Personal Responsibility Research Articles

‘Plastic addicts’: troubling consumer tropes in Thailand’s neoliberal waste environment

ABSTRACT Amidst mounting alarm over plastic waste’s impact on ecosystems and health, Thailand has gained global attention as one of the top six contributors to marine plastic debris. Narratives that Thai people are ‘addicted to plastic’ circulate widely in local and international media. This article unpacks this and related tropes by investigating their historical development and everyday usage. Based on ethnographic research among regulators, activists, plastic industry members, and recyclers in Bangkok, and a media analysis, I demonstrate how co-constructed civic epistemologies frame plastic waste solutions in Thailand. As public knowledge-ways that inform decision-making, these epistemologies drive plastic pollution by perpetuating neoliberal ideologies of personal responsibility and deregulation. In doing so, they reframe Thailand’s plastic waste challenges as a question of individual morality that requires consumer-based solutions rather than a question of structural production that requires a regulatory response. While scholars have addressed plastic pollution from technical, governance, and new materialist perspectives, this article offers a socio-cultural geography approach that accounts for the cultural narratives that mediate plastic pollution debates and drive plastic production and policy in Thailand and beyond.

Polite Language on Facebook: Maintaining Ethics in Interactions on Social Media

The objective of this study was to examine the present condition of politeness in language usage on Facebook, determine the factors that impact the use of polite language, and suggest approaches to promote civility in digital interactions. Using a qualitative methodology, the data collection process involved analyzing the content of posts and comments from public Facebook pages and groups. Additionally, semi-structured interviews were conducted with users to gather their personal experiences and perceptions. Our analysis of the content uncovered notable disparities in the levels of politeness observed. Community-oriented groups demonstrated elevated levels of politeness, likely attributed to their shared interests and established norms. Conversely, discussions centered around political matters were more susceptible to impoliteness, largely influenced by the anonymity of participants and the intensity of emotions involved. Interviews emphasized the significance of cultural variations, the design features of Facebook, and the crucial role of personal responsibility in upholding politeness. Effective moderation and well-defined guidelines were determined to be essential in handling discourteous conduct. The results highlight the importance of adopting a holistic strategy towards digital communication, encompassing the promotion of cultural sensitivity, the improvement of digital literacy, and the development of ethical platform features. These measures aim to cultivate a more respectful and constructive online environment.

Contextual disparities of “happiness” in Korean and Chinese: A quantitative analysis of “행복” and “幸福”

This study investigates the contextual disparities in the meanings of the Korean Hanja word “행복 [hɛŋbok]” and the Chinese Hanzi word “幸福 [ɕiŋ51 fu35],” both conceptualized similarly to “happiness” in English. Utilizing computational linguistics methodologies, we analyzed 192,249 instances of “행복” from the Modu Corpus and 324,585 instances of “幸福” from the CCL Corpus, employing collocation, bi-gram, and tri-gram techniques. Our analysis reveals that these words embody distinct cultural, social, and political dimensions in their respective contexts. Korean usage of “행복” shows a strong association with community well-being, social infrastructure, and educational development. Frequently co-occurring terms include “가족” (family), “교육” (education), and “사회” (society), reflecting deep-rooted Confucian values. Conversely, Chinese usage of “幸福” emphasizes national prosperity, collective harmony, and individual life quality. Common collocates include “国家” (country), “人民” (people), and “生活” (life), influenced by traditional philosophies and modern political ideologies. The research highlights significant differences in how happiness is conceptualized in relation to government policies. Korean contexts focus on specific quality-of-life improvements, evident in phrases like “행복 주택” (happiness housing) and “행복 도시” (happiness city). Chinese contexts stress the link between national development and individual well-being, as seen in expressions like “人民幸福” (people’s happiness) and “幸福生活” (happy life). These findings underscore the complex interplay between personal fulfillment and social responsibility in East Asian cultures. Our study demonstrates the effectiveness of computational linguistics in analyzing complex cultural concepts, while also revealing limitations in capturing individual subjective experiences. It contributes to contrastive lexicography between Korean and Chinese, offering insights for cross-cultural communication and policymaking in social well-being initiatives.

Childhood Trauma and Remembrance: Weaponised PTSD in Glaydah Namukasa’s The Deadly Ambition

ABSTRACT Defining crime within the prism of personal responsibility without recourse to its triggers engenders post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in victims of unfair hearings. While literary studies interrogating blame for traumatic reactions on the basis of personal responsibility or choice abound, studies tracing traumatic misdemeanour to a first-cause threshold of vulnerability remain scarce. Relying on the intersection of cause-effect reactions, this study identifies unresolved childhood trauma as the cause of the weaponised PTSD in Glaydah Namukasa’s The Deadly Ambition (2006). Evan Busagwa is identified as a victim of an inerasable childhood trauma which develops gradually into PTSD and unfortunately gets weaponised against the society he believes deprives him of love as a child. Julia Kristeva’s Abjection Theory, which accounts for human reaction to the dysfunctionality of meaning in relational difference, is used to justify the repercussions of a tormented childhood on Busagwa’s adulthood. Namukasa engages the transmogrification of a personal ambition from its benign state to an awful deadly state. Having deferred to his parents as a young boy, Busagwa forces deference on the vulnerable as an adult. Through Busagwa’s characterisation, the writer suggests that a good ambition could mutate into something awfully negative if its formative stage is distorted beyond a person’s control.

‘It’s really embarrassing […] to ask for help:’ navigating invisible and intersecting inequities in barriers to getting vaccinated

The arrival of COVID-19 vaccines in Canada marked the first time since the H1N1 influenza pandemic that adult vaccination became central in public health discourse, thus evoking feelings and discourse about individuals’ responsibility to get vaccinated. Public health institutions made efforts to ensure vaccines were accessible, and various local organizations worked to fill gaps in accessibility (e.g. vaccine clinics for equity-denied communities). However, despite knowledge of barriers to accessing healthcare, and specifically vaccines, public and health discourses emphasized individual objection as the main barrier to optimal vaccine uptake. This study explored how individuals who identified as a racialized minority or Indigenous person, perceived their personal responsibility to get vaccinated. We gathered perspectives in qualitative interviews (N = 27) when vaccines were first becoming available to adults living in Canada (May-June 2021). Theory about moral regulation, risk governance, and emotion informed our analysis. Findings suggest that individuals engaged in the governance of oneself and others towards getting vaccinated. However, participants also critiqued discourses that hold individuals responsible for accessing vaccines. They identified substantial barriers to accessing vaccines for individuals with fewer resources (e.g. travel time, missing work, childcare). When referencing individuals who do not know how to access information about vaccination, one participant stated, ‘it’s really embarrassing […] to ask for help.’ Feelings of individual responsibility may prevent some people uncertain about vaccines from asking for more information and support. We argue that the focus on vaccine hesitancy without attention to systemic barriers deflects responsibility for making vaccines accessible from centralized institutions to individuals.

"I seemed calmer, clearer, and better able to react to challenging situations": phenomenological reflections on learning about mindfulness in health professions education.

It is widely acknowledged that healthcare practitioner well-being is under threat, as many factors like excessive workloads, perceived lack of organizational support, the rapid introduction of new technologies, repercussions of the COVID-19 pandemic, and other factors have transformed the health care workplace. Distress, anxiety and burnout are on the rise, and are particularly concerning for health professions' students who must navigate challenging academic and clinical demands, in addition to personal responsibilities. While not a panacea for the systemic issues at play, 'mindfulness practices' have shown some promise in supporting students to navigate stressful environments. Yet despite calls for more phenomenological studies, little is known about health professions students' lived experiences of learning about and using mindfulness in higher education contexts. The objective of this hermeneutic phenomenological study was to inquire into the first-hand lived experiences of health professions students by examining their written reflections on learning about and using mindfulness in a higher education context. The study reports on themes identified in an analysis of students' phenomenological reflections written during and following a mindfulness elective course offered at a Canadian University. The analysis revealed four predominant themes: (a) reframing perceptions, (b)'being' while 'doing', (c) witnessing the struggle, and (d) compassion for self and others. In a time when health professionals are increasingly under strain, and systemic reform is needed but slow to take shape, the findings of this study reveal potential affordances of mindfulness for helping students to navigate the myriad of challenges they face. The findings are unique in their in-depth exploration of students' reflections on the experience of learning about and engaging in 'mindfulness practices' in a higher education context. The findings contribute first-hand perspectives to the evolving field of mindfulness education research and generate new conversations about mindfulness education in the health professions curriculum.

A Study on Food waste, Religious guidance and its impact on Environment in Central Kashmir: A Sample Survey

In economy of any state food waste plays a significant role and its wastage has direct impact on environment and on economy. The decreasing of food waste clearly would lead to improved land utilization and water resources management of that area. In the present study carried out in Central Kashmir, a survey of the study area was carried out and discussions were held with the people of the study area i.e., district Srinagar, Budgam and Ganderbal of Kashmir. The study based on surveying methodology was conducted by designing a suitable questionnaire to bring out the current methods practiced for food waste disposal in central Kashmir, J&K. The data collected from survey was statistically analysed using standard statistical tools. The study revealed that food waste is directly or indirectly responsible for in environment pollution. It was suggested that responsible persons of area and government should come forward and play their role in controlling food waste and proper disposal of food wastage. We know plastic pollution is the aggregation of plastic objects and particles in the Earth's environment that adversely affects humans, wildlife and their habitat. The elders of study area revealed that a number of water bodies vanished in last 3-4 decades because of overpopulation, poor drainage system, deviation from Islamic teaching and climate change. Finally, it was suggested that everyone should play his/her role in reducing food waste as it is a social, environmental as well as a religious crime

“It’s Not Easy Being Around That Kind of Sickness”: Intellectual Disability and the COVID-19 Pandemic

The COVID-19 pandemic has disproportionately affected people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD), and yet their perspectives and experiences have not been incorporated into the vast majority of research, public health plans, or social service provision. This article presents the pandemic experiences of twelve adults with I/DD living in the United States in late spring 2020. Findings include informants’ uncertainty about the virus and its impacts, difficulties navigating changes to housing, employment, and schedules, increased feelings of personal responsibility, and exacerbated tensions in professional and personal relationships. I conclude with recommendations for research, policy, and practice that privilege the lived experiences of people with I/DD during times of crisis.

Are Future Teachers Involved in Contributing to and Promoting the Reduction of Massive Waste Generation?

Massive waste generation linked to overconsumption is considered one of the most significant socio-ecological issues today, becoming a challenge for health and well-being and a barrier to achieving sustainability. Education is key to raising awareness and involving citizens in the adoption of responsible consumption habits, facilitating the recognition of the relationship between our daily activities and the production of waste. The aim of this exploratory study is to analyse the perceptions and commitments of future secondary school teachers (FTs) toward this issue and to explore the educational approaches they propose to address it in the classroom (n = 138). In this work, a mixed-methods approach was used based on quantitative and qualitative data collected through a questionnaire. The results show that FTs have difficulties in recognising the different factors involved in the problem of massive waste generation. However, they incorporate the health and ecological vision, which is close to the holistic vision of the One Health approach. The majority of them take personal responsibility for the problem, although they opt for low-effort options. Regarding the educational proposals they design, only a minority can do it following a commitment-oriented approach.

Patient Perceptions of Weight Stigma Experiences in Healthcare: A Qualitative Analysis.

Weight stigma is the social devaluation and denigration of individuals because of their excess body weight, resulting in poorer physical and mental health and healthcare avoidance. Attribution Theory and Goffman's theory of spoiled identity provided a general overarching framework for understanding weight stigma experiences. Our purpose was to explore weight stigma experiences from a broad range of perspectives emphasizing identities typically excluded in the weight stigma literature. We conducted a qualitative descriptive study with data drawn from 73 substantive narrative comments from participants who responded to a larger survey. Analysis developed five themes: Working on weight, Not being overweight, Lack of help and empathy, Exposure and embarrassment and Positive experiences. Individuals who would be clinically assessed as overweight, especially men, often did not identify with having a weight problem and found the framing of personal responsibility for weight empowering. Participants with larger body sizes more often attributed embarrassment and shame about weight to treatment in the clinical setting. Older participants were more likely to have positive experiences. The findings suggest ongoing tension between the framing of weight as a personal responsibility as opposed to a multifactorial condition with many uncontrollable aspects. Gender, age and body size shaped respondent perspectives, with some young male respondents finding empowerment through perceived personal control of weight. The healthcare system perpetuates weight stigma through lack of adequate equipment and excessively weight-centric medical counselling. Recommending a healthy lifestyle to patients without support or personalized medical assessment may perpetuate weight stigma and associated detrimental health outcomes. Patients with obesity and overweight were integral to this study, providing comments for our qualitative analyses.

Индекс качества расследования пожаров

Results of fire investigation are extremely significant for the elaboration of preventive measures to ensure fire safety. The maximum effect will be achieved via qualitative fire investigation whose improvement depends on multiple factors, primarily on the optimal human resource provision for investigating authorities. The authors suggest that various factors are divided into two blocks: the first is procedural, and the second is a security resource. Later, this will help to targetedly analyze the cause of fire investigation low-quality indices for an employee and make the best management decision. The article provides basic factors affecting fire investigation quality and their weight coefficients depending on existing situations. Until now, the problem of mathematic substantiation of approaches to building unified integral indicators for fire investigation quality has remained unexplored. Against the background of growing complex technogenic fires, including fires at industrial enterprises, the relevance of the study is obvious, and the provided results are of practical importance. The results provided in the article enable consideration of fundamental factors affecting fire investigation quality, taking into account certain indicators. The suggested approach in the calculated substantiation of the fire investigation quality index allows for determining employee’s success and evaluating his/her level, considering the impact of various factors. The fire investigation quality index value can be used both as a tool to support management decision-making by a responsible person when assessing inspector’s activities and to determine the optimal number of employees of territorial divisions.

An innovative educational approach to teach high school students the physiological mechanisms and nutrition concepts associated with the development of obesity.

An interdisciplinary team-teaching session was introduced to high school students who participated in the Oakland University William Beaumont Future Physician Summer Enrichment Program. The rising prevalence of adolescent obesity necessitates innovative educational strategies that effectively engage high school students in understanding the complex physiologic mechanisms and nutrition concepts underlying its development. This submission presents a session that is designed to integrate the physiological concepts and nutrition that are associated with the development of obesity. Foundational information about the different food ingredients and physiology of the gastrointestinal organ system followed by concepts associated with the development of obesity and its complications were introduced. The session was delivered using combined educational approaches such as a dialogical-narrative approach and hands-on application activities by two discipline experts, physiology and nutrition. This innovative approach was well received, as evidenced by high satisfaction rates among participants. While direct measures of critical thinking and practical skills development were not captured, the positive feedback suggests that students appreciated the engaging, hands-on application of theoretical concepts. The sessions fostered an awareness of personal health responsibilities, with students actively participating and connecting learned material with practical scenarios. We believe that using combined educational approaches in interdisciplinary team-teaching sessions promotes inclusiveness and interactive engagement and enhances long-life learning.NEW & NOTEWORTHY An interdisciplinary team-teaching session was introduced to high school students who participated in the Oakland University William Beaumont Future Physician Summer Enrichment Program. The session aimed to integrate physiological concepts and nutrition that are associated with the development of obesity. The session was delivered using combined educational approaches including a dialogical-narrative approach and hands-on application activity that are guided by combined learning theories such as dialogism, narrative, theories of engagement, and multimedia active learning.

Get Fit! With Math and Lit: Pedagogical Implications for a Newly Developed Physical Activity Program

This article details the development of a physical activity curriculum used in an after-school program for youths. The program, Get Fit! With Math & Lit, employed culturally relevant pedagogies as its guiding framework and the Teaching Personal and Social Responsibility Model to structure its content. This multifaceted framework of the curriculum elevates holistic health considerations of youths to include social, emotional, mental, and physical needs, especially in relation to academic achievement. Particularly, positively engaging youths in physical activity and academics necessitates an integrated approach to instruction. The program utilized multimodal literacies to engage participants in collaborative games, physical exercises, mathematical problems, literacy practices, and reflective discussions. These multimodal literacies can be incorporated into various settings such as middle school classrooms, after-school programs, and physical education contexts. The purpose of this article is to share the curriculum's objectives, content, learning activities, materials, processes, evaluation, and implications.

Investigating Consumer’s Attitudes Toward New Carbon Tax Regulation in Indonesia

Abstract The Indonesian Government’s 2021 initiative to curb carbon emissions through carbon tax aims to influence the behavior of firms and consumers, particularly, those reliant on fossil fuels. Simultaneously, the carbon tax is envisaged as a means of generating state income and facilitating environmental investments. This research investigates Indonesian consumers’ attitudes toward the carbon tax through a representative survey, analyzing awareness, acceptance, and support levels as indicators and utilizing Structural Equation Modelling (SEM) with Partial Least Squares (PLS) program. The study explores opinions on the climate crisis and carbon tax, with a focus on Greater Jakarta. Preconceptions of climate change and their influence on attitudes are examined, along with socio-demographic characteristics shaping consumer behaviours. Findings reveal a heightened climate crisis awareness among the participants, however, a quarter remain unaware of the carbon tax enactment. Most consumers accept the tax, recognizing personal and industry responsibility for carbon reduction. Many are willing to contribute with tax rates of 1% to 3%. Policy recommendations include fostering political trust, progressive taxation on fossil fuels, and government incentives for carbon reduction. The study underscores the link between awareness, acceptance, and support for carbon tax implementation, suggesting further research on additional support indicators, including political trust.

Research on the Types and Influencing Factors of English Learning Motivation among English Major Undergraduates: A Case Study of Third-Year Students at a University in East China

English learning motivation significantly impacts learning efficiency. This study empirically investigates the learning motivations of 41 third-year English major students through a questionnaire survey conducted at a university in East China. The findings reveal that the learning motivations of English major undergraduates can be categorized into four types: personal interests, future development, experiential background, and social responsibility. Core factors influencing the types of learning motivation include students' personal cultural interests and their academic and career planning. Additionally, learning motivation is influenced by learning experiences, family environments, and social contexts. This research suggests that university English teachers should adopt a student-centered approach to tailor their teaching methods, thereby assisting students in establishing long-term, profound learning motivations. Furthermore, it encourages universities to implement social practice activities aimed at promoting intercultural communication.

Terms of consideration of claims in disciplinary proceedings through the prism of individual decisions of the Higher Qualification and Disciplinary Bar Commission

The article analyzes some aspects of consideration of claims (complaints) for improper behavior of an advocate, which may result in his disciplinary responsibility, in terms of compliance with the terms of consideration of such claims (complaints) provided for by the current legislation. To date, the legislation provides for any person to file a complaint against an advocate regarding the disciplinary action of the latter. This opportunity is primarily intended to protect people’s rights from unlawful and illegal actions of an advocate. The protection of rights includes, among other things, the inevitable onset of specific disciplinary responsibility of the advocate. The author analyzed the decisions made by the Higher Qualification and Disciplinary Bar Commission based on the results of the review of the decisions of the Qualification and Disciplinary Bar Commissions regarding compliance with the terms of disciplinary proceedings in the process of considering claims (complaints) regarding the behavior of advocates. Through the prism of the decisions of the HQDBC, the approximate terms of the disciplinary proceedings have been established, within which claims (complaints) are considered. This study took into account the decisions of the HQDBC, made by this self-governing body of the bar in 2023. These decisions related to the QDBC’s inaction regarding failure to make timely decisions based on the results of the claim (complaint) submitted to advocates, groundless suspension of disciplinary proceedings against the advocates, long-term inaction of the QDBC regarding failure to take any actions to consider the claim (complaint). The analysis of these decisions made it possible to distinguish problems that directly affect the legality of the final decision of the QDBC. At the same time, such an analysis made it possible to assess the systemic nature of this problem and determine its causes. According to the results of the study of the Law of Ukraine “On the Bar and Practice of Law” [1], the author concluded that there is no article in it that would provide for the responsibility of persons participating in the decision-making of the QDBC, which contributes to the violation of the principle of reasonable time of the hearing. In turn, the analysis of the practice of the decisions of the HQDBC provided an opportunity to confirm the fact that the terms of consideration of cases are too long, exceed the limits of both reasonable time of the hearing and the terms specified in sub-legal normative acts, and often lead advocates to avoid responsibility.

Smart Wearable Device for Enhancing Safety and Efficiency of Coal Miners

The task of ensuring worker safety in underground coal mines has never been simple. It has always been challenging to ensure worker safety in underground coal mines. Coal miners are seriously injured or killed as a result of numerous fatal and non-fatal accidents all over the world. Accidents occur as a result of lack of monitoring of mining areas and failure to implement proper safety measures. In this review, the coal miner's smart wearable safety device is implemented. A smart wearable safety device that will monitor the miner's health and provides precautionary measures for the miner's safety has been developed with the advent of the Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT). Integrating smart wearable safety devices with various health sensors such as a pulse rate sensor, temperature sensor, blood oxygen sensor, gas sensor, and camera, and then connecting it to Node MCU, and the internet enhances the safety of coal miners. Sensors constantly transmit sensor data to the cloud, and if an unusual situation arises, it notifies the responsible person in the control room as well as the miners. Since deep underground mining is especially susceptible to toxic gases, low levels of oxygen, and hazardous gases, the MQ gas sensor family can detect them. The proposed system is primarily used to improve working conditions inside coal mines and to ensure workers' safety.

“Why miss today worrying about tomorrow?” A qualitative investigation of ways middle-aged and older adults manage dementia-related anxiety

ABSTRACT Background and Objectives Dementia-related anxiety (DRA) is the fear or anxiety about a current or future diagnosis of Alzheimer’s disease or another type of dementia. The purpose of the present study was to examine management of DRA. Methods and Design In semi-structured qualitative interviews, 50 community-dwelling adults (58–89 years old, M = 70.80, SD = 6.02) without dementia diagnoses reflected on their thoughts and feelings about dementia. A reflexive inductive thematic approach was used to examine ways people managed DRA. Results We identified five themes related to managing DRA: monitoring cognitive status (e.g., self-monitoring or objective assessment); active coping strategies (e.g., using external reminders, normalizing age-related change); interpersonal relationships and support (e.g., anticipating benefit of support from others); planning and preparing for potential outcomes (e.g., securing power of attorney, saying goodbyes); and personal responsibility to manage risk or accept diagnosis (e.g., lifestyle factors to reduce dementia risk, thereby reducing risk for burdening others). Conclusions Findings suggest internal and external means for coping with DRA that are likely to vary in degrees of usefulness. We consider findings within the context of relevant, established theories, attending to potential clinical interventions for individuals experiencing DRA.

Empowerment through event management: A project management approach for women entrepreneurs

This review paper explores the unique challenges women entrepreneurs face in the event management industry and proposes strategies for their empowerment. Women in this sector encounter various barriers, including gender bias, limited access to funding, insufficient networking opportunities, and difficulties balancing professional and personal responsibilities. Societal expectations and industry-specific factors further exacerbate these challenges, hindering women's advancement. The paper highlights the importance of promoting gender equality, improving access to financial resources, enhancing networking and mentorship opportunities, and supporting work-life balance. Additionally, it emphasizes the need to increase women's visibility in leadership roles within the industry. The recommendations aim to create a more inclusive and supportive environment for women entrepreneurs, fostering their growth and innovation in event management. Future research directions are suggested to identify best practices for supporting women entrepreneurs and to provide data-driven insights for policy and industry practices.

Sustainability and project management: A dual approach for women entrepreneurs in event management

This review paper explores the integration of sustainability and project management in the event management industry, emphasizing the empowerment of women entrepreneurs. It highlights the importance of embedding sustainable practices in project management processes to enhance event quality and reduce environmental impact. The paper discusses the unique challenges faced by women entrepreneurs, such as gender bias and balancing personal and professional responsibilities, and examines support mechanisms, including networking, funding, and mentorship. Future directions for research and development focus on advanced technologies, long-term impact evaluation, and continued support to promote sustainability and gender equality in event management.