Group Identity Research Articles

Teachers and social cohesion in diverse secondary classrooms

ABSTRACT The present paper aims to examine how teachers contribute to social cohesion in terms of the three dimensions: social relations, group identification, and the common good. A qualitative study was conducted using interviews with teachers and students and observations in two Dutch secondary schools with diverse student populations. The results showed that the dimension most often addressed was the dimension of social relations, and teachers seemed to focus on individual students more than on the group as a whole. Bridging home and school, and group formation were main themes in the dimension of group identification. The main theme in the dimension of the common good was teacher practices with regard to rules, in which fairness was an important topic for students. The three dimensions of social cohesion are inter-related and should be considered alongside each other when schools are committed to strengthening social cohesion.

Reflexiones e identificación del patrimonio cultural; centro ceremonial Yoreme Mayo, San Miguel Arcángel

The continuity of the celebrations of traditional festivals, processions, sacred ceremonies, as part of the cultural identity of the yoreme mayo group, represent, in addition to resistance, the need to preserve their culture and cultural heritage, the topic addressed is main objective the identification and description of the cultural heritage around the San Miguel Arcángel ceremonial center; As a secondary objective, it is established to determine recommendations for the conservation of heritage. It shows some living cultural practices that give the sense and identity of belonging to the social group. The proposal is generated from the field research work that the researcher begins with observation visits since 2020, during different dates of festivities and sacred ceremonies. The development of the research includes the topics of: cultural heritage, types, characteristics, identity and heritage, uses and customs and community participation. The methodology applied is with a qualitative approach, ethnographic method and grounded theory, which allows the theory to be built, starting directly from the observations, also applying a way of looking back; until the findings are made. The relevance of the study is to give visibility to the cultural heritage of the ethnic group. The place of the study is San Miguel Zapotitlán, Ahome, Sinaloa, where the ceremonial center is located. As the results of the research contribute to the safeguarding of the yoreme mayo cultural heritage, it contributes to the enrichment of cultural diversity, the preservation and respect of the yoreme mayo culture.

Эффект Поллианны: роль механизмов защиты позитивной личностной и групповой идентичности

<p style="text-align: justify;"><strong>Objective.</strong> To study the socio-psychological mechanisms supporting the effect of linguistic positivity and its dynamics in crisis conditions. <br><strong>Background</strong><strong>.</strong> In the context of increasing hard-to-control climatic, military, economic and technological threats, research aimed at identifying the psychological mechanisms underlying the willingness of individuals and groups to positively evaluate themselves, their group and the world is becoming increasingly important. One of the results of such mechanisms is the Pollyanna effect – the tendency of people to give preference to positive information, manifested in assessments of the present, memories of the past and expectations about the future, and reflected in the prevalence of positive words over negative in the vocabulary of the language.<br><strong>Conclusions.</strong> Individual, interpersonal and group socio-psychological mechanisms of the linguistic positivity effect have been identified, among which the former are much better studied than the others. At the individual level, the Pollyanna effect is supported by patterns of perception of positive and negative information, emotion counter-regulation, coping mechanisms, and positive illusions that protect the positive identity of the individual. At the interpersonal level, these mechanisms are shared positive experiences, interpersonal attraction, and trust. At the group level – group identification, positive group emotions and mechanisms supporting positive evaluation of one's group: ingroup favoritism, perceptual refences, construction of collective memory and collective image of the future. The assumption that the contribution of group identity to the Pollyanna effect increases in crises associated with the experience of hard-to-control threat and collective trauma is stated. Promising directions of socio-psychological research in this area are outlined. The results of our empirical research indicate that group identity participates in the processes of emotional self-regulation and mobilization of psychological resources when experiencing an uncontrollable threat, reducing the level of individual and collective anxiety. Promising directions of socio-psychological research in this area are outlined.</p>

Dynamics and Insights into the Unique Ecological Guild of Fungi in Bacteria-Bioaugmented Anaerobic Digesters

Anaerobic digesters host a variety of microorganisms, and they work together to produce biogas. While bacterial and archaeal communities have been well explored using molecular techniques, fungal community structures remain relatively understudied. The present study aims to investigate the dynamics and potential ecological functions of the predominant fungi in bacteria-bioaugmented anaerobic digesters. Eight different anaerobic digesters that contained chopped water hyacinth and cow dung as feedstock at 2% total solids were respectively inoculated with eight different bacterial strains and digested anaerobically in controlled conditions. The diversity and dynamics of the fungal community of the digesters before and after digestion were monitored using high-throughput sequencing of the fungal ITS2 sub-region of the ribosomal gene. The functional potential of the fungal community was predicted using ecological guild analysis. The dominant fungal phyla were (with relative abundance ≥1%) Ascomycota and Neocallimastigomycota. Ascomycota exhibited over 90% dominance in all treatments after anaerobic digestion (AD). Aspergillus sp. was consistently dominant across treatments during AD, while prominent anaerobic fungal genera Anaeromyces, Cyllamyces, and Caeomyces decreased. Ecological guild analysis at genus level showed that the majority of the identified fungi were saprophytes, and diversity indices indicated decreased richness and diversity after AD, suggesting a negative impact of AD on fungal communities in the anaerobic digesters. The multivariate structure of the fungal communities showed clustering of treatments with similar fungal taxa. The findings from this study provide insights into the fungal ecological guild of different bacteria-bioaugmented anaerobic digesters, highlighting their potentials in bacteria-augmented systems. Identification of an anaerobic fungal group within the phylum Ascomycota, beyond the well-known fungal phylum Neocallimastigomycota, offers a new perspective in optimizing the AD processes in specialized ecosystems.

Stress and Cardiovascular Disease: The Role of Affective Traits and Mental Disorders.

Personality traits involving negative affect, as well as mental disorders including depression, anxiety, and posttraumatic stress disorder, are cardiovascular risk factors. However, which of these confer risk independently is uncertain, and the implications of their overlap, combinations, and interactions are poorly understood. Potential explanatory mechanisms are being characterized with increasing detail and sophistication. Of particular interest are psychobiological processes initiated by stress. Other mechanisms involve stress-related health behaviors and illness behaviors that delay or reduce the effectiveness of medical treatment. With some promising exceptions, findings of intervention trials are uncertain regarding the effectiveness of psychological treatments for modifying affective traits and mental disorders to reduce their impact on cardiovascular disease. Recent developments include novel conceptualizations of mental disorders; examination of the interplay between cognitive factors and emotion; and theoretical frameworks that integrate psychological stress processes with neuroscience, health behavior, and social cognition. Also promising is increased attention to gender identity and minority group membership.

The Prevalence and Intensity of Dental Diseases Among Workers with Dangerous Working Conditions, Depending on the Presence or Absence of Previous Oral Sanitation

Relevance: to substantiate programs for the prevention of dental diseases at nuclear industry enterprises with dangerous working conditions, comparative studies of the dental status of employees, depending on the presence or absence of previous oral sanitation, are relevant. The purpose of the study: clinical and radiological comparison of indicators of the dental status of nuclear power plant workers with hazardous working conditions (OT), depending on the presence or absence of previous oral sanitation. Materials and methods: 78 employees of the Kalinin nuclear power plant with dangerous working conditions in the key age group of 35–44 years, who underwent therapeutic and surgical sanitation of the oral cavity a year ago, were examined. For comparison, 69 workers with OT of an identical gender and age group who refused to sanitize the oral cavity during periodic medical examinations were examined. The sequence of clinical and radiological examination corresponded to the modified WHO Dental Status Assessment Map (1995). Results: the positive effect of oral sanitation due to the removal of destroyed teeth, treatment of caries and its complications, as well as periodontal diseases is to reduce the prevalence of signs of dysfunction of the temporomandibular joint by 52.5 %, non-carious offspring 22.7 %, diseases of the oral mucosa 24.1 %, periodontal diseases 6.0 %. As a result of sanitation, the detection of poor oral hygiene is reduced by 54.7 %. The intensity of caries and periodontal diseases a year after sanitation is 12.8 and 27.8 % lower in comparison with workers with an unsanitized oral cavity. After rehabilitation, the prevalence of orthopedic treatment increases by 43.4 %. Conclusions: oral sanitation significantly improves the basic indicators of dental status for workers with dangerous working conditions at nuclear power plants. The positive effect of oral sanitation is largely preserved after a year in comparison with non-sanitized workers. Oral sanitation at the age of 35–44 years does not affect the prevalence of caries.

The A-HIPI Prediction Model in Advanced Stage Hodgkin Lymphoma: Identification of Risk Groups and Creation of an Online Tool.

The A-HIPI Prediction Model in Advanced Stage Hodgkin Lymphoma: Identification of Risk Groups and Creation of an Online Tool.

Promoting Positive Leadership: Examining the Long-Term Dynamics of Anti-Bullying Programs.

Anti-bullying programs can create more positive classroom environments by fostering the development of positive leaders who establish constructive norms. The social identity theory of leadership addresses stability and change within different leader profiles and identifies leader group prototypicality: the extent to which leaders are perceived to embody the group identity, including standards, values, and norms. This study focuses on two key areas: (1) examining stability and change within positive and negative leader profiles, and (2) comparing transition probabilities between the KiVa anti-bullying intervention condition and a control condition. A sample of 6,629 children (2057 in the control condition and 4572 in the intervention condition) were followed from age 9 to age 11 in three waves of data collection. At each wave, latent profile analysis was used to identify two distinct leader profiles and three non-leader profiles based on peer nominations that included leadership, popularity, and both positive (defending) and negative (bullying) behavior. These profiles included (a) positive leaders, (b) negative leaders, (c) defenders, (d) bullies, and (e) modal children. Latent transition analysis for the full sample revealed more changing roles for negative leaders compared with positive leaders. In the intervention condition, negative leaders were more likely to make the transition to positive leaders than to bullies. This study shows that, in late childhood, positive leaders are perceived as more representative of the group leader prototypicality than negative leaders. These findings enhance understanding of leader profile evolution and may inform tailored leadership interventions.

Pengaruh Penggunaan Bahasa Gaul Dalam Interaksi Mahasiswa : Studi Kualitatif Tentang Penggunaan Bahasa Gaul Dikalangan Mahasiswa IKM UINSU

This research aims to explore more deeply the phenomenon of slang use among UINSU Public Health students and its impact on social dynamics and the development of their identity. Through a qualitative approach involving in-depth interviews and participant observation, this research seeks to understand how slang plays a role in forming social bonds, creating a sense of belonging to a group, and influencing the way students interact with each other. Preliminary findings show that slang not only functions as a communication tool, but also as a symbol of identity and a means of expressing oneself. However, on the other hand, the use of slang that is too intense can blur the boundaries between formality and informality, thus potentially hampering the learning process and effective academic communication. Therefore, this research highlights the importance of balancing the use of slang with good and correct language rules, so that students can communicate effectively in various contexts without sacrificing their group identity.

The effect of principal leadership on school teachers' group identification: Relational or organizational

The effect of principal leadership on school teachers' group identification: Relational or organizational

Synergistic Effect of Preharvest Application with Some Elicitors on Quality and Shelf Life of Avocado Fruits

Avocado (Persea americana Mill.) is a tropical and subtropical climacteric fruit of Central America. It is necessary to maintain high quality of the fruit after harvest for the distant imported market through sustainable solutions. Therefore, this experiment was aimed to increase the quality and shelf life of “Hass” avocado fruits through spray avocado trees with two elicitors, calcium chloride (control, 0.5%, 1%, 2%) and potassium silicate (control, 1%, 2%, 4%) which application after 30 and 75 days of fruit set. Fruits after harvest were placed in carton boxes and sorted into identical groups under temperature and humidity of normal room. it could be recommended by spraying Hass avocado trees with (0.5%) calcium chloride and (2%) potassium silicate as well as the interaction between them to maintaining the quality of fruits for as long as possible through storage and extend shelf life of fruits.

Cultural disaster: A threat to the preservation of Minangkabau culture

Culture is something essential and a marker of the identity of an ethnic group. Therefore, culture must always be part of human life. However, due to various factors, the culture of a tribe is often neglected and which lead to cultural disasters. In this regard, this study examined cultural disaster in Minangkabau. The study used a qualitative and quantitative approach. The respondents were the younger generation of Minangkabau who were studying at university. Discussions with cultural figures, religious leaders, educators, and community leaders were also conducted to know their perspectives on cultural disasters. The study results showed that there has indeed been a shift in Minangkabau cultural values which could lead to a cultural disaster. The lack of instilling cultural values and the ignorance of the collective awareness regarding the importance of knowledge and implementation of cultural values lead to a cultural disaster. The result of the study indicated a potential threat of a cultural disaster in Minangkabau, as indicated by the lack of basic knowledge of the young generation about cultural values in Minangkabau expressions, kinship terms, traditional arts, and culinary. The learning process of Minangkabau cultures can be one of the ways to anticipate the Minangkabau cultural disaster.

Association Between Four Non-Insulin-Based Insulin Resistance Indices and the Risk of Post-Stroke Depression.

Research suggests that insulin resistance (IR) is associated with acute ischemic stroke (AIS) and depression. The use of insulin-based IR assessments is complicated. Therefore, we explored the relationship between four non-insulin-based IR indices and post-stroke depression (PSD). A total of 638 consecutive AIS patients were enrolled in this prospective cohort study. Clinical data were collected to compute indices such as the triglyceride glucose (TyG) index, triglyceride glucose-body mass index (TyG-BMI), insulin resistance metabolic score (METS-IR), and triglyceride/high-density lipoprotein cholesterol ratio (TG/HDL-C). One month post-stroke, neuropsychological assessments were conducted using the 17-item Hamilton Depression Scale. Binary logistic regression analysis was performed to explore the relationship between the four non-insulin-based IR indices and PSD. Ultimately, 381 patients completed the 1-month follow-up, including 112 (29.4%) with PSD. The PSD group exhibited significantly higher levels of the four IR indices compared to the non-PSD group. Logistic regression analysis demonstrated that these indicators were independently associated with PSD occurrence, both before and after adjusting for potential confounders (all P < 0.001). Tertile analyses indicated that the highest tertile group had a greater risk of PSD occurrence than the lowest tertile group for four IR indicators, even after adjusting for potential confounders (all P < 0.05). Restricted cubic spline analysis revealed a linear dose-response relationship between the four IR indices and PSD. In the subgroup analysis, only the TyG index showed a significant interaction with diabetes (P for interaction = 0.014). The area under curve values for the TyG index, TyG-BMI, METS-IR, and TG/HDL-C were 0.700, 0.721, 0.711, and 0.690, respectively. High TyG index, TyG-BMI, METS-IR, and TG/HDL-C at baseline were independent risk factors for PSD in AIS. Each of these indicators exhibits predictive value for PSD occurrence, aiding in the early identification of high-risk groups.

Biochar boost: revolutionizing functionalization of a difficult material.

The challenge with synthetically modified biochars is that they are notoriously difficult to characterize, and a new characterization approach that circumvents the challenges posed by overlapping bands in IR spectra is needed. We report multinuclear NMR approaches successful in the easy identification and quantification of covalently-bound functional groups on the biochar surface using 31P{1H} CPMAS NMR spectroscopy.

Status and influencing factors of frailty in hospitalized patients with chronic heart failure: A cross-sectional study.

To investigate the frailty status of inpatients with chronic heart failure (CHF) and analyse its influencing factors, so as to provide evidence for the early identification of high-risk groups and frailty management. Early identification of frailty can guide the development and implementation of holistic and individualized treatment plans. However, at present, the frailty of patients with CHF has not attracted enough attention. A cross-sectional study. From June 2022 to June 2023, a convenience sample of 256 participants were recruited at a hospital in China. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was used to explore the influencing factors of frailty in patients with CHF, and an ROC curve was drawn to determine the cut-off values for each influencing factor. STROBE checklist guides the reporting of the manuscript. A total of 270 questionnaires were sent out during the survey, and 256 valid questionnaires were ultimately recovered, resulting in an effective recovery rate of 94.8%. The incidence of frailty in hospitalized patients with CHF was 68.75%. Multivariable logistic regression analysis showed that age, self-care ability, nutritional risk, Kinesiophobia and NT-proBNP were risk factors for frailty, while albumin and LVEF were protective factors. Multidimensional frailty was prevalent in hospitalized patients with CHF. Medical staff should take measures as early as possible from the aspects of exercise, nutrition, psychology and disease to delay the occurrence and development of frailty and reduce the occurrence of clinical adverse events caused by frailty. This study emphasizes the importance of the early identification of multidimensional frailty and measures can be taken to delay the occurrence and development of frailty through exercise, nutrition, psychology and disease treatment. Patients contributed through sharing their information required for the case report form and filling out questionnaires.

The Use of Humor, Irony, and Metaphors in Everyday Communication: An Exploratory Investigation

This study explores the role of humor, irony, and metaphors in everyday communication among college students at Mindoro State University (MinSU). These rhetorical strategies are integral to social interactions, helping individuals convey emotions, form connections, and simplify complex ideas. Using an exploratory, qualitative approach, the researchers examined how selected students employ these techniques across various social contexts, including family, friends, and academic settings. Data collection involved in-depth interviews, allowing for analysis of sociolinguistic factors, such as age, gender, and social class, that influence humor, irony, and metaphors. The findings suggest that humor fosters camaraderie, while irony subtly critiques or expresses contradictions, and metaphors enhance comprehension by linking abstract ideas to familiar experiences. Cross-cultural insights reveal unique interpretations of these elements, manifesting the potential for misunderstandings in diverse settings. This research highlights the adaptive nature of these rhetorical tools, revealing how they bridge social gaps, reinforce group identity, and support communication. The study contributes to understanding language use in regional academic settings, offering implications for effective communication and cultural sensitivity in multicultural environments.

Perception of Residency Program Diversity Is Associated With Vulnerability to Race and Gender Stereotype Threat Among Minority and Female Orthopaedic Trainees.

Stereotype threat (ST) is a psychological phenomenon in which perceived fear of confirming negative stereotypes about one's identity group leads to impaired performance. Gender and racial ST has been described in various academic settings. However, it is prevalence in orthopaedic surgery, where women and minorities are underrepresented, has not been examined. This study analyzes the prevalence of ST among orthopaedic surgery residents and fellows. US orthopaedic trainees completed a voluntary anonymous survey, which included demographics, perceived program diversity based on percentage of racial-ethnic and gender-diverse faculty and trainees, and a validated, modified version of the Stereotype Vulnerability Scale (SVS). Higher scores indicate greater ST vulnerability. ST prevalence was analyzed with descriptive statistics, and associations between program diversity, resident demographics, and ST vulnerability were compared using nonparametric tests. Of 1,127 orthopaedic trainees at 40 programs, 322 responded (response rate 28.6%). Twenty-five percent identified as female, and 26% identified as an underrepresented minority in medicine (i.e., Asian, Black, or Hispanic). Asian (12 points), Black (12.5 points), and Hispanic (13.5 points) trainees had significantly higher SVS scores than White trainees (9 points) (p = 0.0003; p < 0.0001; p = 0.0028, respectively). Black trainees at perceived racially nondiverse residencies had the highest mean SVS scores (16.4 ± 1.03 points), while White trainees at perceived racially nondiverse residencies had the lowest SVS scores (9.3 ± 0.3 points), p = 0.011. Women had significantly higher gender stereotype vulnerability than men (p < 0.0001) in both gender-diverse (17.9 ± 0.2 vs. 9.0 ± 0.3 points) and gender nondiverse residencies (16.4 ± 0.4 vs. 9.6 ± 0.2 points). Minority and female orthopaedic trainees had higher ST vulnerability, especially in programs perceived as lacking racial or gender diversity. While perceived program diversity may offer some protection for minority and women trainees, women trainees still met the threshold for high vulnerability regardless of program gender diversity. Future strategies to mitigate ST should be explored in orthopaedic training.

RACIAL/ETHNIC GROUP DIFFERENCES IN OLDER ADULTS’ INVOLVEMENT WITH ADULT PROTECTIVE SERVICES

Abstract Child protective services has long wrestled with concerns about Black and Hispanic families being disproportionately more likely to be investigated. In contrast, only one, small, recent study has quantified racial/ethnic group differences in adult protective services (APS). A paucity of research and inconsistent findings in this area have limited the generalizability of studies and complicated efforts to develop culturally sensitive practices for specific groups. The proposed project would represent the first national study of racial/ethnic group differences in older adults’ involvement in APS. It would provide the several key findings, including: a conceptual framework that explains why racial/ethnic group differences in APS may exist; benchmarks for the “typical” magnitude of racial/ethnic group differences in key APS metrics across most US states; identification of mistreatment types, genders, and age groups where racial/ethnic group differences in APS metrics are especially large; identification of the types of racial/ethnic group differences in APS metrics that vary markedly from state to state or county to county; and descriptions of the community (e.g., poverty rate) and organizational (e.g., APS agency) characteristics that help explain this variation. The project will also engage researchers, practitioners, and community leaders in three advisory teams. Their regular involvement will help ensure that the project employs the best available theories and methods, provides useful guidance for APS professionals, and reflects the priorities and lived experiences of the communities being studied.

The Role of Hip-Hop in Community Building and its Influence on Cluj-Napoca’s Young Urbanites “Concrete Rockers”. A Case Study

This article examines the cultural influence of hip-hop on urban youth in Cluj-Napoca, Transylvania (Romania), through a case study of the “Concrete Rockers” Association. This dynamic group is deeply involved in hip-hop activities, with a particular emphasis on breakdancing, its core focus, as well as organizing hip-hop events such as “One May Jam”—the group’s flagship event. Here, members and special guests participate in various hip-hop activities like DJing and graffiti art. By exploring the motivations and experiences that drive these individuals to engage with hip-hop, we aim to gain insight into their roles as both consumers and practitioners of this culture. The article further investigates how group affiliation and identity are formed within this vibrant and close-knit community, while also exploring the Concrete Rockers’ aspirations to become prominent representatives of hip-hop in Transylvania. Our findings, based on primary data, offer a deeper understanding of hip-hop’s role in shaping the identities and lives of young adults in Cluj-Napoca, highlighting the local adaptations and transnational connections of this global movement and underscoring the positive impact hip-hop has on these individuals.

Identity Formation in Educational Communities of Practice : The Role of Communication, Trust, and Conflict Mediation

This qualitative study explores the processes of identity construction and negotiation among three university students in an English Presentation class. Drawing primarily on fieldnotes and interviews, the research demonstrates how communication styles, trust dynamics, and conflict mediation influence identity formation within educational settings. Anchored in Identity Theory and the concept of Communities of Practice (CoP), the study examines three distinct CoPs where identity shaping occurs. The findings reveal that reluctance to engage in team interactions, breaches of trust, and the role of conflict mediation significantly impact group dynamics and identity formation. The study underscores the fluid nature of identity as it responds to social interactions. These findings emphasize the need for fostering inclusive and supportive learning environments that accommodate diverse identities and enhance teamwork. Future research should further investigate these dynamics to deepen our understanding of identity formation in multicultural educational contexts.