Independent Communities Research Articles

Dissonance and disobedience in Brazilian quilombola heritages

ABSTRACT This article discusses Brazilian quilombo heritage by focusing on three dimensions of the intersection between this heritage and emancipation: 1) the emancipatory power of heritage, 2) the possibilities that result from emancipating heritage from a consonant approach, and 3) the possibilities of emancipation from heritage. Quilombos are collective societies formed mainly by people of African descent who created independent communities outside the Brazilian slavery system. Using a case study based on ethnographic and archival research conducted at the Quilombo Campinho da Independência and the city of Paraty between 2015 and 2024, I begin by detailing the dominant heritage narratives in the town of Paraty and then examine how suppressed quilombo voices navigate these narratives in legal and metaphorical terms for emancipatory purposes. Ultimately, the article pushes for approaching heritage from multiple scales and angles.

Plant communities of high-Andean bofedal wetlands across a trans-Andean transect in southern Peru

Aims: Ecosystems of the Tropical Andes include plant communities above 4,000 m in elevation, associated with wetlands known as bofedales. To enhance our understanding of them, we surveyed bofedal plant communities in the Peruvian Andes. Questions: Which are the most common bofedal plant communities, and what are their main characteristics? Study area: An east-to-west 68 km megatransect in Ayacucho and Huancavelica departments in Peru, the area of influence of a gas pipeline. Methods: We surveyed 127 (1 m × 1 m) permanent plots annually between 2017 and 2019 to assess plant communities, calculated diversity metrics, and applied non-parametric hypothesis testing analysis of similarities and multivariate analyses to the data. Results: We identified 13 plant communities with 3.5 to 11.7 mean species richness. Only seven were statistically different; the other six were rare and require additional surveys to define their status as independent communities. The Distichia muscoides-dominated community was found in most sites (90%), plots (55%), and along the entire elevational range we studied. D. muscoides, Plantago tubulosa, and Rockhausenia pygmaea were the most frequent species in the studied bofedales (in 30 of 31 sites). These species are usually cushion or carpet forming, so average plant cover was high in most plant communities where they occurred (89–98%). The seven plant communities (dominated by D. muscoides, R. pygmaea, Plantago tubulosa, P. rigida, Lachemilla diplophylla, Aciachne pulvinata and Juncus stipulatus) were consistent in their structural and compositional characteristics and maintained differences between them during our three-year study. Conclusions: We show that bofedal plant communities in the southern Peruvian Andes are more heterogeneous than the four broad types previously reported. This heterogeneity occurs at local site levels but also at landscape and regional scales. We highlight the importance of considering this heterogeneity when discussing and implementing management, restoration, and conservation actions in bofedales. Taxonomic reference: WFO (2024)

Analysis of Topological Properties and Robustness of Urban Public Transport Networks

With the acceleration of urbanization, public transport networks are an important part of urban transport systems, and their robustness is critical for city operation. The objective of this study is to analyze the topological properties and robustness of an urban public transport network (UPTN) with a view to enhancing the sustainability of urbanization. In order to present the topological structure of the UPTN, the L-Space complex network modeling method is used to construct a model. Topological characteristics of the network are calculated. Based on single evaluation indices of station significance, a comprehensive evaluation index is proposed as the basis for selecting critical stations. The UPTN cascading failure model is established. Using the proportion of the maximum connected subgraph as the evaluation index, the robustness of the UPTN is analyzed using different station significance indices and deliberate attack strategies. The public transport network of Xuzhou city is selected for instance analysis. The results show that the UPTN in Xuzhou city has small-world effects and scale-free characteristics. Although the network has poor connectivity, it is a convenient means to travel for residents with many independent communities. The network’s dynamic robustness is demonstrably inferior to its static robustness due to the prevalence of cascading failure phenomena. Specifically, the failure of important stations has a wider impact on the network performance. Improving their load capacity and distributing the routes via them will help bolster the network resistance against contingencies. This study provides a scientific basis and strategic recommendations for urban planners and public transport managers to achieve a more sustainable public transport system.

Sustainable biodiesel production from waste cooking oils for energetically independent small communities: an overview

AbstractIntroducing synthetic fuels and biofuels like biodiesel can be pivotal in transitioning to a decarbonised energy system. Biodiesel offers a versatile solution with various production technologies, each with advantages and disadvantages, depending on several factors, including the specific application of biodiesel. In a smart grid, an advanced electrical grid that leverages digital technology to detect and respond to local changes in usage, a small community could harness biodiesel for energy storage and supply. By implementing a renewable energy storage system in the form of biodiesel from waste oils, individuals can contribute to developing innovative solutions for the combined and distributed production of electricity and heat, primarily from renewable sources. The aim is to make the production-demand distribution networks within a hybrid system smart and in line with the concept of nanogrid. This localised grid can operate independently or in conjunction with the traditional power grid and can integrate generation systems from fossil and renewable sources, micro-cogeneration, and accumulation. The possibility of exploiting biodiesel in a nanogrid as an eco-sustainable source for energy storage opens up the possibility of building small-scale plants. For example, converting 3682 L/year of waste oils from a university campus dining facilities to 3712 L/year of biodiesel allows replacing 19% of the fossil diesel consumed by the university fleet, with a payback period of 16 months, lower capital and operational costs, and reduced greenhouse gas emissions of 9.37 tonnes CO2-eq/yr. Therefore, biodiesel becomes a sustainable energy source for energy communities, underscoring the innovative potential of this approach.

Innovative Community Service Programs with Local Participation to Build Independent Villages

This study investigates the innovations in a community service program that is based on local participation in East Tanjung Jabung, Jambi Province, Indonesia, and its effects on the growth of independent communities. The study included a variety of stakeholders, including village chiefs, locals, university community service teams, and non-governmental organizations. It used a qualitative approach and case study design. The findings demonstrated how community involvement in the design, execution, and assessment of programs improved their efficacy and long-term viability. There were notable social and economic benefits, such as higher income and more work options, from initiatives like non-formal education and entrepreneurship training. To increase the program's future performance, the report suggests creating management groups, bolstering evaluation procedures, and collaborating with the commercial sector. The local participation-based strategy has a lot of promise for developing independent villages that are secure and long-lasting

The psychiatrisation of international law in James Lorimer’s The Institutes

Abstract Using the categories of normal and abnormal, James Lorimer’s The Institutes of the Law of Nations subjectivised the native as the abnormal in international relations, denying recognition of their independent communities and providing justification for their perpetual subjugation. This article deploys Foucault’s critique of psychiatry to contextualise the unexplored intersections of Lorimer’s ‘science’ of international law and positivist psychiatry in the 19th century. It rereads Lorimer’s work as a psychiatrisation of international law, thus throwing light on the category of the abnormal and its persistence in international legal discourse.

Religion as a ‘threat’ and ‘instrument’ in authoritarian regimes: state-religion relations in post-Soviet Azerbaijan

ABSTRACT This article explores contentious state-religion relations in Azerbaijan. In recent years, the Azerbaijani government has adopted new regulations in religious affairs aiming at two goals: on the one hand, the government tries to keep religious groups/individuals under control, prevent the politicisation of the religious environment, and prevent foreign countries from expanding their influence in the country. On the other hand, the government aims to promote a positive image of the state in the international community through hosting and funding interreligious dialogue platforms and highlighting the multicultural environment in Azerbaijan. The study examines the evolution of state-religion relations in the country and highlights that in recent years its political regime has applied more restrictive policies towards independent religious communities in legal and extra-legal forms and simultaneously established institutions and co-opted regime-friendly groups through instrumentalising religion to keep the religious environment under control.

Constitutional foundations of local self-government in Ukraine

The constitutional foundations of local self­government in Ukraine are norms-principles reflected in more than 20 articles of the Constitution of Ukraine. Norms establishing the legal, organizational, material and financial foundations of local self-government provide for the establishment of a democratic decentralized management system, based on independent territorial communities, local self-government bodies, which are entrusted with the decision of all issues of local importance. Real effective local self-government is possible only in the presence of certain conditions that have objectively developed in society, and which collectively form the basis of local self-government. The basics of local self­government create the foundation, that is, the foundation on which the entire system of local self-government is built. One of the fundamental foundations of local self-government is the participation of citizens in the social and political life of the state. The topicality of the topic is due primarily to the fact that at the current stage of democratic transformation of our country, local self­government is the basis of civil society. Local self-government is one of the most important institutions of a democratic state. Its development is a central scientific problem of municipal law and a "cornerstone” in municipal science for many decades, since its inception. The 1996 Constitution of Ukraine created the legal basis for the development of local self-government as a special type of public power. The article analyzes the constitutional principles that established the status of municipal power, their influence on further legislation and practice of local self­government. The constitutional principles of local self-government are analyzed. The approaches available in modern jurisprudence regarding the definition of the concept of "basics of local self­government” have been considered. Arguments are presented in favor of separating the organizational- legal, territorial, and material-financial bases of the activity of local self-government bodies.

Melancholy, Spiritual Experience, and Dissent in England, c. 1650–1700

Abstract The involvement of melancholy had the potential to undermine the authority of early modern individuals’ religious experiences, reframing their spiritual afflictions as the mere product of a distempered body. This article refines our understanding of the shifting relationship between melancholy and spiritual experience in the second half of the seventeenth century in England. Focusing on the views of Presbyterians and Independents, it explores how various interests and voices shaped attitudes to the disease throughout the challenges of growing anti-enthusiasm and post-Restoration nonconformity. By emphasizing the voices of sufferers themselves and including examination of a range of overlooked texts, it demonstrates that women and laypeople often diverged from learned views when describing their spiritual struggles. Complicating existing narratives, it suggests that sufferers from both groups avoided using melancholy as an explanatory factor in accounts of religious experience in the 1650s to ’70s, before increasingly incorporating the condition in the 1680s and ’90s. The involvement of melancholy remained fraught, however, and under continual negotiation. Bringing manuscript sources into conversation with published texts, the article argues that differences of opinion existed both between and within Presbyterian and Independent communities, as well as between those who suffered from melancholy and those who did not.

Nowoczesna deinstytucjonalizacja zdrowia – przegląd nowych trendów społecznych w zdrowiu publicznym w ujęciu terytorialnym

Being one of the policy goals of the European Union, the deinstitutionalization of social services, originally understood as deconcentration, is changing its character nowadays. Health as a concept in the field of axiology is gaining importance not only among researchers, but also – through the development of widespread awareness and, as a result, practical knowledge of society – for the general population. Rising health consciousness, aided by developing technologies and innovations is causing social changes in behavioral patterns, resulting in spatial and community functioning changes. The decline of health institutions, as a quintessential feature of these changes, should be seen (with an awareness of their potential risks) as an opportunity for developing more independent and shock-resistant communities.

Role Of Village Capacity Building In Increasing Original Village Income From The Tourism Sector: A Case Study Of Organization Output

This study aimed to determine the impact of capacity-building activities through Tourism Village training and assistance to alums of the Tourism Village training conducted by the Human Resources Development Agency and Empowerment of Village Communities, Disadvantaged Regions, and Transmigration, Indonesia, on increasing village original income. Village community training and assistance activities are one of the tasks of the Human Resources Development Agency and Empowerment of Village Communities Disadvantaged Regions, and Transmigration (HRDA), through training centres spread across nine work areas throughout Indonesia. The tasks and functions of training and mentoring have been carried out as primary tasks. Still, so far, no evaluation has explicitly reviewed the impact of capacity building in the tourism village sector with specific indicators, namely increasing original village income (OVI) at the locus of training and mentoring at the HRDA. This research was conducted to see the impact of capacity building on increasing the original village income, which is the primary goal of carrying out the duties and functions of the organization, namely developing the capacity of village communities, underdeveloped regions and transmigration to create prosperous, advanced and independent village communities. This study used a qualitative method by collecting data through questionnaires, training implementation reports and interviews with key informants. Data were analyzed using the descriptive analysis method.

Socialization of education and agriculture as a form of active contribution to support the development of independent village communities

Socialization of education and agriculture as a form of active contribution to support the development of independent village communities

Interaction network structure explains species' temporal persistence in empirical plant-pollinator communities.

Despite clear evidence that some pollinator populations are declining, our ability to predict pollinator communities prone to collapse or species at risk of local extinction is remarkably poor. Here, we develop a model grounded in the structuralist approach that allows us to draw sound predictions regarding the temporal persistence of species in mutualistic networks. Using high-resolution data from a six-year study following 12 independent plant-pollinator communities, we confirm that pollinator species with more persistent populations in the field are theoretically predicted to tolerate a larger range of environmental changes. Persistent communities are not necessarily more diverse, but are generally located in larger habitat patches, and present a distinctive combination of generalist and specialist species resulting in a more nested structure, as predicted by previous theoretical work. Hence, pollinator interactions directly inform about their ability to persist, opening the door to use theoretically informed models to predict species' fate within the ongoing global change.

Countering terrorist propaganda: Competitive resource allocation to communities

Increased terrorist propaganda has caused greater violence worldwide. Communities are efficient channels through which terrorist organizations can access target audiences; thus, communities are playing larger roles in terrorist propaganda distribution. However, no previous studies have examined the interactions between terrorists and governments regarding terrorist propaganda in communities from a game-theoretic lens. This article aims to fill this research gap. We first classify the relationships between the communities as independent or interactive. For both cases, we describe the process of terrorist propaganda distribution in communities, highlighting the dependence of the degree of terrorist ideology within a community on the terrorist-organization and government resource allocations; based on this, we build novel sequential game models of the terrorist and the government and obtain the equilibrium solutions. Furthermore, we conduct a comparative study to elucidate the differences in the expected government losses for independent and interactive communities. The outcomes are as follows: (i) the higher the community propagation centrality, the greater the resource expenditure of the government and terrorist organization, and (ii) introducing an interaction network among communities decreases the expected government loss when the network directly destroys the distribution uniformity of the community propagation centralities. Finally, we present a case study to illustrate the usability of the proposed models. This study provides novel insights for governments targeting optimal allocation of intervention resources to communities so as to counter terrorist propaganda distributed by a strategic terrorist.

Sad Mood Bridges Depressive Symptoms and Cognitive Performance in Community-Dwelling Older Adults: A Network Approach.

Depression and cognitive impairment are common and often coexist in older adults. The network theory of mental disorders provides a novel approach to understanding the pathways between depressive symptoms and cognitive domains and the potential "bridge" that links and perpetuates both conditions. This study aimed to identify pathways and bridge symptoms between depressive symptoms and cognitive domains in older adults. Data were derived from 2,792 older adults aged 60 years and older with mild and more severe depressive symptoms from the community in Hong Kong. Depressive symptoms were assessed using the Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9) and cognition using the Montreal Cognitive Assessment 5-minute protocol (MoCA-5min). Summary descriptive statistics were calculated, followed by network estimation using graphical LASSO, community detection, centrality analysis using bridge expected influence (BEI), and network stability analyses to assess the structure of the PHQ-9 and MoCA-5min items network, the pathways, and the bridge symptoms. Participants (mean age = 77.3 years, SD = 8.5) scored 8.2 (SD = 3.4) on PHQ-9 and 20.3 (SD = 5.4) on MoCA-5min. Three independent communities were identified in PHQ-9 and MoCA-5min items, suggesting that depression is not a uniform entity (2 communities) and has differential connections with cognition. The network estimation results suggested that the 2 most prominent connections between depressive symptoms and cognitive domains were: (1) anhedonia with executive functions/language and (2) sad mood with memory. Among all depressive symptoms, sad mood had the highest BEI, bridging depressive symptoms and cognitive domains. Sad mood seems to be the pathway between depression and cognition in this sample of older Chinese. This finding highlights the importance of sad mood as a potential mechanism for the co-occurrence of depression and cognitive impairment, implying that intervention targeting sad mood might have rippling effects on cognitive health.

ENGAGING OLDER ADULTS TO GUIDE LOW-COST NONWEARABLE SENSOR TECHNOLOGY DEVELOPMENT TO AGE IN PLACE: SURVEY FINDINGS

Abstract As Americans live longer, a dynamic opportunity has arisen to provide enhanced resources to sustain their well-being. Cost-conscious, convenient in-home sensing will assist with chronic disease management, and become part of a long-term plan to support our aging population and shrinking healthcare workforce. The purpose of this study was to obtain input from older adults about (i) their comfort level and willingness to adopt different sensor technologies, and (ii) opinions on data sharing, security, and privacy to guide our sensor development. Over 4 different survey timeframes (2018-2022), adults aged 60 and older (N=112) completed our survey either in-person (n=77) or via a REDCap online survey (n=35) (53% female; 30% age >80; 78% college graduates; 19% living alone). Though there were significant differences (p< 0.05) in demographics based upon recruitment source, no differences in attitudes towards sensor use were found by age, gender, education, or marital status. Opinions and preferences for sensor type/number/install location, and data sharing preferences significantly differed (p< 0.05) by home living arrangements (independent, 55+ or continuous care communities). Similar to national surveys, changes in technology use were observed pre- versus post COVID. Respondents living in 55+ and continuous-care housing were more comfortable with having sensors installed in their homes than those in community dwelling independent housing. This study highlights the need to include end users throughout the lifecycle of product development and provides insights into preferences by older adults for sensor use and data sharing.

Authority as a Challenge

The early Christian world was diverse. Various groups of Christians held opposite views on crucial theological and social elements while claiming to be the true followers of Jesus Christ. In this diversity, two streams of Christianity were particularly popular: proto-orthodox Christians and Valentinian Gnostics. These groups were included in the sharp polemical discussions and battles, as they tried to gain a monopoly in the early Christian world. In the end, proto-orthodoxy won thus marginalizing Valentinian Gnostics. In that process, Church authors, such as Irenaeus and Justin Martyr reclaimed the history of Christianity by defining themselves as the guardians of orthodoxy. Furthermore, they put the label of “heresy” on Valentinians claiming that they are not real Christians, but a subversive group that had corrupted the original message of Jesus and his disciples. In this paper, I have tried to demonstrate that one of the crucial reasons for the triumph of the Great Church was related to the concepts of authority and organization. To show that, I have analysed what kind of attitude Valentinian Gnostics had toward authority and organization. As sources reflect, Valentinian Gnosticism was an anti-structural movement that emphasized an individual approach to the divine through esoteric knowledge. Furthermore, their belief in the threefold division of humanity affected their attitude toward bishops and apostolic succession. Consequently, they rejected the authority of bishops and presbyters and put the emphasis on the small philosophical circle of students that would gather around influential teachers. Eventually, such a spiritual and religious perspective made it impossible to create a network of connected communities whose sense of universal identity would transgress local and regional borders. In the end, Valentinian Gnosticism was a conglomerate of independent communities scattered across the Mediterranean. In other words, Valentinian’s theological beliefs that modelled their attitude toward authority and social structure were a crucial factor in their marginalization within the early Christian world.

Empowering KWT Mekar-Sari Kintamani in postharvest handling of Siamese oranges with the application of nanocoating-konjac

Consumption of Siam Kintamani oranges is currently increasing, driven by public awareness of health. Its bioactive components are beneficial to health, but their quality is rapidly degrading. The Nanocoating-konjac application method is needed to keep oranges fresh. Nanocoating-konjac is a natural preservative solution made from konjac which is applied by immersion method. Village community empowerment is an effort to develop community independence and welfare. KWT Mekar-Sari (partners) is a group of women farmers in the village of Pengejaran, Kintamani District, Bali Province, Indonesia, who need assistance to extend the shelf life of Siamese oranges. Utilization of Nanocoating-konjac as a natural preservative for Siamese oranges can support community service goals, namely improving skills (soft skills and hard skills) as well as forming/developing economically and socially independent communities. Through community service activities partners have the skills, insights in managing natural resources and an entrepreneurial spirit, thereby opening up wider business and marketing opportunities. Community service activities are carried out through training using lecture methods, discussions, demonstrations, questions and answers, while after handling the program an evaluation is carried out. The results of community service showed that of the 20 group members who participated in the activity, 70% had never preserved Siamese oranges, only 30% preserved them in a simple way. After carrying out these activities, all members understand the material and practices carried out and members continue to apply nanocoating to citrus fruits in accordance with what is practiced and then marketed. By utilizing the application of nano-konjac coating on citrus fruits, it provides added value and becomes a source of income for the community

The Effect of Health Promotion - Dalihan Na Tolu in The Prevention of Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus at Risk Groups of The Mandailing Tribe in Padangsidimpuan City

The local wisdom of the Batak people, known as Dalihan Na Tolu, should be able to develop its usefulness through the involvement of family members in the prevention of a disease. The consequences of Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (DM) are very serious for sufferers. This chronic disease can cause various complications in the blood vessels, hypoglycemic conditions, fear of hypoglycemia, and fear of long-term consequences can cause a decrease in the quality of life of sufferers. Data from the Padangsidimpuan City Health Office in 2020 shows that there are 2,076 people with DM in Padangsidimpuan City, with a prevalence rate of 0.94 percent, spread over 10 health centers. The purpose of this study was to prove the effect of Health Promotion - Dalihan Na Tolu in the Prevention of Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus at Risk Groups in the Mandailing Tribe in Padangsidimpuan City. This type of research is an experiment with one group pre-test-post-test design, on 16 samples. Data analysis with paired sample t test. Padangmatinggi Health Center with the highest DM sufferers 428 people. There has never been a cultural approach to DNT before in an effort to prevent the occurrence of type 2 DM at risk groups. Therefore, an approach to social conditions that applies locally is needed, in designing a health promotion model with a DNT cultural approach to prevent the occurrence of DM type 2 at risk groups in the Mandailing Tribe in Padangsidimpuan City. This study aims to design a health promotion model with a DNT approach in preventing Type 2 DM at risk groups in the Mandailing Tribe in Padangsidimpuan City. This research is qualitative research with a participatory action research approach consisting of five stages, namely: information, consultation, joint decision making, acting together and supporting the interests of independent communities. The number of informants is 16 people. The stages of data analysis are: data reduction, data exposure, drawing conclusions and leveraging. The pattern of implementing health promotion in an effort to prevent diabetes mellitus through the Dalihan Na Tolu approach is considered effective using the diffusion of innovation, so that there is a pattern of behavior that changes towards healthy behavior by preventing type 2 diabetes mellitus in risk groups in the Mandailing Tribe in Padangsidimpuan City. The City of Padangsidimpuan to apply the DNT approach with a participatory approach in carrying out efforts to prevent type 2 diabetes mellitus, which is carried out in an integrated and cross-sectoral collaboration with other agencies. Efforts are suggested to invite traditional leaders with Dalihan Na Tolu to be involved in using a cultural approach in health promotion as informants, but also to act as important agents of change to improve the effectiveness and efficiency of the program.

The COVID-19 Pandemic as Catalyst for Virtual Events

Globally, the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic have affected the cultural sector the most by restricting, suspending, and cancelling events in physical spaces. In Romania, the occurrence of the first COVID-19 infected case and the gradual restriction of the public to events until their complete stop during emergency and alert periods led to the reorientation of cultural spaces to online audiences through social media. The present study focuses on the evolution of online events organized by the independent cultural and creative industry during the emergency state of the pandemic crisis (February 27 – May 14, 2020). The types of spaces and the perception of cultural professionals were considered in the analysis, at the city level. The independent creative communities of two of the most effervescent cultural cities in Romania (Timişoara and Cluj-Napoca) readjusted their cultural activity, by organizing online events. A mixed method of analysis was used, in which two methods of data collection were employed: some 205 events recorded on different social media pages (YouTube, Facebook, Instagram) were collected and in-depth interviews with relevant representatives of the independent cultural and creative industry were conducted. Descriptive statistics were used to describe the qualitative data. Results showed an openness of artists to the virtual environment and a relocation of events from the physical to the online environment, a readjustment of events for the virtual audience through creativity.