The research analyzed social and economic development around Chao Lake as well as changes of water quality in Chao Lake and explored the relation- ships of local population and GDP with water chemical oxygen demand （...The research analyzed social and economic development around Chao Lake as well as changes of water quality in Chao Lake and explored the relation- ships of local population and GDP with water chemical oxygen demand （COD）, total phosphorus （TP）, total nitrogen （TN）, chlorophyll and eutrophication index. The re- sults showed that population around Chao Lake and GDP kept growing from 2001 to 2013, and water quality was improving. In addition, correlation analysis indicated that except of water eutrophication, GDP and population showed inverse correlation with other indices, demonstrating that water quality has been effectively controlled in Chao Lake recently.展开更多
Cognitive impairment is a consequence of the normal aging process that effects many species, including humans and rodent models. Decline in hippocampal memory function is especially prominent with age and often reduce...Cognitive impairment is a consequence of the normal aging process that effects many species, including humans and rodent models. Decline in hippocampal memory function is especially prominent with age and often reduces quality of life. As the aging population expands, the need for interventional strategies to prevent cognitive decline has become more pressing. Fortunately, several major lifestyle factors have proven effective at combating hippocampal aging, the most well-known of which are environmental enrichment and exercise. While the evidence supporting the beneficial nature of these factors is substantial, a less well-understood factor may also contribute to healthy cognitive aging: social engagement. We review the evidence supporting the role of social engagement in preserving hippocampal function in old age. In elderly humans, high levels of social engagement correlate with better hippocampal function, yet there is a dearth of work to indicate a causative role. Existing rodent literature is also limited but has begun to provide causative evidence and establish candidate mechanisms. Summed together, while many unanswered questions remain, it is clear that social engagement is a viable lifestyle factor for preserving cognitive function in old age. Social integration across the lifespan warrants more investigation and more appreciation when designing living circumstances for the elderly.展开更多
This article examines the major similarities and differences among Italians who migrated to Rochester, N.Y., before World War II and post-World War Ⅱ. It offers explanations on the similarities and differences among ...This article examines the major similarities and differences among Italians who migrated to Rochester, N.Y., before World War II and post-World War Ⅱ. It offers explanations on the similarities and differences among these two groups of migrants. Investigation of historical, sociological, and anthropological sources along with interviews among both populations provides abundant data bearing on the investigation. The successful completion of the research reported in this article has major bearing on the issue of migration itself, theories in history, sociology, and anthropology, and even on social psychological understanding of how choices are made and identity is formulated.展开更多
Forgiveness plays a main role in transitional justice, it is important to verify how forgiveness is justified by contemporary societies. No contemporary mentality can avoid the intuition that we are facing a reality t...Forgiveness plays a main role in transitional justice, it is important to verify how forgiveness is justified by contemporary societies. No contemporary mentality can avoid the intuition that we are facing a reality that seems to belong to the field of religion. Hence, what interests us is precisely the moral consideration of this discussion. Facing the morality of forgiveness, the questions that are raised with respect to each type are： whether it is possible to forgive and whether one should forgive. The inherent contradiction of those who affirm the obligatory nature of forgiveness results in the supererogatory character of forgiveness. If all forgiveness is supererogatory in itself, then all forgiveness is always presented as something undeserved. Thus, we do not have supporting points to embark on a discourse about forgiveness. The result is that our political communities do not really know how to manage situations such as transitional justice.展开更多
Women in leadership and decision-making roles influence the policies and directions of organizations （Ahuja, 2002）. Women in leadership value supports from their organizations. Pro-social outcomes of relationship co...Women in leadership and decision-making roles influence the policies and directions of organizations （Ahuja, 2002）. Women in leadership value supports from their organizations. Pro-social outcomes of relationship competence are mediated by the development of empathy, collaborative approaches to conflict, self-disclosure, and social interest （Jogulu ＆ Wood, 2006）. Decision-making perspectives have uncertainty as the sole reason for organizational leaders to search for additional relevant information to solidify or clarify the information at the leader＇s disposal. A phenomenological qualitative research study which explored the preferred style of leadership based on three leadership and decision-making styles is presented in this paper1. The researcher gathered insights into the lived experiences of like-minded sample of respondents from the research population as they described their leadership and decisionmaking experiences within their organizations.展开更多
This paper presents a method for assessing the influence of the interaction environment of an organization. The interaction environment of an organization is composed of three elements： （1） the physical structure o...This paper presents a method for assessing the influence of the interaction environment of an organization. The interaction environment of an organization is composed of three elements： （1） the physical structure of the organization, including numbers of buildings, floors, common gathering areas, size, industry, and physical layout; （2） the information structure, consisting of the numbers and types of communication channels in the organization; and （3） the social structure, consisting of both individual-level assessments of the social environment of the organization as well as the organizational attempts to create a more social environment. This assessment tool has been tested in a large-scale study of organ donation campaigns in 46 organizations. Findings from this earlier test of the assessment tool demonstrate that interaction environment influences the way people communicate about, seek information about, and make decisions about health-related topics in organizations. Additionally, the individual elements of the interaction environment work in complex ways and also influence communication patterns and knowledge about health information. This paper details the procedures for using this assessment tool, methods for analyzing the findings, limitations of the tool, and areas in need of refinements and further researches.展开更多
This paper explores the myriad capabilities of that contraption, the computer, and its attendant role in the development of creative thought and logical thinking; skills （we could have used the word ＂knowledge＂ ins...This paper explores the myriad capabilities of that contraption, the computer, and its attendant role in the development of creative thought and logical thinking; skills （we could have used the word ＂knowledge＂ instead of skills; but to avoid the unnecessary ambiguity of the former, we shall drop it and talk of skills instead） which the humanistic disciplines and related disciplines in the social sciences and in natural sciences should inculcate. The process of acquiring these skills assumes that one rational animal-the student develops her/his rational powers by studying the wisdom and folly of other rational animals-the authors of various works and/or disciplines the student is set to study. In a word, what is dealt with specifically in the humanistic disciplines, in swimming and riding bicycles, leave us only when decrepitude invades our minds and bodies. In short, students must learn to think. This is an obvious platitude.展开更多
the political socialization of college students is the purpose of the individual to accept political culture in the historical, social, cultural and the specific interaction, formation of political attitude, the pract...the political socialization of college students is the purpose of the individual to accept political culture in the historical, social, cultural and the specific interaction, formation of political attitude, the practice process of shaping the political people. Our country is in the period of social transition, this period of transformation of political, economic and cultural construction of the China different from traditional political culture atmosphere, in the impact of the global political factors, college students＇ political psychology, political attitude and political behavior has undergone a series of changes. These changes impact on the existing college students＇ political socialization outcomes, so that students show the political and social highlights issues in the process of social transformation. In this case,we should only study the college students＇ optimization approach of political socialization carefully, improve the level of Chinese college students＇ political socialization, to ensure China＇ s social transition in a stable order smoothly, develop socialist political requirements of qualified university students, so as to make the socialism prosperous.展开更多
Sports aims to improve the quality of people＇ s health and lead them to live a healthy life of leisure. When it comes to its inherent significance, the national fitness helps them understand the spirit of competition...Sports aims to improve the quality of people＇ s health and lead them to live a healthy life of leisure. When it comes to its inherent significance, the national fitness helps them understand the spirit of competition and its relevant values in the process of sports activities, which in turn aids to the building of right value concepts and national cohesion. For this aim, this paper discusses the relationship between development of sports and harmonious society of the new age, in the hope of contributing to the overall sports and building of the harmonious socialist society.展开更多
The study in this paper that draws on dialogic interaction is a focus of investigation as the way to communicate social sciences to the public. In science communication people, for example, experts or scientists attem...The study in this paper that draws on dialogic interaction is a focus of investigation as the way to communicate social sciences to the public. In science communication people, for example, experts or scientists attempt to persuade lay people about the validity of their assessments. Currently dialogue in science communication might be seen as an important way to deliver information about sciences to the public as previously communicating science was conducted through top-down approaches. In addition, currently there is a tendency that people prefer to deliver and to receive information about sciences through two-way communication models between two or more parties, face-to-face or mediated by any means of communication as this way of communication is seen as more interactive. In the context of Indonesia, in terms of social science communication, this is an important phenomenon to investigate as two-way communication models might bridge the gap between expert opinion and lay opinion, where lay opinion is often seen as irrational or emotional. However, there are still a small number of studies with regard to how social sciences are communicated to the public and in what ways people preferred to deliver, moreover to discuss information within social sciences. One of the potential reasons is that research on science communication is mainly focused on natural and physical sciences. Since the study in this paper focuses on dialogic interactions in social science communication, this study will contribute to the current discussions of mass communication, in terms of science communication, and to related fields.展开更多
In her book, The Human Condition, Hannah Arendt states： ＂we are all the same, that is, human, in such a way that nobody is ever the same as anybody else＂ （1998, 8）. In this statement, we are the same （equality）...In her book, The Human Condition, Hannah Arendt states： ＂we are all the same, that is, human, in such a way that nobody is ever the same as anybody else＂ （1998, 8）. In this statement, we are the same （equality） and yet nobody is ever the same as anybody else （plurality）. This may sound contradictory yet what it means is that there is a common base which makes us all the same, and precisely because of this base, we are able to make comparisons and hence differentiate one from the other because we are all different. When analyzing two concepts, an equal status in at least one normatively relevant respect is needed. Where there is one, there is the other precisely because of the other and vice versa. The fact that it is only at least one respect that is needed implies the existence of other aspects that act as common distinguishing factors. Therefore, distinction implies equality. The paper will explore how according to Arendt, equality, a political concept, has been perverted into a social concept. In her view, previously, differing circumstances and conditions served as ＂protection＂ and actually had a protective role. An explanation will thus be given as to how a lack of these differences in the modem period has resulted in a challenge and how this challenge has created unexpected problems for the human condition. This implies reflexivity between political theory and the human agent, and will be presented from Arendt＇s perspective.展开更多
This article identified values and creative culture for community health promotion through the use of boat racing in Wiang Sa district, Nan province, which is located in Northern Thailand as the case study. The author...This article identified values and creative culture for community health promotion through the use of boat racing in Wiang Sa district, Nan province, which is located in Northern Thailand as the case study. The author applied qualitative method to reveal the possibilities of community-based health care. The in-depth interview and participatory observation were adopted to investigate the context, problems, and current situation from the stakeholders during May to October 2013. The results showed that Wiang Sa district hold the traditional boat racing for more than 177 years. Before 1979, the boat racing was a traditional village collective activity, after that, the tradition has transformed into sports game in which the promotion of community health and tourism has been introduced. Values of boat racing of the people in the community included： （1） Aesthetic value--the unique characteristics of the regatta; （2） spiritual value--religious rites and relating rituals which was the source of the regatta; （3） social value--participation in various stages of racing from mutual thinking and practicing, and benefits among the group of villagers at various ages. Today, the regatta become a social symbol characterized by the community creative culture in many areas： promoting village cooperation, increasing social harmony, valuing the role of women, stimulating non-alcohol racing scheme, creating sharing collective activities for the youth and the elderly, etc. The health promotion, even though it only occurs in a short time of the racing course, especially among the rowers, it is considered as the beginning of building a positive attitude towards community health promotion through the use of the regatta as a social innovation.展开更多
Environmental sociology and the sociology of natural resources are two key subdisciplines of the sociological study on the interactions between nature and human society.Previous discussion on the relationships of thes...Environmental sociology and the sociology of natural resources are two key subdisciplines of the sociological study on the interactions between nature and human society.Previous discussion on the relationships of these two fields has largely focused on their distinctions and synthesis in western(particularly American) academia.Environmental sociology emerged as an important sociological subdiscipline in China in the early 1990s and is under vigorous disciplinary construction at present.By contrast,the sociology of natural resources is still a novel term for most Chinese researchers.This article provides a systematic review of recent literature on the relationships between environmental and natural resource sociologies,which should provide important implications for the further development of environmental sociology in China.展开更多
In a changing world, sustainable development is at the core of all conversations, included those of the companies. Corporate social responsibility （CSR） is mentioned in this context. This phenomenon requires interac...In a changing world, sustainable development is at the core of all conversations, included those of the companies. Corporate social responsibility （CSR） is mentioned in this context. This phenomenon requires interactions with stakeholders, therefore companies have to communicate on their sustainable actions. In order to do that, internet is a very relevant communication tool. Thanks to a content analysis and the scoring technique, this paper aims first to classify Belgian companies involved with corporate social responsibility which communicate a lot through the Internet. Secondly it will try to bring about a better understanding of the strategic elements on which companies have to set the focus in their communication strategies.展开更多
Mountainous areas have been long recognized as particularly important for the planet and sustainable mountain development is a global priority. In order to improve the socioeconomic development perspectives of mountai...Mountainous areas have been long recognized as particularly important for the planet and sustainable mountain development is a global priority. In order to improve the socioeconomic development perspectives of mountain societies, efficient and well-targeted energy strategies should be formed. An important step towards this direction is adequate understanding of local conditions and specific features that affect energy sector. This procedure allows the inclusion of "locality" in energy planning and so, decentralized energy production is facilitated. The present study attempts to determine the particular energy identity of mountainous areas. Greece, which is the second most mountainous country in the EU, has been selected as a case study. Essential features of the mountainous space have been selected, namely altitude, inclination, remoteness, lack of productive activities, old buildings/vernacular architecture, in order to explore their interrelation with the energy sector. Based on literature review and research findings the interaction between mountainous character and energy is outlined. Therefore, a framework of the characteristics of mountain energy identity is composed, which can provide support to the formation of specialized energy policy for mountainous areas. Some of the main findings of the present study include the significantly increased energy loads of mountainous areas, the abundance of renewable energy potential in high – altitude areas, the vulnerability of mountain societies to energy poverty and the difficulties in sitting energy projects in the restricted usable space of mountains. Since the literature regarding mountains and energy is rather poor the present paper aspires to be a step towards highlighting the importance of energy issues for mountain areas and societies. By determining the features of mountain energy identity energy planning in high – altitude areas and so, helping make energy planning more effective, such research works can be parts of sustainable development strategies for mountainous areas.展开更多
Social theorists have engaged religion as a social agent and submitted that it has the capacity to foster positive and negative changes in the society. Milton Yinger, Emile Durkheim, and Karl Marx lead the pack among ...Social theorists have engaged religion as a social agent and submitted that it has the capacity to foster positive and negative changes in the society. Milton Yinger, Emile Durkheim, and Karl Marx lead the pack among other sociologists. The need to therefore interrogate religion as an agent of social engineering cannot be overemphasized normatively and functionally. One of the implications of such engagement is that religion; study and practice need to respond to issues in the society. Basic challenges facing the Nigerian nation are issues of poverty, diseases, corruption, and illiteracy. However, in Nigerian universities, the situation posits that religion is studied with theological intentions based on the curriculum bequeathed by the missionaries that laid the foundation for the academic study of religion in Nigeria leading to exclusive and reductionist approaches to its study. There is also government policy that placed emphasis on science and management courses for development. The situation has led to reduction in students＇ enrolments for the study of religion in Nigerian universities. Therefore, this paper seeks explanations for the non-functional design（s） of the curriculum for the academic study of religion in universities, southwest of Nigeria. Descriptive and analytic methods were adopted in the study to pursue the thesis that the academic study of religion in Nigeria should be rebranded and repackaged to respond and interrogate social challenges/problems, such as the scourge of HIV/AIDS plaguing the society thereby recreating a new social identity and relevance for its study.展开更多
Uttarakhand state in India is well known for its mountainous ecosystems, traditional communities and a variety of ecotourism destinations. Among various tourism activities, River Rafting along the banks of the Ganges ...Uttarakhand state in India is well known for its mountainous ecosystems, traditional communities and a variety of ecotourism destinations. Among various tourism activities, River Rafting along the banks of the Ganges River has increased tremendously for two decades, and has had unprecedented impacts on the traditional communities and the bio-diversity. Therefore, it is meaningful to do a comprehensive study on the various impacts associated with river rafting so as to suggest the pathways to achieve the environmental sustainability in this region. In this study, we collected primary data from randomly selected population units across all stake holders such as local people （n = too）, and camp personnel （n = 22）, through a pre-tested questionnaire survey between August 2009 and May 2010. The questionnaire contains issues on culture, social, economic, institutional and associated perceived impacts on pollution and biodiversity including views for sustainability. Secondary information was also collected from various sources and government records to supplement and strengthen the analysis. The impacts were analyzed qualitatively through a ranking mechanism to facilitate the decision making process. The perception of the interviewee about the various possible impacts of rafting was discussed with mitigating mechanism. The ranking analysis as percollected data reveals that economy and education of local community was improved significantly; however aquatic and terrestrial fauna, social cohesion and pollution （water, air, land） were significantly deteriorated. The results show that the existing practices are not sufficient to address the adverse impacts. Improvement in practices is necessary, mainly in the policy regime. Based on the analysis, some measures are recommended on how to protect community interest and environment with the development of river rafting as an ecotourism opportunity.展开更多
The increase in climate change raises the awareness of societal stakeholders to act as key-drivers in motivating and pushing corporations to monitor their sustainability data transparency, analyse their operations per...The increase in climate change raises the awareness of societal stakeholders to act as key-drivers in motivating and pushing corporations to monitor their sustainability data transparency, analyse their operations performance, and improve their operations related to environment, social governance, and corporate social responsibility. This paper evaluates the current importance of the societal stakeholders that impact the compliance of companies towards these environmental, social and governance practices in their supply chain operations. The latest review on the sustainability reporting and its data analytics are carried out, followed by a review of the development of a sustainability reporting and data analytics model, including sustainability software and online platforms in facilitating and supporting supply chain practitioners in their decision-making process. The model has been further developed as a dashboard and applied to a maritime supply chain firm. A case analysis has been conducted to illustrate the importance of analytics data in supporting complex decision-making process. Additional intelligent data analytics functionalities are recommended as future development for the sustainability reporting and data analytics dashboard in supply chain operations.展开更多
基金Supported by Anhui Environmental Protection Scientific Research Program(2014-004)~~
文摘The research analyzed social and economic development around Chao Lake as well as changes of water quality in Chao Lake and explored the relation- ships of local population and GDP with water chemical oxygen demand （COD）, total phosphorus （TP）, total nitrogen （TN）, chlorophyll and eutrophication index. The re- sults showed that population around Chao Lake and GDP kept growing from 2001 to 2013, and water quality was improving. In addition, correlation analysis indicated that except of water eutrophication, GDP and population showed inverse correlation with other indices, demonstrating that water quality has been effectively controlled in Chao Lake recently.
基金partially supported by a R00 Pathway to Independence Award from NIH/NINDS(R00NS089938)(to EDK)
文摘Cognitive impairment is a consequence of the normal aging process that effects many species, including humans and rodent models. Decline in hippocampal memory function is especially prominent with age and often reduces quality of life. As the aging population expands, the need for interventional strategies to prevent cognitive decline has become more pressing. Fortunately, several major lifestyle factors have proven effective at combating hippocampal aging, the most well-known of which are environmental enrichment and exercise. While the evidence supporting the beneficial nature of these factors is substantial, a less well-understood factor may also contribute to healthy cognitive aging: social engagement. We review the evidence supporting the role of social engagement in preserving hippocampal function in old age. In elderly humans, high levels of social engagement correlate with better hippocampal function, yet there is a dearth of work to indicate a causative role. Existing rodent literature is also limited but has begun to provide causative evidence and establish candidate mechanisms. Summed together, while many unanswered questions remain, it is clear that social engagement is a viable lifestyle factor for preserving cognitive function in old age. Social integration across the lifespan warrants more investigation and more appreciation when designing living circumstances for the elderly.
文摘This article examines the major similarities and differences among Italians who migrated to Rochester, N.Y., before World War II and post-World War Ⅱ. It offers explanations on the similarities and differences among these two groups of migrants. Investigation of historical, sociological, and anthropological sources along with interviews among both populations provides abundant data bearing on the investigation. The successful completion of the research reported in this article has major bearing on the issue of migration itself, theories in history, sociology, and anthropology, and even on social psychological understanding of how choices are made and identity is formulated.
文摘Forgiveness plays a main role in transitional justice, it is important to verify how forgiveness is justified by contemporary societies. No contemporary mentality can avoid the intuition that we are facing a reality that seems to belong to the field of religion. Hence, what interests us is precisely the moral consideration of this discussion. Facing the morality of forgiveness, the questions that are raised with respect to each type are： whether it is possible to forgive and whether one should forgive. The inherent contradiction of those who affirm the obligatory nature of forgiveness results in the supererogatory character of forgiveness. If all forgiveness is supererogatory in itself, then all forgiveness is always presented as something undeserved. Thus, we do not have supporting points to embark on a discourse about forgiveness. The result is that our political communities do not really know how to manage situations such as transitional justice.
文摘Women in leadership and decision-making roles influence the policies and directions of organizations （Ahuja, 2002）. Women in leadership value supports from their organizations. Pro-social outcomes of relationship competence are mediated by the development of empathy, collaborative approaches to conflict, self-disclosure, and social interest （Jogulu ＆ Wood, 2006）. Decision-making perspectives have uncertainty as the sole reason for organizational leaders to search for additional relevant information to solidify or clarify the information at the leader＇s disposal. A phenomenological qualitative research study which explored the preferred style of leadership based on three leadership and decision-making styles is presented in this paper1. The researcher gathered insights into the lived experiences of like-minded sample of respondents from the research population as they described their leadership and decisionmaking experiences within their organizations.
文摘This paper presents a method for assessing the influence of the interaction environment of an organization. The interaction environment of an organization is composed of three elements： （1） the physical structure of the organization, including numbers of buildings, floors, common gathering areas, size, industry, and physical layout; （2） the information structure, consisting of the numbers and types of communication channels in the organization; and （3） the social structure, consisting of both individual-level assessments of the social environment of the organization as well as the organizational attempts to create a more social environment. This assessment tool has been tested in a large-scale study of organ donation campaigns in 46 organizations. Findings from this earlier test of the assessment tool demonstrate that interaction environment influences the way people communicate about, seek information about, and make decisions about health-related topics in organizations. Additionally, the individual elements of the interaction environment work in complex ways and also influence communication patterns and knowledge about health information. This paper details the procedures for using this assessment tool, methods for analyzing the findings, limitations of the tool, and areas in need of refinements and further researches.
文摘This paper explores the myriad capabilities of that contraption, the computer, and its attendant role in the development of creative thought and logical thinking; skills （we could have used the word ＂knowledge＂ instead of skills; but to avoid the unnecessary ambiguity of the former, we shall drop it and talk of skills instead） which the humanistic disciplines and related disciplines in the social sciences and in natural sciences should inculcate. The process of acquiring these skills assumes that one rational animal-the student develops her/his rational powers by studying the wisdom and folly of other rational animals-the authors of various works and/or disciplines the student is set to study. In a word, what is dealt with specifically in the humanistic disciplines, in swimming and riding bicycles, leave us only when decrepitude invades our minds and bodies. In short, students must learn to think. This is an obvious platitude.
文摘the political socialization of college students is the purpose of the individual to accept political culture in the historical, social, cultural and the specific interaction, formation of political attitude, the practice process of shaping the political people. Our country is in the period of social transition, this period of transformation of political, economic and cultural construction of the China different from traditional political culture atmosphere, in the impact of the global political factors, college students＇ political psychology, political attitude and political behavior has undergone a series of changes. These changes impact on the existing college students＇ political socialization outcomes, so that students show the political and social highlights issues in the process of social transformation. In this case,we should only study the college students＇ optimization approach of political socialization carefully, improve the level of Chinese college students＇ political socialization, to ensure China＇ s social transition in a stable order smoothly, develop socialist political requirements of qualified university students, so as to make the socialism prosperous.
文摘Sports aims to improve the quality of people＇ s health and lead them to live a healthy life of leisure. When it comes to its inherent significance, the national fitness helps them understand the spirit of competition and its relevant values in the process of sports activities, which in turn aids to the building of right value concepts and national cohesion. For this aim, this paper discusses the relationship between development of sports and harmonious society of the new age, in the hope of contributing to the overall sports and building of the harmonious socialist society.
文摘The study in this paper that draws on dialogic interaction is a focus of investigation as the way to communicate social sciences to the public. In science communication people, for example, experts or scientists attempt to persuade lay people about the validity of their assessments. Currently dialogue in science communication might be seen as an important way to deliver information about sciences to the public as previously communicating science was conducted through top-down approaches. In addition, currently there is a tendency that people prefer to deliver and to receive information about sciences through two-way communication models between two or more parties, face-to-face or mediated by any means of communication as this way of communication is seen as more interactive. In the context of Indonesia, in terms of social science communication, this is an important phenomenon to investigate as two-way communication models might bridge the gap between expert opinion and lay opinion, where lay opinion is often seen as irrational or emotional. However, there are still a small number of studies with regard to how social sciences are communicated to the public and in what ways people preferred to deliver, moreover to discuss information within social sciences. One of the potential reasons is that research on science communication is mainly focused on natural and physical sciences. Since the study in this paper focuses on dialogic interactions in social science communication, this study will contribute to the current discussions of mass communication, in terms of science communication, and to related fields.
文摘In her book, The Human Condition, Hannah Arendt states： ＂we are all the same, that is, human, in such a way that nobody is ever the same as anybody else＂ （1998, 8）. In this statement, we are the same （equality） and yet nobody is ever the same as anybody else （plurality）. This may sound contradictory yet what it means is that there is a common base which makes us all the same, and precisely because of this base, we are able to make comparisons and hence differentiate one from the other because we are all different. When analyzing two concepts, an equal status in at least one normatively relevant respect is needed. Where there is one, there is the other precisely because of the other and vice versa. The fact that it is only at least one respect that is needed implies the existence of other aspects that act as common distinguishing factors. Therefore, distinction implies equality. The paper will explore how according to Arendt, equality, a political concept, has been perverted into a social concept. In her view, previously, differing circumstances and conditions served as ＂protection＂ and actually had a protective role. An explanation will thus be given as to how a lack of these differences in the modem period has resulted in a challenge and how this challenge has created unexpected problems for the human condition. This implies reflexivity between political theory and the human agent, and will be presented from Arendt＇s perspective.
文摘This article identified values and creative culture for community health promotion through the use of boat racing in Wiang Sa district, Nan province, which is located in Northern Thailand as the case study. The author applied qualitative method to reveal the possibilities of community-based health care. The in-depth interview and participatory observation were adopted to investigate the context, problems, and current situation from the stakeholders during May to October 2013. The results showed that Wiang Sa district hold the traditional boat racing for more than 177 years. Before 1979, the boat racing was a traditional village collective activity, after that, the tradition has transformed into sports game in which the promotion of community health and tourism has been introduced. Values of boat racing of the people in the community included： （1） Aesthetic value--the unique characteristics of the regatta; （2） spiritual value--religious rites and relating rituals which was the source of the regatta; （3） social value--participation in various stages of racing from mutual thinking and practicing, and benefits among the group of villagers at various ages. Today, the regatta become a social symbol characterized by the community creative culture in many areas： promoting village cooperation, increasing social harmony, valuing the role of women, stimulating non-alcohol racing scheme, creating sharing collective activities for the youth and the elderly, etc. The health promotion, even though it only occurs in a short time of the racing course, especially among the rowers, it is considered as the beginning of building a positive attitude towards community health promotion through the use of the regatta as a social innovation.
文摘Environmental sociology and the sociology of natural resources are two key subdisciplines of the sociological study on the interactions between nature and human society.Previous discussion on the relationships of these two fields has largely focused on their distinctions and synthesis in western(particularly American) academia.Environmental sociology emerged as an important sociological subdiscipline in China in the early 1990s and is under vigorous disciplinary construction at present.By contrast,the sociology of natural resources is still a novel term for most Chinese researchers.This article provides a systematic review of recent literature on the relationships between environmental and natural resource sociologies,which should provide important implications for the further development of environmental sociology in China.
文摘In a changing world, sustainable development is at the core of all conversations, included those of the companies. Corporate social responsibility （CSR） is mentioned in this context. This phenomenon requires interactions with stakeholders, therefore companies have to communicate on their sustainable actions. In order to do that, internet is a very relevant communication tool. Thanks to a content analysis and the scoring technique, this paper aims first to classify Belgian companies involved with corporate social responsibility which communicate a lot through the Internet. Secondly it will try to bring about a better understanding of the strategic elements on which companies have to set the focus in their communication strategies.
文摘Mountainous areas have been long recognized as particularly important for the planet and sustainable mountain development is a global priority. In order to improve the socioeconomic development perspectives of mountain societies, efficient and well-targeted energy strategies should be formed. An important step towards this direction is adequate understanding of local conditions and specific features that affect energy sector. This procedure allows the inclusion of "locality" in energy planning and so, decentralized energy production is facilitated. The present study attempts to determine the particular energy identity of mountainous areas. Greece, which is the second most mountainous country in the EU, has been selected as a case study. Essential features of the mountainous space have been selected, namely altitude, inclination, remoteness, lack of productive activities, old buildings/vernacular architecture, in order to explore their interrelation with the energy sector. Based on literature review and research findings the interaction between mountainous character and energy is outlined. Therefore, a framework of the characteristics of mountain energy identity is composed, which can provide support to the formation of specialized energy policy for mountainous areas. Some of the main findings of the present study include the significantly increased energy loads of mountainous areas, the abundance of renewable energy potential in high – altitude areas, the vulnerability of mountain societies to energy poverty and the difficulties in sitting energy projects in the restricted usable space of mountains. Since the literature regarding mountains and energy is rather poor the present paper aspires to be a step towards highlighting the importance of energy issues for mountain areas and societies. By determining the features of mountain energy identity energy planning in high – altitude areas and so, helping make energy planning more effective, such research works can be parts of sustainable development strategies for mountainous areas.
文摘Social theorists have engaged religion as a social agent and submitted that it has the capacity to foster positive and negative changes in the society. Milton Yinger, Emile Durkheim, and Karl Marx lead the pack among other sociologists. The need to therefore interrogate religion as an agent of social engineering cannot be overemphasized normatively and functionally. One of the implications of such engagement is that religion; study and practice need to respond to issues in the society. Basic challenges facing the Nigerian nation are issues of poverty, diseases, corruption, and illiteracy. However, in Nigerian universities, the situation posits that religion is studied with theological intentions based on the curriculum bequeathed by the missionaries that laid the foundation for the academic study of religion in Nigeria leading to exclusive and reductionist approaches to its study. There is also government policy that placed emphasis on science and management courses for development. The situation has led to reduction in students＇ enrolments for the study of religion in Nigerian universities. Therefore, this paper seeks explanations for the non-functional design（s） of the curriculum for the academic study of religion in universities, southwest of Nigeria. Descriptive and analytic methods were adopted in the study to pursue the thesis that the academic study of religion in Nigeria should be rebranded and repackaged to respond and interrogate social challenges/problems, such as the scourge of HIV/AIDS plaguing the society thereby recreating a new social identity and relevance for its study.
文摘Uttarakhand state in India is well known for its mountainous ecosystems, traditional communities and a variety of ecotourism destinations. Among various tourism activities, River Rafting along the banks of the Ganges River has increased tremendously for two decades, and has had unprecedented impacts on the traditional communities and the bio-diversity. Therefore, it is meaningful to do a comprehensive study on the various impacts associated with river rafting so as to suggest the pathways to achieve the environmental sustainability in this region. In this study, we collected primary data from randomly selected population units across all stake holders such as local people （n = too）, and camp personnel （n = 22）, through a pre-tested questionnaire survey between August 2009 and May 2010. The questionnaire contains issues on culture, social, economic, institutional and associated perceived impacts on pollution and biodiversity including views for sustainability. Secondary information was also collected from various sources and government records to supplement and strengthen the analysis. The impacts were analyzed qualitatively through a ranking mechanism to facilitate the decision making process. The perception of the interviewee about the various possible impacts of rafting was discussed with mitigating mechanism. The ranking analysis as percollected data reveals that economy and education of local community was improved significantly; however aquatic and terrestrial fauna, social cohesion and pollution （water, air, land） were significantly deteriorated. The results show that the existing practices are not sufficient to address the adverse impacts. Improvement in practices is necessary, mainly in the policy regime. Based on the analysis, some measures are recommended on how to protect community interest and environment with the development of river rafting as an ecotourism opportunity.
文摘The increase in climate change raises the awareness of societal stakeholders to act as key-drivers in motivating and pushing corporations to monitor their sustainability data transparency, analyse their operations performance, and improve their operations related to environment, social governance, and corporate social responsibility. This paper evaluates the current importance of the societal stakeholders that impact the compliance of companies towards these environmental, social and governance practices in their supply chain operations. The latest review on the sustainability reporting and its data analytics are carried out, followed by a review of the development of a sustainability reporting and data analytics model, including sustainability software and online platforms in facilitating and supporting supply chain practitioners in their decision-making process. The model has been further developed as a dashboard and applied to a maritime supply chain firm. A case analysis has been conducted to illustrate the importance of analytics data in supporting complex decision-making process. Additional intelligent data analytics functionalities are recommended as future development for the sustainability reporting and data analytics dashboard in supply chain operations.
