Social Components Research Articles

Improved social equity learning in an introduction to sustainability course

Purpose This paper aims to examine the impact on diverse students’ social equity outcome measures that result from incorporating social justice education and inclusive practices into an introductory course on sustainability offered online asynchronously, online synchronously and in-person. Design/methodology/approach From fall 2020 to fall 2021, 706 students took “Introduction to Sustainability” at Michigan State University. A revised curriculum increased inclusive practices and social justice content centered on race and other social identities; institutional, individual and implicit bias; interrupting bias; socialization; and spheres of influence. Students’ self-reported change was examined using a retrospective pre/post survey. Findings Students reported significant growth in social equity understanding and practice across teaching modes with in-person instruction associated with the largest reported growth. Students reported growth regardless of their racial/ethnic identity or gender, with instructor effects varying in expected ways. The gap in social equity understanding between students with low precourse ratings (on outcome measures) and those with high precourse ratings was significantly smaller after the course. Research limitations/implications This study is not without limitations. First, the authors were limited in the student-specific information that they could collect. Second, the authors did not have access to an alternative course that could serve as a control. Third, the authors did not have the resources to also conduct an in-depth, thorough qualitative study. Furthermore, the authors did not conduct their investigation during “normal” campus life because it took place during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic. The pandemic was a factor that could not be accounted for and might have impacted the outcomes. Originality/value This study is novel in identifying and incorporating specific social justice education material, tools and practices for improved teaching of social equity components of sustainability.

Beyond profit in family businesses: ESG-driven business model innovation and the critical role of digital capabilities

PurposeThis study aims to analyze the interaction between environmental, social and governance (ESG) practices and digital capabilities in promoting business model innovation (BMI) in family firms. Specifically, it researches how ESG practices influence BMI in family firms, breaking down this influence into its ESG components.Design/methodology/approachWe used microdata from the Flash Eurobarometer 486 survey, conducted by the European Commission in 2020, which provides detailed data on the challenges and obstacles faced by European businesses. The survey included telephone interviews with key managers from 2,483 family-owned businesses across 27 EU countries.FindingsThe analysis found that the environmental, social and governance dimensions of ESG significantly enhance business model innovation in family firms. Additionally, the interaction between environmental practices and digital capabilities significantly enhances business model innovation in family firms, while the interactions between social or governance practices and digital capabilities do not show significant effects.Research limitations/implicationsThe study supports the theoretical framework that integrates ESG practices into business model innovation, providing empirical evidence for the concept of sustainable business models. It emphasizes the importance of environmental sustainability, social engagement and robust governance in driving innovation.Practical implicationsFamily business managers can use the findings to guide their innovation strategies by integrating ESG practices with digital capabilities. Policymakers can also benefit from understanding the importance of supporting ESG practices and digitalization in family businesses, fostering a regulatory environment that encourages sustainable innovation.Originality/valueThis research expands the theoretical understanding of how ESG practices and digital capabilities interact to foster BMI, particularly in family firms. By breaking down ESG practices into environmental, social and governance components, the study offers a detailed view of their interaction with digital capabilities.

Foresight methodology as a basis for strategic planning for rural areas development

Modern forecasting methodology is quite flexible and multifaceted. Foresight tools can be widely used at different hierarchical levels of management. The use of a systemic approach in combination with foresight technologies makes it possible to develop strategic plans for the development of rural areas in terms of improving their economic and social component. The purpose of the study is to establish the scientific basis for the use of Foresight methodology in strategic planning for the development of rural areas. The scientific novelty of the research is determined by the development of an algorithm for strategic planning of rural development on the basis of foresight methodology and the formation of a set of practical recommendations for the use of foresight tools at the regional level of management in rural areas. The article analyzes Foresight projects and programs used in forecasting rural management and development. The study presents a Foresight algorithm for strategic planning of rural development and a mechanism for its implementation at the local level. The main components of the procedure were formed as a result of a comprehensive Foresight analysis of alternative rural development scenarios. Foresight technologies must be used as a systematic tool for the formation and implementation of a strategy for sustainable development of rural areas. The main results of the study include: generalization of the experience of Foresight studies of rural development; development of an algorithm for strategic planning of rural development based on Foresight methodology; formation of alternative scenarios for the development of rural areas at the regional level. Methodological approaches and provisions for strategic planning of rural development, developed using the Foresight methodology, can be used in creating road maps and strategic plans for the socio-economic development of rural areas.

Smart socio-technological infrastructures: cyber security risks and the human factor

Smart socio-technological infrastructure is a new approach to the design and creation of complex systems, based on the integration of technological and social elements. Currently, smart sociotechnological infrastructures are applied in all spheres of life, from business and industry to healthcare and medical facilities. The implementation of these infrastructures creates new opportunities for the development of various fields. However, it causes a number of problems. The reasons for new information security problems arising from the characteristics of smart sociotechnological infrastructures may include the increase in the number of devices (the number of devices interacting with each other increases, which expands the potential attack plane), the complexity of integration (the integration of social and technological components leads to the creation of new vulnerabilities), data heterogeneity (where the processing and storage of various types of information, including confidential information, make them an attractive target for cybercriminals), the dynamism of the environment (smart socio-technological infrastructures are constantly evolving and adapting, which makes it difficult to ensure their security). This article examines information security problems of smart socio-technological infrastructures. New threats arising from the introduction of these infrastructures are classified. The development of information security culture is justified as one of the main factors of combating these threats, and recommendations are given on the principles and methods of its formation.

Political ecology of tourism: A bibliometric analysis

The tourism sector significantly impacts global environmental change and resource management. The social and economic aspects of tourism are also worthy of examination from the political ecology perspective. In this context, there is a growing need for academic studies examining tourism’s environmental, social, and economic components. This study is conducted to meet this need and provide an in-depth analysis of the works on political ecology in tourism. This research aims to assess scholarly investigations within the tourism domain employing a political ecology framework, utilizing bibliometric analysis as the methodological approach. Within this scope, publications in the literature have been quantitatively examined, and the studies’ prevalence, interactions, and developmental trends have been revealed. The WoS database identified 192 studies published between 1998 and 2023 on the subject. The analysis of leading journals, authors, countries, and keywords related to the topic indicates the following: There has been a noteworthy surge in the number of scholarly inquiries about political ecology within the scientific realm associated with tourism. In addition, the leading country on the subject is the United States. Finally, conservation and ecotourism become the main focal points of studies on political ecology. In summary, it is anticipated that this study will provide a substantial contribution to the existing literature in the domain of political ecology within the context of tourism, offering guidance for researchers in the design and execution of subsequent studies.

Оценка уровня экономического развития старопромышленных регионов Юга России

The study of the level of development of a region is an important tool for comprehension and analysis of the characteristics and trends in the formation of a certain territory from the point of view of the economy. The old industrial regions in southern Russia, such as the Rostov, Volgograd, and Astrakhan regions, play a crucial role in national economic formation. They have a rich history of industrial development and underwent significant transformation during the transition from a Soviet-era industrial structure to a modern, diversified economic system. This circumstance determined the purpose of the article, which is the analysis of key economic indicators of the regions of the south of the country classified as old industrial ones, reflecting the level of their development. The article uses a variety of methods to analyze key economic indicators in these regions, including systematic, economic, statistical, comparative, and retrospective analysis. A study of various economic indicators in the region, including gross regional product, industrial production, retail trade turnover, and agricultural production, was conducted. This made it possible to assess the situation in different regions based on their main industries. The authors offer an algorithm for the calculation of a regional development assessment index that includes economic, social, demographic, and innovative components. It helps understand the overall condition of a region and its potential. The algorithm can be adjusted according to the research objectives. The obtained results and recommendations can be applied to develop an effective development strategy and a set of measures to improve regional policy, which, in turn, can lead to an improvement in the economic condition of old industrial regions, strengthening their positions in the national economic system.

Understanding the roles of economy and society in the relative risks of zoonosis emergence from livestock.

The emergence of zoonotic infections that can develop into pathogens of pandemic potential is a major concern for public health. The risks of emergence and transmission relate to multiple factors that range from land use to human-non-human animal contacts. Livestock agriculture plays a potentially significant role in those risks, shaping landscapes and providing hosts that can act as the source or amplifiers of emergent pathogens. The relative risks will be contingent upon the nature of those systems, with comparisons often made between intensive, indoor, biosecure systems and more extensive, outdoor, insecure systems. Microbiological, ecological and veterinary sciences provide useful entry points in specifying and modelling some of the relative risks. Yet, they often do so with little regard for social science inputs and by making assumptions about social and economic conditions. In this article, we respond to recent analyses of relative risks by raising the importance of social and economic drivers of risk. We chart social science insights and research that materially alter the zoonotic risks associated with livestock production. Our purpose is to emphasize the requirement for full appreciation of the social, economic and political components of zoonotic and pandemic risk.

The Equity in Sustainability: Unravelling Financial Realities and Global South Perspective on Mitigating Carbon Emission

The economics of environmental sustainability is embedded in several tragic dilemmas, underscoring the inefficiency of contemporary socio-economic structure that has failed to provide prior consideration to the issues related to protecting the socially excluded and marginalized community. The study scrutinizes how corporate giants favour the commercial aspects of development, promoting a mercantile logic of meritocracy and capitalistic zeal of accumulating wealth, neglecting the social component of sustainability and subsistence. Emphasizing the symbiotic nature of environmental sustainability, the article advocates the significance of constructing a value system that transcends instrumental reasoning to support an intrinsic value of ecologism – focusing on the innate correlation between nature and human civilization, demanding not only the transformation of the financial and economic pattern of consumption but also coercing us to rethink our value system in favour of prioritizing the subsistence rights of poor and marginalized societies. Therefore, the primary objective of the article is to analyze the financial aspects of reducing carbon emissions along with evaluating the perspective of the global south in restoring the balance between sustainability and material inequality, adopting an interpretive approach to evolve a deep and nuanced understanding of the phenomenon of our discussion.

THE IMPORTANCE OF EU-FUNDED PROJECTS FOR THE SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT OF LOCAL COMMUNITIES

Sustainable development has been one of the core strategies of the EU. The term refers to three basic components: the economic component, which is associated with balanced growth, the environmental component which refers to the preservation of the ecosystem, and the social component, which guarantees inter- and intra-generational equality. While talking about sustainability it is important also to tackle the topic of circular economy. The circular economy aims to preserve value by designing out waste and pollution, optimizing resources by keeping products and materials in use, and ensuring system effectiveness by regenerating natural systems. One of the strategies of the EU to achieve sustainable development and the move towards a circular economy is to support it through various EU-founded projects. In this article, we will elaborate on the current state of sustainable development of EU-founded schemes and how they can be used for different projects for local communities and cities since cities are seen as both the source and solution to today's economic, environmental, and social challenges. Furthermore, in the article, we will outline some best practices of EU-founded projects around sustainable development in the case of the city of Maribor, Slovenia, and indicate their importance for its community.

Concave and convex effects of ESG performance on corporate sustainable development: Evidence from China

Research background: Corporate sustainable development (CSD) is essential to a company's success and survival. Environmental, social, and governance (ESG) are regarded as major factors in measuring the impact of CSD. Companies that perform well in terms of ESG can maintain a competitive advantage and achieve sustainable development. Poor management of ESG performance and involvement in controversial activity can harm a company's credibility and reputation in the market, as well as negatively impact sustainable development. Purpose of the article: Drawing on the stakeholder and signaling theories, this paper investigates the curvilinear nexus between ESG performance and CSD. Methods: Empirical studies were conducted on a sample of 697 Chinese listed manufacturing firms that disclosed ESG information from 2010 to 2020, with a total of 5699 firm-year observations. Quantile regression analysis and the U-test were used to examine the curvilinear ESG-CSD relationship. This technique was supplemented by conducting instrumental variables tests and propensity score matching to address concerns relating to the potential existence of endogeneity problems. Findings & value added: The results of the quantile regression estimation confirm the concave-convex (inverted U-shaped and U-shaped) ESG-CSD relationship via the U-test. The relationships between the environmental and social components and CSD follow an inverted U-shaped or half-inverted U-shaped pattern, while the relationship between the governance component and CSD exhibits a concave-convex pattern. A concave ESG-CSD nexus is evident in environmentally sensitive industries, whereas a half concave-convex ESG-CSD nexus is confirmed in non-environmentally sensitive industries. This study improves scholars’ understanding of ESG performance and provides a comprehensive perspective on the double-edged effects (positive and negative consequences) of ESG practices. The instrumentalization of ESG practices for management to seek personal gain has a negative impact on CSD, while ESG practices that add value for stakeholders have a positive impact. These findings provide empirical evidence for Chinese publicly listed manufacturing firms to effectively conduct ESG practices.

Architecture development tendencies of social facilities for elderly citizens. Japan experience

The article presents an analytical overview of the formation of the architecture of social institutions using the example of Japan. Statistical data on the ageing indicators of the population of this country are presented. The main aspects influencing the formation of the architecture of institutions for older people are considered, namely the socio-psychological aspect, scenarios for the functioning of objects, and the ideological component. Contemporary architectural examples that demonstrate relevant innovative solutions are presented and analyzed. Preserving the quality of life is one of the important trends in forming social institutions for older people, both in the social field and in architecture. In the article, trends in the development of the architecture of social institutions for the elderly in Japan will be considered not only through the prism of the housing component but rather, due to the scenarios and ideology of providing certain services to the elderly. It is proposed to analyze architectural examples, which, according to the authors, introduce the most interesting views-scenarios on the full-fledged life of older people. The article proposes to analyze three architectural objects, each of which in a certain way illustrates modern approaches to the formation of architecture for older people in Japan. Those objects are: JIKKA / Issei Suma - spa & community centre in the city of Ito, a unique project called "a final abode for the clients". The object can rightly be attributed to a unique trend in the development of the architecture of institutions for the elderly - a conscious order to create such a building for people who will potentially also need care, but currently, according to their profession, chose the path of helping and caring for the elderly of their community and formed a specific design task for architects.Kaze No Machi Miyabira / Susumu Uno/ CAn + Met Architects - daycare centre in the city of Shobara, providing full-fledged medical and social care for elderly people who need daily support and shows a comprehensive solution for permanent care and short-term stay. The complex architecture takes into account local habits and traditions of life, so it looks like a large building-town, which is designed into one floor and has a significantly rugged plan, which is due to the functional blocking of rooms, the nurses' posts' location and functional links between building blocks. Reversible Destiny Lofts / Shusaku Arakawa & Madeline Gins, Mitaka, Tokyo, the building is an experimental project and a certain result of the architects' experiment, it is intended for all age categories of users, but the main target audience is elderly people, directly for them architects used, so-called, procedural architecture - a powerful stimulation of the body's functions precisely using architecture and design – architecture that trains, tones and encourages movement. The successful implementation of such objects became possible thanks to a detailed analysis of the social and psychological components, traditions and local habits. A powerful ideological component is embedded in every project, but it manifests itself in architecture in different ways. The operating scenarios of these facilities vary from full and calm care, maintenance and support to forced movement and revitalization of the lives of the elderly through the application of active means of architecture and design. Since Japan is one of the first countries to face the problem of population ageing, it is not surprising that it is in this country that we can see mature, relevant, sometimes somewhat specific trends in the development of the architecture of social institutions for the elderly. Different functioning scenarios, be it quietness and seclusion, or active movement and action, are achieved precisely by the means of architecture. And, sometimes, architecture itself is rehabilitative, prompting action and a full-fledged therapeutic component.

О необходимости изучения профильной классической литературы студентами юридических вузов и факультетов

Purpose. The purpose of this article is to substantiate the need for students of legal specialties to study fundamental literary works in order to understand social, psychological and legal categories. It is impossible to imagine the formation of a person without the influence of works of classical Russian and world literature. This article is devoted to the importance, significance and expediency of studying works of fiction that affect the interaction of people and the functioning of society by students of law specialties. Methods: general scientific methods (analysis, synthesis, generalization) and special methods of legal science (comparative law, formal law). Results: education as the foundation of every person›s life and as a consequence of the development of society as a whole is the most important branch of government activity. Legal education, like no other, lays down the moral, psychological and social components of future law enforcement officers. The quality of legal education is based on a balanced combination of knowledge and application of the colossal historical experience of our country, the richest cultural heritage and modern achievements of science, technology and technology. Discussion: the author has developed and proposed the concept of analyzing the plots of classical literary works from the point of view of modern judicial proceedings, including the interaction of participants in the process, evidence, and motivation of decisions. The article proposes a list of works of classical fiction, systematized taking into account the course of study and the disciplines studied within it, from the point of view of the importance of mastering the relevant discipline. The list is arranged in chronological order based on the plot and analyzed legal categories of interest in the framework of the study of a particular discipline. The author›s justification is based on the approach of the author›s criminology course of Professor O.Ya. Baev.

A novel temperature‐controlled device with standardized manipulation improves chronic back pain mediated by modulating deep muscle thickness: A multicenter randomized controlled trial

AbstractBackgroundChronic back pain affected 619 million people globally in 2020 which accounts for a heavy disease burden causing tremendous productivity losses. Current therapies including ibuprofen, duloxetine, and opioids might cause side effects and even severe drug use disorders. Therefore, a non‐pharmacologic therapy with better or equivalent efficacy and fewer side effects is needed.MethodsWe did a multi‐center, single‐blinded, randomized, positive drug controlled, clinical trial. Patients with chronic back pain in moderate severity were randomized into receiving hot stone massage or flurbiprofen plaster group. Both interventions were 2 weeks with a follow‐up of 4 weeks. The primary outcome was the change in the score of the Global Pain Scale (GPS) from baseline to week 2. Secondary outcomes included Numerical Rating Scale (NRS), Chronic Pain Acceptance Questionnaire (CPAQ), Pain Self‐Efficacy Questionnaire (PSEQ), Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS), and Short Form‐36 (SF36) from baseline to week 2 and week 6. Exploratory outcome assessment included the muscle thickness measured by ultrasound. Any adverse event was monitored throughout the study period.ResultsA total of 120 patients were enrolled in this trial. At 2 weeks GPS decreased significantly in the hot stone massage group compared to the flurbiprofen group (difference between groups = ‐8.1 points, 95% confidence interval [CI] ‐15.8 to ‐0.3, p = 0.047). Moreover, hot stone massage also showed more improvement at 2 weeks compared to flurbiprofen, including NRS (‐0.5 points, 95% CI ‐1.0 to ‐0.1, p = 0.029), PSEQ (5.4 points, 95% CI 0.5 to 10.2, p = 0.030), and mental component of Short Form‐36 (SF‐36) (1.7 points, 95% CI 0.4 to 2.9, p = 0.010), but not in CPAQ (p = 0.131), HADS (p = 0.303 for depression, p = 0.399 for anxiety), or SF‐36 (p = 0.129 for physical component, p = 0.246 for social component, p = 0.076 for fatigue component). A total of two participants in the hot stone massage group reported mild pain on skin surface when receiving the procedure at the first intervention session.

Influence of Food Environments on Dietary Habits: Insights from a Quasi-Experimental Research.

Nutrition is a vital factor that exerts a profound and direct impact on health. Food environments significantly influence individuals' dietary behaviors, health outcomes, and overall food security. Individuals in food deserts and food swamps do not have access to healthier food options. And in both cases, the emphasis is primarily on the physical configuration of the environment as it relates to food availability. This quasi-experimental study aims to investigate the impact of two different food environments (defined to include a social component) on food choices. A total of 246 participants were surveyed by telephone, half of whom were primed with Scenario A (a food environment deficient in healthy options and cues that support and reinforce healthier choices) and half were primed with Scenario B (an environment with an abundance of healthy food options and cues that support and reinforce healthy eating). Ordered logit regression was used for analysis. The results show significant differences in likely food consumption between the groups. Individuals in Scenario B were found to be 4.48 times more likely to consume fruits and vegetables. In addition, it was determined that being a woman increases the probability of consuming more fruits and vegetables by 0.92 times (1/0.52-1), and adherence to a healthy diet increases by 3.64 times. Age and race were not significant predictors. This study highlights the crucial role of environmental factors in shaping dietary habits and underscores the importance of the social components of the food environment in promoting the adoption of healthier dietary habits. Based on these findings, policymakers should prioritize developing strategies that go beyond providing physical access and consider social aspects of the environment in promoting healthy eating habits to improve public health and bolster the food security of communities.

THE PROBLEMS OF YOUTH IN PROFESSIONAL SELF-FULFILLMENT AS A SYSTEMIC PROBLEM: ANALYSIS OF SOCIAL FACTORS

The material of the article is devoted to the possibilities of professional self-realization of young people in the problem of employment, and the analysis of its social factors. It was shown that the generation of the problems of ensuring employment of young people is determined not only by the low level of their competitiveness in the labor market, the lack of necessary practical experience, work experience in the profession, but also by the access of young people to relevant public resources (economic, legal, social), the level of their economic, social and cultural capital. This is also the inadequate assessment of the objective conditions and opportunities of employment in accordance with their own profession and preferences. The article considers a number of social factors of generating the problem of professional certainty and its implementation, in particular: family factors, subjective (overestimated self-esteem, professional inflexibility), educational, stratification, and other situational factors. The educational factor of the problem is considered separately, where there is a mismatch of the content of professional education with modern market challenges, its inconsistency with the requirements and needs of the present. The problematic factor of the employer's pragmatism and its non-constructive role in the possibility of professional realization of a young employee is separately assessed (extreme pragmatism, inflexibility in personnel matters, additional unprofessional burden on a young employee). A number of socio-professional factors of youth competitiveness in the employment market have been determined, which are generative both by external social conditions and micro social components. Involving non-formal education with its revealed potential was positioned as one of the means of partially solving this problem. It is shown that non-formal education is indeed an important factor for self-realization and integration of students in education. And in view of modern realities - the challenges of war, the demand for non-formal education as an additional resource for formal education is growing even more.

The impact of environmental, social, and governance performance on the duration of earnings sustainability: a survival analysis

ABSTRACT This study examines the impact of environmental, social, and governance(ESG) factors on the duration of earnings sustainability of publicly listed companies in Taiwan from 2016 to 2023 using a survival analysis. The findings reveal that both overall ESG and governance scores significantly extend the duration of earnings sustainability. Conversely, the environmental and social components do not demonstrate the same effect. These results indicate that although investments in governance prolong the maintenance of firm performance, investments in environmental and social initiatives alone may not have a comparable impact.

The Importance of Human Capital in the Life of a Corporation: the Influence of Managers on the Dynamics of the Social Environment

Introduction. The purpose of the article is to analyze the influence of managers and their human capital on the corporate social environment, offering tools for such analysis and studying the factors of human capital formation. The relevance of the work is determined by the practical application of network research methods using the in-depth interview method. The result of using such methods is the analysis of the qualities of managers that influence the building of the most positive socio-structural relations in the corporation and contribute to the development of the human capital of the corporation, which is important for society.Methodology and sources. In developing the methodology there were used the works of sociologists devoted to values (M. Weber, T. Parsons, F. Tennis, P. Bourdieu, V.A. Yadov) and the theory of network human capital (P.P. Deryugin, S.A. Kravchenko, S.A. Dyatlov) were used. The results of research by N.E. Tikhonova, S.A. Solntsev, M. Goltzman and others on the role of leaders in Russian society were used. In addition to the in-depth interview method, the research methodology was based on the concept of "Management Grid", which reveals the work style of a manager through his self-assessment.Results and discussion. This article is an applied research that reveals the role of human capital of managers in the life of a corporation and its impact on the social environment. It confirms the key importance of human capital and the social institution of corporations for the formation of social structure and economic development, and offers practical recommendations for corporate management with an emphasis on the development of human capital. Conclusion. The human capital of managers significantly affects the interaction inside and outside the corporation and the social dynamics of society as a whole. The development of leadership competencies, skills and values plays a key role for the success of corporations and society as a whole. The social component of the life activity of corporations is focused on production by meeting social needs, which emphasizes the central importance of human capital and its impact on the social structure of society.

Traffic situation in Yerevan and ways to modernize with the help of current problem of traffic congestion

Introduction. This article addresses the pressing issue of road traffic congestion in the capital of Armenia, Yerevan, and proposes a solution using the Automated Traffic Management System (ATMS). The introduction underscores the significance of effective traffic management in ensuring the safety and comfort of urban residents.Materials and methods. The analysis of the current situation raises concerns about traffic density, congestion, inefficient use of road resources, and their impact on the environment and citizens’ quality of life. In turn, the exploration of ATMS as a solution includes an explanation of the system’s concept, its benefits, and successful global implementation examples. The implementation plan for ATMS encompasses stages from data collection to traffic management, along with necessary technical and infrastructural changes. The assessment of costs and benefits underscores the economic and social components of anticipated outcomes.Conclusions. The introduction of automated traffic management systems (ATMS) leads to a significant reduction in transport delays at intersections by 10–20%, which reduces gasoline consumption for movement by 30%. The number of traffic accidents at intersections is reduced by 10–15%. This leads to economic benefits, improved road safety and improved environmental conditions in cities.

Parenthood as the Natural and Socio-Legal Title to Raise Offspring in Accordance with the Norm of Canon 1136 of the 1983 Code of Canon Law

The article offers a description and characterization of the special right of parents to raise their offspring on two counts: from the act of becoming a parent and from the fact that arises from the relationship and bond of the parents and their offspring with society. This relationship exists in particular with the Church and the State, for which the family is a fundamental social component. Consequently, both institutions have a vital interest in educating the offspring, with the institutions of foster family and adoption playing a special role.

Gamification Approach to Provide Support About the Deferral Experience in Blood Donation: Design and Feasibility Study.

Multiple studies have examined the impact of deferral on the motivation of prospective blood donors, proposing various policies and strategies to support individuals who undergo this experience. However, existing information and communications technology systems focused on blood donation have not yet integrated these ideas or provided options to assist with the deferral experience. This study aims to propose an initial gamified design aimed at mitigating the impact of the deferral experience by addressing the drivers of awareness and knowledge, interaction and validation, and motivation. Additionally, the study explores the feasibility of implementing such a system for potential users. We conducted a literature review focusing on the dynamics of motivation and intention related to blood donation, as well as the deferral situation and its impact on citizens. Through this review, we identified weak donor identity, lack of knowledge, and reduced motivation as key factors requiring support from appropriate interventions. These factors were then defined as our key drivers. Taking these into account, we proposed a gamification approach that incorporates concepts from the MDA framework. The aim is to stimulate the aforementioned drivers and expand the concept of contribution and identity in blood donation. For a preliminary evaluation, we designed a prototype to collect feedback on usability, usefulness, and interest regarding a potential implementation of our proposed gamification approach. Among the participants, a total of 11 citizens interacted with the app and provided feedback through our survey. They indicated that interacting with the app was relatively easy, with an average score of 4.13 out of 5 when considering the 11 tasks of interaction. The SUS results yielded a final average score of 70.91 from the participants' answers. Positive responses were received when participants were asked about liking the concept of the app (3.82), being likely to download it (3.55), and being likely to recommend it to others (3.64). Participants expressed positivity about the implementation of the design but also highlighted current shortcomings and suggested possible improvements in both functionality and usability. Although deferral is a common issue in blood donation, there is a missed opportunity in existing ICT services regarding how to effectively handle such experiences. Our proposed design and implementation seem to have captured the interest of prospective users due to its perceived positive usefulness and potential. However, further confirmation is needed. Improving the design of activities that currently rely heavily on extrinsic motivation elements and integrating more social components to create an enhanced activity loop for intrinsic motivation could further increase the value of the proposed project. Future research could involve conducting a more specialized and longitudinal design evaluation with a larger sample size.