Local Dynamics Research Articles

Structural and Dynamic Heterogeneity of Deep Eutectic Solvents Composed of Choline Chloride and Ortho-Phenol Derivatives.

Structural, thermal, and dynamic properties of four deep eutectic solvents comprising choline chloride paired with ortho-phenolic derivative hydrogen-bond donors were probed using experiments and molecular simulations. The hydrogen-bond donors include phenol, catechol, o-chlorophenol, and o-cresol, in a 3:1 mixture with the hydrogen-bond acceptor choline chloride. Density, viscosity, and pulsed-field gradient NMR diffusivity measurements were conducted over a range of temperatures. Classical and ab initio molecular dynamics simulation results match experimental data reasonably well. The simulation results were then used to perform a more detailed analysis of the local structure and dynamics of these systems.

“Bakas Lewu”: Political Broker in the Manduing Taheta Village Election, Central Kalimantan

Bakas Lewu is a group of elders in the Dayak Ngaju language of Central Kalimantan. Previous studies have been more oriented towards mapping brokers in mobilizing material resources to influence voters. The purpose of this article is to explore the role of Bakas Lewu as political brokers, especially how they work, involving culture and social power, which has been discussed to a limited extent. This study was conducted qualitatively and the main data source came from interviews with key informants who knew about the village head election (Pilkades) cases in Manduing Taheta, then analyzed in depth and interactively. This study shows that Bakas Lewu as political brokers play an important role in mobilizing political support based on social relations, kinship, and local Dayak culture by relying on interpersonal communication, narrative control, and social networks to build community trust and loyalty. This phenomenon emphasizes that political power in the village is more influenced by personal and social relationships than material transactions. This study challenges the dominant approach that sees political brokers in Indonesia as transactional actors, by highlighting the importance of local social and cultural dynamics. These findings indicate the diversity of political brokerage practices and suggest more research on how social relations, such as kinship and loyalty, play a role in mobilizing political support, opening up new perspectives in the study of local politics in Indonesia.

Wild bees show local spatial and temporal dynamics in southeastern US blueberry farmscapes.

Wild bee communities are the target of various conservation and ecological restoration programs. Strategic conservation can influence bee communities visiting fields and help mitigate pollinator limitations in fruit production. However, planning compatible conservation strategies and gauging their effectiveness requires understanding how local communities vary across space and time in crops and adjacent semi-natural areas. Here, we assessed the spatiotemporal changes in the composition of wild bee communities in blueberry fields and adjacent forests. In partnership with commercial farms in southeast Georgia, USA, we deployed blue vane traps at the interior and edge of blueberry fields and within adjacent forests of 8 fields, from March to October over 2 yr. We identified 72 wild bee species across 26 genera. The most common were Melissodes communis (Cresson, Hymenoptera: Apidae), Bombus bimaculatus (Cresson, Apidae), Melissodes bimaculatus (Lepeletier), Ceratina floridana (Mitchell, Apidae), Lasioglossum pectorale (Smith, Halictidae), and Lasioglossum nymphale (Smith), which accounted for nearly 60% of the wild bees caught. Bee diversity and richness fluctuated over time, with peaks in all 3 habitat types occurring after the blueberry blooming. Bee abundance in the adjacent forest was relatively constant throughout the season, while in the field interior and edge assemblages, abundance peaked between May and June. We observed dissimilarity in species composition related to month and field location. This difference was explained by fluctuation in the identity and relative abundance of the most abundant species. Together, our study advances foundational knowledge of wild bee community dynamics and species identity in blueberry fields which will help inform and prioritize conservation practices.

Site-Specific Hydrogeological Characterization for Radiological Safety: Integrating Groundwater Dynamics and Transport

The radiological impact of radionuclide transport via groundwater pathways at the Wolsong Low- and Intermediate-Level Waste (LILW) Disposal Center was estimated by considering site-specific characteristics, including hydrogeology, geochemistry, and land use. Human intrusion scenarios, such as groundwater well development, were analyzed to evaluate potential pumping volumes and radionuclide migration pathways. Particular attention was given to the hydrological and geochemical aspects of radionuclide transport, with a focus on local aquifer heterogeneity, flow dynamics, and interactions with engineered barriers and surrounding rock formations that delay radionuclide migration through sorption and other retention mechanisms. Sorption coefficients (Kd), calibrated using site-specific geochemical data, were incorporated to ensure realistic modeling of radionuclide behavior. A hierarchical approach integrating scenario screening, particle tracking techniques, and mass transfer modeling was employed. Numerical simulations using FEFLOW ver. 7.3 and GoldSim ver. 14.0 software provided insights into near-field and far-field transport phenomena under well pumping conditions. The results revealed distinct spatial flux behaviors, where carbon-14 (14C) dominated near-field flux due to its high inventory, while technetium-99 (99Tc) emerged as the primary dose contributor in the far-field flux, owing to its anionic nature and limited sorption capacity. Additionally, under high-pH conditions near concrete barriers, cellulose degradation into isosaccharinic acid was identified, enhancing radionuclide mobility through complex formation. These findings underscore the importance of site-specific sorption and speciation parameters in safety assessment and highlight the need for accurate geochemical modeling to optimize waste placement and ensure long-term disposal safety. The outcomes provide valuable insights for optimizing waste placement and contribute to the development of evidence-based safety strategies for long-term performance assessment.

A large geno-spatial cluster of multi-drug resistant tuberculosis outbreak in a western district of Thailand.

The growing issue of drug resistance, particularly multidrug-resistant TB (MDR-TB), has exacerbated this problem. The rise of drug resistance TB is a severe global health concern. In Thailand, a persistent community outbreak of primary MDR-TB has been confirmed in the Tha Maka district of Kanchanaburi province, with an increasing prevalence of MDR-TB among newly diagnosed pulmonary tuberculosis cases. It was the first site in Thailand where a cluster of MDR-TB, caused by the Asian African 3 Modern Beijing strain, and XDR-TB, caused by L2.1, outbreaks were reported. This study aims to assess the MDR-TB outbreak in detail by characterizing the genomic profiles of the prevalent MDR-TB strains and examining their geographical distribution within the affected district. Through whole-genome sequencing (WGS) and bioinformatic analysis of 188 MTB isolates, the study identified three major phylogenetic lineages: the East Asian lineage (L2, 92 %), the Indo-Oceanic lineage (L1, 5.9 %), and the Euro-American lineage (L4, 2.1 %). The detailed sub-lineage distribution offers valuable insights into the predominant genetic clusters of M. tuberculosis within the sampled population. Notably, Lineage 2, specifically the L2.2.M3 sub-lineage, stood out as the dominant strain of MDR-TB, accounting for 77.7 % of the isolates. This finding underscores the significant prevalence of the L2.2.M3 sub-lineage and its potential role in the local transmission dynamics of tuberculosis. The high proportion and genetic homogeneity of the L2.2.M3 cluster among MDR-TB patients may indicate the strain's adaptation for more effective transmission within the Thai population. The increasing prevalence of this pathogenic strain could significantly impact tuberculosis control programs. Early diagnosis and contact tracing with chemotherapeutic preventive therapy for MDR-TB will be essential in inhibiting the spread and reactivation of these strains. Additionally, further studies are needed to prospectively identify transmission routes through contact tracing and real-time genotypic methods. It will also be crucial to ensure that future vaccines and/or recommended chemoprophylaxis therapy for MDR-TB will provide protection against these emerging strains.

The Impact of Administrative Districts and Urban Landscape on the Dispersal of Aedes aegypti via Genetic Differentiation.

Mosquito-borne diseases affect millions and cause numerous deaths annually. Effective vector control, which hinges on understanding their dispersal, is vital for reducing infection rates. Given the variability in study results, likely due to environmental and human factors, gathering local dispersal data is critical for targeted disease control. To analyse the spread and differentiation of Aedes aegypti in southern Taiwan, we established a dengue vector monitoring network in Southern Taiwan's cities. This network employed GPS-equipped ovitraps to gather eggs that were subsequently hatched in the laboratory and genotyped using genome-wide SNP markers. From 168 individuals, we identified 757,238 SNPs for detailed analysis. The estimated effective dispersal distance was 154 m (95% CI: 126-180 m), consistent with prior mark-release-recapture (MRR) estimates. We discovered that geographic isolation significantly influences genetic differentiation at larger scales, such as between cities, whereas its correlation with genetic distances is considerably weaker at smaller scales, like within cities. This is likely due to the urban landscape in Taiwan, characterised by narrow roads and densely packed buildings, which facilitates extensive dispersal of Ae. aegypti. In evaluating potential barriers to Ae. aegypti dispersal, we found that roads had no significant impact, whereas administrative districts accounted for 4.8% of the population differentiation (p < 10-4). Surprisingly, this variation aligns with the effects of district-specific mosquito control measures implemented at the municipal level. These findings highlight the complex interplay between urban landscapes, administrative measures and Ae. aegypti dispersal, emphasising the need for implementing targeted control strategies that consider these local dynamics.

Trends and Spatiotemporal Patterns of the Meteorological Drought in the Ili River Valley from 1961 to 2023: An SPEI-Based Study

Drought presents significant challenges in arid regions, influencing local climate and environmental dynamics. While the large-scale climatic phenomena in Xinjiang, northwest China, are well-documented, the finer-scale climatic variability in subregions such as the Ili River Valley (IRV) remains insufficiently studied. This knowledge gap impedes effective regional planning and environmental management in this ecologically sensitive area. In this study, we analyze the spatiotemporal evolution of drought in the IRV from 1961 to 2023, using data from ten meteorological stations. The SPEI drought index, along with Sen’s trend analysis, the Mann–Kendall test, the cumulative departure method, and wavelet analysis, were employed to assess drought patterns. Results show a significant drying trend in the IRV, starting in 1995, with frequent drought events from 2018 onwards, and no notable transition year observed from wet to dry conditions. The overall drought rate was −0.09 per decade, indicating milder drought severity in the IRV compared to broader Xinjiang. Seasonally, the IRV experiences drier summers and wetter winters compared to regional averages, with negligible changes in autumn and milder drought conditions in spring. Abrupt changes in the drying seasons occurred later in the IRV than in Xinjiang, with delays of 21 years for summer, and over 17 and 35 years for spring and autumn, respectively, indicating a lagged response. Spatially, the western plains are more prone to aridification than the central and eastern mountainous regions. The study also reveals significant differences in drought cycles, which are longer than those in Xinjiang, with distinct wet–dry phases observed across multiple time scales and seasons, emphasizing the complexity of drought variability in the IRV. In conclusion, the valley exhibits unique drought characteristics, including milder intensity, pronounced seasonal variation, spatial heterogeneity, and notable resilience to climate change. These findings underscore the need for region-specific drought management strategies, as broader approaches may not be effective at the subregional scale.

Community Connections: Understanding Local Dynamics in Italian Asylum Policy Implementation

Italy hosts significant numbers of forced migrants throughout its territory. The implementation of asylum policy thus occurs in diverse and sometimes fraught contexts, presenting different resources and obstacles. This paper examines how local context shapes the experiences and practices of street-level bureaucrats (SLBs) implementing policy in the Italian statutory asylum system. Semi-structured interviews with workers in two projects, one in a conservative rural area and one in a progressive urban area, show that the urban/rural divide alone is not an appropriate predictor of similarities and differences in policy implementation and outcomes, which are largely shaped by context-specific sociocultural and relational elements. Workers’ off-duty mediation in interpersonal contact between migrants and community members fosters positive encounters that could partially offset traditionally conservative political cultures and hostile attitudes; however, the same cultures and attitudes cause workers to feel isolated and alienated from their community. Furthermore, SLBs’ decision-making practices in both projects are always collegial and constrained by exhaustive rules, largely eliminating the need for individual discretion typical of SLBs and creating instead “group discretionary” bureaucrats. In light of these findings, I argue for increased attention to locality beyond the simple urban versus rural lens, and increased focus on asylum SLBs as a distinct category of “doubly embedded” SLBs participating in both policy implementation and local context.

Power Struggles and Conflict Visibility in Contested Political Forests: A Case Study in Sukaslamet Village, Indramayu Regency, Indonesia

Forest tenure conflicts have been a problem in Perhutani's management areas for decades. As an entity authorized to manage, exploit, and protect most of the forest areas in Java, Perhutani's forest management is not free from land occupation issues. The duality in viewing land rights between Perhutani from the legal side and the community from the historical side of control is a narrative that continues to be debated and is challenging to resolve. This study aims to describe the local dynamics of forest tenure conflicts through empirical evidence of the historical trajectory of forest tenure in the Perhutani management area in Indramayu. Using a qualitative research method, this study presents case studies of land tenure conflict events within the framework of conflict visibility assessment and the Actor-Centered Power (ACP) approach in its analysis. The results of the conflict visibility assessment show the gradation and historiography of forest tenure conflicts in Perhutanimanaged areas and produce several important findings to complement the forest tenure conflict literature. The research findings show how shifts in actor power led to changes in forest tenure conflicts in Indramayu. Finally, the establishment of the Forest Areas with Special Management policy as an effort to resolve conflicts can cause new contestations by inviting other powerful actors.

MetaRange.jl: A Dynamic and Metabolic Species Range Model for Plant Species.

Process-based models for range dynamics are urgently needed due to increasing intensity of human-induced biodiversity change. Despite a few existing models that focus on demographic processes, their use remains limited compared to the widespread application of correlative approaches. This slow adoption is largely due to the challenges in calibrating biological parameters and the high computational demands for large-scale applications. Moreover, increasing the number of simulated processes (i.e., mechanistic complexity) may further exacerbate those reasons of delay. Therefore, balancing mechanistic complexity and computational effectiveness of process-based models is a key area for improvement. A promising research direction is to expand demographically explicit metapopulation models by integrating metabolic constraints. We translated and expanded a previously developed R metapopulation model to Julia language and published it as a Julia module. The model integrates species-specific parameters such as preferred environmental conditions, biomass and dispersal ability with demographic rates (e.g., reproductive and mortality rates) derived from local temperature and biomass via the metabolic theory of ecology. We provide a simple application example for the model in which we illustrate a typical use case by predicting the future occurrence of Orchis militaris in Bavaria under different climate change scenarios. Our results show that climate change reduces habitat suitability overall, but some regions like the Franconian Forest and the Alps see increased suitability and abundance, confirming their role as refugia. Simulating metapopulation dynamics reveals that local population dynamics and dispersal are crucial for accurate predictions. For instance, increasing dispersal distance reduces overall abundance loss but also lessens population growth in refugia. This highlights the importance of measuring traits like dispersal ability to improve climate change forecasts.

Identifying priority conservation areas for threatened amphibian habitats in the Yangtze river Delta region to maintain regional biodiversity.

The complex life cycle traits of amphibians make them especially sensitive to environmental change, and their ongoing conservation requires the maintenance of suitable habitat that accounts for such life cycle characteristics which may impacted by local environmental dynamics arising from climate change and human disturbance. Many existing studies on amphibian habitats disregard this important issue, leading to uncertainty in managing critical habitats. The application of appropriate conservation practices is therefore constrained by the fact that the major factors influencing amphibian habitats, and their spatio-temporal dynamics at different life stages, are poorly understood. In responding to this notable shortcoming, we applied a Bayesian Belief Network model and geographical detector method to identify spatial and seasonal changes in threatened amphibian habitats of the Yangtze River Delta region (YRDR). Our results reveal the relative importance of different environmental factors contributing to spatio-temporal change of threatened amphibian habitats in YRDR. The results highlight the spatially heterogenous nature of amphibian habitats and the impacts of urbanization, as evidenced by quantitative metrics of percentage area of built-up land and distance to built-up land. Habitat conservation priority analyses also indicate the importance of prioritizing habitat restoration efforts in severely degraded areas. Analysis of seasonality indicates that amphibians face particularly severe challenges during their autumn hibernation period (Slope=-0.002). In revealing seasonal variations in the level of threat to amphibians at different life stages across different habitats, this study fills an important knowledge gap and therefore supports regional amphibian habitat conservation and restoration efforts. The results of the study further imply that current conservation strategies need to comprehensively account for seasonal changes, life-cycle stages, and spatial heterogeneity.

Evolving glacier patterns in the Chenab River Basin (1993-2021): Drivers and environmental implications.

Glaciers of Jammu and Kashmir are retreating faster than those in the broader northwestern Himalayas, yet some glaciers in the Chenab River basin display signs of periodic advancement and mass gain (2005-2007). These features, such as coalescing lobate structures and blocked meltwater streams, raise intriguing questions about localized glacier dynamics. While global concerns over climate change and glacier retreat persist, the lack of detailed evidence regarding glacier advance in this region warrants further investigation. Consequently, a comprehensive investigation of the Bhut and Warwan sub-basin glaciers of the Chenab River basin, was conducted to understand their spatio-temporal evolution between 1993 and 2021. Our analysis revealed an area loss (6.7%), surface thinning (-0.3±0.4 ma-1), increased debris cover (11%), and reduced glacial velocity (54% in Bhut and 20% in Warwan) between 1993 and 2021. In contrast, we also observed periodic insignificant glacier advancement on nine glaciers, a balanced state on twelve, and the complete disappearance of 113 glaciers in these three decades. Among Bhut and Warwan sub-basins, the former revealed higher average velocity, slowdown, and thinning compared to the latter. The higher average velocity in the Bhut sub-basin is controlled by relatively higher precipitation, and the increase in overall debris coverage possibly governs the enhanced slowdown and thinning. We conclude that while the climate controls the long-term and periodic glacier response, the spatial variability is governed largely by the debris thickness, which is variable among glaciers and might also be changing. Furthermore, the aforementioned geomorphological evidence of some glacier advances, while happening locally, does not well represent the state and recent dynamics of the glaciers in these regions overall.

The role of FDI and energy intensity upon the consolidation of circular economies among the European Union.

This manuscript critically examines the intricate interplay between diverse foreign direct investment (FDI) flows, energy intensity, and their consequential effects on circular economies (CEs), specifically in terms of the waste recycling ratio, within the member states of the European Union over the period spanning from 2000 to 2021. Our findings substantiate that inflows and outflows of FDI have different implications for waste recycling, where an increase of 1% OFDI implies an increase of recycling ratio by 0.03%, a relationship that is potentially contingent upon the inherent characteristics of the flow itself in relation to its contributions to local productivity dynamics. In this vein, the influx of FDI, which is associated with amplified capital inputs and heightened productivity levels, is observed to exert a dampening effect on recycling capabilities, by an average of 0.01% for every 1% change. Conversely, the outflow of FDI entails reduced capital inputs, thereby curbing waste generation resulting from enhanced productivity capacities. Moreover, diminished energy intensity exerts a positive influence on the recycling ratio, thereby fostering the advancement of CE. To capitalize on their locational advantages, it is recommended that the European Union proactively foster the development of specialized zones that concentrate inflows of FDI, thereby facilitating the logistical complexities associated with waste recycling arising from FDI-driven productive activities. Such strategic initiatives hold the potential to contribute to heightened resource efficiency within the broader productivity relationship.

Nanoparticles based image-guided thermal therapy and temperature feedback.

Nanoparticles have emerged as versatile tools in the realm of thermal therapy, offering precise control and feedback mechanisms for targeted treatments. This review explores the intersection of nanotechnology and thermal therapy, focusing on the utilization of nanoparticles for image-guided interventions and temperature monitoring. Starting with an exploration of local temperature dynamics compared to whole-body responses, we delve into the landscape of nanomaterials and their pivotal role in nanomedicine. Various physical stimuli employed in therapy and imaging are scrutinized, laying the foundation for nanothermal therapies and the accompanying challenges. A comprehensive analysis of nanomaterial architecture ensues, delineating the functionalities of magnetic, plasmonic, and luminescent nanomaterials within the context of thermal therapies. Nano-design intricacies, including core-shell structures and monodisperse properties, are dissected for their impact on therapeutic efficacy. Furthermore, considerations in designing in vivo nanomaterials, such as hydrodynamic radii and core sizes at sub-tissue levels, are elucidated. The review then delves into specific modalities of thermally induced therapy, including magnetically induced hyperthermia and luminescent-based thermal treatments. Magnetic hyperthermia treatment is explored alongside its imaging and relaxometric properties, emphasizing the implications of imaging formulations on biotransformation and biodistribution. This review also provides an overview of the magnetic hyperthermia treatment using magnetic nanoparticles to induce localized heat in tissues. Similarly, optical and thermal imaging techniques utilizing luminescent nanomaterials are discussed, highlighting their potential for light-induced thermal therapy and cellular-level temperature monitoring. Finally, the application landscape of diagnosis and photothermal therapy (PTT) is surveyed, encompassing diverse areas such as cancer treatment, drug delivery, antibacterial therapy, and immunotherapy. The utility of nanothermometers in elucidating thermal relaxation dynamics as a diagnostic tool is underscored, alongside discussions on PTT hyperthermia protocols. Moreover, the advancements in nanoparticle magnetic imaging and implications of imaging formulations especially in creating positive MRI contrast agents are also presented. This comprehensive review offers insights into the evolving landscape of nanoparticle-based image-guided thermal therapies, promising advancements in precision medicine and targeted interventions, underscoring the importance of continued research in optimization for the full potential of magnetic hyperthermia to improve its efficacy and clinical translation.

Synergistic global and local flexibilities in Zr-based metal-organic frameworks enable sequential sieving of hexane isomers.

Separating hexane isomers based on the branching degree is crucial for their efficient utilization in the petrochemical industry, yet remains challenging due to their similar properties. Here we report a temperature-responsive Zr-based metal-organic framework, Zr-fum-FA, capable of sequentially sieving linear, mono-, and di-branched hexane isomers. Notably, the pore structure of Zr-fum-FA dynamically transforms from segmented triangular channels to an integrated rhombic configuration as the temperature increases, leading to distinct sieving effects. At low temperatures, the narrow triangular pores allow the exclusive adsorption of n-hexane while excluding branched isomers. In contrast, the expanded rhombic pores at high temperatures enable the sieving of mono- and di-branched isomers. Mechanistic studies reveal that this unique dual-sieving behavior originates from the synergistic effects of the global framework flexibility and the local dynamics of pendent hydroxyl groups. Furthermore, we demonstrate the decoupling of global and local flexibilities via two strategies: incorporating steric hindrance to dampen the global framework dynamics and enhancing the metal node rigidity to limit the local vibrations. These findings not only provide a promising adsorbent for the challenging separation of hexane isomers but also offer rational design principles for harnessing flexibility in MOFs.

Potential backfiring effects of Marine Protected Areas on kelp herbivory

The management and creation of Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) is currently under great focus, with international organisations aiming to protect 30% of our oceans by 2030. The success of MPAs depends on a nuanced understanding of local ecological dynamics and threats, which can significantly influence ecosystem balance. Herbivory can be a stressor for foundation species, namely kelp forests, contributing to their decline in several regions of the globe. However, the dynamics inherent to herbivory and MPA’s implementation are still poorly understood. Here, the impact of protection status, depth, kelp species, and grazer type on herbivory (occurrence, rate, and grazer frequency) was assessed through a comprehensive experimental approach involving tethering experiments and faunal characterisation of macro-herbivores. The research was conducted in habitats off the central coast of Portugal: Peniche (PEN) and the MPA Berlengas Archipelago (MPA-BER). Our findings revealed that herbivory occurrence and rate are higher within the MPA, especially at greater depths. Instead of urchins, fish are the significant contributors to kelp consumption, showing a preference for the kelp S. polyschides. Results provide the first experimental evidence in the Atlantic region identifying fish as the dominant herbivores driving increased kelp biomass loss, a relationship potentially magnified by MPA implementation. Hence, protection status may not benefit all ecosystem components, enhancing the need for robust MPA management to balance trophic interactions and support biodiversity and ecosystem resilience.

Localizing the digital: implementation frictions and digital governance in inland China

ABSTRACT This article examines the localization of digital governance technologies in inland China, with a focus on Guizhou Province, which houses China’s first big data pilot zone. Despite the centralization efforts of the Xi Jinping administration, local agents are pivotal in policy implementation, particularly in regions far from political and economic hubs. Combining studies of policy implementation and concerns about the materiality of information technology, this research problematizes the localization process of digital governance. It introduces the analytical framework termed the “frame of locality” to emphasize the dynamic interplay between national digital governance policies and local socio-economic and cultural contexts, indicating that the resolution of implementation frictions in various ways is crucial for policy execution. With the case of Guizhou, the research uncovers an inherent contradiction: the local transformation of digital governance can be hindered by its own implementation processes, thus challenging the notion of re-centralizing social governance through digital technologies. This can both challenge centrally-designed sociotechnical visions and provide opportunities for more inclusive local resource allocation and for policymakers to reassess and adjust to local conditions. The study contributes to the broader understanding of China’s digitization efforts by highlighting the significance of local contingent dynamics in accomplishing centrally planned objectives.

The Rhetoric of Village Heads in the 2023 Village Head Elections: Shaping Public Opinion in Babakan Losari Lor through Political Communication

This study aims to analyze the local political dynamics in the village head election and to identify the rhetorical practices of the village head candidates in terms of ethos (credibility), pathos (emotional appeal), and logos (capacity and competence), which shape public opinion. A qualitative case study method was employed, involving participant observation, focus group discussions (FGD), and in-depth interviews with community members and the elected village head. Data collection included 10 informants: 9 community members and 1 village head. The results reveal that the elected village head effectively used ethos (credibility), pathos (emotion), and logos (logic) to influence voters. However, public opinion shifted after the election due to unfulfilled campaign promises, leading to dissatisfaction among some community members.

A Bayesian approach to model local and temporal heterogeneity in repeated cross-sectional health surveys

Abstract In several countries, including Italy, a prominent approach to population health surveillance involves conducting repeated cross-sectional surveys at short intervals of time. These surveys gather information on the health status of individual respondents, including details on their behaviours, risk factors, and relevant socio-demographic information. While the collected data provides valuable information, modelling such data presents several challenges. For instance, in health risk models, it is essential to consider behavioural information, local and temporal dynamics, and disease co-occurrence. In response to these challenges, our work proposes a multivariate temporal logistic model for chronic disease diagnoses at local level. Linear predictors are modelled using individual risk factor covariates and a latent individual propensity to diseases. Leveraging a state space formulation of the model, we construct a framework in which temporal heterogeneity in regression coefficients is informed by exogenous information at local level, corresponding to different contextual risk factors that may affect the occurrence of chronic diseases in different ways. To explore the effectiveness of our method, we analyse behavioural and risk factor surveillance data collected in Italy (PASSI), which is well-known as a country characterized by high peculiar administrative, social and territorial diversities reflected on high variability in morbidity among population subgroups.

Impact of micro-habitat fragmentation on microbial population growth dynamics.

Microbial communities thrive in virtually every habitat on Earth and are essential to the function of diverse ecosystems. Most microbial habitats are not spatially continuous and well-mixed, but rather composed, at the microscale, of many isolated or semi-isolated local patches of different sizes, resulting in partitioning of microbial populations into discrete local populations. The impact of this spatial fragmentation on population dynamics is not well-understood. Here, we study how such variably sized micro-habitat patches affect the growth dynamics of clonal microbial populations and how dynamics in individual patches dictate those of the metapopulation. To investigate this, we developed the μ-SPLASH, an ecology-on-a-chip platform, enabling the culture of microbes in microscopic landscapes comprised of thousands of microdroplets, with a wide range of sizes. Using the μ-SPLASH, we cultured the model bacteria E. coli and based on time-lapse microscopy, analyzed the population dynamics within thousands of individual droplets. Our results reveal that growth curves substantially vary with droplet size. Although growth rates generally increase with drop size, reproductive success and the time to approach carrying capacity, display non-monotonic patterns. Combining μ-SPLASH experiments with computational modeling, we show that these patterns result from both stochastic and deterministic processes, and demonstrate the roles of initial population density, patchiness, and patch size distribution in dictating the local and metapopulation dynamics. This study reveals basic principles that elucidate the effects of habitat fragmentation and population partitioning on microbial population dynamics. These insights deepen our understanding of natural microbial communities and have significant implications for microbiome engineering.