Socio-economic Model Research Articles

A Critical Study of the Structural Change of the Capitalist Socio-Economic Structure by Combining Marxism and Modern Information Technology

Abstract Modern information technology networks have changed people’s production and lifestyle, leading to new changes in the economic structure of capitalist society and bringing new challenges to the use of Marxism to criticize capitalism. Based on the knowledge of Marxist economics, this paper provides a critical overview of the changes in the economic structure of capitalism from two aspects: the changes in the forms of capital exploitation and the expansion of capital exploitation relations. Using the complex network theory in modern information technology, a capitalist socio-economic model is constructed to perform a critical quantitative analysis of the structural changes in the capitalist socio-economic structure. A case study of capitalist socio-economic structure is conducted in conjunction with the previous model. The results show that the entropy of capitalist wealth E is decreasing in the case that the parameters of N = 1000, m = 6, and M = 40 are determined, and the traditional labor distribution system and production mode will be eliminated by history in the end. Through a critique of capitalist economic mechanisms, it deepens people’s knowledge of capitalist economic structure.

Designing a community-supported agriculture model for increasing food security.

The institutionalization of participation is a topic that has been discussed in different ways over the last few decades. There are many diverse aspects of the agricultural sector and rural communities that can be identified and used to bring about a major change in agriculture. Community supported agriculture (CSA) is one of the participatory and sustainable approaches that can be used in this regard. CSA is a relatively new socioeconomic model for producing food materials, increasing food security, improving the quality of food materials and conserving agricultural land, plants and animals. This research aimed to design a CSA model that was operationalized in Markazi province, Iran, with the aim of increasing food security. It was a survey study applied through a questionnaire. The statistical population (N=110) consisted of all active farmers in Ghazel Dareh village who were selected through the census method. The necessary information was collected through a questionnaire (84 of which were completed and returned) and analyzed using SPSS v. 25 and LISREL. The results showed that economic, socio-institutional, policy-making, educational and infrastructural factors significantly influenced the development of CSA. Infrastructural and socio-institutional factors with impact factors of 0.88 and 0.54 had the largest and smallest effect on CSA, respectively. Finally, since all impact factors were positive, we can say that improving each of these factors could improve the development of CSA in the study area.

АНАЛІЗ ЕФЕКТИВНОСТІ ВИКОРИСТАННЯ ІНСТРУМЕНТІВ ВАЛЮТНОЇ ПОЛІТИКИ В УКРАЇНІ В ПЕРІОДИ КРИЗ 2008–2009 ТА 2019–2020 РОКІВ

The article is devoted to the analysis, comparison and evaluation of the effectiveness of the foreign exchange policy instruments used during the crises of 2008-2009 and 2019-2020 in Ukraine. The main types of instruments of foreign exchange regulation and the priority areas of their application were defined. The authors took under consideration the key features of the construction of the socioeconomic model of Ukraine, the geopolitical situation, and the imposition of cyclical fluctuations during the considered periods. In the course of the study, the exchange rate fluctuations of the national currency against the US dollar were monitored to determine dynamics of the devaluation and revaluation processes within the given time frames. In order to detail the regulatory foreign exchange policy, a separate analysis of the use of NBU tools within the current and long-term strategy was carried out, the differences were identified and the consequences were outlined. The conducted research showed that during both crises the discount policy, namely the change in the discount rate, was most actively used. But the changes were somewhat divergent: more aggressive liberal measures taken to reduce the discount rate during the 2019-2020 crisis appeared to be more effective compared to the crisis of 2008-2009. This is evidenced by data on changes in GDP PPP, indicating the best positive dynamics when exiting the recession during the pandemic. However, in both cases, significant devaluation was observed. In order to determine the causes and consequences of the depreciation of the national currency in relation to the US dollar and other currencies, an analysis of the balance of payments accounts was carried out by individual articles. This made it possible to indicate significant differences in the nature of the origin of these crises. The instruments of motto policy were also used with varying degrees of activity and in the opposite direction. Foreign exchange interventions in 2008-2009, in contrast to the period of 2019-2020, were used very limitedly due to the rather rapid depletion of gold and foreign exchange reserves. Foreign exchange restrictions were strengthened in 2008-2009, and liberalized in 2019-2020. As a result, it allowed to revive investment flows and improve the business climate in the country. It is also noted that against the background of general devaluation during both crises, a period of revaluation of the national currency was also observed in 2019. The analysis showed that in that case it was rather a negative phenomenon, which led to significant losses in the revenue part of the budget due to a decrease in revenues from customs payments, resulted from the inconsistent actions of the NBU and relevant ministries. Other elements of foreign exchange policy were almost not used: the degree of currency convertibility and the exchange rate regime did not change (with the exception of a short period of introduction of the exchange rate band). The same can be said about the instruments of the long-term foreign exchange policy: the order of international settlements was slightly adjusted, but not significantly; the regime of exchange rates and parities remained unchanged; the use of gold and reserve currencies was combined with the diversification of foreign exchange reserves and was mainly related to foreign exchange interventions and the fulfillment of external debt obligations. The conducted analysis allowed to identify the main directions of the foreign exchange policy of Ukraine regarding the stabilization of the economy and the achievement of sustainable economic growth. To solve this problem, it is advisable to gradually introduce foreign exchange liberalization, introduce new reforms and state projects that might improve the investment climate. It is also appropriate to de-dollarize the debts of enterprises through incentives for lending in the national currency. In the long term, it is appropriate to strengthen financial and capital markets to ensure the stability of economic growth.

Iran 1979: Mission to Revolution

Introduction. The article examines the causes and course of the Islamic Revolution in Iran in 1979. On February 1, 1979, the disgraced Ayatollah Khomeini returned to the country and took power into his own hands. The 1979 revolution was a series of events that led to the overthrow of the Pehi dynasty under Shah Mohammad Reza Pahlavi. It was actively supported by various Islamist and leftist organizations and student movements. The study of various aspects of the development of Iran at that time helps to objectively assess the uniqueness and relevance of its experience in terms of searching for optimal development options for each country, as well as relationships with the world community. Materials and Methods. The study was based on Iranian media materials. An analysis of the publications of the leading Iranian media of that time was carried out. Covering the violent upheavals through the eyes of eyewitnesses will significantly expand our understanding of those events. Discussion and Conclusion. Iran is a multinational state with a pronounced Islamic Shiite tradition, in which the principles of ancient Persian culture are still partially embodied. The fall of the Shah’s regime and the rise to power of the clergy, who were not associated with the desire for progress, reflected the desire of the revolutionary forces to create in Iran a socio-economic model that would take into account national and religious characteristics. The created Islamic form of government in Iran (Islamic Republic of Iran) was intended to harmonize the cultural heritage, Islamic traditions and the need for modernization.

Comparative and Historical Analysis of the Principles of Stimulating the Economy during the Crisis Period (Middle Bronze and Modern Times)

Introduction. The comparative analysis contained in the work is devoted to the limitations of the dependence of socio-political processes and economic conditions on historical and anthropogenic factors. Now we witness the instability of the global system, overheated by specific contradictions, phobias and crises. Falling stock indices, the threat of default, growing international problems, climate oscillations – all this forces society to look for a way out of the crisis. Purpose. Only at the level of transdisciplinary approaches can one calculate accurate and consistent data that allows one to develop fundamental knowledge of the subject in order to implement a predictive function for choosing a development concept and determining a management strategy. Materials and Methods. This study, carried out with the requirements of a retrospective analysis, draws attention to the most striking aspects of the economic policies of the Roosevelt administration in the 1930s, past experience and similar principles created from the sources of the era of the III Dynasty of Ur. Results. A real historical comparative analysis of various socio-economic models depending on natural and climatic changes. Methods for overcoming the crisis in the most difficult period of the Bronze Age (III Dynasty of Ur), caused by fluctuations in the Bond cycle, have been identified. Comparisons of the administrative forms regulating the national economy of the Third Dynasty of Ur and the state-monopoly capitalism of F. Roosevelt’s New Deal. Discussion and Conclusion. The author knows the meaning of the saying “Omne simile claudicat”. Despite the same nature of the crisis trends that led to an unexpected turn, in which the role of the government in the economic activity of society is manifested, the concept of stimulating the national economy in these two cases is equally similar. And if they are truly intended and repeated, then there are opportunities to consider them in the present or future as a leading concept for economic development.

THE IMPLEMENTATION OF SOCIO-ECONOMIC AND GOOD GOVERNANCE MODELS IN IMPROVING ZAKAT COMPLIANCE BEHAVIOR AMONG ENTREPRENEURS IN ACEH PROVINCE, INDONESIA

The Aceh government issued an appeal letter No.180/11860 dated August 3 2022 regarding an appeal to Muslim employees and companies (businesses) to deposit their zakat to Baitul Mal. The compliance behavior of entrepreneurs paying zakat to Baitul Mal is an important concern in optimizing zakat receipts in Aceh. Socio-economic models and good governance are important factors in increasing zakat compliance among entrepreneurs. What are Baitul Mal Aceh's policies and strategies for optimizing these two models? This research was conducted using a qualitative descriptive approach. Data was collected using interview and documentation techniques. Data analysis uses data reduction techniques, data display and conclusion making. The research results show that Baitul Mal Aceh has strengthened zakat management regulations in Aceh and followed this with education and socialization. Apart from that, Baitul Mal also always displays information related to the collection and utilization of zakat funds. Management with good governance is carried out by prioritizing transparency and accountability in zakat management. It is hoped that optimizing zakat continues to prioritize socio-economic models and good governance and can increase the trust and interest of entrepreneurs so that in the end they give their zakat to Baitul Mal Aceh.

DIGITAL TRANSFORMATION POLICIES TO DEVELOP AN EFFECTIVE ECOSYSTEM: THE CASE OF UKRAIN

The article analyzes the evolutionary development and implementation of the digital transformation policy on the way to building the digital economy of Ukraine. The need to carry out reforms, improve the investment climate, and economic recovery prompted the state to develop a legal basis for future digital transformations in the development of the national ecosystem. Along with this, the above-mentioned steps contribute to the further integration of Ukraine into the EU. Using advanced technologies, such as artificial intelligence, blockchain, analysis of large data sets, and others, digitalization becomes a key driver in the creation of innovative products and services, which in turn increases the competitiveness and efficiency of the socio-economic model of the state as a whole. But with the beginning of a full-scale military invasion of the russian federation into Ukraine, the state is forced to look for non-standard solutions for the continuation of the digital transformation policy. Currently, the question arises of the need to conduct an in-depth analysis of the key elements of the ecosystem of IT startups and determine the role of the state in the use of relevant tools and reforms on the path of further effective digital transformation in all sectors of the economic complex. In the course of the research, it has been found that the scientific and technological potential in Ukraine continues to decline in the period after the signing of the Ukraine-EU Association Agreement. At the same time, the issue of innovative development of Ukraine has been in the center of attention of the government, a number of donor structures, and the expert-scientific environment of Ukraine for the past several years. The Government of Ukraine has launched a number of initiatives aimed at creating opportunities for the development of the domestic ecosystem of innovations, information and communication technologies (ICT) and startups, among which such promising and ambitious projects as: “E-residency” (creating conditions for non-residents to conduct business in Ukraine without a physical presence on its territory), “Diia.City” (a unique legal and tax space for IT business in Ukraine, which aims to give companies and startups effective tools for intensive development, scaling and capitalization), an online platform of the current status of the Ukrainian IT ecosystem (will provide an opportunity to search for business information about IT companies, professionals, investors and, in general, the entire technological ecosystem of Ukraine), development of the Concept of the Development of Artificial Intelligence in Ukraine (covers 9 fields: education and science, economy, cyber security, information security, defense, public administration, legal regulation, justice) and others. According to the results of the study, it becomes clear that in the era of rapid technological progress, the development of digital technologies has transformed the way of doing business, making it more dynamic and global. Management of digital ecosystems requires the state to develop adequate legal and regulatory frameworks. Intensive cooperation and financial support, even under martial law, will allow Ukraine to actively develop infrastructure, promote digital transformation, strengthen technological potential, sustainable economic recovery and deepen integration into the European digital market. Currently, there is no doubt about the need to strengthen efforts to implement current and prospective programs of digital reform of the ecosystem of Ukraine.

Comprehensive review of LCA studies in Civil Engineering

This review paper explores the application of Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) within the domain of civil engineering, aiming to provide a comprehensive overview of current research, methodologies, challenges, and future trends. LCA serves as a pivotal tool for assessing the environmental impact of infrastructure projects, yet gaps persist in its integration with socioeconomic dimensions, regional considerations, and dynamic modeling. By analyzing existing literature and scholarly discussions, this review identifies research gaps and proposes directions for enhancing the applicability and effectiveness of LCA in civil engineering. Moreover, it examines future trends such as the integration of advanced technologies, stakeholder engagement, and policy implementation, poised to shape the landscape of LCA practices in the civil engineering sector. Ultimately, this review paper contributes to the understanding of LCA's potential to drive sustainable decision-making in infrastructure development, paving the way for more informed and environmentally conscious practices.

A New Socio-Hydrology System Based on System Dynamics and a SWAT-MODFLOW Coupling Model for Solving Water Resource Management in Nanchang City, China

To address the issue of seasonal water resource shortages in Nanchang City, a multi-system coupling socio-hydrology simulation method was proposed. This approach involves dynamically integrating a centralized socio-economic model with a distributed surface water groundwater numerical model to explore the intricate relationships between the socio-economic system, the surface water–groundwater integrated system, and the outcomes related to seasonal water resource shortages. Taking Nanchang City as an example, this study conducted research on the water resource supply and demand balance, as well as the groundwater emergency supply, using the multi-system coupling model. Three scenarios were established: status quo, developing, and water-saving. The results show that with the increasing total water demand of social and economic development, the severity of the water resource shortage will be most pronounced in 2030. The minimum water resources supply and demand ratios for the status quo, developing, and water-saving scenarios are projected to be 0.68, 0.52, and 0.77, respectively. To meet residents’ water needs during drought conditions, emergency groundwater supply efforts are investigated. According to the simulation results, groundwater emergency supply would increase the total population by 24.0 thousand, 49.4 thousand, and 11.2 thousand people, respectively, in the status quo, developing, and water-saving scenarios. In the water-saving scenario, the Youkou and Xiebu water sources can serve as suitable emergency water sources. In the status quo scenario, the Youkou water source is the most viable emergency water source. However, in the developing scenario, relying solely on any single water source for emergency supply could have an irreversible impact on the aquifer. Therefore, considering the simultaneous use of multiple water sources is recommended, as it can fulfill water demands while ensuring the sustainable utilization of groundwater resources.

The Modern Developments in Education for Sustainable Development

ESD has emerged as a crucial instrument for addressing the sustainability crisis and transforming societies toward a more sustainable future. This article examines the current trends in ESD, concentrating on its role in challenging existing power structures, promoting democratic participation, and empowering students to analyze and transform society critically. It emphasizes the need for a transformational approach that combines critical analysis with a systems or relational approach, recognizing the social and environmental boundaries of society. As part of the SDGs, the article also discusses the advancement made in global educational rates and the emphasis on reducing inequalities in education. In addition, it addresses the pressing need for transformative learning and education to create solutions and empower individuals during the transition to more sustainable and equitable societies. The evaluation emphasizes education as a catalyst for SD and calls for a system of teaching that prepares students to adjust lifestyle and socioeconomic models. The article discusses current trends in and the necessity of incorporating sustainability into education in order to address current issues.

Phenomenological Study of Women Entrepreneurs and Their Impact on Socio-Economic Growth in Malaysia

The study was conducted on women entrepreneurship and socio-economic growth in Malaysia. The study on women entrepreneurship in Malaysia was on Women entrepreneurship is said to be the emerging phenomenon of the 21th Century. It has been recognised that today women are as likely as men seeking business opportunities around them. Women entrepreneurs are able to contribute to socioeconomic development of the country. However, women entrepreneurs were found to encounter internal and external barriers to their business growth. Based on the literature review on entrepreneurship highlighted numerous constraints and barriers to women entrepreneurship which include amongst others gender-biased, lack of entrepreneurial and business skills, finance and even the personality characteristics of women. In this study there were four factors and barriers facing entrepreneurship growth were identified. They were personality traits, business skills, knowledge and training, the need for government support system and support systems that contribute to women entrepreneurship growth and the socio-economic growth of the country. In order to answer these four objectives, this study conducted a focus group method in order to clearly understand the phenomenon of women entrepreneurship in Malaysia. It has been informed the focus group approach is commonly used in social science research. A selected group of 10 key person women entrepreneurs answered the interview and discussion via online focus group discussion. The structured questionnaires were also distributed to the 10 entrepreneurs participated and responded in focus group discussion. The focus group discussion centred on four themes on women entrepreneurship development, women and its contribution to socio-economic growth, including household income, employment and society wellbeing. Data collection on entrepreneurial psychological factors, barriers to women entrepreneurship success and growth, government support systems and the social and economic growth of the country were gathered from the focus group discussion and were analysed using NVIVO software package. The results of the study were tabulated based on four themes and sub themes. In conclusion this research has established a woman entrepreneurship socio-economic model in Malaysia. A causal relationship model configured variables as a main guidance for entrepreneurship stakeholders and practitioners. This study was a phenomenological study on woman entrepreneurship and its effect on women socio-economic growth in Malaysia. The study provided implications to stakeholders in addressing women entrepreneurship problems and barrier to women business growth. It was recommended that further research on women entrepreneurship will be based on industrial and business sectors dominated by women.

Features of citizenship and patriotism of students of a technical university

Introduction. Patriotic and civic education is a systematic activity of the family, the state, public and educational organizations of the country. In connection with the accelerated formation of socio-economic models, changes in the internal and external situation in Russia, the problem of educating young people as patriots and citizens of the country is relevant. The purpose of the study is to analyze the state of civic-patriotic education of students of a technical university. Materials and methods. The material of the study was the data of a survey of more than two hundred students of Stupino branch of the Moscow Aviation Institute (Russian Federation). Results. An analysis of the student survey data showed that most of the respondents know their civic obligations (78%), slightly less (73%) know their rights. At the same time, the vast majority (91%) consider themselves patriots. 90.6% believe that enough patriotic events are held at the technical university. 87.1% would like to be born and live in Russia and 84.7% are proud of the history of our country, 88.6% of respondents do not consider it necessary to change their citizenship. 88.6% of respondents associate the concept of patriotism with love for their homeland. Conclusion. The study revealed the expediency and effectiveness of the humanitarian environment for the education of true patriots of the Fatherland. Innovative approaches using quest technologies, patriotic tourism, volunteer movement, scientific and practical conferences can help overcome gaps in the education of a citizen and patriot of their homeland.

Studying the evolutions, differences, and water security impacts of water demands under shared socioeconomic pathways: A SEMs-bootstrap-ANN approach applied to Sichuan Province

In this study, a SEMs-bootstrap-ANN method was presented for constructing prediction intervals (PIs) of water demand under shared socioeconomic pathways (SSPs). The primary objective was to examine the evolution, disparities, and impacts on water security. Initially, a bootstrap algorithm and an artificial neural network (ANN) were combined to form a bootstrap-ANN model, which determined the centres and widths of the PIs at a specified significance level by estimating the distributions of prediction values and errors. The water demand factors in SSPs were projected using socioeconomic models like Cobb-Douglas, based on the narratives of the International Institute for Applied Systems Analysis (IIASA). By incorporating these factors into the bootstrap-ANN model, the study obtained the temporal changes of water demand PIs in SSPs, while quantifying the differences and water security implications using the interval difference index (IDI) and surface water exploration index (SWEI). The case study focused on Sichuan province, and the model performance was evaluated via the evaluation indices and cross-validation. The results demonstrated five key findings.Firstly, the proposed method showed a greater PICP of 0.985, slightly larger PIRAW of 9.83%, and higher MAIS than other methods in the historical dataset, indicating a small disadvantage in width in return for better accuracy and overall performance.Secondly, the reliability of the results in the SSP period was supported by the PIRAWs (mostly within 15%), the cross errors (approximately 5%), and their performance in 2021 (the PIs in SSP2 almost covered all true values).Thirdly, the total water demands in all SSPs within Sichuan Province exhibited a consistent upward trajectory, with SSP5 displaying the highest increase of 44–63% compared to current water usage.Fourthly, among the four SSPs, the most substantial disparities were observed between SSP5 and SSP3, reaching a maximum difference of 32%. Conversely, the disparities between SSP2 and SSP1 fluctuated around zero, transitioning from negative to positive trends. Notably, from an environmental perspective, SSP1 was considered preferable to SSP2.Lastly, the SWEIs, which reflected water security conditions in Sichuan Province under the four SSPs, ranked in the following order: SSP3, SSP1, SSP2, and SSP5, indicating a progressively worsening situation. Despite not reaching stress thresholds even during dry years until 2100, the water security conditions could deteriorate by 28–46% compared to historical extremes and by 3–16% compared to extended extremes in dry years.

Thoughts on Urban Verticalization. Going Up and Building High for the Future City

Urban verticalization has shaped most cities around the world in the 20th century, playing a big part in the conception, creation and expansion of the Metropolis and the new cityscape that continuously aims for the sky. The vertical city as a concept has been provoking the creativity of architects and planners for over a century, mainly as the solution to the urban challenges that emerged after the industrial revolution, a time when the city was being rapidly transformed, and a new socioeconomic model appeared together with the new era. The intense vertical growth of our cities in the 20th century has formed the way our cities look and function, ultimately it has shaped what we consider as the modern city and urbanity, as well as the way we imagine the city of the future. Aesthetics aside, vertical building agglomeration has been a widespread solution to the growing demand for various different spaces in many cities of various scales all around the world. The evolution of the high-rise has had a huge impact on the image and experience of the city, shaping both the cities’ skylines, but also ground level neighborhoods and public spaces, impacting how people move and interact within the urban setting.

Simulation Cognitive Modeling Approach to the Regional Sustainable Complex System Development for Improving Quality of Life

This article presents study results of the region’s sustainable development possibility, thus improving the population’s life quality using cognitive simulation methods of complex systems. The main theoretical provisions of cognitive modeling developed and tested earlier in various socioeconomic system modeling are briefly outlined. The cognitive modeling application’s mathematical apparatus and CMCS software No. 2018661506 system were developed using quantitative data from one of Russia’s southern regions (Rostov oblast). The task was to study the region, model, understand, explain, and develop possible situation development scenarios, and foresee this complex system’s possible future outcome. The main statistical socioeconomic indicators of the state region were studied and processed. Data analysis necessary for developing and researching a cognitive model is given. The regional economic mechanism cognitive model is a functional graph consisting of quantitative and qualitative concepts. Between them, relationships are given in the form of functions, which is the novelty of research. The results of several scenarios of impulse modeling are presented, making it possible to predict future desirable and undesirable processes in the system. Scenario analysis was carried out, making it possible to propose a number of recommendations for the region’s sustainable development. A direction for the region’s development of further cognitive research is proposed.

The Making of The Early Bronze Age in Anatolia

Abstract In Anatolian archaeology, as it is the case in the neighbouring regions of the Near East and Aegean, the Bronze Age is considered in three consecutive stages, however, defined not in accordance with metallurgical achievements, but on changing modalities in social and economic structures. Before the beginning of the Early Bronze Age there were fully established farming communities across almost all of Anatolia, though subsisting mainly on family-level farming with no indication of complex social structuring. Likewise, during the final stages of the Late Chalcolithic there was a notable decrease in population, particularly in Central and Western Anatolia. In this respect, the south-eastern parts of Anatolia differ considerably from the rest of the peninsula, developing a complex socio-economic model in connection with the bordering regions of Syro-Mesopotamia. This pattern changed by incoming migration from the north, with subsequent dense population patterns in the eastern and western parts of the peninsula. Following the reorganization and consolidation of this system, the Early Bronze Age is characterized by urbanisation, institutionalized long-distance trade, intensification and revolutionized agricultural and weaving practices. The urban model that developed in Anatolia differs considerably from those of the Near East both in size and in organization. The Middle Bronze Age is marked by state formations, which by the Late Bronze Age developed into empires with their own foreign policies. Concerning the role of metals, copper and lead were used since the Neolithic and arsenic bronze by the Late Chalcolithic. The Bronze Age may be viewed as a time of mass production and development of complex technologies in casting, alloying and forming.

Development of a behaviour pattern-based testing approach for coupled socioeconomic and environmental models

Understanding the interactions between human and environmental systems is key to sustainable environmental management. Dynamically Coupled Socioeconomic system dynamics models integrated with physically-based Environmental Models (DCSEMs) are promising tools to appropriately capture the non-linear relationships between complex socioeconomic and biophysical systems, thereby supporting sustainable environmental management. However, existing approaches for testing integrated models are commonly based on the point-to-point analysis of model outputs, which is not suitable for DCSEMs that are behaviour pattern oriented. Consequently, the lack of well-defined behaviour pattern-based approaches has limited the adaptability of DCSEMs. To address this gap, this study proposes a novel behaviour pattern-based model testing approach that includes global sensitivity analysis (GSA), auto-calibration algorithms, and evaluation to assess behaviour pattern similarities between model outputs and real-world trends. The proposed approach is demonstrated through a real-world case study, in which an existing DCSEM is calibrated and evaluated to simulate water table depth in the Rechna Doab region of Pakistan. Compared to the conventional numerical point approach, the proposed approach is better suited for DCSEMs, as it replicates observed system behaviour patterns (as opposed to observed point values) over time. Furthermore, the outcomes of the Theil inequality statistical analysis and parameter distribution analysis provide evidence that the suggested approach is effective in testing and improving the performance of the DCSEM by capturing the spatial heterogeneity within the study area. The proposed behaviour-pattern testing procedure is a useful approach for model testing in data-limited, spatially-distributed DCSEMs.

The Ideology of Social Traditionalism (Social Tradition)

The Ideology of Social Traditionalism (Social Tradition) scientifi c manifesto off ers a modern concept of traditionalism. Today, this line is based on the principles of “double” social solidarity: both between contemporaries (horizontal solidarity) and intergenerational (vertical solidarity). The idea of the fi rst type of solidarity has historically evolved against the background of the leftist thought. The second type of solidarity dates back to classical traditionalism. It insists on placing the priority on the historical heritage, traditional values and on the rejection of historical gaps in public life. According to the author, the relevance of social traditionalism (social tradition) is growing as the crisis of neoliberal globalism deepens and currently observed deglobalization processes accelerate. The opposition of the ideas of social justice and traditional values is one of the false alternatives imposed on the society. It emerged and is still maintained within the framework of the ideology of neoliberalism, which is now in a state of decay. The article highlights the common value basis of colonialism, Nazism and neoliberal globalism. A way out of the historical impasse is possible if two conditions are met: the neoliberal ideology must be rejected and the cultural and spiritual connection with the native tradition — authentic Christianity — must be restored. After the ideological paradigm and the socioeconomic model are changed, the synthesis of socialist and traditionalist ideas can take priority in the society. The right-wing traditionalism needs to be opposed to the left-wing social traditionalism, in which the ethics of justice comes fi rst. Instead of the classic triad “conservatism—liberalism—socialism”, the society will have to develop within another political triangle: “nationalism—socialism—traditionalism”. Social traditionalism assumes the equality of nations, peoples and cultures, aff irms their incomparability, incommensurability and uniqueness. It also advocates the society governed by the social justice and supports the overcoming of painful historical gaps in the life of each people. The author proceeds on the basis that “tradition is a set of ways to preserve the historical continuity based on endowing inheritance procedures with ethical meaning”. Tradition is a method of social and cultural construction rather than a subject of restoration. The basis of the Russian (Russian-Byzantine) tradition and identity can be defi ned using the well-known formula by Max Weber as follows: “Orthodox Ethics and the Spirit of Solidarity”.

Producers’ transition to alternative food practices in rural China: social mobilization and cultural reconstruction in the formation of alternative economies

The shift from the conventional agri-food system to alternative practices is a challenging transition for agricultural producers, yet surprisingly under-studied. Little research has examined the social and cultural processes in rural communities that mobilize producers and construct and sustain producer-driven alternative food networks (AFNs). For AFNs to go beyond just offering “alternative foods” or “alternative networks” and to be constructed as “alternative economies”, this transformation in the producer community is indispensable. This paper presents a case study of a rural cooperative in Shanxi, China. The discontent with both productivist agriculture and the social decay in communities motivated a group of women to engage in a decade-long process of social mobilization, cultural reconstruction, and learning by experimentation. Through this, they developed an alternative vision and successfully created a localized alternative socio-economic model, which I call “anti-productivism”. It prioritizes ecological sustainability, self-reliance, reciprocity, and cultural values over output maximization, productivity growth, commodity exchange, and monetary gains. This case contrasts sharply with the urban-initiated, consumer-driven AFNs studied in the China literature, which mostly just offered alternative foods but brought little change to the producer community. It shows that the alternative economy must be embedded in an alternative community united by strong social bonds and shared cultural values.

Socio-Political Structure in Central Anatolia in the Third Millennium BC

In Central Anatolia, the socio-economic and political organization of communities in the 3rd millennium BC includes a limited number of studies from different perspectives. These studies refer to a socio-political system in which administrative units divided into regions and provinces are administered by “local rulers”, “independent princes" or "kings". It is suggested that the cities of these principalities were surrounded by walls, they were administered by a ruling class, they participated in commercial activities and the existence of an organization they controlled these, and emphasis is placed on the class society structure consisting of administrators, soldiers and merchants. As mentioned here, the social structure of the socities of the 3rd millennium BC and their relations with each other in the subject region are generally considered in a hierarchical order, and complicate to understand the different social models. Since the social structure cannot be explained only in hierarchical order, some new approaches have been developed. Accordingly, although different individuals in the society gain priority in various activities such as religion, trade, and politics, they may not exhibit a central and hierarchical structure in power relations. In this paper, based on this approach, the socio-political structure and power phenomenon of the 3rd millennium BC communities in the region will be discussed within the socio-economic models, production and specialization, evidence of administrative practices, patterns of settlement, burial customs, phenomenon of belief and remnants of material culture pointing to social complexity, and the views that refer to hierarchical structuring in power relations will be approached.