Community Landscape Research Articles

Graffiti and Urban transformation: the ideological discourse in the semiotic landscape of the Asturian Mining Valley

ABSTRACT In language contact situations, linguistic landscapes are places where minority languages fight for visibility and survival. This study focuses on Asturies, a region of Spain where Spanish is the hegemonic language, while Asturian, a minoritized language, confronts numerous obstacles in administrative and educational contexts. This research examines graffiti in the Asturian Mining Valley, an area undergoing urban revitalization after the decline of the mining industry. By adopting a qualitative approach, the goal is to analyze how symbols, written discourse, and spatial arrangements in graffiti are used to build meaning and display identities, ideologies, and power relations related to the Mining Valley’s urban transformation. Results show diverse frames of meaning tied to identity negotiation, representation, and socio-political identities within the region’s linguistic landscape. Those include responses to mining reconversion, workers’ rights, anti-fascism, global movements, and feminist advocacy. This research enhances the understanding of linguistic landscapes in communities experiencing ideological conflict and social change.

Exploring the Link Between Landscape Perception and Community Participation: Evidence from Gateway Communities in Giant Panda National Park, China

A community landscape is intricately tied to the daily lives and livelihoods of its residents, and it significantly influences human behavior. Community co-management serves as a pivotal approach to fostering the harmonious coexistence between national parks and community dwellers, and it requires the extensive participation of community residents. Accordingly, this study aims to clarify the mechanism by which community landscape perception (LP) affects community participation (CP), with the ultimate goal of promoting widespread engagement. After conducting a survey of 564 residents from three entrance communities in the Sichuan region of the Giant Panda National Park, the data were analyzed using structural equation modeling. The results suggest the following: (1) Cultural landscape and living landscape have a direct impact on CP. The natural landscape can stimulate CP through fostering place attachment (PA) or a sense of responsibility (SR), while the production landscape only influences CP through PA. (2) The cultural landscape plays a crucial role in shaping a sense of belonging and responsibility within a community, while the production landscape is not effective in cultivating an SR. (3) PA can awaken residents’ SR and affect CP, playing a chain mediating role between community LP and CP.

"Lesbian", a Term in Dispute: A Scoping Review.

This scoping review sought to explore the evolving landscape of lesbian identities and communities from 2013 to 2023. It addresses the debate over the relevance of the term "lesbian" in contemporary academia, highlighting contrasting viewpoints on its significance. Through thematic analysis of 12 selected articles, the study elucidates tensions surrounding lesbian identities, including stigmatization, generational divides, and the move toward "queer." It also examines shifts within lesbian communities, particularly concerning trans inclusion/exclusion, and the emergence of post-lesbian discourses. Key findings reveal a complex interplay between identity politics, queer politics, and generational differences. While some argue for lesbian specificity and cohesive communities, others strive for more fluid and inclusive identities. The study also underscores the ongoing importance of lesbian communities, despite challenges posed by changing societal norms and evolving politics. Overall, this research contributes to a nuanced understanding of lesbian identities, emphasizing the need for inclusive dialogues and bridging generational divides within the LGBTQIA+ community.

LANDSCAPE MODEL OF THE UMA LENGGE TRADITIONAL SETTLEMENT, WEST NUSA TENGGARA

Indonesia has a high diversity of cultural landscapes from Sabang to Merauke. One of them is the cultural landscape of the Dou Mbojo indigenous community in Bima Mariah, West Nusa Tenggara. The Dou Mbojo indigenous community has a traditional settlement called uma lengge. What makes the lengge uma unique is that it is a multi-functional house, namely as a barn for rice and other agricultural products, as well as as a residence. The character of uma lengge is reflected in the architecture, daily activity spaces and other elements forming the character. It should be conserved from cultural degradation for the sake of the identity of future generations. The research aims to analyze the features and elements forming the settlement landscape which indicate the character of the uma lengge traditional settlement landscape based on the local culture (Dou Mbojo). The method used in this research was a descriptive method through three stages, namely literature review, in depth interview and site observation. The research results show that the landscape model of the uma lengge traditional settlement was formed from natural and man-made features. Natural features include landform elements (terraced rice fields, gardens and forests), plants (rice, garden plants and forestry plants), pavement (circulation inside and outside settlements) and water (spring and river). Man-made features include building elements (uma lengge, mosque), plants (paddy, forest, dryland and fence plants), pavements (road and pathway) and site furniture (fences). The landscape model of the settlement was in the form of a nucleus pattern with the uma lengge as the core. This relatively ideal model being supported by strong traditional institutions and preserves their own environment and culture.

Bringing #LinaBell to life online: A case study in the creative and collaborative dynamics of Chinese online fandom

This article delves into the dynamics of online fandom in China through the lens of LinaBell, a pink fox character introduced as a mascot by Shanghai Disneyland in September 2021. Unlike traditional Disney characters, LinaBell lacks an official backstory or media presence. Yet she has rapidly gained immense popularity among Chinese Disney fans, largely through social media platforms like Weibo. Our study centers on the LinaBell Super Topic Community on Weibo, consisting of over 543,000 members known as “LinaBell’s moms.” Employing qualitative content analysis of posts and comments, this research examines fans’ creative work, including videos, fanfiction, and memes around LinaBell, in order to understand the collective dynamics of Chinese online fandom. Our findings revealed two main themes: the collective personification of LinaBell through fan work, and the formation of a parakin bond with the character. The findings highlight the transformative role of social media in contemporary Chinese fandom as well as unveil a diverse landscape of participation, creativity, and community in Chinese culture through the prism of platforms like Weibo.

Confucian modernity in the architecture of Penang's Chinese community

This article investigates the distinctive architectural landscape of the Chinese community in Penang, emphasising the historical and cultural significance of structures such as Chung Ling High School in the early twentieth century. It explores how these edifices, often labelled as ‘architecture without architects’, epitomise a confluence of Chinese and Western influences, reflecting the concepts of Confucian modernity. The analysis critiques conventional interpretations of architectural modernity by underscoring the socio-spatial contexts and grassroots construction processes that define these buildings. It examines how these structures function as mediums for cultural exchange and societal transformation, shedding light on the hybrid identity and communal cohesion of the Chinese diaspora in Penang. Through a comprehensive analysis of the architectural evolution and the socio-cultural dynamics within the local Chinese community, the article seeks to provide a nuanced understanding of how architecture contributes to shaping the dynamics of China-Penang relations. By doing so, it challenges singular meta-narratives and emphasises the importance of comprehending local architectural history through diverse interactions. Furthermore, it serves as a call for re-evaluation and critical examination of the history of overseas Chinese architecture within the framework of the Belt and Road Initiative.

How Spirituality and Spiritual Intelligence Fuel Organizational Learning

Exploring the intersection of digital spaces and peer collaboration, this paper delves into the evolving landscape of collaborative learning ecosystems and communities of practice. Drawing on theoretical frameworks rooted in socio-cultural traditions, the study investigates the implications of digital interactions on professional domains such as accounting, nursing, law, and social work. Through empirical analysis, the paper highlights the porous boundaries of collaborative learning activities within a broader learning ecosystem, emphasizing the significance of personal emotions and social relations in educational contexts. The concept of “community of practice” is examined as a catalyst for transforming organizational cultures and enhancing participatory communication in learning environments. By proposing design principles that prioritize intergenerational, mixed-class, and intersectional dynamics, the paper underscores the importance of diversity and authentic feedback in fostering effective collaboration. Case studies illustrating successful collaborations underscore the importance of clear communication, shared goals, and supportive cultures. Ultimately, the paper offers insights for educators and researchers seeking to leverage digital technologies for enriching collaborative learning experiences within diverse communities of practice. Keywords: Collaborative learning – Ecosystem – Digital spaces

Collaborative Learning Ecosystems: Enhancing Communities of Practice in Digital Spaces

Exploring the intersection of digital spaces and peer collaboration, this paper delves into the evolving landscape of collaborative learning ecosystems and communities of practice. Drawing on theoretical frameworks rooted in socio-cultural traditions, the study investigates the implications of digital interactions on professional domains such as accounting, nursing, law, and social work. Through empirical analysis, the paper highlights the porous boundaries of collaborative learning activities within a broader learning ecosystem, emphasizing the significance of personal emotions and social relations in educational contexts. The concept of “community of practice” is examined as a catalyst for transforming organizational cultures and enhancing participatory communication in learning environments. By proposing design principles that prioritize intergenerational, mixed-class, and intersectional dynamics, the paper underscores the importance of diversity and authentic feedback in fostering effective collaboration. Case studies illustrating successful collaborations underscore the importance of clear communication, shared goals, and supportive cultures. Ultimately, the paper offers insights for educators and researchers seeking to leverage digital technologies for enriching collaborative learning experiences within diverse communities of practice. Keywords: Collaborative learning – Ecosystem – Digital spaces

Chinese in the Linguistic Landscape of Chinese Communities in Malaysia: A Tale of Three Cities

The study of linguistic landscapes (LL) in Malaysia has emerged as a prominent area of research in Asia, predominantly focused on Kuala Lumpur, the capital city. Despite Chinese constituting over one fifth of Malaysia’s population, the presence of Chinese in the LL remains insufficiently explored. This empirical study addresses this gap by examining the visibility of Chinese in the LL of Chinese communities across three Malaysian cities: Penang, Ipoh, and Johor Bahru. By analysing a corpus of photographed public signs from various spaces, this research investigates the visibility of Chinese in the LL both quantitatively and qualitatively. The findings reveal that the visibility of Chinese in the LL of Chinese communities in the three selected cities not only signifies Chinese identity but also serves as an effective means to preserve traditional Chinese culture among Malaysian Chinese. This study underscores the importance of understanding the role of minority languages in the LL within ethnic communities, contributing to a more comprehensive view of Malaysia’s multilingual and multicultural context.

Monitoring climate change vulnerability in the Himalayas

Longitudinal assessment of climate vulnerability is essential for understanding the complex factors affecting how people experience and respond to climate change. We report on the first longitudinal assessment of climate vulnerability in the Himalayan region, exploring the evolving landscape, perceptions, and experiences of communities of climate change impacts, vulnerability, and adaptation in Kashmir over an 8-year period from 2017 to 2024. We provide the Himalayan Re-study Framework (HRF) to monitor, characterise, and conceptualise climate change in the Himalayas. Utilising mixed methods, we showcase how climate change is affecting social, economic, political, and environmental dimensions, examining how the impacts of climate change and vulnerability evolve over time, shaping and reshaping how climate risks are experienced and responded to by communities. Our analysis reveals a nuanced understanding of vulnerability, highlighting the impact on communities’ livelihoods and water security, differential impacts on marginalised communities, and the gendered nature of climate change. We examine how certain sections of the population face marginalisation, discrimination, and racism, and how climate change exacerbates these challenges. Kashmir’s vulnerability to climate change extends beyond environmental factors, intertwining with culture, livelihoods, social dynamics, and politics. Climate change continues to compete for attention with immediate political and socio-economic challenges, highlighting the need for integrated approaches to address both environmental and societal issues in Kashmir.

Impact of Plant Community Diversity on Greenhouse Gas Emissions in Riparian Zones.

Plant community succession can impact greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from the soil by altering the soil carbon and nitrogen cycles. However, the effects of community landscape diversity on soil GHG emissions have rarely been fully understood. Therefore, this study investigated how plant landscape diversity, structure type, and species composition, affect soil GHG emissions in a riparian zone. Soil GHG emissions were assessed by measuring the air samples collected from four study sites, which have different plant community structure types and species compositions (natural sites with complex plants, landscaped sites with fruit trees and grasses, untended sites with ruderals, and farmland sites), using the static chamber method. Significant differences were observed in soil carbon dioxide (CO2; p < 0.001), nitrous oxide (N2O; p < 0.001), and methane (CH4; p = 0.005) emissions. The untended site with ruderals exhibited the highest CO2 emissions, while N2O emissions increased as plant community diversity decreased. All sites acted as sinks for CH4 emissions, with decreased CH4 uptake efficiency in more diverse plant communities. The Mantel test and variance partitioning analysis revealed soil microbial biomass as an indirect influencer of GHG emissions. This study could help predict soil GHG emissions and their global warming potential under future changes in the island riparian zones.

Metagenomic profiling of rhizosphere microbiota: Unraveling the plant-soil dynamics

Rhizosphere is a dynamic and complex environment shaped by intricate interactions between plants and a diverse microbial community. The rhizosphere microbiome is crucial for plant growth, nutrition, and health in agro-ecosystems. Recent advancements in metagenomics, especially through shotgun sequencing, offer unprecedented opportunities to unravel the complexities of rhizosphere microbial dynamics. Sequence and function-based metagenomic approaches enhance our understanding of plant-microbe relationships and serve as transformative tools for sustainable agriculture. They offer insights into precision microbiome engineering and ecosystem management by capturing the genomic landscape of microbial communities, revealing their taxonomic composition and functional potential. The integration of computational tools and machine learning approaches provides a powerful analytical framework to interpret vast and intricate metagenomic datasets. This paper comprehensively explores the rhizosphere using cutting-edge shotgun sequencing techniques to capture a holistic view of microbial communities in this crucial zone. Additionally, it delves into the emerging domain of virus-rhizosphere interactions, elucidating the impact of viral dynamics on rhizosphere microbial composition. To date, significant achievements in rhizosphere biology through metagenomics include detailed characterizations of microbial diversity, functional profiling of microbial communities, and identification of key microbial players in plant health and nutrient cycling. These advances underscore the critical role of metagenomics in advancing our understanding of rhizosphere biology and its applications in sustainable agriculture. The novel application of these advanced metagenomic techniques presents both opportunities and challenges, offering deeper insights into the rhizosphere while highlighting the need for improved data integration and interpretation methods.

The Community Landscape and Culturally Important Fauna Among the Mbya Guaraní of Misiones, Argentina: Participatory Mapping as a Study Tool

This study analyses the perceived interactions between wildlife and the local landscape in Mbya Guaraní communities in the province of Misiones, Argentina. The objectives of this work are to identify the fauna of cultural importance from the perspective of the Mbya Guaraní communities, characterize the landscape units associated with the animals and the emerging trophic relationships in these representations, and determine the different uses assigned to the fauna wild. Work was conducted in 10 communities of Mbya Guaraní villages between 2019 and 2022. In each community, the following activities were carried out: presentation of the objectives of the study and request for prior informed consent; participatory map making; guided and observation walks; semistructured interviews with the use of visual stimuli; and free listings. In the maps prepared, 11 different vegetation units were visualized, of which 26 animal species were cited. The vegetation units with the greatest diversity of associated animal species are high and marginal forests, forest monocultures, and palm and fruit tree communities. The free lists made it possible to estimate that the animal with the most significant cultural importance is the kochi ( Tayassu pecari). With the participatory maps designed and the observations recorded during their preparation, it was possible to analyze the conceptual configuration underlying the wildlife and the landscape (vegetation units) and identify the leading traditional hunting practices. The semistructured interviews, with visual stimuli and free listings, allowed the estimation of the relative importance of wildlife for residents broadly.

Landscapes of Unique Vernacular Communities: Changing Social Geography and Cultural Practices of the Kodagu Community, Karnataka, India

Landscapes of Unique Vernacular Communities: Changing Social Geography and Cultural Practices of the Kodagu Community, Karnataka, India

Synergistic Landscape Design Strategies to Renew Thermal Environment: A Case Study of a Cfa-Climate Urban Community in Central Komatsu City, Japan

An effective community landscape design consistently impacts thermally comfortable outdoor conditions and climate adaptation. Therefore, constructing sustainable communities requires a resilience assessment of existing built environments for optimal design mechanisms, especially the renewal of thermally resilient communities in densely populated cities. However, the current community only involves green space design and lacks synergistic landscape design for renewing the central community. The main contribution of this study is that it reveals a three-level optimization method to validate the Synergistic Landscape Design Strategies (SLDS) (i.e., planting, green building envelope, water body, and urban trees) for renewing urban communities. A typical Japanese community in central Komatsu City was selected to illustrate the simulation-based design strategies. The microclimate model ENVI-met reproduces communities involving 38 case implementations to evaluate the physiologically equivalent temperature (PET) and microclimate condition as a measure of the thermal environments in humid subtropical climates. The simulation results indicated that the single-family buildings and real estate flats were adapted to the summer thermal mitigation strategy of water bodies and green roofs (W). In small-scale and large-scale models, the mean PET was lowered by 1.4–5.0 °C (0.9–2.3 °C), and the cooling effect reduced mean air temperature by 0.4–2.3 °C (0.5–0.8 °C) and improved humidification by 3.7–15.2% (3.7–5.3%). The successful SLDS provides precise alternatives for realizing Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in the renewal of urban communities.

Exploring the Influencing Mechanisms of Neighborhood Environment on the Physical and Mental Health of Chinese Migrant Children

Based on a sample of migrant children in Kunming City, Yunnan Province, this study investigated the effects and mechanisms of the neighborhood environment on the physical and mental health of migrant children. This study found that the effects of community landscape and neighborhood cohesion on the physical and mental health of migrant children are significant. In contrast, the impact of the built environment such as community roads and traffic safety was not significant. Path analysis showed that the sense of inclusion and exclusion had a mediating effect on the association between the neighborhood environment and children’s health. A high-quality neighborhood environment could enhance the sense of inclusion and reduce the sense of exclusion, thereby promoting the physical and mental health of migrant children. This study revealed the underlying mechanisms in the environment-health link, and provided practical implications for relevant policymakers and practitioners.

Boosting the Impact of EFMC Young Scientists Network Through the Creation of Working Groups.

The establishment of the Young Scientists Network (YSN) by the European Federation for Medicinal Chemistry (EFMC) served as a proactive response to the evolving landscape of the scientific community. The YSN aims to assist early-career medicinal chemists and chemical biologists by responding to emerging themes, such as the influence of social media, shifts in gender balance within the scientific population, and evolving educational opportunities. The YSN also ensures that the upcoming generation of scientists actively contributes to shape the EFMC's strategic direction while addressing their specific needs. Initially conceived as a general concept, YSN has evolved into a proactive and dynamic team which demonstrates a tangible impact. To boost the impact of the YSN and involve additional motivated young scientists, we have adopted a novel organization, and structured the team in seven working groups (WGs). Herein, we will discuss the tasks of the different WGs as well as the activities planned for the near future. We believe this structure will strengthen the pivotal role YSN has already played in serving medicinal chemists and chemical biologists in Europe. The YSN now has the structure and motivation to pave the way to attract young scientists across Europe and to give them the stage within EFMC.

Testing the test strips: laboratory performance of fentanyl test strips

BackgroundThe overdose crisis driven by synthetic opioids continues to escalate in the USA. We evaluated the efficacy of multiple manufacturing lots of a fentanyl test strip (FTS) to detect fentanyl and fentanyl analogs and assessed cross-reactivity with possible interferences.MethodsDrug standards were dissolved in water in a laboratory setting and serially diluted. Drug dilutions were tested using five different manufacturing lots of BTNX Rapid Response (20 ng/mL cutoff) lateral flow chromatographic immunoassay strips to assess lot-to-lot variability for FTS sensitivity and cross-reactivity for the analytes of interest.ResultsAll five manufacturing lots cross-reacted with fentanyl and eleven fentanyl analogs. Diphenhydramine, lidocaine, MDMA, and methamphetamine were found to cause false positives with the strips. There was notable lot-to-lot variability in the sensitivity of the strips for fentanyl, fentanyl analogs, and known interferences.DiscussionFTS remains an important overdose prevention tool, but lot-to-lot variability in performance complicates robust instructions that balance the prevention of false positives and false negatives. Continued lot-to-lot performance assessment is recommended to ensure health education for FTS remains accurate. More sophisticated drug checking technologies and services are needed in the community landscape to augment personal FTS use to facilitate informed consumption and overdose risk mitigation.

Bringing Back the Old Religiosity: Interfaith Cosmopolitan Civil Religion (ICCR)

Abstract Highlighting the transformed landscape of political communities in the twenty-first century, I reexamine the discourse of civil religion (DCR). Widely recognized in religious studies and notably in American history, this concept reveals a subtle yet intricately functional framework of community consciousness within political entities. This article posits that the prevalent interpretation of civil religion, and its application across diverse contexts, falls short of effectively reflecting and utilizing the essence identified by Jean-Jacques Rousseau and Robert Bellah—classical and modern architects of civil religion, respectively. Many discussions of DCR often disregard the role of the traditional sense of religion and religiousness. Instead, they fixate on superficial symbols and rituals associated with secular institutional bodies and communities. In this article, I contend that reintegrating the ordinary sense of religion into the discourse is crucial for envisioning and constructing a new community consciousness capable of adeptly responding to the burgeoning demands of our highly multicultural world. Following the conceptual roadmap of civil religion, which seeks transcendent, sacred, and unifying narratives, symbols, and rituals, I introduce a new model termed Interfaith, Cosmopolitan Civil Religion (ICCR). Within this model, ordinary religious agents, through interfaith engagement, assume positive roles in nurturing a broader sense of community and unity.

Retracted: Research on Segmentation Method of Greening Landscape of Urban Community Based on Improved U-Net Network

Retracted: Research on Segmentation Method of Greening Landscape of Urban Community Based on Improved U-Net Network