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Sense of place is a fundamental concept in human geography, yet challenging to measure given its intangibility and idiosyncrasy. Meanwhile, there are increasing opportunities for social scientists to utilize big data and automated approaches to data analysis, albeit with some wariness, but few researchers directly compare automated to manual analysis in the context of sense of place. This study applies two analytical approaches to a survey question on sense of place: semi-automatic search term analysis around semantic fields, and inductive thematic analysis. Results show high agreement between the approaches, with more tangible aspects of place (recreation) better correlated than more abstract concepts (appreciation). Variation mainly relates to the ability of inductive coding to address false negatives, implied meaning, or obscure search terms. This demonstrates the potential value of hybridizing to improve the accuracy of a search term-based approach, and overcome the limitations, such as subjectivities, of one analytical approach. • The research compares search term-based and thematic analysis to understand sense of place. • Tangible aspects of place (such as recreation) agree more than more abstract elements (such as cultural heritage). • We advocate a hybrid coding approach to combine the advantages and overcome the limitations of each approach. • A hybrid approach facilitates use of Big Data as well as deployment in applied fields such as social impact assessment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Background Increasingly, decision-makers are interested in understanding the returns on investments in programs and policies that promote health and prevent chronic diseases. While the costs of these programs are more easily quantified, many of the outcomes they aspire to achieve are intangible and lack obvious market values. The subjective well-being (SWB) method was developed to value a wide range of non-market goods, including health outcomes directly in monetary terms. This paper presents an application of the SWB approach to estimate the monetary value of health-promoting behaviours as the intermediate outcomes of health promotion and chronic disease prevention programs and policies. Methods Life satisfaction (LS) was used as a proxy of individuals’ SWB. Based on the combined Canadian Community Health Survey 2009–10 data, we modeled LS as a function of income and healthy behaviours, controlling for the socio-demographic factors associated with LS at the individual level using ordinary least squares regression. Equivalent effects of income and healthy behaviours on LS derived from the models allowed us to estimate the trade-off between income and healthy behaviours. Results We found that income and healthy behaviours were positively associated with LS. The values of increased physical activity, an additional daily serving of fruits/vegetables, and not smoking are respectively $631, $115 and $563 per week. These represent the amounts of additional weekly income required to maintain an individual at their level of LS in the absence of each of these behaviours. Conclusions The SWB method holds promise as a method to monetize the value of a range of non-market goods, including healthy behaviours for which market values do not exist. The SWB method can be applied efficiently and cost-effectively using readily available survey data.

Development projects have always positive and negative consequences and most of these consequences are associated with the local communities; so, to estimate the consequences and reduce the negative effects of development projects, it is essential to assess the social impacts of the projects. Therefore, in this study, evaluated the social impact on the local communities of Chamkhaleh Port. To this purpose, the impacts of the project were analyzed in seven indicators: quality of the overall living space, the opportunity for growth and development, social cohesion, social participation, economics, biological environment and physical environment. In order to collect information from field observations, individual and group interviews were used as well as questionnaire. The statistical population was 8840 people in the city of Chaf and Chamkhaleh in 1395. According to Cochran's formula, 400 questionnaires was distributed stratified random sampling. The data were analyzed by descriptive statistics in SPSS 20 software and by inferential statistics at LISREL 8.80 software. The results showed the impacts of the construction of the port on the quality of life indicators, the opportunities for growth and development, and the economy due to the development of the region, the development of infrastructure, creating new job opportunities and creating new investments in the region, which will improve the livelihoods and the welfare of future generations will be positive. But The project effects on social integration indicators and the physical and biological environment will be negative due to, dredging operations and excavation operations, which affect the region 's environment.

Three-dimensional printing (3DP) has been rapidly evolving to be one of the leading technology fields in the coming decades. However, as in the early years of new technologies, 3DP suffers from technical limitations and various implications. This study focuses on the applications of 3DP in the construction industry, emphasizing its environmental, financial, and social sustainability aspects. A systematic bibliographic analysis was carried out for the relevant publications which increased by 25-fold from 2014 to 2021. The 3D-printed construction projects in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) are presented to demonstrate the early 3DP technology penetration into its booming construction sector. The UAE case is of particular interest from a sustainability perspective due to the environmental footprint of the ample construction activities in the country, combined with the ambitious strategic plans to achieve sustainable development goals. This critical analysis shows that, despite the limited literature, 3DP could potentially be a sustainable alternative with up to 49% less environmental footprint and 78% more cost-effectiveness compared to conventional construction techniques. As the social sustainability aspect was the least addressed, this study discusses relevant social impact indicators and systematic assessment criteria. It is evident that 3DP is already reshaping the future of the built environment, especially in cases where 3DP is advantageous, such as customized designs, quick project delivery, and sustainability-oriented constructions.

More and more attention is being paid to scholars and companies as regards to the phenomenon of Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) and to the measurement of social impact. The object of this review is to present and to shed light on social impact assessment methods and their limits that still today are present in literature. The descriptive review highlights that there is different classification of social impact assessment methods. Numerous studies have focused on these methods and on limits of application. The current status of the discussion offers new opportunities for future researches, which could be addressed toward the investigation of the real use of these methods by the companies for test the diffuse or not application about any of each. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: Placement in a foster family by child welfare services is a crucial decision in the trajectory of a child. Nevertheless, the strategies and procedures underlying the decision to remove a child from his/her family for placement in foster care remain little studied. Based on 39 semi-directed individual interviews with social workers from child welfare services, the current study aims at highlighting how social workers come to the decision to remove a child from parental care, and how they choose a foster family. Findings: The thematic analysis of the qualitative data collected reveals that four main components were raised by social workers to explain how they make their decisions regarding placement and what are the considerations associated with this process: (1) Professional consensus and collaboration, (2) Clinical and legal guidelines, (3) Risk assessment and clinical judgment, and (4) Personality and values of the social worker. The results of this study show that decisions surrounding the removal of a child from his/her family and the choice of a foster family are the result of multiples factors and strategies involving the social worker and other collaborating professionals, as well as their legal and administrative context. Application: The findings suggest that additional efforts could be made in child protection organizations and agencies in order to develop supportive measures that take into account the collective and interactional aspect of the decision-making process regarding placement in foster care. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper aims to present the concept of the theory of change and social indicators in the social impact assessment which employed behavioral science approaches. From the study of theories and related research, it was found that the theory of change was a process concept, methodology, and problem-solving tool used to describe the outcomes of a project. The theory of change consists of social impact pathway (which comprising inputs, activities, outputs, outcomes, and social impacts), stakeholders and outcome (or impact) indicators. 2) It showed that the social indicators in the theory of change could be developed from behavioral science concepts in social cognitive theory from 3 components: B-Behavior, P-Cognitive and person factors and E-Environment influences as determinant of each other. This paper presents an analysis of social outcome indicators from 11 social impact assessment studies. It showed that the integration of behavioral science concepts with social outcome indicators covered all three aspects of social cognitive theory concept. The development of social indicators integrated with behavioral sciences had made the assessment of changes in social impact had been clearer and concrete. This concept can be applied in social projects and other context social impact assessment work. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The waste sorting and treatment facilities play an important role in the management of Municipal Solid Waste (MSW), as they permit the materials to be prepared for their later reuse and recycling. The aim of this work is to carry out a technical–economic analysis of a sorting and treatment facility (STF) of light packaging and bulky waste in Gavà-Viladecans, Barcelona, Spain, by means of a methodology based on a social Cost–Benefit Analysis (sCBA), as it studies the private impacts and externalities (impacts related with environmental and social aspects) to determine the Total Benefit (the difference between revenues and costs) generated by the facility to decide whether it is operationally and economically profitable. Results: The key point of the case study is the identification, frequency, quantification and monetary valuation of the impacts generated by the facility, as well as the sale of materials, the CO2 emissions and the increase in the availability of materials, among others. By applying the methodology, it has been possible to show that this facility is operationally (BP = 7.06 €/ton) as well as economically (BT = 55.72 €/ton) profitable. Conclusions: The plant is highly profitable from a social and environmental perspective, as can be seen from the monetary valuation of the externalities. The STF fulfils a primordial function for the city of Barcelona and its environs, as it treats waste for later reuse and recycling, preventing waste from being sent to landfills and reducing the CO2 emissions from the extraction of virgin raw materials, thereby helping to reach the objectives set by the European Commission. Finally, this paper provides a guide for future researchers and decision makers interested in the economic analysis of MSW management systems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this material I deal with one of the many fields of plastic art, which is -- Street Art in its various forms. Before describing the technical side of the classes in this subject, I present a brief description of this very popular art. I emphasize its artistic and educational values. Designs of paintings in space seem to have unlimited possibilities and a rich means of expression. This involves a variety of new technical solutions, and thus inspire creators to look for more and more attractive visual forms. That is why it is so important that Street Art in its various forms should be included in the curriculum of art students of the Pedagogical University. The purpose of these classes is to learn the methods of image creation that Street Art uses. Street art goes beyond the studio, and this gives creators more creativity. For students, this is an additional aspect to expressing their ideas, sensitivity and skills. They are not limited by structural frames or techniques. The fact that students show a keen interest in those workshops is truly inspiring for me as well as very inspirational for the similar projects in the future. These artistic lessons outside the university also have a social impact. Art has always been present in human's life. It has an impact on all cultural changes and more as economic or industrial. Thus, with time, the role and educational form of art increases. Building local, regional and national awareness in the context of works of art (in this case the Street Art) constituting the European and world culture is an important slogan in the educational process. Is this the case with the student education program at the Department of Fine Art? I'm trying to answer this question by presenting the implementation of specific program assumptions during my classes. Key words: man-creator, street art, original examples of exercises, education, upbringing, anamorphoses, 3d paintings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The COVID-19 pandemic has paralysed the global economy, forcing the cancellation of many sports events around the world. Faced with this new situation of normality in professional sports events, this study examines the perceived social impact of a post-COVID-19 professional cycling event, assessing the influence of fear and health concerns on residents' perception. The sample was made up of a total of 349 residents, 62.8% male and 37.2% female with an average age of 40. A resident's social impact perception questionnaire was used. Data collection was carried out post-event through online surveys via Facebook. A cluster analysis was carried out taking as a dependent variable, concern or fear for health and the increase in the number of infections of COVID-19. The cluster analysis identified three groups of residents (Safe, Neutral and Unsafe), showing statistically significant differences in the residents' perceived social impact of the event between groups. The 'Safe' group valued all dimensions of social impact perception more positively than the 'Neutral' and 'Unsafe' groups. The socio-demographic profile presented differences according to gender and event attendance. The findings of this study help to better understand the social perception of residents in the host city in a pandemic situation and how fear can affect their perceptions of the event. Knowing the opinion of the residents and having their involvement and support in the organisation of sports events is a key factor for the success of these competitions in cities. In this situation of uncertainty, it is necessary to be aware of these perceptions and to develop strategies to involve the citizens in the development of these events. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The soaring popularity of business practices in the social sector has elicited numerous calls from academics and practitioners to adopt appropriate methodologies to quantify and compare social value creation. Contributing scholars consider it a great if not impossible challenge to compare social value creation of different, unrelated heterogonous interventions. We help bridge this research gap by developing a conceptual framework that allows us to compare the effectiveness of social interventions serving the different needs of different treatment groups in different socioeconomic and institutional contexts. We do so by bringing insights from both the literature on subjective well-being and the literature on organizational effectiveness theory into not-for-profit and social entrepreneurship research, as well as into the literature on program evaluation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study investigates the determinants and consequences of the perceived social impact of a sport event by analyzing data obtained from 458 local attendees of the 2012 FedEx St. Jude Classic. Results show that a sport event generates a higher level of social impact for local attendees if they feel a greater sense of social camaraderie at the event and/or perceive a higher level of the social responsibility of the event. In turn, the creation of social impact leads to greater business returns, such that local attendees perceiving a high level of social impact are likely to support the event and its sponsors. These results offer some empirical evidence for Chalip’s (2006) framework of social leverage, and show why events and their sponsors need to make efforts to generate social benefits for host communities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Alton Action is a grassroots campaign formed in 2020 by members of the Roehampton community who were concerned about the proposed regeneration of the Alton Estate by Wandsworth Council. The campaign partnered with The Bartlett School of Planning at UCL and Just Space to create an alternative community-led plan for the estate. Through this co-design process, local residents and stakeholders were actively involved in the design and implementation of the plan, providing a different experience from the Council's previous consultation process. The co-design process included a social impact assessment and iterative workshops to ensure inclusivity and accessibility. The resulting Alton Estate People's Plan has influenced the Council's thinking and generated further research on reducing the environmental impact of regeneration. However, the new Council still employs a top-down approach, and there is a need for more collaborative design processes. [Extracted from the article]

Sponge city (SPC) is currently being promoted as an initiative under the principle of sustainable development to solve the urban water crisis across China. Moreover, with the introduction of the public-private partnerships (PPPs) in SPC development, the public’s concern regarding SPC PPPs has increased in terms of their more sophisticated outcomes and greater social impacts than general urban development. Thus, to develop an effective set of SIA key indicators for SPC PPPs, this study uses social impact theory (SIT) to explore in greater detail the influencing mechanism for the social impact assessment (SIA) conceptual model proposed in the authors’ previous studies. Confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) was applied to examine whether the hypothesized relationships in the influencing mechanism fit the empirical data and to further consolidate the SIA key indicators. Based on a survey questionnaire and CFA results, a verified and refined SIA framework using 23 key indicators and five corresponding dimensions was proposed, particularly within the context of SPC PPPs. Implications generated from the CFA were discussed to improve the comprehensive performance of sponge city PPPs. These 23 key indicators and the clarification of their relationships to the respective SIA dimensions and to the overall SIA results can be a useful tool for enhancing the social benefits of SPC PPPs. Moreover, this study also provides governments with insights into enabling the low-impact and sustainable development of infrastructure within urban areas.

Keywords: community-based conservation; FPIC; grievance redress; human subjects; indigenous peoples; protected areas; wildlife trafficking EN community-based conservation FPIC grievance redress human subjects indigenous peoples protected areas wildlife trafficking 1 3 3 08/03/22 20220801 NES 220801 This evidence piece argues that social safeguards in the context of conservation should not be put in place using a formulaic, one size fits all approach Rather safeguards should be tailored to the conservation approaches and actions being implement and the social risks. To achieve our mission of saving wildlife and wild places, WCS invests staff time and resources on five major approaches to conservation, many of which are similar to the activities of other conservation organizations. [Extracted from the article]

On the one hand, avocado trees have the capacity to sequester carbon as they grow, something that some of the "avocado substitutes" do in much lower amounts. While it is true that carbon footprint studies on avocado to date have reported values between 0.75 and 1.5 kg of CO SB 2 sb eq per kilogram of avocado produced (Bartl et al. [3]; Hadjian et al. [12]; Esteve-Llorens et al. [10]; Solarte-Toro et al. [24]), these numbers are still essentially lower than those of most animal protein products (Clune et al. [7]; Errickson et al. [9]), including seafood (Gephart et al. [11]). On November 1st, I The Guardian i published an article entitled "End of the avocado: why chefs are ditching the unsustainable fruit", which suggested that chefs in England and other European nations were seeking alternative products to avocado, due to its high carbon and water footprint (The Guardian [25]). Improved technology in terms of electricity use, machinery, and fertilizing production should improve the carbon footprint of avocado and any other food product in the next few years if carbon mitigation targets are met by nations (Ritchie et al. [20]). [Extracted from the article]

Unlike historic mines in the NWT, recent diamond mining operations have made a prolonged effort to incorporate Indigenous peoples into their labor forces, largely in response to Indigenous political organizing. The late twentieth century was an important period of transition for the economy of the Northwest Territories (NWT), Canada. This distorted understanding of subsistence economies, Hall argues, causes government and industry to underestimate both the benefits Dene receive from the subsistence economy and the negative effects diamond mining is having on subsistence practices. [Extracted from the article]

This study explores the impact of B Corp certification and its associated impact assessment on four case studies of small and medium-sized Brazilian companies certified as B Corps. The results reveal that although all companies had achieved high scores in the certification assessment, awarded on the basis of existing performance, they did not subsequently develop road maps for the future to improve their scores in the way which the B Corp Impact Assessment process endorses as one of the benefits of certification. Their incremental changes are discussed in the light of the main motivations and expectations of these companies' founders with regard to the certification. A central role of the B Corp certification for this group of companies was to improve their external reputation with investors, clients and consumers. They were not strongly driven to reshape internal processes in ways which would advance their scores in the impact assessment and which would tackle complex problems of corporate governance. Our findings contribute to enriching the discussion of stakeholder engagement and corporate governance in hybrid organizations and contribute to the emerging agenda on studying change over time in B Corps. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper introduces the special issue on gender in impact assessment and management. We discuss the absence of gender-responsive approaches in conventional impact assessment practice and management, and associated implications for meaningfully addressing gender relations and the rights of women and LGBTQI+ people. We also introduce the special issue, which sheds light on gaps in impact assessment but also demonstrates that practical approaches exist to further embed gender-responsive approaches. Collectively, a central argument emanating from the contributions is that gender-neutral approaches to impact assessment and management can perpetuate or even create new forms of gender discrimination. This runs counter to the expectations set by international human rights law and the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, which rest on the central principles of non-discrimination, substantive gender equality, and 'leaving no one behind'. Four themes for more gender-responsive impact assessment and management are highlighted: (1) gender-responsive context analysis; (2) gender-responsive engagement and increased participation of women and LGBTQI+ people; (3) adaptation of tools, methods, and skills for enhanced gender responsiveness; and (4) embedding gender-responsive approaches from the project level to the governance sphere. Without presuming transferability across contexts, the contributions show that such strategies are necessary and possible in diverse global settings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Large-scale mining, oil, and gas projects can have a profound and negative affect on women's rights and gender equality. Adverse impacts include the disruption of family and social life; the increased risks to health and safety, especially in terms of domestic and sexual violence; environmental degradation; as well as changing access to and control over land and livelihoods. These adverse impacts fall most heavily on women. This case study focused on the East African Crude Oil Pipeline (EACOP). It shows that conventional environmental and social impact assessment (ESIA) processes may not identify all potential adverse impacts on women, and can fail to analyse the implications of potential impacts on gender norms and gender power relations, leading to a downplaying of the significance of these impacts. The implications for women and girls' health and safety resulting from the in-migration of large numbers of mostly men seeking project employment and other opportunities and increases in women's unpaid care work are two potential adverse impacts the EACOP ESIA failed to identify. Strengthening gender analysis within the current suite of impact assessment tools and methodologies, particularly for extractive industries projects, is therefore urgently needed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Companies that receive public funds for research and development and technological innovation (R&D&I) projects must comply with certain communication obligations in accordance with relevant Spanish and European laws. The aim of this work is to assess these requirements (including their advantages and limitations) based on the opinion of experts in the field. Interviews were conducted with R&D&I managers in national and regional agencies; innovation, transparency, and scientific dissemination specialists; and company directors. The results confirm the value of communicating innovation, in accordance with the current trends of innovation dissemination and the principles of transparency. Experts consider that the required communication requirements are insufficient and that their means and formats must be adapted to enhance the dissemination of innovation and improve transparency by promoting accessible content in a unified reposi- tory. They propose the measurement and assessment of the social impact of subsidized projects, as well as the possibility of subsidizing communication actions, as in European projects. Moreover, there is an urgent need to standardize the communication obligations of all proposals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: When confronted with major threats, people often experience decline in well‐being. The central purpose of this study was to identify mechanisms underlying change of well‐being in times of threat, using the example of the COVID‐19 pandemic, with a focus on appraisals of the pandemic and affective states, stress, as well as mindfulness in daily life. Method: We conducted a study across 3.5 weeks, including pretest, posttest, and a diary phase in‐between. We worked with a sample of 460 adults, pre‐ and post‐test information, as well as 7,189 observations from the diary phase. Results: Results showed that deterioration in mental health symptoms across the duration of the study was associated with (a) change towards less fortunate appraisals of the pandemic and (b), more negative affect and less mindfulness in daily life. Furthermore, appraisals of the pandemic at pretest predicted experiences in daily life, with more negative appraisals of the pandemic predicting more negative affect and stressor occurrence as well as less mindfulness. Conclusions: These findings speak to the dynamic nature of well‐being and appraisals in times of threat, and highlight the role of experiences in daily life in changes in well‐being. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This case study research assesses the social impacts of inadequate transport facilities on the people of the city of Dhaka using the qualitative content analysis method. From livelihood to the urban communities' mobility, all life-related matters are directly or indirectly related to public transport. However, the transport system in this city is one of the worst in the world. Hence, there is an absolute necessity to examine the inadequate transport facilities of the present transit system and their social effects on the people living in this city. Vanclay's Social Impact Assessment was integrated to investigate the impact. In six specific gateways of Dhaka, indepth interviews with 1800 respondents were carried out to know about the social impacts of insufficient public transport facilities. The social impacts of inadequate transport facilities create problematic conditions specifically for the low and middle-income communities of Dhaka, aggravating traffic danger, absence of protection and safety, social isolation, reduced mobilities, loss of social capital, cultural deprivation, absence of social interaction, family estrangement, travel cost, deficiency of transport accessibility. In the future, it will have serious repercussions for its residents. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Social Impact Assessment (SIA) is recognized as a valuable component of environmental management, yet it has been neglected internationally and in South Africa. Disaster Risk Assessment (DRA), is identified as a complimentary activity to SIA, that due to its shared focus on community wellbeing, has the potential for integration with and enhancement of SIA. The integration of SIA and DRA is a new, but poorly researched trend in South Africa, which is explored in this paper by investigating the current discourses in SIA and DRA practice using questionnaires and interviews with a sample of SIA and DRA experts. Four practical discourses were investigated i.e. specialists' career experience; obstacles to practice; methodological guidance; and integrated assessments. This was followed by a literature study that demonstrated that these discourses echo broad international trends in SIA and DRA practice. The findings suggest that the integration of SIA and DRA should be pursued to optimize SIA for improved practice, to increase community resilience and to promote sustainable development outcomes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study attempts to construct a computer-based probabilistic model of the social impact of cultural events, which may be useful for simulating and measuring social impact in a community context. Changes in social capital as a result of actors' participation in cultural events are modeled, assuming that links exist between cultural participation and social capital measured using the methodology of the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development. The computer-based probabilistic model for simulation of the social impact of a cultural event flow is developed, and the model for a social impact assessment using statistical socio-cultural data is given. Finally, verification of the developed model is carried out by Monte Carlo-based computer-simulated case study, and the example of application to statistical cultural participation data is presented. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The world is facing an unprecedented situation with COVID-19. The normal functioning of economies has been completely interrupted with the lockdowns in place. The consequences of pandemic have been deeply felt across the entire global tourism ecosystem. Travel restrictions that were put in place to reduce the outbreak of coronavirus, affected various sectors of every economy. Since recovery of tourism is crucial for the turnaround of any economy, this study aims to provide an overview of the impact of COVID-19 on global tourism and highlighted the ways that can lead the path of revival of the sector. To make this assessment, the paper studied three associated industries of tourism viz. airlines; hospitality with special focus on the hotel segment; and the MSMEs involved directly in tourism related business. Region-wise analysis reveals that the Asia-Pacific zone has been the worst affected followed by the Middle East. As countries are opening up their borders and encouraging tourism, the sector is facing the challenge of rebuilding the consumer confidence in order to promote future tourism. Hence, the paper also provides an overview of policy decisions taken worldwide which will be crucial for sustenance of the global tourism sector. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study is an applied research.The main aim of this research is to evaluate the impact of the selected Iranian scientific products in two areas of social sciences and computer science indexed in Scopus using alternative indicators (Altmetrics). The research community consists of the articles of the Iranian researchers in the subject areas of computer science and social sciences indexed at the Scopus Database in 2014-2018. Some of the most important altmetric service providers such as Altmetrics Explorer and Plum Analytics have been used to assess the presence of the research outputs in the social media and their impact assessment. Also, the relationship between variables such as scientific collaboration of researchers, open access journals and the quality of research journals with altmetric activity have been investigated through appropriate correlation tests. The findings of data analysis showed that in the field of social sciences, the extent of the presence of the articles of the Iranian researchers in the social media is about 12% and in the field of computer science is only about 4% of the total retrieved articles. The most important social media publishing Iranian articles in each of the two subject areas are Mendeley, Twitter and Facebook. Due to the low level of correlation coefficient between the two variables of scientific collaboration of researchers and the altmetric activity, it seems that the increase in the number of authors in the two thematic areas does not have a significant effect on the altmetric score of these articles. The results of the correlation test showed a significant and weak statistical relation between journal openness and the altmetric scores in the social sciences. While in the field of computer science there was no significant statistical relation between these two variables. Also, due to the correlation between the two variables of the quality of the journals published the studied articles and their altmetric activity in both areas of the study, it can be concluded that the published articles in the journals with higher quality indicators have higher altmetric scores and are more likely to be present in social media. The results of these studies show that using altmetric indicators, one can evaluate the impact of research in different subject areas and compare them. Science and technology policy makers can consider the presence of articles in social media and altmetric indices in scientific policy along with traditional research evaluation indicators. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hydroelectric stations are a renewable source of electricity, but social and environmental impacts have been hindering social acceptance of new projects. The hydroelectricity sector has been investing heavily in sustainability marketing and social responsibility to improve the sector perceptions among shareholders and minimize public scrutiny. This paper examines corporate social responsibility (CSR) reporting of the hydroelectric sector focusing on Canadian corporations. In addition, this paper reveals that although CSR is addressed in either the websites or environmental reports, the type of framework adopted, the completeness, and frequency of reporting is not equally implemented. Overall, financial accountability persists driving the reports attention and playing a major role in the CSR view. This work also attempts to link CSR and social impact assessment to improve sustainability reporting. Several recommendations are presented throughout the text. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: This article explores the role of telecare assessment, review and staff training in meeting the needs of older people living at home. Using original empirical data obtained from an online survey of English local authorities it reveals considerable variation in assessment and review practice and in training given to social work and other staff who assess and review, which may impact on outcomes for telecare users. The study findings are situated within an English policy context and earlier findings from a large, government funded randomised controlled trial. This trial concluded that telecare did not lead to better outcomes for users. Findings: Our survey findings suggest that it may be the way in which telecare is used, rather than telecare itself that shapes outcomes for people who use it, and that 'sub-optimal' outcomes from telecare may be linked to how telecare is adopted, adapted and used; and that this is influenced by staff training, telecare availability and a failure to regard telecare as a complex intervention. Application: The findings may help to reconcile evidence which suggests that telecare does not deliver better outcomes and local authority responses to this which either discount or contest its value. The article suggests that to use telecare to achieve optimal outcomes for older people, social workers, care managers and other professionals involved in assessing for telecare will need to be given enhanced training opportunities, and their employers will need to perceive telecare as a complex intervention rather than simply a 'plug and play' solution. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: This study aims to investigate the relationship between quantity, quality, and composition of social networks and depressive symptoms among U.S. Chinese older adults. Methods: Data were derived from the Population Study of Chinese Elderly (PINE) (N = 3,157), a study of Chinese older adults aged 60 and above in Chicago. We assessed quantitative (network size and volume of contact), qualitative (emotional closeness), and composition (proportion kin, proportion female and proportion coresident) aspects of social networks. Depressive symptoms were measured by the Patient Health Questionnaire-9. Negative binomial and logistic regressions were conducted. Results: Older adults who had three to five network members with strong ties, a medium level of contact, and a high level of emotional closeness were less likely to experience depression than their counterparts. Quantitative and qualitative dimensions of social networks have stronger protective effects than the composition dimension. Conclusions: U.S. Chinese older immigrants with different levels of social network characteristics have different risks of depression, suggesting targeted subpopulation assessments to facilitate the delivery of more appropriate and effective treatment to those most in need. Clinical Implications: Health-care professionals and social service agencies are suggested to develop intervention programs to promote mental health through increasing strong ties and improving the quality of social networks for U.S. Chinese older immigrants. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The recent wave of large-scale land acquisitions or land deals, popularly called 'land grabbing' in subSaharan Africa, has provoked vigorous debate over the potential benefits and risks to local people, with results structured by complex policy and institutional context. Land deals present new development challenges and aggravate old vulnerabilities, raising critical questions for investigation. Yet empirical evidence of impacts on local populations is limited, particularly regarding how land deals affect local people's livelihood assets, strategies, and outcomes. Guided by the sustainable livelihood approach and a quasi-experimental design, I compare livelihoods before and after a land deal project and between an affected and a control community in southwestern Tanzania. I use household surveys, focused group discussions, and key informant interviews to collect data. The ANOVA analyses revealed that the project severely deteriorated households' natural, financial, and social capital and had far-reaching impacts on well-being in the affected community compared to the control village. The study recommends that African countries should consider (1) scrutinizing land deals and enforcing contracts, (2) conducting rigorous environmental and social impact assessment, (3) strengthening customary land rights and reinforcing compensation policies, and (4) meaningfully involving locals in land deal negotiations. This contribution responds to the deficit in research on land deals' impacts on livelihoods and well-being and lays the groundwork for future research. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Social enterprises from government, society, and financiers are under increasing pressure to demonstrate their social impact. To do this, social enterprises need to implement social impact assessments in their organizations. It is noteworthy that there are many different methods and tools for impact assessment and measurement, which often make it unclear to social enterprise managers what is best for their enterprise. Also, many social impact assessment and measurement methodologies are complex enough and require specific competencies, time, and other extra costs. However, social impact assessment is an essential process, as it helps to build trust in these organizations by the public, state institutions and investors, to ensure the transparency of their activities and to meet their goals. Social enterprises are a new phenomenon in the Baltic States, so it is essential to clarify the attitude of the leaders of the organization to the social impact assessment and what practices they use in their organizations. Aim of the research: to explore the existing practice of social impact assessment of social enterprises in the Baltic states. The methodology of research: 20 in depth interviews with the jure and the facto WISE´s managers in the Baltic states were conducted.

The concept and practice of Social Impact and Social Impact assessment has developed and matured over the last decade. Despite this growth, confusion still exists with respect to definitions of social impact as well as which tools and frameworks are most appropriate. Central to the concept and practice of social impact is a focus on outcomes. This paper argues that a discernible albeit problematic pattern and approach has emerged in outcomes measurement within the social impact field. After briefly reviewing some of the key problems with how outcomes measurement is practised, it presents some recent approaches from the evaluation field that attempt to address some of these concerns before introducing a new approach to understanding and evaluating outcomes – Meaningful Evaluation (ME). A pilot Meaningful Evaluation of volunteer ethics teachers in the Primary Ethics program in NSW is used to illustrate the approach. ME combines the Map of Meaning (MoM) with insights from next generation evaluation approaches to understand and assess outcomes. Informed by appreciative inquiry perspectives, it provides a means to bridge the divide between positivist and interpretivist approaches in evaluation. Key to ME is the assumption that it is more likely that immediate outcomes lead to medium and long-term outcomes (changes in behaviour) that are sustainable and lead to impact if participants experience program interventions as ‘meaningful’. Meaning is an important internal outcome that is essential if longer-term external outcomes are to occur. It also shifts the focus to capture unintended outcomes, key to developing holistic and systemic rather than linear and mechanistic Theories of Change.

Footnotes 1 In response to: Environmental assessments and sustainable finance frameworks: Will the EU Taxonomy change the mindset over the contribution of EIA to sustainable development? There are numerous ESG rating firms and information providers that undertake deep-dive research to cover all aspects of a company and rank them against their peers based on the risks delivered. However, as the implementation of Taxonomy proceeds and evolves, responsible investors will be able to identify companies transitioning to more sustainable activities and demonstrate their leadership by redirecting capital towards those creating more long-term positive outcomes. [Extracted from the article]

Environmental assessments and sustainable finance frameworks: will the EU Taxonomy change the mindset over the contribution of EIA to sustainable development? Keywords: EIA; ESG; environmental impact assessment; sustainable finance taxonomies EN EIA ESG environmental impact assessment sustainable finance taxonomies 110 112 3 03/10/22 20220301 NES 220301 About Rufus A Howard Rufus has been studying and practicing impact assessment across the UK and internationally since 1997. [Extracted from the article]

Reservoir construction projects are frequently met with fierce opposition. Consequently, to mitigate any potential negative impacts, environmental and social impact assessments are usually mandatory. Stakeholder perspectives are often only implicit in such assessments, and the medium-term effects of mitigating actions are assessed at the aggregate level, which fails to take into account unequal disaggregated impacts. In this paper, we design and apply an agent-based model (ABM) built on stakeholder information to conduct an ex ante assessment of the impact of a reservoir construction project in southern Thailand over a 30-year period for individual agents. We incorporate stakeholders' knowledge into the ABM on the basis of primary data collected during the 2016–2018 period, including workshops with affected farmers to assess their interests and concerns, in-depth interviews with farmers in nearby districts to assess farming behaviors, and the expert opinions of policymakers to assess the relevant regulations and processes. In a case study for which the model was established, the results predict that, overall, farmers will have more farm income if the dam is built. We find that affected people require a standard of living similar to that provided by their previous livelihood as soon as possible after resettlement. By simulating the impacts on individual agents, we conclude that the compensation for relocation offered to affected farmers is not sufficient for sustainable resettlements. Facilitating compensation may increase the speed of project implementation and lead to better outcomes for everyone, including affected communities, whereas failure to reshape the current compensation policy leaves everyone more disadvantaged. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Mekong River, well known for its aquatic biodiversity, is important to the social, physical, and economic health of millions living in China, Myanmar, Laos, Thailand, Cambodia, and Vietnam. This paper explores the social and environmental impacts of several Mekong basin hydropower dams and groupings of dams and the geographies of their impacts. Specifically, we examined the 3S (Sesan, Sekong Srepok) river system in northeastern Cambodia, the Central Highlands of Vietnam, and southern Laos; the Khone Falls area in southern Laos; the lower Mun River Basin in northeastern Thailand; and the upper Mekong River in Yunnan Province, China, northeastern Myanmar, northern Laos, and northern Thailand. Evidence shows that these dams and groupings of dams are affecting fish migrations, river hydrology, and sediment transfers. Such changes are negatively impacting riparian communities up to 1000 km away. Because many communities depend on the river and its resources for their food and livelihood, changes to the river have impacted, and will continue to negatively impact, food and economic security. While social and environmental impact assessments have been carried out for these projects, greater consideration of the scale and cumulative impacts of dams is necessary. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article studies the tripartite relationship between the economy, economic news, and public economic perceptions. Our analysis is twofold: We investigate the impact of the real economy on economic news in Dutch newspapers (2002-2015, N = 127,120); second, we analyze the impact of economic news on public economic perceptions. Our empirical approach builds on and contributes to the literature by making nuanced distinctions between (a) economic levels and changes (positive/negative), (b) volume and tone of coverage (positive/negative), and, most importantly, (c) people's retrospective and prospective economic judgments. Our analyses show that the public is presented a version of economic reality that is skewed to the negative, which strongly affects people's economic expectations but not evaluations. Extending media-dependency theory, these results demonstrate the necessity to both conceptually and empirically distinguish between people's retrospective and prospective judgments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]