Pluralistic Approach Research Articles

Studying fine-grained elements of psychopathology to advance mental health science.

Given the now well-recognized limitations of traditional classification systems for research, this editorial proposes to advance mental health science by focusing research efforts on studying fine-grained elements of mental health and illness such as symptoms, mechanisms, and processes. Our own perspectives are informed by three approaches in particular that have gained traction over the last decade: the Hierarchical Taxonomy of Psychopathology, the network or systems approach, and the National Institute of Mental Health Research Domain Criteria. Drawing on these and other perspectives as well as the diverse views of the author teams that contributed to this Special Section, we summarize the state of the field and propose an ambitious plan for the way ahead. Specifically, we propose that embracing pluralistic, multimethod, and multisystem approaches offers a way forward. This will require strategies to reduce research waste and much stronger channels for communication to identify confluence, discoveries, and dead ends within and between disciplines. We are optimistic this will lead to a better understanding of the mechanisms underpinning psychopathology and ultimately to more effective interventions. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2023 APA, all rights reserved).

(Re)defining family: A systematic review and meta-synthesis of foster children’s views of family in non-kinship foster care

BackgroundFoster children in non-kinship foster care experience multiple changes in their family situation, leading them to reflect more on the meaning of family and where they belong. Yet, the current literature lacks a comprehensive synthesis of foster children’s perspectives on family and the approaches used to examine them. GoalThis systematic review and meta-synthesis examines (1) what family means to foster children and (2) who they consider family, as well as (3) the patterns within and between studies examining their family understandings in terms of study characteristics, design, and outcomes. MethodsIn November 2022, the Web of Science Core Collection, ProQuest Central, and Scopus databases were queried without restrictions on date or geographic location, resulting in 2879 records. Following PRISMA guidelines, 21 articles were selected for analysis. Results(1) Foster children’s meanings of family encompassed biological relatedness, the act of doing family, an ongoing process and/or a weird concept. (2) Who foster children considered family could be categorized into the following groups: belonging to one family (either their birth or foster family), belonging to two families (birth and foster family), belonging to multiple family systems, or experiencing no sense of family. (3) We identified two research approaches: the dual approach, which states that foster children can belong to a maximum of two families, their birth family and/or foster family, and the plural approach, which states that foster children can belong to various family systems. DiscussionThe findings emphasize the important role of foster care workers in assisting foster children exercise relational agency, helping foster children make sense of their positions, and actively seeking ways in which foster children can develop or strengthen healthy connections, relationships, and family belonging. For researchers studying family perspectives in foster care, it is important to be aware of how these two research approaches shape their family conceptualization, study design, and presentation of findings. Further implications for practice and research are discussed and a future research agenda is outlined.

Reflections on Economics Education in China and Suggestions for Its Reform

Abstract Although the current economics education system in universities in China differs from developed Western countries, China has been deliberately emulating the economics education system in the West over the past two decades, a system that has been repeatedly criticized by international movements such as the “Post-Autistic Economics Movement” and the “International Student Initiative for Pluralism in Economics.” This article argues that the dominant position of mainstream Western economics in Chinese higher education contradicts the scientific principles of pluralism and does not align with China’s national conditions and the necessity for the development of a philosophy and social sciences with Chinese characteristics. Based on the proposals put forward by faculty and students involved in the international movement for the reform of economics education over the past 22 years, this article recommends reforms to address the major weaknesses of economics education in China. The reforms address ten areas for improvement, including the overall goals of pluralism in economics education, curriculum design, teaching methods, an independent academic evaluation system, faculty development, and the evaluation of academic disciplines. The purpose of these reforms is to destabilize the dominant position of mainstream Western economics in higher education in China and gradually establish a new economics education system with a curriculum based on a plurality of approaches, a variety of critical pedagogies, and a methodology of problem-based learning.

4 How do befriending services impact health? A mixed-methods analysis of potential mechanistic pathways

Abstract Background Befriending services do not appear to impact loneliness, but they may have an effect on health. To understand their effect further, we conducted a mixed methods study of the ALONE Befriending and Practical Support Service, using a single case experimental design and supplementary dyadic constructivist grounded theory interviews. Methods To understand the potential mechanistic pathways between befriending services and health outcomes, we integrated qualitative and quantitative findings using a pluralistic triangulation approach. Qualitative and quantitative findings were sequentially paired and described as either in agreement, in partial agreement, dissonant, or silent. Results Qualitative and quantitative findings were in full agreement that befriending had a direct impact on the health of older adults. There was dissonance on the impact of befriending on loneliness; while quantitative findings showed no direct effect of befriending on loneliness, the qualitative findings suggested that befriending reduced loneliness. The quantitative findings supplemented the qualitative by demonstrating that the befriending service is likely to buffer the negative effect of loneliness on health. The qualitative study revealed four other mechanisms through which befriending may impact health (by providing emotional support, lifting mood, opportunities for engagement in health behaviours, and cognitive stimulation) which were not explored in the quantitative study. Conclusion Findings suggest that further research is still required to unpick the nature of the link between befriending and loneliness. It is possible that gratitude for the service mediates this link, which warrants further exploration. Overall we can recommend that befriending services are useful for older adults for protecting health.

Rethinking the national quality framework: Improving the quality and safety of alcohol and other drug treatment in Australia

AbstractThe national quality framework (NQF) has been implemented to improve the safety and quality of alcohol and other drug (AOD) treatment and provide a nationally consistent approach to treatment quality in Australia. At the same time, concerns have been raised that, in the absence of appropriate regulatory structures to support the NQF, the quality and safety of AOD treatment services cannot be guaranteed in Australia. An effective enforcement strategy is critical to the ability of the NQF to provide a nationally consistent approach to the delivery of AOD treatment in Australia. The monitoring and enforcement strategy proposed by the NQF encompasses two different mechanisms. For specialist AOD treatment providers in receipt of government funding, monitoring and enforcement of the NQF will occur via contractual arrangements. For providers not in receipt of government funding, monitoring and enforcement will be managed by regulatory mechanisms as decided by each jurisdiction. This proposed enforcement strategy raises the question of whether contractual arrangements are the most effective mechanism for monitoring and enforcing the NQF in publicly funded specialist AOD treatment providers. This paper considers whether a licensing regime may address the shortcomings that arise from the proposed strategy. It argues that the pluralistic approach to the monitoring and enforcement of the NQF will result in substantive differences in how the NQF is enforced both within individual jurisdictions and on a broader national level. A licensing regime, therefore, would be a more appropriate monitoring and enforcement strategy.

Pluralistic view of human-related uncertainties and their management – outcome of the European Joint Programme on Radioactive Waste Management (EURAD) strategic study UMAN (Uncertainty Management multi-Actor Network)

Abstract. Management of uncertainties represents one of the components of a safety case for the disposal of radioactive waste. Depending on the role and interest of technical and non-technical actors involved in radioactive waste management programmes, the assessment of uncertainty significance for disposal safety and the preferable options for uncertainty treatment may vary among these actors. These possible differences, but also similarities, in uncertainty management were explored in the strategic study, Uncertainty Management multi-Actor Network (UMAN), which was initiated in June 2019, with a duration of 5 years, in the framework of the European Joint Programme on Radioactive Waste Management (EURAD). The following actor categories participated in this study: Waste Management Organisations (WMOs), Technical Support Organisations (TSOs), and Research Entities (REs), completed by specific interactions with Civil Society (CS) representatives, Regulators, and the Forum on Stakeholder Confidence (FSC) and Integration Group for the Safety Case (IGSC) of the Nuclear Energy Agency (NEA), who represented European Member States with different national radioactive waste programmes. The presentation will focus on the uncertainties associated with human aspects; however, in the study, several other types of uncertainties were also investigated, namely uncertainties associated with site and geosphere, spent nuclear fuel, waste inventory, and near field. Based on the analysis of possible uncertainties related to human aspects, a questionnaire containing a list of the 10 most relevant uncertainties potentially significant for safety was developed for the purposes of the assessment of their significance for safety from the perspective of WMOs, TSOs, and REs. As a result of the analysis of the responses to this questionnaire, uncertainties associated with the following four topics were selected for the discussion of the possible and preferable management options: public acceptance of the repository at potentially suitable or projected locations, a schedule to be considered for implementing the different phases of the disposal programme, the adequacy of safety-related activities during construction for the implementation of safety provisions, and “new” knowledge. Based on the identified strategies and options for the management of these uncertainties (i.e. from uncertainty identification up to specific measures to reduce, mitigate, and avoid uncertainty), two different exchange formats were adopted to develop a common understanding and assess different viewpoints among the actors with respect to management of the selected uncertainties. The aim of workshop, in which a smaller actor group consisting of WMOs, TSOs, and REs took part, was to identify management preferences within each actor category and then among all the participating actors, in addition to understanding the rationale behind them. A stepwise and iterative approach, regular stakeholder dialogue, and safety-oriented management processes were recognised as being the key elements of a sound uncertainty management strategy. In a subsequent seminar, a broader actor group, including the key actors (WMOs, TSOs, and REs), CS representatives, Regulators, and the FSC and IGSC of NEA, exchanged their viewpoints with respect to uncertainty management and on the robustness of the safety case in the presence of uncertainties, based on scenarios related to the four selected uncertainties. The outcome of the workshop and the seminar, namely the advantages but also challenges in a pluralistic approach to uncertainty management, will be discussed in the presentation.

Reflections on Economics Education in China and Suggestions for Its Reform

Although the current economics education system in universities in China differs from developed Western countries, China has been deliberately emulating the economics education system in the West over the past two decades, a system that has been repeatedly criticized by international movements such as the “post-autistic economics movement” and the “International Student Initiative for Pluralism in Economics.” This article argues that the dominant position of mainstream Western economics in Chinese higher education contradicts the scientific principles of pluralism and does not align with China’s national conditions and the necessity for the development of a philosophy and social sciences with Chinese characteristics. Based on the proposals put forward by faculty and students involved in the international movement for the reform of economics education over the past twenty-two years, this article recommends reforms to address the major weaknesses of economics education in China. The reforms address ten areas for improvement, including the overall goals of pluralism in economics education, curriculum design, teaching methods, an independent academic evaluation system, faculty development, and the evaluation of academic disciplines. The purpose of these reforms is to destabilize the dominant position of mainstream Western economics in higher education in China and gradually establish a new economics education system with a curriculum based on a plurality of approaches, a variety of critical pedagogies, and a methodology of problem-based learning.

Unlocking Opportunities: Tourism Ship Financing Through Leasing Agreements for Micro, Small, and Medium Businesses in Indonesia

Objective: This research explores the prospects of leasing agreements as a financing solution for tourist boats for MSMEs, considering the vast potential of marine tourism in Indonesia. Despite the potential benefits of leasing agreements, no specific regulations govern them, resulting in deviations from leasing principles and limited understanding among stakeholders. Methods: The study adopts the triangle legal pluralism approach and focuses on the Special Capital District of Jakarta and Labuan Bajo as significant marine and tourism industry hubs. Primary data collection includes interviews, observations, and secondary data from legal documents and literature. The analysis employs deductive and inductive logic and triangulation for validation. Result: According to this study, leasing agreements can help Indonesian tourism MSMEs finance tourist boats. Indonesia's maritime tourist business has great potential due to its archipelago and natural resources. However, MSMEs need help to acquire capital to ensure tourist boat growth, impacting tourism services and experiences. The following suggestions aim to unlock potential and promote sustainable tourism growth: Include Rental Contract Laws: Due to the industry's lack of rules, leasing agreements vary and cause disputes. Implementing lease agreement guidelines will provide legal certainty, protect lessors and lessees, and ensure fair and transparent business practices; Because many need help understanding, outreach, and education must increase. Leasing Agreements must broaden and organize outreach to educate MSMEs, business actors, and the public about leasing's benefits and processes. Suggestions: Ultimately, this research aims to provide valuable insights for policymakers, businesses, and academics to promote tourism ship financing through leasing agreements to grow the Indonesian tourism industry.

A paradox perspective on talent management: a multi-level analysis of paradoxes and their responses in talent management

With this paper, we aim to challenge the current theorizing in talent management (TM) that has generally been based on oversimplified assumptions, often approaching TM from a binary or an either/or perspective. We claim that adopting a paradox lens in which a both/and perspective is taken is essential to further deepen our theoretical understanding of the ill-understood tensions and ambiguities that are inherently part of managing talent. In this article, we take a paradox perspective to unravel the complexity of talent management by systematically reviewing the nature and prominence of paradoxes and their response mechanisms in the talent management literature and from the intrapersonal, interpersonal, and organizational levels. We identified six primary paradoxes: (a) opportunities vs. pressures (at the intrapersonal level); (b) positive vs. negative effects of TM programs on employees (at the interpersonal level); and (c) talent as objective reality vs. socially constructed; (d) exclusiveness vs. inclusiveness; (e) transparency vs. ambiguity; and (f) standardization vs. customization (at the organizational level). Our review resulted in a multi-level framework of paradoxes in talent management and responds to calls for more pluralistic and balanced approaches to talent management. We believe that our review can assist researchers in adopting both/and perspectives when studying the complexity of the talent management phenomenon and can assist TM practitioners in navigating multiple paradoxes that are inherent to managing talent.

Lakatosian and Euclidean populations: a pluralist approach to conceptual change in mathematics

Lakatos’ (Lakatos, 1976) model of mathematical conceptual change has been criticized for neglecting the diversity of dynamics exhibited by mathematical concepts. In this work, I will propose a pluralist approach to mathematical change that re-conceptualizes Lakatos’ model of proofs and refutations as an ideal dynamic that mathematical concepts can exhibit to different degrees with respect to multiple dimensions. Drawing inspiration from Godfrey-Smith’s (Godfrey-Smith, 2009) population-based Darwinism, my proposal will be structured around the notion of a conceptual population, the opposition between Lakatosian and Euclidean populations, and the spatial tools of the Lakatosian space. I will show how my approach is able to account for the variety of dynamics exhibited by mathematical concepts with the help of three case studies.

New Сommunication Technologies in the Context of Socialization Processesin the Information Society

The object of this study is the modern social reality, the appearance of which is formed by the creation, use and improvement of new communicative technologies. The subject of the study is the socio-ontological foundations of the influence of new communication technologies on the processes of socialization of the individual in the information society. The purpose of this work is to identify and comprehend the socio-ontological features of those transformations of communicative reality that are characteristic of the current state of the development of the information society. The methodological foundation of this work is the methods and approaches to considering the communicative specifics of the information society, developed by such researchers as M. Castells, L.Floridi, F. Webster and others, as well as representatives of domestic socio-philosophical studies of this issue. In the course of the research, the author used hermeneutical and analytical-interpretive methods, and involved the means of conceptual analysis. The scientific novelty of the work consists in revealing the socio-ontological content of the influence of new communication technologies on the communication architecture of the developing information society, in assessing the socio-philosophical tasks arising in connection with the ongoing changes. The key conclusion of the study is that the heterogeneity of social and technological transformations that shape the image of a society called information society necessitates a pluralistic approach to the conceptualization of its ontological features and the importance of critical reflection of the conceptual units used.

Exploring local perceptions around the value of marine biodiversity: the case of kelp in the Western Cape, South Africa

ABSTRACT Kelp are large seaweeds that provide a variety of contributions to humans and the environment. In South Africa, kelp forests are expanding as a consequence of climate change. Considering this expansion, assessing local perceptions and values around kelp’s contributions may assist with the implementation of inclusive management strategies. The lack of consideration of non-market and non-use values is a gap in kelp valuation studies, with kelp ecosystems and their use rarely valued outside of classical economic valuation frameworks. This study sought to fill this research gap, intending to assess local perceptions about varied value dimensions associated with kelp using a pluralistic valuation approach. Drawing from a sample population of Recreational Users and/or Coastal Community Members, Environmental Managers and Conservationists, and Kelp and/or Abalone Industry, the study investigated perceptions of value towards kelp in the Western Cape region of South Africa. Results indicate that the perceived value of kelp extends far beyond its economic value as a harvested resource. Rather, individuals highly value kelp’s ecological and social contributions, and have strong relational values towards kelp, recognizing its role in enhancing their quality of life and well-being. While most individuals did not display significant negative perceptions around kelp, some individuals in the Kelp and/or Abalone Industry indicated frustrations with kelp management strategies and kelp concession permit allocation processes. These findings highlight the need to incorporate local perceptions in integrated marine resource management solutions that recognize the plurality of values not only around kelp in the Western Cape but marine biodiversity at large.

Global knowledge–action networks at the frontlines of sustainability: Insights from five decades of science for action in UNESCO's World Network of biosphere reserves

Abstract Generating actionable knowledge to meet current sustainability challenges requires unprecedented collaboration across scales, geographies, cultures and knowledges. Intergovernmental programmes and place‐based knowledge–action networks have much potential to mobilize sustainability transformation. Although many research fields have benefited from research networks and comparative sites, the potential of site‐based research networks for generating knowledge at the people–nature interface has yet to be fully explored. This article presents the World Network of biosphere reserves (WNBR) of UNESCO's Man and Biosphere Programme, intentionally established for generating actionable knowledge through comparative sites envisioned as learning spaces for sustainable development. Drawing on experiences over five decades, and we offer six categories of insights. Our intent is to share the story of this network widely, distil the learnings from the network to enhance its potential to support both knowledge co‐production and collaborative action for sustainability and inform wider efforts to establish place‐based sustainability networks aimed at improving human–environment relations through knowledge and action. The WNBR has generated insights on the challenges of creating and supporting an international and inter‐governmental sustainability network to generate and mobilize place‐based interdisciplinary knowledge in the long term. Despite the challenges, site‐ and place‐based research facilitated by this network has been fundamental in creating space for sustainability science, knowledge co‐production and transdisciplinary research at the human–nature interface. We share insights on pathways to the implementation of global sustainability agendas through local networks, and the role of research in supporting learning and experimentation in local sites as they work to adapt global sustainability goals. Research in the WNBR has generated deeper understanding on social–ecological complexity and resilience in place‐based sustainability initiatives, and how collaborative platforms might facilitate collective action across landscapes. The network continues to offer a fundamental learning space on operationalizing pluralistic approaches to biodiversity conservation, for example, through its focus on biocultural diversity, offering a key opportunity for the implementation of the post‐2020 Global Biodiversity Framework. We conclude by arguing that WNBR, and similar place‐based knowledge–action networks, can support interdisciplinary and transdisciplinary research related to human–nature relationships and provide opportunities for comparative research that may yield more explanatory power than individual case studies. Read the free Plain Language Summary for this article on the Journal blog.

Effectiveness of Extension and Advisory Services Provided by Input Dealers during COVID-19 Pandemic

Aim: The main aim of this research is to study the input dealers’ perception towards the extension ad advisory services provided during COVID-19 pandemic.
 Study Design: Cross section research design.
 Place and Duration of Study: Coimbatore and Tiruvallur districts of Tamil Nadu, India. Two years (2021-2022).
 Methodology: From the selected two districts 70 extension officials were randomly selected for conducting the study. Data were collected from the input dealers who delivered extension and advisory services to farmers during COVID-19 pandemic. Paper-Pencil survey method was used to collect data from the farmers. The survey approach is useful for evaluating opinions and trends by gathering quantitative data. A separate scale was developed for assessing the input dealer’s perception towards the effectiveness of extension and advisory services. CIPP model of evaluation was used for developing scale to measure the input dealer’s perception towards the EAS. The developed scale were validated by the experts. A scale was measured using 5-point Likert scale with 1 denoting "strongly disagree and 5 denoting “strongly agree” were employed in this study.
 Results: Majority of the input dealers (70.00%) had medium to very high level of perception towards the effectiveness of extension and advisory services. Input dealer’s perceived that they possessed necessary skills and experience for delivering extension and advisory services. They also perceived that services were made available to farmers on time, door delivery of services were provided, increased agricultural production and productivity of farmers which lead to increased income of the farmers.
 Conclusion: Effectiveness of extension and advisory services provided by input dealers during COVID-19 pandemic was effective in input dealer’s perception. Therefore policy makers must propose a policy in a way that government service provider will work along with the input dealers for delivering extension and advisory services to the farming community. Pluralistic extension approach will be the best option for extension service provider.

ВВЕДЕНИЕ

The article serves as an introduction to the publication of papers presented at the conference on “The Other History of the Crusades’ organized by the almanac “Odysseus. Man in History” in April 2022. According to the author, very simplified ideas about the unique historical phenomenon still dominate the modern public consciousness. Meanwhile it is in this traditional area of historical knowledge that radical changes have taken place over the past 30 years Articles by Anti Celart, Marina Bessudnova, Oleg Sokolov published in this section demonstrate new pluralistic approaches to the study of the most important topic of the world history. These studies significantly challenge the current views and perspectives of the history of the Crusades.

Prinsip dan Asas Masyarakat Multikultural Perspektif Tariq Ramadan

Pluralism and inclusivity are important aspects that need to be understood in the context of today’s multicultural society. However, in pluralistic societies, conflicts often arise due to differences and disagreements among different groups. This study aims to analyze the concepts of pluralism and inclusivity in the thoughts of Tariq Ramadan, with a focus on the concepts of European Muslim and Dar al-Shahadah. This research is a literature study with a philosophical approach that aims to examine the ideas and concepts of the figure. The results of this study indicate that in his thinking, Tariq Ramadan emphasizes the importance of a critical, inclusive, and pluralistic approach to Islam as well as advocating for reform in Islamic thought. His concepts of European Muslim and Dar al-Shahadah offer a positive view of the role of Muslim identity in an increasingly complex and changing global context in creating a more just and harmonious society and teaching the importance of recognizing and respecting the truth and human rights in all regions of the world, regardless of religious and cultural differences.

Diversity of researcher types and plurality of philosophical concepts in limnology – an essay

ABSTRACT Scientific research in limnology is intricately linked to philosophical aspects via research methodology, reasoning, ontology, and epistemology. However, the potential plurality of scientific approaches, and hence philosophical directions in our discipline, has seldom been discussed, possibly because philosophy and history in our discipline are only occasionally part of the curricula in limnology and ecology. Therefore, many researchers may not be aware of the fundamental philosophical basis of doing science. Here, I construct a set of 7 researcher types that reflect my perception of colleagues I have met during my career. I link these 7 types with philosophical concepts and streams in ontology, epistemology, and science philosophy to demonstrate that diversity of researcher types can be related to a plurality of philosophical thinking. I argue that the plurality of approaches is a precondition for successful scientific research that aims to address global challenges and to help understand the world. Therefore, fairly appreciating the contributions from all researchers involved in scientific work beyond first-author publications in general journals is mandatory; otherwise, scientific research and education might become funnelled into a subset of approaches too narrow to comprehend the world. Our International Society of Limnology (SIL), with its 100 years of history, must develop a framework and activities that unite researchers and their underlying philosophies to address global challenges for inland waters.

ПРОБЛЕМА БІДНОСТІ В УМОВАХ ЗБРОЙНОГО КОНФЛІКТУ: ПРИКЛАД УКРАЇНИ

The article examines the problem of poverty in Ukraine under the conditions of the Russian invasion. By the invasion of Russia, the author understands the large-scale war that has covered the entire territory of Ukraine since February 2022, since hostilities on the territory of Ukraine have been ongoing since 2014. The problem of poverty is especially relevant today, because in the conditions of armed conflicts, impoverishment affects the absolute majority of people. In the case of Ukraine, even people who, according to their social and economic characteristics, were confidently in the middle class, became poor. The article emphasizes that at the time of the beginning of the invasion, the Ukrainian economy did not have the necessary «strength margin». The standard of living in Ukraine throughout the period of independence has remained relatively low, which is proven by statistical data. So, Ukrainians had rather small amounts of savings, which adversely affected their lives after the beginning of the Russian invasion. A number of consequences of the armed conflict were identified, which directly or indirectly affected the level of poverty. Thus, the destruction of housing, by definition, determines the transition of a person to the category of citizens who are in a state of poverty. Given the number of people whose homes have been destroyed or significantly damaged, quick recovery is impossible given Ukrainian realities. The destruction of industrial facilities, road infrastructure, shopping areas, etc. is significant. Accordingly, citizens were left without work and the means of livelihood. A significant reduction in the territory controlled by Ukraine led to the loss of a significant part of the coastline and the complete loss of access to the Sea of Azov. It is emphasized that Russia gained control over a significant part of Ukraine’s natural resources. Special attention is paid in this article to Russia’s appropriation and smuggling of grain from Ukraine. Loss of life, health of citizens, mass evacuation and mobilization negatively affected the economic situation, which is discussed in detail in the work. The claim is made that evacuated citizens pay taxes, buy goods and services in host countries, supporting the economies of other countries. It has been proven that a decline in the level of education can have a long-term impact on economic development and the level of poverty. Peculiarities of the impact of the Russian invasion on the development of human capital in Ukraine have been studied. The thesis is expressed that the state and business bear an obligation to observe social responsibility. Special attention is paid to the impact of the war on the energy infrastructure. It has been demonstrated that Russia’s targeted attacks on the Ukrainian electricity industry are significantly harming the country’s economy. The list of consequences of Russia’s armed aggression against Ukraine given in the article is not complete. Moreover, a complete list with an exhaustive classification cannot be created by definition, because a significant number of facts have not yet become known. In addition, some effects will manifest only after a certain time. But it is already possible to state the need to involve the entire civilized world in order to restore the economy of Ukraine. The article uses the achievements of economic, political, sociological, psychological and other sciences, taking into account the interdisciplinary synthesis and pluralism of approaches. Modern trends in the interpretation of the consequences of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine are analyzed.

From crisis to sustainability: The politics of knowledge production on rural Europe

AbstractWhat does it mean to study places in ‘crisis’ and how does that affect the research done on the ‘rural’? To be considered to be in crisis is not really new as any literature review of rural studies indicates. And yet, we live now in a new context, with new challenges for ‘rural’ research, in particular that of sustainability. Sustainability is the new policy focus and is increasingly reflected in research on rural Europe. Although scholars are beginning to theorize on what is sustainable in and for rural areas, our intention is to take this further. We theorize on what the focus on crisis and, increasingly on sustainability, means for the research we do and the knowledge we produce on rural Europe. Our aim is to bring attention to the politics of past and present knowledge production on the rural to be able to imagine just and sustainable futures. In an analysis of literature primarily from Sweden and the UK, we argue that two construals, that of a rural crisis and that of rural–urban polarization, have set the tone for rural studies and may have overshadowed a more plural approach. We outline what might be needed from rural research to meet future challenges and what the notion of sustainability, with its emphasis on the entanglements of the social, economic and environmental, might mean for the future of rural research.

Epidemiology at the Bar: A Legal Proof on Causation with Cancer Epidemiological Results.

The development of natural science has revealed causal relationships that we did not know about through scientific hypotheses and verification. Therefore, given enough time, the causal relationship between the controversial toxic substances and disease outbreaks will be largely elucidated. However, in the courtroom, the judge cannot wait for that moment, and must make a legal value judgment on the causal relationship as a condition for establishing a tort. In other words, the responsibility for who will compensate for the actual damage must be attributed to which party. This study examines the evidence of epidemiological findings in today's risk society. In particular, we deal with cases where there is no way to prove a causal relationship other than epidemiological data in a lawsuit for compensation for damages caused by harmful substances such as cigarettes. This study seeks to find a way to appropriately evaluate the value of evidence by correctly interpreting and rationally utilizing the results of epidemiological studies in court through a pragmatic pluralistic approach.<br />.