Hierarchy Of Groups Research Articles

From snapshots to panoramas: navigating power, space, and time in the study of armed groups

ABSTRACT The complex nature of civil conflict makes it inherently difficult to study, which is exacerbated by the challenges of conducting field research in volatile conflict zones. How do these challenges affect the data gathered and inferences drawn about armed groups? This article examines the epistemological, practical, and ethical issues of researching armed organisations across varying power relations, space, and time. We highlight the divergent perspectives that emerge within armed group hierarchies, the varying realities across conflict geographies, and shifts in armed group trajectories and narratives that arise over time. Based on research in Africa and Latin America, we identify the pitfalls of capturing isolated ‘snapshots’ related to with whom, where, and when research was conducted, and we advocate for a ‘panoramic’ approach to the study of armed groups, recognising both limits to available data and the evolving nature of armed groups and their behaviour. Ultimately, we offer a conceptual roadmap for understanding the main axes along which variation in armed group organisation and behaviour unfolds, provide recommendations on how to navigate them, and call for caution in the generalisation of research findings and policy prescriptions, given the limitations and liminal nature of knowledge about armed groups.

Diet and trophic structure of fishes in the Barents Sea: Effects of size within (ontogenetic) and between species

A large data set on stomach content (over 27,000 individual fish) – collected in the Barents Sea in 2015 – was used to examine ontogenetic and interspecific changes in diet with size for 35 fish species. The analysis combined the use of hierarchical clustering and random forest. Two different diet metrics were used (% weight of prey types per weight of stomach content or per weight of fish, the latter reflecting also feeding intensity), and data were analysed based on average diet of predator groups (species and size groups) across the entire sample series (from the whole Barents Sea in different seasons), or for data broken down by geographical areas and seasons. Similar trophic groups (clusters) were identified for the various data sets suggesting that the results on trophic structure were robust. The trophic groups including size information were broadly similar to groups found earlier with data averaged at species level. Hierarchical clustering produces a hierarchy of trophic groups (or trophic guilds) at various levels of diet dissimilarity. With 12 clusters identified, one cluster had fish as dominant prey, and 5–6 others had either plankton or benthos as dominant prey. The clusters tended to be distinct and homogenous with one dominant prey category in average diet (often > 60 %). This was especially the case for the plankton clusters, with copepods, euphausiids, hyperiid amphipods, or gelatinous zooplankton as dominant prey in each of 4 trophic groups. The benthos clusters tended to be less dissimilar with more overlap in diet composition, with predominance of either hard-shelled forms (echinoderms and molluscs) or softer prey (polychaetes and crustaceans) for groups of clusters. There were clear patterns of ontogenetic shifts in fish diet. Fish that clustered as piscivores at larger size tended to grow from being planktivores when smaller. Smaller species of planktivores or benthivores shifted position among trophic groups but remained within the categories of planktivores or benthivores, respectively. Taxonomy (species) tended to be more important than size for explaining the diet composition of the different clusters of fish predators.

Molecular Dynamics Simulation of the Interaction within the Carboxymethyl Cellulose-Modified Montmorillonite Lamellae at Aggressive CuCl2 Concentrations.

To elucidate the degradation mechanism of the CMC-modified MMT composite at aggressive Cu2+ concentrations, large scale molecular dynamics simulation was conducted for CuCl2 concentrations ranging from 0 to 800 mM. Both CMC and MMT followed the Langmuir isotherm for Cu2+ adsorption, and the adsorption capacity of CMC (8.75 mmol/g) was much higher than that of MMT (0.83 mmol/g). Despite the CMC mass ratio being only 4.1%, it adsorbed up to 34.3% of the total adsorbed Cu2+. The Cu2+ attraction ability hierarchy of oxygen-containing functional groups in the CMC is as follows: carboxylic oxygens > alcoholic oxygens > carbinolic oxygens > bridging oxygens > glucose oxygens. Carboxyls were the most effective in chelating and complexing with Cu2+, and they could be intentionally added in artificially synthesized polymer-MMT composites for Cu2+ containment. Formation of the Cu2+ cation bridge between CMC and MMT at aggressive CuCl2 concentrations contributed to the transition of CMC density distribution from unimodality to bimodality and enhanced resistance of polymer elution. As the CuCl2 concentration increased, the stoichiometric ratio between the chelated Cu2+ and carboxylic oxygens increased from 1:2 to 1:1, suggesting the evolution of the Cu2+ chelation mechanism.

A Case for Trans-Regional Intertidal Research in Unstudied Areas in the Northeast and Southeast Pacific: Filling the Gaps

Large areas of the Pacific coast of the Americas remain unstudied regarding their intertidal ecosystems. Given the increasing disturbance related to human impacts on intertidal ecosystems, it is essential to gather census data on the biological composition of poorly studied regions so that a framework for future monitoring and management can be developed. Here, we synthesize the available research on intertidal communities along the Pacific rim to support the goal to fill bioregional gaps in knowledge in three less-studied areas in Southeast Alaska and Peru. A census of taxonomic and functional group hierarchies in these communities should include the use of various measures of alpha and beta diversity to provide a metric of temporal and spatial comparisons. A narrower-scale approach focusing on foundation species that harbor algal and invertebrate communities and serve as buffers against environmental stresses should also be conducted. Conducting a comprehensive census in poorly studied or unstudied areas will contribute to a better understanding of the response to disturbances caused by oil spills, El Niño and marine heatwaves and provide a latitudinal continuum of scientific knowledge about the biodiversity and ecosystem functioning in rocky intertidal systems on a trans-regional scale.

Spreading primitive groups of diagonal type do not exist

The synchronization hierarchy of finite permutation groups consists of classes of groups lying between $2$ -transitive groups and primitive groups. This includes the class of spreading groups, which are defined in terms of sets and multisets of permuted points, and which are known to be primitive of almost simple, affine or diagonal type. In this paper, we prove that in fact no spreading group of diagonal type exists. As part of our proof, we show that all non-abelian finite simple groups, other than six sporadic groups, have a transitive action in which a proper normal subgroup of a point stabilizer is supplemented by all corresponding two-point stabilizers.

Ethnomusicology, Folklore, and Social Relevance. By Josep Martí. Translated by Peter Collins

This article raises the need for (Spanish) ethnomusicology to replace rigid nineteenth century approaches with renewed anthropological and sociological concepts and analytical tools, Through the notion of “social relevance,” the author responds to this need and advocates for the study of horizontal influence (dynamic, meaningful), rather than vertical roots (ancestral, quasi-sacred) in a musical repertoire. “Social relevance” would be the academic opposite to “cultural paternity” (as ethnic ascription), prioritizing the importance that a song, instrument, or dance has for a community in a specific moment. Therefore, the main task of an ethnomusicologist is to understand the musical life of a society, because the relevance does not depend on music itself, but on its context. Consequently, the concept of social relevance rejects perceptions of popular music studies as marginal, and instead accepts the study of popular music as a discipline that deserves full scholarly attention, eliminating mythologized hierarchies of elite groups. The article discusses how social relevance manifests in three interrelated dimensions: meaning, or how a musical piece is perceived; the uses to which it is put; and its social functions. These analyses apply to different genres such as opera, jazz, rock, folk, classical, and avant-garde music, and point out the universal attributes they all share according to the principle of their social relevance.
 Citation:
 Originally published in Spanish as “Etnomusicología, folklore y relevancia social.” In Actas del I Congreso de la Sociedad Ibérica de Etnomusicología, edited by Jordi Raventós, 11-22. Barcelona: La mà de Guido, 1996.

Experiment on extraversion distribution in groups through a group formation algorithm

Advances in technology have sparked a surge of interest in systematic group formation in educational contexts. The experimental study investigates group formation by extraversion distributions on group work outcomes, expected to influence group hierarchy. As an initial step in the experimental randomization process, an algorithmic group formation tool ensured an equal partitioning and aligned students into two experimental conditions with either consistent, homogeneous, or varied, heterogeneous, levels of extraversion. Over the course of one semester, a total of 114 students enrolled in several paralleled seminars, were surveyed on both subjective data (satisfaction with group work) and objective data (group performance) to evaluate the effect of the experimental intervention. The formation of extraversion at the group level contributed to the respective outcomes, emphasizing the value of collective social capital for both individuals and groups. Specifically, a homogeneous distribution of extraversion had a positive impact on group performance, as evident in improved grades on course group assignments and increased active participation in group meetings. Findings emphasize considering personality traits at group-level to enhance the success of groups.

Differences of individual gray matter networks between MCI patients who converted to AD within 3 Years and nonconverters

ObjectiveHere we aimed to explore the differences in individual gray matter (GM) networks at baseline in mild cognitive impairment patients who converted to Alzheimer's disease (AD) within 3 years (MCI-C) and nonconverters (MCI-NC). Materials and methodsData from 461 MCI patients (180 MCI-C and 281 MCI-NC) were obtained from the Alzheimer's Disease Neuroimaging Initiative (ADNI). For each subject, a GM network was constructed using 3D-T1 imaging and the Kullback–Leibler divergence method. Gradient and topological analyses of individual GM networks were performed, and partial correlations were calculated to evaluate relationships among network properties, cognitive function, and apolipoprotein E (APOE) €4 alleles. Subsequently, a support vector machine (SVM) model was constructed to discriminate the MCI-C and MCI-NC patients at baseline. ResultsThe gradient analysis revealed that the principal gradient score distribution was more compressed in the MCI-C group than in the MCI-NC group, with scores for the left lingual gyrus, right fusiform gyrus and left middle temporal gyrus being increased in the MCI-C group (p < 0.05, FDR corrected). The topological analysis showed significant differences in nodal efficiency in four nodes between the two groups. Furthermore, the regional gradient scores or nodal efficiency were found to be significantly related to the neuropsychological test scores, and the left middle temporal gyrus gradient scores were positively associated with the number of APOE €4 alleles (r = 0.192, p = 0.002). Ultimately, the SVM model achieved a balanced accuracy of 79.4% in classifying MCI-C and MCI-NC patients (p < 0.001). ConclusionThe whole-brain GM network hierarchy in the MCI-C group was more compressed than that in the MCI-NC group, suggesting more serious cognitive impairments in the MCI-C group. The left middle temporal gyrus gradient scores were related to both cognitive function and APOE €4 alleles, thus serving as potential biomarkers distinguishing MCI-C from MCI-NC at baseline.

Experimentally manipulated anger activates implicit cognitions about social hierarchy

ABSTRACT A correlational pilot study (N = 143) and an integrative data analysis of two experiments (total N = 377) provide evidence linking anger to the psychology of social hierarchy. The experiments demonstrate that the experience of anger increases the psychological accessibility of implicit cognitions related to social hierarchy: compared to participants in a control condition, participants in an anger-priming condition completed word stems with significantly more hierarchy-related words. We found little support for sex differences in the effect of anger on implicit hierarchy-related cognition; effects were equivalent across male and female participants. Findings fit with functionalist evolutionary views of anger suggesting that anger may motivate the use of dominance to strive for high social rank in group hierarchies. Implications for downstream behaviour, including aggression and negotiation, are discussed.

The Utility of Data Collected as Part of Australia's Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health Performance Framework.

Since 2006, the Australian Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health Performance Framework (HPF) reports have provided information about Indigenous Australians' health outcomes. The HPF was designed, in consultation with Indigenous stakeholder groups, to promote accountability and inform policy and research. This paper explores bridging the HPF as a theoretical construct and the publicly available data provided against its measures. A whole-of-framework, whole-of-system monitoring perspective was taken to summarise 289 eligible indicators at the state/territory level, organised by the HPF's tier and group hierarchy. Data accompanying the 2017 and 2020 reports were used to compute improvement over time. Unit change and confidence indicators were developed to create an abstract but interpretable improvement score suitable for aggregation and visualisation at scale. The result is an exploratory methodology that summarises changes over time. An example dashboard visualisation is presented. The use of secondary data inevitably invites acknowledgments of what analysis cannot say, owing to methods of collection, sampling bias, or unobserved variables and the standard mantra regarding correlation not being causation (though no attempt has been made here to infer relationships between indicators, groups, or tiers). The analysis presented questions the utility of the HPF to inform healthcare reform.

Sweeping it under the rug: Positioning and managing pollution‐intensive activities in organizational hierarchies

AbstractResearch SummaryMany corporate groups have multiple layers with parent companies owning subsidiaries, which own other subsidiaries, and so forth, in a pyramid‐like ownership structure. We argue that corporate groups perform their pollution‐intensive activities at the lower levels of the corporate hierarchy to buffer the parent from pollution‐related regulatory risks. Our analysis of 7400 US‐based business establishments owned by the 67 largest US‐headquartered chemical manufacturing corporate groups supported this argument. We also found that they were even more likely to do so in states with greater environmental stringency, whether it be in the home state of the parent or the host state of the subsidiary. Our research calls into question the effectiveness of environmental regulations if companies have the opportunity to shift polluting activities lower in their corporate hierarchy.Managerial SummaryMany commentators assert that firms offshore or outsource pollution‐intensive activities to avoid environmental regulations. In this research, we suggest a third approach in avoiding environmental regulations: locating pollution lower in the hierarchy of multilayered corporate groups, which are companies that own subsidiaries that own other subsidiaries and so on. By analyzing data on the 67 largest US‐headquartered chemical manufacturing corporate groups, we found support for this assertion. We also found that pollution is more likely to be located lower in multilayered corporate groups when they are subject to stringent environmental regulations. The multilayered corporate form allows parent companies to insulate themselves from the regulatory risks of pollution‐intensive activities of their subsidiaries through their limited liability status.

Accounting executives and readability of 10-K reports

ABSTRACT This study investigates how the presence of accounting executives is related to the readability of narratives in 10-K reports. We find that companies with accounting executives tend to prepare more readable 10-K reports than those without. Furthermore, we document that the higher the accounting executives’ positions within the executive group hierarchy, the better the readability of the 10-K reports. Overall, findings suggest that the accounting executives’ characteristic of pursuing precise information explains the information delivery pattern of 10-K reports. The results expand two strands of literature: one for the determinants of 10-K readability and the other for the role of the accounting profession in the executive team.

Особенности преступной активности китайской мафии в Восточной Сибири

The mythology and typology of Chinese organized crime, which engages in active illegal activities within the region, are explored through a historical and cultural context. The characteristics of the formation, hierarchy, and behavior of these criminal groups are examined. The methods by which Chinese citizens illegally enter the East Siberian region are highlighted. The criminal infra-structure established to serve the interests of Chinese organized crime is analyzed in detail, as well as the methods used to con-ceal their true objectives and intentions. The means of recruiting individuals into the sphere of influence of the Chinese mafia, the establishment of control over Russian and Chinese citizens to achieve their goals, and the mechanisms for acquiring, distrib-uting, and controlling large financial flows by the Chinese mafia are described. Based on the provided description, conclusions are drawn regarding the primary activities of Chinese organized crime groups in the region. It is noted that the current level of law enforcement response is insufficient. The conclusion includes a list of recommendations for counteracting this type of crime.

Investigating group formation: An experiment on the distribution of extraversion in educational settings

Group formation plays a crucial role in enhancing collaborative learning experiences. This study investigates the impact of extraversion as a criterion for group formation on collaborative learning outcomes. A total of 180 students participated in the experiment and were assigned to groups that were homogeneously or heterogeneously distributed in terms of extraversion. The groups met weekly and worked on group assignments throughout the semesters. The first hypothesis posed the outcomes to be explainable at the group-level. Surprisingly, the results show that groups with a homogeneous distribution of extraversion reported higher levels of group work satisfaction than those with a heterogeneous distribution, in contrast to the second hypothesis and the group hierarchy theory. These findings emphasize the potential of considering personality traits when forming groups and extend the existing literature on group formation. The study takes a critical stance by addressing normative definitions of leadership. Future research is suggested to further enhance collaborative learning experiences using similar interdisciplinary and experimental methods.

교과융합을 위한 초등학교 사회과 교육과정과 국어 교과서의 연계성 분석

Purpose: This study presents basic research to find a way to effectively form subject knowledge, skills, values, and attitudes by converging subject education so that education for the purpose of learner holistic growth can be realized. The purpose of this study was to analyze the implementation aspectsof the Social Studies Curriculum in Korean textbooks.&#x0D; Methods: After a Doctor of Education examined various materials presented in elementary Korean textbooks and reviewed documents classified according to the Social Studies Curriculum content system the distribution of social studies curriculum areas and core concepts, and the placement and contents of grade groups in Korean language textbooks were analyzed.&#x0D; Results: A total of fifty-nine pieces of material related to the Social Studies Curriculum included in Korean textbooks appeared in all areas, but only 47.7% of the core concepts were covered. In particular, the core concepts of a “sustainable world” and “sustainable environment” were most often addressed. However, only one 'economy' area was included. The data included in the 5th and 6th grades were 1.68 times more than the 3rd and 4th grades. The content data of the Social Studies Curriculum assigned to Korean textbooks in the same grade were 74%. Among the materials contained in the Korean textbooks in the 3rd and 4th grades, 50% dealt with the contents of the 5th and 6th grades of the Social Studies Curriculum.&#x0D; Conclusion: The contents of the Social Studies Curriculum were not reflected in the materials included in the Korean textbooks in a balanced manner, and in some cases were not suitable for the grade group hierarchy. In terms of subject convergence, it is a desirable form of subject convergence toplace materials that deeply expand what is learned in Social Studies in the same grade group or to experience it before learning about it in Social Studies. This is expected to not only be an opportunity to reduce the learning burden on learners, but to inspire interest in learning. Accordingly, it is proposed to elaborate the criteria for selecting the content to be dealt with in Korean language textbooks for each area of the Social Studies Curriculum and selecting specific target areas for Korean language textbooks.

Mobilizing or Sedative Effects? A Narrative Review of the Association Between Intergroup Contact and Collective Action Among Advantaged and Disadvantaged Groups

Academic In this narrative review, we examined 134 studies of the relationship between intergroup contact and collective action benefiting disadvantaged groups. We aimed to identify whether, when, and why contact has mobilizing effects (promoting collective action) or sedative effects (inhibiting collective action). For both moderators and mediators, factors associated with the intergroup situation (compared with those associated with the out-group or the in-group) emerged as the most important. Group status had important effects. For members of socially advantaged groups (examined in 98 studies, 100 samples), contact had a general mobilizing effect, which was stronger when contact increased awareness of experiences of injustice among members of disadvantaged groups. For members of disadvantaged groups (examined in 49 studies, 58 samples), contact had mixed effects. Contact that increased awareness of injustice mobilized collection action; contact that made the legitimacy of group hierarchy or threat of retaliation more salient produced sedative effects. Public We present a review of existing studies that have investigated the relationship between intergroup contact and collective action aimed at promoting equity for disadvantaged groups. We further consider the influence of contact that is positive or negative and face-to-face or indirect (e.g., through mass or social media), and we distinguish between collective action that involves socially acceptable behaviors or is destructive and violent. We identified 134 studies, considering both advantaged (100 samples) and disadvantaged groups (58 samples). We found that intergroup contact impacts collective action differently depending on group status. Contact generally leads advantaged groups to mobilize in favor of disadvantaged groups. However, contact has variable effects on members of disadvantaged groups: It sometimes promotes their collective action in support of their own group; in other cases, it leads them to be less likely to engage in such action. We examine when and why contact can have these different effects.

A neighbourhood Output Area Classification from the 2021 and 2022 UK censuses

AbstractUK‐wide multivariate neighbourhood classifications have been built using small area population data following every census since 1971, and have been built using Output Area geographies since 2001. Policy makers in both the public and private sectors find such taxonomies, typically arranged into hierarchies of Supergroups, Groups and Subgroups, useful across a wide range of applications in business and service planning. Recent and forthcoming releases of small area census statistics pose new methodological challenges. For example, the 2022 Scottish Census was carried out a year after those in other UK nations, and some of the variables now collected across different jurisdictions do not bear direct comparison with one another. Here we develop a methodology to accommodate these issues alongside the more established procedures of variable selection, standardisation, transformation, class definition and labelling.

Investigations into the Influence of Temperature on the Tensile Shear Strength of Various Adhesives.

The temperature resistance of glued timber, which is crucial for glued wood construction, represents a significant assessment criterion. To gain insights into this aspect, this study utilized methods such as a shear strength test in accordance with EN 302-1:2013-06 under thermal loading (from 20 °C to 200 °C), and Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC) to determine the glass transition temperature (Tg). An increase in thermal load resulted in a decrease in shear strength and an increase in wood breakage. A hierarchy of adhesive groups was established based on strength performance and wood failure percentage (WFP) at 200 °C. Thermoset adhesives (MF: Melamine Formaldehyde, PRF: Phenol Resorcinol Formaldehyde) led the ranking, followed by elastomer adhesives (1C-PUR: One-Component Polyurethane, EPI: Emulsion Polymer Isocyanate), with thermoplastic adhesive (PVAc: Polyvinyl Acetate) last. Thermoset adhesives further cured under heat. PUR adhesives exhibited higher strength performance at 150 °C and lower temperatures.

Eco-caste Migrants in Kerala: A Posthumanist Reading of Veyilmarangal

With hundreds of people losing their houses and properties, climate change and its related disasters have changed the face of humanity. This has had a considerable impact on popular visual media such as film as well. From the conventional romanticized portrayal of nature in Malayalam films, a few contemporary Malayalam films have sensitized the ecological issues and the predicaments of its victims. This marks the shift from the idealized portrayal of landscape to the depiction of the fury of nature on human beings. Taking cues from a Posthumanist theoretical perspective, this article considers the Malayalam film Veyilmarangal (2020) directed by Dr. Biju Damodaran to analyse how caste divisions in the society surface during the climate catastrophe. To analyse the nuances of climate change and its posthuman turn, this article takes its insights from the domains of environmental casteism and climate displacement to explain what is used as ‘eco-caste migrants’ in this article. The term signifies the role of caste hierarchy among human and non-human entities during the ecological crisis, especially focusing on the experiences of the Dalits and other caste subalterns. The article also attempts to find parallels between the non-human group and sub-human group hierarchies in society and, thereby, analyse the intersectional casteism from the vantage point of Kerala society through the representation of eco-caste migrants in the film.

The politics of ‘no politics’ in Pula, Croatia: an ethnography of the Demons football fan group

When a football fan group claims to be non-political, what does this mean, and what are the broader implications? This article examines such claims in a European context, through an ethnographic case study of the Demons, a small fan group in Croatia who follow Pula’s main club, NK Istra 1961. The literature on ‘ultras no politica’ is first reviewed. Interview material and ethnographic descriptions of group activities then form a springboard for a discussion of themes relevant to fan groups the world over: terrace atmosphere & group hierarchy; gender, sexuality & race; the role of the internet, social media, and branding; and violence and illegality. In the final section, I discuss and interpret the group’s ‘no politics’ positioning as: (i) a strategy for managing diversity, (ii) a rejection of party politics, and (iii) a foil that has facilitated a Croatian nationalist position among younger group members.