Key Community Research Articles

Correlation analysis between key volatile compounds and core functional bacterial community during Sichuan black tea processing

Microorganisms participate in the transformation of non-volatile compounds during black tea processing, while their effect on aroma remains unclear. In the present study, 132 KVCs (key volatile compounds) were identified in Sichuan black tea (SBT), of which, linalool and p-cymene were responsible for the citrus-like and sweet aroma of SBT. During the processing of SBT, Methylobacterium-Methylorubrum, Allorhizobium-Neorhizobium-Pararhizobium-Rhizobium, Pedobacter, Acidovorax, and Sphigomonas were the dominant bacterial genera. PCoA (principal components analysis)and Anoism (analysis of similarities) indicated that the bacterial community undergone subtle changes in various processes. Additionally, Pedobacter and Sphigomonas, core functional bacteria contributing to SBT aroma formation, act mainly by secreting enzymes related to amino acid conversion and glycoside hydrolysis. These enzymes include kynureninase, L-cysteate sulfo-lyase, homoserine dehydrogenase, serine/threonine protein phosphatase 1, and aminotransferase. Overall, these findings provide a deep insight into the potential mechanism of aroma formation under bacterial influence during SBT processing.

The Polyglot’s Playground: Navigating KMP, Flutter, and React Native in Cross-Platform Ecosystems

Abstract: This white paper compares three prominent cross-platform mobile development frameworks: Kotlin Multiplatform (KMP), Flutter, and React Native. Through analysis of key features, performance, development efficiency, community support, UI/UX capabilities, and learning curves, this study aims to guide developers and decision-makers in selecting the most appropriate framework for their projects. The paper scrutinizes each framework’s strengths and limitations based on extensive literature review and empirical testing. Key findings reveal that KMP excels in native performance and code sharing, Flutter facilitates rapid development with rich UI capabilities, and React Native offers a gentle learning curve with extensive community support. The optimal choice among these frameworks ultimately depends on project requirements, team expertise, and development priorities. As cross-platform development evolves, this paper equips readers with insights to make informed decisions in the dynamic mobile app landscape

Helping Educators Learn Pediatric Pain Assessment and Intervention Needs Program (HELP PAIN): Program Development with Community Partners

Background/Objectives: This paper details the development of the Helping Educators Learn Pediatric Pain Assessment and Intervention Needs (HELP PAIN) program. Methods: HELP PAIN is an 8 h live training program for school providers (e.g., school nurses and social workers) to use evidence-based nonpharmacologic pediatric pain management tools. The program’s scope reflected the reach of the participating intermediary community organizations, resulting in focused training in rural northwest Michigan due to the Health Department of Northwest Michigan’s service in that region and statewide reach due to the broad representation of members from the Michigan Association of School Nurses. Results: We describe the development of the HELP PAIN program, drawing on evidence-based nonpharmacologic (e.g., cognitive behavioral and mindfulness meditation) strategies for pediatric pain management. Conclusions: In partnership with the key community organizations and community partners, we developed, interactively refined, and delivered this training program.

Quantifying post-disaster community well-being: A case study of Hurricane Harvey

Natural hazards such as hurricanes affect various aspects of the community members’ lives and their post-disaster well-being by causing significant disruptions in the key community activities in the immediate recovery phase. Furthermore, natural hazards leave behind short-term socio-economic impacts such as stress, anxiety, huge recovery expense, and lack of affordable housing. There is a need for incorporating both immediate and short-term impacts of natural hazards when measuring disaster recovery. This study aims to address this need by introducing community well-being as the metric for the recovery of communities from natural disasters. From this perspective, community resilience is defined as the capability of community to reach its pre-disaster state of well-being, in a timely and efficient manner. The study leverages Bottom-Up Spillover Theory and the existing literature to introduce a community well-being model. This model quantifies how the functionality of infrastructure systems can affect various aspects of community well-being based on 6 domains, 17 sub-domains, and 51 indicators. The indicators were quantified using survey data and 211-call data for the City of Houston, and data on the impact of Hurricane Harvey at the zip code level. The results showed that various dimensions of well-being were affected heterogeneously and followed different recovery patterns. The proposed framework can serve decision makers as a dashboard for identifying the well-being domains and sub-domains that should be addressed to enhance post-disaster well-being in the immediate-to short-term. Furthermore, the study introduces the phone call data as an inexpensive and timely replacement for multiple rounds of survey questionnaires for quantifying community well-being.

Cultural filters in processing information on COVID vaccines among minoritized groups in London, UK

Abstract Introduction Vaccination coverage among minoritized groups, including migrants, is low in the United Kingdom. Cultural factors are often cited as barriers, yet the broader impact of minoritization on vaccine acceptance remains understudied. We explored the intersection of culture with individual, familial, and systemic factors in shaping trust and perceptions of COVID-19 vaccines in East London, UK. Methods We conducted focus group discussions (n = 6) and interviews (n = 19) with individuals from minoritized backgrounds in East London to elicit their perceptions and experiences of COVID-19 and the vaccination programme. Thematic analysis was used to identify individual, social, and systemic factors influencing the processing of perceived value of information on COVID vaccines. Findings Culture was rarely cited as an explicit barrier to vaccine uptake. Instead, participants’ linked their perceived vulnerability and immunity to COVID-19 with age, sex and health status. Information about COVID vaccines was processed and acted upon in the context of gendered family dynamics and support. Community identity, gatekeepers and social networks further influenced the perceived legitimacy of information received. Some participants voiced how their minoritized status shaped trust/mistrust in the national health system’s and government’s delivery of the COVID-19 information and vaccination campaigns Conclusions Unpacking cultural filters is crucial for addressing vaccine-related information barriers in minoritized groups. Going beyond mere language translation, tailored communication materials should address social enablers and systemic barriers. Further, closer collaboration between community gatekeepers and healthcare professionals to facilitate optimal use of these materials is needed to improve vaccine uptake. Key messages • Culture should not be assumed to be the main factor contributing to non-adherence and non-uptake of public health vaccine. • Vaccine uptake can be improved by healthcare workers and key community gate-keepers working collaboratively with minoritized groups.

Formalizing the role of community key individuals in Utrecht, the Netherlands

Abstract Issue The disconnect between (underserved) communities and governmental bodies in Utrecht, The Netherlands, has led to uneven access to (essential) healthcare services, increasing health inequalities. This gap is often bridged by key community individuals, whose roles have historically been informal. Key individuals are often seen as volunteers who are necessary to gain access to certain communities but are rarely seen as equals in a project team, resulting in mistrust and reduced collaboration on the long term on the side of the key individuals. Description of the problem This practice describes the start of a new foundation in Utrecht that formalizes and compensates key individuals’ roles in public (health) projects. The aim was to empower them and to encourage continued participation. Effects In 2024, the foundation supported key individuals in three government projects, including a childhood vaccination awareness campaign. Interviews revealed that key individuals felt more empowered and equally valued compared to other project members. They also felt a strong responsibility for project success. However, some noted that formal structures could be restrictive. The government felt more convenience working with a formal foundation. Lessons Empowering key individuals is crucial for effective collaboration in public health. There needs to be a balance between formal structures and the flexibility of informal approaches to prevent barriers for key individuals to participate in government projects. Key messages • Formalizing key individual roles enhances public health interventions. • Fair compensation to key individuals fosters sustainable collaboration.

Cenchrus spinifex Invasion Alters Soil Nitrogen Dynamics and Competition

Invasive plants often alter biological soil conditions to increase their own competitiveness. Through indoor simulated nitrogen deposition culture experiments, we investigated the differences in growth indicators and nutrient content levels between the invasive plant Cenchrus spinifex Cav. and the native symbiotic plant Agropyron cristatum (L.) Gaertn. under diverse nitrogen application modes and planting-competition ratios. Furthermore, we examined the alterations in key microbial communities involved in soil nitrogen cycling of C. spinifex. The results indicated that the invasion of C. spinifex could inhibit the growth of native plants, and in fact altered the accumulation and transformation processes related to soil nitrogen, resulting in reduced rates of soil nitrogen transformation. The overarching aim of this research was to construct a theoretical foundation for the scientific comprehension of the invasion mechanisms of C. spinifex, in order to better prevent the further spread of this invasive plant and mitigate its pernicious impact on the current environment.

Strengthening Community Resilience in the Face of Environmental and Economic Challenges in Southeast Mexico

Objective: The problems in the sustainable management of natural resources in their fishing practices in the community of Aztlán Quinta Seccion Palomillal in Tabasco, Mexico, are analyzed to develop community solutions and improve sustainability and socioeconomic results. Theoretical Framework: It is based on the theory of sustainability (World Commission on Environment and Development, 1987, p. 43), the natural resources management model (Natural Resources Commission, 2012, p. 3) and the theory of participatory research (Reason & Bradbury, 2008, p. These frameworks are the context in which fishing practices are developed in the community, serving as a relevant case study for southeastern Mexico, facilitating the analysis of the problems and proposed solutions. Method: A qualitative case study design focused on community-based participatory research was applied, involving key community actors, including fishermen and leaders of the fishing cooperative. Data collection was through semi-structured interviews, focus groups and participant observation. The interviews were designed to learn about challenges in resource management, while focus groups facilitated discussions about possible solutions. Participant observations were carried out during community meetings and the sociocultural and environmental context. Results and Discussion: The problems of sediment accumulation, the presence of invasive species, the lack of adequate infrastructure and low educational levels were identified. There is an urgency to implement strategies that combine traditional knowledge with modern practices to improve the sustainability of fishing activities. The importance of community participation is highlighted. Research Implications: It has significant practical and theoretical implications for sustainable resource management in rural fishing communities and can be applied in other similar rural contexts and contributes to the theoretical development of community-based participatory research. Originality/Value: An innovative community-based participatory research approach is applied for sustainable natural resource management in a rural fishing community, replicable for sustainable resource management in vulnerable contexts.

Exploring the Relationship Between Biochar Pore Structure and Microbial Community Composition in Promoting Tobacco Growth

The potential benefits of biochar, a carbon-rich substance derived from biomass, for enhancing agricultural yield and soil health have drawn increasing interest. Nevertheless, owing to the lack of specialized studies, the role of its poly-spatial structure in the success of fostering plant growth remains unclear. This study aimed to assess the effects of various biochar pore shapes on tobacco growth and the underlying microbiological processes. Three pyrolysis temperatures (250 °C, 400 °C, and 550 °C) were used to produce biochar from tobacco stems, resulting in different pore structures (T3 > T2 > T1). We then used BET-specific surface area (BET), t.Plot micropore specific surface area (t.Plot), mesopore specific surface area (MSSA), specific pore volume (SPV), average pore size (AP), and mesopore pore volume (MPV) measurements to evaluate the effects of these biochars on tobacco growth and biomass accumulation, and microbial analyses were performed to investigate the underlying mechanisms. When applied to plants, biochar increased their growth compared to untreated controls. The most notable improvement in tobacco growth was observed in the biochar produced at 400 °C (T3), which possessed the largest and most advantageous pore structure among all treatments. Further studies demonstrated that biochars with greater specific surface areas (BET, t.Plot, and MSSA) positively altered the abundance of key microbial taxa (e.g., Stenotrophobacter, Ensifer, Claroideoglomus) and community composition, thereby encouraging plant development and biomass accumulation. Conversely, greater pore volumes (SPV, AP, and MPV) inhibited microbial activity and significantly affected growth and biomass accumulation. Structural equation modeling further demonstrated that the pore structure of biochar greatly affected plant growth by changing the relative abundance and community composition of soil microbes. Maximizing the benefits of biochar in stimulating plant growth and improving soil microbial communities depends on optimizing the material’s pore structure, particularly by increasing the specific surface area. These findings will help expand the use of biochar in sustainable agriculture.

Soil moisture content and its temporal stability in an arid aerial seeding afforestation area after 30 years vegetation restoration in China

Soil moisture is a critical factor for vegetation restoration in arid regions. Poorly planned artificial sand-fixing vegetation systems often exacerbate soil moisture depletion, leading to further degradation. In this study, soil moisture content at various depths was continuously monitored from June to October 2023 in four key community plots—Corethrodendron scoparium, Calligonum mongolicum, and Artemisia ordosica, and bare sand—in a 31-year-old revegetated area located on the northeastern edge of the Tengger Desert. We analyzed the distribution and dynamic changes of soil moisture across the different and evaluated its temporal stability. The representative soil moisture depth was determined by using the coefficient of determination (R2) and the Nash-Sutcliffe efficiency (NSE). The results showed significant differences in soil moisture among the four plots. The bare sand plot had the highest soil water storage in the 0-200 cm layer, at 46.37 mm. In contrast, the Corethrodendron scoparium, Calligonum mongolicum, and Artemisia ordosicaa plots had similar soil water storage values ranging from 33.50 to 33.67 mm, indicating that vegetation restoration has increased soil moisture absorption by an average of 27.4%. Analysis using relative difference and Spearman rank correlation methods revealed varying levels of temporal stability in soil moisture across different soil depths and plots. The Corethrodendron scoparium and bare sand plots showed higher temporal stability compared to the Calligonum mongolicum and Artemisia ordosica plots. The representative depths of temporal stability for the four plots were determined to be 100 cm, 150 cm, 20 cm, and 100 cm, respectively.

Com_Tracker: a two-phases framework for detecting and tracking community evolution in dynamic social networks

Purpose This paper aims to introduce a novel modularity-based framework, Com_Tracker, designed to detect and track community structures in dynamic social networks without recomputing them from scratch at each snapshot. Despite extensive research in this area, existing approaches either require repetitive computations or fail to capture key community behavioral events, both of which limit the ability to generate timely and actionable insights. Efficiently tracking community structures is crucial for real-time decision-making in rapidly evolving networks, while capturing behavioral events is necessary for understanding deeper community dynamics. This study addresses these limitations by proposing a more efficient and adaptive solution. It aims to answer the following questions: How can we efficiently track community structures without recomputation? How can we detect significant community events over time? Design/methodology/approach Com_Tracker models dynamic social networks as a sequence of snapshots. First, it detects the community structure of the initial snapshot using a static community detection algorithm. Then, for each subsequent time step, Com_Tracker updates the community structure based on the previous snapshot, allowing it to track communities and detect their changes over time. The locus-based adjacency encoding scheme is adopted, and Pearson’s correlation guides the construction of neighboring solutions. Findings Experiments conducted on various networks demonstrate that Com_Tracker effectively detects community structures and tracks their evolution in dynamic social networks. The results highlight its potential for real-time tracking and provide promising performance outcomes. Practical implications Com_Tracker offers valuable insights into community evolution, helping practitioners across fields such as resource management, public security, marketing and public health. By understanding how communities evolve, decision-makers can better allocate resources, enhance targeted strategies and predict future community behaviors, improving overall responsiveness to changes in network dynamics. Originality/value Com_Tracker addresses critical gaps in existing research by combining the strengths of modularity maximization with efficient tracking of community changes. Unlike previous methods that either recompute structures or fail to capture behavioral events, Com_Tracker provides an incremental, adaptive framework capable of detecting both community evolution and behavioral changes, enhancing real-world applicability in dynamic environments.

Dynamics of phytoplankton community in relation to environmental variables in tropical mangrove estuary, Sundarbans, India

Aim: To explore the spatio-temporal variation of phytoplankton diversity and community structure, in response to associated environmental variables in Matla estuary, Sundarbans, India. Methodology: Monthly sampling was carried out from August 2022 to July 2023 at three locations within the estuary. Plankton was identified and its dynamics were studied in relation to the environment variables. Results: A total of 38 genera of phytoplankton, belonging to 8 classes, were identified. Spatial diversity was high in the upper reaches of the estuary, while temporal diversity peaked during the monsoon season. The majority of the abundance (96%) was contributed by four classes: Coscinodiscophyceae (35%), Mediophyceae (27%), Bacillariophyceae (25%) and Dinophyceae (9%). Bacillariophyceae exhibited higher species richness, while Coscinodiscophyceae dominated in terms of density. Cluster analysis and non-metric multidimensional scaling revealed four separate groups with varying spatio-temporal attributes. Analysis of variance (ANOVA) post-hoc tests highlighted significant variations in environmental parameters across seasons. Various phytoplankton groups were positively correlated with the physio-chemical parameters such as temperature, alkalinity, free CO2, NO3, NO2, silicate, temperature, orthophosphate and chlorophyll-a. Biota-environment stepwise analysis (BIO-ENV) underscored the importance of air temperature and free CO2 (ρ= 0.4929) as key factors shaping phytoplankton distribution and community structure. Canonical Correspondence Analysis (CCA) further showed the significant influence of parameters such as temperature, silicate, nitrite and orthophosphate on the phytoplankton community. Interpretation: Finding of this study enriches our comprehension of estuarine ecosystem dynamics, and this information may serve as a baseline study and thereby aid in framing management measures for long-term conservation and management of both biotic and abiotic components within estuaries. Key words: Environmental variables, Estuary, Mangrove, Phytoplankton, Sundarbans

Community Engagement and Collaboration between Researchers and Community Stakeholders for Schistosomiasis and Malaria Projects in Ingwavuma, uMkhanyakude District, KwaZulu-Natal.

Community engagement is a multiphase process that is crucial for successful community-based health interventions. This study investigates the collaborative phase of community engagement, specifically within a co-developed framework implemented in uMkhanyakude District, South Africa. A qualitative case study approach was employed to explore the experiences of key community stakeholders during the collaborative phase of project implementation. Data collection involved key informant interviews, focus group discussions, and direct observation. The findings demonstrate the potential for effective collaboration among village headmen, community advisory board members, and community research assistants to address local health challenges. Community research assistants played a particularly valuable role in facilitating participatory research and hands-on engagement with researchers. However, several barriers hindered the collaborative process, including demanding work conditions, communication issues regarding compensation, inappropriate behavior from the research team, and culturally insensitive interactions. While community-based participatory research offers a promising collaborative approach for addressing health issues, a careful consideration of local socio-cultural dynamics is essential to avoid misunderstandings and overcome potential barriers. Addressing these challenges is crucial to ensuring that collaborative partnerships effectively empower communities and achieve sustainable improvements in health outcomes.

Multisite community-scale monitoring of respiratory and enteric viruses in the effluent of a nursing home and in the inlet of the local wastewater treatment plant.

The aim of this study was to evaluate whether community-level monitoring of respiratory and enteric viruses in wastewater can provide a comprehensive picture of local virus circulation. Wastewater samples were collected weekly at the wastewater treatment plant (WWTP) inlet and at the outlet of a nearby nursing home (NH) in Burgundy, France, during the winter period of 2022/2023. We searched for the pepper mild mottle virus as an indicator of fecal content as well as for the main respiratory viruses [severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), influenza, and respiratory syncytial virus] and enteric viruses (rotavirus, sapovirus, norovirus, astrovirus, and adenovirus). Samples were analyzed using real-time reverse transcription PCR-based methods. SARS-CoV-2 was the most frequently detected respiratory virus, with 66.7% of positive samples from the WWTP and 28.6% from the NH. Peaks of SARS-CoV-2 were consistent with the chronological incidence of infections recorded in the sentinel surveillance and the nearby hospital databases. The number of positive samples was lower in the NH than in WWTP for the three respiratory viruses. Enteric viruses were frequently detected, most often sapovirus and norovirus genogroup II, accounting both for 77.8% of positive samples in the WWTP and 57.1% and 37%, respectively, in the NH. The large circulation of sapovirus was unexpected in particular in the NH. Combined wastewater surveillance using simple optimized methods can be a valuable tool for monitoring viral circulation and may serve as a suitable early warning system for identifying both local outbreaks and the onset of epidemics. These results encourage the application of wastewater-based surveillance (WBS) to SARS-CoV2, norovirus, and sapovirus.IMPORTANCEWBS provides valuable information on the spread of epidemic viruses in the environment using appropriate and sensitive detection methods. By monitoring the circulation of viruses using reverse transcription PCR methods in wastewater from the inlet of a wastewater treatment plant and the outlet of a nearby retirement home (connected to the same collective sewer network), we aimed to demonstrate that implementing combined WBS at key community sites allows effective detection of the occurrence of respiratory (influenza, respiratory syncytial virus, and SARS-CoV-2) and enteric (norovirus, rotavirus, and sapovirus) virus infections within a given population. This analysis on a localized scale provided new information on the viral circulation in the two different sites. Implementing WBS to monitor the circulation or the emergence of infectious diseases is an important means of alerting the authorities and improving public health management. WBS could participate actively to the health of humans, animals, and the environment.

Preface

The NEWRAD Conferences bring together participants from National Metrology Institutes (NMIs) and key user communities in advanced radiometry. The 15th International Conference on New Developments and Applications in Optical Radiometry (NEWRAD 2023) was held at the National Physical Laboratory (NPL) in Teddington, UK, from 11th to 15th September 2023. The confernce was organised by NPL’s Optical Radiometric Metrology (ORM) group, who also handled abstract submissions and website administration. The NEWRAD 2023 conference saw 143 registered participants, with a total of 129 papers presented. Among these, 41 were oral presentations, complemented by 7 invited talks. Additionally, 88 posters were showcased during breaks and dedicated sessions, sparking lively discussions and idea exchange. The NEWRAD 2023 conference proceedings comprise contributions from the conference presentations. The submitted papers underwent peer review following the procedures of the Journal of Physics: Conference Series. I wish to thank the diligent reviewers and the dedicated editorial staff at the Journal of Physics: Conference Series for their meticulous work in facilitating the publication of these proceedings. I also wish to thank Nicole George, Dan Moore, Roger Hughes, Paris Aitken-Smith, and the entire organizing teams at NPL for hosting an exceptional conference. Finally, I want to express sincere appreciation to the NEWRAD scientific committee, who diligently reviewed and selected all the abstracts submitted to the conference, and provided unwavering support in organizing this event. Undoubtedly, this issue will serve as a valuable reference for radiometry. The venue of the next NEWRAD Conference is being organised and will be announced very shortly. List of NEWRAD scientific committee member is available in this Pdf.

Enhancing compost quality through biochar and oyster shell amendments in the co-composting of seaweed and sugar residue

Aquaculture and agricultural production generate substantial amounts of waste, including seaweed (which has plant-stimulating properties), oyster shells, and sugar residues. Through composting and appropriate management, these wastes have the potential to be converted into beneficial soil amendments. However, there is a lack of research exploring the potential of composting in promoting the conversion of seaweed into more stable humified forms, as well as in assessing whether composted seaweed retains its beneficial effects on plant growth. Additionally, studies on using oyster shells as additives to reduce waste pressure and comparing their effectiveness with biochar are relatively scarce. This study examines the impact of incorporating 5% corn stover biochar (T1), 10% biochar (T2), and 10% oyster shell powder (T3) on key physicochemical properties, product quality, and microbial community dynamics during the co-composting of seaweed and sugar residues. Results indicate that organic matter (OM) loss in T1 and T2 increased by 31.2% and 26.4%, respectively, compared to the control (CK). Moreover, Excitation-emission matrix (EEM) fluorescence spectroscopy revealed that humic substances in T1 and T2 surged by 434% and 423%, respectively, far exceeding the 289% increase in CK. The 10% biochar treatment also improved alginate degradation and seed germination index, due to the presence of biostimulants in seaweed and an increased abundance of Cobetia. Microbial analysis post-composting showed that T2 and T3 significantly enhanced the diversity and richness of bacterial communities. Notably, although oyster shell powder did not improve the humification degree of compost as significantly as biochar, it achieved effective weight reduction of waste (OM loss of 43.57%, far exceeding CK's 35.34%) without hindering the composting process. All four compost treatments retained the plant-stimulating effects of seaweed and facilitated alginate degradation. These results underscore the potential of biochar to enhance composting efficiency and utilize composting to process large quantities of oyster shell waste.

A systematic literature review of brownfield sustainability: Dimensions, indicators, and stakeholders

In recent years, the necessity of brownfield redevelopment has garnered increasing attention in academic literature. This paper employs a systematic review methodology to analyse current perspectives on brownfield sustainability, with a focus on dimensions, indicators, and stakeholders. Using the PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses) methodology, this study systematically reviews 40 articles from the WoS and Scopus databases. The findings highlight a shift towards prioritising ecological resilience and cultural preservation, alongside traditional economic, environmental, and social dimensions. The complexity of sustainability indicators is discussed, emphasising their crucial role in assessing redevelopment success. The review also identifies key stakeholders, including governments, developers, and community groups, who prioritise these dimensions due to their impact on sustainable urban development and community well-being. Future research should further explore cultural, ecological, and governance aspects, and refine sustainability indicators to more accurately capture the multidimensional performance of redevelopment projects. This analysis offers valuable insights for both academia and practice, advocating for policies that emphasise inclusive stakeholder engagement and comprehensive sustainability assessments to optimise brownfield reuse.

Hydrochemical gradients driving extremophile distribution in saline and brine groundwater of southern Poland.

Extreme environments, such as highly saline ecosystems, are characterised by a limited presence of microbial communities capable of tolerating and thriving under these conditions. To better understand the limits of life and its chemical and microbiological drivers, highly saline and brine groundwaters of Na-Cl and Na-Ca-Cl types with notably diverse SO4 contents were sampled in water intakes and springs from sedimentary aquifers located in the Outer Carpathians and the Carpathian Foredeep basin and its basement in Poland. Chemical and microbiological methods were used to identify the composition of groundwaters, determine microbial diversity, and indicate processes controlling their distribution using multivariate statistical analyses. DNA sequencing targeting V3-V4 and V4-V5 gene regions revealed a predominance of Proteobacteriota, Methanobacteria, Methanomicrobia, and Nanoarchaea in most of the water samples, irrespective of their geological context. Despite the sample-size constraint, redundancy analysis employing a compositional approach to hydrochemical predictors identified Cl/SO4 and Cl/HCO3 ratios, and specific electrical conductivity, as key gradients shaping microbial communities, depending on the analysed gene regions. Analysis of functional groups revealed that methanogenesis, sulphate oxidation and reduction, and the nitrogen cycle define and distinguish the halotolerant communities in the samples. These communities are characterised by an inverse relationship between methanogens and sulphur-cycling microorganisms.

A Literature-based Overview of Current Narratives on the Capacitation of Community Leaders in Addressing the Challenges of Climate Change Mitigation and Adaptation

In most many countries worldwide, community leaders (CLs) are expected to play an important role in mobilising and soliciting contributions from others for the proactive implementation of climate change adaptation strategies. Due to a lack of capacity at the local leadership level, several local-level climate change mitigation and adaptation initiatives have not been effectively actioned with most of them frequently excluding local decision-makers, and key community stakeholders. Basing assessment on what is available in the literature, it is evident that there is urgent need for the scientific community to develop innovative strategies that facilitate the meaningful implementation of informed climate change policies. To successfully address the challenges of climate change, this paper posits that it is necessary for researchers, policy makers and planistrators must endeavour to explore and implement actionable local-level climate change mitigation and adaptation strategies. The take-home message from this paper is that the time to act is now and refrain from doing so until it is too late to do so for tomorrow may never come. The likely implications for the benefits of proactive and effective community leaders are considered against this backdrop and insights from literature-based multi-level governance, participatory learning, action-oriented transformative leadership initiatives that were sourced from the literature.

Experience identification: connecting online engagement to offline loyalty

Purpose This paper aims to examine the transformative role of experience identification in connecting online communities to offline experiences. This study also aims to understand if consumers in the pre-experience stage can identify with an experience and how this influences their subsequent evaluations, focusing on the impact of online community participation. Design/methodology/approach A theoretical model, based on social identity theory, is tested using a two-study approach. Study 1 involves first-time cruisers in an online cruise community. Study 2 extends the findings to a broader range of travel experiences, including both first-time and repeat travelers. Findings Results suggest that experiential consumers can identify with an experience in the pre-experience stage through two key community participation variables – experience imagination and emotional significance. Experience identification directly influences loyalty, which subsequently impacts word-of-mouth and satisfaction post-experience. Practical implications Service providers should leverage forums, brand communities and social media platforms to enhance interactivity between experienced and first-time customers. Strategies are presented to foster user interaction and interconnectedness, boosting consumer satisfaction and loyalty and providing a competitive advantage from the outset of the customer journey. Originality/value Despite the recognized importance of experiential consumption, the marketing literature has largely focused on the actual consumption experience, overlooking the pre-experience stage. This research highlights the critical role of the pre-experience stage, showing that the value of an experience begins before the service encounter and continues after it ends.