Local Campaigns Research Articles

The Mass Action Campaign of 1992: The Ciskei Crisis and the African National Congress in Transition

ABSTRACT The politics of South Africa’s transition to democracy played out beyond the negotiating rooms. In the Eastern Cape’s Border region, where democratic mobilisation faced violent repression by the Ciskei bantustan regime throughout South Africa’s years of transition (1990–1994), a confrontation escalated, which cast national politics into stark relief. By 1992, this developing crisis came to expose the uneasy compromises being made at the negotiation table; the complex politics of homeland reincorporation; and the disconnection between national negotiations and social realities on the ground. The dramatic and fatal march on Ciskei’s capital Bhisho on 7 September 1992, often understood as a pivotal moment of the transition, marked the culmination of a long local campaign to oust Ciskei’s repressive military ruler. This struggle was belatedly supported by the national leadership of the African National Congress (ANC), to clarify its own mass action campaign and to evidence the organisation’s mandate to negotiate. The politics surrounding the crisis in Ciskei and the ANC national leadership’s efforts first to rein in and then to harness the local campaign reveal the tensions at play as leaders sought to transform the organisation from its disparate strands into a party prepared for multiparty elections.

Economic assessment of animal disease burden in Senegalese small ruminants

Small ruminant production in sub-Saharan Africa is limited by a range of constraints, including animal health issues. This study aimed at estimating the impact of these issues on the small ruminant production in Senegal in a holistic manner, using an approach developed by the Global Burden of Animal Diseases (GBADs) programme. The estimation focused on the mixed crop-livestock system, representing a large proportion (>60%) of the small ruminant population in the country. It was based on existing data collected via a systematic literature review, acquisition of secondary datasets from local stakeholders, and expert elicitation. A dynamic population model was used to calculate the gross margin of the sector under both the current health constraints and an ideal health state, where animals are not exposed to causes of morbidity and mortality. The difference between the current and ideal health scenarios, termed the Animal Health Loss Envelope (AHLE), provides a quantitative measure of the farm-level cost of disease in the system. The all-cause AHLE was estimated at 292 billion FCFA (468 million USD, with 95% prediction interval 216 – 366 billion FCFA) per year for 2022, for a population of 8.8 million animals. The contribution of Peste des Petits Ruminants (PPR) was modelled separately, as an example of attributing part of the AHLE to a specific disease cause. PPR was estimated to contribute 5% of the total AHLE. The animal disease burden experienced by Senegalese livestock keepers was largely due to loss in animals and production, with relatively small amounts of animal health expenditure. Implementation of this study contributed to the further development of the GBADs approach. Such estimates can support decision making at all levels, from investment decisions at the international level to local disease awareness campaigns targeting livestock keepers.

Practicing what you preach. Do cardiology trainees in the United Kingdom follow the lifestyle advice that they would give to patients?

Abstract Background The role of lifestyle factors in determining the risk of cardiovascular disease is well established. As a result, lifestyle modification is recommended as part of numerous European Society of Cardiology guidelines. However, it remains uncertain how closely cardiologists adhere to guidelines in their personal life. Poor lifestyle among clinicians can contribute to poor health and may increase absenteeism and potentially reduce the quality of patient care. Purpose To establish whether cardiology trainees in the UK follow appropriate guideline-directed lifestyle advice in their personal life. Methods All cardiology trainees within the UK were eligible to participate in the 2023 British Junior Cardiologists' Association (BJCA) training survey and the survey was advertised through national and local campaigns. The survey contained questions on smoking status, alcohol intake, healthy diet, partaking in regular exercise, frequency of adequate quality of sleep, and demographic questions. Responders were eligible for inclusion if they consented to participate in health and wellbeing survey questions, and if they had completed four demographic questions. Results Of the 398 responders to the 2023 BJCA survey, 212 consented to answer health and wellbeing questions (66% male, age 34±4 years, 42% had dependents) and were included. Responders included trainees representing all four UK nations. Very few cardiology trainees were current smokers either of cigarettes/cigars (n=2, 1%), or e-cigarettes (n=2, 1%), with 12 (6%) being ex-smokers. Few trainees (n=13, 6%) consumed alcohol above the UK recommended maximum of 14 units per week (Fig 1A). However, only 14% (n=29) regularly achieved 30 minutes of moderate or 15 minutes of intense exercise on at least 5 days each week (Fig 1B). Most trainees (n=167, 80%) only obtained adequate sleep on four or fewer nights each week (Fig 1C). Only 37% (n=78) of trainees agreed or strongly agreed that they were able to maintain a healthy diet most days (Fig 1D). Conclusions Most UK cardiology trainees followed guidance related to smoking and alcohol intake. However, far fewer trainees followed healthy lifestyle guidance relating to exercise, sleep, and diet. Whether these findings are similar across other ESC nations should be investigated. Further work is required to establish the impact of healthy living on clinician working activity and subsequent quality of patient care. Training bodies should consider how occupational factors may contribute to a trainee’s adverse healthy living.

The Struggle Over Mobility Narratives: How Senegalese Activists use Alternative Information Campaigns to Contest EU Externalization

For nearly two decades the European Union and its member states have invested in migration awareness and information campaigns (MICs) in West Africa to prevent unwanted migration. While a growing body of migration scholarship has critically engaged with the larger-scale, European-funded MICs in Africa, local activist-led campaigns have received less attention. The article addresses this gap by focusing on campaigns organized by a local, activist-led organization in Dakar, Senegal. Building on ethnographic fieldwork, the article shows how activist-led MICs use counternarratives and action repertories entangled in and motivated by recent externalization interventions in Senegal and the EU–Africa borderlands. By situating these “ripple effects” of externalization locally and exploring their repercussions, the article illustrates how migrant experiences, border control, and violence become catalysts for collective action. The activist-led MICs in Senegal can be understood as activities that fundamentally challenge the political premises and outcomes of EU–Africa migration governance, including European-driven MICs. This perspective enriches our understanding of MICs in West Africa and the local ripple effects of externalization, underscoring local actors’ proactive role in trying to contest and reshape Eurocentric migration narratives and policies.

The Main Security Challenges and Threats in the Western Balkans and Possible Model for Solving Them in the Process of European Integration

In a narrower sense, within the geo-political jargon of the European Union, the term “Western Balkans” is used alongside the term “Southeast Europe”. The Western Balkans encompasses the former Yugoslav countries of Serbia, Montenegro, Croatia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, North Macedonia, and Kosovo, excluding Slovenia but including Albania. After the dissolution of the former Yugoslavia, objective reasons emerged that prompted the need for new forms of cooperation between the new and existing countries in order to promote reconciliation and stabilise the Western Balkans. NATO and the EU played a predominant role in this process, along with certain Member States of these international organisations. The aggression by Russia against Ukraine on 24th February 2022, the situation in the Middle East, and the complexity of relations between China and the United States regarding Taiwan have compelled all European countries to recognise that these conflicts pose an immediate threat to European security. Analysing the foreign policy aspects and their impact on regional security, it is essential to highlight that the Western Balkans is characterised by weak governance, a fragile civil society, and geopolitical disputes. These internal and regional factors make the region highly susceptible to local and external disinformation campaigns. On the other hand, China represents a significant global partner for Serbia, and it is important to point out that since 2016, investments from China have been accelerating and also that in the period from 2016 to 2023, about 96% of the total investments were made, a total of 5.3 billion euros, and that in each of those years, China was among the five most important investors in Serbia (Politika, 7th May 2024). As the most influential state economically and politically in the Western Balkans, Serbia has the potential to influence other countries in the region toward alternative centres of power. The latest NATO Strategic Concept, adopted in Madrid in 2022, emphasises the strategic importance of the Western Balkans and the Black Sea region for the Alliance, and NATO has expressed its readiness to continue supporting the Euro-Atlantic aspirations of interested countries in these regions. The Berlin Process (BP) is an intergovernmental initiative aimed at connecting the Western Balkan countries (WB6) with the European Union and facilitating the development of mutual relations based on European values. The focus of the process lies in high-level cooperation between WB6 officials and their EU partners. It also involves EU institutions, international financial institutions, civil society, youth, and businesses in the region. One of the significant advantages of the Berlin Process is the financing of planned and assumed commitments from EU funds, unlike most other initiatives where states finance their participation from their own budgets.

Forgiveness, Moral Disengagement, and Reactive and Proactive Aggression in Young Social Activists in Hong Kong

Social movements may bring positive social changes. However, escalated levels of violence and delinquency in some campaigns caused public concerns about infringing personal rights and destroying public property. In modern societies, we encourage mutual respect, peace, and appropriate conflict resolutions and avoid the use of aggression across situations. This cross-sectional study examined forgiveness, moral disengagement, and reactive and proactive aggression among different types of young social activists in Hong Kong. Findings would provide insights into intervention strategies for reducing aggressive behaviors in young people and helping them restore their quality of life. Our participants were 1046 local secondary school and tertiary students (583 males and 463 females) aged 12 to 25 years (M = 16.95, SD = 3.29). They completed a questionnaire about their participation in local campaigns, with psychological measures of forgiveness, moral disengagement, and aggression. The respondents were then divided into three categories: non-activists (NA), moderate activists (MA), and activists with delinquent/violent action (ADA). ANOVAs were used to examine the differences between these three types of social activists. Results indicated that ADA reported using more reactive and proactive aggression than NA, and MA reported using more reactive but not proactive aggression than NA. ADA had significantly higher levels of moral disengagement overall than NA and MA. Regarding forgiveness, both ADA and MA had significantly lower levels of absence of negative than NA. Implications for psychotherapy, education, and social policies will be discussed.

JOURNALISTIC USE OF LANGUAGE ON THE CAMPAIGN FOR LOCAL ELECTIONS IN ROMANIA 2020 IN THE GERMAN-LANGUAGE MINORITY NEWSPAPER ADZ FOR ROMANIA

The present paper aims to analyze four journalistic texts belonging to the column Meinung und Bericht of the German newspaper existing in Romania ADZ für Rumänien from pragmalinguistic action theoretical viewpoint. The texts, giving the name of the author on the by line, are about actual events in Romania and they contain many verbal sequences and words expressing their opinion. The article concentrates on how and by which linguistic means of expressions is illustrated the position of the ADZjournalists on the local election campaign in Romania on 27th September 2020.

STRATEGIES FOR THE PREVENTION AND CONTROL OF HYPERTENSION IN RURAL COMMUNITIES

Hypertension is a prevalent chronic condition that can lead to serious complications such as cardiovascular disease, stroke and kidney failure. The prevalence of hypertension is especially high in rural communities, where factors such as limited access to health care, lack of health information and socioeconomic conditions can contribute to a lack of control of the disease. Prevention and control strategies tailored to these communities are crucial to reducing the burden of hypertension and improving the overall health of the rural population. This brief explores effective strategies for the prevention and control of hypertension in rural communities, highlighting innovative approaches and associated challenges. The aim of this paper is to review and analyze strategies for the prevention and control of hypertension in rural communities. It aims to identify the main interventions that have proved effective, discuss approaches adapted to the needs and resources of rural communities, and address the challenges faced in implementing these strategies. This is a literature review, using qualitative and quantitative assumptions, using the PubMed, Scopus and Google Scholar databases. The health descriptors “Hypertension”, “Hypertension Management in Rural Areas”, “Telemedicine”, “Community Interventions” and “Rural Health Policies” were used to refine the research. The time frame covers the years 2018 to 2022. The focus is to promote a comprehensive understanding of best practices and areas that need more attention to improve the management of hypertension in rural contexts. Preventing and controlling hypertension in rural communities requires a multifaceted approach that takes into account the particularities of these areas, including barriers to accessing healthcare, resource limitations and specific cultural needs. Education is key to preventing hypertension. Awareness programs about risk factors, the importance of regular blood pressure monitoring and lifestyle changes can have a significant impact. Community initiatives such as workshops, lectures and local media campaigns can help raise awareness of hypertension and promote healthy habits. Improving access to healthcare is crucial for hypertension control in rural areas. This can include the implementation of mobile health units, telemedicine and partnerships with health organizations to provide regular medical services and blood pressure monitoring. Community screening programs and regular consultations can help identify and treat cases of hypertension early. Interventions that encourage a healthy diet, rich in fruit, vegetables and low in sodium, as well as regular physical activity, are essential for the prevention and control of hypertension. Nutritional education programs and the promotion of community physical activities, such as walking groups or sports, can be effective in promoting a healthy lifestyle. Thus, many people with hypertension also have other health conditions, such as diabetes or obesity. Integrated strategies that address hypertension alongside other health conditions can improve overall outcomes. This includes chronic disease management programs that provide support for managing multiple health conditions simultaneously. Involving the community in the planning and implementation of prevention and control strategies can increase the acceptance and effectiveness of interventions. Community groups, local leaders and non-governmental organizations can play an important role in promoting health programs and mobilizing resources. The effective implementation of hypertension control strategies in rural communities faces several challenges. Barriers can include a lack of adequate health infrastructure, a shortage of health professionals, limited access to medicines and treatments, and cultural factors that can affect the acceptance of interventions. In addition, logistical and financial difficulties can limit the ability to implement and maintain health programs in remote areas. Therefore, the approach to preventing and controlling hypertension in rural communities must be adapted to the specific needs and characteristics of these areas. Effective strategies include community education and awareness, improving access to health care, promoting a healthy lifestyle and integrated management of comorbidities. Involving the community and overcoming challenges related to infrastructure and resources are critical aspects for the success of these strategies. With a multifaceted and collaborative approach, it is possible to reduce the prevalence and impact of hypertension in rural communities, promoting better health and an improved quality of life for their inhabitants.

Evaluation of MCP Correlation Algorithms Applied to Wind Data Series

This work aimed to develop methodologies for analysing statistical correlations among wind data series using various Measure-Correlate-Predict (MCP) methods, with the goal of selecting the most suitable method for extrapolating long-term data with minimal associated uncertainty. It was analysed the minimum time required for a wind measurement campaign when applying this methodology. Fifteen local wind measurement stations were selected. The long-term wind data reanalysis series that exhibited the strongest correlation with the measured wind data at each station was then chosen. Multiple tests were conducted with different simultaneous periods between the measured data series and the long-term series. Fifteen correlation algorithms were tested for each concurrent period. The performance of each model was evaluated using the RMSE (Root Mean Square Error) and MBE (Mean Bias Error) associated with each MCP. Analysis of the errors identified measurement periods with the lowest associated error ranging from 1 to 5 years and a single-factor ANOVA analysis was conducted. Finally, t-significance tests were performed. The study concluded that the Neural Network was the most effective MCP method. Additionally, it was determined that the minimum number of years required for a local measurement campaign should be between 2 and 3 years.

Prabowo Gibran's Local Language Campaign On The Tiktok Account Fillixpratama

This research analyzes the impact of the local language campaign conducted by Prabowo Gibran through the TikTok account @fillixpratama25, which demonstrates adaptation to digital trends and the preferences of young voters. Unlike previous studies that focused on political image and campaign strategies in other contexts, this research offers a new approach by emphasizing the use of local language on TikTok. The methodology used is a qualitative approach with a constructivist paradigm, utilizing field research methods. Data was collected through direct observation, document analysis, and interviews with relevant stakeholders. Critical discourse analysis by Teun A. van Dijk was used to understand how local language in this campaign builds or undermines social dominance and reflects power structures. The results of the study indicate that the use of local language and a relaxed communication style create emotional closeness with the audience, increase political awareness among young voters, and leverage the viral potential of TikTok to expand the reach of political messages. This campaign combines media ecology theory and social media campaign theory, highlighting how new media transforms the political communication environment and enables more direct interaction between politicians and the public. The conclusion shows that adaptive strategies in using social media with relevant local languages can strengthen the connection between candidates and voters, increase political awareness, and open new opportunities in political communication in the digital era.

Flowers and Bees: Spatial Network Effects in the Adoption of a Sharing-Economy Platform

This article empirically analyzes the spatiotemporal diffusion of a car-sharing platform that connects consumers with individual car owners. The authors develop a model of adoption by both consumers and providers that accommodates network effects across locations, as consumers travel to pick up cars, and information asymmetry, as only the providers’ locations are shown on a map. They apply it to data at the earliest stage of the platform and find that proximity and consumer mobility play a significant role in the spatial network effects of existing providers on consumers across locations. Consequently, the impact of additional supply at a destination on consumer adoptions at an origin varies by origin–destination pair and is asymmetric, as certain destinations draw more visitors than others and given differences in local characteristics. In contrast, existing consumers have a limited impact on provider adoptions. Through seeding experiments, the authors investigate how the geographic distribution of initial participants impacts the platform diffusion and find that targeting the supply side in big cities leads to the highest platform growth. They also use their parameter estimates to measure the long-term impact of a local promotional campaign and show that it is mostly local despite spatial network effects.

The Privatization of Protest: Demobilization and the Emergence of Political Violence in the Aftermath of Local Protest Campaigns

The processual approach to political violence suggests a close link between nonviolent and violent tactical repertoires. Yet in doing so it excludes cases where violence appears to appear in the absence of public protest activity. This article traces how political violence emerges in the aftermath of local protest campaigns against migrant accommodation. Developing the concept of the privatization of protest, the article shows how the demobilization of protest contributes to a process where grievances are reframed into private frustrations rather than objects of political contention. Transformed as such, persistent patterns of intermittent political violence can sometimes grow out of private interactions, even in the absence of any consistent public protest. Applying the conceptual apparatus of frames, emotions, opportunities and to a paired process tracing of episodes of protest against Swedish migrant accommodation in 2007-2008 and 2012-2017, the article maps the causal mechanisms that create facilitative conditions for violence, sometimes long after the decline of nonviolent protest. Extending its discussion beyond the case of Sweden, it links the processual approach to adjacent discussions on the link between micro- and meso-level causes of political violence.

“They [Doctors] Don’t Really Know What We’re Actually Experiencing”: Undoing Racializing Frames of Heart Health in Singapore by Centering Listening as Method

ABSTRACT The mainstream media and local health campaigns in Singapore racialize heart health disparities. Journalists and campaigners report differences in heart health outcomes from a model of race governance known as the Chinese, Malay, Indian, and Others (CMIO) model. This model is then used to frame heart health inequities as an outcome of poor cultural practices and behaviors tied to race. To (un)do the racializing frames of heart health as outcomes of cultural behaviors and practices, I instead center stories of heart health management by Malay participants from lower-income households, identifying the role information asymmetries play in incomplete heart health information retrieval during interactions with providers (social service providers, healthcare workers, doctors, nurses). Cultural and community resources were discussed as critical resources for alleviating urgent heart health episodes or assisting as guides for preventative heart health information. Health campaigners must delve deeper into these findings for more structurally responsive heart health interventions and move away from racializing health disparities based on the CMIO model.

Post-Pandemic Trends in the Hospitality Industry

Purpose: The general objective of this study was to explore post-pandemic trends in the hospitality trends. Methodology: The study adopted a desktop research methodology. Desk research refers to secondary data or that which can be collected without fieldwork. Desk research is basically involved in collecting data from existing resources hence it is often considered a low cost technique as compared to field research, as the main cost is involved in executive’s time, telephone charges and directories. Thus, the study relied on already published studies, reports and statistics. This secondary data was easily accessed through the online journals and library. Findings: The findings reveal that there exists a contextual and methodological gap relating to the post-pandemic trends in the hospitality trends. Preliminary empirical review revealed that the COVID-19 pandemic brought significant, lasting changes, with technology playing a crucial role in recovery through the adoption of contactless services. The shift towards domestic tourism and staycations provided a boost, supported by targeted local tourism campaigns. Sustainability emerged as a vital trend, with eco-friendly practices leading to higher occupancy rates and guest satisfaction. Flexibility in booking and cancellation policies restored traveler confidence, with adaptable and transparent communication being key to maintaining customer trust and loyalty. Unique Contribution to Theory, Practice and Policy: The Diffusion of Innovations Theory, Resource- Based View (RBV) and Expectancy Theory may be used to anchor future studies on post-pandemic trends in the hospitality trends. The study recommended several key areas for advancement. It emphasized the need for further research on the long-term impacts of technological innovations, suggesting that theories like the Diffusion of Innovations Theory be expanded to incorporate the effects of global crises. Practically, it advised sustained investment in digital infrastructure and training for staff to maximize the benefits of contactless technologies. Policy recommendations included government support for technological adoption, promotion of domestic tourism, and the prioritization of sustainability through green practices and supportive policies. Additionally, the study underscored the importance of maintaining flexible booking and cancellation policies to enhance traveler confidence and loyalty Keywords: Post-Pandemic Trends, Hospitality Industry, Technological Innovations, Contactless Technologies, Digital Infrastructure

Blood pressure screening results from May Measurement Month 2021 in Vietnam.

Elevated blood pressure (BP) is a growing burden worldwide, leading to over 10 million deaths each year. May Measurement Month (MMM) is a global initiative to raise awareness of high BP and acts as a temporary solution to the worldwide shortage of screening programmes. We aimed to screen for hypertension and cardiovascular risk factors in people aged ≥18 years in the community, thereby defining the proportion of participants with elevated BP and assessing the awareness and the effectiveness of its treatment. An opportunistic cross-sectional survey of volunteers aged ≥18 years was carried out in May 2021. Blood pressure measurement, the definition of hypertension, and statistical analysis followed the standard MMM protocol. From May 2021 to June 2021, through three cities/provinces in Vietnam (due to the COVID-19 pandemic), 2572 individuals with mean age 51.5 (SD ±15.7) years were screened. After multiple imputation, 929 (36.1%) had hypertension. Of individuals not receiving antihypertensive medication, 206 (11.2%) were hypertensive. Of individuals receiving antihypertensive medication, 415 (57.4%) had uncontrolled BP (≥140/90 mmHg). The MMM21 BP screening campaign was undertaken in Vietnam during the COVID-19 pandemic. Undiagnosed and uncontrolled hypertension in Vietnam remains a substantial health problem. Local campaigns applying standardized methods such as MMM21 will be beneficial to screen for a significant number of individuals with raised BP and increase awareness of hypertension.

Survey of general practitioners’ awareness, practice and perception of social prescribing across Europe

Background Social prescribing (SP) is a patient pathway by which healthcare professionals connect patients with other sources of support, groups, or activities within their community. The awareness, practice, and perception of SP among GPs across Europe remains unclear. Objectives To explore the awareness, practice, and perception of GPs on SP in the WONCA Europe region. Methods An anonymous, cross-sectional online survey was distributed through a snowballing system, mailing lists, and at three international conferences in 2022/2023 to explore GPs’ awareness, practice, and perception of SP. The questionnaire in English contained 21 open and closed questions. Results Of the 208 participating GPs from 33 countries, 116 (56%) previously heard of ‘social prescribing’ and 66 (32%) regularly referred patients to community activities through a formal system. These 66 GPs reported different funding sources and varied activities, with an average of four activities and physical exercise being the most prevalent. Among them, 25 (38%) knew about national or local SP awareness campaigns. Of these 25, 17 (68%) agreed that SP increases their job satisfaction and 21 (84%) agreed that it has a positive impact on their patients. Variations in SP awareness and referral practice were evident across and within countries. Conclusion Despite disparities in awareness and referral practice as well as a diversity of activities and funding sources, most GPs who actively referred patients and were informed about SP campaigns agreed that SP positively impacts them and their patients.

Chiefs and Pre-Election Violence in Sub-Saharan Africa: The Precolonial Legacy of Centralized States

This article examines how African chiefs shape pre-election violence (PEV) locally. I argue that chiefs with greater capability of voter coordination, which stems from precolonial centralized states, reduce local risk of PEV. Utilizing existing and original data, I find that precolonial centralized states have a negative effect on PEV in Anglophone Africa, where precolonial institutions have been better preserved. This relationship is robust to a series of tests, including two-stage least-squares regressions. The findings contribute to our knowledge of how local political actors shape violent campaign strategies and of the diverse (pre-)colonial legacies in Sub-Saharan Africa.

Reading the room: developing a practical justice politics of regional energy transition

ABSTRACT This study looks at the case of industrial energy transition campaigning by a traditional conservation group in a regional city that hosts coal- fired power and emissions-intensive industry. We ask, what tensions do metropolitan campaigners find when communicating the idea of just transition and building alliances in regional places? How do they deal with those tensions? What does this mean for the task of developing ‘useable useful theories of environmental justice’ ? Our results illustrate the need to navigate three principal tensions: inclusivity, recognition, and equity. The case of the Australian Conservation Foundation in Gladstone reveals that as these tensions get worked through, the campaign goal is reframed as something other than ‘just transition’ and more akin to a local environmental justice campaigning. Ultimately, the ENGO now wrestles with the local difficulties of building energy justice politics on the scale and time-frame that climate science implies.

Quoting and well-being: researching social media posts of two mental health campaigns in Hong Kong

ABSTRACT Residents in Hong Kong have recently faced more severe mental health challenges due to the 2019 social unrest and the COVID-19 pandemic, among other social, economic and political issues. The situation has given rise to more local public mental health campaigns which mobilise different linguistic, cultural and discursive resources. This article critically examines a common type of social media discourse by two public mental health campaigns in Hong Kong which respectively adopt Chinese and English as the main language. Through a comprehensive, critical multimodal discourse analysis, it illustrates how this type of discourse (1) draws attention to multiple dimensions of mental well-being beyond mental illness/disorder, (2) strategically re-appropriates words and voices from different individuals, cultures and domains and (3) tacitly reinforces neoliberal and Confucianist ideologies through public mental health communication. The article ends with a discussion that can deepen our critical understanding of public mental health communication in contexts featuring digitalisation and linguistic and cultural diversity.

Distribution and survival of medicinal and aromatic plants is threatened by the anticipated climate change

Changing climatic scenarios has been recognized as a prominent threat to biodiversity globally. Given the decline in biodiversity, there are more and more local, national, and global awareness campaigns as well as legislative initiatives devoted to biodiversity conservation. The present study aims to increase our knowledge and understanding of the distribution of six medicinal and aromatic plants (MAPs) in Jammu Kashmir, India under present and future climatic scenarios using an ensemble species distribution modelling approach. Results of the present study revealed changes in the habitat range of the plant species due to changing climatic scenarios leading to the expansion or contraction of their distribution range. A significant decline in the suitable habitats of Arisaema jacquemontii, Lamium album, Phytolacca acinosa and Urtica dioica is predicted. Podophyllum hexandrum and Thymus linearis are predicted to expand their distribution ranges, however, losing their currently suitable habitats. Thus, the present study recommends that these MAPs should be prioritized for conservation and abrupt appraisal of their present population status and updated IUCN categorization should be carried out. Furthermore, to provide more reliable information for conservation decision-making under future climate scenarios, more thorough models that take into account both the biotic and abiotic factors contributing to species persistence should be used.