, the Biden administration overhauled Circular A-4, which provides guidance to agencies on how to perform cost-benefit analyses for their rules. The reforms seek to make cost-benefit analysis less biased against worker safety, public health, environmental, and other protective safeguards. As such, the new version of Circular A-4 offers important new levers to agencies to justify more stringent protections. By extension, those in the public interest community can use agency implementation of the new Circular A-4 as part of their advocacy efforts for specific rules they are tracking. This article seeks to support this tactic by providing a roadmap for advocates on how to incorporate into their comments critiques of agencies' cost-benefit analyses based on the Circular A-4 revisions.

Energy transition for sustainable economy: What is the role of government governance and public concern?

The global imperative for sustainable development necessitates a deeper understanding of the factors driving energy transitions. This study examines how government environmental governance and public environmental awareness influence China's shift towards sustainable energy practices. Utilizing a comprehensive dataset from Chinese prefecture-level cities, we analyze the impacts of governmental environmental governance and public concern on energy transition intensity across regions. Our findings reveal that both proactive government investment and heightened public awareness significantly contribute to advancing energy transitions, with notable regional variations. The analysis uncovers complex relationships between local economic conditions, societal engagement, and transition progress, highlighting the need for tailored strategies. These insights contribute to the sustainable development discourse by elucidating the synergistic effects of governance and public engagement in driving energy transitions. Our research offers valuable policy implications for fostering sustainable energy futures, emphasizing the importance of coordinated efforts between governmental structures and public sentiment in achieving meaningful environmental progress.

Quantitative Analysis of Causative Factors of Crime: A Case Study of District Sahiwal (Pakistan)

It is a postindustrial society in which the dynamics of social interaction and values have changed. Due to rapid technological changes, the social relations and bounding with social norms have been weakening. The impatience, delinquency, and criminal attitude of the people are increasing daily. The research objectives of this current study were to examine the causative factors of crime in district Sahiwal and to identify the elements that shape and influence criminal behavior in the region. The researcher used the quantitative method and exploited purposive sampling. The data was gathered from 120 criminals from Central Jail, Sahiwal, Pakistan. The analysis used Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) to uncover significant patterns and relationships of variables. It was found that low socio-economic status and less academic qualification were the real causes of crime in the studied area. Based on the results, it is suggested that addressing the underlying issues of bad company, poverty, unemployment, and lack of education and strengthening legal and social frameworks can create a safer, more stable community in Sahiwal. The study's findings emphasize that only through targeted interventions that address both the symptoms and the root causes of crime can meaningful progress be made in reducing crime rates and improving the quality of life for the residents of district Sahiwal. The concerned institutions should collaborate with the concerned institutions to uplift the socio-economic status of the people, and strict law and order should be enforced to tackle deviance and crime in Sahiwal, Pakistan.

Perception of Youth Regarding Aurat March in Pakistan: An Exploratory Study

The current study explores the perception of youth regarding Aurat March in Pakistan, emphasizing its importance in understanding young people’s perspectives on gender issues. The semi-structured interview guide was used to conduct the interviews with young people. The interviews were then transcribed and analyzed using qualitative thematic analysis. The findings indicate that young people hold positive and negative views of the Aurat March. On the positive side, many perceive it as a crucial protest against gender inequality and injustice, offering a platform for individuals to advocate for women's rights. However, there are also concerns among youth that the Aurat March promotes vulgarity and advocates for LGBTQ+ rights, which some perceive as a western agenda. Additionally, some participants feel the march primarily represents the issues of elite women rather than addressing broader societal concerns. This study highlights the importance of involving young, educated individuals in the Aurat March to raise awareness of gender issues, challenge societal norms, and create a more inclusive dialogue around women’s rights in Pakistan. Understanding these diverse perceptions is essential to increase meaningful conversations and progress toward gender equality in the country.

The association between cultural and linguistic maintenance and mental health in migrant adolescents: A scoping review.

Although previous reviews have examined the relationship between heritage cultural maintenance and mental health outcomes among migrants, none have focussed specifically on migrant adolescents (i.e. those aged 10-24 years). To examine (1) the focus, scope and nature of quantitative empirical research investigating heritage cultural maintenance - including linguistic maintenance - and mental health outcomes among migrant adolescents globally and (2) the association between cultural and linguistic maintenance and migrant adolescents' mental health outcomes. Following the Arksey and O'Malley methodological framework for scoping reviews, we searched 11 electronic health, medical, social science and language databases from database inception until the search date (6 June 2023), using English search terms. We extracted data from included empirical studies using a template with pre-defined data items, which we present in comprehensive overviews and narrative summaries. Thirty-four studies met our inclusion criteria. We identified considerable heterogeneity between studies regarding their research foci, methodologies, terminologies, outcomes and findings regarding the association between cultural maintenance and mental health outcomes. We specifically identified mixed findings regarding the latter, which cannot be transferred or generalised. The heterogenous nature of methodologies and outcome measures in the published literature, in addition to a scarcity of research from low- and middle-income countries, have hindered meaningful progress in this field. Efforts to address these issues, and to take adolescent context into consideration, will facilitate a more accurate understanding of how cultural maintenance relates to migrant adolescent mental health, and inform future interventions to improve mental health outcomes.