Crisis, Planning, and the Quality of Life: Managing the New Historical Relationships between Space and Society

1983 ◽  
Vol 1 (1) ◽  
pp. 3-21 ◽  
Author(s):  
M Castells
Keyword(s):  
Local Governments ◽  
New Technologies ◽  
Crisis Planning ◽  
Grass Roots ◽  
Social Interests ◽  
The Usa ◽  
Authoritarian Statism ◽  
Urban Issues ◽  
Main Effects

We live in the midst of a major structural crisis. This crisis is multidimensional, cultural, and political, as well as economic. Spatial forms and urban issues are simultaneously being reshaped by this crisis and becoming powerful instruments for the policies aimed at managing the crisis from different viewpoints according to the pattern of contradictory social interests. The first part of the paper tries to outline the main effects of the crisis on the urban realm, focusing particularly on the spatial consequences of the new technologies, that could be devastating if they were used to harden the dominant tendencies of corporate capitalism and authoritarian statism. The second part of the paper attempts to foresee some potential alternatives to managing the crisis, on the basis of the projects of defending collective consumption, affirming cultural identity, and enhancing political self-management, that are being fostered by grass-roots groups and progressive local governments all over the world. Relying on some recent experiences of local government in Europe and the USA, the paper ends by outlining some alternative urban policies that could also be socially feasible, technically efficient, and politically progressive. Between defensive struggles and shortsighted reformism, this paper tries to explore the field of the new paths of urban social change in our time and in our societies.

scholarly journals Digital transformation of the public administration model in the regions

2019 ◽  
pp. 120-128
Author(s):  
Vladyslav Rakipov
Keyword(s):  
Public Administration ◽  
Local Governments ◽  
New Technologies ◽  
Digital Transformation ◽  
Document Management ◽  
Management Systems ◽  
Electronic Interaction ◽  
Planning Period ◽  
Public Authorities

The purpose of the article. The aim of the article is to study the processes of digital transformation of the model of public administration in the regions. Methodology. The theoretical and methodological basis of the study are the scientific works of scientists in the study of the system of digital transformation of public administration in the regions. To achieve this goal, the following research methods were used: theoretical generalization – determination of the main directions of modernization of public administration with the use of digital technologies; methods of statistical analysis – characteristics of the number of public authorities and local governments that provide the opportunity to use the tools of e-democracy. Results. The current state and main trends of digitalization of public administration are studied, which allowed to identify areas and areas of modernization of public administration on the basis of digital transformation, namely: modernization of public services; development of branch e-government; ensuring electronic interaction of state electronic information resources, unification and standardization of electronic registers, state databases, cross-border interaction centers; development of e-democracy and transition to digital document management systems. The level of application of these technologies differs significantly not only at the regional level, but also at the level of municipalities and individual communities and depends primarily on the political will of public administration and local self-government. An analysis of the state of digital transformation of public administration in Odesa region using surveys and studies of national and international rating agencies, which allowed to determine the current comparative state of digital adaptation of public administration in Odesa region and identify the most problematic issues that are typical for other regions and necessary to take into account when developing and implementing a regional strategy for digital transformation of the region for the next planning period, namely: administrative (comparative limited open data on budget information, regulations and procurement, insufficient use of e-democracy elements in management processes); technical (low quality of the basic information and communication infrastructure of e-government; insufficient level of IT support of internal document flow; understaffing of the workforce with the latest technology; problems with communication and quality of the Internet in some areas); organizational (lack of effective coordination, cooperation and control between different departments, functions and subsystems of public administration, low level of data protection) personnel (lack of highly qualified specialists) and financial. Practical meaning. Analysis of the data on the number of public authorities and local governments that provide the opportunity to use the tools of e-democracy will determine the prospects for further work for public authorities. Prospects for further research. Accelerating the transition to the digital administration model requires reengineering management systems, processes and functions in accordance with the capabilities provided by new technologies, in particular using a process approach to management and networking, creating a single regional platform, interactive databases, implementation of electronic democracy in decision-making processes.

Comparative Levels of Labour Productivity in Dutch and British Manufacturing

1990 ◽  
Vol 131 ◽  
pp. 71-85 ◽  
Author(s):  
Bart van Ark
Keyword(s):  
New Technologies ◽  
Manufacturing Sector ◽  
Labour Force ◽  
Labour Productivity ◽  
British Industry ◽  
The United Kingdom ◽  
The Usa ◽  
Average Size ◽  
Capital Intensive

‘And coming home, did go on board Sir W. Petty's Experiment—which is a brave roomy vessel—and I hope may do well. So went on shore to a Dutch house to drink some Rum, and there light upon some Dutchmen, with whom we had a good discourse touching Stoveing and making of cables. But to see how despicably they speak of us for our using so many hands more to do anything then they do, they closing a cable with 20 that we use 60 men upon’ (Samuel Pepys' diary for 13 February 1665)This article compares the output per person-hour in 16 branches constituting the total manufacturing sector of the Netherlands and the United Kingdom. The comparatively poor productivity performance of British industry, as documented in previous studies comparing Britain with Germany and the USA, is confirmed in this new comparison with a much smaller economy in the 1980s. The article examines differences in the industrial composition in the manufacturing sectors of the two countries. Part of the productivity gap is accounted for by the stronger concentration of Dutch manufacturing in capital-intensive industries and in the production of semimanufactured goods. However, a bigger slice of the gap must be attributed to factors such as differences in the pace of introducing new technologies in some of the branches, the quality of the labour force and the utilisation of the capital stock. The article also explores the relation between the average size of manufacturing units and the degree of vertical integration.

ТЕЛЕВІЗІЙНА КОМУНІКАЦІЯ В КОНТЕКСТІ РОЗВИТКУ СУСПІЛЬСТВА

2020 ◽  
pp. 68
Author(s):  
O. Yatchuk ◽  
N. Kodatska
Keyword(s):  
Public Opinion ◽  
Mobile Communications ◽  
Mass Communication ◽  
New Technologies ◽  
Modern World ◽  
Digital Television ◽  
Broadband Internet ◽  
Television Content ◽  
The Usa ◽  
Traditional Technologies

<div><p><em>The article presents the dynamics of the main factors for the development of modern television, the transition from traditional technologies of television broadcasting to the latest technologies. The process of developing digital television and broadband has been technically determined to address the challenge of integrating new technologies into traditional TV content. Ways of expanding the possibilities of interaction between the viewer and the television producer in the context of overcoming the crisis of traditional technologies are analyzed. It is determined that integration, development of mobile communications and Internet technologies are a hallmark of the modern world media space and have a significant influence on the formation of public opinion. The analysis of actual media researches concerning problems of the theory of mass communication is carried out. The phenomenon of «social television», which combines watching TV with simultaneous communication in social networks, is considered. The author draws attention to the disclosure of the determining factors of media communication, the study of the process of feedback from viewers on television. It is stated that the development of modern technologies, namely digital broadcasting and introduction of broadband Internet access to create a multimedia platform that combines Internet communication services and television content, contributes to improving the mechanism of interaction between the TV and the viewer. The theory of the conceptualization of journalism based on identity construction is examined: journalists understand their audience and, as members of that audience, connect with their communities. An analysis of integrated journalistic activity is conducted, which consists of three stages: gathering, editing and disseminating information. It is determined that the influence of the Internet allows the consumer to play his or her role at each stage, thus helping the journalist determine the degree of relevance of the story to himself and to the potential audience. The common features of modern telecontent were singled out and a comparative analysis of the trend of development of interactive TV programs of the USA, UK and Ukraine was made.</em></p></div><p><strong><em>Key words:</em></strong><em> public opinion, two-vector communication, feedback, communication methods, television audience, country telephony.</em></p>

Effect of new dietary supplement on sperm quality

2012 ◽  
Vol 153 (45) ◽  
pp. 1787-1792 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mária Horváth ◽  
Endre Czeizel
Keyword(s):  
Adverse Effect ◽  
Clinical Trial ◽  
Dietary Supplement ◽  
Male Fertility ◽  
Sperm Quality ◽  
Sperm Count ◽  
Before And After ◽  
The Usa ◽  
New Treatments

Introduction: There is a decline in male fertility thus new treatments are needed. Aims: To test the efficacy of a new dietary supplement developed in the USA and registered as a curing drug in Hungary (OGYI). Methods: In a clinical trial 100 men with low sperm quality (spermium count 5–20 M/ml, good motility 10–40%, and adverse shape 30–50%) were examined. Results: Sperm parameters were measured before and after a 3-month treatment and after another 3-month without treatment. This dietary supplement statistically and clinically significantly improved sperm count and motility. In 74 cases this dietary supplement demonstrated a beneficial effect on sperm quality (more than 10% increase in sperm count, or quality of motility, or shape); in 16 cases the improvement exceeded 30%. No adverse effect could be accounted for this treatment. Conclusions: This new dietary supplement may contribute to the treatment of male infertility. Orv. Hetil., 2012, 153, 1787–1792.

The implementation of test control methods for the improvement of the quality content of high education in medical higher educational institution

2018 ◽  
Vol 22 (2) ◽  
pp. 357-360
Author(s):  
S. A. Kolodii ◽  
Yu. V. Kordon ◽  
O. A. Nazarchuk ◽  
N.I. Osadchuk
Keyword(s):  
New Technologies ◽  
Educational Institution ◽  
Scientific Information ◽  
Cognitive Activity ◽  
Pedagogical Training ◽  
Highly Skilled ◽  
Medical University ◽  
Independent Work ◽  
Test Control

The integration of Ukrainian system of Higher education into the European one accompanies by a transformation processes. The main goal of Higher school in our country is to prepare competitive specialists. The pedagogues of medical universities implement modern educational technologies with the use of analytically-searching work and scientific information. The implementation of new technologies of teaching is the important task of modernization of pedagogical system of mastering highly skilled specialists. The aim — to ground the implementation of test control for the estimation of quality of knowledge of future doctors. Gaining knowledge in microbiology is very necessary for future doctors to understand the principals of diagnostics and struggling infectious diseases. Knowledge in microbiology is basis for better understanding of clinical disciplines, as it assists logical perception of clinical data, influences on the forming clinical thought without which it is impossible to become a highly skilled specialist. The implementation of modern methods of studies, control, providing the increase of creative activity of students, forming and developing in them professional thought is one of the effective way of the improvement of quality of pedagogical training of highly skilled doctors. The experience of applying of the test control of knowledge in students in the medical university at classes of Microbiology, Virology and Immunology has been presented in the manuscript. The use of different types of test control has been proved to be one of the effective methods for determining the level of knowledge among students. Test control promotes the activation of cognitive activity, forms students’ skills of independent work, develops their logical thinking. Test control of obtained knowledge should be used in conjunction with other methods of studying the subject. The analysis of the results of the writing of the KROK-1 qualification exam by the students of the stomatological department has been conducted. The use of different methods of estimation of control of knowledge is necessary for its improvement. The study of microbiology is the important base of forming fundamental knowledge in students. Therefore, test control in a complex with other pedagogical methods can be used as one of the important and optimal methods to improve estimation of the basic level of students’ knowledge.

Trial by Triad: substituted judgment, mental illness and the right to die

2021 ◽  
pp. medethics-2020-107154
Author(s):  
Jacob M Appel
Keyword(s):  
Depressive Symptoms ◽  
Depressive Disorders ◽  
Substituted Judgment ◽  
Diminished Capacity ◽  
Accepted Standard ◽  
The Usa ◽  
Aid In Dying ◽  
Incapacitated Patients ◽  
The Right

Substituted judgment has increasingly become the accepted standard for rendering decisions for incapacitated adults in the USA. A broad exception exists with regard to patients with diminished capacity secondary to depressive disorders, as such patients’ previous wishes are generally not honoured when seeking to turn down life-preserving care or pursue aid-in-dying. The result is that physicians often force involuntary treatment on patients with poor medical prognoses and/or low quality of life (PMP/LQL) as a result of their depressive symptoms when similarly situated incapacitated patients without such depressive symptoms would have their previous wishes honoured via substituted judgment. This commentary argues for reconsidering this approach and for using a substituted judgment standard for a subset of EMP/LQL patients seeking death.

scholarly journals Comprehensive Overview of Sleep Disorders in Patients with Chronic Liver Disease

2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (2) ◽  
pp. 142
Author(s):  
Oana-Mihaela Plotogea ◽  
Madalina Ilie ◽  
Simona Bungau ◽  
Alexandru Laurentiu Chiotoroiu ◽  
Ana Maria Alexandra Stanescu ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Sleep Disorders ◽  
Daily Practice ◽  
Chronic Liver ◽  
Asian Countries ◽  
Chronic Liver Diseases ◽  
Comprehensive Overview ◽  
The Usa ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Reliable Methods

The impact of sleep disorders (SDs) on patients with chronic liver diseases (CLD) is tremendous. SDs are frequently encountered among these patients and interfere with their quality of life. This review aims to present the data available so far about the prevalence, phenotypes, and proposed pathophysiological mechanisms of SDs in CLD. Moreover, we proposed to search the literature regarding the most reliable methods to assess SDs and the possible therapeutic options in patients with CLD. The main results of this review show that when it comes to prevalence, the percentages reported vary widely between studies performed among populations from the USA or Europe and those coming from Asian countries. Furthermore, it has been proven that SDs may also be present in the absence of neurocognitive disorders attributable to hepatic encephalopathy (HE), which contradicts traditional suppositions where SDs were considered part of the clinical scenario of HE. Currently, there are no specific recommendations or protocols to assess SDs in CLD patients and data about the therapeutic management are limited. Taking into consideration their impact, a protocol for diagnosing and managing SDs should be developed and included in the daily practice of hepatologists.

scholarly journals Influence of Bagging on the Development and Quality of Fruits

Plants ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 10 (2) ◽  
pp. 358
Author(s):  
Muhammad Moaaz Ali ◽  
Raheel Anwar ◽  
Ahmed F. Yousef ◽  
Binqi Li ◽  
Andrea Luvisi ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Fruit Quality ◽  
Consumer Choice ◽  
Abiotic Factors ◽  
Market Value ◽  
Quality Attribute ◽  
Export Markets ◽  
External Appearance ◽  
The Usa ◽  
Main Determinants

Fruit quality is certainly influenced by biotic and abiotic factors, and a main quality attribute is the external appearance of the fruit. Various possible agronomical approaches are able to regulate the fruit microenvironment and, consequently, improve fruit quality and market value. Among these, fruit bagging has recently become an integral part of fruits’ domestic and export markets in countries such as Japan, China, Korea Australia and the USA because it is a safe and eco-friendly technique to protect fruits from multiple stresses, preserving or improving the overall quality. Despite increasing global importance, the development of suitable bagging materials and, above all, their use in the field is quite laborious, so that serious efforts are required to enhance and standardize bagging material according to the need of the crops/fruits. This review provides information about the effects of bagging technique on the fruit aspect and texture, which are the main determinants of consumer choice.

scholarly journals Blockchain Technology for Winning Consumer Loyalty: Social Norm Analysis Using Structural Equation Modeling

Mathematics ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 9 (5) ◽  
pp. 532
Author(s):  
María de los Ángeles Pérez-Sánchez ◽  
Zhuowei Tian ◽  
Almudena Barrientos-Báez ◽  
José Gómez-Galán ◽  
Hanliang Li
Keyword(s):  
Structural Equation Modeling ◽  
Technology Acceptance ◽  
Social Exchange ◽  
Local Governments ◽  
Structural Equation ◽  
Social Norm ◽  
New Technologies ◽  
Equation Modeling ◽  
Consumer Loyalty ◽  
Blockchain Technology

Remarkable changes have taken in social operation mode and consumers’ behavior mode because of the foot ban during the pandemic spread of COVID-19. Digital technologies such as Blockchain have shown potential in gaining competitive advantages for enterprises in such situations. This study aims to provide an insight into how to gain consumer loyalty through the use of modern and efficient Blockchain technology. In contrast to the current literature, this study combined the technology acceptance model of planned behavior theory, social exchange theory to explain the loyalty of an online travel agency (OTA) consumer. A self-administered questionnaire was used to collect data from citizens in Hangzhou, a city full of technological innovation atmosphere. Using structural equation modeling with SmartPLS©, responses from 1403 citizens were analyzed. Social norm was discovered to have a positive and significant association with the consumers’ attitude toward technology and thus enhancing the perceived usability and hedonism of OTA application, which can increase consumer loyalty. The findings suggested OTAs may gain consumers’ loyalty through adopting Blockchain technology, and local governments have played a key role in creating such an environment. New technologies have become essential professional and social tools for society. The technological environment and Blockchain within the tourism sector are fundamental elements of China’s economic engine.

Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document