Community Institutions Research Articles

Between Communes, Signorie and Papal Government: Public Palaces in the Papal State (Late 14th to Early 15th Centuries)

The takeover of the Papal State by the Pope himself during the 15th century brought an end to the domination of many powerful lordly families. Communal institutions were often reestablished, and controlled by a representative of the pope but just as the development of urban lordships had not seen the disappearance of communal institutions and their old public palaces, the arrival of the papal administration did not always lead to the construction of new buildings. Based on cases situated mainly in the two provinces of the Duchy of Spoleto and the March of Ancona, this article shows how different urban governments (both seigneurial and pontifical) of the late Trecento and early Quattrocento were able to use the buildings created by a power they were trying to replace or with which they had to collaborate for their own benefit. Communal palaces received special attention from the new rulers: they were part of urban identity and symbolized the idea of a government based on the consent of the people, necessary for the legitimacy of any kind of leadership.

Role of Pakistani e-libraries in promoting health awareness for the attainment of Sustainable Development Goal-3.

Pakistan is a densely populated South Asian country. It is facing numerous health challenges, as well as problems of the digital divide. The government of Pakistan established e-libraries as a pilot project in 2018. These libraries are functioning through community centers/public libraries in the largest province of the country. This paper examines the role of Pakistani e-libraries in creating health awareness and providing health information to the public. The qualitative research design was based on focus group discussions with the head librarians of all 13 of the 20 e-libraries contacted. The findings revealed that e-libraries actively create health-related awareness and connect the public to health advisors. The e-libraries were engaged in four types of health-related activities (seminars, awareness campaigns, open health camps, and special health day celebrations) with high attendance from the public. Attendees of these programs returned to librarians with additional health-related queries. The study suggests a need for more liaison between the community and local healthcare institutions. This approach can make these programs more effective in helping individuals manage their health. The results of this study can serve as a useful guide for other developing nations in developing similar services.

Corporate Social Responsibility and Financial Performance of Automotive Companies: A Basis for Corporate Social Responsibility Framework

This study determined the relationship between corporate social responsibility (CSR) activities and the financial performance of automotive companies in Tuguegarao City, Cagayan, using data from 2020-2022. Descriptive statistics, financial metrics analysis, ANOVA, and Chi-Square Pearson tests were employed. Results showed that while environmental and ethical CSR initiatives were emphasized, economic community development was less prioritized. No significant differences were found in CSR activities based on firm profiles, and there was no significant link between CSR activities and financial performance. The study recommends a more balanced CSR approach, with greater emphasis on local economic development and partnerships with community and educational institutions. Due to limitations in sample size and data variety, future research should involve a broader participant base.

Empowering local food security: A systematic review of community grain banks

Community food systems, exemplified by initia­tives like community grain banks (CGBs), play a crucial role in achieving Sustainable Development Goal 2 (SDG 2), which aims to achieve zero hunger and ensure food security by 2030. This paper draws upon a systematic review of the literature on CGBs to emphasize the relevance of community institutions in enhancing local food security. Adhering to Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis (PRISMA) guidelines, this paper reviews 16 aca­demic articles, two theses, and 19 online sources. The study reveals that CGBs offer immediate relief during food shortages, empower women, stabilize farmers’ income, reduce debt burdens, foster social trust, and enhance community resilience. This review highlights the need for international stake­holders to prioritize supporting CGBs to preserve the self-sustaining systems. Tailoring CGB designs to community-specific needs could significantly enhance local food security, offering actionable strategies to mitigate severe food insecurity globally and regionally.

Keep it Movin': Design and methods of a church-based physical activity program to improve physical function among midlife and older black adults.

Older Black adults have high rates of physical function (PF) limitations. Physical activity (PA) is effective for improving PF and reducing mobility disability risk; however, community-based PA interventions focused on improving PF for older Black adults are lacking. Given the importance of churches as trusted institutions in Black communities, church-based interventions developed through community collaborations may help increase access to PA interventions. Keep it Movin' is a church-based cluster randomized controlled trial testing the effectiveness of a 24-week group-based (intervention arm) versus a self-guided (comparator arm) program in improving PF among Black adults aged ≥40 years with PF limitations (short physical performance battery [SPPB] score ≤ 9). A church-wide virtual walking program is available to congregants in both arms. The intervention arm receives weekly group-based classes held at the church that include education, goal setting, and structured PA (walking, lower-extremity strength, balance, and stretching). The comparator arm receives educational materials about PA appropriate for people with PF limitations. Outcomes are assessed at 6 (program completion) and 12 months (maintenance). The primary outcome is PF change as measured by the SPPB at 6 months. Secondary outcomes include change in moderate-to-vigorous PA, social support and self-efficacy for PA, quality of life, and self-reported PF. Factors related to successful adoption, implementation, and maintenance are assessed using the Reach, Effectiveness, Adoption, Implementation, and Maintenance (RE-AIM) framework. This is the first study to evaluate the effectiveness of a group-based PA program delivered in Black churches to improve PF.

Network Integration as a Tool for Sustainable Business Development

Business enterprises are required to adopt new economic models and business strategies in line with global trends such as the green agenda, the shortening of innovation cycles, digitalization (networking platforms) and socio-economic security. The models of network integrations (clusters, industrial symbioses, innovation ecosystems, etc.) are developing faster than other business models. Networking allows businesses to synergetically, based on the principles of collaboration, trust and self-organization, increase intellectual, innovative, social, and environmental values, which leads to economic growth and sustainable development. Through networking integration, the business performance of all participants in multi-company projects can be improved, regardless of their size and activities. The purpose of this study is to develop a methodological framework for assessing the synergistic effect and the level of collaborative maturity of participants in network industrial integration. This paper provides a comprehensive analysis and evaluation of network business integration efficiency. The authors’ methodology is based on the AHP hierarchy method, expert evaluation and Harrington’s level of desirability. The methodology is validated on Russian industrial integrations: industrial cluster of Nizhny Novgorod region; pipeline valve manufacturing cluster; South Ural industrial cluster producing spare parts and assembly units for roadbuilding, construction and agricultural vehicles. The results show that the level of collaborative maturity of business partners and the synergies from network integration effect the sustainability of business development. Recommendations for businesses are provided to improve their network integration and collaborative maturity. Furthermore, the findings allow the authors to define directions for further research, considering the interests of the business community, regional authorities, and financial institutions, and provide a framework for researchers to investigate the link between industrial network integration and economic growth.

Juridical Analysis Of Criminal Law Enforcement In The Crime Of Organ Trafficking

This study aims to analyze criminal law enforcement related to organ trafficking cases. This research includes examining the conformity between existing legal regulations and practices in the field, identifying obstacles in law enforcement, and evaluating the effectiveness of measures that have been taken to deal with organ trafficking. The research method used is empirical. The results show that the main obstacles in handling this case include recovery and rehabilitation services for victims from health and social aspects that are appropriate to the needs of victims. This research concludes that legal regulations related to Organ Trafficking Crime are still incomplete. In addition, handling victims is not only the responsibility of the Police but also the Government and community institutions. It is suggested that the prevention and handling of Organ Trafficking should be optimized and integrated through synergistic cooperation between the community, Government, and community institutions in combating this crime.

Strategi Perencanaan Manajemen Hubungan Masyarakat dalam Meningkatkan Mutu Sekolah serta Membangun Peran Masyarakat dalam Lembaga Pendidikan

This research aims to describe (1) public relations management planning strategies, (2) improving school quality and (3) building the role of the community in educational institutions. This research uses a qualitative research method, literature study. The method used is library research, collecting data by searching for sources and constructing them from various sources such as books, journals and existing research. The results of this research indicate that (1) planning, implementation and evaluation processes are needed to manage community relations with schools, (2) schools carry out community relations as a public relations work program by socializing the school's image, and (3) evaluation of these activities is carried out in implementation. Future public relations will be carried out by involving and including the participation of parents, the community and other educational institutions to be able to establish collaborative activities and educational collaboration through school public relations information and communication.

Fostering Multicultural Community Harmony to Enhance Peace and Sustainable Development Goals (SDG’s)

Purpose: This service aims to foster harmony in a multicultural community in the city of Solo as a concrete step to increase peace and support the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Theoretical Framework: This study uses a cultural integration thinking framework and a participatory approach to building social harmony. The focus is on developing an understanding and appreciation of cultural diversity, as well as increasing positive interactions between ethnicities and religions to create an inclusive environment. Methods: This service uses a participatory approach involving a variety of local stakeholders, including ethnic and religious communities, local governments, and community institutions. Activities include organizing intercultural dialogue workshops, cultural diversity training, and public campaigns to promote tolerance and peace. Results and Conclusion: The results of this service show an increased awareness of cultural diversity and appreciation for differences among the people of Solo. Inter-ethnic and religious interactions are increasing, creating a stronger foundation for social harmony. In conclusion, participatory and integrative approaches are effective in building harmony in multicultural societies to support peace and sustainable development. Implications: This service has a positive impact by increasing tolerance, reducing social conflicts, and strengthening social cohesion in the city of Solo. The impact is also seen in increasing community participation in local development activities and achieving related SDGs targets. Originality/value: Its uniqueness lies in its participatory approach that actively involves all relevant parties, as well as focusing on cultural integration as the main foundation for the development of sustainable social harmony in a multicultural environment such as the city of Solo.

ICTS as Tools for Local Development: Santa Elena Province; A View from the SDGs

Introduction: Currently, there are social problems that affect humanity, one of them is the gap between knowledge of ICTs and their application in social networks for access to information in a timely manner in order to contribute to personal and professional development and contribution to the development of the community. The State provides opportunities based on programs, projects and strategies to direct aid and educate the population in the digital age. Objective: The research objective is to determine the way in which ICTs are used as tools for local - community development through the qualitative-quantitative approach to strengthen the development of the Amantes de Sumpa neighborhood in the Province of Santa Elena. Method: The methodological process applied in this topic is descriptive and deductive, as well as the types of documentaries, field; as well as the population that will be stratified in the neighborhood, which was investigated through the survey and the interview with the neighborhood leader. The reliability of the Likert-type instrument was also carried out by calculating Cronbach's Alpha, which was 0.833. Results and conclusions: The people participating in the research stated that it is important to develop care agreements, promote technological services, since access will allow improving the productive activities of entrepreneurs in the Amantes de Sumpa neighborhood, and promote an electronic commerce system that can be installed from public or community institutions in such a way that this serves for the permanent dissemination of the economic activities carried out by the neighborhood sector.

Is seed aid distribution still justified in South Sudan?

Seed aid—or free distribution of seeds to farmers—is a popular intervention to simultaneously reduce food insecurity and dependency on food aid in fragile countries. However, seed aid distribution also has the potential to hinder or distort the development of local seed markets. In this study we analyze the targeting and impact of seed aid across the green belt (cutting across the southern/equatorial states) of South Sudan. Using a primary and unique dataset on 1,990 farm households, we find that seed aid is widely rather than selectively distributed. Almost a third of farm households receive seed aid despite the general availability of locally recycled seed varieties. Seed aid distribution does not seem to favor particularly poor, vulnerable and food insecure households, but those that are embedded in community networks, organizations and institutions. Using a double robust methodology based on Inverse Probability Weighted Regression Adjustment (IPWRA), we also find that the adoption of seed aid by farm households does not result in increased maize production, as it is neither associated with agricultural intensification nor with the expansion of cultivated land. Seed aid seems to substitute rather than supplement local seed varieties. These findings emphasize a lack of intentionality in seed aid distribution. Still, it must be noted that the effectiveness of seed aid distribution may be greater outside our study area, above the green belt, where conflicts and natural disasters remain more frequent and intense, and where farmers are more likely to be seed insecure. But overall, this study supports the widespread perception that South Sudan is ready for a transition towards a market-based seed distribution system.

Creating spaces for dialogue and learning to build collective empowerment: A qualitative study on community leadership development in Midwest America communities

ABSTRACT The complexity of today’s community challenges calls for innovative approaches that promote leadership of diverse community members and institutions working collaboratively with communities. This study reports on an evaluation of two neighborhood leadership development programs that examined the impact of programs on participants and their communities. 41 interviews were conducted with 33 program participants and eight facilitators. All interviews were transcribed verbatim and analyzed using thematic analysis. Participants expressed that they were motivated to participate in the leadership program(s) because they saw the need to help others in their communities and wanted to learn how to do that well. Others reported scaling up their capacity and capabilities in doing community work through engaging and empowering others toward achieving shared community development goals. Insights from the study suggest that building communities that are well resourced, equitable, and thriving places, require sustainable investment in hands-on, relational leadership training at the local level.

Совершенствование правового регулирования использования лекарственных препаратов при оказании первой помощи: проблемные и дискуссионные вопросы

Summary. Investigation purpose – based on the analysis of the range of medicines approved for medical use in the Russian Federation and their practical application in certain types of medical care, identify groups and a list of medicines for their possible use in providing first aid to victims by certain categories of first aid participants, as well as related problems requiring legislative regulation. Material and methods of the investigation. Research materials – normative legal acts reflecting the provision of first aid and medical, including emergency and primary health care, emergency and urgent care, namely: 5 federal laws; 4 Decrees of the President of the Russian Federation; 3 administrative documents of the Government of the Russian Federation; 26 administrative documents of the Ministry of Health of the Russian Federation; 1 administrative document of the Department of Health Moscow; 31 instructions for the use of medicines for medical use. Research methods: analytical, logical and information modeling. Investigation results and their analysis. Groups and a list of medicines that can be used in providing first aid to victims are proposed for consideration and discussion. Problematic issues requiring legislative regulation in the use of medicines at the stage of first aid have been identified. Groups and a list of medicines for first aid to victims are offered for consultations and discussions with representatives of scientific institutions of the medical community and government agencies that determine health policy in the Russian Federation in order to develop management decisions aimed at achieving a high level of preservation of human life and health in emergency situations.

Peningkatan Literasi Zakat bagi Masyarakat Muslim di Malaysia

Al-Fateh Mosque (MMAF) - Taman Jati, Ipoh, Perak, Malaysia along with Amil Zakat and also participants of Ummatic Festival 3.0. The partner problems include Zakat literacy is still low, community participation in Zakat management is low, there is no Zakat literacy program involving mosques working with different communities, and international universities doing community service activities based on community empowerment. In relation to the three partner problems, the solutions to the problems that have been implemented include efforts to increase zakat literacy through zakat socialization, conducting zakat literacy enrichment activities for muzzaki at MMAF, and collaborating and being actively involved with MMAF, DRB-Hicom University, the ASNAF community, Islamic tourism volunteers around Ipoh and Kuala Kangsar, and several universities from Indonesia and internationally in a series of Ummatic Festival 3.0 activities. The method used in ICS activities is Participatory Action Research (PAR). After carrying out the activity; the muzzaki know the importance of paying zakat through official zakat amil institutions, the muzzaki play an active role in zakat collection and distribution activities at MMAF, and the muzzaki together with all Ummatic Festival 3.0 stakeholders were very enthusiastic to carry out ICS activities for these eight days. In addition, this program succeeded in restoring the role of the mosque as a community institution that plays a role in community activities, especially in collecting zakat for the welfare of the community.

Peningkatan Potensi Sektor Ekonomi Melalui Pemberdayaan Lembaga Masyarakat di Desa Betet Melalui KKN-T`K Universitas Bojonegoro

The Bojonegoro University KKN-TK program implemented in Betet Village, Kepohbaru District, Bojonegoro Regency aims to help the village community in overcoming poverty problems in order to achieve prosperity. The preparation of the work program is adjusted to the potential of the village which is focused on empowering community institutions. Based on the results of the village potential analysis, the main work programs were formulated, including (1) Socialization and assistance in financial management and administration of GAPOKTAN; (2) Empowerment of village youth through training in making briquettes from tobacco stem waste; (3) Socialization and training in making liquid organic fertilizer (POC); (4) Empowerment of village women through training in making fried onions. The results of this work program were that GAPOKTAN began to implement good administration and financial management, village youth understood the utilization of tobacco waste, farmers began to apply the use of POC and village women had knowledge about entrepreneurship. By utilizing the potential of the village, this work program can have a sustainable impact.

The Effectiveness of Recognizing the Existence of Traditional Institutions in Indonesia Based on The Constitution

Plurality is a social fact that cannot be avoided in Indonesia. The diversity of Indonesian people's tribes, religions, races, languages ??and religions shows their diversity. The founders of the Republic of Indonesia used the basic philosophy of "unity in diversity" to show the diverse social reality of the Indonesian nation, and the basic philosophy of "tunggal ika" to show the desire to unite the entire Indonesian nation into one. With the combination of the two, the philosophical motto of the Indonesian nation is "Unity in Diversity", which means unity in diversity. Apart from various different societal systems and structures, this community has unique norms that are considered customs and are adhered to by its community members. Customary law communities are genealogical or territorial communities that are prosperous and have citizens who are different from members of other legal communities and can act as independent and independent legal subjects. One of the problems in administering customary law communities is the existence of customary institutions. The problem currently occurring is that there is no clear and integrated mechanism for recognition and protection procedures. Regulations regarding procedural mechanisms for recognizing the rights of customary law communities through sectoral legislation are often not adhered to by various parties, in fact the nature of the regulations which do not focus on specifically regulating customary law community institutions has an impact on ineffective implementation even though customary institutions have relevance to the Indonesian constitution. The existing mechanism only concerns the process of identification, verification and determining its existence, which makes it increasingly pressured by development activities that do not pay attention to traditional rights and threaten local wisdom.

Factors associated with Teachers’ Professional Development in Nepal

Community schools and institution schools are providing education for children in Nepal. The community schools are fully government funded and institutional school are not funded run by themselves from the student fees and other monitory sources. The professional developmental activity for community school teachers is conducted by government sector and the institutional schoolteachers are deprived from such opportunity. This study aimed to examine the factors associated with teachers’ professional development. Mixed methods research design along with sequential explorative involving quantitative followed by qualitative (Quan+Qual) had been employed in this study. Ten schools including five community schools and five institutional schools from Bhaktapur district were purposively selected. Total 40 mathematics and Nepali teachers including 20 from each community schools and institutional school were taken as respondents. The respondents were sent Google form by mentioning the variable as monitory and non-monitory incentives for teacher professional development. The response obtained from the Google form were tabulated in excel sheet to form percentage of frequency table. The findings revealed that the monitory incentives such as salary (95.5%), allowance and bonus (80%), insurance (77.5%) have high impact for teacher professional development and non-monitory incentives embraces promotion and security (87.5%), training and field visit (87.5%), attending in international conference (75%), inauguration (72.5%), praise and rewards (65%) have also commentary role for TPD. The monitory incentives play vital role for strengthening the professional efficacy of teacher. Likewise, non-monitory incentives are also the paramount importance as monitory incentives and lacks behind in the absence of it in the lines of teacher’s professional growth.

Social medicine education towards structural transformation in Palestine

IntroductionSocial medicine, a field of study that uniquely centers the social and structural drivers of health in society, has been increasingly integrated into medical professional education over the last several decades. In Palestine, due to the fragmentation of Palestinian geographies, education, culture, and health, integrating a social medicine approach for allied health care students has remained elusive. We seek to introduce the theoretical underpinnings and practical implementation of an experiential Palestine social medicine course. Materials and methods30 Students from the Gaza Strip, West Bank, and the United States convened at the Institute of Community and Public Health at Birzeit University, Palestine, for a three-week experiential social medicine course. The course introduced critical social and structural frameworks and utilized a biosocial model for training and education that included reflective knowledge acquisition and praxis. Pre- and post-course evaluations provided feedback and insight into the knowledge, attitudes, and learning evolution of the student cohort. ResultsParticipant experiences highlighted the importance of the critical reflective nature of the course and importance of practice through praxis. Students identified the convening of Palestinians from different regions and the focus on Palestinian-centered perspectives as foundational for the course. Tensions highlighted included the challenges and distress in identifying tangible next steps in addressing the identified structural determinants of Palestinian health. ConclusionThe Palestine social medicine course provided a Palestinian narrative-centered course that focused on critical structural frameworks to identify and clarify the overarching connections of various, fractured Palestinian health experiences. This course provides a model, and first step, towards meaningful decolonial education, partnership, and praxis, while also providing further evidence of the power of mobilizing in health solidarity and the transformative power of the social medicine movement.

Teaching Ain’t Easy, but Somebody Has Gotta Do It: Education in an Age of Anti-Diversity and Civil Rights Rollbacks

In the aftermath of Supreme Court decisions and the consistent assault on public education, educators must focus on discovering the best methods and approaches for addressing diversity within the classroom and the importance of learning different perspectives as part of a solid education. Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging (DEIB), while criticized by political operatives and demonized in the court of public opinion, the tenants of inclusion, creating space for marginalized voices, and assisting students in seeing the gift in the differences each person brings to the classroom and society at large is still valid and essential as a methodology in education while navigating difficult conversations in an anti-diversity climate. Civil and human rights rollbacks are becoming more prevalent, it is crucial to reimagine how we discuss, teach, and embody DEIB or human-focused methodology as an educational tool. Educators must explore how to develop, question, learn, and reimage relationships, community, and educational institutions as incubators for people of diverse cultural backgrounds to share dynamic learning and teaching together.

Inequitable Community Reciprocity in the Kalomba Tradition in Indonesia

This research aims to analyze and describe the unequal social reciprocity in the kalomba tradition, the implications and sustainability of the kalomba tradition. This research was conducted in Tanah Towa Village, Kajang District, Bulukumba Regency, South Sulawesi, Indonesia. Tanah Towa Village was chosen because the kalomba tradition is still strongly maintained and implemented as a traditional obligation and this tradition is specifically found in Kajang District. This research uses a qualitative approach with an ethnographic strategy. Data collection techniques through interviews, observation and documentation as well as the use of field notes (field log). Data sources, in the form of person, place and paper. The person group consists of: (i) elements of village government, (ii) administrators of village community institutions; and (iii) community elements who are directly involved in the Kalomba traditional procession, including community leaders, religious leaders, traditional leaders, and residents who live outside the village, but still have kinship relations with the residents of Tanah Towa Village. Place group through observation by looking closely at the traditional Kalomba procession and specifically observing the Massolo tradition. Paper group by tracing documents, such as Kalomba party permits, records of the number of invitations, records of attendees, records of costs for holding the Kalomba, records of the number of passolo. Data analysis was carried out through the Qualitative Data Analysis (QDA) Software Program, to assist during the data processing and analysis phases as well as writing research reports. The research results show that unequal exchange occurs because there is competition to give passolo more than what has been received before, especially passolo from close family because they want to get praise and increase their social status in society. Passolo which exceeds tens of millions of rupiah has psychological, social, economic and cultural implications. However, the Kalomba tradition remains sustainable because it is a traditional obligation, social solidarity and mutual help within the village community.