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Article
Social Sciences
Urban Studies and Planning

Ga-Eun Lee,

Jin-Oh Kim

Abstract: As the severity of the climate crisis increases, the importance of preparing policies to reduce carbon is also emerging. As the Korean government announced the 2050 Carbon Neutrality Declaration, the role of the local governments become critical which led the comprehensive urban plan guideline to integrate carbon neutrality policies. However, it is difficult to predict whether it can lead to a substantial carbon reduction as the evaluation measures are absent. This study established indicators to evaluate the carbon neutrality of comprehensive urban plans using weighted AHP, and evaluated 12 cities in Gyeonggi-do. As a result, the highest-rated cities were Uijeongbu city, Osan city, and Yangju city, which presented detailed execution plans overall. The highest-rated indicators among them were ‘recognition of carbon emission’, ‘city carbon emission reduction target’, and ‘plan for industrial technology and production system for carbon reduction’, while the lowest-rated indicators were ‘coordination with other institutions’, ‘mixed-use development’ and ‘making continuously monitor, evaluate and update’.
Article
Social Sciences
Other

Depak Kumar Nepali,

and Keshav Lall Maharjan

Abstract: Promoting smallholding farmers to use improved storage technology is pivotal to enhancing the sustainable agri-food system. Studies suggest that hermetic storage technology reduces post-harvest storage losses, improves grain quality, and enhances food security. However, weak causal evidence is prevalent due to confounding and endogeneity issues in such studies. Hence, this study examines the impact of hermetic storage bags through a randomized encouragement design, the instrumental variable (IV) approach, among 692 smallholding farmers in Nepal, where maize is one of the major food crops. Farmers were encouraged by offers of 100% and 50% sub-sidies on the price of up to three Purdue Improved Crop Storage (PICS) bags. We found that an additional unit of the hermetic storage bag increases maize storage by 42.84 kg and reduces post-harvest storage losses by 10 kg (32.92 % reduction) for the farmers encouraged with a 100% subsidy. It increases maize storage by 39.2 kg of the farmers encouraged with a 50% subsidy, with no significant effect on post-harvest storage losses in this group compared to the control group. Thus, it is essential to encourage farmers to adopt improved storage technologies to increase storage and reduce post-harvest losses. It can contribute to enhancing local food security.
Article
Social Sciences
Psychology

Zoe Partington,

R. Stephen Walsh,

Danielle Labhardt

Abstract: A review of the violent knife crime literature suggests that the experiential perspective is one which has not been addressed in academic study. The research presented hereafter aims to address this literary gap and generate transferable knowledge relevant to the lived experience of violent knife crime. The experiential study of the single case within psychological research involves detailed examination of a particular event. Participant ‘J’ is the survivor of an extremely violent attack, involving the use of a knife, in his own home. J’s experience was analysed using Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis with reference to elements of the lifeworld: temporality, spatiality, intersubjectivity, and embodiment. Three themes were identified: 1. Switching from past to present tense when relaying traumatic experience, 2. Presence of redemption sequences, and 3. Making sense as a temporal process which included an additional two subthemes; ‘The long journey’, and ‘Seeking belongingness’. This case emphasises that the traumatic event is conceptualised as one part of a longer journey towards recovery, and that recovery itself is central to the experience of violent knife crime. Finally, the need to understand recovery as temporal process highlights the need to provide victims with appropriate support in order to avoid negative outcomes.
Article
Social Sciences
Demography

Ivan N. Alov,

Marko D. Petrović

Abstract: This article analyzes the settlement of Haitians and Jamaicans at the state, county, and census tract levels in the two main population centers for these two groups: New York and Miami metropolitan areas. The authors pose the question of whether Haitians and Jamaicans fundamentally differ from African Americans in terms of settlement and socio-economic status. It is established that these two population groups are highly concentrated on a nationwide scale (in the states of Florida and New York) and in some counties (comprising metropolitan areas of New York and Miami). The authors carried out a spatial correlation analysis to identify areas of concentration of Haitians and Jamaicans in the two above-mentioned metropolitan areas. Three distinct Haitian areas, three mixed Haitian/Jamaican, and one distinct Jamaican area are found in New York. In the Miami metropolitan area, three Haitian/Jamaican areas are identified, as well as one Haitian area. The calculation of the Darden–Kamel Composite Socio-Economic Index was used to assess the socio-economic status of these areas and draw a comparison with the concentration of African Americans in these areas. The analysis revealed that the areas of concentration of Haitians and Jamaicans are relatively disadvantaged in their socio-economic status, but to a lesser extent than those of African Americans. The study also established the following pattern: in the New York metropolitan area, the higher socio-economic status is in the mixed Haitian/Jamaican areas of concentration in the central city, while in Miami, it is observed in the Jamaican areas in the suburbs.
Article
Social Sciences
Other

Pitshou Moleka

Abstract:

In an era of unprecedented global challenges, the limitations of traditional, siloed approaches to knowledge production have become increasingly apparent. The prevailing Newtonian, mechanistic worldview that has long dominated Western academic and scientific paradigms is proving insufficient in the face of the complex, interconnected, and rapidly changing realities that humanity now confronts. Recognizing this imperative, pioneering scholars have begun to explore alternative epistemological frameworks that can more effectively navigate the uncertainty, ambiguity, and nonlinearity of the 21st century. This article introduces the groundbreaking concepts of “Quantum Epistemology” and “Mode 4 Knowledge Production” - transformative new paradigms that draw upon insights from quantum physics, systems theory, integral theory, and emerging models of consciousness to radically reimagine the nature of knowledge, learning, and reality. Quantum Epistemology posits that knowledge is not a static, objective commodity to be accumulated, but rather a dynamic, participatory, and co-creative process rooted in the inherent interconnectedness of all phenomena. Mode 4 Knowledge Production, in turn, is a comprehensive framework for cultivating collaborative, transdisciplinary, and values-driven approaches to the generation, validation, and application of knowledge - empowering individuals, organizations, and communities to address the world’s most complex challenges in holistic, inclusive, and transformative ways. By integrating these pioneering concepts, this article makes several groundbreaking contributions. Firstly, it articulates a quantum-informed understanding of knowledge that transcends the limitations of traditional epistemologies, embracing the paradoxical, complementary, and contextual nature of reality. Secondly, it outlines the key principles and dimensions of Mode 4 Knowledge Production, including the centrality of diverse worldviews, the fusion of theory and practice, and the alignment of knowledge creation with values-based transformation. Thirdly, it provides a comprehensive roadmap for cultivating Mode 4 learning ecosystems that can harness the power of collective intelligence, adaptive capacity, and systemic change to catalyze positive global impact. Through the synthesis of empirical evidence, theoretical insights, and practical case studies, this article offers a compelling alternative to the prevailing knowledge production paradigms that have perpetuated fragmentation, reductionism, and the privileging of certain cultural perspectives over others. By empowering a shift towards Quantum Epistemology and Mode 4 Knowledge Production, this framework equips individuals, organizations, and communities around the world with the transformative learning capacities required to navigate complexity, foster adaptability, and drive breakthrough solutions to the most pressing challenges of our time.

Article
Social Sciences
Other

NIKOLAOS KOSTOPOULOS,

THEODOROS RACHIOTIS,

STELLA AGROTOU,

PANAGIOTIS KOSTOPOULOS,

ELIAS ARMENIS

Abstract: This research investigates the intricate relationship among motivation, fundamental psychological needs, and commitment in basketball players, using a cross-sectional survey methodology. Data were gathered from a sample of athletes using standardized questionnaires that evaluated intrinsic and extrinsic motivation levels, psychological needs fulfilment, and other commitment characteristics. Findings demonstrate that moderate motivation levels are associated with enhanced resilience and a less likelihood of burnout, hence promoting continued participation in sports. Athletes indicated elevated levels of competence and relatedness, highlighting the significance of situations that satisfy fundamental psychological needs. Elevated commitment levels correlated with satisfaction, worthwhile opportunities, and social support, so strengthening their function in cultivating devotion. Gender-based differences indicated distinct motivational orientations, suggesting that customized assistance might improve performance and satisfaction for both male and female athletes. Differences in commitment across competition levels indicated that players in less competitive leagues exhibited greater dedication, presumably owing to reduced stressors. This study emphasizes the need of fostering psychological well-being and social support to maintain commitment and resilience, providing essential insights for coaches and sports psychologists in developing motivating environments that enhance athlete performance and long-term well-being.
Article
Social Sciences
Psychology

Carmen M. María Salvador-Ferrer,

Pedro A. Antonio Diaz-Fúnez,

Alvaro Carrera-Ruiz,

Enrique Garcia-Artero,

Montserrat Monserrat-Hernández,

Miguel A. Ángel Mañas-Rodríguez

Abstract: Public employees face a growing array of professional challenges, and psychological capital (PC) has emerged as a valuable resource to address them. Workplace Supervised Exercise (WSE) pro-grams can improve physical fitness and personal resources, though their adoption in organiza-tions is limited. This study examines the impact of a long-term WSE program on the psychologi-cal capital of public administration employees. Fifty-five participants completed PC question-naires and attended at least 40% of the sessions; 49.1% were women, and 40% were over 50 years old (age range: 24-73 years). Using a quasi-experimental design without a control group, the nine-month program (October to June) included measurements in October, February, and June. The data show gender-specific variations in PC patterns. Among men, incremental increases were observed over the three measurement intervals, with statistical significance achieved only in self-efficacy and hope. Among women, an upward trend was observed between October and February without statistical significance, followed by a slight decline. The results suggest that the WSE program may enhance personal resources, particularly hope and self-efficacy, highlighting the importance of tailoring WSE programs to the specific characteristics of the target group.
Review
Social Sciences
Psychology

Alexandra Matte-Landry,

Annabelle Lemire-Harvey,

Amélie de Serres-Lafontaine,

Vanessa Fournier

Abstract: Background/Objectives: Childhood trauma has a documented impact on development, which may also affect functioning and well-being in transition-age youth (TAY). There is a need to explore approaches, such as trauma-informed care (TIC), to enhance services provided during the transition to adulthood. The objective of this scoping review was to explore the extent of the literature on the potential of TIC for supporting TAY. Methods: We focused on initiatives grounded in TIC to support TAY between the ages of 14 and 25 who have histories of trauma. The search strategy involved nine databases and gray literature. The titles, abstracts and full text were screened in duplicate by reviewers, and then data were extracted. Results: A total of 19 references were included and classified into three categories: (1) importance of TIC to support TAY (k=5); (2) description of TIC initiatives (k=6); and (3) evaluation of TIC initiatives supporting TAY (k=2). Seven references were classified into more than one category. The references documented 10 TIC models or initiatives, half of which were evaluated and showed promising results. Important components of TIC initiatives supporting TAY included staff training and support; collaborative and multidisciplinary work; systemic changes; addressing trauma and its impacts; and a strength-based and youth-focused approach. Conclusions: Strengths, limitations, as well as future lines of work are discussed. Overall, the literature is emerging and needs to be expanded to ascertain the efficacy of TIC in supporting TAY. TIC is at least promising in terms of transforming services and supporting TAY with histories of trauma.
Article
Social Sciences
Geography, Planning and Development

Seong-Eun Kim,

Seran Jeon

Abstract: This study aims to explore and classify typologies among residents of public rental housing in South Korea by examining their experiences of discrimination and social capital. Social capital refers to the network of relationships, trust, and social cohesion that facilitates collective action and mutual support within a community. Discrimination experiences encompass the unfair treatment individuals face based on various characteristics, leading to social exclusion and reduced oppor-tunities. The analysis, based on data from the 2021 Seoul Public Rental Housing Panel Survey involving 4,683 individuals, utilized latent class analysis (LCA), chi-square tests, and one-way ANOVAs to identify distinct group characteristics. Four typologies emerged from the analysis: 'Group Seeking Friendly Neighbor Relationships', 'Group Accepting Losses', 'Group with High Social Capital', and 'Group Indifferent to Neighbors'. Each group demonstrated unique residential characteristics, perceptions of social integration, and resident activities, with significant differ-ences observed in mental health outcomes. Notably, the study revealed unconventional insights that challenge existing academic discussions, such as the identification of groups with a strong inclination to support neighbors despite experiencing discrimination, and a group expressing a clear desire for neighborly interaction. The findings suggest that to effectively address discrim-ination in public rental housing, policies should incorporate comprehensive approaches that consider social, economic, and cultural elements alongside physical integration. These policy recommendations aim to foster inclusivity and reduce conflict within public rental communities. Furthermore, these insights could be valuable for other countries seeking to develop or improve public rental housing policies. By integrating social capital-building initiatives and addressing discrimination comprehensively, these strategies can contribute to enhancing community cohe-sion and reducing social tensions on a global scale.
Article
Social Sciences
Behavior Sciences

Rhea Kartha,

Amita Vyas,

Nitasha Nagaraj

Abstract: (1) Background: The aim of the study is to assess the relationship between gender equitable attitudes and norms, and gender based financial perceptions among adolescent boys and girls in Mexico. This evaluation is part of a larger Girl Rising Financial Education Initiative (GR FEI) conducted amongst adolescents in Mexico; (2) Methods: A quantitative study was conducted including 979 adolescents (boys n=385, girls n=589) at baseline. Gender equitable attitudes and norms were measured using a scale consisting of 3 subdomains (roles/privileges/restrictions, gender attributes and gender violence) and gender based financial perceptions were measured using a vignette; (3) Results: Multivariate Linear regression analyses revealed that positive gender based financial perceptions were associated with significantly higher gender equitable attitudes after adjusting for sociodemographic differences. Girls reported significantly higher gender equitable attitudes when compared to boys (Model 1: β = 0.240, 95% CI [0.218, 0.347], p < 0.001); (4) Conclusion: Introducing financial education initiatives at an early age can shape the way young people interact with money. It not only improves overall literacy but also reinforces the idea that financial literacy and decision-making are not limited by gender.

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