Formation of Environmental Identity in Germany and Italy: Actors and Best Practices

One of the important components of environmental policy in recent years is the formation of environmental identity. This article analyzes the German and Italian practices of ecological identity formation, identifies the actors of such a policy, and evaluates the prospects of ecological identity formation in the European Union. Based on case studies and in-depth interviews, the author describes the experience of implementing the Zero Waste concept in the Italian municipality of Capannori and the coastal German city of Kiel. The conclusion that the success of measures to form an environmental identity is influenced by the nature of political culture, the level of economic development, regional development features, but also by targeted environmental education initiatives and the success of grassroots practices in the environmental sphere, is substantiated. As the research has shown, in promoting eco-practices at the local level in Italy the leadership factor plays a large role, including in the framework of protest eco-activism, in Germany ‒ the self-organization of local communities in cooperation with the city authorities. The politicization of environmental identity contributes to the consolidation of citizens around environmental priorities. However, factors such as generation gaps and uneven regional development, as well as the rise of populism, can contribute to deepening divisions and confrontations around the environmental agenda.

Understanding Generation Gaps in LGBTQ+ Communities: Perspectives About Gay Neighborhoods Among Heteronormative and Homonormative Generational Cohorts

Using Strauss-Howe generational theory as a guiding structure, this chapter examines differences between generational identity for LGBTQ+ individuals compared to heteronormative generational identity. We theorize that LGBTQ+ individuals may identify with two generational cohorts—one defined by birth year and a second related to “coming of age” as a sexual minority. A case study examining the lifespan of four LGBTQ+ celebrity personalities demonstrates the concept of generational layering. We argue “generational layering” affects various aspects of LGBTQ+ life, including connection to place as reflected in attitudes of LGBTQ+ people regarding gay neighborhoods. The chapter concludes with five takeaway messages that clarify the relationship between LGTBQ+ people, the generational cohorts to which they belong and with which they identify, and the attitudes of various LGBTQ+ generational cohorts toward gay neighborhoods.

Research on cold start and new data evaluation method influence on RDE test for light-duty vehicles

The Real Driving Emission test (RDE) required in China 6 regulation (GB 18352.6-2016) followed the EU 6 regulation (EC 2016/646), where cold start is excluded in emission calculation. Since cold start is an important stage of pollutant formation, the European Union had developed further requirements for cold start in EU 6 regulation (EC 2017/1154 and EC 2018/1832), which created generation gaps between China 6 and EU 6 RDE test requirements. This work is based on real RDE tests on public road and repetition tests on Chassis dynamometer with relevant cold start requirements of EC 2017/1154 described and demonstrated, the data evaluation method difference between China 6 regulation including cold start and new requirements in EC 2018/1832 are compared, and the following cold start requirements of China 6 RDE regulation is discussed and proposed.

Supporting Workforce Wisdom in a Global Economy

An aging workforce brings unique challenges and opportunities, requiring an understanding of how different age groups approach the workplace and employ thoughtful strategies to bridge generation gaps. It is crucial to identify wisdom held by experienced workers and develop strategies for passing knowledge on to less experienced employees. Training mature workers for the 21st century workplace is important; however, helping all employees to unlearn outdated processes or beliefs is equally vital to ensure growth and innovation. Organizations need to foster a climate of acceptance and appreciation for all workers and their contributions regardless of age. Workplace policies and procedures should be reviewed and updated to ensure no bias against mature workers is present. Community and public resources can be accessed to train and support mature workers as well. Recognizing the element of wisdom in the workforce and learning how to leverage that wisdom is key to success in the knowledge economy.

Perceptions of Residents among Rural Communities with Medical Group Practice in Japan

Elucidating the perceptions of residents regarding medical group practice (GP) among rural communities (GP-R) in Japan will be useful for establishing this system in such communities. A survey by questionnaire, as made by experts in rural health, was conducted in 2017. The self-administered questionnaire inquired about the perceptions of residents for accepting the GP-R into the community’s healthcare using seven major elements of GP-R. The questionnaire was randomly distributed to 400 adult residents who lived in rural communities with a recently launched GP and had access to clinics within the communities. Among the 321 respondents, comparisons were made between younger (≤sixties) and older (≥seventies) residents, and a stepwise multiple regression analysis was performed to extract the factors influencing acceptance of the GP-R system. The results showed that older residents had a greater disapprove of being treated by different physicians daily or weekly in clinics (p < 0.001) and the use of telemedicine (p < 0.001) compared with younger residents. Younger residents showed a greater disapproval of clinics closing on weekdays than older residents (p = 0.007). Among all respondents, regardless of age groups, over half of residents approved of the involvement of nurse practitioners in the GP-R. Living with family and children was also extracted as an independent factor influencing a positive perception of the GP-R. These data suggest that the promotion of GP-R should consider generation gaps in the approach to medical practice as well as the family structures of residents. The involvement of nurse practitioners can also encourage the acceptance of GP-R in Japan.

Digital Technologies in Education: History, Problems and Opportunities

The universal expansion of digital technologies had an impact on the educational system, too. Schools and higher education institutions have a vital need to reorganize themselves and apply new technologies efficiently. At the same time, this process entails a number of challenges. This paper is devoted to studying the influence of digital technologies on the educational process. It dwells on two main issues: 1) what the features of educational process changes under the influence of technologies and the main stages of its evolution are; 2) what opportunities and problems are generated by active implementation of digital technologies in education. The methodology foundation of the research is comprised of a series of methods (analysis, synthesis and more) and approaches (systemic, conceptual and discursive). Three periods of technological integration are identified: 1) pre-digital, 2) implementation of personal computers, 3) Internet era; their specific features are analyzed. It is established that inflated social expectations were not always met with the implementation of each new technology. Actual use of devices was low, while teachers did not fully master the new tools. Technological changes outlined in the paper led to generation gaps and a change of philosophical and pedagogical approaches, whereas connectivism is gaining popularity nowadays. It is established that despite a number of opportunities provided by digital technologies in education (flexibility, inclusion and personalization), a series of problems emerges (inequality, confidentiality, safety), as well as some technical and socio-psychological challenges. A conclusion is made that the teacher’s figure cannot yet become a thing of the past and digital technologies are best used as a supplement to regular learning, not its replacement.

The importance of information access of cultural values to the principles of sustainable development in climate change

Purpose This is a methodological proposal that describes the access to information as a starting point, and the importance of access to information as the backbone for the values of investment with the notion of culture as shared beliefs, supported by information to communicate and provide awareness about issues related to environmental policy that is consistent with sustainable development. Data collection is done from census data of Cikarawang population, observation and in-depth interviews with informants of community leaders. Constructive theory constructs to identify the diversity of existing construction of and placing in the consensus. The goal of this methodology is to produce an informed and knowledgeable construction of, which simultaneously improving continuously. Constructivists do not intend to predict and control the real world and divert it but to reconstruct the world at the point of its existence: in the mind of the people of the community in Cikarawang village. The view of the importance of cultural institutions and traditional knowledge should not be ignored in reaching the target of practical dissemination of information regarding environmental policy should be conducted for further study the model of and the model for the construction of the constructed. The use of application in documenting myths and rituals of Cikarawang people is enabling the access of information of the people in learning the culture and language of Cikarawang. Moreover, it is the way to reach the goal of sustainable environment for the next generations. Design/methodology/approach The goal of this methodology is to produce an informed and knowledgeable construction of, which simultaneously improved continuously. Constructivists do not intend to predict and control the real world and divert it but to reconstruct the world at the point of its existence: in the mind of the constructor. In the process related to two aspects, : hermeneutic and dialectical. Aspects of individual construction of hermeneutic describe as compare and contrast to the dialectical aspects of individual construction of, so that each respondent was entered into the construction of another and entirely fused. Findings The access of information on asri to face global warming is to demonstrate the hybridity and syncretism of this everyday locality and to show how this global sense of place is a progressive sense of place which avoids defensive and exclusionary definitions of place and culture because they cannot be sustained in a world where understanding a place means understanding its connection to other places. However, the youths of Cikarawang are likely to self-identify, as liberals are also more supportive of progressive domestic social agenda than older generations. They are less overtly religious than the older generations. Research limitations/implications The access of information, is about trying to establish the existence of the collectivity by defining what makes it a community – isolating national characteristics, defining crucial historical moments or significant places. None of these implies that these meanings can be fixed. There might be useful to think of nations as projects which are never fully achieved. There are always alternative accounts which are being given, and alternative interpretations being made from different positions. Climate information needs to be made in accordance with the local context and activities of both of the content, format, timing and distribution (dissemination). Practical implications The undetermined that perceived lack of locals trying to understand the information about weather and climate change are delivered by using technology need to engage their participation to identify and develop adaptation and mitigation strategies. Knowledge about the weather and how to overcome it is also myths about the environment containing taboo and prohibition as well as the annual harvest ritual. Digital technology using application is the nearest object to individual youngsters to access information openly and individually. Access of information using apps and internet is bridging the issues of climate change, myths and rituals about environment, and generation gaps. Social implications The behavior of young people of Generation X are not heeding the ban in the experience of their ancestors. It is not only because of their belief in myth depleted but also in the absence of respected elders. Person figures which are respected as wise men or local leaders to be role models. In the past, knowledge and cultural information are presented, preserved, generated down to future generations. Nowadays, information about climate, weather, cultural knowledge in agriculture, irrigation, daily life, ritual, myth, and kinship is no longer simply rely on figures but the media that they believe in. Originality/value It is an interdisciplinary research of global knowledge, memory and communication. Digital technology-based application as the system to support access of information and the effort of documentation on community myths and rituals of remote people may affect on sustainable local wisdoms which protect and sustain the environment to be inherited to next generations. Web, private social networks, wikis and blogs are becoming important corporate tools for communication, collaboration and information-sharing. It is a way of young people in this Generation X most familiar in such as interactive, collaborative, managing knowledge, and managing global system and bridging generation gaps.