Public Activities Research Articles

Road traffic noise pollution and prevalence of ischemic heart disease: modelling potential association and abatement strategies in noise-exposed areas.

In many developing countries with surging vehicular traffic and inadequate traffic management, excessive road traffic noise exposure poses substantial health concerns, linked to increased stress, insomnia and other metabolic disorders. This study aims to assess the linkage between sociodemographic factors, traffic noise levels in residential areas and health effects using a cross-sectional study analyzing respondents' perceptions and reports. Noise levels were measured at 57 locations in Srinagar, India, using noise level meter. Sound PLAN software was employed to generate noise contour maps, enabling the visualization of noise monitoring locations and facilitating the assessment of noise levels along routes in proximity to residential areas. Correlation analysis showed a strong linear relationship between field-measured and modelled noise (r2 = 0.88). Further, a questionnaire-based survey was carried out near the sampling points to evaluate the association of ischemic heart disease with traffic noise. Residents exposed to noise levels (Lden > 60dB(A)) were found to have a 2.24 times higher odds ratio. Compared to females, males reported a 16% higher prevalence of the disease. Multi-faceted policy strategies involving noise mapping initiatives, source noise standards, traffic flow urban mobility optimization, smart city initiatives and stringent litigatory measures could significantly reduce its detrimental impact on public health. Finally, this study envisions a region-specific strong regulatory framework for integrating noise pollution mitigation strategies into the public health action plans of developing nations.

A hidden form of mass event: the law, politics, and practice of single pickets in Russia

ABSTRACT Single picketing, in which an individual stands in public holding a sign, emerged as a new form of protest in Russia in recent years under the context of increased political repression, and is the last form of protest that does not require prior authorization from authorities. In this article, I develop an understanding of single pickets by examining the evolving dynamics between the state and protestors. I argue that the current practice of single pickets developed as the result of increasingly harsh legal restrictions on public gatherings, and while the Russian state seeks to manage public political action through legal means, protesters continuously find ways to work around or exploit loopholes in the law, in turn shaping new forms of legality in daily life. My analysis is based on tracing the evolution of the laws governing single pickets and online ethnography I conducted during 2020–2021.

“What Do They Say in Mosques? Islamic Discourse on Limiting Ritual Expenses”

This article examines the changes in religious policy, Islamic beliefs, religious life, national values, and family rituals in Uzbekistan during the years of independence. Particularly, it analyzes a series of fatwas, guidelines, and theses on Friday prayer topics published by the Office of Muslims of Uzbekistan in recent years. The author substantiates the amalgamation of religious and national perspectives in Uzbek family rituals, encompassing childbirth, marriage, and mourning ceremonies, drawing on ethnographic materials. Furthermore, it delves into the views of Islamic scholars and imams concerning the reduction of specific expenses and extravagances in these rituals, citing examples from Friday prayers and various social networks. Through anthropological observations of modern Uzbek society, including Muslims' public activities, Friday prayers, neighborhoods, and community events, as well as through various TV talk shows and radio broadcasts, the article explores "Aqiqa" ceremonies, circumcision weddings, marriages, and mourning rituals conducted by Uzbek imams in matters of family and marriage. The author highlights the discussions of "Amru Ma'ruf" topics during ceremonies, widely debated on mosque websites, imams' pages, and social media platforms (Telegram, Facebook, Instagram). The article underscores the impact of Islamic scholars' and imams' ongoing efforts, noting changes in the balance of expenses in the ceremonial life of the Uzbek people, particularly evident in marriage ceremonies. Moreover, it analyzes changes and transformative processes in Uzbek family rituals from the perspective of ritual economy.

To B or not to B: how the hepatitis B surveillance case definition can misdirect public health actions.

Surveillance case definitions are utilised to understand the epidemiology of communicable diseases and to inform public health actions. We report a case of hepatitis B infection that meets the case definition for newly acquired infection. However, further investigation revealed that this was most likely past resolved hepatitis B infection with subsequent reactivation secondary to immunosuppression, rather than a newly acquired infection. This case highlights the importance of thorough case and clinician interviews, in combination with detailed assessment of pathology results in collaboration with treating clinicians, to determine the most appropriate public health actions.

Landscape of scientific research on the problems of decarbonization and achieving carbon neutrality of national economies

Purpose: is to form a comprehensive understanding of the patterns of publication activity in the field of decarbonization that have developed in the global and Russian scientific space, in order to identify promising scientific areas on this basis that can define new research horizons in achieving carbon neutrality.Methods: the research methods involved bibliographic and bibliometric analyses of scholarly publications, utilizing data from the Scopus and eLibrary databases. The study encompasses the timeframe from 2012 to 2022. The research methodology is structured to address three key objectives. Firstly, it aims to identify the quantitative dynamics of global publication activity in the realm of decarbonization. Secondly, the investigation seeks to analyze publication patterns at the levels of research organizations, countries, keywords, related topics, scientific publications, subject areas, and thematic groups, including clusters of thematic groups. Thirdly, the research involves semantic analysis of publications and the identification of points of research interest within the contexts of both global and Russian scientific landscapes.Results: it has been established that bibliographic clustering of studies on decarbonization problems occurs not so much around technical and technological solutions, but in conceptually broader coordinates. It has been identified that the aspiration for carbon neutrality is predominantly observed in economies characterized by a high standard of living, where citizens exhibit a heightened sense of social responsibility and a greater commitment to enhancing the quality of life for future generations. It was revealed that if the global problems of decarbonization are the center of gravity of the most powerful researchers and scientific teams, but in Russia this topic is not yet characterized by a comparable positioning.Conclusions and Relevance: systematization of decarbonization research, which is rapidly developing both in terms of volume indicators and in terms of increasing its interdisciplinarity and social relevance, is the most important condition for effective scientific orientation and research routing in a highly fragmented and contradictory development space on the problems of the global energy transition.

Формування відповідальної поведінки молоді в процесі соціалізації.

The paper analyzes the problem of the influence of surrounding environment on the formation of responsible behavior of young people. The modern challenges of the digital society and the problems of the “aging” of human resources increase scientific attention to the question of the readiness of young people to take responsibility for the future social development. Therefore, it is important to determine the external conditions which form responsible behavior of young people. General scientific methods of research were used to fulfill the task: systematic approach, statistical and graphic methods, method of analysis and synthesis, method of empirical research. A meaningful connection between the categories “responsibility”, “responsible behavior”, “readiness for responsible behavior” was established; on this basis, the importance of early formation of responsible behavior of young people at the stage of socialization was substantiated. The key spheres of youth socialization were found out: those are family, education, public activities. The author established that under the influence of these institutions, the integrated accumulation of a knowledge base, practical experience of responsible actions is carried out by young people, which develops the ability for critical thinking and collectively forms in young people the readiness for responsible behavior as a norm and an integrated value. Proactive methods of informal education and social practices promising for the formation of responsible behavior of young people were identified, the author’s model of the Summer School was presented as an example, which integrates the acquisition of basic management skills with the practical development of social projects, which contributes to the acquisition of experience. As a result, the agents of socialization were suggested to direct the key influences on young people in the following directions: educational environment — introduction of proactive methods of informal education, social practices; family environment — development of family education strategy; public environment — implementation of motivational mechanisms to involve young people in the participation in non-governmental organizations, wide use of educational collective methods.

Public Trust: Dampak Exclusion dan Inclusion Error Data Program Keluarga Harapan

The general objective of the Family Hope Program (PKH) is to reduce poverty, increase the accessibility of poor people to public services, especially education and health. PKH targeting is based on Integrated Social Welfare Data (DTKS) which is an update of the results of the Social Protection Program Data Collection (PPLS). Efforts to improve the welfare of the poor often stumble over fundamental problems related to data collection. Problems that arise from data not being in sync are inclusion errors and exclusion errors. As a result, the aid distributed is not on target and does not even fulfill the citizens' sense of justice. As a result, the level of public trust in the government decreases. This research aims to obtain an overview of the impact of data collection on public trust. This research uses a qualitative approach with data collection methods using interviews and secondary data analysis. The research results show that there are still very poor household (RTSM) in Cunca Lolos Village that have not yet become beneficiary group (KPM) PKH. This exclusion error occurs because the data collection and data updating process has not been carried out in the DTKS. The impact on the issue of public trust among citizens. Those who are eligible but are not targeted by the program consider the government to be unfair in its services and policies. Finally, citizens do not participate actively in public activities.

From Startup to Scaleup: Public Policies for Emerging Entrepreneurial Ecosystems

AbstractThe transition from startup to scaleup is a complex process, intricately tied to the dynamic ecosystem in which a startup originates and flourishes. Recognizing the substantial socioeconomic benefits that high-growth firms bring to their operating environments, policy makers try to strategically craft public policies to bolster their development, constituting a pivotal facet of entrepreneurial ecosystems (EE). This research aims to identify the challenges to growth faced by startups and to pinpoint policy focal areas conductive to addressing these challenges in an emerging EE. Effective public policies must be tailored to the specific context, serving as enablers while entrusting leadership roles to entrepreneurs and other EE stakeholders. To achieve our objective, we selected an emerging EE and approached entrepreneurs and influential agents in the EE through questionnaires and focus groups. The findings conclude with a set of recommended public policy actions designed to fortify essential components within an emerging EE that fosters the growth of its startups. These actions are categorized into three broad topics: enhancing talent availability, promoting networking opportunities, and reinforcing the entrepreneurial culture of the region.

Accountability, Probity, Transparency and Good Leadership in Public Sector Promote Societal Development

Projecting accountability, probity and good leadership in the management of public sector activities are part of every public official’s duty to adopt processes, practices and behavior that enhance and promote public sector values and interests that will enhance societal development. Thus, the objective of this study is to examine accountability and probity: necessity for good leadership and societal development. In order to achieve this objective, primary data were gathered through field trips from the use of well-structured questionnaires. The study employed a descriptive survey method as the research design. Data were presented in a simple descriptive format using frequency tables and were analyzed using mean and Pearson Chi-square contingency test with statistical tool (SPSS version 22). The findings revealed that the weakness in law enforcement and punitive measures in curbing corruption and reducing the incidence of mishandling of public resources are a common occurrence noticed in Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDA). It also recognized that despite good management of probity, mistakes, delays and disputes can arise and affect fund and resource management in public organizations. However, the study recommends that the government should be more active in imposing greater accountability and probity in the management of public funds. There is need for more proactive measures not only to sustain it but to re-invigorate it to ensure that things are properly done and public funds and resources are not just being embezzled in a rather reckless manner.

SCIENTOMETRIC APPROACH IN DETERMINING THE ROLE OF SCIENCE IN SOCIOECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT OF SOCIETY

This study investigates the relationship between scientific advancement and socioeconomic progress using a scientometric methodology. The research examines publication activity and the Science Development Index (SDI) in different countries, utilizing statistical methods to evaluate the reciprocal impact of science and socioeconomic metrics, namely the Human Development Index (HDI). The results demonstrate a significant, nonlinear association between SDI and HDI, emphasizing the essential role of international cooperation and funding in fostering scientific development. The study emphasizes the importance of scientometric indicators in informing policy-making and fostering sustainable socioeconomic progress.

The scientific articles within the information flow: Adapting to the new trends

The presentation of research outcome is a stage of new knowledge promotion and researcher’s academic development. Today, scientists enjoy the widest communication opportunities, in particular, through publications in academic periodicals as the priority communication chanel. Despite somewhat conservative attitude toward articles as a way of communication, one cannot deny the changing methods of article assessment. These methods are too innovative to assess their potentiality and viability. Then, increasing information content of published articles stipulates continuous search for the instruments to assess content value and relevancy. The study resulted in specification of informative characteristics of scientific articles that influence significantly their representation in the rising flow of scientific information. The authors emphasize that through their well-balanced application, they will increase scientometrical indexes and altmetrics as calculated by the information analytical databases. The authors argue that comprehension of the value of scientific articles in the context of the national science and various disciplines, as well as of the economy-wide informatization, is one of the academic competencies. Within the study, the analysis of scientific articles is based on the publication activity data for the educational organizations of the RF Ministry of Internal Affairs accessible through Science Index system.

Human Case of Leptospirosis During a Canine Disease Outbreak - Wyoming, 2023.

Leptospirosis is a zoonotic bacterial disease spread through the urine of infected animals; the typical incubation period is 5-14 days. In approximately 90% of human cases, illness is asymptomatic or mild, characterized by fever, chills, myalgia, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, headache, calf pain, and conjunctival suffusion, but severe illness can progress to multiorgan dysfunction and death. Although Wyoming is considered a low-risk area for leptospirosis because of its cold and semiarid climate, the Wyoming Department of Health was notified of a probable human case in August 2023, the first reported in the state since 1983. The patient had occupational exposure to dogs but did not report other risk factors. The same week that the human patient's illness began, public health authorities received notification of an increase in canine leptospirosis cases. Public health authorities investigated to determine potential sources of infection, identify additional cases, and recommend control measures. After public health outreach activities were implemented, canine vaccination practices changed substantially in the affected city: a survey conducted after the outbreak revealed that all responding veterinary clinics in the affected city were recommending the vaccine more frequently to dog owners and reporting higher levels of owner compliance with vaccination recommendations. Increased vaccination coverage offers protection from leptospirosis for both dogs and persons exposed to them. Leptospirosis should be considered in the differential diagnosis of persons with occupational exposure to animals and clinically compatible signs and symptoms, including fever, chills, myalgia, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, headache, calf pain, and conjunctival suffusion, irrespective of geographic location.

How feasible or useful are timeliness metrics as a tool to optimise One Health outbreak responses?

IntroductionAs timeliness metrics gain traction to assess and optimise outbreak detection and response performance, implementation and scale-up require insight into the perspectives of stakeholders adopting these tools. This study sought...

Evaluation of the sentinel yellow fever surveillance system in Uganda, 2017–2022: strengths and weaknesses

BackgroundUganda has a sentinel surveillance system in seven high-risk sites to monitor yellow fever (YF) patterns and detect outbreaks. We evaluated the performance of this system from 2017 to 2022.MethodsWe evaluated selected attributes, including timeliness (lags between different critical time points), external completeness (proportion of expected sentinel sites reporting ≥ 1 suspect case in the system annually), and internal completeness (proportion of reports with the minimum required data elements filled), using secondary data in the YF surveillance database from January 2017–July 2022. We conducted key informant interviews with stakeholders at health facility and national level to assess usefulness, flexibility, simplicity, and acceptability of the surveillance system.ResultsIn total, 3,073 suspected and 15 confirmed YF cases were reported. The median time lag from sample collection to laboratory shipment was 37 days (IQR:21–54). External completeness was 76%; internal completeness was 65%. Stakeholders felt that the surveillance system was simple and acceptable, but were uncertain about flexibility. Most (71%) YF cases in previous outbreaks were detected through the sentinel surveillance system; data were used to inform interventions such as intensified YF vaccination.ConclusionThe YF sentinel surveillance system was useful in detecting outbreaks and informing public health action. Delays in case confirmation and incomplete data compromised its overall effectiveness and efficiency.

Women in Islamic thought and philosophy in Baghdad and Andalusia for two centuries (5-6 AH/11-12 AD

Due to the extensive discourse and scholarly investigation pertaining to the status and involvement of women within the academic and cultural hubs of this particular area, the ongoing disparities and vehement confrontations between adherents and detractors of Islamic ideology regarding the standing and contributions of women persist. Consequently, it is imperative to approach this matter with a discerning outlook that is devoid of prejudiced perspectives and is situated within the framework of the historical epoch. Intellectuals, professionals in the field, and even members of the general public frequently engage in a wide range of discussions regarding women's rights and how their status among Muslims challenges this perception. Our study makes an academic and scientific effort to examine this problem from a Muslim point of view. During the period spanning the fifth and sixth centuries AH, which correspond to the eleventh and twelfth centuries AD, an examination of the historical contexts of Baghdad and Andalusia reveals significant developments. Through meticulous research and thorough analysis of various sources, it is essential to elucidate the perspectives held by Islamic groups and movements on the subject of women. It is imperative to gauge the extent to which societal cultures and traditions permeate religious attitudes towards women. Based on this foundation, a comparative analysis of the viewpoints espoused by Islamic religions and movements in both regions under scrutiny will be undertaken. The study presents the views of scholars and Philosophers in Baghdad and Andalusia, and explains the participation of women in public and cultural activities in both regions.

Improving Sustainable Financing for Universal Health Coverage in Bhutan: Exploring Policy Options and Financial Strategies

AbstractDeeply rooted in its developmental philosophy of gross national happiness (GNH), Bhutan's healthcare system strives towards achieving a shared goal of universal health coverage (UHC). Despite being primarily financed by the government, the health system faces a plethora of challenges. To overcome these hurdles and achieve UHC goals, expanding the fiscal space for health and improving operational efficiency are crucial. This article aims to address Bhutan's evolving healthcare landscape and advance the achievement of UHC through two policy options. The first policy option focuses on the dual objective of improving health outcomes and promoting financial sustainability by leveraging health taxes, whereas the second option emphasizes reinforcing a systematic health technology assessment (HTA) in the Bhutanese health system. First, drawing lessons from global experiences, the policy brief recommends leveraging health taxes to reduce societal and healthcare costs and enhance financial sustainability in the health sector. Considering Bhutan's high prevalence of tobacco and alcohol consumption, and taking opportunity from the ongoing Goods and Services Tax (GST) reform, continued advocacy on health taxes is essential, and soft earmarking the health taxes may be considered to finance a broader array of public health programmes, particularly focusing on the promotion of healthy lifestyle, health screening and outreach public health activities. Second, the integration of HTA into policymaking and decision‐making processes is essential for effective resource allocation in UHC. Nurturing and strengthening the existing HTA governance structure under the Ministry of Health (MoH) and establishing a dedicated multidisciplinary HTA Committee will ensure informed decision‐making and resource optimization. HTA evidence should inform the revision of health service standards, clinical guidelines development, procurement decisions and healthcare priorities. These policy options can assist the country in improving financial sustainability, enhancing effective resource allocation and utilization and improving healthcare delivery, aligning with its vision of GNH and ultimately accelerating progress towards achieving UHC.

Kepercayaan Diri Anak Usia Dini dalam Kegiatan Public Speaking

This research aims to examine young children's self-confidence in public speaking activities. Self-confidence is an important aspect of children's development that influences their ability to communicate effectively in public. This study uses a qualitative approach with observation and interview methods to collect data from a group of young children who are involved in public speaking activities in formal education environments. The research results show that young children's self-confidence in public speaking activities can be increased through positive environmental support, consistent practice, and providing constructive feedback. A supportive environment includes teachers and parents who provide encouragement and recognition for children's efforts. In addition, activities that are systematically designed to involve children in speaking in front of their friends can strengthen their self-confidence. Structured public speaking practice helps children develop verbal and non-verbal communication skills, and reduces any fear or anxiety they may feel when speaking in public. Positive and constructive feedback from teachers and friends also plays an important role in strengthening children's self-confidence.

The Determinants of Decent Work in Moroccan Cooperatives and Implications for Public Action: Toward Public Action through Determinants

The Determinants of Decent Work in Moroccan Cooperatives and Implications for Public Action: Toward Public Action through Determinants

Financial Instruments of the Green Energy Transition: Research Landscape Analysis

In the conditions of worsening global energy problems, financial instruments play a key role in reforming the energy market. They provide the necessary financial resources for the development and implementation of environmentally friendly energy technologies, aimed at supporting projects that reduce the negative impact on the environment, and contribute to attracting private capital to finance environmentally friendly projects. The purpose of this study is to analyze trends in research on financial instruments of the green energy transition. The article carries out a comprehensive bibliometric analysis of scientific works devoted to the problem of financing the green energy transition. The object of the research is the publications indexed by the Scopus database for 1954-2023. Research tools are programs for bibliometric data analysis Vosviewer, SciVal and CiteSpace. Based on the trend analysis of publication activity on the issues of financing the green energy transition, the key role of the Paris Agreement of 2015 in the growth of interest in these issues has been proven. Visualization of the most used keywords in scientific works on green energy transition financing allowed us to identify four clusters of keywords that characterize the concepts of green energy transition: the concept of “green construction”, the concept of “green technologies and innovations”, the concept of renewable energy, and the concept of “green of finance”. Analysis of the frequency and number of citations of publications on green energy transition financing issues using the CiteSpace package made it possible to determine the TOP-17 keywords, highlight the period of their greatest citations, and carry out their clustering. Phrases most often used in publications include: finance, alternative economy, green bonds, green innovation, sustainable development, greenhouse gas emissions, sustainable finance, green credit, green economy, climate finance. Based on the analysis of relationships between keywords, seven clusters were identified: sustainable development, financing constraints, green bonds, green credit policy, green bonds, green economic growth, green economic recovery. The obtained results can be used by state institutions to improve financing strategies for green energy transition programs from the point of view of determining modern trends and key vectors of green finance development in the field of energy, analysis of the most effective financing tools, and identification of problems in the field of energy development.

Sustainability of Production in Melon Growing Farms: The Case of Hatay Province

The aim of this study is to reveal the functioning and sustainability of melon producing farms in Hatay province. In the research, a face-to-face survey was conducted with 50 melon farmers in Hatay province. Additionally, the problems and disruptions encountered in melon production were identified in the study. Female labor is used extensively in melon production. In 2022, it was determined that women working in melon cultivation work for a daily wage of ₺150 (approximately $9). In 2021, 1 638 638 tons of melons were produced in an area of 668 753 ha in Türkiye. In Hatay, 32 537 tons of melons were produced from 13 230 decares of cultivation area. In addition, Kırıkhan melon received a geographical indication. Kırıkhan melon is a product that attracts attention in terms of taste and aroma. Melon prices follow a fluctuating trend during the production season. Input costs are also a serious problem in melon production. The average melon production cost was ₺10692 (approximately $590) for 1 decare. High costs threaten the sustainability of small family farms in production. As a result, farmers need to be supported and encouraged for production. Otherwise, melon production will be abandoned by small family farms. In this regard, it is important to increase training and publication activities.