Community Life Research Articles

A STUDY OF THE IMPACT OF THE WAR IN UKRAINE ON PSYCHOSOMATIC HEALTH OF PRESCHOOL CHILDREN IN LITHUANIA: PARENTS’ PERSPECTIVE

Lithuanian society supports Ukraine in its war with Russia. The two countries, Lithuania and Russia (the aggressor in the conflict) share a common border in the southwest of Lithuania, and Lithuanians are aware of the threat of an extended war. However, there is little information about how to discuss the events of the ongoing war with children. The aim of our study, which was conducted during the first months of the war, was to investigate the ways that parents talked about the war with their kindergarten-age children, together with their views on the impact of the war on their children’s emotions, behavior, and psychosomatic health. Parents in 5 kindergartens filled out an anonymous 15-item questionnaire, developed by the authors, through which we collected general data about each respondent and their child, their ways of communicating with the child about war events, and the impact of the war events on the parent and on the child’s emotions, moods, and behavior. Of the 116 parents who filled in the questionnaire, 93 (80.2%) responded that they had not talked about war with their children prior to Russia’s invasion, 44.0% of parents responded that they do not talk about the war in Ukraine with their child, and 57.8% parents indicated that their child had asked them about the war. In regard to the war’s effects on children, significant changes were reported in their behavior, play, and drawing. It is crucial to study the effects the recent war has had on children and find appropriate ways in which parents and educational institutions can contribute to their support. Preschoolers need to be informed and involved in the community life in age-appropriate ways. Drawing and play could be used to create relevant opportunities to talk in age-appropriate ways with preschool children about the ongoing war, to try to understand their perceptions, fears, and imaginings.

Evaluation of ecosystem services vis-à-vis perceptions and attitudes of local communities towards Wetland conservation in Kashmir Himalaya

Valuation of ecosystem services along with the perceptions and attitudes of local communities is crucial for sustainable management of wetlands. This study assesses changes in wetland area and bathymetry, and provides insights into local community's perceptions of ecosystem services, and attitudes towards wetland conservation in Kashmir Himalaya, India. High-resolution satellite data was used to assess land use land cover (LULC) changes within the wetland. The bathymetry changes were assessed by performing depth measurements before and after dredging in 2019 and 2022, respectively. Perceptions of ecosystem services and attitudes of residents towards wetland management were examined through surveys in 182 households from the target population of 334 families. The findings reveal that Khushalsar wetland provides important provisioning (food, fodder, thatching mats, fish, vegetables), regulating (flood control, carbon sequestration, water quality improvement), supporting (habitat, biomass and oxygen production, water and nutrient cycling), and cultural services (aesthetic, education, spiritual). The economic benefits from provisioning services range from 240 USD/yr for minor vegetables to 1201–1802 USD/0.05 ha/yr for Nelumbo nucifera. The analysis of LULC changes indicates a ∼16.5% reduction in wetland area from 1980 to 2017, with a further ∼10% decrease from 2017 to 2021, resulting in an overall loss of ∼25% (27.1 ha) in wetland area from 1980 to 2021. Bathymetric assessments reveal an increase in maximum depth from 427 cm in 2019 to 547 cm in 2022 following dredging activities. Socioeconomic analysis showed the significance of Khushalsar wetland as an important source of livelihood for local communities. Survey results indicate that all the respondents have positive attitudes towards the protection and management of the Khushalsar wetland. The study demonstrates that human conservation activities have significantly contributed to positive changes in the wetland such as increase in depth and flood storage capacity. The study concludes that government protection along with active participation of local communities is indispensable for sustainable management of wetlands.

Implementation of Quizwhizzer Application on Social Studies Subjects at SMP Negeri 28 Pontianak City

Basically, education cannot be separated from various elements of the development of the existing era, one of which is the development in terms of information and communication technology. So as to give birth to various innovations that can support the learning process and increase students' interest in what is being learned. Technology certainly affects human life and plays a role in the life of the wider community, especially the role of technology in the field of education. By supporting the learning process and increasing student interest, one of them is by providing interesting learning media. As with the Quizwhizzer app, it's a game-based educational app. The purpose of this study is to determine the planning and implementation of the Quizwhizzer application in social studies subjects at SMP Negeri 28 Pontianak City, and to find out the results of the application of the Quizwhizzer application in social studies subjects at SMP Negeri 28 Pontianak City. To achieve this goal, this research is conducted using qualitative research type with case study type. Data collection procedures are carried out using observation, interview and documentation methods. The results of its application are proven to bring better results, it looks like students are more excited and enthusiastic when using the Quizwhizzer application in social studies subjects.

THE ROLE OF WOMEN IN SELF-ACUALIZING IN THE LIFE OF THE COMMUNITY OF MEDAN CITY

<span lang="EN-US">North Sumatra has a population of 14.8 million, and the municipality of Medan has 2.4 million, consisting of 1.21 million men and 1.22 million women. There are more women than men, with the assumption that women are more likely to show self-actualization. The purpose of this study is how the role of women in self-actualization in the life of the people of Medan city. This study uses data collection methods through a qualitative method, case studies, interviews through informants. The subjects of this study were four women who are members of the IWAPI Organization, FKMI. The results show that women's self-actualization is a person's potential to realize and maximize their potential, especially for women. In this case, the women in the IWAPI Organization, FKMI, have chosen and determined an organization's choice as an appropriate forum. Therefore, they can position themselves as women who actualize themselves. Women's self-actualization in the IWAPI, FKMI organizations is not hampered by government regulations or discriminatory government policies. Based on observations and documentation data of women researchers at the IWAPI Organization, FKMI that along with the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, encouraging self-improvement through self-actualization in family and community life in the city of Medan.</span>

Trends and relationships between airport operations and noise complaints in Maryland between 2016 and 2023

The noise pollution from aircraft near airports significantly affects the health and quality of life of the local community either near or far away. This study analyzes trends in airport noise complaints in Maryland from 2016-2018. Data on noise complaints were extracted from airport noise quarterly reports and the data included the number of complaints and unique complaints from different communities near airports, as well as average aircraft operations. The number of complaints rose from less than 1,000 in 2016 to nearly 10,000 in 2018. This study aims to identify the communities most impacted by increasing airport noise through descriptive and geospatial analysis of complaint data. Results will highlight high-complaint areas to inform future noise mitigation policies and airport expansions in Maryland. The number of noise complaints increased drastically from 2016-2018, while flight operations remained steady. Correlational analyses examine the strength of relationship between flight volume and complaint volume over time. Boeing 737-700 operations has the most significant relationship with the number of unique complainants around Baltimore/Washington International Airport. Results will help inform policies to mitigate noise impacts by identifying whether reducing operations, changing flight paths, or other strategies could effectively reduce complaints as well as help the meeting the noise reduction design goals of the state.

Implementation of the Kotabaru Regency Social Service Policy Model in Empowering Vagrants and Beggars as an Effort for Social Rehabilitation through the Barakat Cangkal Becari Program

The "Barakat Cangkal Becari" program is a social rehabilitation program for homeless people and beggars by touching on rehabilitative aspects, preventive aspects, guarantees, social protection and empowerment. Barakat Cangkal Becari Program. has an element of renewal where activities will be provided to support skills. This research discusses the empowerment of homeless people and beggars as a social rehabilitation effort through the Barakat Cangkal Becari study program at the Kotabaru Regency Social Service. This research is descriptive qualitative in nature. Data collection was carried out by means of interviews, observation and documentation. The results of the research show that the empowerment efforts carried out by the Kotabaru Regency Social Service as social rehabilitation efforts include 1) Outreach and Repatriation of Homeless People and Beggars; 2) Physical, Mental and Social Guidance; 3) Skills Guidance; 4) UEP Stimulant Assistance; 5) Life Guarantee; 6) Stimulant Assistance; 7) Returning Homeless and Beggar Children to School; 7) Social Advocacy and Accessibility Development. Apart from that, there are stages of community empowerment, namely: 1) Stage of awareness and behavior formation; 2) Transformation stage; 3) Stage of increasing intellectual abilities, skill proficiency. Then the actors involved in the empowerment efforts carried out include:1) Social Services; 2) Social Rehabilitation Homes 3) Central Government Agencies; 4) Higher Education; 5) Private. The inhibiting factors that influence include: 1) Changing the mindset, mentality and attitude of WBS Barakat Cangkal Becari HR;2) Social Advocacy Efforts and Accessibility Development; 3) Location of the Barakat Cangkal Becari Program; 4) Lack of Facilities and Infrastructure. Meanwhile, supporting factors that influence include: 1) Sufficient funds for the empowerment process; 2) Good cooperation between stakeholders.Based on the explanation above, it can be concluded that the aim of empowerment is that WBS Barakat Cangkal Becari can be independent and carry out its social functions in community life. Efforts that can be made are:1) There is planning for empowerment activities every year; 2) There are indicators of success every year; 3) groups or work units consisting of several stakeholders; 4) Strengthening mental, social guidance, social advocacy, and developing accessibility; 5) Construction of facilities and infrastructure for social rehabilitation institutions in Kotabaru district.

Politics Policy Indonesia's Moving A New Capital City To East Kalimantan: Its Impact On The Environment, Marginalization Of Local Communities, And Under The Shadow Of The Oligarch Interest

This paper discusses the political policy of President Joko Widodo's government to move Indonesia's national capital from Jakarta to East Kalimantan. This controversial decision has sparked debate among various stakeholders, both domestically and internationally. The official justification for relocating the capital is Jakarta's overpopulation, severe traffic congestion, and flooding problems, along with the goal of fostering economic development and income equality outside Java. However, these reasons are overshadowed by significant political and business interests, particularly those of foreign investors, due to East Kalimantan's rich natural resources. These underlying interests drive President Joko Widodo's determination to proceed with the capital relocation amidst domestic economic and political challenges. The project exacerbates socio- economic inequality and national debt, benefiting a few oligarchs at the expense of many. Additionally, the relocation project has resulted in massive environmental damage, displacing tens of thousands of hectares and disrupting the lives of indigenous communities, such as the Balik tribe. This project erodes local wisdom and social systems that have existed for generations. The capital relocation is heavily influenced by Chinese business interests, facilitated by Government Regulation No. 12 of 2023, which provides a legal framework for investor control for 190 years. This regulation is seen as more exploitative than colonial practices of the past. Internationally, the project has drawn criticism for its environmental destruction amid global concerns about climate change. Ultimately, the New Capital City Relocation Mega Project raises critical questions about who truly benefits and who suffers from this massive undertaking.

Pengembangan Kewirausahaan Dan Bantuan Sosial Di Yayasan Almani Kota Batam

This study examines the efforts in entrepreneurship development and social assistance conducted by the Almani Foundation in Batam City. The foundation's entrepreneurship development program includes skill training, business mentoring, and access to capital for local communities, especially youth and housewives. Additionally, the Almani Foundation provides various forms of social assistance such as free healthcare services, educational scholarships, and distribution of food packages to underprivileged families. The aim of these initiatives is to improve economic welfare, reduce poverty rates, and enhance the quality of life of the local community. The results of these programs show an increase in entrepreneurial skills, economic independence, and better access to basic services for the beneficiaries. With a sustainable approach and comprehensive support, the Almani Foundation significantly contributes to creating positive change in Batam City.

Improving Community Wellbeing through transport policy: a literature review and theoretical framework, based on the Capability Approach

ABSTRACT Transport policies affect the quality of life and social wellbeing of citizens and communities; incorporating such impacts in policy and decision making, however, remains a challenge. This paper aims to: (1) present a systematic literature review that links transport policy to Community Wellbeing using the Capability Approach by Sen and Nussbaum, and (2) using that basis, establish a theoretical framework to systematically address Community Wellbeing impacts of municipal transport policies. This can improve qualitative assessments of policy interventions on multiple dimensions, such as safety, health, the (built) environment and accessibility, and inequalities within those dimensions. Using existing literature on the Capability Approach, Community Wellbeing dimensions can indeed successfully be integrated in transport policies. Additional tools and theories, such as the Theory of Change, are needed to structure relations between the sociotechnical transport system and the policy process. For analyses and assessment of policy interventions, additions from the affordances theory, potential accessibility, activity spaces, and sufficientarianism are needed to finalise the framework. Further development and testing of the framework is recommended. The most prominent research gaps are processes to set thresholds for sufficient accessibility, as well as potential limits to mobility behaviours through collective capabilities.

“If I die for touching him, let me die”: a rapid ethnographic assessment of cultural practices and Ebola transmission in high-risk border regions of Tanzania

BackgroundEbola Virus Disease (EVD) is a rare but contagious disease caused by Ebola Virus (EBOV). The first Ebola outbreaks were reported in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) before subsequent reported cases in Western and East African countries, including Uganda, which borders Tanzania. Proximity to EVD-infected countries raises the prospect of cross-border transmission, raising alarm in Tanzania. This study aimed to explore the cultural practices likely to prevent or escalate EVD transmission in the event of its outbreak in the country.MethodsThis rapid ethnographic assessment employed observation, interviews, and focus group discussions to collect data from people with diverse characteristics in five regions of Tanzania Mainland namely, Kagera, Kigoma, Mwanza and Songwe regions and Zanzibar Island. The qualitative data was then subjected to thematic analysis.FindingsCultural practices may escalate the transmission of EVD and hinder its prevention and control. These cultural practices include caring sick people at home, confirmation of death, mourning, and body preparation for burial. Communal life, ceremonies, and social gatherings were other aspects observed to have the potential for compounding EVD transmission and hindering its containment in case of an outbreak.ConclusionCultural practices may escalate EVD transmission as identified in the study settings. As such, Risk Communication and Community Engagement (RCCE) activities should be interventionist in transforming cultural practices that may escalate the spread of EVD as part of preparedness, prevention, and control efforts in the event of an outbreak.

The Union Movement In The Public Life Of Constantinople Armenians In 1918-1923

The Armenians of Constantinople founded their first associations and societies at the end of the 17th and the beginning of the 18th century. Considering that the Armenian cultural center of Turkey was Constantinople, most of the Armenian cultural associations and societies were founded in this city. After the Armistice of Mudros, the Constantinople Armenians developed a union movement in almost all districts of the city, which inspired new strength and new faith in their efforts to revive the nation. One of the primary goals of the unions was to support displaced persons and orphans, provide them with shelter and create opportunities for them to participate in community life, remove the moral damage caused by the war. After the end of the First World War, the efforts of the unions and societies of the revival of the nation were partially successful, but they were interrupted after the entry of the Kemalists into Izmir in 1922. As a result of new political reservations, unions and associations were closed, and efforts to revive national life remained incomplete.

Water quality management in a tropical karstic system influenced by land use in Chiapas, Mexico

Urbanization and agricultural activities are increasingly threatening karstic systems and the water resources they provide, which are crucial for the livelihood of rural communities. Over the past decade, the Río Grande de Comitán-Lagos de Montebello (RGC-LM) watershed in Chiapas, Mexico, has experienced significant deterioration in water quality. The objective of this study was to analyze the water quality dynamics within the RGC-LM watershed and their potential interaction with land use change. We conducted assessments of the physicochemical and microbiological parameters across the lotic and lentic systems within the watershed over eight monitoring campaigns (from 2013 to 2020). Cluster Analysis (CA) and Principal Component Analysis (PCA) statistical approaches were performed to identify the main drivers of surface water quality variability. This approach aims to enhance water quality assessments within environmental management strategies, with the goal of promoting sustainable land-use practices aimed at protecting and improving water resources within the watershed. Our findings indicate that there is a substantial difference between the upper and lower watershed water quality. The good water quality conditions observed in the higher altitude lakes (mountain lakes) can be attributed to favorable topographical features, specific land use patterns, and effective conservation measures. In contrast, the lotic system in the middle watershed and the lentic water bodies located at lower altitudes (plain lakes) exhibit signs of water quality degradation due to inefficient wastewater treatment and agricultural runoff. This study highlights the importance of implementing adequate environmental management strategies to address these water quality challenges effectively. Given the pressing issue of water quality degradation in karstic environments, we emphasize on the need for increased monitoring frequency of both physicochemical and microbiological parameters to capture seasonal variations and to further understand the vulnerability of water resources in karstic environments. Future assessment of nutrient concentrations, pesticide levels, and blue-green algae populations will also be crucial for evaluating the trophic state at a watershed scale.

Spatial heterogeneity of cyclone induced social psychology in the Indian Sundarbans using empirical data and geospatial techniques

Recurrent cyclones in the Bay of Bengal affect the lives and livelihoods of coastal communities. However, studies on the socio-psychological behaviour of cyclone-affected communities in the Indian Sundarbans received less attention in the existing literature. Thus, the present work intends to explore the tropical cyclone induced livelihood vulnerability and spatial heterogeneity of socio-psychological behaviour. The study was systematically carried out considering four selected mouzas (villages) from Indian Sundarbans using robust geospatial and statistical methods. The results depict that during the cyclone, the maximum decrease of monthly per-capita income was recorded for Amrabati mouza due to the southernmost location with comparatively higher perceived socio-psychological threats as portrayed by the interpolation maps and hotspot analysis. Considering all the six cyclones, Dwariknagar mouza recorded a maximum rating for fear/phobia, psychological stress and shock while a minimum rating for physical stress. Thus, income, age, gender, caste and religion also significantly control socio-psychological behaviour as shown by p < 0.05 and principal component analysis. This research calls for a thorough investigation of cyclone-affected victims in the Indo-Bangladesh Sundarban region. This study helps better comprehend the mental health of the cyclone victims which is important before the policymakers for designing the appropriate measures.

Do we see you? A systematic review of diversity representation in art therapy research conducted between 2010-2020

Art therapy is a mental health profession that enriches the lives of individuals, families, and communities through active art-making, creative process, applied psychological theory, and human experience within a psychotherapeutic relationship. Cultural diversity refers to the differences that exist among groups of people with definable and unique cultural backgrounds. Inclusion puts diversity in practice by respecting and valuing diverse individuals and groups. Diversity representation in art therapy is “seeing” people and ensuring that their viewpoints can be found and represented. Cultural competence in art therapy research is the ability to take culture into account as a central variable that affects every aspect of a study; this fosters the interest, integrity, and dignity of participants and the diverse cultural context of their lives. A systematic review of art therapy research was conducted to provide a critical evaluation of data on diversity representation within existing studies conducted between 2010 – 2020. The ADDRESSING acronym, which evaluates nine aspects of cultural identity, is utilized as a guide for assessment and data collection. The results indicate that diversity representation within the studies was either minimal or non-existent and suggest a need for intentionality about including diversity representation to create a more inclusive art therapy environment.

Examining the Role of Lower-Level Local Government Leaders in Mitigating Climate Change Impacts on Smallholder Farmers

The agricultural sector remains the main source of livelihoods for rural communities in Tanzania, but faces the challenge of changing climate. This study aimed at assessing the roles played with local government leaders towards smallholder farmers escaping from climate change effects. Specifically, the study examined the influence of Climate change information Adoptive strategies, Updated farming knowledge from local government leaders on smallholders’ ability to escape from climate change effects. The study employed a cross-sectional research design on 200 smallholder farmers. Data collection methods included survey, key informants’ interview (KIIs) and focus group discussions. The study collected and analysed both qualitative and quantitative data from primary and secondary sources. Quantitative data were analysed using a multiple regression model while the qualitative data were analysed using thematic analysis. findings revealed that local government leaders are not effectively supporting smallholders farmers escaping from climate change effects since the result under this study reveal that local government leaders are not providing supporting knowledge to smallholder farmers on climate change and strategies towards its adoptions, it can be concluded that local government leaders has a slight influence on supporting smallholders farmers to escape from climate change effects in the study area since observed that local leaders are not providing adequate climate and its adoption strategies. The study concludes that local government leaders have less knowledge on climate issues hence negatively influencing smallholder farmers to escape from climate change effects due to the absence of local government employees development program particularly to wards and village executive officers who are directly closely to local natives by increasing the ability of the smallholders’ farmers to have good wellbeing performance. The study recommends to the Moshi District Council particularly to local government leaders and ministry of agricultural to establish capacity building program to local government employees working at lower levels and local government leaders have to include climate change information agenda in their assembly to ensure farmers are updated with climate change issues.

When Life Shuts Doors, Death Opens Windows: Oxymoronic (Re) Presentation of Death in Edgar Lee Master’s Spoon River Anthology

The mystery of death still remains uncovered in human cultures. However, many believe death is continuity of life. The artistic (re)presentation of death in American poetry sparks off interest in this study. Interestingly, a well-known “death” poetess Emily Dickinson, in her versatile depictions of death, paradoxically was able to establish it as an initiation into immortality. However, no poet was known to offer such contradictory perspective of death as Edgar Lee Masters. His Spoon River Anthology’s epitaphs offer room to construe life in a small community as shutting its inhabitants’ mouths whereas death opens it for them to “finally” express themselves. Through an African reader perspective with multiple colonial minds, this study digs for meaning(s) of a life under pressure in a liberator death environment.

URBAN LOCAL GOVERNMENT AND ITS ROLE IN LOCAL ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT: THE CASE OF ADAMA CITY, ETHIOPIA

Evidence confirms that for local economic development (LED) to be successful and improve the lives of local communities, sub-national governments and for that matter local governments are supposed to play an active role in the process. To this end, the purpose of this study is to investigate the contribution of urban local government in the promotion of LED in Adama City, Ethiopia. Both quantitative and qualitative data were collected to achieve the objective of the study. Qualitative data was collected through document analysis and key informant interviews (KII). On the other hand, quantitative data was collected using a survey questionnaire developed based on five-point Likert-scales to measure the perceptions of various respondents on the contribution of urban local government in promoting LED and factor attributes for its poor contribution. While survey questionnaires were randomly distributed to target respondents, interview participants were included in the study using purposive and convenience sampling techniques. The findings of the study highlight gaps in the overall contribution of the Adama City government towards LED, which is measured in terms of the provision of infrastructure, regulating and capacitating socio-economic entities in the city, creating favourable environments for networking and businesses to flourish, facilitating credit facilities and others. The limited institutional capacity of the city government itself and the inadequate existence of favourable legal and policy environments are factors that contribute to the poor contribution of the city government to LED.

Peranan Kebudayaan dalam Pembangunan: Perspektif Antropologi

The occurrence of various social conflicts and environmental damage in Indonesia, especially in Central Kalimantan, is assumed to be due to the neglect of cultural values ​​and norms which should be a reference in all development planning and implementation. Management of development by referring to cultural values ​​and norms is in accordance with the mandate of the 1945 Constitution, Regional Autonomy, and the Concept of Dayak Traditional Law and Customs in Central Kalimantan. Objectively, implementing various development programs in community life requires first getting to know the community, especially traditional communities in remote rural areas in Indonesia. The reason is because each community group has its own potential for self-sufficiency which is based on its unique and special socio-cultural background. Therefore, the development programs introduced should be adapted to the needs and potential of each community.

Ethnic Grocery Retailing and Health: A Case Study of Chinese and South Asian Immigrants in Toronto

This article investigates whether shopping at ethnic grocery retailers and the level of access to these stores relate to healthy eating and associated health outcomes among Chinese and South Asian immigrants in Toronto, Canada. Based on an online survey of 600 immigrants’ grocery behaviors and a location database of ethnic and mainstream grocery stores in Toronto, a series of accessibility measure scores were generated and linked to the survey data. Using a combination of logistic regression and chi-square analysis, this study finds that access to and the frequency of shopping at ethnic grocers are not significant factors explaining fruit, vegetable, and whole grain consumption or obesity levels among Chinese and South Asian immigrants. The research underlines the blurred lines between ethnic and mainstream grocery stores, with major retail chains increasingly catering to the growing ethnic market in Toronto. Although access and frequency of shopping were not significant, a set of demographic and socioeconomic characteristics of individuals were found to have significant relationships with healthy eating and obesity level outcomes. Further geographic research is needed to understand the spatial dynamics of ethnic grocery shopping behaviors related to immigrant well-being, including social and mental health, community life, and affirming cultural identity.

The Impact of the Eto'o Tower Building Construction Process on the Quality of Life of Local Communities in Suco Motael, Posto Administrativo Vera Cruz, Municipio Dili, Timor–Leste

The Impact of the Eto'o Tower Building Construction Process on the Quality of Life of Local Communities in Suco Motael, Posto Administrativo Vera Cruz, Municipio Dili, Timor–Leste