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The application of social sciences has been recognized as valuable to inclusive humanitarian programming that aims to be attentive to the needs and initiatives of affected communities. However, the integration of social science-informed community engagement (CE) approaches in humanitarian action remains episodic, fragmented, and under-resourced. This research article provides insights from a study that reviewed existing and needed capacities for the systematic integration of social sciences for community engagement in humanitarian action. We examined what capacity resources exist and what resources need to be developed for strengthening social science integration into humanitarian programming for improved engagement of affected and at-risk communities in conflict and hazard contexts. A mixed method approach was used, including twenty-two key informant interviews and a focus group discussion with social scientists and humanitarian practitioners, an online survey with 42 respondents, a literature review, and a year-long monthly consultation with social scientists and humanitarian practitioners in a UNICEF-led global technical working group. Results illustrate insights on the value of the "social science lens" in humanitarian action and current usage of different social science disciplines. Challenges found include different understandings (e.g., on standardization), languages and methods used by practitioners and social scientists, and how to integrate the seemingly "slow" processes of social sciences to fit emergency response. Institutional barriers to mainstream community-centered humanitarian action facilitated by the social sciences include top-down decision-making and resourcing, lack of localization, and many siloed, dispersed, and episodic efforts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Harmony is a crucial value for resolving conflicts. Discussions on harmony in the Zhuangzi primarily focus on harmonizing ‘right and wrong’ (shifei 是非). However, it represents only a superficial understanding of Zhuangzian harmony. To explore a fundamental form of harmony would be beneficial: harmonizing ‘virtuosities’ (de 德), which can prevent conflicts and avoid domination. This paper begins by illustrating the discombobulated (zhili 支离) characteristic of virtuosities in the Zhuangzi. By comparison with harmonizing virtues in Five Conducts, we can better understand the distinctive characteristic of harmonizing virtuositiesin the Zhuangzi. Moreover, a metaphor of perfectly still water suggests that in this process, virtuosities can be internally preserved and externally unshaken. This suggests to maintain one’s own virtuosities in the transformations of eventsand avoidacquiring specific names or reputations that can lead to interpersonal conflicts and domination. These two characteristics can fundamentally avoid disputes over ‘right and wrong’. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Indigenous Peoples have important roles and contributions in the systematic and sustainable management of natural resources; however, their full and effective participation in the related processes, mechanisms including related multi-stakeholder platforms, and dialogues (MSPDs) are not always ensured at the national and global levels. This article focuses on the review and analysis of the published and online papers, reports on Indigenous Peoples, and their contributions and conflicts related to natural resources, especially concerning power, politics, and policies with specific examples in the Asian context. The interest-based "power sharing" and "power with governance" model is appropriate for the effective engagement of Indigenous Peoples in multi-stakeholder dialogue on natural resources. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The escalating levels of environmental degradation along with escalating conflicts and incidents of trade disputes among regional powers can exert a detrimental influence on the prospects for achieving sustainable development (SUD). Prior empirical works have tended to overlook the contributions of trade globalization and external conflicts to the SUD. Furthermore, prevailing studies on SUD often rely on various environmental metrics, economic growth measures, or adjusted net savings as proxies, which fall short in measuring the multifaceted essence of the SUD concept. Thus, this research work assesses the heterogeneous effects of trade globalization, external conflicts, and financial development on a comprehensive SUD index based on environmental, economic, and social factors from 1992 to 2019 in the twenty highest CO2 emitters. The results derived from the application of the method of moment quantile regressions (MM-QR) reveal that trade globalization exerts a negative impact on SUD but its negative effect shows a diminishing trend when moving from the 10th to 90th quantile. Financial development likewise impedes SUD, with the degree of hindrance diminishing as quantiles ascend from lower to upper percentiles. External conflicts hinder SUD only at higher quantiles with the negative effect demonstrating an increasing trend. Furthermore, mineral resources and fossil energy pose detrimental effects on SUD, and these adverse effects exhibit a mounting trajectory as one moves from lower to upper quantiles. Finally, the policy implications of these novel outcomes are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Since the 1970s, remote sensing has been used to monitor the environment, address national security concerns, and manage Earth resources within a market framework. However, environmental organizations can also utilize remote sensing data infrastructure to support oppositional narratives, legal processes, and direct action. We present a framework for the socio-technical practice of remote sensing in alliance with those communities and organizations that are struggling for environmental justice on the global commodity frontiers. Positioned at the intersection of critical geography and political ecology, we examine the ways that critical remote sensing has been adopted in five major types of environmental conflict: struggles opposing fossil fuel exploitation, timber extraction, intensive food production, water management practices, and the effects of mining. We present a baseline inventory of remote sensing resources that are useful to the five conflict types and are freely accessible online. A global perspective on the planetary environmental crisis is essential, and we suggest that remote sensing practitioners can, through workshops or online tutorials, help environmental justice organizations towards independent use of remote sensing data. The local communities should then determine whether remote sensing products can contribute to their struggles. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper casts light on Syria's relentless war, which has caused the collapse of national electricity grids and led to recurrent power outages. The main findings indicate that the 2012 war and enduring conflicts that put Syrians in front of a “fait accompli” and forced them to adapt to new, uncongenial, and arduous circumstances unexpectedly encourage renewable energy production and surprisingly expand access to electricity. An increase of 1% in conflicts causes renewable energy production to increase by 9.71% and 5.93% in war‐ravaged Syria in the short and long run, respectively. As a matter of fact, off‐grid renewable solutions proved to be effective in reducing the suffering of Syrians, whose lives were ruined by conflicts and the 2012 war. The results also illustrate that foreign aid can play an undeniably crucial role in making renewable‐generated electricity more accessible and affordable for Syrians. As an inevitable consequence of the US and EU sanctions imposed on the regime of Bashar al‐Assad, Syria is unable to access the foreign aid and international funding it needs to restore its destroyed energy sector, rebuild its damaged electricity infrastructure, and embark on its renewable energy plans. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Truck collisions with vulnerable road users (VRUs) are infrequent, but often severe or fatal. While research has investigated factors contributing to safety and collisions, a synthesis of human-related contributors remains missing. This scoping review follows PRISMA guidelines to synthesise studies on the effects of human factors on truck-VRU safety. With a focus on human factors related to pedestrians, cyclists, and truck drivers, five scientific databases were searched and 3,414 records were screened. Twenty-four articles met the inclusion criteria. Most were published after 2015, indicating a limited but growing focus on human factors affecting truck-VRU safety. Half of the studies analysed police collision reports, while others used qualitative data collection methods, like questionnaires and focus groups, or human subject experiments. Compared to passenger-vehicle literature, notably fewer behavioural studies were identified, highlighting a need for further behavioural human factors studies of truck-VRU interactions. Sociodemographic and vision-related factors were most frequently investigated and found to significantly affect collision occurrence and severity. Driving and cycling experience and training, and road user distractions were examined less, albeit being important. This review bridges a literature gap by focusing on human characteristics, states, decisions, and errors affecting truck-VRU safety, offering insights for road-user-centred mitigation strategies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Revista Foco (Interdisciplinary Studies Journal) is the property of Revista Foco and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

The first goal of this longitudinal study was to examine the strength and direction of the relations between post‐separation parental conflict (PSPC) and father–child physical contact, as reported by the mother, at the time of separation (Time 1) and in the following 2 years (Time 2). A cross‐lagged panel model was conducted with a sample of 198 parents of children from 3 to 8 years old at the time of separation. The results indicated that PSPC at Time 1 predicted a lower frequency of father–child physical contact at Time 2, whereas the inverse relationship was not found. The strength and direction of the relations did not vary as a function of the level of the moderators. The results help us to identify priority targets in the development of policies and treatment programs for separated families. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

AbstractThis paper examines the influence of climate change vulnerability on the likelihood and severity of communal violence, with a particular emphasis on delineating large-scale regional patterns. Specifically, the analysis centres on Sub-Saharan Africa and South/South-East Asia – both regions being predominantly characterised by rain-fed agriculture and climate-sensitive economic activities – spanning the years 1995 to 2021. Relying on the ND-GAIN Vulnerability Index as a multidimensional measure for propensity of societies to be negatively impacted by climate change, we found robust evidence that greater vulnerability is conducive to a higher likelihood and severity of communal violence in Sub-Saharan Africa. On the other hand, in South/South-East Asia, results suggest that current climate variability, measured as rainfall deviations within the period, exerts a greater effect on communal violence outbreak than overall vulnerability to climate change. In both regions, greater access to productive means is significantly associated to the reduction of communal violence. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The methodology applied for the development of the research process is framed in a conceptual basis associated with the systemic approach of the territory and the landscape units as a tool for their multiscale planning; and the municipal territorial diagnosis that allowed evidencing the potentialities and land and use conflicts associated with the construction and operational- ization of the multipurpose reservoir Topocoro. As a result, a series of strategic guidelines for sustainable development is obtained that serves as the basis for the structuring of a sustainable land management model that allows to organize the municipality of Betulia in macro units and landscape units focused on configuring plot units on sites that do not mainly affect biotic and abiotic mass, contribute to economic reactivation and the improvement of the living conditions of local communities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Creating romantic relationships characterized by high‐quality, satisfaction, few conflicts, and reasoning strategies to handle conflicts is an important developmental task for adolescents connected to the relational models they receive from their parents. This study examines how parent–adolescent conflicts, attachment, positive parenting, and communication are related to adolescents' romantic relationship quality, satisfaction, conflicts, and management. Method: We interviewed 311 adolescents at two time points (females = 52%, ages 15 and 17) in eight countries (China, Colombia, Italy, Kenya, the Philippines, Sweden, Thailand, and the United States). Generalized and linear mixed models were run considering the participants' nesting within countries. Results: Adolescents with negative conflicts with their parents reported low romantic relationship quality and satisfaction and high conflicts with their romantic partners. Adolescents experiencing an anxious attachment to their parents reported low romantic relationship quality, while adolescents with positive parenting showed high romantic relationship satisfaction. However, no association between parent–adolescent relationships and conflict management skills involving reasoning with the partner was found. No associations of parent–adolescent communication with romantic relationship dimensions emerged, nor was there any effect of the country on romantic relationship quality or satisfaction. Conclusion: These results stress the relevance of parent–adolescent conflicts and attachment as factors connected to how adolescents experience romantic relationships. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In construction projects, when resources assigned to two or more simultaneous activities share the same workspace, they generate time-space conflicts associated with congestion, safety, and quality issues. The use of building information modeling (BIM) methodologies, particularly four-dimensional (4D) models, offers the possibility to facilitate the identification of these types of conflicts. Existing literature has proposed formal methods for conflict detection; however, these largely focus on automating computational analyses without providing a practical and useful procedure for planners. Moreover, previous research has not evaluated the impact of using formal conflict detection methodologies. To address these gaps, this study proposes and evaluates the use of a formal conflict detection methodology in workspaces based on 4D-BIM. The research methodology includes a first stage that develops and validates the formalized conflict detection methodology through a literature review and interviews with field professionals. The second stage quantifies the impact of using the proposed methodology through an experiment that compares the effectiveness and efficiency of a group of planners in detecting conflicts using 4D-BIM models with and without the proposed methodology. The results demonstrate that the formalized methodology enhances the planning process by increasing the detection of conflicts from 18% to 82%. Additionally, the formalized methodology reduces review time by 23% and enhances user experience. These findings contribute to improving the planning process by managing and reducing time-space conflicts in construction schedules. Consequently, the construction process will become more efficient by averting issues related to productivity, safety, and quality based on the identification of workspace conflicts. Last, the proposed methodology contributes to a better adoption of BIM by providing a structured procedure for using the 4D-BIM model to support planning processes. Practical Applications: This study lays the groundwork for companies aiming to enhance their conflict detection processes and refine planning and conflict management procedures. The practical contributions include achieving greater effectiveness and efficiency in identifying conflicts in workspaces. The proposed formalized methodology enhances productivity, reduces safety-related risks, and prevents quality issues in building projects by managing and mitigating time-space conflicts in construction programs. Additionally, the research contributes to the enrichment of BIM application in construction activity planning. It formalizes the use of BIM through a conflict detection methodology, particularly in the analysis of construction programs and the identification of workspace conflicts. The results further strengthen the application of the BIM methodology by facilitating the design of BIM processes associated with planning, incorporating the methodology proposed in this research. Furthermore, the study encourages the adoption of BIM in construction activity planning by evaluating the positive impact of the proposed formalized methodology, providing evidence for its implementation in organizations and highlighting its potential benefits in terms of effectiveness and efficiency. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

It is still largely ignored that Hegelian dialect can be of great assistance to comprehend the intricacies of the production, experience, and contestation of space. Hegelian philosophy can significantly help to enrich geographical scholarship, although Hegel‐the‐geographer is yet to be discovered and properly recognised. Considering the metabolism of reason, the articulation between the particular and the universal, the externalisation and supersession of objectified consciousness, and the function of otherness in the production of space, among other insights of great socio‐spatial relevance, this article offers a comparative analysis between Hegel's minor geography (the more explicit and immediate considerations of space, spatial dimensions, and geometry) and the more substantial, major geography, which is immanent in the main body of his philosophical system. The most remarkable geographical accomplishments of Hegel are possibly the detailed investigation into the pursuit of higher reason through practical, collective action and the convergence of various shapes of consciousness that constitutes the politico‐spatial absolute. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper presents an empirical investigation into approach saturation headways at All-Way Stop-Controlled (AWSC) intersections. The mean approach saturation headway is a surrogate measure for approach capacity, which is largely a function of traffic demand on other intersection approaches. Video data was collected over four days at an AWSC intersection site in Bozeman, Montana. The site is characterized by single-lane approaches and a high level of vehicular and pedestrian traffic. Using strict protocols, video records were processed at the individual vehicle level and several information metrics were extracted for each vehicle in the data set on all approaches. Study results indicate that the mean approach saturation headways varied in a wide range due to variations in pedestrian activity, level of conflict, and the intended movement of the subject vehicle. The results suggest that, when no pedestrians were present, the maximum approach capacity in the absence of vehicular conflicts was in the order of 570 vph versus only 360 vph when conflicts were present on all other approaches. Statistical tests confirmed that the three study variables: pedestrian crossing activity, level of conflict, and subject vehicle movement all had significant effects on approach saturation headways. The pedestrian crossing activity was found to have the most significant impact on saturation headways, followed by the level of conflict and the subject vehicle movement, respectively. The results presented in this paper offer valuable information on approach saturation headways and capacity, a major input to operational analyses for this important type of intersection. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper examines the phenomenon of intermarriages in the Western Balkans, shedding light on their intricate relationship with the region's tumultuous history, ethnic diversity, and socio‐political dynamics. Through a comprehensive exploration of interethnic unions across different areas, the study delves into how these marriages have historically served as symbols of coexistence and integration, particularly during the mid‐20th century, when they were encouraged by the newly‐formed states to unite the different nations living in them. However, the rise of ethno‐nationalism and the Yugoslav Wars significantly impacted these marital patterns, underscoring the complex interplay between politics, culture, and traditional norms. The paper highlights the decline in mixed marriages post‐war, persistent ethnic tensions, and varying dynamics in different locales, suggesting that comprehensive approaches are needed for sustainable peace and unity in the Western Balkans. Through this lens, intermarriages emerge not just as personal unions but as potent symbols and potential catalysts for broader societal transformations, albeit within a context of considerable challenges and the need for nuanced, multifaceted approaches to fostering lasting interethnic harmony. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cities, in particular those of historical value, are popular destinations for mass tourism. The urban space is often the main cause of conflicts, at the heart of which lie conflicting interests, attitudes and needs relating to the way this space is utilized. The aim of the research described in this article is to identify the intensity of conflicts between residents, tourists and the tourism sector. The research was conducted in 2020. The statistical analysis of the obtained data included questionnaires from 386 respondents. Analysis was conducted of the conflicts that arose among tourism sector players, who were classified into groups – tourist entrepreneurs, residents, and local authorities. Respondents often indicated conflict arising between tourists and residents, and between tourist sector entrepreneurs and residents. In the opinion of respondents, conflicts were the result of result of varying structures in the hierarchy of values and of differences in attitudes towards the city. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Drawing on the relational view and contingency theories, this study explores supply chain relationship conditions' roles in interrelationships between environmental, social and supply chain performance (SCP), i.e. triple bottom line (TBL). Design/methodology/approach: The data from industries and structural equation modeling (SEM) were used to validate the proposed model. Interviews with industry experts were conducted to further understand the findings. Findings: The authors find that relationship conditions, such as inventory information sharing, dependency, opportunistic behavior and conflicts, moderate TBL linkages. Interestingly, power asymmetry does not moderate the linkages. Social performance mediates between environmental and SCP. This indirect effect is stronger than the effect of environmental performance on SCP. Originality/value: This research is perhaps the first to bring a much-needed nuanced view on the importance of relationship conditions for TBL performance linkages. The research further underlines the importance of social performance in an emerging economy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: In this article, the authors analyse a complex social process affecting historic public paths in rural areas in southern Spain. Despite the fact that urban populations are demanding the enhancement of this type of natural heritage for tourism, sports and recreational use, some parts of the network have been abandoned or usurped. Design/methodology/approach: The study is multidisciplinary, comprising three interlinked studies. The cartographic study comprises an inventory of public paths in rural areas based on administrative sources. The legal study analyses local, regional and national regulations governing agricultural, environmental, heritage, sports and tourism uses of the infrastructure. The sociological study analyses social discourses on the uses of public paths, and identifies conflicts between farmers, landowners, environmentalists, sportspeople and tourists. Findings: The preliminary results identified an important public paths network in Andalusia, approximately 160,000 km. The legal study found that there are laws regulating use, although local authorities do not monitor compliance or provide solutions to enhance management. The sociological study determined the attribution of environmental, cultural and economic value to public paths, but also the existence of conflicts between rural and urban populations. Research limitations/implications: Given that this is ongoing research, only state of the art and some preliminary albeit sufficiently consistent results are presented. Practical implications: The results could help to guide public policy and governance of public paths. Social implications: Public paths promote rural development and a green/sustainable economy. Originality/value: The research results and conclusions are original. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract The application of social sciences has been recognized as valuable to inclusive humanitarian programming that aims to be attentive to the needs and initiatives of affected communities. However, the integration of social science-informed community engagement (CE) approaches in humanitarian action remains episodic, fragmented, and under-resourced. This research article provides insights from a study that reviewed existing and needed capacities for the systematic integration of social sciences for community engagement in humanitarian action. We examined what capacity resources exist and what resources need to be developed for strengthening social science integration into humanitarian programming for improved engagement of affected and at-risk communities in conflict and hazard contexts. A mixed method approach was used, including twenty-two key informant interviews and a focus group discussion with social scientists and humanitarian practitioners, an online survey with 42 respondents, a literature review, and a year-long monthly consultation with social scientists and humanitarian practitioners in a UNICEF-led global technical working group. Results illustrate insights on the value of the “social science lens” in humanitarian action and current usage of different social science disciplines. Challenges found include different understandings (e.g., on standardization), languages and methods used by practitioners and social scientists, and how to integrate the seemingly “slow” processes of social sciences to fit emergency response. Institutional barriers to mainstream community-centered humanitarian action facilitated by the social sciences include top-down decision-making and resourcing, lack of localization, and many siloed, dispersed, and episodic efforts.

Abstract East Africa struggles with a profound challenge in ensuring food security amidst the convergence of climate change, economic crises, and conflicts. This paper presents a comprehensive review of the interconnected and compounding effects of these three factors on the region’s food security landscape. It investigates the complex ways in which shifting climatic patterns disrupt agricultural systems, exacerbating food scarcity and amplifying vulnerabilities among marginalized communities. The study also examines the intertwined impact of economic downturns, which diminish access to resources, disrupt supply chains, and deepen food insecurity. Furthermore, the paper scrutinizes the ramifications of persistent conflicts, which not only displace populations but also destabilize agricultural production, aggravating food shortages. To achieve the objective of this, review the authors have collected the relevant documents through search engines of Web of Science, Google, Google Scholar, Scopus, and Science Direct databases. This review found that climate change, economic instability, and conflict are the primary challenges to food security in East Africa. Climate change exacerbates extreme weather events, rising temperatures, and pest infestations, reducing agricultural productivity and economic growth. Economic instability stems from a lack of industrialization, dependence on foreign aid, and significant investment gaps, resulting in persistent poverty and underdevelopment. Additionally, conflict and instability disrupt agricultural activities, displace populations, and restrict access to essential resources, further aggravating food insecurity. The study emphasizes the necessity for coordinated efforts among governments, international organizations, and local communities to navigate these intersecting crises and establish sustainable pathways toward enhanced food security in the region.

Currently, there are a significant number of international treaties aimed at protecting human rights and international humanitarian law, which aim to reduce the suffering of civilians in conflicts. However, in reality, their implementation and effectiveness can vary significantly depending on the political will of countries, the intervention of third-party forces, and the complexity of the conflicts themselves. In particular, international law often faces implementation difficulties and states’ disregard for their obligations. The aggression of authoritarian regimes and massive human rights violations may remain outside the influence of international norms and standards due to the lack of international consolidation or political dependence. Thus, although international treaties are designed to protect human rights, reality shows that their impact may be limited, especially in the context of global conflicts, hybrid confrontations, etc.

Reforms in the education system often cause changes that can lead to anxiety and stress among teachers and other relevant actors. This article focuses on determining the relationship between the degree of anxiety and conflict tendencies among educators, teachers and other employees in the education sector during reform processes in education. The research objective is to understand how anxiety and conflicts manifest and influence each other in the context of change and adaptation within educational institutions. In addition, this research aims to provide a deeper insight into the emotional and interpersonal challenges faced by professionals during the reforms. The methodology of information gathering is based on the creation of questionnaires for respondents which consisted of two parts, a standardized test for the assessment of anxiety in the workplace (APS), and the expression of the respondents’ attitudes on the impact of reform processes on the occurrence of conflicts. The results may provide an insight into the needs of adapting reform processes in order to reduce anxiety and conflicts and improvement in the quality of education. Ultimately, this study aims to contribute to the development of strategies that support educators during periods of significant institutional change.

Through a study of the practices of Koglweogo self-defense groups, this article describes the ordinary violence that plagued rural Burkina Faso prior to the current armed conflict. It focuses on the forms of privatization of coercion by these armed men, particularly those that have been grafted onto economic activities and the governance of populations. Controlling the movement of people and goods, as well as the establishment of a local justice system, were already seen as central and strategic elements in the political tensions that ran through these "bush" areas, now plunged into war with jihadist groups.

The purpose of the study is to quantify the impact of integration and geopolitical factors on trade of the Russian Far East with foreign countries. The estimates obtained on the basis of gravity modeling for 2000–2021 revealed the stimulating influence of integration factors (participation of Russia and trade partner countries in the WTO; Russia’s participation in ‘deep’ trade agreements) and the restraining influence of geopolitical factors (acute political confrontation between Russia and foreign countries; sanctions imposed on the Russian economy) on the Far East’s foreign trade. It was established that the participation of Russia and trade partner countries in the WTO contributed to the increase in foreign trade of the Russian Far East by 58%. The positive indirect influence of the ‘WTO factor’ and the stimulating effect of the global economic environment on foreign trade turnover of the Russian Far East was determined, indicating the ‘sensitivity’ of the macro-region’s open economy to trade liberalization at the global level. It was found that Russia’s creation of ‘deep’ integration formats with the Eurasian Economic Union countries and Vietnam contributed to an increase in the Far East’s trade with them by 141%, but the share of these economies in the macro-region’s foreign trade was small. It was found that the presence of an acute political conflict between Russia and foreign countries reduced the Far East’s trade with these countries by 79%, but due to the small share of these countries in the macro-region’s trade turnover, this effect was almost imperceptible. It was determined that the imposition of sanctions against Russia by a number of Western countries in 2014–2021 led to a 43% reduction in the Far East’s trade turnover with them and could contribute to the accelerated construction of infrastructure for the supply of hydrocarbons to the Chinese market, limiting the opportunities for geographical diversification of the macro-region’s exports

Internal migration caused by the war of russia against Ukraine (with the active phase starting in February 2022) has increased the socio-economic burden on the host communities welcoming internally displaced population from the frontline and occupied territories. On the other hand, it intensifies behavioral reflections of local residents on the integration of internally displaced persons (IDPs). The study aims to identify opportunities, challenges, and prospects for IDPs’ adaptation in host communities (a case study of Lviv oblast, Ukraine). The paper conducted a sociological survey among 2,500 respondents in November 2022–February 2023. The results show that the lack of housing, lack of permanent employment, language contradictions, and forced limited contact with relatives who remain in the combat zone are existential barriers to the integration of IDPs into host communities. The study identified such opportunities for the integration of IDPs into the host society: reducing the risk of depopulation of territories, reducing imbalances in the local labor market in certain sectors of the economy, strengthening social cohesion, developing small businesses, and improving social infrastructure. The respective challenges include increased social tension, competition for jobs and housing, shortage of places in preschool institutions, and disproportionate distribution of budget funds between the local population and IDPs. Conflicts between IDPs and local residents, as well as IDPs and local authorities, require a proactive position of local authorities to initiate psychological support programs and create communication platforms for the exchange of individual experiences and discussion of psychological and emotional issues.

ABSTRACTCities are described as urban heat islands (UHI) due to the intensity of the heat generated by urban activities. Buildings, for example, absorb and emit heat, which contributes to urban heat. Cities contribute to global warming, which, over time, influences climate change. Cities contend with these challenges concurrently through mitigation and adaptation strategies. Through their unintended conflicts and trade-offs, the strategies may impact each other adversely. What are typologies of these trade-offs and conflicts, and how do they influence the effectiveness of UHI management by governments? To answer this research question, this paper used the desktop, case-study and evidence-based research techniques. The paper found and discussed specific conflicts and trade-offs between UHI mitigation and adaptation strategies, as well as effective integration, innovation and evaluation management mechanisms. The findings should provide actionable insights for urban policymakers and planners, on UHI management and long-term climate resilience in cities.

Introduction. Good theoretical training and competent practical skills are part of the prerequisite for dealing with conflict situations. Health care students, as well as practicing professionals, are daily involved in various situations that have the potential to develop into conflicts. Awareness of the problem and preparation for dealing with conflicts would facilitate health care students and practitioners, but would also improve the quality of health care services provided and the psychoclimate of the work environment. Aim and methodology. The aim of this article is to analyse, in a comparative aspect, the perceptions of students (future health professionals) and already practising health professionals regarding the conflict situations in which they find themselves. Sociological methods (documentary and survey methods) and a wide range of statistical methods (descriptive and analytical statistics) were used to achieve this goal. Results. 310 healthcare students and 252 practicing healthcare professionals were surveyed. The attitudes of health care students and practitioners towards the occurrence of conflict situations were examined. Both students (29.3%) and practicing professionals (62.00%) reported having experienced conflict situations with patients and their families. When looking at the frequency of the conflict situations in which the respondents had been involved, it was found that more than half of the students said that they had been involved in a conflict situation only once, whereas the frequency increased for the practicing health professionals. Conclusions. The nature of health services creates a number of conditions for conflict to arise. It is necessary to implement effective conflict prevention, taking into account all the influencing factors in the organisation and delivery of health care. Additional training in conflict prevention and conflict management algorithms would prepare health care students, as well as practicing health care professionals, to prevent and resolve conflicts that have already arisen. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Secession referendums can help to resolve the tension between self-determination and state sovereignty. Nevertheless, not all state governments accept holding such consultations in collaboration with secessionist movements. This article tackles this issue by focusing on the determinants of agreed and non-agreed upon independence referendums. Through a statistical analysis based on a dataset of independence referendums held in liberal democracies from 1945 to 2022 (N = 70), we demonstrate that the decision of the parent state's government to agree to an independence referendum depends on two factors. The first is the perception of competition and/or electoral proximity to the referendum demand. The second depends on the expectation of the low cost of an eventual secession – at least in terms of population, area and natural resources. Accordingly, we propose a general model designed to predict the disposition of a liberal democracy to agree to an independence referendum. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study investigated the work-from-home (WFH) experiences of 211 customer and service representatives, along with five team leaders, employed in the five top-ranking Business Process Outsourcing (BPO) companies in Pampanga, Philippines. It examined the effects of conflicts and technostress on the employee job performance and satisfaction. The study revealed that while quantitative analysis shows that family-work conflict has a negative effect on the job performance, qualitative data suggests that the WFH scheme permits BPO employees to balance their work and family obligations, despite statistical evidence of the opposing results. While quantitative results indicate that technostress, specifically techno-pile and techno-invasion, has a negative effect on job performance and satisfaction, qualitative findings emphasize the importance of computer know-how as well as other factors when measuring BPO employees’ job satisfaction. The divergent findings between quantitative and qualitative data underscore the role of cultural, organizational, and contextual factors in shaping outcomes in WFH environments. This study underlines the difficulties of WFH relations, as well as the importance of employing a diversified approach to identifying and addressing the issues that WFH BPO employees confront. The findings of this research are vital for developing tailored interventions and shaping effective remote work policies in the BPO sector, aiming to mitigate challenges and enhance the overall WFH experience.

The article presents the results of the study of the British newspaper The Times' approaches to covering the military coups in Gabon and Niger in 2023. The research methodology included quantitative and qualitative content analysis and analysis of publications according to the criteria of the concept of constructive journalism. The empirical base consisted of The Times articles for the first 10 months of 2023. The results of the comparative analysis of the texts showed that the publications do not comply with the principles of the concept of constructive journalism and do not take into account the basic methods of positive psychology. Russia is mentioned in most publications in the context of military cooperation in the region, with half of the publications being neutral and the rest negative. In part of the publications negative characteristics are given without arguments, references to documents, to statements of the Russian leadership with the designation of Russia's position. Such publications are characterized by their focus on discrediting cooperation between African countries and Russia. This cooperation is assessed as a way to lead to crisis and deterioration of security in the region. At the same time, journalists express in their publications only their own views and do not provide assessments and opinions of experts of international organizations and citizens of African states.

The analytical review of studies of the anti-crisis role of fiscal federalism during economic, ecological, epidemic challenges and territorial conflicts in 1950–2024 reveals four paradoxes. The first of them indicates the scientific validity of the positive anti-crisis effect of fiscal decentralization. But when crises arise in practice, decentralization turns out to be unclaimed, and preference is given to centralization. The second paradox is related to the nonlinear positive effect of fiscal decentralization on economic growth, natural resources consumption, and carbon emissions. For example, the nonlinear positive effect of decentralization is achieved when the institutional context is improved. The third paradox is the relatively weak methodological elaboration of fiscal federalism during pandemic challenges, although it had the greatest practical relevance compared to more in-depth econometric studies of economic and environmental challenges. The fourth paradox is that fiscal federalism can both resolve the territorial conflict and create the preconditions for its resumption in the future. The peacemaking conditions of fiscal federalism are transparency and stability of inter-budget transfers, as well as insured access of the conflict region to its natural resources.

The growth of geopolitical tension and conflicts in the modern world pose a serious threat to the international security system. It has been established that in recent years conflict at the international level has reached a critical level with the highest risk of nuclear confrontation based on the results of the conducted research. In this regard, issues of constructive resolution of international conflicts, establishment and maintenance of a stable structure of international relations are gaining significant relevance. The purpose of the article is to determine the essence of conflicts with the study of their impact on the state of international security and to build an analytical basis for the formation of systemic decisions aimed at their settlement in the conditions of growing geopolitical tension. Analysis of conceptual approaches, theories and concepts of conflict research has been provided in the course of the research. Classifications and typologies of international conflicts are considered with an emphasis on the main structural elements of the conflict. The formation of an analytical system for supporting strategic decision-making has been proposed in order to solve issues related to the settlement of international conflicts and the effective development of international relations. The proposed system combines four subsystems, namely: the subsystem of forming information databases, the subsystem of determining relationships, the subsystem of modelling and the subsystem of forming strategic decisions. The practical use of the proposed system will make it possible to form analytical information and determine the dominant factors of influence on the socio-economic state and the conflict situation. It is possible to determine the trends in the development of international conflicts and to form strategies for their settlement and increase the efficiency of international relations, taking into account the long-term perspective on the basis of obtaining analytical information.

Background. In demographic processes, a significant place is occupied by such a type of immigration as the return of representatives of the indigenous population to the mother state. Many states, including Kazakhstan, adopt special programs aimed at adapting immigrants to the host society. However, the integration of kandas (fellow countrymen) into Kazakh society is not always painless for both the repatriates themselves and the local population.The aim of the study. To justify the need for a pragmatic approach to immigration in modern Kazakhstan, taking into account new risks and challenges.Materials and methods. The methodology for studying social phenomena and interactions in concept is based on classical approaches: the theory of structural functionalism, symbolic interactionism, conflict theory, the theory of communicative action. To collect primary social information, qualitative and quantitative methods of sociology were used: statistical information analysis, focus groups, interviews, questionnaires.Results. The resettlement of ethnic Kazakhs from farand near-abroad countries and their settlement in Kazakhstan affect the change in the demographic structure of the regional population. On the one hand, mostly young people of active, working age arrive, who can contribute to the economic development of the country. On the other hand, not all immigrants have the working qualifications necessary for a particular region. The conditions of turbulent social processes and complicated geopolitical situation require a pragmatic approach to immigration, which takes into account education, profession and other characteristics of immigrants.Conclusion. Resettlement processes in manpower-surplus areas require special attention from the authorities. It is necessary to look at resettlement processes as a tool for solving socio-economic problems. First of all, these objectives include improving the well-being of the local population living in these regions and reducing risks and challenges for the state.

Talking about contemporary Arabian and African sculpture is worthy of consideration to study because we truly need to discuss "conflicts" as a concept and its impact on creating sculptural works due to these surrounding changes that peoples and societies have been experienced., when we try to monitor the artistic movement of the African and Arabian societies we find out artists have presented a contemporary concepts through their formative visions that draw our attentions especially when it comes to dealing with conflicts as a concept according to the national issues and troubles in their country , so sculpture nowadays has come to express the culture of communities more and more because the world is witnessing lots of crises and pressure which had the greatest effect on the formation of artistic vision to the Arabian and African artists and manifested in their work . Through their sculpture they were able to share their peoples in translating history that included controversial events, and that’s because they didn’t just introduce new art forms but they went deep to the core of it to express their visions and issues in an efficient way. Human topics that considered as a reflection of man's concerns and suffering in Arab and African societies are serve as a panorama to monitor and capture the events through history. That’s why the researcher shaded light on some of the successful examples and how they introduced their artistic visions to become a mixture of their creativities and humanitarian issues, Which created a breakthrough in African and Arabian sculpture and turned it to an important tool to represent the identity and the issues of each society. Art is a human phenomenon reflects the culture of the society and considered a communication tool and related to the core of the culture of this time and become the cultural expressions of the century.