Suchergebnisse

This article aims to identify factors which influence public awareness of health or economic harm from pollution in China. Based on an analysis of the China General Social Survey (CGSS) carried out nationwide by Renmin University and HKUST in 2006, it focuses on self-identification as a pollution victim. The analysis tests three groups of hypotheses about how self-identified victims differ from others: first, in terms of the environmental conditions they experience, such as the actual level of pollution and types of neighbourhoods they inhabit; second, in terms of resources, including material and information resources, time, social capital and political experience; and third, in terms of political attitudes. The conclusion discusses implications for the politics of public participation in environmental governance in China. (J Contemp China/GIGA)

South Africa is a new democracy with a progressive Constitution and a Bill of Rights that contains all human rights that are universally accepted and recognized. The purpose of this article is to analyse the results of a research study aimed at determining the level of public awareness and the perceptions regarding the protection and enjoyment of such rights. To that end, the survey sought information on public knowledge or awareness of the Bill of Rights, violation or protection of various types of rights, and awareness and perceptions regarding human rights institutions. It was found that many South Africans are unaware of the existence of the Bill of Rights and that the majority of South Africans blame the government for most human rights violations. The results of the survey also show that people are not happy with the level of protection of their rights, particularly socio-economic rights. It is also clear that public knowledge of the existence of human rights institutions and the work they do is severely limited. It is concluded that there is a serious need to educate the public, not only on the Bill of Rights and the processes and the mechanisms of its enforcement, but also on the existence and functions of the various human rights institutions. Only then will the Bill of Rights serve the true purpose for which it was intended.

Food safety is an important issue that concerns the health of every individual. Millions of people die from diarrheal illnesses, which are mainly due to the ingestion of contaminated food or water. At present, governments around the world are focused on genetic modification of food and food contamination. In the Philippines, food safety is assured through proper control, food hygiene and sanitation. The government bodies, which are mainly responsible for food safety, are under the Department of Health and Agriculture. To ensure food safety, basic food laws were established and are embodied in a number of legislative acts and presidential decrees. The Philippine regulatory agencies adopt the Codex Alimentarius. The codex standards contain requirements for food aimed at ensuring for the consumer wholesome food products free from adulteration and correctly labeled. The Philippine government supports biotechnology R & D. It is the policy of the state to promote the safe and responsible use of modern technology and its products in order to achieve food security, equitable access to health services, sustainable and safe environment for industry development. Several issues concerning GMOs are discussed in this paper. The discussion centered on the risks, morality of technology, accountability and public awareness and information. The government has adequate controls when it comes to food safety. The dissemination and proper implementation of these policies and guidelines are vital in ensuring the safety of Filipinos in terms of food consumption.

SIMPLE SUMMARY: Every year, the South African government spends approximately ZAR 2 billion to control invasive alien species (IAS) that are intentionally or unintentionally introduced into new areas by humans, and have a variety of social, ecological, and economic impacts. Given the link between people and the introduction and spread of IAS, it is important to understand citizens' knowledge and perceptions of IAS to guide management. For this reason, we conducted a study in small towns of South Africa to assess (1) awareness of IAS by the general public, (2) local perceptions of the impacts associated with IAS, (3) if awareness of IAS is associated with demographic covariates and IAS density, and, (4) people's willingness to detect, report, and support IAS management. We found that people were not aware of IAS and their impacts, and many perceived them as beneficial. We found that IAS density, education level, and gender influenced people's knowledge and perceptions about IAS in the region. Some people showed interest and willingness to learn more about IAS. These results could help to inform outreach and educational programs to promote public awareness and engagement in IAS management. ABSTRACT: Invasive alien species (IAS) are a growing threat globally and cause a variety of ecological, economic, and social impacts. People can introduce IAS and facilitate their spread, and can also implement, support, or oppose their management. Understanding local knowledge, awareness, and perceptions are therefore crucial if management and policy are to be effective. We administered questionnaires to members of the public in eight small towns along the Berg River Catchment in the biodiverse fynbos biome of South Africa. We aimed to assess: (1) awareness of IAS by the general public, (2) local perceptions of the impacts associated with IAS, (3) whether awareness of IAS is correlated with demographic covariates and IAS density, and (4) people's willingness to detect, report, and support IAS management. Overall, 262 ...

Background: The relevance of the study stems from the necessity to inform people about the work of the employment centers regarding the implementation of an effective state policy on the labor market. Thus, the article aims to identify the most and least popular public services provided by employment centers. This method of research on public awareness can be applied to study other public services in any city or region. Methodology: The basic approach used in the following study involved polling people on the streets of Moscow, the method of comparative and correlation analysis and statistical data analysis. Respondents were selected according to the requirements of the study, which enabled a detailed consideration of the awareness of people in Moscow regarding the public services provided by employment centers/local branches, as well as people's opinion on the quality of services provided by employment centers/local branches people applied to. Choice of the region – the city of Moscow – was made due to the highest concentration of people from different social strata, as well as representatives of different cultures. Findings: The paper presents the findings of the comprehensive study conducted during 2016 that allowed distinguishing three levels of demand for public services: - Level 1 including the most popular public service – "Assistance in job search"; - Level 2 which embraces services providing information on the labor market; - Level 3 covering public services that make it easier for people to find work. Little demand for public services "Vocational training of the unemployed" and "Career advice" prevents increasing the labor mobility in the times of crisis. The material of the article can be used in developing measures to improve the availability of information on job offers and the variety of services, as well as when preparing documents for the study of public awareness on operation of various government agencies. ; peer-reviewed

BACKGROUND: The adoption of robotic-assisted surgery (RAS) requires a clear willingness, not only from healthcare organization to operate the robotic system but also from the public that is going to perceive it. This study aims to explore public's awareness, understanding and their perceptions towards RAS in Kuwait. METHODS: This cross-sectional study used a survey questionnaire that was disseminated on a tablet device to people at their convenience in governmental institutions. RESULTS: A total of 1087 people agreed to participate in this study. The study results showed that only 36.8% of respondents had heard of RAS and 27.1% knew what RAS is. Moreover, 47.6% of the respondents were uncertain about its safety, while 29.7% thought RAS was safe. The results also showed that 40.9 and 34.4% of respondents thought that RAS is more precise and faster than conventional surgical procedures, respectively, whereas 30.6% feared malfunctioning issues during surgical procedures. CONCLUSION: This public survey among a Middle Eastern population reveals lack of awareness and limited understanding of RAS. However, there was a tendency towards believing that RAS may have potential advantages in terms of better outcomes compared to conventional surgical procedures.

In the third study of development options for Livani, a town of 11,000 in south-western Latvia, the development strategies are examined. Both the municipality project ideas and project proposals from the inhabitants, from two brain storming events, have been collected and evaluated. In addition the future plans of many individuals were collected in questionnaires. Key elements in a strategy for sustainable development for Livani are discussed. The role of information, management of natural resources and democratisation are underlined. A database of resource people have been established, with individuals prepared to contribute to the development of their society. The key role of a local identity is stressed.