Search Results (615)

In the anti-immigrant national context of the first Trump administration, what motivated Latine immigrants in Texas to pursue naturalization? Based on 31 Spanish and English semi-structured interviews conducted during 2017–2019, we examine how lawful permanent residents’ (LPRs’) perceptions of contemporary immigration policy and their social rights affect their motivations to naturalize. Surprisingly, we find that although fear of deportation was an extremely common motivation, it was rarely the residents’ primary motivation. When asked why they wanted to naturalize, our respondents expressed four primary motivations grounded in their claims for social rights: proactive (gain the right to vote, benefit the group), pragmatic (expedite family reunification, access better jobs, benefit the individual), defensive (protect against deportation), and emotional (formalize a sense of belonging). Although 60 percent of interview subjects mentioned some defensive motivations, citing the current national and state political climate as hostile to immigrants, it was the least common primary motivation for naturalization; that is, they named another motivation first as their most important reason for naturalizing. The need to naturalize to protect their social rights in a shifting political context is a strong subtext to subjects’ narratives about why they choose to become citizens. Defensive motivations undergird all other motivations, but the national hostile climate is moderated by relatively positive local interactions with law enforcement and the larger community. Full article

The aim of this paper is to analyze how young people in Slovakia perceive individual attributes of quality of life and to highlight the positive correlation with ethical values acquired primarily through family upbringing and, significantly, through the national education system. Quality of life is understood as a multidimensional concept encompassing opportunities, fulfillment of human needs, and subjective well-being, including dimensions such as happiness and life satisfaction. These aspects are strongly influenced by ethical values, which are particularly shaped by compulsory ethics or religious education provided to children aged 6–15 within the Slovak national curriculum. To explore the link between ethically grounded education and perceived quality of life among youth, a questionnaire-based survey was conducted. The findings reveal significant correlations between ethical or religious education and various quality of life indicators, emphasizing the importance of ethical education in shaping socially responsible and value-oriented young citizens. This study contributes to understanding the cultural and educational context influencing youth perceptions of quality of life in Slovakia. Full article

In high-density and land-scarce urban environments such as Taipei—a typical example of compact development in East Asia—informal green spaces (IGSs)—defined as unmanaged or unplanned vegetated urban areas such as vacant lots, street verges, and railway margins—play a growing role in urban environmental and social dynamics. This study explores residents’ perceptions of IGSs and examines how these spaces contribute to urban sustainability and land governance. Using a mixed-methods approach that combines the literature review, field observations, and a structured public opinion survey in Taipei’s Wenshan District, the study identifies key perceived benefits and drawbacks of IGSs. Findings show that residents highly value IGSs for enhancing urban greenery, offering recreational opportunities, and promoting physical and mental health. However, concerns persist regarding safety, sanitation, and maintenance—particularly fears of waste accumulation, mosquito breeding, and risks to children. The results highlight the dual nature of IGSs as both vital ecological assets and potential sources of urban disorder. These insights underscore the need for inclusive, community-based governance models that can transform IGSs into legitimate components of green infrastructure. The study contributes to emerging discussions on adaptive urban land governance by proposing that informal spaces be strategically integrated into urban planning frameworks to enhance environmental equity, resilience, and citizen well-being. Full article

Questionnaire data plays a key role in social research, especially when evaluating public attitudes using Likert-type scales. Yet, traditional analyses often merge some ordinal categories and exclude responses such as Don’t Know, No Answer, or Refused—risking the loss of valuable information. This study introduces BS-TOSIE (Belief Structure-Based TOPSIS for Survey Item Evaluation), a novel method that preserves and integrates all response types, including ambiguous ones. By combining the Belief Structure framework with the TOPSIS (Technique for Order Preference by Similarity to Ideal Solution) method, BS-TOSIE offers a structured approach to ranking and evaluating individual survey items measured on an ordinal scale, even in the presence of missing or incomplete data. Response distributions are transformed into a belief structure vector, enabling comparison against ideal and anti-ideal benchmarks. We demonstrate this approach using data from the Quality of Life in European Cities survey to assess perceptions of local governance in European cities. This study analyzes changes in citizen satisfaction with local public administration across five key dimensions—timeliness, procedural clarity, fairness of fees, digital accessibility, and perceived corruption—in 83 European cities between 2019 and 2023. The findings reveal persistent regional disparities, with Northern and Western European cities consistently outperforming those in Southern and Eastern Europe, although some cities in Central Europe show signs of improvement. Zurich consistently received high satisfaction scores, while other cities, such as Rome and Palermo, showed lower scores. Unlike traditional methods, our approach preserves the full spectrum of responses, yielding more nuanced and interpretable insights. The results show that BS-TOSIE enhances both the clarity and depth of survey analysis, making a methodological contribution to the evaluation of ordinal data and offering empirical insights into public perceptions of local city administration. Full article

Cultural and ecological heritage is often an essential ingredient for sustainable urban and regional regeneration and needs to be properly managed for an environment-benign development. Many heritage-led areas in Europe, named here ‘cultural-ecological complexes’ (CECs), seek a sustainable, regenerative, and actionable strategy. Our study aims to identify successful CECs from the viewpoint of their transformative cultural potential, assessed through surveys among visitors and residents. The research focuses on the assessment of seven Cultural-Ecological Complexes (CECs) in Europe: Karlsborg (Sweden), Mark (Sweden), Larnaca (Cyprus), Basilicata (Italy), Huesca (Spain), Vojvodina (Serbia), and Sibiu (Romania/Moldova). The European areas under study are selected on the basis of their transformative cultural tourism profile and potential, with the aim of tracing a balanced, sustainable development and a positive regenerative or circular transition. Each CEC was analyzed based on its transformative cultural potential and sustainability impact using multivariate Data Envelopment Analysis (DEA). Each region under consideration comprises a set of ‘information agents’, in particular visitors and residents, who may be regarded as informal stakeholders providing crucial or decisive information and guidelines on the sustainability situation in the region and on ways to proceed to transformative cultural tourism. This novel approach is essentially a form of citizen-based or agent-based co-creation. In our study, empirical information on the perceptions, preferences, and involvement of such agents was collected through systematically structured and consistently administered surveys among hundreds of participants (visitors, residents, etc.) in seven CECs in Europe. The research methodology is based on a blend of multivariate statistics (in particular, Principal Component Analysis—PCA) and spatial efficiency analysis (using Data Envelopment Analysis—DEA). The agents in each region are conceived of as spatial decision-making units (DMUs) in a DEA framework. Our DEA assessment model contains a multiscalar structure organized in a cascadic and interactive form with two constituents, namely cultural-ecological areas (CECs) and place-based information agents. The findings from this novel Multivariate DEA provide generic directives for an enhancement of the cultural-ecological performance for CECs and offer quantitative information for place-based efficiency-improving strategies of CECs in various contexts. Full article

This study examines how climate citizens’ assemblies (CCAs) influence youth engagement, both in practice and in shaping perceptions of political “voice”, drawing on Albert O. Hirschman’s “Exit, Voice, and Loyalty” framework. Through qualitative analysis of 71 interviews, participatory workshops, and observational data across four cities—Barcelona, Bologna, Geneva, and Paris—it explores whether CCAs address youth climate activists’ demands, enable meaningful participation, and yield policy outcomes aligned with their claims. Findings reveal divergent perceptions: in Bologna, co-design with activists tended to foster trust, while Barcelona saw disillusionment due to unmet expectations. Geneva’s embedded deliberative processes strengthened institutional loyalty, whereas Paris faced skepticism as activists turned to civil disobedience. Overall, CCAs’ effectiveness hinges on inclusivity, follow-through, and communication; when perceived as tokenistic, they risk reinforcing disengagement (“exit”). The study underscores the need for embedded, responsive democratic innovations to sustain youth participation amid climate crises. Full article

The interactions between marine predators such as the Mediterranean monk seal (Monachus monachus) and fish farms have raised concerns regarding the potential environmental impacts of the industry on surrounding marine ecosystems. This study investigated the potential role of fish farm workers in monitoring marine biodiversity around aquaculture sites, comparing their potential involvement with that of other maritime workers. Interviews were conducted with maritime workers, including fish farm workers, in order to understand their perceptions of monk seal interactions with fish farms. The author also carried out direct data collection at fish farms to validate these perceptions. The results show a strong alignment between the workers’ perceptions and the data collected by the author on key parameters such as the presence, frequency, and seasonality of monk seals on fish farms. Furthermore, 75% of the 16 fish farm workers interviewed expressed no animosity toward monk seals. This underscores fish farm workers potential for involvement in monitoring initiatives and their understanding of monk seal interactions on fish farms. Given their constant presence at sea and proximity to key interaction zones, maritime workers are well-positioned to monitor environmental pressures and provide valuable data. With appropriate training, these workers could become valuable participants in targeted citizen science efforts, enhancing the public image of the aquaculture industry and advancing research on marine life in the vicinity of aquaculture installations. Full article

Green perception underlies pro-greenspace behavior, but external stimuli and behavior are not always aligned. Understanding how residents’ perceived external green stimuli influence pro-greenspace behavior, and how the “good citizen” image (face) shapes this relationship, is essential. The study aims to deepen the understanding of the complex mechanisms driving urban residents’ pro-greenspace behavior by constructing an extended Stimulus-Organism-Response theoretical framework (C-SOR) that includes contextual factors. Using data from a 2024 field survey of 959 residents from Shanghai, China, this study employs Ordinary Least Squares (OLS) regression to examine the main effect of green perception on pro-greenspace behavior. A mediation model is employed to analyze the mediating role of nature connectedness, while a moderation model tests the moderating effect of “good citizen” image (face) on the stimulus–behavior relationship. The results show that green perception significantly promotes pro-greenspace behavior, positively influencing it through nature connectedness. However, the “good citizen” image (face) exerts a motivational crowding-out effect on green perception. Further analysis reveals individual heterogeneity in the expression of these effects across different types of pro-greenspace behavior. The findings highlight the importance of green space experience and the activation of environmental wisdom in traditional culture, offering new perspectives for developing strategies to guide pro-greenspace behavior. Full article

Invasive, non-native species are recognised as a global problem, and their dispersal and introduction are controversial topics. However, a source of particular interest is that of human–nature interactions and consequent perceptions of natives and non-natives, an issue complicated by misunderstandings of history and sometimes of science. Furthermore, there are only few studies on the perceptions of exotic species by people living in a region subject to invasion. The research compared local stakeholder responses to a non-native invasive bird (ring-necked parakeet Psittacula krameri Scopoli) in two areas with contrasting scenarios regarding the history of establishment, their spread, and their current status. In both locations, parakeets were considered by respondents to be attractive, but where long-established, they were also viewed as a nuisance. Desire for or tolerance of active control measures also increased in areas with a well-established population in comparison to where parakeets were still viewed as a novelty. Increased encounters between native birds and invasive parakeets influenced attitudes towards possible controls. An online survey gathered stakeholder responses, and long-term citizen science and action research were combined with data from Local Environmental Records Centres and ornithological recording groups for each region. Full article

Air pollution is a major environmental and public health challenge, especially in urban areas where fine-grained air quality data are essential to effective interventions. Traditional monitoring networks, while accurate, often lack spatial resolution and public engagement. This study presents a novel wearable wireless sensor node (WSN) that was developed within the Horizon Europe SOCIO-BEE project to support air quality monitoring through citizen science (CS). The low-cost, body-mounted WSN measures NO₂, O₃, and PM_2.5. Three pilot campaigns were conducted in Ancona (Italy), Maroussi (Greece), and Zaragoza (Spain), and involved diverse user groups—seniors, commuters, and students, respectively. PM_2.5 sensor data were validated through two approaches: direct comparison with reference stations and spatial clustering analysis using K-means. The results show strong correlation with official PM_2.5 data (R² = 0.75), with an average absolute error of 0.54 µg/m³ and a statistical confidence interval of ±3.3 µg/m³. In Maroussi and Zaragoza, where no reference stations were available, the clustering approach yielded low intra-cluster coefficients of variation (CV = 0.50 ± 0.40 in Maroussi, CV = 0.28 ± 0.30 in Zaragoza), indicating that the measurements had high internal consistency and spatial homogeneity. Beyond technical validation, user engagement and perceptions were evaluated through pre-/post-campaign surveys. Across all pilots, over 70% of participants reported satisfaction with the system’s usability and inclusiveness. The findings demonstrate that wearable low-cost sensors, when supported by a structured engagement and data validation framework, can provide reliable, actionable air quality data, empowering citizens and informing evidence-based environmental policy. Full article

Citizen science (CS) has the potential to be a crucial tool to effectively address positive contributions in the global context of the challenges of change in our societies and environment. Recent research highlights the growth of CS in formal education, but little is known about scientists’ perceptions. This study investigated the perception of 170 faculty members from 32 Brazilian federal universities regarding public engagement across different stages of CS. We conducted a cross-sectional, descriptive study using a semi-structured questionnaire distributed via Google Forms and composed of 40 open and closed questions covering the sociodemographic, professional, and conceptual aspects of CS. The data were analyzed using descriptive statistics in Microsoft Excel^®, Likert-scale responses were processed in R (version 4.1.4), and qualitative perceptions were synthesized through a word cloud analysis. The results show that most participants were women, with significant representation from the humanities. CS is widely perceived by scientists as positive and educational, despite concerns about methodological and practical limitations. Future perspectives emphasize the importance of the adoption of standardized protocols and fostering collaborative projects, particularly involving quilombola and Indigenous communities. The recognition of volunteer contributions—through acknowledgements, nominal mentions, and co-authorship—is valued, as are training programs and data validation by professional scientists, which are strongly recommended. Although many faculty members believed that CS democratizes access to science, active participation among this group remains limited. This study concludes that although faculty shows a favorable attitude toward CS, practical challenges hinder broader participation. Future efforts should focus on fostering faculty engagement, implementing robust training and validation procedures, and developing inclusive, community-based research models. Full article

The quality of water and its impact on consumers’ health has been studied extensively, along with concerns surrounding the use of polyethylene terephthalate (PET) packaging. This research aimed to analyze consumer behavior regarding water consumption patterns, with a focus on sustainability, packaging preferences, and perceptions of drinking water quality. Two surveys, conducted in 2019 and 2024, used a 23-question structured questionnaire to assess the public willingness to prevent water waste in the context of the circular economy. The surveys addressed consumer identification, drinking water preferences, the awareness of alternative consumption methods, and the openness to sustainable solutions such as water filters. Key quantitative findings showed a 10.4% increase in the amount of bottled water purchased in a single trip and a 12.1% rise in the frequency of weekly purchases, particularly among women and younger consumers. Simultaneously, a 4% increase in the preference for PET packaging over glass raised concerns about environmental sustainability, while the preference for tap water dropped by 5%, correlated with a 4.2% decline in the perceived tap water quality. The brand preference also shifted notably, with Aqua Carpatica rising to 38% and Borsec declining from 37% to 16%, reflecting the influence of purity-focused marketing. The novelty of the approach lay in identifying emerging trends related to sustainability, health, and circular economy principles. A comparative analysis of Romanian citizens’ responses over time highlighted changing perceptions of water use and waste reduction. To support the analysis, 13 statistical indicators were evaluated, a Spearman correlation test was applied to 13 criteria, descriptive statistics were computed, and a t-test was conducted across eight hypotheses. Full article

The sustainable final disposal of high-level radioactive waste (HLW) remains an unresolved and highly controversially discussed issue, partly because of ecological, economic, and societal challenges and partly because of the risks the public associates with such disposal. Clearly, there will be little public acceptance of the project if citizens lack trust in responsible decision-makers and the site selection procedure. This endeavor will only be accepted if trust in the ongoing procedure is strengthened. We evaluated over 1800 comments from a German study (conducted in 2020) on the issue of final HLW disposal to answer the questions of how risk perceptions, trust, and acceptance are interrelated and what role other aspects, such as social values, play. By categorizing the comments, we obtained a different picture of opinions and identified the following needs circulating among the German population: the acceptance of a HLW repository or the site selection procedure depends particularly on the extent to which individual participants perceive the values of safety and fairness as fulfilled. When do they consider a repository safe, and when do they consider the procedure fair enough? The answers to these questions seem to depend strongly on the extent to which one’s own values are considered violated. The repository’s safety and the procedure’s fairness are essential. Moreover, instead on risks, respondents commented on safety. These concerns should be taken into account in the course of the site selection procedure to enable sustainable management and disposal of HLW. Full article

The increasing integration of artificial intelligence (AI) in digital ecosystems has reshaped privacy dynamics, particularly for young digital citizens navigating data-driven environments. This study explores evolving privacy concerns across three key stakeholder groups—young digital citizens, parents/educators, and AI professionals—and assesses differences in data ownership, trust, transparency, parental mediation, education, and risk–benefit perceptions. Employing a grounded theory methodology, this research synthesizes insights from key participants through structured surveys, qualitative interviews, and focus groups to identify distinct privacy expectations. Young digital citizens emphasized autonomy and digital agency, while parents and educators prioritized oversight and AI literacy. AI professionals focused on balancing ethical design with system performance. The analysis revealed significant gaps in transparency and digital literacy, underscoring the need for inclusive, stakeholder-driven privacy frameworks. Drawing on comparative thematic analysis, this study introduces the Privacy–Ethics Alignment in AI (PEA-AI) model, which conceptualizes privacy decision-making as a dynamic negotiation among stakeholders. By aligning empirical findings with governance implications, this research provides a scalable foundation for adaptive, youth-centered AI privacy governance. Full article

A representative sample of Maltese citizens (N = 384) was surveyed about their perception and attitude towards animal welfare and animal-friendly foods. Knowledge about animal welfare was self-evaluated as moderate (36%) or good (27%), and mass media (television, web and newspapers) were the primary information source (73%). Dairy cows were perceived as having the highest welfare (average rating 3 on a 1-to-5 scale), while conditions for broilers and pigs were perceived as more critical (average rating 2.7). Respondents consider animal welfare important (64%), the availability of welfare-friendly products in Malta limited (49%), and would support a national animal-friendly label (84%). Although 49% were willing to pay more for animal-friendly products, the accepted price increase was limited (increase below 10% for 37% of respondents, 20% were not willing to pay more and 27% were price-sensitive). Chi-squared analysis showed that the respondents’ profession impacted the support towards an animal welfare label (p < 0.01), with business operators being the least interested. Urban respondents were more critical toward farm animal welfare and more supportive of establishing a national welfare label than rural respondents (p < 0.05). The latter were less convinced that their choices can influence the welfare of farm animals (p < 0.01). Women were more willing to pay for welfare improvements than men (p < 0.01). These findings emphasize a significant concern for animal welfare among respondents, coupled with a moderate willingness to pay. The strong support for a national animal welfare label warrants the question as to whether transparent labelling would allow consumers to translate their sensibility into ethical purchasing behaviour. Full article