Topic Review
Geopolitical and Ethnocultural integration of the Ferghana valley
The Fergana Valley, a strategically significant and culturally rich region in Central Asia, exemplifies the complex interplay of modern international relations amidst geopolitical and ethno-cultural integration. This paper explores the fundamental principles guiding international interactions in the valley, considering the historical context, current geopolitical dynamics, and the unique cultural mosaic of its population. Key themes include the impact of regional power shifts, the role of transnational organizations, and the influence of ethno-cultural identities on diplomatic engagements. By analyzing case studies of cooperation and conflict, the paper highlights how integration efforts shape political stability, economic development, and social cohesion in the Fergana Valley. This study aims to provide a nuanced understanding of the region's international relations framework, offering insights into effective strategies for fostering harmonious and sustainable integration in a geopolitically sensitive and culturally diverse landscape.
  • 65
  • 18 Jun 2024
Topic Review
Top 10 Companies Committed to Going Green
In celebration of World Environment Day, Brown Rich Media proudly announces “Sustainable Success: Top 10 Companies Committed to Going Green.” This special feature spotlights ten trailblazing companies that are leading the charge in environmental sustainability, demonstrating innovative approaches and unwavering commitment to preserving our planet.
  • 241
  • 07 Jun 2024
Topic Review Peer Reviewed
Responsible Research Assessment and Research Information Management Systems
In the context of open science, universities, research-performing and funding organizations and authorities worldwide are moving towards more responsible research assessment (RRA). In 2022, the European Coalition for Advancing Research Assessment (CoARA) published an agreement with ten commitments, including the recognition of the “diversity of contributions to, and careers in, research”, the “focus on qualitative evaluation for which peer review is central, supported by responsible use of quantitative indicators”, and the “abandon (of) inappropriate uses in research assessment of journal- and publication-based metrics”. Research assessment (RA) is essential for research of the highest quality. The transformation of assessment indicators and procedures directly affects the underlying research information management infrastructures (also called current research information systems) which collect and store metadata on research activities and outputs. This entry investigates the impact of RRA on these systems, on their development and implementation, their data model and governance, including digital ethics.
  • 296
  • 30 May 2024
Topic Review Peer Reviewed
Social Aspects of Smart Urban Mobility
There is a growing interest in sustainable urban transport solutions in cities around the world. These changes, known as “smart urban mobility”, aim to reduce the negative effects of transport on the natural environment and enhance the standard of living for urban dwellers. It should be noted that in addition to this transformation’s technological aspects, modifying the city’s structure and architecture also has a social dimension. The transformation of urban mobility has a significant impact on social relations. Introducing new modes of transport, such as city bikes and electric scooters, creates new ways of moving around the city and can impact social interactions. This can increase social integration and a community’s sense of belonging. At the same time, it is necessary to consider the differences between social groups to ensure equal access to the benefits of these changes in addition to deeper social elements, such as changing the habits and expectations of residents and adapting solutions to the specific needs of each city. This paper aims to look at the social aspects of smart urban mobility, including the impact of these changes on the lives and relationships of city residents.
  • 473
  • 22 May 2024
Topic Review Peer Reviewed
Supporting Doctoral Candidates through Completion and Final Examination
Completion and final examination comprise the final stages of a doctoral program and represent the culmination of the doctoral candidates’ years of research. In this entry, completion is defined as the writing and submission of a doctoral thesis, and final examination is defined as the viva voce. Over the years, the format and scope of doctoral degrees has expanded and a variety of formats are now offered. In addition to the traditional research-only doctoral degree, professional, practice-based, and new route programs also contain a taught element alongside research. However, the creation of a substantive thesis or practice-based alternative addressing a novel research question is common to all. In contrast, processes and formats of viva voces vary across the globe. These range from private, closed-door defenses to assessed or ritualistic public defense presentations. For both completion and final examination, there are many practical and psychological hurdles that need to be navigated in order for the candidate to attain their doctoral degree. This entry will highlight these aspects as well as provide evidence-based guidance for supervisors in supporting their doctoral candidates through these daunting final stages.
  • 597
  • 15 May 2024
Topic Review
The Psychology of Forgiveness
Forgiveness psychology is a thriving field with ample implications for personal and relational well-being, community health, international relations, and politics. The aim of this entry is to briefly introduce the science of forgiveness that emerged over three decades ago and document its major developments. In this entry, definitions of forgiveness, the emergence of the scientific study on forgiveness, models of forgiveness, forgiveness education, measures of forgiveness, and benefits of forgiveness will be discussed, followed by several implications for consideration.
  • 407
  • 13 May 2024
Topic Review
Benefits of Participation in High-Adventure Activities for Youth
Positive youth development (PYD) is a framework that focuses on promoting positive youth outcomes rather than reducing undesirable behaviors, often through engagement in positive youth development programs.
  • 514
  • 13 May 2024
Topic Review Peer Reviewed
Work-Related Flow in Career Sustainability
Originated during the 1970s by psychologist Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi, the theory of work-related flow has the following features: (1) the goals pursued are clear; (2) each action taken results in instantaneous feedback; (3) the skills required are equal to the challenges presented; (4) awareness and action for how to proceed are integrated; (5) consciousness is focused while distractions are ignored; (6) failure is not considered an option; (7) self-consciousness is non-existent; (8) time awareness is distorted; and (9) the engaged activity is the end in itself. According to research findings, it is the optimal work-related experience to sustain careers.
  • 305
  • 07 May 2024
Topic Review
Serendipity as a strategic advantage
Serendipity is defined as an ability to notice, evaluate, and take advantage of unexpected information for survival purposes (both natural and social). Based on this definition, Nancy K. Napier and Vuong Quan Hoang propose a framework to develop the notion of serendipity as a strategic advantage (or competitive advantage), both in practice and in research.
  • 3.4K
  • 06 May 2024
Topic Review Peer Reviewed
Pesticide: A Contemporary Cultural Object
The article provides a narrative review of the social and cultural interpretation of pesticides in contemporary society. In so doing, it highlights the main fields of exploration investigated by social scientists concerning the perception and role played by these products among farmers and consumers. Following the WHO definition, pesticides are chemical compounds used to kill pests, including insects, rodents, fungi, and unwanted plants. They are contemporary cultural artefacts that social sciences explore in synergy with other disciplines to highlight their socio-cultural connections at both local and global levels. Specifically, the use of these products is connected with power relations, which are embedded in and reflect imbalances and inequalities in access to rights and resources, as well as specific articulation of the perception of risk arising from environmental contamination in terms of individual and collective psychophysical health. Furthermore, pesticides fit into various environmental conceptions and multiple local knowledge systems, representing the intersection of different cultural heritages, worldviews, and rationales that make the tradition–modernity dichotomy complex and dynamic. In this respect, therefore, pesticides can be understood not just as mere tools for agricultural practice but as vital windows through which to investigate multiple layers of meaning to support transitions towards sustainable pest management systems, both environmentally and socio-culturally.
  • 292
  • 29 Apr 2024
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