Search Results (16,241)

Community-Based Tourism (CBT) is increasingly pivotal for sustainable rural development in emerging economies, particularly in culturally rich nations like Indonesia. The vulnerability of tourism-dependent communities, starkly exposed by the COVID-19 pandemic, underscores the urgent need to understand how CBT can foster socio-economic resilience—the capacity to withstand, adapt to, and recover from shocks. This study aims to investigate the relationship between CBT governance models and socio-economic resilience in rural Indonesia, identifying the critical factors that enable communities to thrive amidst adversity. A comparative qualitative case study design was employed, focusing on three tourism villages in Yogyakarta (Nglanggeran) and Bali (Penglipuran, Jasri). Data were collected through semi-structured interviews, focus group discussions, and participant observation conducted from June to August 2024. The findings reveal that villages with inclusive participation, strong local leadership, and equitable benefit-sharing mechanisms (e.g., Nglanggeran) demonstrate higher resilience, characterized by economic diversification, robust social capital, and strong adaptive capacity. In contrast, top-down governance (Penglipuran) or entrepreneurial but fragmented initiatives (Jasri) can limit inclusivity and adaptability, constraining resilience. This research contributes to the CBT literature by providing a comparative analysis of resilience outcomes across different governance contexts in Indonesia. It offers a refined framework for understanding how local institutions and community agency interact to build resilience. The study provides practical insights for policymakers and community leaders, highlighting the importance of fostering inclusive governance, strategic partnerships, and economic diversification to enhance the long-term sustainability and resilience of tourism-dependent communities. Full article

Objective: This study explores the prevalence of violence and forced displacement as indicators of inequity among Bogotá’s elderly population, with a particular focus on how these factors affect their health and access to healthcare services. Methods: This is a subsidiary analysis of the SABE-Bogotá survey. The design was a probabilistic cluster sample of 2000 people aged 60 and over. The study was carried out by the Pontificia Universidad Javeriana’s Institute on Aging and cosponsored by Colciencias. The variables of interest were displacement and experiences of violence, assessed through self-reporting. A descriptive analysis of all variables was performed, calculating simple frequency distributions. Subsequently, dependency and association analyses were performed using Chi-square, T-tests, and multivariate logistic regressions, depending on each case. Results: 43.32% of the subjects were victims of some type of violence in the last year, among which offensive language was one of the most frequent. Individuals with severe depression (OR 2.10 [1.21–3.65]) and those who had been victims of displacement (OR 2.55, CI 95% [1.65–3.95]) had the highest risk of violence. The results reveal a direct correlation between these experiences and pre-existing health conditions. For instance, severe depression and a history of displacement were associated with a higher risk of experiencing violence, while the risk of displacement was higher among individuals with diabetes, severe depression, and, crucially, those who lacked access to health insurance. Conclusion: A high percentage of the elderly population in the city of Bogotá has been victims of different types of violence, including ones related to armed conflict and forced displacement, which is a particular and exclusive form of violence suffered by this group of people. These findings suggest that violence and displacement are social determinants of health that exacerbate inequities, underscoring the need for more inclusive health policies and improved access to medical care for this vulnerable population. Full article

In combination with recent Catholic social teaching, this paper will explore the thought of the philosopher Emmanuel Levinas on the role of ethics in the economy to challenge forms of aggressive profiteering by illusion, deceit or exploitation. Levinas draws upon the Talmud and its teaching on sorcery and on profiting from falsehood as a starting point for his reflections on modern society, reckless market speculation and on the need for the members of society to grow in their mutual responsibility and respect for each other’s unique and incomparable dignity. Levinas’s ethic of generosity calls us to move away from the self-interested model of “greed is good” and to strive for ever-greater justice in our monetary society. Full article

This study explores the influence of the urban soundscape on pedestrian perception and walking experience in the historic and lower parts of Béjaïa, Algeria. More precisely, the analysis investigates how variations in soundscape configuration relate to perceived comfort, safety, and walking pleasantness across five morphologically distinct urban zones. A mixed-method approach combining quantitative tools (LAeq acoustic measurements) and qualitative methods (soundwalks, sound diaries, and mental maps) was applied in accordance with ISO 12913. The study involved 50 participants for the sound diaries and 58 for the soundwalks. Results show that natural and social sounds enhance perceived comfort and safety, while mechanical noise is associated with discomfort and avoidance behaviors. In the morning, moderate to strong correlations were observed between sound comfort and visual perception (ρ = 0.58, p = 0.001, 95% CI [0.27; 0.80]), as well as between sound comfort and walking pleasantness (ρ = 0.40, p = 0.033, 95% CI [0.05; 0.67]). The study highlights the need to integrate soundscape considerations into urban planning and heritage conservation strategies. Full article

The current study aims to address the research gap regarding inconsistent findings on the effect of environmental knowledge (EK) in enhancing green purchase intention (GPI) by incorporating pro-environmental behavior (PEB) and environmental concern (EC) as factors to leverage green purchase intention. Five hypotheses were developed and tested using a sample of 300 respondents in Indonesia. Survey data from 300 respondents were analyzed using Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM). The findings demonstrate the pivotal role of pro-environmental behavior in two ways. First, pro-environmental behavior mediates the relationship between environmental knowledge and green purchase intention. Second, while pro-environmental behavior enhances environmental concern, it is insufficient to fully strengthen green purchase intention; additional factors, such as the activation of ethical values of concern, are needed to reinforce this intention further. However, the limitations include reliance on quantitative cross-sectional data and focus on Bali, suggesting a need for longitudinal and cross-cultural studies. Practical recommendations include incorporating local communities in eco-tourism programs to ensure social acceptance and sustainability. In general, the results contribute theoretically by integrating knowledge, concern, and behavior into a cohesive model explaining green consumer intentions in tourism. This comprehensive approach supports efforts to transform individual values and behavior, which are critical alongside systemic or policy changes in advancing sustainable tourism. Full article

Underemployment in Australia represents a critical facet of precarious work, shaped not only by insufficient hours and skill underutilisation but also by care responsibilities and financial insecurity. Using data from the Household, Income and Labour Dynamics in Australia (HILDA) Survey, this study employed latent class analysis (LCA), a person-centred, model-based clustering method, to uncover hidden subgroups within the underemployed population. Previous studies identify different profiles, but few embed care burden and financial stress as core latent dimensions. This study extends latent class approaches by integrating multidimensional vulnerabilities into subgroup analysis. The LCA analysis revealed four distinct classes. These findings confirmed three hypotheses: (H1) Care burden is a core latent dimension of underemployment (Classes 1 and 2), (H2) economic insecurity is a second defining dimension (Class 3), and (H3) a mental health/social isolation subgroup exists (Class 4). Class 1 exhibits dual care burdens and high representation from culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) backgrounds. Class 2, Parents with Children, forms the largest group and is defined by intensive childrearing and caregiving roles. Class 3, Financially Strained Undereducated, includes individuals with low educational attainment experiencing pronounced financial hardship. Class 4, Socially Isolated with Poor Mental Health, represents the smallest yet most disadvantaged group, characterised by severe psychological distress, lack of social support, and acute financial vulnerability. Together, these findings highlight the need for tailored policy responses for diverse experiences among the underemployed and reveal intersecting social and economic disadvantages. Full article

Artificial intelligence (AI) is profoundly transforming heritage tourism through the incorporation of technological solutions that reconfigure the ways in which cultural heritage is conserved, interpreted, and experienced. This article presents a critical and systematic review of current AI applications in this field, with a special focus on their impact on destination management, the personalization of tourist experiences, universal accessibility, and the preservation of both tangible and intangible assets. Based on an analysis of the scientific literature and international use cases, key technologies such as machine learning, computer vision, generative models, and recommendation systems are identified. These tools enable everything from the virtual reconstruction of historical sites to the development of intelligent cultural assistants and adaptive tours, improving the visitor experience and promoting inclusion. This study also examines the main ethical, technical, and epistemological challenges associated with this transformation, including algorithmic surveillance, data protection, interoperability between platforms, the digital divide, and the reconfiguration of heritage knowledge production processes. In conclusion, this study argues that AI, when implemented in accordance with principles of responsibility, sustainability, and cultural sensitivity, can serve as a strategic instrument for ensuring the accessibility, representativeness, and social relevance of cultural heritage in the digital age. However, its effective integration necessitates the development of sector-specific ethical frameworks, inclusive governance models, and sustainable technological implementation strategies that promote equity, community participation, and long-term viability. Furthermore, this article highlights the need for empirical research to assess the actual impact of these technologies and for the creation of indicators to evaluate their effectiveness, fairness, and contribution to the Sustainable Development Goals. Full article

Personal identification (ID) is a prerequisite to many financial and social services; however, many vulnerable residents do not have ID and lack the resources to acquire it. To assess the impact of ID inaccessibility in a local context, a study was conducted throughout New Brunswick, Canada. The study objective was to understand the implications of ID requirements and the barriers to acquiring it through the lens of consumers. This mixed-methods, observational study included surveys and interviews. The survey collected demographics, socioeconomic status (SES), financial behaviors and experiences, and barriers to accessing ID. The semi-structured interviews explored individual experiences. In order to address disparities in health and social outcomes, ID requirements and barriers to access need to be acknowledged and mitigated. A total of 142 surveys were completed. Many respondents reported difficulty obtaining or replacing a driver’s license (30.8%), a provincial photo ID (47.7%), or their birth certificate (39.4%), identifying cost (34.4%) and required documentation (28.1%) as the main barriers. Thematic analysis identified three main themes: the difficulty of living without ID, barriers to obtaining or replacing an ID, and an exploration of solutions. Current ID policies restrict access to community services such as banking, housing, and employment, which are intended to support individuals to improve their situation and gain autonomy. Policies and services are required to address this urgent issue. Full article

Background/Rationale: Transnational caregiving may be influenced by religious beliefs and cultural traditions that frame elder care as both a moral and religious obligation. While migration alters caregiving dynamics, religious teachings and cultural expectations remain central in guiding transnational caregiving practices. This study examines how Christian Nigerians who have immigrated to Canada navigate caregiving responsibilities within a transnational context, integrating their religion, cultural values, and the practical realities of crossing borders. Methods: This study employed a predominantly qualitative narrative approach, drawing on in-depth interviews with Nigerian Christian immigrants (N = 10) providing transnational care. Data collection involved a pre-interview survey and semi-structured interviews, providing the opportunity for participants to share their lived experiences. Thematic analysis was used to identify recurring themes related to the role of religion and culture in caregiving, ensuring a comprehensive exploration of participants’ perspectives. Findings: Caregiving is shaped by religious duty and cultural obligation, reinforced by biblical teachings and cultural values. Participants view elder care as a moral responsibility, tied to spiritual rewards and familial duty. Despite migration demands, family-based care remains preferred over institutional care, with social stigma attached to neglecting elders. Conclusions: Religion and culture remain integral to transnational caregiving practices, sustaining caregiving responsibilities despite migration-related realities. While religious teachings provide moral guidance and emotional support, cultural expectations reinforce caregiving as a collective and intergenerational duty. Policies and resources are needed that support transnational caregivers, ensuring they can fulfill their caregiving roles while adapting to new sociocultural environments. Policymakers should prioritize the implementation of policies and programs to support transnational caregivers, including family reunification measures, caregiving-related travel provisions, culturally tailored eldercare services, diaspora–local collaborations, organized caregiver support groups, and financial mechanisms such as tax incentives for remittances dedicated to elder care. Full article

The expansion of conventional agricultural models in the Colombian Amazon has caused deforestation, biodiversity loss, and socio-environmental degradation. In response, agroecology and bioeconomy are emerging as key strategies to regenerate landscapes and foster sustainable production systems. We evaluated the agroecological performance of 25 farms in the Andean–Amazon transition zone of Colombia using FAO’s Tool for Agroecology Performance Evaluation (TAPE). The analysis included land cover dynamics (2002–2024), characterization of the agroecological transition based on the 10 Elements of Agroecology, and 23 economic, environmental, and social indicators. Four farm typologies were identified; among them, Mixed Family Farms (MFF) achieved the highest transition score (CAET = 60.5%) and excelled in crop diversity (64%), soil health (SHI = 4.24), productive autonomy (VA/GVP = 0.69), and household empowerment (FMEF= 85%). Correlation analyses showed strong links between agroecological practices, economic efficiency, and social cohesion. Land cover dynamics revealed a continuous decline in forest cover (12.9% in 2002 to 7.1% in 2024) and an increase in secondary vegetation, underscoring the urgent need for restorative approaches. Overall, farms further along the agroecological transition were more productive, autonomous, and socially cohesive, strengthening territorial resilience. The application of TAPE proved robust multidimensional evidence to support agroecological monitoring and decision-making, with direct implications for land use planning, rural development strategies, and sustainability policies in the Amazon. At the same time, its sensitivity to high baseline biodiversity and to the complex socio-ecological dynamics of the Colombian Amazon underscores the need to refine the methodology in future applications. By addressing these challenges, the study contributes to the broader international debate on agroecological transitions, offering insights relevant for other tropical frontiers and biodiversity-rich regions facing similar pressures. Full article

The association between patterns of internet use for older adults’ well-being is unclear. We examined the association between the frequency and purpose of internet use and subjective well-being in older Japanese adults. We analyzed cross-sectional data from 2343 community-dwelling older adults (aged 65–84 years). Subjective well-being was measured using the World Health Organization Well-Being Index as a continuous score, and internet use was categorized by frequency and purpose. Hierarchical linear regression analysis was controlled for sociodemographic and health-related covariates. After full adjustment, only daily (B = 1.04, 95% CI [0.53, 1.56]) and dual-purpose use (i.e., for both practical and social communication purposes; B = 0.80, 95% CI [0.28, 1.31]) were independently associated with higher well-being. The analysis of the combined patterns further suggested that daily use was the primary factor. For older adults, regularity of internet use was more strongly associated with well-being than diversity of purpose. Daily integration appears to be a key factor for realizing benefits, suggesting that sustained practice is the foundational step in building the digital capital necessary for a flourishing later life. Longitudinal studies are needed to confirm these findings and untangle the causal relationship between sustained internet use and improved well-being among older adults. Full article

This study investigates the environmental dimension of sustainable development across fifteen post-Soviet republics in 2022. While sustainability is generally understood as a triadic construct—economic, social, and environmental—this paper isolates the ecological pillar to highlight cross-country differences shaped by industrial legacies, institutional capacity, and governance models. A composite Environmental Performance Index (EPI) is developed using the Mazziotta–Pareto Index (MPI), which captures both average performance and internal consistency across three SDG-related domains: SDG 6 (Clean Water and Sanitation), SDG 13 (Climate Action), and SDG 15 (Life on Land). The study adds to existing literature as it includes a non-compensatory composite index and cluster analysis, and in policy terms, it provides a benchmarking system for facilitating ecological transition in the post-Soviet context. The results reveal strong divergence across the region: Baltic countries and Moldova achieve higher scores, reflecting policy convergence with the European Union and stronger environmental institutions, while Central Asian republics lag due to resource dependence, water scarcity, and weaker governance. Geographic cluster analysis corroborates these differences, showing clear spatial patterns of environmental convergence and divergence. Correlation analysis further demonstrates that environmental sustainability is positively associated with GDP per capita, HDI, and life expectancy, while negatively linked with inequality and fertility rates. These findings stress the need for context-sensitive and evidence-based policies, intra-regional cooperation, and integrated governance mechanisms to advance ecological transition in line with the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. Full article

Scholars have long shown that post-separation abuse continues through legal channels and that legal institutions often reinforce existing social relations. Nevertheless, little is known about how abused mothers’ legal experiences shape their understanding of legality and how this dynamic may function to perpetuate coercive control. Drawing on in-depth interviews with 32 Israeli mothers co-parenting with abusive ex-partners, this study offers a phenomenological account of how post-separation abused mothers experience family law proceedings, based on a feminist imperative to bring their voices to center stage. The analysis reveals a dialectical legal consciousness comprising three interconnected orientations—characterized by internal contradictions and tensions that paradoxically serve to maintain rather than disrupt existing power relations: Institutional Trust and Disillusionment in the law’s protective promise, Institutional Asymmetry as experienced from the abused mothers’ perspective, and Recognizing Entrapment—the realization that legal processes reproduce the very dynamics they sought to escape. Abused mothers thus describe a paradoxical relationship with the law of both needing and distrusting a system that mandates continued contact with their abusers. Caught in a second-order abusive relationship, they feel compelled to comply with processes they perceive as harmful. We term this Entrapped Legal Consciousness—a form of legal subjectivity shaped by institutional norms that reconfigure resistance and reinscribe coercive control. This study offers empirical and theoretical insight into how legality may become a mechanism for cultivating continued control. Full article

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic autoimmune disease of the central nervous system that affects women more frequently than men. This sex gap has widened over the past century, and appears to be shaped by lifestyle factors more than biological factors. This narrative review examines the evidence for sex-specific differences in lifestyle risk factors and their impact on both MS susceptibility and disease progression, with implications for diagnosis, monitoring, and treatment. Smoking, obesity, vitamin D deficiency, ultraviolet radiation exposure, and Epstein–Barr virus infection all interact with sex-related biological pathways to influence MS risk. Women appear to be more vulnerable to the pathogenic effects of smoking and obesity, both independently and in synergy with genetic risk alleles, while vitamin D and UV exposure confer stronger protective effects in females than in males. EBV infection also exhibits sex-dependent immune responses, shaped by hormonal regulation and host–virus genetic interactions. Sex-related lifestyle factors also modulate MS progression. Women experience more inflammatory activity and relapses, whereas men more often develop a progressive phenotype with greater neurodegeneration. Hormonal changes during female reproductive phases, such as pregnancy, breastfeeding, menopause, and hormone-based therapies, critically influence disease activity and progression in MS. Obesity, smoking, vitamin D status, diet, and gut microbiota further interact with sex hormones and genetic background, contributing to variable disease trajectories, also modulated by social determinants such as education level. These findings underscore the need to integrate into clinical practice the evaluation of lifestyle factors in a sex-specific way for diagnosis, monitoring, and treatment of MS. Full article

Intercultural education has been a longstanding challenge for teachers’ professional development, as significant difficulties are encountered in attempts to integrate it into curricula, reduce prejudices, and strengthen school culture and social structures. This study aims to highlight the main points of international organizations’ documents on intercultural teacher education by applying a qualitative methodology. The methodology was mainly based on literature review of both primary (international organizations’ documents) and secondary sources (relevant academic papers) by following the research method of inductive thematic analysis. The data collected concerned the teaching methods and approaches in which teachers need to be trained in order to implement intercultural education effectively; the intercultural mindset and skillset that teachers should acquire through their education and training; the values of intercultural education that teachers are expected to cultivate through their intercultural training; the challenges that arise in the process of teachers’ professional development in intercultural education; examples of successful training programmes, and finally the role of school leadership in strengthening teachers’ intercultural education. Full article