Shaping Community Research Articles

Variations in microbial community compositions and processes imposed under contrast geochemical contexts in Sicilian mud volcanoes, Italy.

Terrestrial mud volcanoes represent surface features of channels for subsurface methane transport and, therefore, constitute an important source of methane emission from natural environments. How microbial processes regulate methane emissions in terrestrial mud volcanoes has yet to be fully addressed. This study demonstrated the geochemical characteristics and microbial communities of four mud volcano and seep sites in two geological settings of Sicily, Italy. At sites within the accretionary wedge that exhibited higher methane and sulfate concentrations, the communities were dominated by members capable of catalyzing methane and sulfate metabolisms and organic degradation. In particular, both anaerobic and aerobic methanotrophs were abundant and their abundance distribution coincided with the geochemical transition. In contrast, the sites near Mount Etna were characterized by high fluid salinity, CO2, and low methane and sulfate concentrations, with communities consisting of halophilic organic degraders and sulfur metabolizers, along with a minor presence of aerobic methanotrophs. Substantial variations in community composition and geochemistry across spatial and vertical redox gradients suggest that physicochemical contexts imposed by the geology, fluid path, and source characteristics play a vital role in shaping community composition and cycling of methane, sulfur and organic carbon in Sicily mud volcanoes.

Tourism development impacts, cultural intelligence and community support for future development

Purpose – This study examines the dynamics of cultural intelligence (CQ) on the tripartite tourism development impacts (TDI) in the economic, social and environmental domains and how it influences residents’ perceptions of tourism development. Methodology/Design/Approach – Using a quantitative cross-sectional research design and random sampling, three hundred and forty-one (341) responses were analysed using partial least Square-Structural Equation Modelling (PLS-SEM). Findings – The study confirms that the TDI dimensions (economic and social) have a positive influence on CQ, while environmental impact is an insignificant determinant. CQ also significantly mediates the relationship between TDI (economic and social impact) and SFTD. Similar to the insignificant direct effect, CQ does not mediate the relationship between environmental impact and SFTD. Originality of the research – This finding suggests that cultural intelligence plays a crucial role in shaping community attitudes and receptivity to future tourism development projects. Furthermore, the result of this study emphasises the uniqueness of the influence of the different TDI dimensions on community support and the urgency of addressing economic and social concerns in tourism development.

“Bats are part of us”: The role of bats in shaping community identity in Watansoppeng city, Indonesia

The study of the relationship between biotic elements and communities within the literature of urban identity in the context of urban planning and design is presently constrained. This research aimed to elucidate the role of biotic elements in community identity through an investigation into the case of bats in the city center. Various data collection methods were employed, encompassing documentation (including the scrutiny of texts and images), observation, and interviews. The research concentrated on the city of Watansoppeng, Indonesia, conducting semi-informal interviews with purposively selected residents, such as cultural leaders, academics, and officials from pertinent institutions. The research variables comprised history, collective memory, and culture, and the analysis adopted a biocultural approach. Digital qualitative analysis was conducted using Atlas.ti 23 software. The findings underscored the significant role played by bats in shaping community identity in Watansoppeng. These nocturnal creatures contribute substantially to the development of the community's historical narrative across generations, including the emergence of myths associating them with signaling impending disasters in the city. Moreover, bats function as custodians of the collective memory of the community, serving as reminders of the glory of the Soppeng Kingdom and the greatness of their First King. The interaction between bats and the community is also reflected in various cultural expressions, spanning language and linguistics, literature, cultural materials, science and technology, economic relations, social interactions, and belief systems.

Older Adults as Key Assets in a Community-Based Participatory Needs Assessment: How Partnering With Older Residents Improves Local Aging Policy and Practice.

Older adults are often overlooked in decision making processes despite the detrimental effects on their well-being. The representation of older adults in investigations and initiatives is needed so that the issues they face, today and in the future, can be resolved through partnership and their active involvement. The aim of this article is to describe a participatory process for conducting a needs assessment (NA) and the contributions and opportunities of partnering with older adults to shape community services and support for older adults. Data were collected from 1,863 participants in a midwestern county via focus groups, interviews, and surveys. We describe how participatory principles were enacted, the involvement of older adults influenced the design and contributed to making sure hard-to-reach residents' voices were included. Finally, we discuss the ways in which a community inclusive multi-method strategy can optimize resource allocation, identify pathways to more effective policymaking that is matched to the needs and interests of its oldest residents, and lead to unanticipated benefits. Single method, non-inclusive approaches can obscure the critical context and exclude perspectives of the most burdened and vulnerable, who are most in need of support from their community.

Propensity Score Matching Analysis of the Influence of Waiting Time Satisfaction on Community Resident's Satisfaction With Medical Institutions: An Extensive Survey of Outpatient Population in Shantou City of Southern China.

This study was designed to perform a nuanced analysis of the multifaceted association between community residents' satisfaction and their perceived satisfaction concerning the visit duration at medical facilities, that could be harnessed to enhance and streamline the process of hierarchical diagnosis and treatment, thereby augmenting healthcare outcomes and patient experiences. Respondents who had utilized services from medical institutions were invited to fill out questionnaires by scanning QR codes. Additionally, surveys also distributed questionnaires through WeChat groups of community residents in densely populated areas of the community, as well as WeChat groups for patients who had previously visited local hospitals. To balance differences between groups, propensity score matching was applied to analyze the contrast between residents satisfied and dissatisfied with their medical visits. After eliminating the interference of confounding factors, a comparative analysis was conducted on the relationship between resident satisfaction and medical institution experience.After eliminating the interference of confounding factors, a comparative analysis was conducted to delve deeply into the relationship between residents' satisfaction and their experiences at medical facilities. The study incorporated a large dataset encompassing 2356 community residents. Upon successful propensity score matching, logistic regression analysis elucidated several determinants of overall resident satisfaction. Notably, the grade of the medical institution (χ2 = 8.226, P < .05), satisfaction with the time invested in the registration process (χ2 = 11.04, P < .05), satisfaction with the waiting duration for consultation (χ2 = 15.759, P < .05), and satisfaction with the travel time to the hospital (χ2 = 45.157, P < .05) each exerted significant influence on the holistic satisfaction of residents with their medical experience. Factors such as the grade of the medical institution, satisfaction related to registration and waiting durations, and travel time to the hospital emerged as crucial determinants shaping community residents' holistic satisfaction with their medical encounters. These findings underscore the exigency for strategic allocation and optimization of medical resources, refinement of the classification system, and enhancement of public health education on the graded diagnosis and treatment schema. The study also demonstrates the value of employing advanced propensity score matching and predictive modelling techniques in health services research.

Exploring main soil drivers of vegetation succession in abandoned croplands of Minqin Oasis, China.

The Minqin Oasis, which is located in Wuwei City, Gansu Province, China, faces a very serious land desertification problem, with about 94.5% of its total area desertified. Accordingly, it is crucial to implement ecological restoration policies such as cropland abandonment in this region. In abandoned croplands, abiotic factors such as soil properties may become more important than biotic factors in driving vegetation succession. However, the connections between soil properties and vegetation succession remain unclear. To fill this knowledge gap, this study investigated these connections to explore major factors that affected vegetation succession, which is meaningful to designing management measures to restore these degraded ecosystems. This study investigated seven 1-29-year-old abandoned croplands using the "space for time" method in Minqin Oasis. Vegetation succession was classified into different stages using a canonical correlation analysis (CCA) and two-way indicator species analysis (Twinspan). The link between soil properties and vegetation succession was analyzed using CCA. The primary factors shaping community patterns of vegetation succession were chosen by the "Forward selection" in CCA. The responses of dominant species to soil properties were analyzed using generalized additive models (GAMs). Dominant species turnover occurred obviously after cropland abandonment. Vegetation succession can be classified into three stages (i.e., early, intermediate, and late successional stages) with markedly different community composition and diversity. The main drivers of vegetation succession among soil properties were soil salinity and saturated soil water content and they had led to different responses of the dominant species in early and late successional stages. During the development of vegetation succession, community composition became simpler, and species diversity decreased significantly, which was a type of regressive succession. Therefore, measures should be adopted to manage these degraded, abandoned croplands.

Instagram's Role in Inducing Event-Related Social Anxiety for Public Engagement

This study aims to illustrate the social anxiety occurring on the Instagram, which creates social influence among individuals regarding entertainment events. This is closely related to the desire of community members to attend Coldplay concerts in Indonesia and neighbouring countries such as Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore, and Thailand. Therefore, the research question raised is "How can the use of Instagram in creating social anxiety in organizing live events affects the public interest?" The approach used in this study is a qualitative approach with a phenomenological research method. The unit of analysis used is individuals with purposive sampling technique. Data collection was carried out through semi-structured in-depth interviews and relevant literature studies. The theory used in this study is the Uses and Gratification theory because users are active audiences who interact on Instagram. Additionally, this study also incorporates several related concepts such as Social anxiety, social influence, and New media. The study findings reveal that many Instagram users experience anxiety regarding the one-day Coldplay concert in Indonesia. As a result, many fans are interested in attending Coldplay concerts held in several neighbouring countries of Indonesia. This indicates that content on Instagram plays a significant role in shaping community interest.

Incentives, Assistance, and Social Sanction in Changing The Community Behavior of Waste-Management in Indonesia

This paper examines the role of incentives, assistance, and social sanctions in shaping community behavior towards waste management in Indonesia. Combining rational choice theory with an ethnomethodological perspective, the study challenges the conventional assumption that economic condition or environmental knowledge and awareness are the primary drivers of individual/social action in waste management. Using the qualitative participatory research in the "Mentari Elok" housing complex located in the suburban area of Yogyakarta Indonesia, this study found that the behavior of the majority of residents did not relate to the economic condition or the level of education. The pattern in waste management remains conventional: throwing the garbage without sorting it first, dumping the trash in any place, or burning it in an open space. The research, which is based on qualitative data gathered through observation and assistance during community service activities, demonstrates that the lack of incentives for eco-friendly activities acts as a deterrent to sustainable waste management techniques. Furthermore, the lack of constant and quantitative assistance from social empowerment facilitators makes it more difficult to adopt good waste management behaviors. Furthermore, the lack of social sanctions affects the community's motivation to follow waste management rules. The findings add to the existing body of knowledge by emphasizing the necessity for focused interventions that address these characteristics. These insights can be used by policymakers and waste management practitioners to create policies that provide actual advantages, establish regular support programs, and employ social punishments to encourage good behavioral change. However, it is vital to recognize the study's limitations, such as its concentration on a certain cultural and socioeconomic environment. Future studies should broaden the scope to include different contexts of places and times, as well as longitudinal studies to evaluate the long-term effectiveness and sustainability of the interventions.

Limits to species distributions on tropical mountains shift from high temperature to competition as elevation increases

AbstractSpecies turnover with elevation is a widespread phenomenon and provides valuable information on why and how ecological communities might reorganize as the climate warms. It is commonly assumed that species interactions are more likely to set warm range limits, while physiological tolerances determine cold range limits. However, most studies are from temperate systems and rely on correlations between thermal physiological traits and range limits; little is known about how physiological traits and biotic interactions change simultaneously along continuous thermal gradients. We used a combination of correlational and experimental approaches to investigate communities of Drosophila flies in rainforests of the Australian Wet Tropics, where there is substantial species turnover with elevation. Our experiments quantified individual‐level and population‐level responses to temperature, as well as the impact of interspecific competition under different temperature regimes. Species' distributions were better explained by their performance at extreme temperatures than by their thermal optima. Upper thermal limits varied less among species than lower thermal limits. Nonetheless, these small differences were associated with differences in the centered elevation of distribution. Low‐elevation species were not those with the lowest tolerance to cold, suggesting that cold temperatures were not limiting their abundance at high elevations. Instead, under upland temperature regimes, abundances of these low‐elevation species were reduced by competition with a high‐elevation species, in both short‐ and long‐term competition experiments. Our results demonstrate that high‐elevation species are confined to their current ranges by high temperatures at lower elevations, indicating that their ranges will be highly sensitive to future warming. Counter to expectation, species interactions strongly influenced community composition at cooler, high‐elevation sites. Together, these results raise the possibility that tropical communities differ from better‐studied temperate communities in terms of the relative importance of biotic interactions and abiotic factors in shaping community composition and how the impact of these factors will change as temperatures increase.

Quantification of intraspecific and interspecific competition in fish species of the Aegean Sea

Abstract Competition shapes species coexistence and community assembly, playing a central role in maintaining biodiversity and ecosystem resilience. Here, we used an asymmetric competition index that quantifies the possible competitive effect of a species on any other, using southern Aegean Sea nekton biomass from the Mediterranean International Trawl Survey dataset, combined with data on six traits relevant to trophic ecology and spawning. We modeled the effect of selected haul-level covariates on the competition index, and we indicated competition variation across depth and habitats. Most species experienced stronger inter- than intra-specific competition. Both the higher-than-expected significance of interspecific competition (in comparison to intraspecific that is generally anticipated to be higher) and the existence of an extensive network of multiple competitive interactions indicated, are associated with high biodiversity, combined to the absence of dominance by one or a few species in the community (no species is disproportionally highly abundant in comparison to others); the latter may be relevant to community stability and resilience. The quantification of competition across marine ecosystems can help predict how fish communities will respond to future resource availability and environmental conditions.

Criminal Governance and Social Mobilization in Brazilian Favelas

This article examines the dynamics of crime governance and social mobilization in Brazil’s impoverished communities to answer why residents of favelas mobilize against state interventions while seemingly accepting the rule of organized criminal groups (OCGs). Previous studies have primarily explored the materialistic hypothesis or the role of coercion and fear in shaping community behavior. This article employs the tools provided by the literature on contentious politics and a qualitative meta-analysis to systematically assess the varied ways in which OCGs interact with the state and favela residents, mapping the heterogeneous effects produced as a result. The findings suggest that in favelas where criminal organizations are perceived as benign, residents may rely on them to fulfill basic needs, while the state is seen as an outsider that brings disruption of routines and violence. In favelas where criminal organizations are malign, there are few incentives for change as the outcomes of challenging OCGs are uncertain.

Disentangling a metabolic cross-feeding in a halophilic archaea-bacteria consortium.

Microbial syntrophy, a cooperative metabolic interaction among prokaryotes, serves a critical role in shaping communities, due to the auxotrophic nature of many microorganisms. Syntrophy played a key role in the evolution of life, including the hypothesized origin of eukaryotes. In a recent exploration of the microbial mats within the exceptional and uniquely extreme Cuatro Cienegas Basin (CCB), a halophilic isolate, designated as AD140, emerged as a standout due to its distinct growth pattern. Subsequent genome sequencing revealed AD140 to be a co-culture of a halophilic archaeon from the Halorubrum genus and a marine halophilic bacterium, Marinococcus luteus, both occupying the same ecological niche. This intriguing coexistence hints at an early-stage symbiotic relationship that thrives on adaptability. By delving into their metabolic interdependence through genomic analysis, this study aims to uncover shared characteristics that enhance their symbiotic association, offering insights into the evolution of halophilic microorganisms and their remarkable adaptations to high-salinity environments.

Phytoplankton thermal trait parameterization alters community structure and biogeochemical processes in a modeled ocean.

Phytoplankton exhibit diverse physiological responses to temperature which influence their fitness in the environment and consequently alter their community structure. Here, we explored the sensitivity of phytoplankton community structure to thermal response parameterization in a modelled marine phytoplankton community. Using published empirical data, we evaluated the maximum thermal growth rates (μmax ) and temperature coefficients (Q10 ; the rate at which growth scales with temperature) of six key Phytoplankton Functional Types (PFTs): coccolithophores, cyanobacteria, diatoms, diazotrophs, dinoflagellates, and green algae. Following three well-documented methods, PFTs were either assumed to have (1) the same μmax and the same Q10 (as in to Eppley, 1972), (2) a unique μmax but the same Q10 (similar to Kremer etal., 2017), or (3) a unique μmax and a unique Q10 (following Anderson etal., 2021). These trait values were then implemented within the Massachusetts Institute of Technology biogeochemistry and ecosystem model (called Darwin) for each PFT under a control and climate change scenario. Our results suggest that applying a μmax and Q10 universally across PFTs (as in Eppley, 1972) leads to unrealistic phytoplankton communities, which lack diatoms globally. Additionally, we find that accounting for differences in the Q10 between PFTs can significantly impact each PFT's competitive ability, especially at high latitudes, leading to altered modeled phytoplankton community structures in our control and climate change simulations. This then impacts estimates of biogeochemical processes, with, for example, estimates of export production varying by ~10% in the Southern Ocean depending on the parameterization. Our results indicate that the diversity of thermal response traits in phytoplankton not only shape community composition in the historical and future, warmer ocean, but that these traits have significant feedbacks on global biogeochemical cycles.

An information literacy lens on community representation for participatory budgeting in Brazil

This paper presents an evaluation of the information literacies used by community representatives when engaging with participatory budgeting in São Paulo City, Brazil. Using questions established from context-setting interviews with stakeholders, a focus group was held in 2019 with eight participative councillors, with in situ interpretation, resulting in a translated transcript of the discussion. Thematic analysis was used to understand information issues faced by community representatives in relation to past research. It was found that the community representatives face informational barriers to their engagement with participatory budgeting, in (a) learning about their role (b) understanding the information needs of the communities served and (c) gathering and sharing information about local issues with stakeholders. These findings allow the refining of CILIP’s definition of information literacy (IL) for citizenship and provide the basis for proposing a model for the IL of community representatives. It is also proposed that future IL research could further develop the role of digitally-enabled place and community in shaping the landscape of literacy and the role of hyperlocal representation. Additionally, the role of translation in cross-lingual IL research is considered.

Increasing the influence of the Alzheimer’s research community in shaping the public narrative around AD interventions

AbstractAfter decades of failure in AD drug development, recent approvals signal a shift. The information associated with a new drug approval is scientifically complex and inaccessible to the general public. Historically, clinical researchers publish in scientific journals and rely on clinicians to distribute this information to the public. But with approximately 86%1 of Americans getting news from digital sources, social media has a large influence on public opinion of scientific topics. This influence was seen during the COVID pandemic and with the aducanumab approval. Many of the loudest voices are not scientifically motivated and may have conflicts of interest. It’s important to provide scientific voices.Method: A literature search identified concerns with dissemination of scientific information through social media. Best practices are described for educating the public on scientific topics and building public trust in science. In this context, we evaluate the current transition being experienced in the Alzheimer’s field, and lessons learned over the past several years.Result: Critical issues are: the lack of quality control of results, the tendency to believe the loudest voices, and unreported conflicts of interest. Due to the many failures in the Alzheimer’s field, many are vocal critics all AD data and the tendency is to maintain this negative approach. Many of the social media voices in the Alzheimer’s space have not been involved in AD research and may misrepresent results.Scientist Veerasathpurush Allareddy observed “On social media, scientists have to be clear and succinct, an incentive to eliminate jargon and streamline the message.”3Conclusion: As a field of AD researchers, we have an imperative to help shape the discussion around treatments in Alzheimer’s disease with clear, accurate and usable information. We can also encourage people in our communities to help us spread accurate scientific information as it becomes available to our research community.1. “More than eight‐in‐ten Americans get news from digital devices” https://www.pewresearch.org/fact‐tank/2021/01/12/more‐than‐eight‐in‐ten‐americans‐get‐news‐from‐digital‐devices/2. Huber B, Barnidge M, Gil de Zuniga H, Liu James. “Fostering public trust in science: The role of social media. https://www.researchgate.net/publication/335652963_Fostering_public_trust_in_science_The_role_of_social_mediaSCIENCE “Social media: Good or evil?” 10 Feb 2022 Vol 375, Issue 6581 pp. 608‐609 https://doi.org/10.1126/science.abo2409

Reproductive phenology and the influence of temperature in two sympatric New Zealand freshwater mussel species

Context Phenology plays a key role in shaping population dynamics, community structure and evolutionary adaptations. For freshwater mussels that rely on a parasitic larval (glochidia) phase on fish, shifts in reproductive phenology driven by environmental conditions may result in mismatches between glochidia release and host fish availability. Aims We investigated intra- and interspecific reproductive timing variations in sympatric Echyridella aucklandica and E. menziesii, and identified thermal cues (accumulated degree days, ADD) associated with brooding and glochidia maturation. Methods Brooding activity and glochidia maturation were assessed fortnightly–monthly over 1 year within four New Zealand streams. Results The previously unknown phenology of E. aucklandica showed earlier brooding (May–July) and longer gravidity (9–11 months) than for E. menziesii (August; 6–7 months). Both species exhibited peak brooding in late austral spring–summer (November–December). ADD played a key role in regulating the timing of brooding onset in both species, as evidenced by the narrow ADD range observed across sites, and the relationship between ADD and brooding onset in both species. Conclusion The demonstrated link between ADD and reproductive phenology has broad implications in the context of climate change. Specifically, it raises concerns about potential timing mismatches in glochidia release and host-fish availability, which could affect the survival and reproductive success of freshwater mussels.

Women and Polygamous in the Construction of East Flores Community Customs

The position of women in polygamous marriages within Watobuku Village, East Solor, and East Flores, has been observed to strongly reflect the influence of prevailing cultural, tradition, and local values shaping community. This study aims to elucidate the potential mistreatment of women within polygamous marriages by comparing perspectivess of customary law and Islamic law in a sociological framework. This aim was achieved trough the application of qualitative research methodologies, such as observation, in-depth interviews, and documentation analysis. The results obtained from this investigation showed that despite the correspondence of male conduct with certain aspects of Islamic law in polygamous settings, the implementation often lacks fairness, leading to discrimination against women. To address this challenge, it becomes essential to carry out stringent law enforcement with the specific aim of safeguarding the positions held by women, specifically in polygamous unions within the Watobuku Village community. Furthermore, within this context, fostering mutual understanding and responsibility between male and female partners is crucial. It is also important to encourage men, particularly those already married, to appreciate their existing partners and avoid seeking additional spouses without due consideration. In this study, it was suggested that if a husband desires to remarry, he should follow the path of divorcing the first wife before pursuing another marriage. This method was recommended because of its potential to prevent discriminatory practices and uphold justice for women within the context of polygamous marriages.

Wheat-origin Bacillus community drives the formation of characteristic metabolic profile in high-temperature Daqu

The wheat-origin microbiota plays a crucial role in the microbiome assembly of high-temperature Daqu (HTD), particularly during the early incubation stage. In this study, we compared the succession of microbiota and accumulation of metabolites in two groups: one with inactivated wheat-origin microbiotas and the other with non-inactivated microbiotas, under simulated incubation conditions. The results showed that the wheat-origin Bacillus improved the microbial diversity and metabolite profiles by regulating sugar and amino acid metabolisms. Furthermore, four Bacillus strains with excellent fermentation capabilities were specifically isolated and screened from wheat. Bioaugmentation test on HTD further validated that these wheat-origin Bacillus strains enhanced the accumulation of functional enzymes during the early incubation stage. Amylase activity in HTD significantly increased after inoculation with Priestia megaterium, while protease activity saw a significant boost after Bacillus aerophilus inoculation. Additionally, the introduction of wheat-origin Bacillus strains into the HTD microbiome exogenously caused structural changes in the microbial community, heightened the metabolic activity of the microbiota, and led to elevated levels of amino acids and sugars. The collective findings underscore the pivotal role of the wheat-origin Bacillus community in shaping the distinctive metabolic profile of high-temperature Daqu.

Pentingnya Penanaman Nilai-Nilai Etika Di Tengah Era Digital

Another term for "character education" can be expressed as "Moral Formation" or "Ethical Guidance." This refers to the effort to develop and shape attitudes, moral values, and ethics in students through knowledge and guidance from various parties such as parents, teachers, and the community. The crucial roles of parents, teachers, and the community in shaping a child's character cannot be overlooked. Each child possesses inherent goodness that needs to be nurtured and socialized effectively to ensure optimal character development. In this digital age, especially among high school student, the use of digital media is prevalent. Educators, parents, and responsible adults in the community have the responsibility to guide and monitor children's use of digital media. While the digital era brings positive impacts, the existence of negative effects demands special attention. Therefore, efforts are required to ensure that children can use digital media wisely, allowing them to reap positive benefits for themselves and their lives

Promoting sustainable futures through community proactivity: The social impact

This article explores the role of community proactivity in advancing sustainable futures and its impact on community development, with a focus on the sustainability planning process in Vytina County, Greece. Drawing on existing research, we emphasize the pivotal role of shared visions in driving community proactivity, creating a positive feedback loop, and the need for proactive approaches to address obstacles and stimulate community engagement for resilient futures. The research aligns with Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), including Sustainable Cities and Communities, Climate Action, and Partnerships for the Goals. We employ a bottom-up planning process and a mixed-methods approach to assess proactivity and resistance to change, highlighting the significance of proactivity in achieving sustainable development and its role in shaping communities' futures.