For Public Responsibility for Spaceship Earth

1998 ◽  
pp. 13-18
Author(s):  
Joseph Agassi
Keyword(s):  
Scientific Literacy ◽  
Public Awareness ◽  
Mass Movement ◽  
Academic Research ◽  
Individual Autonomy ◽  
Comprehensive View ◽  
Global Problems ◽  
Public Responsibility ◽  
Spaceship Earth ◽  
Grassroots Education

The present global political situation is serious and desperately invites public awareness and concern. Global problems cannot be solved locally; they must be studied locally with an eye towards a mass-movement that would raise awareness of the severity of the problems as well as the absence of viable solutions. A comprehensive view should evolve through critical discussions regarding both problems and possible solutions. The movement must seek to create minimal scientific literacy (that is, attention to factual reports plus a critical attitude toward them). The movement must be educational and democratic; it must encourage individual autonomy. It must freely confess ignorance and slowly develop ideas in a combination of broad propaganda and proper research. Philosophy can contribute by developing a comprehensive view of the situation. Academic research should attend to practical problems. Ideally, the movement will offer grassroots education that will enable graduates to compel appropriate institutions to enact legislation directed toward the alleviation of global problems.

The ‘opt-out’ approach to deceased organ donation in England: A misconceived policy which may precipitate moral harm

2019 ◽  
Vol 14 (2) ◽  
pp. 63-69
Author(s):  
Tobias K Cantrell
Keyword(s):  
Organ Donation ◽  
Public Awareness ◽  
Recent Attempt ◽  
Individual Autonomy ◽  
Presumed Consent ◽  
Opt Out ◽  
The Family ◽  
Deceased Organ Donation ◽  
Tissue Act ◽  
Human Tissue Act

In an effort to solve the shortage of transplantable organs, there have been several proposals to introduce an opt-out approach to deceased organ donation in England (also termed ‘deemed’, or ‘presumed’ consent). In seeking to enact the so-called ‘opt-out proposal’ via an amendment to the Human Tissue Act 2004, The Organ Donation (Deemed Consent) Bill 2017–19 represents the most recent attempt at such legal reform. Despite popular calls to the contrary, I argue in this paper that it would be premature for England, or, indeed, any country, to adopt an opt-out approach at this time. Not only is the available evidence inconclusive on whether introduction of the opt-out proposal would increase the supply of transplantable organs (a common misconception), but there is also a chance that doing so might bring about an otherwise avoidable moral harm through an unjustified interference with individual autonomy. I maintain that the resources required to change the law to such effect would be better expended on alternative, provenly efficacious and less contentious mechanisms for increasing the supply of transplantable organs, such as: improving communication with the family of the deceased, developing infrastructure, raising public awareness and enhancing staff training, attitudes and understanding towards organ donation.

Informing Education Policy on MMR: balancing individual freedoms and collective responsibilities for the promotion of public health

2005 ◽  
Vol 12 (1) ◽  
pp. 43-58 ◽  
Author(s):  
Janice Wood-Harper
Keyword(s):  
Public Health ◽  
Health Professionals ◽  
Public Awareness ◽  
Individual Autonomy ◽  
Public Confidence ◽  
Education Policies ◽  
Rubella Vaccine ◽  
Population Immunity ◽  
Moral Arguments ◽  
Lower Population

The recent decrease in public confidence in the measles, mumps and rubella vaccine has important implications for individuals and public health. This article presents moral arguments relating to conflicts between individual autonomy and collective responsibilities in vaccination decisions with a view to informing and advising health professionals and improving the effectiveness of education policies in avoiding resurgence of endemic measles. Lower population immunity, due to falling uptake, is hastening the need for greater public awareness of the consequences for the population. Vaccination refusals go hand in hand with responsibilities owed to future generations and society in not knowingly contributing to preventable harms. Issues such as parents’ rights are considered and balanced against: collective responsibilities for public health; permissibility of ‘free-riding’; conflicting duties of health professionals; and possible enforcement of vaccination. It is suggested that the arguments may form a persuasive tool for the practice of health professionals involved in informing and supporting parents’ vaccination decisions.

scholarly journals Projektas DigitalPreservationEurope: bendradarbiavimo tobulinimas skaitmeninio išsaugojimo srityje

2007 ◽  
Vol 41 ◽  
pp. 25-32
Author(s):  
Jūratė Kuprienė ◽  
Marija Prokopčik
Keyword(s):  
Public Awareness ◽  
Academic Research ◽  
Digital Preservation ◽  
Digital Information ◽  
Long Run ◽  
Training Materials ◽  
First Results ◽  
Vilnius University ◽  
Commercial Organizations

Straipsnyje pristatomo Skaitmeninio išsaugojimo Europoje (DPE) projekto tikslas – skatinti Europoje vykdomų nacionalinių skaitmeninimo projektų ir iniciatyvų bendradarbiavimą ir sinergizmą. Medžiagos skaitmeninimo ir jos skaitmeniniu formatu išsaugojimo uždavinys yra pernelyg didelis ir sudėtingas, kad jį galėtų savarankiškai spręsti atskiros institucijos ar net sektoriai. Su sprendimų, kurių reikėtų skaitmeninei informacijai išsaugoti ir nuolatinei prieigai prie jos užtikrinti, paieškos problema susiduria valstybės sektorius, verslo įstaigos ir net privatūs asmenys. Būtini bendri nacionalinio ir tarptautinio masto veiksmai, kuriuos inicijuoja, koordinuoja ir pristato suinteresuotoms organizacijoms ir visuomenei kompetentingų institucijų konsorciumai, asociacijos, tinklai ir kitokios struktūros. Tai leistų tinkamai atspindėti ir tenkinti įvairių partnerių – kultūros, mokslo, švietimo, verslo institucijų poreikius. DPE vykdomas siekiant gerinti šiuo metu vykdomų skaitmeninės medžiagos išsaugojimo darbų koordinavimą, kooperavimąsi ir sklaidą.DigitalPreservationEurope: development of cooperation in the field of digital cooperationJūratė Kuprienė, Marija Prokopčik Summary Article deals with the project DigitalPreservationEurope (DPE) that aims at fostering collaboration and synergies between national projects and initiatives in Europe in the field of digital preservation and curation. The problem of developing solutions required for the preservation of and provision of continued access to digital information is one that is faced by public sector, commercial organizations and private individuals. There is a need to join national and international activities of expert consortiums, associations and networks that initiate necessary activities and approach, coordinate them and present results to all variety of stakeholders. Community-wide coordination will facilitate pooling of the expertise that exists across the academic, research, cultural, public administration and industry sectors in Europe.The authors present objectives and goals of the project, partner organisations, interaction with other projects and initiatives, first results of the project, namely creation and dissemination of DPE research roadmap in order to deliver a vision of digital preservation and curation, development of the DPE community that should cluster different types of partners, both individual and institutions, to create a framework of members. Faculty of Communication (Vilnius University) is responsible for development of a common training framework providing for a wide pool of practical skills and expertise in digital preservation, while allowing meeting local requirements. Creation of training materials and establishing of a data base of qualified trainers will lead to a certificate in Digital Preservation in future. This activity is based on the “Outline of training principles and objectives”. This deliverable presents structured survey of the area of digital preservation, in particular as regards topics of training and education.Digital preservation, curation and permanent Access are notions that convey commitment to warrant longterm access to digital materials. It means a need for long-term investments that will only pay dividends in long run. In this context DPE has to raise public awareness of digital preservation and its value. DPE’s success will help to secure a shared knowledge base of the processes, synergy of activity, systems and techniques needed for the long-term management of digital objects.

scholarly journals Membangun Kesadaran Global Warga Negara: Studi Kebijakan Publik Di Era Pandemi Covid 19

PERSPEKTIF ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 10 (1) ◽  
pp. 248-254
Author(s):  
Surya Dharma
Keyword(s):  
Citizen Participation ◽  
Public Awareness ◽  
Empirical Studies ◽  
Global Awareness ◽  
Literature Study ◽  
Rural Agriculture ◽  
The World ◽  
Global Problems ◽  
The Government ◽  
Academic Discourses

Currently the world is faced with various global problems that affect the lives of citizens both at the local and national levels. For example, how global warming affects rural agriculture. Forest burning that occurs in one area causes bad air in other areas and even crosses between countries. Likewise with the covid-19 virus pandemic which affects public health globally. These global problems can only be resolved collaboratively by involving all parties. As citizens, it is necessary to have awareness of the importance of caring, empathy and high solidarity with various global problems. This overall attitude is reflected in behavior that shows adherence to various policies issued by the government in an effort to prevent and resolve various global problems. This paper aims to identify, map and analyze various academic discourses from empirical studies regarding the relevance of public policies in the Covid-19 Pandemic era to the global awareness of citizens. The method used is literature study. The results show a synthesis that citizen participation in various policies related to the prevention and handling of the Covid-19 virus is highly dependent on public awareness as part of the global community.

Corporate tax disclosure on a CSR basis: a new reporting framework in the post-BEPS era

2019 ◽  
Vol 32 (7) ◽  
pp. 2167-2192 ◽  
Author(s):  
Marta De la Cuesta-González ◽  
Eva Pardo
Keyword(s):  
Public Awareness ◽  
Empirical Studies ◽  
Academic Research ◽  
Sustainability Reporting ◽  
Computer Assisted ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Corporate Tax ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Consensual Definition ◽  
Definition Of

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to explore the emerging discourse on corporate taxation from a corporate social responsibility perspective to develop a consensual definition of corporate tax responsibility (CTR) and to identify a set of indicators that firms should publicly communicate to their stakeholders as an accountability mechanism. Design/methodology/approach Data were obtained from semi-structured interviews with representatives of stakeholders closely related to taxation: tax authorities, companies, NGOs, tax advisors and academics. Based on a discourse analysis approach, data were coded and analyzed using computer-assisted qualitative data analysis software. Findings CTR is defined as the set of tax-related practices and policies that allow companies to pay a fair share of taxes as a function of the generated value in each jurisdiction in which they operate and to then publicly disclose them. Disclosure should cover disaggregated quantitative data and information on practices and policies. Originality/value Despite the wealth of research on sustainability reporting and increasing public awareness of tax aggressiveness and disclosure, academic research has not explored tax-responsible reporting. Moreover, no consensual definition of CTR has been formulated, and no indicators to properly account for responsible taxation have been identified. This paper contributes to filling these gaps by providing rich interview evidence regarding the nature of the emerging discourse on CTR reporting and a set of material indicators for CTR disclosure. This paper encourages researchers to foster the development of social accountability by engaging in future empirical studies of CTR.

scholarly journals Perceptions of anonymised data use and awareness of the NHS data opt-out amongst patients, carers and healthcare staff

2021 ◽  
Vol 7 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
C. Atkin ◽  
B. Crosby ◽  
K. Dunn ◽  
G. Price ◽  
E. Marston ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Data Sharing ◽  
Public Awareness ◽  
Data Use ◽  
Academic Research ◽  
Secondary Data ◽  
Data Access ◽  
Health Data ◽  
Healthcare Staff ◽  
Secondary Use ◽  
Opt Out

Abstract Background England operates a National Data Opt-Out (NDOO) for the secondary use of confidential health data for research and planning. We hypothesised that public awareness and support for the secondary use of health data and the NDOO would vary by participant demography and healthcare experience. We explored patient/public awareness and perceptions of secondary data use, grouping potential researchers into National Health Service (NHS), academia or commercial. We assessed awareness of the NDOO system amongst patients, carers, healthcare staff and the public. We co-developed recommendations to consider when sharing unconsented health data for research. Methods A patient and public engagement program, co-created and including patient and public workshops, questionnaires and discussion groups regarding anonymised health data use. Results There were 350 participants in total. Central concerns for health data use included unauthorised data re-use, the potential for discrimination and data sharing without patient benefit. 94% of respondents were happy for their data to be used for NHS research, 85% for academic research and 68% by health companies, but less than 50% for non-healthcare companies and opinions varied with demography and participant group. Questionnaires showed that knowledge of the NDOO was low, with 32% of all respondents, 53% of all NHS staff and 29% of all patients aware of the NDOO. Recommendations to guide unconsented secondary health data use included that health data use should benefit patients; data sharing decisions should involve patients/public. That data should remain in close proximity to health services with the principles of data minimisation applied. Further, that there should be transparency in secondary health data use, including publicly available lists of projects, summaries and benefits. Finally, organisations involved in data access decisions should participate in programmes to increase knowledge of the NDOO, to ensure public members were making informed choices about their own data. Conclusion The majority of participants in this study reported that the use of healthcare data for secondary purposes was acceptable when accessed by NHS. Academic and health-focused companies. However, awareness was limited, including of the NDOO. Further development of publicly-agreed recommendations for secondary health data use may improve both awareness and confidence in secondary health data use.

Is there a nocebo response that results from disease awareness campaigns and advertising in Australia, and can this effect be mitigated?

2018 ◽  
Vol 44 (9) ◽  
pp. 621-625 ◽  
Author(s):  
Stuart Benson ◽  
David Hunter
Keyword(s):  
Public Awareness ◽  
Individual Autonomy ◽  
Pharmaceutical Companies ◽  
Adverse Consequence ◽  
Disease Awareness ◽  
Awareness Campaigns ◽  
Direct To Consumer ◽  
Risks And Benefits ◽  
Direct To Consumer Advertising ◽  
Normal Health

Direct-to-consumer advertising is banned in Australia, and instead pharmaceutical companies use disease awareness campaigns as a strategy to raise public awareness of conditions for which the company produces a treatment. This practice has been justified by promoting individual autonomy and public health, but it has attracted criticism regarding medicalisation of normal health and ageing, and exaggeration of the severity of the condition in question, imbalanced reporting of risks and benefits, and damaging the patient–clinician relationship. While there are benefits of disease awareness promotion, there is another possible adverse consequence that has not yet been rigorously considered: the possibility of inducing a nocebo response via the campaign. We will discuss the creation of a nocebo response in this context.

scholarly journals Engaging and Empowering Parents of Children with Down Syndrome-The Role of Parents Support Group

2018 ◽  
Vol 17 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Asrul Abdul Wahab ◽  
Ezura Madiana Md. Monoto
Keyword(s):  
Down Syndrome ◽  
Support Group ◽  
Intervention Program ◽  
Public Awareness ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Individual Autonomy ◽  
Children With Down Syndrome ◽  
The Family ◽  
Role Of Parents ◽  
The Impact

Children with Down syndrome are known to have intellectual disability, developmental milestone delay and may also have associated medical conditions. Having a child with Down syndrome could be physically and emotionally challenging to the affected family members. The impact on a family can be multifaceted which can alter the family dynamics and harmony. Most parents felt inadequate with the information given by the healthcare providers. Parents support group plays an important role to support and provide information and resources to other parents of children with Down syndrome. The knowledge and experience on raising the children with Down syndrome are shared with the new parents. This includes the importance of Early Intervention Program (EIP), inclusive education, the benefits of People with Disability card, sharing success story of people with Down syndrome and providing emotional support to the family to boost their confidence and keeping up their positive spirit in raising their children, regardless of their religions and beliefs. Apart from that, we also organize and participate in activities to raise public awareness, advocating for the rights, inclusion and well being of people with Down syndrome, through social and mass media and annual celebration of World Down Syndrome Day on the 21st March. We promote the benefits of inclusive environment so that people with Down syndrome are able to enjoy full and equal rights on an equal basis with other people; enabling them to live, work and participate with confidence and individual autonomy, fully included in society alongside their friends and peers. As healthcare professionals and parents of a child with Down syndrome, we are sharing our own experiences in engaging with other parents of children with Down syndrome to understand the issues and concerns, sharing resources available around them and ways to support them throughout the journey of raising a child with Down syndrome.

Identifying Sources of Sulfate Aerosols Reaching Whiteface Mountain, NY

1985 ◽  
Vol 43 ◽  
pp. 98-101
Author(s):  
James S. Webber
Keyword(s):  
Trace Metals ◽  
Acid Deposition ◽  
Surface Waters ◽  
Dry Deposition ◽  
Coal Combustion ◽  
Public Awareness ◽  
Sulfate Aerosols ◽  
Wet And Dry Deposition ◽  
Whiteface Mountain ◽  
Toxic Trace Metals

INTRODUCTION“Acid rain” and “acid deposition” are terms no longer confined to the lexicon of atmospheric scientists and 1imnologists. Public awareness of and concern over this phenomenon, particularly as it affects acid-sensitive regions of North America, have increased dramatically in the last five years. Temperate ecosystems are suffering from decreased pH caused by acid deposition. Human health may be directly affected by respirable sulfates and by the increased solubility of toxic trace metals in acidified waters. Even man's monuments are deteriorating as airborne acids etch metal and stone features.Sulfates account for about two thirds of airborne acids with wet and dry deposition contributing equally to acids reaching surface waters or ground. The industrial Midwest is widely assumed to be the source of most sulfates reaching the acid-sensitive Northeast since S02 emitted as a byproduct of coal combustion in the Midwest dwarfs S02 emitted from all sources in the Northeast.

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