scholarly journals The Case for Stimulating a Planetary Protection Framework for Emerging Private Space Activities

2020 ◽  
Vol 16 (02) ◽  
Author(s):  
George Profitiliotis
Keyword(s):  
Biological Material ◽  
Negative Consequences ◽  
Prevention Measures ◽  
Public And Private ◽  
Planetary Protection ◽  
Private Space ◽  
Celestial Bodies ◽  
Financing Mechanism ◽  
Negative Impacts ◽  
Space Activities

The emergence of private space activities is pushing the boundaries of the space industry with technological innovations that may soon enable the targeting of the novel market segments of space research and exploration, space resources utilization, and human access to space. Planetary protection is defined as a set of guidelines that aim to prevent the forward contamination of celestial bodies with biological material from Earth and the backward contamination of the terrestrial biosphere with extraterrestrial biological material. Significant questions are expected to be raised in the future with respect to potential forward and backward contamination issues of emerging private space activities. Unfortunately, the jurisdiction over and the enforcement of forward and backward contamination prevention measures to private space endeavors are currently facing policy and regulatory gaps and ambiguities. The key challenges with the current planetary protection policy landscape indicate that these contamination issues of private space activities can indeed have lasting negative impacts on social, economic, and environmental equity, sustainable development on Earth, and the sustainable exploration and development of other celestial bodies. Drawing on its multidisciplinary expertise, the UN system is favorably positioned to play a key role in stimulating a novel planetary protection framework for emerging private space activities. Firstly, it can provide an international forum for the harmonization and agreement on such a framework. Secondly, it can create a financing mechanism to fund international research and development consortia of public and private organizations under a pre-competitive collaboration scheme for planetary protection technologies. Thirdly, it can establish a process of civic engagement to promote the meaningful participation of the civil society in the formulation of this framework. A prudent consideration of this matter may not only counteract the inequitable distribution of any unintended negative consequences, but may also facilitate economic development in a respectful, sustainable, and responsible manner.

scholarly journals Planetary Protection in the New Space Era: Science and Governance

2020 ◽  
Vol 7 ◽  
Author(s):  
Thomas Cheney ◽  
Christopher Newman ◽  
Karen Olsson-Francis ◽  
Scott Steele ◽  
Victoria Pearson ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Outer Space ◽  
Scientific Basis ◽  
Earth Orbit ◽  
Planetary Protection ◽  
Protection Policy ◽  
Celestial Bodies ◽  
Outer Space Treaty ◽  
High Regard ◽  
New Space ◽  
Space Activities

Committee of Space Research’s Planetary Protection Policy is a triumph of technocratic governance in the global sphere. The Policy is produced by a group of scientific experts and subsequently enjoys high regard among the scientific and space community. However, as Committee of Space Research is an independent organization without any legal mandate the Planetary Protection Policy is an example of so-called “soft law” or a non-binding international instrument, in short, no one is under any legal obligation to comply with them. The policy is linked to Article IX of the Outer Space Treaty and its provision calling for the avoidance of “harmful contamination” of the Moon and other celestial bodies. While space activities beyond Earth orbit have been the exclusive preserve of government scientific space agencies this has posed little problem. However as private and “non-science” space activities proliferate and begin to spread their reach beyond Earth orbit, the Planetary Protection Policy is being tested. This paper will examine the challenges of developing and maintaining an effective planetary protection regime in this “New Space” era. This will involve looking at the existing policies, as well as the governance framework they sit within. However, it is also necessary to consider and understand the scientific basis not just for the specifics of the policy itself but the necessity of it. Finally, this paper will consider whether a broader “environmental” framework is needed as space activities diversity in type and location.

Jewish Women’s Life and Practice in the World of the New Testament

2019 ◽  
pp. 219-237
Author(s):  
Tal Ilan
Keyword(s):  
New Testament ◽  
Rabbinic Literature ◽  
Jewish Women ◽  
Public And Private ◽  
Private Space ◽  
Gender Research ◽  
Politics And Religion ◽  
The World ◽  
The New Testament

The women of the New Testament were Jewish women, and for historians of the period their mention and status in the New Testament constitutes the missing link between the way women are portrayed in the Hebrew Bible and their changed status in rabbinic literature (Mishnah and Talmud). In this chapter, I examine how they fit into the Jewish concepts of womanhood. I examine various recognized categories that are relevant for gender research such as patriarchy, public and private space, law, politics, and religion. In each case I show how these affected Jewish women, and how the picture that emerges from the New Testament fits these categories.

scholarly journals Inevitable future: space colonization beyond Earth with microbes first

2019 ◽  
Vol 95 (10) ◽  
Author(s):  
Jose V Lopez ◽  
Raquel S Peixoto ◽  
Alexandre S Rosado
Keyword(s):  
Potential Space ◽  
Public And Private ◽  
Planetary Protection ◽  
Overwhelming Evidence ◽  
Future Space ◽  
Private Research ◽  
Life On Earth ◽  
Space Colonization ◽  
Future Plans

ABSTRACT Based on modern microbiology, we propose a major revision in current space exploration philosophy and planetary protection policy, especially regarding microorganisms in space. Mainly, microbial introduction should not be considered accidental but inevitable. We hypothesize the near impossibility of exploring new planets without carrying and/or delivering any microbial travelers. In addition, although we highlight the importance of controlling and tracking such contaminations—to explore the existence of extraterrestrial microorganisms—we also believe that we must discuss the role of microbes as primary colonists and assets, rather than serendipitous accidents, for future plans of extraterrestrial colonization. This paradigm shift stems partly from the overwhelming evidence of microorganisms’ diverse roles in sustaining life on Earth, such as symbioses and ecosystem services (decomposition, atmosphere effects, nitrogen fixation, etc.). Therefore, we propose a framework for new discussion based on the scientific implications of future colonization and terraforming: (i) focus on methods to track and avoid accidental delivery of Earth's harmful microorganisms and genes to extraterrestrial areas; (ii) begin a rigorous program to develop and explore ‘Proactive Inoculation Protocols’. We outline a rationale and solicit feedback to drive a public and private research agenda that optimizes diverse organisms for potential space colonization.

India’s Quest for a National Space Law and the Missing Piece of Possessory Rights

2021 ◽  
pp. 097492842110477
Author(s):  
Athar ud din
Keyword(s):  
International Law ◽  
Outer Space ◽  
National Space ◽  
Commercial Use ◽  
Future Space ◽  
Space Law ◽  
Recent Developments ◽  
Celestial Bodies ◽  
Emerging Powers ◽  
Space Activities

As the commercial use of outer space becomes feasible, the nature of possessory rights will potentially emerge as the central focus of future space-related activities. The existing international law relating to outer space does not address in detail the nature of possessory rights in outer space and is subject to multiple interpretations. Alarmingly, the recently adopted space policies and legislations by some States have taken a definitive position regarding commercial use of natural resources in outer space. In light of India’s increasing involvement in outer space, it circulated the Draft Space Activities Bill, 2017, to formulate a national space law. However, the nature of possessory rights in outer space is not addressed in detail in the Draft Space Activities Bill. This study states that on account of recent developments happening elsewhere, it is extremely important for emerging powers like India to take a position on broader issues like the nature of possessory rights in outer space (which includes celestial bodies as well as resources contained therein). Not addressing the issue of possessory rights in outer space could have profound implications at both domestic as well as international levels.

scholarly journals Building a green economy of low carbon: the Greek post-crisis experience of photovoltaics and financial 'green grabbing'

2017 ◽  
Vol 24 (1) ◽  
pp. 258 ◽  
Author(s):  
Zoi Christina Siamanta
Keyword(s):  
Green Energy ◽  
Green Economy ◽  
Low Carbon ◽  
Renewable Energy Resources ◽  
Green Growth ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Complex Interplay ◽  
Public And Private ◽  
Negative Impacts ◽  
Green Economies

Abstract Under the global rhetoric of 'the green economy' Renewable Energy Resources (RES) projects have proliferated across the world. This article examines the growth of photovoltaic projects in post-crisis Greece, grounded in a green energy discourse. The aim is to provide insights into how green economies are built and what new appropriations they (might) entail. It is based on a Foucauldian oriented discourse analysis, in depth semi-structured interviews and review of a variety of other sources. The article argues that justificatory discourses for green growth implicated in 'green grabbing' involve the complex interplay of neoliberal and disciplinary 'environmentalities.' These seek to construct 'green economy' entrepreneurs and compliant subjects. A relatively undocumented and understudied aspect of green grabs is the appropriation of public and private financial resources for photovoltaic projects, with significant negative impacts on livelihoods. In Greece, this has resulted in the accumulation of capital by a few large RES companies, as well as significant impacts on the livelihoods of domestic and small business electricity consumers and small/medium photovoltaic investors through debt. Key words: Greece, green economy, photovoltaics, green grabbing, environmentality, Foucault, green energy

scholarly journals Employee well-being in the COVID-19 pandemic: The moderating role of teleworking during the first lockdown in the province of Quebec, Canada

Work ◽  
2021 ◽  
pp. 1-13
Author(s):  
Annick Parent-Lamarche ◽  
Maude Boulet
Keyword(s):  
Public Sector ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Work Life ◽  
Conservation Of Resources ◽  
Negative Consequences ◽  
Public And Private ◽  
The Public ◽  
Business Sectors ◽  
Moderating Role

BACKGROUND: The COVID-19 pandemic has had a profound effect on all aspects of society, including mental health. Many employees have had to pivot suddenly to teleworking to prevent the virus from spreading. While teleworking may have some negative consequences, it may also represent a human resources practice that may improve employee well-being. OBJECTIVE: The study main objective was to determine if teleworking played a moderating role in the relation between potential stressors and employee well-being during the first months of the COVID-19 pandemic when working from home. This was based on the theory of conservation of resources. METHODS: Multivariate regression analyses were conducted with Stata 13 software to determine the contribution of potential stressors on employee well-being, as well as the moderating role of teleworking on a sample of 480 Canadian employees. Data were collected once for white and blue collar from both public (67.08%) and private (32.92%) business sectors. RESULTS: Results indicated that work-life imbalances, workload, and marital tension were associated with lower levels of well-being. On the other hand, teleworking and household income were associated with higher levels of well-being. Teleworking also moderated the differences in well-being between the public and private sectors. Teleworking in the public sector seems to increase employee well-being. Conversely, working on-site in the public sector seems to decrease well-being. CONCLUSIONS: Employers need to proactively address work-life imbalances, workloads, and teleworking to maintain employee well-being. Specific recommendations are offered to ensure that teleworking remains positive for employee well-being both during a pandemic and afterward.

scholarly journals Analysis of information and psychological impact on personality in COVID-19 pandemic conditions

2021 ◽  
pp. 66-78
Author(s):  
Оксана Георгиевна Меретукова ◽  
Светлана Владимировна Нестерова ◽  
Владимир Владимирович Харин ◽  
Олег Васильевич Стрельцов ◽  
Ольга Сергеевна Маторина
Keyword(s):  
Psychological Intervention ◽  
Social Systems ◽  
Psychological Impact ◽  
Negative Consequences ◽  
Prevention Measures ◽  
Goods And Services ◽  
Current Task ◽  
Psychological Influence ◽  
The Individual ◽  
Flow Of Information

В настоящей статье проанализированы теоретические аспекты информационно-психологического воздействия на личность. Основными сферами информационно-психологического воздействия являются: экономические, политические, военные и т.д. Реализация процесса информационно-психологического воздействия направлена на основные сферы жизнедеятельности индивида или социальной группы посредством средств массовой информации, социальных сетей, глобальных компьютерных сетей, слухов (фейковых новостей) и т.д. Важнейшей задачей эффективного противодействия является своевременное выявление и идентификация информационно-психологического влияния, а также точная оценка возможных деструктивных последствий, которые могут привести к информационному и психологическому вмешательству. В данной связи актуальной задачей является изучение рассматриваемых в статье вопросов. В настоящее время в связи с возрастанием потока информации из различных источников актуальность обретает разработка мер предупреждения информационно-психологического воздействия и негативных последствий в виде изменения потребностей индивида (групп людей) посредством манипуляторных действий производителей и поставщиков товаров и услуг. Авторами статьи изучена реализация процесса управления социальными системами в информационном обществе, представленная российскими и зарубежными авторами. Приведены основные понятия, классификации методов информационно-психологического воздействия, выделены и разграничены методы, оказывающие наиболее высокое воздействие на людей с критическим и некритическим восприятием информации. Важнейшими характеристиками мыслительной деятельности личности являются: самостоятельность, критичность мышления, глубина и гибкость мышления, анализ и поиск решения задач. Представлен литературный обзор и основные выводы исследователей сущности и содержания процесса информационно-психологического воздействия. Проведен анализ информационно-психологического влияния на человека (группы лиц) в период пандемии. This paper analyzes theoretical aspects of information-psychological influence on personality. The main areas of information and psychological impact include economic, political, military, etc. The implementation of the process of information and psychological impact is aimed at the main spheres of life of an individual or social group through the media, social networks, global computer networks, rumors (fake news), etc. The most important task of effective counteraction is the timely identification of information and psychological influence, as well as an accurate assessment of possible destructive consequences that can lead to information and psychological intervention. In this regard, the current task is to study the issues discussed in the paper. At present, as the flow of information from various sources increases, the development of information prevention measures becomes relevant. At present, as the flow of information from various sources increases, the development of measures to prevent information and psychological effects and negative consequences in the form of changing the needs of the individual (groups of people) through manipulative actions of manufacturers and suppliers of goods and services becomes relevant. The authors of the publication studied the implementation of the process of managing social systems in the information society, presented by Russian and foreign authors. Basic concepts, classifications of methods of information-psychological impact are given, methods having the highest impact on people with critical and non-critical perception of information are identified and delineated. The most important characteristics of a person's thought activity are independence, criticality of thinking, depth and flexibility of thinking, analysis and search for solutions to problems. Literary overview and main conclusions of researchers on essence and content of the process of information-psychological impact are presented. An analysis of the information and psychological impact on the person (groups of persons) during the pandemic was carried out.

scholarly journals Transmission of COVID-19 in Public and Private Schools in Benghazi, Libya: 13th -28th February 2021

2021 ◽  
pp. 32-37
Author(s):  
Naeima Houssein ◽  
Alsalihin Majeed ◽  
Emad Amkhatirha ◽  
Abdelghffar F. Abdelghffar ◽  
Asma Abubakr Mustafa ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Private Schools ◽  
Viral Antigen ◽  
School Setting ◽  
Nasopharyngeal Swab ◽  
Eastern Region ◽  
Antigen Test ◽  
Prevention Measures ◽  
Public And Private ◽  
Staff Members ◽  
Pcr Test

The aim of the present study was to provide a national estimate for transmission of COVID-19 Cases in public and private schools in Benghazi city in the Eastern region of Libya. A multistage procedure was followed to obtain a representative sample of students and teaching staffs at randomly selected schools across the Eastern region of Libya. The resultant sample consisted of 101 schools, 808 students, and 202 staff members. Data were collected on age, sex, class, and symptoms of COVID19. Rapid antigen test was performed as a diagnostic test for SARS-CoV-2 to detect the presence of a viral antigen. Specimen was taken from the upper nasopharyngeal swab. Out of 808 students tested, 5 specimens were positive. Every positive rapid antigen test was further confirmed by PCR test.  All Specimens taken from staff members were negative. This survey highlights epidemiological concern on COVID-19 among students and staff members in school setting in Benghazi. Implementation and compliance with prevention measures are crucial.

scholarly journals Psycho-social impacts of virtual communication

Temida ◽  
2011 ◽  
Vol 14 (3) ◽  
pp. 23-36
Author(s):  
Rajko Macura ◽  
Slavoljub Vujovic ◽  
Djuro Mikic
Keyword(s):  
Social Life ◽  
Online Communication ◽  
Maladaptive Behavior ◽  
The Internet ◽  
Internet Communication ◽  
Negative Consequences ◽  
Virtual Communication ◽  
Negative Impacts ◽  
Use Of The Internet ◽  
The Impact

The emergence and spread of Internet communication has led to changes in social relationships, abuse of the Internet and maladaptive behavior. Among the authors who have studied the impact of these changes there is no consensus, and the results of their research are often contradictory. Some authors conclude that Internet communication strengthens networks of its users, while others believe that such communication leads to reduced participation in real social life. In a number of people, excessive use of the Internet adversely affects the mental health and social life and can lead to obsession at the expense of other aspects of life and creating addiction. The greatest risk of negative impacts of online communication is among children and young people. This paper is meant to indicate, the good sides as well as the negative consequences of excessive and non-functional Internet use

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