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Over 30 years have passed since the beginning of the Reform Movement; however, women's initiatives in the Reform Movement of Lithuania have not been analysed. Commemorating the anniversary of the Reform Movement, Seimas of the Republic of Lithuania declared 2018 as the year of the Reform Movement and highlighted the period of 1988-1990 as a period of great importance in the Lithuania history when Seimas of the Reform Movement acted as a partial yet legal democratic representative of the nation in the Soviet occupation system.
The article analyses women's engagement into the initiative groups of the Sąjūdis, their participation in the initiative group and congress. The aim of this article is to shed light on the role of women in the building of the Soviet Union and the specific nature of the activities of the women's Sąjūdis, the degree of involvement, the problems raised and the solutions proposed.
In order to achieve this goal, the archival material contained in the fund of the Lithuanian Perestroika Sąjūdis of the New Archive of the Lithuanian State, the fund of the Kaunas Movement of the Kaunas Regional State Archive, the periodical press of the time were analysed, and the following scientific research was made available.

Abstract
The Latin Monetary Union (hereafter LMU) was established in 1865 between France, Italy, Belgium and Switzerland. The agreement provided for the adoption of a common monetary base consisting of specie, and the adoption of the free circulation of gold and silver coins among them, whatever the issuing country. Despite its original goal, the minting of silver coins was subject to numerous restrictions (especially between 1874 and 1876) before being fully suspended by article nine of the convention of November 5th 1878. The necessity for a lender of last resort quickly appeared in practice, even though the 1865 convention, and its numerous amendments, did not mention it in theory. The present article looks at how the idea of the lender of last resort was discussed in the context of the Latin Monetary Union. Specifically, it focuses on two opposing views on the LMU and its problems, as adopted by French economists at the time. The article concludes that the Banque de France played a crucial role in safeguarding the LMU. Referring to Bordo's 1990 typology of lenders of last resort, we also add a fifth type, that of converter of last resort, to characterise the specific role played by the Banque de France.

What are the crucial ingredients missing in our search for transformative – structural, cultural, political-economic – changes to entrenched systems of oppression right now? Why do so many smart, informed, data-driven efforts fail? This book says what's missing is ART: Action Research for Transformation, a contemporary expression of action research. The book offers surprising, counter-intuitive, and most importantly, experienced-based insights on both what ART is, and how to do it. It reveals pathways to disrupt the academic détentes regarding quantitative versus quantitative, objective versus subjective, macro versus micro, and asks what is knowledge and what is it for. The book offers practical approaches, tools, and case studies, while featuring personal narratives from a wide range of active ARTists about their successes, challenges, doubts, and perhaps most importantly, the joy and value they experience performing ART. Its preponderant thesis is this: the problems of eco-social crisis aren't "out there" so much as within, between and among each one of us, and the types of relationships we create with others. The book is therefore of value to educators and change leaders perhaps especially within our universities' professional schools.

The article reviews current scholarship and debates on state capitalism as well as studies of this phenomenon in Russia.Aim. This article aims to review current scholarly debates on state intervention in the Russian economy and identify key positions in this field.Tasks. In the second part of the article, we review the existing research on state capitalism in Russia.Methods. This article compares scholars' positions and identifies divisions in the field.Results. In the second part of the article, we show that, since the early 2000s, Russia was widely seen as a paradigmatic case of the state's return to interventionist policies. We demonstrate that the first wave of studies in the 2000s, with a few exceptions, considered state capitalism in Russia to be an instrument of patronage and rent-seeking. However, subsequent research questioned this claim. State capitalism in Russia was now seen as an instrument of solving social problems, particularly in monotowns, a geopolitical tool and a way of defending national sovereignty, as well as a vehicle for financialization.Conclusion. Multiple empirical studies of state capitalism in Russia published in the 2010s demonstrate its complexity and versatility. However, the results of empirical research are yet to be systematized and the Russian political economy still lacks a macro analysis that would consider all of its structural and institutional dimensions.

This paper challenges the language of "interdisciplinarity," suggesting "pluralistic collaboration" as a better alternative. Interdisciplinarity, team science, and transdisciplinarity frame academic and problem-focused collaborations narrowly, overemphasizing epistemology, downplaying extra-disciplinary divides and nonacademic collaborators, and either ignoring or psychologizing individual-level phenomena. We first paint a picture of the tensions and divides that exist in pluralistic collaborations, in three dimensions—epistemic, cultural, and normative—using a series of literature reviews to simultaneously map and extend these dimensions. We then introduce and explore a fourth dimension—academic work styles. Individual level considerations of collaboration in the literature generally rely on psychological types. We explore what a more sociologically oriented approach to individual dynamics within collaborations would look like by identifying and exploring four general academic work styles: isolationist, imperialist, pragmatist, and pluralist. We conclude by emphasizing and reflecting on pluralistic collaboration. Pluralism exists along a range of dimensions, and pluralizing or homogenizing different dimensions (pluralizing pluralism) can produce diverse effects on the outcome of interdisciplinary collaboration. While we thus advocate for pluralism along a greater range of dimensions when addressing complex problems, we suggest that over-pluralization can be a problem.

AbstractEfforts to promote equitable public policy with algorithms appear to be fundamentally constrained by the "impossibility of fairness" (an incompatibility between mathematical definitions of fairness). This technical limitation raises a central question about algorithmic fairness: How can computer scientists and policymakers support equitable policy reforms with algorithms? In this article, I argue that promoting justice with algorithms requires reforming the methodology of algorithmic fairness. First, I diagnose the problems of the current methodology for algorithmic fairness, which I call "formal algorithmic fairness." Because formal algorithmic fairness restricts analysis to isolated decision-making procedures, it leads to the impossibility of fairness and to models that exacerbate oppression despite appearing "fair." Second, I draw on theories of substantive equality from law and philosophy to propose an alternative methodology, which I call "substantive algorithmic fairness." Because substantive algorithmic fairness takes a more expansive scope of analysis, it enables an escape from the impossibility of fairness and provides a rigorous guide for alleviating injustice with algorithms. In sum, substantive algorithmic fairness presents a new direction for algorithmic fairness: away from formal mathematical models of "fair" decision-making and toward substantive evaluations of whether and how algorithms can promote justice in practice.

Demographic transition has already become a major issue in the recent decades. Lower fertility rate and higher expected life length result in population aging. Most developed countries face social problems due to demographic transitions, especially in the economic and financial field. To take a closer look at this phenomenon, this paper screened 99 stocks provided by Taiwan Stock Exchange (TSE) to explore the impact of population aging on the stock market in Taiwan. Population aging indirectly takes up a larger portion of elder investors in the stock market, compared to the past. This paper employed risk and return variables to analyze the investors' behaviors in Taiwan stock market. We divided our samples into whole industry, financial industry, technology industry, and traditional industry groups to find the impact of investors aging among different industries. The results showed that there is no significant evidence to prove that the elder investors pursue lower risk stocks in Taiwan stock market, which is inconsistent with the results of the past research. On the other hand, the findings from the whole industry, technology industry, and traditional industry groups are different from the past research results, showing that Taiwan's elderly investors prefer stocks with higher return in those industries.

AbstractMinority communities have borne a disproportionate burden of health, social and economic consequences during the pandemic. By engaging in policy-shaping processes, social workers can contribute to the development of beneficial policies for minority communities. When working in cross-cultural environments with majorities and minorities, social workers must develop cultural competence to be effective in policy practice. Despite the importance associated with cultural competence in policy practice (CCPP), little empirical evidence exists regarding what is required of social workers in order to engage in culturally competent policy change during the pandemic. In the present study, we address this lacuna through the theoretical framework of culturally competent policy practice. Drawing on twenty-one in-depth interviews, which were conducted at two time points during the pandemic with social workers who work with ultra-Orthodox minority communities in Israel, we demonstrate that CCPP involves the combination of two perspectives—contextual and structural. These include identifying and analysing social problems from a local and global perspective, reshaping the problem through self-awareness and critical awareness of power relations, and applying cultural competence skills that reflect the unique characteristics of the communities. This article discusses the strengths and limitations of CCPP, especially when implemented in changing social and political situations.

AbstractAimsDepression and anxiety are severe health problems affecting millions of individuals worldwide. Consequently, the use of antidepressants has constantly been on a rise. Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) antidepressant are now commonly used due to fewer side effects as compared to other types of antidepressants. The aim of this study was to assess the prevalence of periapical abscesses (PAs)in patients using SSRIs.Methods and ResultsIntegrated data of hospital patients was used. Data from the corresponding diagnosis codes for SSRIs and acute PAs was retrieved by searching the appropriate query in the database. The different diagnoses were coded using the international coding systems ICD 10. Diagnosis was made by calibrated dentists in a hospital setting based on clinical examination and imaging data. The odds ratio (OR) for the prevalence of acute PAs and its association with the use of SSRIs were calculated and analyzed statistically. It was found that the prevalence of acute PAs was significantly higher in patients using SSRIs as compared to the other hospital patient population. The OR was 2.8 and the difference between patients using SSRIs and patients who do not was statistically significant (p < .0001).ConclusionUnder the conditions of this study, it appears that the prevalence of acute PAs is higher in patients using SSRIs.

Designers of online deliberative platforms aim to counter the degrading quality of online debates. Support technologies such as machine learning and natural language processing open avenues for widening the circle of people involved in deliberation, moving from small groups to "crowd" scale. Numerous design features of large-scale online discussion systems allow larger numbers of people to discuss shared problems, enhance critical thinking, and formulate solutions. We review the transdisciplinary literature on the design of digital mass deliberation platforms and examine the commonly featured design aspects (e.g., argumentation support, automated facilitation, and gamification) that attempt to facilitate scaling up. We find that the literature is largely focused on developing technical fixes for scaling up deliberation, but may neglect the more nuanced requirements of high quality deliberation. Furthermore, current design research is carried out with a small, atypical segment of the world's population, and little research deals with how to facilitate and accommodate different genders or cultures in deliberation, counter pre-existing social inequalities, build motivation and self-efficacy in certain groups, or deal with differences in cognitive abilities and cultural or linguistic differences. We make design and process recommendations to correct this course and suggest avenues for future research.

Numerous publications and expert reports indicate plastic pollution as a widespread environmental problem. About 10 million tonnes of litter end up in the seas and oceans each year. It is estimated that 80% of all litter in saltwater is mainly plastic food packaging. Facing this challenge compostable packaging seems to be an alternative to conventional plastic ones and a feasible solution. Despite the environmental opportunities of the packaging produced from bio-based biodegradable polymers, the compostable packaging market is growing relatively slowly. Therefore, the aim of the paper is to recognize the key factors hindering the expansion of the food compostable packaging market for sustainable development. To achieve this objective 29 in-depth interviews with respondents of the key groups of biopackaging market stakeholders were conducted. The results of the qualitative study allowed us to identify environmental, economic, social, and governance barriers in the light of four main problems disrupting compostable packaging market development. This is an important contribution to the business and academic discussion on the importance of compostable packaging in achieving sustainable development goals as well as implementing the circular economy concept. The paper is the effect of the international R&D project.

The article is devoted to the actual problem of the subjective potential of a person in overcoming the challenges and contradictions of the modern world. The authors actualize human nature, show its inconsistency, strengths and weaknesses, insufficient degree of its knowledge. Using the socio-psychological potential of a person in solving global problems of mankind means relying on knowledge of human nature, models of his behavior, the totality of his properties and qualities. The 21st century has led not only to the complication of the surrounding world, but also to the complication of the social world of man. The social world becomes a reality for a person - perceived through the reflection of his "I" in other people. Metamorphoses of actual changes in human nature in the process of sociobiological and sociotechnical co-evolution are shown, the quality of sociality itself changes under the influence of network structural social transformations. It is proved that the strategic instability of the modern world is the result of adaptation features, a violation in her accommodation and assimilation, the destruction of the integrity of the individual. A way out of this state is possible only on the path of holistic human development, the increasing significance of its subjective potential.

Recently in certain sectors of the economy, in particular in the digital, pharmaceutical and biotech sectors, an increase in the number of concentrations has been detected involving emerging and innovative undertakings with competitive potential but which generate little or no turnover at the time of the transaction. Many such transactions do not fall under the EU merger control system or the domestic merger control systems of the Member States but may, nevertheless, have a detrimental impact on competition in the internal market. The European Commission reacted to this situation by adopting, on 26 March 2021, Guidance on the application of Article 22 (Article 22 Guidance). In this Article 22 Guidance, the Commission announced that it will abandon its previous practice of not accepting Article 22 referral requests from National Competition Authorities (NCAs) which are not competent to review the concentration at stake under their domestic rules. Instead, the Commission will now encourage and accept Article 22 referral requests, particularly from NCAs which do not have jurisdiction over the transaction at stake under their national merger regimes. The Article 22 Guidance gives rise to a number of questions and problems which we discuss in this article.

Cambodia is a country that has received large investments of international aid to secure the land and housing rights of informal dwellers. Most investments have been directed towards funding a market-led formalisation programme known as the Land Management and Administration Program (LMAP) to stimulate land markets without critical consideration of the complex power relationships that characterise the access to secure land by the urban poor in this context. By presenting a case study of one informal settlement in Phnom Penh this paper addresses structural problems with the implementation of the LMAP including the exclusion of informal settlements from the land registry and the earmarking of public land for future development. The paper reveals another layer of complexity by explaining the implications of the individual model of the programme in the collective support networks of the urban poor and their own capacities to resist forced and market-led evictions. The paper argues that a space should be opened for collective action in informal settlement upgrading and land formalisation programmes to address the structural causes of tenure insecurity in Phnom Penh.
This article was published open access under a CC BY licence: https://creativecommons.org/licences/by/4.0.

Background:Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is a recent global pandemic associated with multidimensional health-related effects. In the fight against the spread of this novel pandemic, the majority have been living under restrictive conditions during its related lockdown that has created a conducive environment for gender-based violence (GBV). Our study aimed to ascertain the burden and determinants of GBV during the COVID-19 pandemic-related lockdown and curfew (CPLC) in Uganda.
Methods:We conducted a quantitative descriptive cross-sectional study in Bushenyi-Ishaka municipality, southwestern Uganda in May, 2020. This study involved 339 adult participants regardless of their gender or ethnicity. Only 12 potential respondents declined to participate in this survey.
Results:The prevalence of GBV during the CPLC was 42 per cent. The majority (57%) of victims were women. More than half (54%) of the victims and survivors of GBV attributed the violence to the lockdown. The determinants of GBV included being married, using substances of abuse and having financial problems.
Conclusion:The prevalence of GBV skyrocketed during the CPLC in Uganda when compared to the period prior to the pandemic. Women were significantly more affected in all aspects of GBV. Therefore, we recommend developing targeted behavioural change communication strategies based upon our findings.