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YOUTH ALTRUISM AND SOCIAL CHANGE
No full textYouth play a critical role in shaping the future of society. Their energy, creativity, and courage allow them to challenge the status quo and introduce altruistic initiatives that promote justice, equality, and positive change. This presentation examines the importance of altruism among youth, historical and modern examples of youth-driven movements, and the profound benefits of altruism on both personal and societal levels
CLIMATIC CHANGE AND HUMAN IMPACT
No full textClimate change is a long-term alteration of temperature and typical weather patterns in a place. While climate fluctuations have occurred throughout Earth’s history, the current pace and scale of change are unprecedented. Human activities, especially the burning of fossil fuels and deforestation, are significantly contributing to the greenhouse effect, resulting in global warming and widespread environmental consequences. This document explores the underlying causes of climate change, its devastating effects on both ecosystems and human societies, and potential solutions to mitigate its impact. The purpose is to foster greater awareness and encourage responsible environmental behavior at all levels of society
Interactive, Constructive or Active Student Engagement? The Coexistence of Conflicting Ideas in Pre-Service Preschool Teachers' Choices for Educational Practice
No full textΣτο Πρόγραμμα Σπουδών Προσχολικής Εκπαίδευσης προβλέπεται η ανάπτυξη δεξιοτήτων, οι οποίες προωθούνται μέσω της ενεργής εμπλοκής των μαθητών στην μαθησιακή διαδικασία. Σύμφωνα με το θεωρητικό πλαίσιο ICAP των Chi και Wylie (2014), η ενεργή μάθηση συνδέεται με τρεις διακριτούς ιεραρχικά τρόπους γνωστικής εμπλοκής των μαθητών: την ενεργή, την κονστρουκτιβιστική και την αλληλεπιδραστική εμπλοκή. Συγκριτικά με την ενεργή εμπλοκή, η κονστρουκτιβιστική και η αλληλεπιδραστική εμπλοκή (που εμπερικλείει την κονστρουκτιβιστική) προωθούν σημαντικά την ανάπτυξη γνωστικών δεξιοτήτων και τη διαμόρφωση νέας γνώσης. Στην παρούσα έρευνα διερευνήθηκε εάν οι υποψήφιοι εκπαιδευτικοί προσχολικής ηλικίας (ΥΕ) επιλέγουν διδακτικά σενάρια που στηρίζονται στις αρχές του κονστρουκτιβισμού και της κονστρουκτιβιστικής αλληλεπίδρασης και εάν τεκμηριώνουν τις επιλογές τους αναγνωρίζοντας τα οφέλη αυτών των μορφών γνωστικής εμπλοκής. Συμμετείχαν 167 ΥΕ σε ένα έργο επιλογής και τεκμηρίωσης διδακτικού σεναρίου. Οι 97 βρίσκονταν στο πρώτο έτος σπουδών, ενώ οι 70 είχαν παρακολουθήσει ήδη μαθήματα πρακτικής άσκησης και είχαν διδαχθεί τις αρχές της κονστρουκτιβιστικής μάθησης. Τα αποτελέσματα έδειξαν ότι οι ΥΕ επέλεξαν το αλληλεπιδραστικό και το κονστρουκτιβιστικό σενάριο γνωστικής εμπλοκής. Εντούτοις, οι τεκμηριώσεις τους έδειξαν ότι δεν αναγνωρίζουν τα οφέλη από την εφαρμογή κονστρουκτιβιστικών και αλληλεπιδραστικών τύπων γνωστικής εμπλοκής. Οι ΥΕ που είχαν παρακολουθήσει μαθήματα πρακτικής άσκησης έδωσαν πιο εκλεπτυσμένες αιτιολογήσεις, όμως υπερίσχυαν οι τεκμηριώσεις που στηρίζονταν στην ενεργή και όχι την κονστρουκτιβιστική εμπλοκή. Τα αποτελέσματα συζητώνται με βάση ευρήματα μελετών που υποστηρίζουν τη συνύπαρξη αντικρουόμενων ιδεών στα συστήματα πεποιθήσεων των ΥΕ που τους οδηγούν στο να υποστηρίζουν λεκτικά τα οφέλη μαθητοκεντρικών μοντέλων εκπαίδευσης, αλλά στην πράξη να εφαρμόζουν παραδοσιακές δασκαλοκεντρικές μορφές διδασκαλίας.The Curriculum for Preschool Education foresees the development of skills, which are fostered through students’ active engagement in the learning process. According to Chi and Wylie's (2014) ICAP theory, active learning is associated with three distinct hierarchical modes of students’ cognitive engagement: active, constructive and interactive engagement. Compared to active engagement, constructive and interactive engagement (which encompasses constructive) significantly promote the development of cognitive skills and the formation of new knowledge. The present study investigated whether pre-service preschool teachers (PTs) choose teaching scenarios based on the principles of constructivism and constructivist interaction and whether they justify their choices by acknowledging the benefits of these modes of engagement. One hundred sixty-seven PTs were administered a task involving the selection and justification of a teaching scenario. Ninety-seven of the PTs were in their first year of studies, while 70 had already attended practical courses and had been taught the principles of constructivist learning. The results showed that the PTs chose the interactive and constructivist cognitive engagement scenarios. However, their justifications revealed that they did not recognize the benefits of implementing constructivist and interactive modes of cognitive engagement. PTs who had attended practical courses provided more sophisticated justifications, but the predominant justifications were based on active rather than constructive engagement. The results are discussed in light of findings from studies that support the coexistence of conflicting ideas in the PTs’ belief systems that lead them to verbally support the benefits of student-centered educational models, but to apply practically traditional teacher-centered forms of teaching
Systemic effects of vibration under conditions of long-term bed rest: A Systematic Review
No full textBackground: Prolonged bed rest induces significant dysfunction across multiple physiological systems that can surpass normal aging. Whole-body vibration (WBV) has been proposed as a non-pharmacological countermeasure, yet its systemic impact remains inadequately investigated
Objective: This systematic review aimed to explore the effects of WBV under conditions of prolonged immobilization, not only on the musculoskeletal system but also on the endocrine, vascular, and metabolic systems. Particular attention was given to whether WBV alone can elicit systemic responses beyond the site of application.
Methods: Following PRISMA guidelines, literature was searched in PubMed, Cochrane, and Greynet until February 2024. Seventeen studies met the inclusion criteria. Methodological quality was assessed using the PEDro scale. Data extraction focused on vibration protocols, physiological outcomes, and the presence or absence of concomitant exercise.
Results: WBV demonstrated protective effects on muscle morphology, function, and contractility, as well as bone remodeling and mineral density. Favorable alterations were also reported in endocrine, metabolic, and vascular parameters. However, in most studies, WBV was combined with resistance exercises, limiting conclusions about its independent systemic action. Passive WBV protocols in healthy and critically ill individuals showed localized effects near the application site, but systemic extrapolation remains inconclusive.
Conclusions: WBV may confer multi-systemic benefits during prolonged immobilization, particularly when combined with resistance training. Nonetheless, definitive evidence of isolated systemic action is lacking. Future studies should employ rigorous experimental designs isolating WBV to clarify its therapeutic potential as a standalone modality
Providing a disease management plan upon patient discharge from hospital. A Literature Review
No full textBackground: Providing a post-hospital disease management plan is an important nursing approach for some patient groups in the elderly population. However, the features and needs of persons after hospitalization impact the effectiveness of care offered after they return home. This review examines the effectiveness of illness management plans during patient discharge.
Method and Material: The review encompassed relevant studies published between 2017 and 2021, identified via targeted keyword searches in international databases(PubMed, Scopus, Evidence-Based Nursing, Clinical Evidence)and focused on previously hospitalized individuals aged 65 and above.
Results: The results indicated that the majority of individuals over 65 discharged from healthcare institutions face adaptation issues upon returning home, due to specific characteristics developed or observed during hospitalization and the immediate post-hospital period. Notable examples include severe cognitive decline in 45.4%, lack of family support in 55.8%and social isolation in 48%. Implementing post-hospital disease management plans appears effective for patients with mild disorders (while 23.7% of individuals with severe disorders prefer standard nursing care). Additionally, these interventions, models, and designs can reduce readmission rates by 1.7% within 30 days of discharge and improve end-of-life care content (after six months, an improvement in the agreement rate between patients and family regarding end-of-life decisions was recorded).
Conclusions: The disparity in treatment for the elderly population between healthcare facilities and the community highlights the necessity of establishing post-hospital disease management strategies to mitigate unexpected readmissions and improve end-of-life care
Examination of the psychometric characteristics of the Greek version of the Family Influence Scale in junior high school students
No full textΗ παρούσα έρευνα πραγματοποιήθηκε με στόχο να εξεταστούν τα ψυχομετρικά χαρακτηριστικά της ελληνικής έκδοσης της Κλίμακας Οικογενειακών Επιδράσεων στη Σταδιοδρομία (Family Influence Scale) σε μαθητές/τριες Δευτεροβάθμιας υποχρεωτικής εκπαίδευσης. Το δείγμα της έρευνας αποτέλεσαν 230 μαθητές και μαθήτριες Β΄ και Γ΄ Γυμνασίου. Στους μαθητές/-τριες χορηγήθηκε ένα σύντομο ερωτηματολόγιο δημογραφικών στοιχείων, η Κλίμακα Οικογενειακών Επιδράσεων στη Σταδιοδρομία και η Κλίμακα Ικανοποίησης από τη Ζωή. Τα αποτελέσματα της έρευνας επιβεβαίωσαν την παραγοντική δομή της Κλίμακας Οικογενειακών Επιδράσεων στη Σταδιοδρομία (Υποστήριξη στην Πληροφόρηση, Οικονομική Υποστήριξη, Προσδοκίες και Αξίες/Πεποιθήσεις της Οικογένειας) καθώς και την εσωτερική αξιοπιστία και εγκυρότητά της, εκτός από τη διάσταση των Αξιών/Πεποιθήσεων για την οποία τα αποτελέσματα θα πρέπει να χρησιμοποιούνται με επιφύλαξη έως ότου διεξαχθούν περισσότερες έρευνες. Ακόμα, τα αποτελέσματα της έρευνας δείχνουν ότι η ελληνική έκδοση της κλίμακας έχει επαρκή εσωτερική συνοχή, αξιοπιστία και κατασκευαστική εγκυρότητα και είναι κατάλληλη για έρευνα και κλινική χρήση στη συμβουλευτική σταδιοδρομίας/επαγγελματικού προσανατολισμού εφήβων.This research was conducted to provide preliminary psychometric data for the Greek version of the Family Influence Scale (FIS). The FIS has been developed to assess the variety of ways family members may influence career decision making of its younger members. Data collection was based on designed self-report measures. 230 school pupils in the eighth and ninth grades, the research sample, were asked to provide information about their own behaviors or experiences by completing a brief demographic questionnaire, along with questionnaires on the Career Family Influence Scale, and the Life Satisfaction Scale. Construct validity, internal consistency, and reliability of the Greek version of FIS were validated by the data, making it suitable for research and clinical use in teenage Career Counseling. Apropos construct validity, findings confirmed its four main components: Financial Support, Informational Support, Family Expectations and Values/Beliefs. However, as to Values/Beliefs, the less robust component, findings involving older students should be interpreted cautiously until further study is conducted
The relationship of social networking sites use with the psychological and sociocultural adaptation of native and immigrant adolescents
No full textΗ παρούσα μελέτη διερευνά τη σχέση της χρήσης των Ιστοσελίδων Κοινωνικής Δικτύωσης (ΙΚΔ) με την ψυχολογική και κοινωνικοπολιτισμική προσαρμογή των γηγενών και μεταναστών εφήβων, εστιάζοντας στα κίνητρα χρήσης των ΙΚΔ. Το δείγμα αποτελούνταν από 380 εφήβους, από τους οποίους 259 ήταν γηγενείς Έλληνες και 121 μετανάστες, με μέσο όρο ηλικίας 14,4 έτη. Για τον έλεγχο των άμεσων και έμμεσων επιδράσεων των κινήτρων χρήσης ΙΚΔ στην προσαρμογή εφαρμόστηκε η στατιστική μεθοδολογία των Μοντέλων Δομικών Εξισώσεων. Περαιτέρω, διερευνήθηκε ο διαμεσολαβητικός ρόλος της αυτοαποτελεσματικότητας, της μοναξιάς και της νοσταλγίας και ο ρυθμιστικός ρόλος της καταγωγής (γηγενείς έναντι μεταναστών). Τα ευρήματα δείχνουν τόσο θετικές όσο και αρνητικές επιδράσεις της χρήσης των ΙΚΔ στην προσαρμογή των εφήβων. Τα κίνητρα της διασκέδασης και της επικοινωνίας είχαν διαφορετικά αποτελέσματα. Η διασκέδαση συνδέθηκε αρνητικά με την κοινωνικοπολιτισμική προσαρμογή αλλά θετικά με την ψυχολογική προσαρμογή μέσω αυξημένης μοναξιάς. Αντίθετα, η επικοινωνία συσχετίστηκε θετικά τόσο με την κοινωνικοπολιτισμική όσο και την ψυχολογική προσαρμογή, ιδιαίτερα μεταξύ των μεταναστών. Η διαφυγή βρέθηκε να συνδέεται αρνητικά με την προσαρμογή μέσω της μοναξιάς, υπογραμμίζοντας τις δυνητικά επιζήμιες επιδράσεις της χρήσης των ΙΚΔ για την αποφυγή του στρες. Επιπλέον, επιβεβαιώθηκε ο διαμεσολαβητικός ρόλος της αυτοαποτελεσματικότητας, της μοναξιάς και της νοσταλγίας, ενώ οι υποθέσεις που αφορούσαν το ρυθμιστικό ρόλο της καταγωγής επιβεβαιώθηκαν εν μέρει. Συγκεκριμένα, οι μετανάστες έδειξαν καλύτερη προσαρμογή όταν χρησιμοποιούσαν τις ΙΚΔ για επικοινωνία και διασκέδαση σε σύγκριση με τους γηγενείς. Τα ευρήματα υπογραμμίζουν την πολυπλοκότητα της χρήσης των ΙΚΔ και την πολυδιάστατη επίδρασή της στην ευημερία των εφήβων.The present study investigates the relationship of Social Networking Sites use with the psychological and sociocultural adaptation of native and immigrant adolescents, focusing on the underlying motives for Social Networking Sites use. The sample consisted of 380 adolescents, including 259 native Greeks and 121 immigrants, aged 14.4 years on average. The study employed Structural Equation Modeling to examine the direct and indirect effects of SNS motives on adaptation outcomes, including the mediating roles of self-efficacy, loneliness, and nostalgia, and the moderating effect of origin (native versus immigrant). Key results demonstrate both positive and negative effects of Social Networking Sites use on adolescent adaptation. The motives of entertainment and communication had distinct outcomes. Entertainment was negatively associated with sociocultural adaptation but positively associated with psychological adaptation via increased loneliness. Meanwhile, communication was positively correlated with both sociocultural and psychological adaptation, especially among immigrants. Escape was found to be associated negatively with adaptation through loneliness, highlighting the potential detrimental effects of using Social Networking Sites to avoid stress. Additionally, the mediating roles of self-efficacy, loneliness, and nostalgia were confirmed, though the moderating role of origin was partially supported. Specifically, immigrants displayed better adaptation when using Social Networking Sites for communication and entertainment compared to natives. These findings underscore the complexity of Social Networking Sites use and its multifaceted impact on adolescent well-being
Disaster Diplomacy in Action: The 2019 Albania Earthquake and the Geopolitics of Humanitarian Aid
No full textThe intersection of natural disasters and international diplomacy has gained increasing attention as humanitarian assistance becomes a strategic tool in foreign policy. While disaster response efforts are often framed as humanitarian necessities, they are frequently shaped by geopolitical interests, economic imperatives, and security considerations. This article examines the concept of disaster diplomacy by analyzing how states engage in humanitarian action to strengthen alliances, project soft power, and influence regional stability. Through a case study of the 2019 Albania earthquake, the paper explores how international responses—particularly from Greece, Turkey, the European Union, and the United States—reflect broader diplomatic dynamics in the Balkans. While disaster relief can serve as a catalyst for improved bilateral relations, its effectiveness in fostering long-term diplomatic stability remains uncertain.
Despite growing academic interest in disaster diplomacy, critical knowledge gaps persist, particularly regarding the sustainability of diplomatic gains achieved through humanitarian interventions. The absence of a structured framework for integrating humanitarian aid into foreign policy planning complicates the assessment of its long-term impact. Institutional coordination challenges, the role of non-state actors, and the politicization of aid further influence the effectiveness of disaster diplomacy. This article highlights the need for comprehensive research on the geopolitical dimensions of humanitarian assistance and calls for better integration of disaster diplomacy into global governance frameworks. Strengthening institutional coordination, enhancing regional disaster response mechanisms, and conducting longitudinal studies on the diplomatic effects of humanitarian aid are essential for refining both policy and practice. Addressing these challenges will ensure that disaster diplomacy contributes not only to crisis response but also to sustainable international cooperation
The Yoruba Concept of Alajobi as a Panacea for Africa’s Environmental Crises
No full textThis research centers on environmental issues in Africa. By environmental issues, we mean human actions that threaten the collective existence of all living beings on the Earth’s surface. Present reality and research indicate that the ongoing abuse of the environment is not only harmful to nature but also impacts human health and prosperity. According to the World Health Organization, a quarter of all deaths worldwide are now linked to environmental misuse and carelessness towards nature. Incidents such as Ebola and Coronavirus outbreaks should remind humans of the severe and destructive effects that can occur when the environment is exploited without regard and caution. Many lives and properties have been lost globally due to nature’s retaliation in events like earthquakes, floods, hurricanes, and other natural and human-made disasters. In addressing these issues, this paper discusses how the Yoruba concept of ‘alajobi,’ meaning ‘kinship,’ can be vital in reorienting Africans to see themselves and other beings in nature not just as co-tenants (ajogbe) but as relatives originating from the same ontological source – ‘the earth.’ The paper examines two core values essential for the sustainability of alajobi: moderation (iwontunwonsi) and contentment (itelorun). These values can serve as a paradigm to tackle environmental crises. Ultimately, this paper aims to reinforce the importance of interconnected, interdependent, and harmonious relationships between humans and nature as a sustainable solution to prevent further and impending environmental crises in Africa
Culture and Resilience in Dialogue: Achieving the SDGs through Cultural Diversity - A Case Study of El Sistema Greece
No full textEl Sistema Greece (ESG) is a music education initiative aimed at fostering social inclusion by providing access to music education for all youth, including children from marginalized communities. Inspired by Venezuela’s original El Sistema, ESG was established in Greece in 2016 with the mission of promoting educational and social inclusion through musical engagement. El Sistema Greece Youth Choir, as the program’s primary vocal ensemble, plays a central role in creating a supportive and safe environment for the personal and artistic development of its members. In close collaboration with the El Sistema Greece Youth Orchestra - founded in November 2017 and offering music training to individuals aged 10 to 26 - ESG extends its reach through joint performances and partnerships with other institutions. These collaborations aim to broaden access to structured music education and cultivate creative expression, while simultaneously promoting social equity. This research, conducted between November 2024 and January 2025, adopts a case study approach to examine the intercultural music program of ESG. The primary research questions investigate the program’s impact on participants’ social inclusion, skills development, and self-esteem, and further explore how music can contribute to sustainability and social cohesion in multicultural settings. The study analyzes ESG’s alignment with seven United Nations sustainable development goals (SDGs): Good health and well-being (SDG 3), quality education (SDG 4.7), gender equality (SDG 5), reduced inequalities (SDG 10.2), safeguarding of cultural heritage (SDG 11.4), peace, justice and strong institutions (SDG 16) and partnerships for the goals (SDG 17).