OJS (University of Applied Sciences Velika Gorica)
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Food security in the context of environmental risks: Public perception assessment
No full textFactors such as climate change, changes in plant and animal life, and the spread of diseases have an increasing impact on food production, which can lead to serious consequences for food security. The paper explores the complex issues of food security in relation to environmental impacts and associated risks. Through an analysis of various environmental challenges, such as climate change and environmental pollution, the paper explores the associated risks and potential consequences for food systems. Additionally, it investigates the increased risks of disease spread, contamination of food by chemicals and microorganisms, and the depletion of essential resources for food production. Furthermore, this paper presents the outcomes of a survey aimed at understanding and analyzing public perceptions of food security within the context of environmental risks. Through the analysis of citizens' perceptions, it investigates how people perceive these risks and what their attitudes and concerns are. According to the research results, the majority of respondents are aware of environmental pollution and its impact on food security. Almost all respondents believe that environmental risks affect food security, and that pollution affects food quality, with almost 50% of respondents changing their food and beverage consumption habits due to concerns about environmental risks and noticing changes in the quality and availability of certain foods
Data breach: Risk analysis, implications on workers and business entities
No full textData breaches pose an increasing challenge for modern organizations, not only due to potential data losses but also because of the broader spectrum of implications they can have on workers and business entities. It is believed that data breaches can result in not only the loss of sensitive information but also serious consequences for the health and lives of workers. Through various security breach incidents, such as hacking, identity theft, or unauthorized data access, workers may be exposed to various risks. In cases of theft of medical data or financial information, workers can become victims of identity theft or misuse of their data, leading to serious privacy issues and financial losses. Additionally, data breaches can also cause material damage to business entities. This may include the loss of intellectual property, financial losses due to data theft, or service cancellations due to attacks on network infrastructure. For example, cyber-attacks resulting in work interruptions or service cancellations can have a significant impact on a company's financial performance and reputation in the market. To understand the implications of data breaches, it is essential to analyze various factors that influence these incidents. This includes the number of employees in the organization, the educational level of employees, the age structure of the workforce, and the time required to implement security measures and update data protection information. Through the analysis of these factors, potential risks can be identified, and strategies can be determined to minimize the harmful consequences of data breaches. Preventive measures play a crucial role in protecting organizations from data breaches. This includes the implementation of security policies and procedures, regular security system checks, employee training on the importance of data security, and the use of advanced technological solutions for detecting and preventing attacks. It is also important to have a crisis plan for responding to security incidents to minimize damage and ensure quick recovery. Taking all these factors into account, organizations can improve their security practices and reduce the risk of data breaches. Through risk analysis and identification of potential implications, organizations can develop effective strategies to protect their data and ensure the security and integrity of their workers and businesses. This research aims to provide insight into the complexity of data breaches and identify best practices for overcoming them
Analysis of the deradicalization program in the French Republic
Get PDFIn the Republic of France, dealing with the issue of radicalization and deradicalization is relatively recent. In French deradicalization programs, a highly centralized approach was applied with a large role of the government and a very small role of civil society. Also, deradicalization programs are structured and clearly set at the state level. The main aim of this paper is to analyze how the deradicalization programs was thought out and implemented in the Republic of France, as well as the results and success of these programs. It can be concluded that the deradicalization programs in France have their shortcomings and there are no clearly established criteria by which to evaluate the program and, if necessary, modify them to make them more successful. The research methods used in the work are deductive method, analysis method, descriptive method and case study method
Civil protection measures in adverse weather conditions
Get PDFThe organized operation of the civil protection system occupies an increasingly important place in timely response and strengthening of preparedness for the risks that surround us. Acknowledging the fact of increasingly frequent weather extremes caused by climate change, it is necessary to analyze the possibilities of response of the local self-government unit to extraordinary events caused by unfavorable hydrometeorological conditions. This professional work is based on the activities carried out and information on the procedures in the actual event collected from the head of the civil protection staff as well as the valid planning documents of the local self-government unit in the field of protection and rescue. The analysis of events will show two situations of a simultaneous extraordinary event during 2023, in the area of two neighboring local self-government units, and their reaction through the organized action of the civil protection system. The observed units of local self-government are the City of Obrovac and the Municipality of Gračac, and apart from being territorially located in the northeastern part of Zadar County, they also share similar hydrometeorological phenomena as well as traffic characteristics of connections with other road routes that are essential for the mutual connection of the northern and southern parts of the Republic of Croatia. The description of the event is related to the occurrence of snowfall accompanied by stormy winds, which temporarily prevented further traffic for all vehicles on the A1 highway in both directions. Unfortunately, such an occurrence is not rare, and traffic in such cases is diverted to the roads that pass throughthese two local self-government units, which is the usual procedure in such situations. An extraordinary event for these two local self-government units occurs when weather conditions prevent the further movement of vehicles in the area, and it is necessary to organize a shelter in a short time and take care of a large number of stranded passengers. The implementation of civil protection measures in unfavorable hydrometeorological conditions is preceded by numerous activities of the coordinated action of the civil protection system in such situations, and they include the activation of the civil protection headquarters, the engagement of basic and reserve operational forces, volunteers, legal entities of importance for the civil protection system as well as the local residents. In addition to manpower, it is also necessary to organize infrastructure, i.e. heated space, hot drinks, food, medicine, etc. In order to use the lessons learned in the extraordinary events that are the subject of this work, the final result will be a proposal to improve preventive activities by determining the time limit for the execution of certain activities by legal entities responsible for cleaning and maintaining roads at the local level, with expanded cooperation with all stakeholders involved in ensuring the safety of citizens, travelers and tourists. 
Renewable energy sources as a measure to mitigate climate change
No full textU posljednje vrijeme javilo se dosta problema u sektoru energetike zbog posljedica klimatskih promjena. Prije svega se tu misli na smanjenje proizvodnje električne energije u hidroelektranama zbog promjene vremenske raspodjele godišnje količine padavina, zatim na povećanje potrošnje električne energije radi potreba za hlađenjem, jer srednje temperature zraka i dalje imaju svoj trend rasta. Također, oštećenja energetskih postrojenja i infrastrukture zbog ekstremnih vremenskih događaja poput pucanja leda, poplava i slično su mogući scenariji u svijetu, kao i još mnogi problemi koji mogu nastati zbog posljedica klimatskih promjena. Jedan od najvećih uzročnika klimatskih poremećaja konkretno porasta globalnih temperatura je sve veća prisutnost stakleničkih plinova u atmosferi koji najčešće nastaju sagorijevanjem fosilnih goriva. Kako bi smanjili emisiju tih štetnih plinova i time ograničili globalno zagrijavanje i poboljšali kvalitet okolnog zraka, jedno od mogućih rješenja koje se nameće jeste sve veće korištenje i primjena obnovljivih izvora energije. Ovakav vid energije donosi sa sobom veliki set prednosti po pitanju očuvanja okoliša, a samim time i smanjenje emisije štetnih plinova koji u velikoj mjeri utiču na globalno zagrijavanje. Prema tome, u ovom radu će se govoriti o raznim benefitima korištenja energije iz obnovljivih izvora koji se smatraju jednim od glavnih oslonaca ka dekarbonizaciji, a sve u cilju ublažavanja klimatskih promjena
Sustainable tourism in protected areas
No full textThroughout history, various geological changes took place, after which natural beauties were created. Unfortunately, due to human activity, much of the uniqueness and richness of nature has diminished over time. Part of the priceless natural wealth was thus lost, and it was realized that the irrational use of natural resources can cause irreversible changes and thus irreparable damage to man. We are becoming aware that nature conservation and tourism must not be rivals, but our primary goal must be global awareness of nature conservation. Due to their exceptional beauty and uniqueness, certain areas of nature must be protected and preserved. However, if we want to protect them and at the same time enable long-term management of tourism in these areas, it is necessary to implement sustainable tourism that will fully consider its current and future economic, social and environmental impact and meet the needs of visitors, industry, the environment and host communities. The concept of sustainable development is emerging as a response to the extremely rapid growth of the world's population. Growing disparities in socioeconomic development and rapid environmental degradation led to sustainable development at the beginning of the 1990s. It is defined as a form of development that meets the needs of present generations without endangering the equal opportunities of future generations. We can reduce the negative impacts of tourism on natural beauty by developing sustainable and socially responsible tourism. For the quality implementation of sustainable tourism in protected areas, it is necessary to strategically plan and implement various activities and a visitor management model. In the paper, this model is shown on the example of the Dubravica Special Botanical Reserve, which was almost destroyed at the beginning of this millennium, but managed to be preserved thanks to the efforts and work of the Public Institute and the local community. Therefore, it is necessary to work on preservation in the future as this protected area has become part of the identity and symbol of the destination. The paper used methods of description and interpretation whose data were found in scientific literature. However, qualitative research, i.e. a semi-structured interview with an expert in the field of nature protection, was used to investigate the specific example. In short, for the successful development of sustainable tourism in protected areas, it is necessary to set threshold values for acceptable changes, to determine the instruments of nature protection and sustainable development, as well as to determine conservation areas and regimes for conservation goals. In addition, it is necessary to establish interactive strategic networks, a visitor management model, but also to analyze possible problems and monitor activities and management efficiency
Challenges of crisis management in educational institutions of the Republic of Croatia
Get PDFIn recent years, educational institutions in Croatia have increasingly encountered various crises, sparking heightened concerns among stakeholders, particularly institution principals, regarding the challenges of crisis management. This paper presents the findings of a qualitative research study that delved into the perspectives of stakeholders within educational institutions regarding crisis management and crisis communication, conducted through interviews. The research aimed to elucidate the characteristics of crisis situations, as well as the potential and constraints associated with implementing crisis management and crisis communication strategies in Croatian educational institutions. The results of the study indicate that the current crisis management system is inefficient. While certain protocols and regulations exist at the national level for addressing specific crisis situations, their implementation and effectiveness largely hinge on institutional leadership. Consequently, while opportunities for implementing crisis management strategies in educational institutions have been identified, various limitations have also been acknowledged.
INTRODUCTION
Crisis is a concept encountered almost daily, manifesting in various forms and yielding diverse consequences. Successfully navigating and responding to different types of crises hinges on effective crisis management systems. Such systems encompass a series of activities geared towards preventing crises, managing them effectively, and ultimately facilitating recovery. The efficacy of crisis management is contingent upon an understanding of key crisis characteristics, including threat, urgency, and uncertainty. According to numerous authors, crisis communication plays a pivotal role in crisis resolution. Inevitable in crisis situations, crisis communication can be proactive or reactive. Beyond crisis resolution, effective crisis communication can bolster an organization's reputation. Despite being perceived as sanctuaries, educational institutions have demonstrated vulnerability to escalating social, health, and financial pressures in the past decade. The global surge in both frequency and severity of school crises underscores the pressing need for the integration of crisis management into the daily administration of educational institutions.
AIM
The aim of this paper was primarily to determine the characteristics of crisis situations, followed by exploring the possibilities and limitations of implementing crisis management and crisis communication in educational institutions in the Republic of Croatia.
RESEARCH METHODOLOGY
The perspectives of stakeholders within educational institutions concerning the implementation of crisis management and crisis communication in the Republic of Croatia were investigated through semi-structured interviews. The study encompassed representatives from the Ministry of Science and Education, school principals, teaching and non-teaching staff, kindergarten educators, as well as final-year high school students and parents of children attending educational institutions.
RESULTS
The research findings indicate that both the national and local levels of the education system in the Republic of Croatia exhibit inefficiencies in crisis management, despite the existence of protocols and regulations outlining procedures for specific crisis situations. Educational institutions are revealed to be ill-equipped to handle crises effectively, with success largely contingent on the leadership of the institution, particularly the principals. Furthermore, the research underscores the necessity of trained personnel for crisis situations, as well as the establishment of crisis resolution teams within institutions tasked with regularly practicing pre-prepared crisis plans and communication strategies. The study identifies various opportunities for the implementation of crisis management and communication strategies, ranging from the development of clear action plans for diverse crisis scenarios to fostering effective communication across all levels of the educational hierarchy and forming crisis teams within institutions. Recognizing education as paramount, the potential for further research in the realm of crisis management and communication within Croatia's education system is emphasized. This includes the proposal for mandatory courses in crisis management within postgraduate specialist studies for principals, as well as integration into the curriculum for early childhood educators, teachers, instructors, and educational professionals, alongside programs focused on pedagogical-psychological-didactic-methodological training. However, several limitations are identified, including a lack of theoretical-practical knowledge in crisis management, inconsistent policies, insufficient financial investment in the education system, ineffective top-down communication, and inadequate autonomy of principals in decision-making processes. Addressing these limitations will be critical in enhancing the resilience of educational institutions to crises and ensuring the safety and well-being of students and staff.
CONCLUSION
In recent years, educational institutions have faced a growing array of crises, navigating them to the best of their abilities. The efficacy of their crisis response hinges significantly on the marketing and communication skills of the institution's leadership, coupled with the degree of preparedness. Numerous studies underscore the pivotal role of crisis management in successfully navigating such challenges, as it enables swift and effective responses. However, experts caution against relying solely on the existence of crisis management frameworks and theoretical models for effective crisis management. Instead, they emphasize the importance of regular practice and ongoing supplementation of crisis management strategies
The importance of integration of education for sustainable development in tertiary education - an example of good practice in teaching ESP
Get PDFTertiary education is a system that enables students to acquire knowledge and skills in certain disciplines, but also for their overall development, because it is necessary to develop the critical thinking and problem-solving skills in students necessary to solve complex issues of sustainability in their future careers and society.
The integration of Education for Sustainable Development (ESD) into the curriculum of various courses transcends traditional academic boundaries and is an example of a holistic approach to education. In today's changing world, there is a great need for experts who can contribute to sustainable solutions. Tertiary education institutions have a responsibility to prepare students to understand and address sustainability issues by including ESD in the curricula of various courses so that students become environmentally aware and socially responsible change makers who can promote sustainable development in their fields.
In the field of pedagogy, ESD emphasizes a student-oriented approach to learning and, in this context, the use of innovative learning methods that actively engage students in the learning process and promotes education for responsible citizenship. Various forms of active research and project-based learning and forms of collaborative learning encourage critical thinking, problem solving and value-based decision-making as well as lifelong learning. The paper will present the ways of implementing innovative learning methods to promote ESD which are commonly used in foreign language teaching and which educators can use to create interesting, relevant and meaningful learning experiences that empower students to become informed, responsible and active agents of change for a sustainable future.
Teaching ESP (English for specific purposes) provides a unique and valuable platform for implementing education for sustainable development. The paper will present examples of good practices of combining teaching ESP with sustainability topics and student-centered practices, for the purpose of developing language competences and understanding of sustainability issues
Analysis of keywords in the field of crisis management using semantic network graphs
No full textThis paper attempts to use keywords in order to establish their information value in understanding main topics and trends in crisis management research on the example of the Crisis Management Days conference proceedings. It uses natural language processing methodology, statistical analysis, and design of semantic network graphs to investigate topics and trends in the field of crisis management in Croatia and the region over the span of 13 years. Additional goal of the paper is establishing the validity of semantic distance analysis based solely on author keywords. The results not only reveal certain trends and clusters of conference topics, but show that the method holds potential for further research
Seeing a broader picture: The framework of environmental (in)justice
No full textIntroduction: Environmental justice is a critical concept that addresses the unequal distribution of environmental benefits and burdens among different social groups (United Nations 2021). While environmental justice has gained significant attention in recent decades, its scope extends beyond just the fair treatment of communities in environmental decision-making processes. Specifically, it is important in the context of disasters: their raising number related to the climate and social changes and their severity. Even though the environmental justice is in modern world incorporated into policies, the proper extend is still missing (Brulle and Pellow 2017). To explore the framework of environmental justice, delving into its historical context, key principles, contemporary challenges, and implications for policy and advocacy is crucial to understand the future problems raising in disasters.
Historical Context: The roots of environmental justice can be traced back to the civil rights movement of the 1960s in the United States. During this time, marginalized communities, particularly African American and low-income neighborhoods, began to mobilize against environmental injustices such as the siting of hazardous waste facilities in their neighborhoods. The landmark case of Warren County, North Carolina, where protests erupted over the siting of a PCB landfill in a predominantly African American community, brought national attention to the issue (Bullard and Johnson 2020). This event catalyzed the environmental justice movement and laid the groundwork for future advocacy efforts.
Key Principles: At its core, environmental justice is guided by principles of equity, fairness, and inclusivity. It emphasizes the right of all individuals and communities to a healthy environment, regardless of race, ethnicity, income, or social status. Environmental justice advocates argue that marginalized communities often bear a disproportionate burden of environmental pollution and degradation due to systemic inequalities and discriminatory practices. However, the efforts of the developed world aimed at reducing environmental pollution by introducing regulatory principles and alternative energy sources do not spread evenly to underdeveloped neighborhoods, and it is only a matter of time when this pollution will become a problem for the underdeveloped for whom new technologies are still unavailable. Therefore, achieving environmental justice requires addressing underlying social, economic, and political factors that perpetuate environmental inequities (Bullard and Johnson 2020, Mohai and Saha 2015).
Contemporary Challenges: Despite progress in raising awareness about environmental justice issues, significant challenges persist. One major challenge is the intersectionality of environmental injustices with other forms of inequality, such as racial discrimination, economic disparity, and unequal access to resources, and overall – the strength of populations to deal with incoming disasters related to environmental changes and injustice. Additionally, the globalization of environmental issues has led to concerns about environmental colonialism, where wealthier nations exploit the natural resources of poorer countries, further exacerbating inequalities. Furthermore, the impacts of climate change, including extreme weather events, rising sea levels, and food insecurity, disproportionately affect vulnerable communities, widening existing disparities (Gee and Payne-Sturges 2017).
Implications for Policy and Advocacy: Addressing environmental justice requires a multifaceted approach that integrates policy interventions, community engagement, and advocacy efforts (United Nations 2021). Policymakers play a crucial role in enacting legislation and regulations that promote environmental equity and protect the rights of marginalized communities (Mohai and Saha 2015, Downey and Hawkins 2016). This includes measures such as environmental impact assessments, zoning regulations, and enforcement of environmental laws. Additionally, fostering meaningful community participation in decision-making processes ensures that the voices of affected communities are heard and their concerns are addressed. Civil society organizations and grassroots movements also play a vital role in advocating for environmental justice, mobilizing communities, raising awareness, and holding institutions accountable for their actions.
Conclusion: In conclusion, the framework of environmental justice provides a lens through which to understand and address the unequal distribution of environmental benefits and burdens. By recognizing the interconnectedness of social, economic, and environmental factors, environmental justice advocates seek to create more equitable and sustainable societies. However, achieving environmental justice requires concerted efforts from policymakers, community leaders, activists, and individuals alike. It is important to address systemic inequalities, vulnerable populations, and promote environmental equity, to create a healthier and more just world with resilient populations