Community Life Research Articles

Syariah Sebagai Hasil Pemikiran: Produk Ijtihad Konvensional dan Ijtihad Kontemporer

It cannot be denied that the contribution of Islam (Syariah) and Muslim thought is very large to the continuity and development of legal thought. The purpose of this paper is to find out how the origin of sharia exists, then what are the results of conventional ijtihad products and contemporary ijtihad and which reasons are more obligatory to obey between Fikih and Codification. The research uses a qualitative method. While the approach used in this research is a normative-historical approach. The findings produced in this study are that in Indonesia, one of the legal systems in force is Islamic law. In the Islamic legal system, there are types of Islamic legal thought products in Indonesia, which include: fiqh thought products, fatwas, tafsir, court decisions (Jurisprudence), and legal thought products (codification) and the results of the Supreme Court plenary meeting, should be enforced and enforced honestly and fairly. Then the products of Islamic legal thought that have been institutionalized and obeyed by the Indonesian people are Fiqh, Tafsir, Fatwa, Jurisprudence and Legislation. The process of the birth of these four things cannot be separated from the development of the dynamics of community life from time to time in collaboration with Indonesian conditions.

Historical and Cultural Aspects of the Club Movement in Novosibirsk Akademgorodok in 1960s – 1980s

The article discusses the significance of leveraging historical experiences to address contemporary societal challenges, particularly the technological impact on science cities, the holistic development of human capital, and the cultivation of humanitarian resources for Russian scientific advancement. The primary objective of this work is to study in dynamics the historical and cultural aspects of the club movement, offering a comprehensive portrayal of the scientific community's life in Novosibirsk Akademgorodok during the 1960s to 1980s. Employing the problem-chronological method, an interdisciplinary approach, and the discourse of a new scientific trend of anthropology of scientific life, this study has yielded results that contribute to a broader understanding of the aforementioned subject matter. The initial stage of the club movement in 1960s was characterized by pronounced processes of sociocultural adaptation (fulfillment of the social order for communication) and political engagement aligning with scientific pursuits. In 1970s and 1980s, the club movement underwent institutionalization, integrating itself into the socio-cultural space of Akademgorodok. About 40 clubs were established, including the clubs “Under Integral”, “Babylon”, ISC Club, “Sigma”, “Sage”, “Vertical”, “Grazia”, “Aesthetics of Clothes”, as well as thematic clubs of interest. Evidencing a democratic character, the club movement in Akademgorodok served to uphold the image of Soviet science and culture. Although the Soviet state regulated the forms of political participation, the club movement was generally supported by cultural policy actors. The mobilization trend encapsulated by “Science – Culture – Art” can be interpreted as a historical and cultural blueprint of the club movement of Novosibirsk Akademgorodok, strengthening the scientific and organizational principles of the establishment of the Siberian Branch of the USSR Academy of Sciences “Science – Personnel – Production” in 1960–1980.

The Scramble for the West? Debunking the Myths around Migration from Africa and the Global South

Irregular migrants’ flows have, for several years now, been making the news headlines and are at the core of political debates. In a context of polycrisis—characterized by the post COVID-19 pandemic, climate change and its devastating impacts; the disruption of labor markets caused by the fourth industrial revolution and artificial intelligence; or geopolitical tensions in different parts of the globe that threaten the livelihoods of many communities—the desire to move from the developing and emerging world to the West can increase.

A Bibliometric Review of the Impacts of Logging in Forests in Semi-Arid Zones

Forest massifs in semi-arid zones play an essential role in maintaining ecological balances and the livelihood of local communities. However, unsustainable logging in these regions can have devastating ecological, and socio-economic consequences. This bibliometric review aims to synthesize the available evidence regarding the impacts of logging in semi-arid ecosystem. Analysis of publication trends reveals a significant increase in research from 2008, reflecting a growing awareness of the issues related to sustainable forest management. The United States, Canada, Australia and China the most prominent countries in this field. The bibliometric analysis of the highlights major concerns related to climate change, clear-cutting, interactions with demographic dynamics and biogeochemical cycles. However, gaps remain, including a lack of data specific to semi-arid areas, limited understanding of the complex interactions between different dimensions of impacts, and insufficient integration of local perspectives and traditional knowledge. This review highlights the need to continue interdisciplinary and collaborative research efforts to ensure sustainable management of semi-arid forests in the face of current and future environmental challenges.

Peningkatan Literasi Teknologi IoT untuk Mendukung Implementasi Smart City di Masyarakat Perkotaan

The implementation of Internet of Things (IoT) technology in the smart city concept has become an important innovation that plays a major role in improving the quality of life of urban communities. IoT enables the integration of various interconnected devices and systems to optimize the management of city resources such as energy, transportation and security. This research aims to encourage the influence of IoT technology on the implementation of smart cities in several cities in Indonesia. Using qualitative and quantitative methods, this research collects data through interviews with city stakeholders as well as secondary data analysis from related reports and publications. The research results show that the application of IoT in smart cities has a significant impact on increasing operational efficiency, better environmental management, and improving public services. However, this research also found a number of challenges, such as limited infrastructure, data security problems, and low digital literacy among the public. In conclusion, although IoT has great potential in accelerating the implementation of smart cities, policies are needed that support and increase society's capacity to reach the full potential of this technology.

Tackling Social Inequality in the City of Porto, Northern Portugal: Grassroots Horticultural Practices and the Desired City

Grassroots urban horticultural plots (hortas), part of the Porto Metropolitan Area in Northern Portugal, are presented as liminal spaces that hold a richness of community life and a “gift economy.” Often in existence for several decades and encompassing groups of over 20 or 30 people, these informal communities are, nevertheless, not cherished by the instances of city governance that do not stand in the way of the destruction of these low‐income urbanite horticultural communities. The use of de Certeau’s concepts of “strategy” and “tactics” are used to try and explain this incompatibility between these two forms of urban (self) governance that hinders the right to the city by the low‐income urbanites who have created these horticultural grassroots communities.

El impacto del COVID-19 en la calidad de vida de los latinoamericanos en Nueva Zelanda

Introduction: This research explored how COVID-19 has negatively affected the quality of life for Latin Americans in New Zealand. No study has yet been conducted on this topic. Objective: This is a pilot study that describes the effects of the pandemic on the quality of life of the Latino community in that country. According to the academic literature, the concept of quality of life is broad and encompasses objective and subjective factors. Methodology: This is a qualitative study that used digital ethnography as a methodological approach. In this way, the observation of the participants through Facebook (as digital ethnography) and semi-structured interviews were used as data collection methods. Ten Latin American participants from Argentina, Colombia, Ecuador, Peru, and Venezuela participated in this study. Participants were recruited through Facebook ads. Thematic analysis was used to analyse the qualitative data produced by this research. Results: The findings of this study show that COVID-19 has not seriously affected the quality of life of the participants. Conclusions: Despite the fact that CVID-19 has somehow impacted the quality of life of Latin Americans in New Zealand, they think that their current quality of life in that country is positive, happy and pleasant.

Innovative Data Collection Methods for Advancing Coastal Management in Liberia

Effective coastal management is crucial for the sustainability of ecosystems and the livelihoods of communities that depend on coastal resources. In Liberia, current challenges such as outdated data collection methods, limited technological resources, and inadequate community engagement significantly hinder effective decision-making and coastal management efforts. This research explores innovative data collection methods, including remote sensing, crowdsourced data collection, swarm drones, and bioacoustic monitoring as potential solutions to these challenges. By integrating these technologies, Liberia can enhance data accuracy and cost-effectiveness while empowering local communities to actively participate in sustainable practices. The adoption of these methods will not only improve the management of coastal resources but also foster resilience against climate change and environmental degradation, paving the way for a sustainable future for Liberia’s coastal regions

Servant Research: A Philosophical and Organizational Framework for Research that Creates Meaningful Change

AbstractServant Research is a new term to describe a framework for research that is grounded in social responsibility and humanistic principles and is designed to specifically and intentionally improve the lives of people and communities. Servant Research can be used to describe research that exists across many different research methodologies, settings, and disciplines and addresses a multitude of individual or societal problems, inequities, or needs. When scholars engage in Servant Research, they design, implement, and disseminate research that is embedded with core characteristics, including valuing people, giving back, empowering others, and performing service. A second new term introduced within the Servant Research framework, research humility, describes scholars who value the expertise of, and are willing to learn from, those who have traditionally not held positions of power. Scholars who engage in Servant Research face challenges, including rigid promotion and tenure guidelines, perceptions from some within the Academy that research of this type is less rigorous than other approaches, the lack of clear ethical guidelines to address the complexity of the work, the emotionally draining aspects of this type of scholarship, and the often-time-consuming nature of this work which can limit productivity. The introduction of this framework offers scholars a label to describe the meaning-making that is at the core of their research, provides a shared nomenclature for scholars using a multitude of methodologies and from a variety of disciplines, and gives a structure to a meaningful discourse about the engagement of scholars in the social responsibility mission of the university.

Exploring The Connection of Spirituality at Work in Enhancing Nurses’ Job Performance: Insight from Malaysian Hospitals

The performance of nurses can be seen as a reflection of healthcare organizations, as they constitute the most critical human resources within hospitals. However, challenges arise when issues such as staff shortages, high turnover rates, and burdensome workloads contribute to poor nurse performance. Conversely, the incorporation of spirituality in the workplace provides nurses with an opportunity to align their inner selves within a supportive community environment, fostering a deeper sense of purpose in their professional responsibilities. This study sought to determine the connection between spirituality at work and nurses’ job performance, surveying 350 nurses employed in public hospitals across Malaysia. Data analysis was conducted using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) software version 27, revealing that all three aspects of spirituality at work, namely inner life, meaningful work, and sense of community, had a positive and significant influence on nurses’ job performance. This study provides potential aid to decision-makers in Malaysian healthcare organizations by offering significant insights for the development of strong spirituality at work values within their organizational setting. Additionally, this study presents recommendations for future research and proposes methods for the authorities to incorporate spirituality at work values into nurses’ jobs, ultimately enhancing the overall performance of healthcare services.

Do facilitators and barriers to community ambulation differ among stroke survivors in low resource settings? A cross-sectional study in Nigeria

ABSTRACT Purpose Stroke survivors (SSV) in many low- and middle-income countries experience frustrating participation restriction in community ambulation (CA), which impedes community life. This study assessed facilitators and barriers to CA among community-dwelling SSV in a southwest state of Nigeria. Methods This cross-sectional study involved 66 community-dwelling ambulating SSV, purposively recruited from physiotherapy out-patient clinics of selected hospitals in southwest Nigeria. Semi-structured questionnaire containing physical and social environment elements of the ICF domains was administered on respondents. Mobility status at home and community, socio-demographic and clinical data of SSV were also obtained. Responses from open-ended questions were triangulated with appropriate close ended options. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and logistic regression at p < 0.05 Alpha value. Results Majority of the SSV were independent in their homes (59.1%), used mobility aids (87.9%) and assisted in CA (66.7%). They identified limited physical accessibility by crowds 25 (37.9%), lack of inclined surfaces 40 (95.2%), uneven floors 36 (87.8%), public seating arrangements 33 (78.6%), rain (73.8%) and inability to use services, systems and policies (77.3%) as barriers to CA. Built physical environment was a significant predictor of home (OR = 0.754, p = 0.001) and community mobility (OR = 0.850; p = 0.018), while post-stroke depression was a significant predictor of community mobility (OR = 1.038; p = 0.014). Conclusion Mobility aids, social attitudes and general support were identified as facilitators, whereas barriers to CA included built physical environment, services and policies, products and technology. Facilitators and barriers to CA are similar to some HIC contexts, perceived difficulties and experiences differ for infrastructural and social reasons among others.

Analysis of the Spatio-Temporal Evolution of Urban Sports Service Facilities in the Yangtze River Delta

The spatial allocation of urban public sports facilities is critical for ensuring equitable access to basic public services and maintaining urban spatial cohesion. This study examines central cities in the Yangtze River Delta, utilizing Point of Interest (POI) data to characterize urban sports service facilities. Employing methods such as kernel density estimation, the nearest neighbor index, spatial autocorrelation, and coefficient of variation, this study analyzes the spatial aggregation, synergy, and equalization of sports service facilities at the community scale. The findings indicate that: (1) the spatial distribution of sports service facilities within community life circles demonstrates a clustered pattern, forming a concentric core-to-periphery structure, with notable variations in clustering degrees across different cities; (2) synergy among sports service facilities has significantly improved, with the emergence of multiple high-value clusters and low-value dispersions across various cities; and (3) the level of equalization of sports service facilities in community life circles follows the general order of Shanghai &gt; Nanjing &gt; Hangzhou &gt; Hefei. These insights offer valuable guidance for the planning and optimization of urban public sports facilities.

Impact of the SENA Rural Entrepreneurship Training Program on the Development of Productive Units during the Covid 19 Pandemic in Colombia

Rural productive units represent an alternative for improving the quality of life in rural communities, but they require relevant training for their implementation and sustainability. During the COVID-19 pandemic, the business training processes offered by the National Learning Service (SENA) underwent significant transformations, which in many cases were not effective in consolidating these productive units. The objective of this study is to analyze the effectiveness of SENA training programs during the social confinement in Colombia and their impact on the development of rural productive units in municipalities of Cundinamarca. A qualitative approach with descriptive scope and an action research design was used, employing interviews and focus groups with 22 participants of the SENA Emprende Rural program. The findings indicate that the insufficient accompaniment by tutors and the lack of adequate training hindered the consolidation of the productive units, which led to the closure of seven of them by the beneficiaries. Therefore, it is concluded that it is necessary to offer training programs adjusted to the needs of the rural context, in addition to providing continuous support and financing to ensure the sustainability of the productive units.

Community Involvement in Participatory Forest Monitoring around Kibale National Park of Western Uganda

A study on Participatory Forest Monitoring (PFM) and Natural Forest Restoration (NFR) was carried out in the communities residing around the Kibale National Park (KNP), Uganda. The research was conducted from June to August 2024 among 394 respondents, adopting a cross-sectional research design to explore mechanisms for scaling up Participatory Forest Monitoring. The results revealed that participation in PFM improved income at the household level directly addressing household needs especially income for school fees and other needs by 79.9% (r=0.799, P&lt;0.05). Enhancing PFM activities and practices, the Uganda Wildlife Authority Forest Absorbing Carbon Emission (UWA-FACE) project is encouraged to consider electric fencing as an addition to existing PFM benefits (23.40%), increase the remuneration of a daily wage for PFM recipients (28.6%) and PFM could consider compensating farmers who lose livelihoods (29.9%). The findings indicated that PFM can effectively restore natural forests in the study area and enhance income and community livelihoods. There is a need to invest more funds in PFM activities.

Dharmagita Dalam Pelaksanaan Upacara Yajña Di Kecamatan Tegallalang Kabupaten Gianyar

Dharmagita in the religious and social life of Hindus is a form of offering sound art as a form of offering. Dharmagita is always present in Hindu religious ceremonies in Tegallalang District, giving the impression that the dharmagita accompanies the yajña. This research aims to examine the use of dharmagita in the yajña ceremony in Tegallalang sub-district, Gianyar district, and to discover the elements of Hindu philosophy contained in dharmagita. In general, this research aims to explore and provide a clear understanding of dharmagita and its use in yajña ceremony in Tegallalang District, Gianyar Regency, Hindu philosophy studies. This research uses three theories, functional structural theory, religious theory, and symbol theory to examine the dharmagita problem in Tegallalang district. This research is qualitative research with a phenomenological approach, which took the research location in the tegallalang sub-district, because it is seen from the phenomenon of socio-religious life in communities located in the transition area between sub-district and rural areas. The data sources in this research use primary data sources and secondary data sources. The results of this research confirm that dharmagita is a form of sound art offered to God in the yajña ceremony, including the god yajña, butha yajña, manusa yajña, pitra yajña, and rsi yajña ceremonies. Hindu philosophy in the dharmagita includes tattwa teachings which emphasize the divine aspect and have implications for increasing the sraddha and bhakti of the people in the yajña ritual.

‘New mining scheme, same old problems?’; risk factors and health challenges in underground community mining in Ghana

Abstract Ghana’s small-scale mining sector has long been a cornerstone of its economy and a vital source of livelihood for many communities. However, the sector is plagued by significant challenges, including environmental degradation, health and safety risks, and illegal practices. In response, the Ghanaian government introduced the Community Mining Scheme (CMS), a new mining model designed to promote local community participation in artisanal small-scale gold mining (ASGM). This study examines the workplace risk factors and associated health challenges faced by ASGM miners under the CMS, drawing on interviews with fifty underground CMS miners in Ghana. Our findings reveal that miners continue to face numerous health and safety challenges, including inadequate lighting, poor ventilation, exposure to noise and odors, unsupported or poorly supported loose materials, non-use of personal protective equipment, high dust levels, and unsafe blasting practices. Additionally, health concerns such as skin rashes, musculoskeletal injuries, and the risk of mercury poisoning persist. These challenges mirror those reported in the literature on unregulated and illegal ASGM in Ghana, indicating that existing issues remain unresolved under the CMS. To prevent the undermining of this initiative, it is crucial to adopt progressive practices, such as localized coping strategies and the recruitment of trained professionals to lead ASGM operations within the CMS. Enhancing miners’ risk perception through targeted outreach and awareness campaigns is also essential. Further recommendations for mitigating safety risks and health challenges are discussed in the article.

The Colonial Java Town and Beach: Chronotopical Analysis of Augusta de Wit’s Two Travelogue Chapters

When the twentieth century was around the corner, the plurality of residents and newcomers grew in numbers, forming a dynamic and heterogeneous urban society in colonial Java. Augusta de Wit was one of the Dutch authors who wrote about Java during her stay there in her book form travelogue titled Java: Facts and Fancies. Her experience in Java had left an influence on her, which is shown in her fiction works. One of them is the short story Vijandschap that portrays mostly the rural and idyllic life of a coastal community, yet includes the participation of the town (Batavia) as a commercially promising place. This qualitative study aspires to illuminate how the rural beach community reconciled with the town and to confirm what she means by natural beauty by focusing on two chapters “The Town" and “On the Beach.” It is conducted by employing a close reading method and Torop’s chronotopical analysis consisting of topographical, psychological, and metaphysical chronotopes in Augusta de Wit’s perspective while considering the notion of tropicality. This study discovers that there is a relational function of town as a dynamic marketplace to the local folks on the beach and a “space of home” for the Europeans, while the beach as fruitful home to the native beach community and a soothing recreational place to de Wit. Moreover, natural beauty is not confined to nature solely, but includes the locals alongside their character and habits, who are an intrinsic tropical part of Java.

Participation of LPMD in Village Infrastructure Development

The general background infrastructure development is fundamental for enhancing the quality of life and economic prospects in rural communities. Specific background in Indonesia, institutions such as Lembaga Pemberdayaan Masyarakat Desa (LPMD) are pivotal in facilitating this process. Knowledge gap despite their critical role, there is a scarcity of research addressing the specific contributions of LPMD to infrastructure projects at the village level. Aims This study aims to bridge this knowledge gap by investigating the involvement of LPMD in the planning, implementation, and supervision of infrastructure development within a village context. The Results Utilizing a descriptive qualitative approach, the results indicate that LPMD actively engages in project implementation, proposes community-based programs, and oversees project execution to ensure accountability and transparency. Novelty This research contributes novel insights into the diverse roles played by LPMD, showcasing both active and passive participation in infrastructure initiatives. The implications highlight the necessity for local governments to recognize and strengthen the involvement of LPMD in development processes, ensuring that community perspectives are effectively integrated into planning and execution, which may lead to more sustainable and impactful infrastructure development in rural settings. Highlights: LPMD plays a crucial role in infrastructure planning and implementation. The study highlights both active and passive participation of LPMD. Community involvement is essential for sustainable development outcomes. Keywords: Infrastructure Development, LPMD, Community Empowerment, Village Participation, Sustainable Development

Creative Research Engagement from Design through Application to Dissemination: Maximizing the Research Impact through Creativity

ABSTRACTThe value of research is often determined by its impact and ability to catalyze positive change in the life of communities, technological developments, and the advancement of education. However, translating research findings and innovative conceptualizations into practical applications is not always easy for various reasons. As a result, there may be difficulty achieving a buy‐in from community and industry partners who are essential for elevating innovative ideas to the level of working models and tangible outcomes. Similarly, it is not always immediately clear how research findings should be integrated in teaching and learning to improve the relevance of education to community and industry needs. In many situations, creativity and imagination are key to transforming research into impactful applications. Can we reimagine partnerships for the benefit of praxis? Can we design unique methods of research dissemination that will reach and engage a broader community, beyond a specialist circle? Can we present ideas and concepts to the world in a way that excites and motivates people, moving them to action? The presenters will provide examples of work that addresses these questions and will work with the audience to help with guidance in their own work.

Outcomes of Multidisciplinary Low-Vision Rehabilitation Using Two Questionnaires and the International Classification of Functioning, Disability, and Health

Objective: To evaluate the effectiveness of a low-vision service by using three tools and to identify the specific outcomes obtained from each instrument. Materials and Methods: Patients consecutively visiting the low-vision clinic at Siriraj Hospital, Bangkok, Thailand, were enrolled. The impact of the prescribed rehabilitation on patient quality of life was measured using three tools: the Low-Vision Quality-Of-Life Questionnaire (LVQOL); the generic EuroQol Five-Dimensional Questionnaire (EQ-5D); and the World Health Organization International Classification of Functioning, Disability, and Health (WHO-ICF). Results: Out of the 104 patients recruited, 76 patients (mean age, 53 ± 16.2 years) completed the questionnaires before and after rehabilitation, which was assessed after 5.8 ± 2.0 months. Post-rehabilitation, the time of follow-up, patients had significant improvements in the mean scores of both the LVQOL scores and mean EQ-5D scores compared to before rehabilitation (P &lt; 0.001), with Cohen’s effect sizes of 0.85 and 0.67, respectively. Subgroup analyses by age, severity, and cause of visual impairment also showed significant improvements in the LVQOL (P &lt; 0.05), but not the EQ-5D score in the blindness severity subgroup. The ICF scores also showed significant improvement in most domains, including seeing functions, mobility across different locations, transportation use, meal preparation, economic self-sufficiency, community life, and recreational activities (P &lt; 0.01). Conclusion: Patients with low vision experienced significant improvements following vision rehabilitation, especially in terms of seeing functions and mobility. Evaluation by different questionnaire types could provide additional information. The WHO-ICF was effective in assessing each domain related to activity performance and participation.