JOURNAL OF SOCIAL SCIENCES

POLITICAL ECONOMY OF FOOD SYSTEMS: AFRICA AND THE RUSSIA-UKRAINE WAR

Emmanuel Ndhlovu — Thu, 10 Apr 2025 00:00:00 +0000

This article examines the connection between political developments, economic structures, and food systems in Africa, focusing on the Russia-Ukraine war. The article explores how the prevailing political economy influences food production, distribution, and consumption, identifies the conduits through which the war impacted the food system value chain, and proposes how national and local governments can build resilient food systems capable of meeting the population’s food needs amidst crises. The findings show that the war affected Africa's food system mainly by disrupting the supply chain of commodities that Africa used to develop and sustain its food system. The war disrupted inputs, energy, and food products from Russia and Ukraine to African countries that depend on these countries for these commodities. The article also proposes response mechanisms to the impacts of the war and how African countries can navigate future disruptions and build resilient food systems capable of meeting the population’s food needs. The article could be exciting for politicians and policymakers working on food security, food sovereignty, and diplomatic issues.

THE ROLE OF THE CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY IN ECONOMIC GROWTH AND SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT

Stela Cucos, Rina Turcan — Thu, 10 Apr 2025 00:00:00 +0000

The construction industry is one of the determining driver of economic growth and sustainable development, particularly in developing economies, where it contributes significantly to GDP and employment creation. This study investigates the dual role of the sector as an economic engine and a sustainability agent, focusing on Moldova and the European Union. The research hypothesizes that integrating innovative technologies and circular economy principles can enhance the sector’s economic and environmental performance while addressing regional disparities. The study aims to analyse the sector's contributions to GDP, employment, and sustainability, identifying challenges and opportunities for improvement. Using a quantitative framework, the research assesses the contributions of construction activities to GDP formation in dynamics, including by country, sector-specific sustainable practices and activity structure. In this article such tools as linear regression, comparative analysis and cause-effect analysis are used in order to achieve the research aim. The findings reveal significant regional disparities, with stable growth in developed economies and higher volatility in developing countries, highlighting the impact of the construction sector on economic development. The findings emphasize the importance of specific policies geared towards increasing skills, keeping the workforce at home and mainstreaming sustainable practices. This research provides a clear vision of the construction industry's role in stimulating economic growth and promoting sustainable development through innovation and specific sustainable practices.

THE IMPACT OF AUTHORIZATION IN THE ASSESSMENT OF RISKS AND SAFETY MEASURES OF OVERSIZED TRANSPORT ACTIVITY

Nina Garstea — Thu, 10 Apr 2025 00:00:00 +0000

The article aims to analyze the regulations and regulatory framework regarding the authorization of oversized transport, highlighting their importance in ensuring road safety and protecting the infrastructure. It also assesses the risks associated with oversized transport and implement the necessary safety measures. A descriptive and analytical approach is used, examining the doctrine in conjunction with relevant national and international legislation in the field of oversized transport. The author analyzes researchers’views, national and international normative acts that regulate the road transport of oversized goods, the conditions necessary for obtaining special transport authorizations, and the specific risks associated with these operations. The study highlights that the authorization of oversized transport is essential for preventing accidents and protecting road infrastructure. Existing regulations impose strict requirements for obtaining the Special Transport Authorization (AST), including approvals from the competent authorities and compliance with specific technical conditions. It also emphasizes assessing risks such as damage to goods, road obstacles, adverse weather conditions and proper load handling. Implementing safety measures, such as the use of properly equipped escort vehicles, is crucial to reducing the risks associated with oversized transport.

EXPLORING GLOBAL BEST PRACTICES IN HIGHER EDUCATION FOR STUDENTS WITH DISABILITIES AND OPPORTUNITIES FOR MONGOLIA

Altantogos Myagmar, Erdenechimeg Gongor — Thu, 10 Apr 2025 00:00:00 +0000

The right of students with disabilities to higher education is a fundamental aspect of social development and an essential human rights issue addressed globally. It reflects the core principle of humanism, which emphasizes equality, providing equal opportunities, and treating all individuals as equals without discrimination. Ensuring the equal inclusion of students with disabilities in higher education not only guarantees the right to education but also promotes their professional and economic independence. It enhances self-confidence, improves quality of life, and boosts societal participation, ultimately contributing to increased productivity within the population. This is a crucial step toward fostering a more equitable and fair society, offering students the chance to succeed in any field they choose. However, in Mongolia, there remain numerous challenges to providing higher education to students with disabilities, including infrastructure accessibility, the capabilities of educational institutions, and the training of teachers and staff. The lack of advanced technological tools and specialized methods within the learning environment stands as a significant barrier. Globally, several countries have made significant strides in ensuring equal access to education for students with disabilities. The United States, European Union, and Japan have introduced comprehensive laws, policies, support services, and cutting-edge technological solutions to facilitate greater access to education for people with disabilities. By adapting and implementing these practices in Mongolia, we can make substantial progress toward creating a more inclusive and equitable education system.

IDENTIFYING REASONS FOR STUDENTS LEARNING ACTIVITY IN VOCATIONAL TECHNICAL EDUCATION

Vasile Plămădeală, Olga Sugac, Vladimir Goian — Thu, 10 Apr 2025 00:00:00 +0000

The fundamental changes taking place in socio-economic life, both in the country and abroad in recent years, have required a revision of priorities in the system of training engineering personnel and have identified one of the most important goals of a higher technical school – the preparation of the future engineer for independent professional and creative activity, as a necessary condition for the formation of the student's personality, motivated by the creative realization of personal potential, professional skills and abilities. Among the psychological and pedagogical problems of higher education, the most significant is the problem of developing the educational motivation of students, since a high level of educational motivation is one of the most effective means of increasing the efficiency and quality of the educational process. The article includes theoretical and empirical research focused on learning motivation among students of the study programs of Engineering and Management in Transport and Automotive Transport Engineering within the Faculty of Mechanical, Industrial and Transport Engineering of the Technical University of Moldova, identifying the specifics of the dominant learning motivation depending on the year and study program, determining students' attitude towards the objects of the curriculum from the perspective of interest, importance and understanding, and establishing the factors influencing students' learning motivation.

WORK PERFORMANCE OF EMPLOYEES IN A CONGOLESE PUBLIC ESTABLISHMENT AND ITS DETERMINANTS

Jonathan Enguta Mwenzi, Sosthène Bokebe Iyeti, Giscard Mpangi Moseseli — Thu, 10 Apr 2025 00:00:00 +0000

The aim of this study was to evaluate the work performance of employees of a Congolese public institution (in this case, the Caisse Nationale de Sécurité Sociale), and to assess the factors that might explain this performance. It was based on the following three hypotheses: (1) Caisse Nationale de Sécurité Sociale employees would perform well at work; (2) sociodemographic variables and career characteristics would significantly explain the performance of these employees; (3) career characteristics would be more decisive in the performance of these employees than sociodemographic factors. To test these hypotheses, an individual work performance scale was administered to a non-probabilistic sample of 93 general management employees at the above-mentioned establishment. Overall, the results confirmed our hypotheses. In other words, employees of this establishment perform well at work, and their performance is explained by both sociodemographic and career factors. In terms of socio-demographic factors, only the variables gender and age influenced one of the five dimensions of job performance.

A RETROSPECTIVE ANALYSIS OF NUTRITIONAL SECURITY IN THE REPUBLIC OF MOLDOVA

Rodica Siminiuc, Dinu Țurcanu, Sergiu Siminiuc — Thu, 10 Apr 2025 00:00:00 +0000

Nutritional security is crucial for public health in Moldova, a country facing a dual burden of malnutrition - undernutrition alongside rising obesity and non-communicable diseases (NCDs). Despite progress in food availability, challenges in dietary quality and health outcomes remain. This study evaluates Moldova's nutritional profile using national and international data. The main goal is to assess the current state of nutritional security in Moldova, identify policy and data gaps, and propose recommendations to improve dietary quality and combat NCDs through effective policies and data-driven actions. A systematic review of reports from international organizations, such as the Global Nutrition Report (GNR) and The State of Food Security and Nutrition in the World (SOFI), as well as national policy documents, was conducted for the period 2015–2024. Key indicators such as food insecurity, obesity, anemia, and micronutrient deficiencies were analyzed. The effectiveness of national programs like the National Program in the Field of Food and Nutrition (2014–2020) was also assessed. Moldova shows high rates of food insecurity (24.7%), anemia in women (26.1%), and obesity (23.0% in 2022). Fragmented data and the lack of a centralized monitoring system hinder progress. Addressing Moldova's nutritional challenges requires a centralized monitoring system, improved data collection, and a comprehensive national nutrition strategy aligned with global standards.

BEYOND THE MOUNTAINS: UNVEILING THE EASE OF LIVING IN THE HIMALAYAN STATE OF UTTARAKHAND IN INDIA

Piyoosh Rautela, Meenakshi Bist, Deepshikha Rawat Bhatt — Thu, 10 Apr 2025 00:00:00 +0000

This paper challenges the conventional equation of economic prosperity with human well-being and explores alternative parameters for assessing the ease of living in the Himalayan state of Uttarakhand in India. Recognizing the limitations of relying solely on economic indicators like GDP, the study examines access to basic amenities and public services across different districts of the state. Contrary to the prevailing narrative of "lack of facilities" driving out-migration from the mountainous districts, the analysis reveals that these regions may offer a comparable, if not superior, quality of life in certain aspects, particularly concerning healthcare and infant mortality rates. This finding underscores the need for a more holistic approach to development that prioritizes human well-being in its entirety, encompassing access to healthcare, education, transportation, and essential infrastructure. By examining well-being indicators beyond economic metrics, this research aims to unveil a more nuanced understanding of the ease of living in Uttarakhand and inform policy decisions that promote sustainable development, reduce out-migration pressures, and improve the quality of life for all residents, ultimately contributing to a more balanced and equitable society.

CLIMATE CHANGE-RELATED DISASTERS AND RISK REDUCTION THROUGH INDIGENOUS KNOWLEDGE APPROACHES IN OSUN STATE, NIGERIA

Thu, 10 Apr 2025 00:00:00 +0000

This study focuses on people's risk reduction techniques in response to emerging disasters due to the constantly changing climatic conditions. Library and Archival data on disaster episodes in Osun State were sourced from selected libraries in Tertiary Institutions in the State. The study focused on communities with unique indigenous techniques and a history of consistent use for disaster management and risk reduction within the State. The study utilized an interviewing technique to gather and record participants' past experiences, followed by content analysis and an ethnographic summary of the gathered data. The study identified the type of disasters experienced in the study settings within the state. This included those originating from solid earth (geophysical), those caused by the occurrence, movement, and distribution of water on earth (hydrological), climate inclined like droughts and wildfires, weather conditions such as storms (meteorological) as well as those caused by exposure to living organisms and their toxic substances or diseases such as disease epidemics (biological). The study proved that indigenous knowledge systems are effective in helping communities manage and reduce the risk of disasters. This, in turn, explained why it was consistently used to avert calamities and alleviate their effects whenever they did occur.

SOCIAL INTEGRATION ISSUES OF YOUNG PEOPLE LEAVING THE RESIDENTIAL CARE SYSTEM

Viorica Matas — Thu, 10 Apr 2025 00:00:00 +0000

Annually, hundreds of young people leave the residential care system, and many of them struggle to integrate socially, often becoming part of deviant or marginalized groups. The aim of the study was to identify the difficulties faced by young people when leaving residential care, in order to determine the social services needed to overcome these challenges. The research methods used were sociological surveys based on questionnaires and focus-group discussions with young people who had left the care system. The difficulties mentioned by young people when leaving the residential care system included: lack of housing, limited financial resources, difficulties in continuing their studies, challenges in finding a job, difficulties accessing medical services, lack of residence permits, and lack of emotional support. Facilitating the social integration process for young people from the care system requires intervention on multiple fronts, including: adapting activities in residential institutions with a greater focus on preparing young people for leaving the system; designating support persons for young people, who would facilitate the social integration process; strengthening cooperation between residential institutions and medical, educational, and employment institutions to ease the transition to independent life for young people; and amending the regulatory framework by diversifying social services that would offer support and foster the successful integration of young people.

CHALLENGES OF EMPOWERING LOCAL COMMUNITY: THE CASE OF ADDIS ABABA POLICE COMMISSION

Dawit Habetegabrael — Thu, 10 Apr 2025 00:00:00 +0000

This study probes the challenges to implement the strategies of community policing in empowering the community at Ketena 09, Addis Ketema Sub city. The sub city was selected after a comparison was made among the eleven sub-cities of police in the metro Politian. To make the comparison objective, the study used the crime statics reported in the past three years. Qualitative method was the strategy employed to meaning data from in-depth interview solicited from 22 key informants selected based on the eligibility criteria. Six residents, seven members of the ketene advisory council, and nine police officers were finally identified. Data gathered from in-depth interviews were analyzed thematically. The findings indicate that the community olicing structure begins from family police at the grass roots level and hieratically grows to block and ketene council. The challenges are misusing the community policing philosophies for political gain, labeling and silencing critical voices, misusage of power and disempowering the lower structure where the police are there to deliver services. The study recommends the government officials, police chiefs, and community policing boards to review the policies, operational procedures, and structural arrangements and develop research informed frameworks to free the implementation from unnecessary grounds and political influences.

THE TRIAL OF GALILEO GALILEI BY THE ROMAN INQUISITION: A COMPREHENSIVE OVERVIEW

Lino Bianco — Thu, 10 Apr 2025 00:00:00 +0000

One of the most famous trials in world history is that of the Florentine scientist Galileo Galilei in front of the Roman Inquisition. Based on historical sources, this article presents a comprehensive overview of the 1633 trial, the roots of which dated to Galileo’s 1613 publication on sunspots. It culminated with his publication of the Dialogue concerning the two chief world systems, Ptolemaic and Copernican. Although condemned by the Inquisition to imprisonment for an indefinite period, his sentence was commuted to house arrest until death.

THE LEGAL NATURE OF SINGLE-MEMBER LIMITED LIABILITY COMPANIES: A COMPARATIVE ANALYSIS OF NATIONAL AND EUROPEAN LAW

Ina Bostan — Thu, 10 Apr 2025 00:00:00 +0000

The limited liability company with a sole partner has generated significant doctrinal controversies ever since its consecration in legislation, being perceived as an exception, both in the context of the institution of the legal person in general, and of the commercial company in particular. This paper aims to analyze in detail the legal nature of this corporate form, in the light of the national and the European legislation, or, although it represents a genuine limited liability company, its legal regime requires a distinct approach. Thus, the analysis focuses on the way in which the legislator has adapted the European normative framework to reflect the specificity of sole personality, highlighting the particular regulations regarding the establishment and operation of the limited liability company with a sole partner. Also, the paper explores the interferences between these regulations and the general rules which can be applied to commercial companies, thus emphasizing their contribution to the understanding of the legal regime of the limited liability company with a single partner, considering the growing relevance of these companies in the national and European economic landscape.