Local Support Research Articles

Acculturation in China: acculturation strategies, social support, and self-assessment of Mandarin learning performance of international students in Chinese universities

ABSTRACT Acculturation strategies contribute to international students’ self-assessment of Mandarin learning (ML) performance, but the mechanism remains unclear. This study employed a convergent design of mixed methods and explored the roles of acculturation strategies and local support resources in international students’ (ISs) self-assessed ML performance in Chinese universities. The quantitative findings based on the questionnaire survey (N = 520) found that ISs’ Mandarin level was positively associated with the integration strategy and local support resources (i.e. Chinese teachers and Chinese friends). Besides, integration and marginalisation mediated the relationship between support resources and self-assessed ML performance, with integration acting as a more positive mediator compared with marginalisation. Further qualitative findings based on the longitudinal data (i.e. reflective journals) supported the positive roles of integration and local support resources in self-assessed ML performance. Moreover, this study identified how ISs improved their Mandarin through positive adjustments in their acculturation strategies (e.g. from separation to integration) and active mobilisation of local support resources. These findings provide a richer understanding of the complexity and dynamism of ISs’ self-assessed ML performance. Implications were provided for ISs and Chinese universities concerning ML and support services.

Maximum Local Density-Driven Non-overlapping Radial Basis Function Support Kernel Neural Network

The learning and optimization of kernels in the radial basis function neural network (RBFNN) are crucial. However, in existing methods, there are issues of overfitting when learning kernel parameters. The learned kernels are also sensitive to outliers. This paper proposes a general kernel learning strategy for RBFNN called non-overlapping maximum local density support kernel learning (MLD-SKL), which contains two modules, the non-overlapping maximum local density (MLD) kernel learning module and support kernel learning (SKL) module. In the MLD kernel learning stage, the candidate set of kernels is incrementally determined based on the local density of samples. Meanwhile, it is required that the coverage ranges of kernels from different classes do not overlap with each other. This module is effective in reducing the impact of outliers. In the SKL stage, kernel importance indicator is defined to measure the importance of kernels. The learned support kernels are utilized to construct a maximum local density-driven non-overlapping radial basis function support kernel neural network (MLD-RBFSKNN). The RBFNN constructed through MLD-SKL exhibits a more compact structure. The experiments demonstrate that the proposed MLD-RBFSKNN improves accuracy in recognition task. Furthermore, while achieving superior recognition performance, the final constructed network also has the minimum number of kernels.

Understanding practices and support needs of family caregivers of people with dementia in Africa: a scoping review

Caregiving for people with dementia is a growing challenge, particularly in low- and middle-income countries, where 60 per cent of people with dementia globally reside. Yet the experiences and needs of caregivers supporting this population in African regions have not received adequate policy and practice attention. As a first step toward addressing this issue, we aimed to describe key challenges and solutions, and attend to knowledge gaps related to the needs and experiences of caregivers of persons with dementia across Africa. Informed by Arskey and O’Malley’s five-stage framework, we conducted a scoping review of empirical literatures, without year restriction. We included studies focusing on family caregivers supporting people with dementia in Africa. We reviewed five databases and screened titles and abstracts using Rayyan before extracting full texts. Our initial search yielded 3,982 articles, of which 29 met the inclusion criteria. Most of the selected dementia caregiving studies were conducted in South Africa, did not attend to the diverse ethnic beliefs and practices of the region in question and drew their samples from hospitals. While many studies explored caregiver support types, only a few focused on local support systems, like traditional and spiritual healing centres. Some studies addressed stigma and positive aspects of caregiving, offering insights for policy and practice. Future research should broaden regional and ethnic representation, investigate various support networks, such as community elders and healing centres, and examine the impact of local beliefs on stigma and caregiving positivity.

Exploiting locality in sparse polynomial approximation of parametric elliptic PDEs and application to parameterized domains

This work studies how the choice of the representation for parametric, spatially distributed inputs to elliptic partial differential equations (PDEs) affects the efficiency of a polynomial surrogate, based on Taylor expansion, for the parameter-to-solution map. In particular, we show potential advantages of representations using functions with localized supports. As model problem, we consider the steady-state diffusion equation, where the diffusion coefficient and right-hand side depend smoothly but potentially in a highly nonlinear way on a parameter y ∈ [−1, 1]N. Following previous work for affine parameter dependence and for the lognormal case, we use pointwise instead of norm-wise bounds to prove ℓp-summability of the Taylor coefficients of the solution. As application, we consider surrogates for solutions to elliptic PDEs on parametric domains. Using a mapping to a nominal configuration, this case fits in the general framework, and higher convergence rates can be attained when modeling the parametric boundary via spatially localized functions. The theoretical results are supported by numerical experiments for the parametric domain problem, illustrating the efficiency of the proposed approach and providing further insight on numerical aspects. Although the methods and ideas are carried out for the steady-state diffusion equation, they extend easily to other elliptic and parabolic PDEs.

Community in the Open: Supports, Challenges, and Impacts of Local Learning Communities of K-12 Adolescent MOOC Learners from Nepal

This exploratory qualitative study investigates the obstacles, local support, and learning outcomes for adolescent learners in Nepal taking massive open online courses (MOOCs). This study found that the major difficulties these learners faced were a lack of scaffolding, language barriers, limited technology and internet access, and unmatched learning capacity and MOOC learning objectives that were designed for adults originally. To address these challenges, a local community of teachers, peers, schools, and families played a significant role in inspiring learning, providing scaffolding and guidance, fostering a collective and open local learning environment, instilling motivation, and offering both emotional and technical support. MOOC learning increases the independence of these adolescent learners, supplementing school learning, supporting their career paths, providing practical skills beyond theories, and achieving mental well-being.

Teacher-Coaches in an Australian Regional Independent School: An Exploratory Case Study

Grounded in role socialization theory, we examined the perceptions of teacher-coaches at an Australian independent, regional school regarding the challenges and opportunities associated with performing this dual role. This interpretivist exploratory case study was conducted with 10 teacher-coaches of various backgrounds and experience levels. Data were collected through semistructured interviews and analyzed using a data-driven reflexive thematic analysis. Three themes were identified: (a) teacher-coaches preferred teaching over coaching, and a mismatch existed between administrators’ position and teacher-coaches’ perceptions of school practice; (b) participants identified enhanced relationships with students and career enhancement as opportunities in performing the dual roles; and (c) perceived challenges included time pressures, insufficient coaching preparation, and development opportunities. Findings highlight the complexities in successfully navigating the dual role in this context. Consideration of role preferences, challenges and opportunities, and localized coaching supports may help optimize teacher-coach, student, and school outcomes.

Local Support Practices Contribute into Strengthening Entrepreneurs Capacity

The pandemic severely affected local and small enterprises. During the lockdown, local entrepreneurs suffered due to low earnings and savings, weak informal support practices, inadequate risk transfer measures, and insufficient state recovery policies and budgets. This paper investigates the primary self-supporting practices of entrepreneurs during the pandemic, assesses how available informal support contributed to building resilience, and examines how local entrepreneurs sustained themselves during the crisis. It explores whether local practices such as self-saving, community support, and state assistance were adequate for resilience building. The study employed convenience sampling of over forty-one micro, small, and medium entrepreneurs across various districts in Nepal. Research methods included closed-ended questionnaires, phone interviews, and in-person discussions. Data analysis involved qualitative and quantitative methods, revealing that self-saving was crucial for resilience, followed by risk transfer practices. The study concludes that local self-saving capacities, coupled with community support, significantly enhance resilience among entrepreneurs. However, informal support practices and state policies for pandemic recovery fell short of expectations.

지방의회 정책지원관제도의 운영실태 분석:지방의회 자치법규를 중심으로

In the 30 years since the revival of local autonomy, the Local Self-Government Act has made significant progress through the introduction and supplementation of systems related to resident autonomy and organizational autonomy. In the process, local demands and the transfer of authority from the center were negotiated and struggled for, and were incorporated into the law and system one by one, culminating in the complete revision of the Local Self-Government Act in January 2021. The basis for the operation of local council policy support officers was also laid at this time, and the policy support officer system was introduced in response to the demand for responsibility and authority to 'strengthen local council professionalism' and is currently operating within the range of one in two local council members. Research on local council policy support professionals has been conducted steadily before the introduction of the policy support officer system, and after the introduction of the system, studies have centered on the effectiveness of the system, but comparative studies on the autonomy law, which is the basis for the operation of the system, are rare. Therefore, this study examines the issues surrounding the policy support officer before and after the introduction of the policy support officer system, and draws out the main issues through a comparative analysis of the operation of the policy support officer system based on the autonomy law. The results showed that the main issues surrounding the policy support officer system, which was introduced to improve the professionalism of local councils' legislative activities, are: (i) similar organizations, (ii) the scope of duties, (iii) performance evaluation, and (iv) office management process.

Rapid regional mobile laboratory response and genomic monkeypox virus (MPXV) surveillance in seven East African Community partner states, August 2024: preparedness activities for the ongoing outbreak.

The East African Community (EAC) is experiencing an unprecedented, emerging mpox outbreak since July 2024 in five of eight partner states. We highlight rapid regional response measures, initiated August 2024 coordinated by EAC: field deployment of six mobile laboratories in Burundi, Rwanda, Uganda, Tanzania, Kenya, South Sudan to high-risk areas, donation of one mobile laboratory to Democratic Republic of the Congo and genomic monkeypox virus (MPXV) surveillance support. These interventions aim to limit local mpox spread and support international containment.

Bridging the Gap: Reducing Health Inequities in Access to Preventive Health Care Services in Rural Communities in the Philippines.

We used an implementation science framework to investigate perceived health inequities in preventive health care initiatives in rural communities in the Philippines. We also identified health equity-focused quality improvement strategies. Three health care providers and 12 barangay clinic patients were interviewed. Patient interviews showed that social determinants of health, respect, and attitudes toward health care providers affected patient empowerment to engage in self-management for noncommunicable diseases (NCDs). Health care providers identified six challenges in managing NCDs: (a) inefficient work processes; (b) staffing shortages; (c) insufficient access to low-cost medications; (d) inadequate primary preventive health education from the schools; (e) health care not considered a priority; and (f) lack of local government support. Inadequate preventive health care and education intensify health access and resource inequities in rural communities in the Philippines. A multi-sectoral plan may improve rural health infrastructure and education toward improving health care access and decreasing care disparities.

Welcome back! The impact of ‘return initiatives’ on return migration to rural regions

Abstract This article studies the effect of return initiatives in rural regions of Germany on interregional return migration. The initiatives aim to increase return migration by, amongst other things, providing information on local employment opportunities and personal support to workers interested in returning to find a job in the former rural region of residence. Analysing administrative data on individual labour market trajectories through survival analysis and difference-in-differences estimation, we find that return initiatives, on average, promote interregional return migration. Among the considered workers, particularly those in the middle and at the top of the wage distribution are more likely to return.

Exploring factors influencing the microfinance program sustainability

Ensuring the sustainability of development interventions such as microfinance programs is essential for making sure that the financial access is available for the poor in long term. However, many project-based microfinance have faced sustainability issues. Therefore, exploring the factors affecting the sustainability of the programs is essential. Using institutionalist view of microfinance sustainability and considering project implementation aspects, this study aims to explore the factors that influence the sustainability of project-based microfinance institutions (MFIs). Quantitative approach by using a statistical tool is used to analyse the survey of the 85 microfinance bankers from 65 Microfinance institutions (MFIs). The result showed that project-based microfinance sustainability is influenced by local project characteristics, community support and project management. It implies that project implementation and its sustainability is concomitant. Project implementation that considers local community and is supported by project management could hold an important role in the sustainability of the project. Furthermore, developing sustainability strategies in planning and implementation stages is crucial. Hence, international development project actors should take them into account.

FROM PERCEPTION TO SUPPORT: THE ROLE OF POLITICAL BUREAUCRACY IN RURAL TOURISM DEVELOPMENT IN LOMBOK, INDONESIA

Numerous studies emphasise the importance of local governance and governmental support in promoting long-term rural tourist growth. Political bureaucracy, which encompasses the duties and activities of government officials and institutions, plays an important role in developing policies, providing required infrastructure, and fostering stakeholder collaboration. The challenge at hand is the ambiguous relationship between perceived benefits (economic, social, and environmental) and community support influenced by political structures. This study explores moderating role of political bureaucracy on the relationship between the impact of perceived tourism benefits and the community support for rural tourism development in Lombok, Indonesia. The objective is to understand how these perceptions affect support when moderated by political bureaucracy. Data were collected using quantitative methods from 183 residents via online surveys and analysed using SmartPLS SEM for measurement and structural model assessments. The findings revealed no significant relationship between perceived economic and social benefits and community support. However, environmental benefits showed a positive influence. The moderating role of political bureaucracy was found to be minimal. The study suggests that enhancing awareness and empowerment of local communities could improve support for tourism. These insights are vital for policymakers and stakeholders to develop strategies that foster sustainable rural tourism.

Residents’ Perceptions of the Benefits and Costs of Tourism Development: A Case Study of Riyadh City (Saudi Arabia)

This study examines residents’ perceptions of tourism development in Riyadh city, Saudi Arabia, focusing on its benefits and costs, guided by social exchange theory. The objective is to explore how the perceived impacts of tourism development, along with external factors such as community attachment, residents’ knowledge of tourism development, and community involvement, affect locals’ satisfaction with tourism and their intention to support tourism development. A survey of 427 locals, analyzed using structural equation modeling (SEM), reveals a positive correlation between community attachment and the perceived benefits from tourism. Residents’ knowledge about tourism is linked to perceived benefits, but not to perceived costs, and community involvement does not significantly impact perceptions. Perceived benefits positively influence support for tourism, while perceived costs have a negative effect. Residents’ satisfaction with tourism, shaped by their perceptions of the benefits and costs, influences their future support for tourism initiatives. The theoretical implications highlight social exchange theory’s role in understanding community perceptions, while the practical implications emphasize inclusive and transparent tourism planning to gain local support. These results underscore the importance of considering locals’ perceptions and satisfaction in both current and future tourism planning and development strategies.

Revealing the Protective Dynamics of an Ecologically Engineered Wetland against Acid Mine Drainage: A Case Study in South Africa

This study investigated the Zaalklapspruit valley bottom wetland in South Africa, an ecologically engineered site influenced by acid mine drainage (AMD) from a defunct coal mine upstream. Conducted in 2022, the research aimed to elucidate the dynamics of contaminant dispersal within this wetland, focusing on the sources, pathways, and receptors of metals and sulfur compounds. The analysis revealed that the wetland’s bottom sediment is rich in organic material, with pH values ranging from 6.05 to 6.59 and low oxidation-reduction potentials reaching −219.67 mV at Site S3. The significant findings included the highest adsorption rates of manganese, contrasted with iron, which was primarily absorbed by the roots of Typha capensis and the algae Klebsormidium acidophilum. The macrophyte rhizospheres were found to host diverse microbiota, including families such as Helicobacteraceae and Hydrogenophilaceae, pivotal in metal and sulfur processing. This study highlighted the complex biogeochemical interactions involving sediment, macrophyte root systems, periphyton, and microbial populations. These interactions demonstrate the efficacy of ecologically engineered wetlands in mitigating the impacts of acid mine drainage, underscoring their potential for environmental remediation. Importantly, the sustainability of such interventions highlights the need for community involvement and acceptance, acknowledging that local support is essential for the long-term success of ecological engineering solutions that address environmental challenges like AMD.

The Transition in Economic Theory from Linear to Circular for the Sustainability - A Case Study

The ability of our society to endure and expand while preserving enough natural resources for future generations to live is known as sustainability. Sustainable development, which combines structures, procedures, and local, national, and international support, supports its long-term goal. It is the high time, when the world is looking for the environmental conservation, conservation of the planet's biodiversity, social progress and better life style for the environment means a transition for the sustainability. The economy needs to undergo a profound transition because it was built on the principles of "take, make, consume, and discard" and the so-called "linear model," which was based on the idea that resources were infinite and easily accessible from the start of capital accumulation and the industrial revolution. According to this study, a product's value can only be increased by staying within the circularity loop, which means moving from the current linear model paradigm to a circular model. Study also reveals that the businesses and production units that want to generate a competitive edge while using fewer resources need to redesign and restructure their current processes. And it is highly required that the very last resort should be resource disposal and incineration. It is therefore highlighted that the program for the usage of material resources in respect to the global 2030 plan will not be implemented effectively unless the concept of a "circular economy" is adopted in place of the "linear economy." The author of this article examines how the "linear" to "circular" economy changes using a few chosen cases, offering a comprehensive grasp of the topic and the mechanisms of global transformation.

Implementation of the Gianyar Aman Sejahtera Regional People's Business Credit Program (KURDA GAS) in Pre-Prosperous Community MSMEs

KURDA GAS was launched to help the community in obtaining capital without the need for collateral, especially for the underprivileged. The purpose of this study is to find out how the Implementation of the Gianyar Aman Sejahtera Regional People's Business Credit Program (KURDA GAS) in MSMEs of the Underprivileged Community. This study uses a qualitative descriptive research method with an inductive approach. This research was conducted at PT. BPR Regional Bank Gianyar (Perseroda) The results of the study show several factors that cause the KURDA GAS program to not be maximized. Inhibiting Factors: Lack of Understanding and Knowledge, Complicated Administrative Procedures, Weak Business Capacity and Management, Limited Guarantees, Market Competition. Supporting Factors: Local Government Support, Training and Assistance Programs, Improved Economic Conditions, Partnerships with Financial Institutions, Infrastructure and Access to Technology.

The Complex Pathway to Green Fields: Opportunities and Challenges of Organic Agriculture in Thailand

This article explores the complex dynamics of organic agriculture in Thailand, focusing on the interplay of economic viability, environmental sustainability, and consumer awareness. Since the implementation of the National Economic and Social Development Plan in 1961, Thailand has emphasized cash crop production, leading to increased reliance on chemical fertilizers and pesticides, which have raised significant environmental and health concerns. The article highlights the pivotal role of non-governmental organizations, such as the Alternative Agriculture Network, in advocating for sustainable farming practices and facilitating knowledge transfer between producers and consumers. Despite the potential benefits of organic farming, challenges persist, including labor-intensive production methods, declining interest among younger generations in agricultural careers, and a general lack of consumer understanding regarding organic products. The article underscores the importance of local financial support systems, such as cooperative loans, and government initiatives aimed at promoting organic agriculture. It argues that enhancing consumer awareness and demand for organic products is essential for fostering a sustainable agricultural future in Thailand. Ultimately, the findings suggest that a multi-faceted approach involving policy support, education, and community engagement is necessary to overcome the barriers to organic farming and ensure its growth in the Thai agricultural landscape.

Birds, bees and CSR managers: why is biodiversity conservation challenging for companies?

Purpose The purpose of this study is to learn what kinds of obstacles Indian businesses face when trying to make biodiversity protection a top priority as part of their corporate social responsibility (CSR) efforts. Interventions are proposed to elevate biodiversity protection to the ranks of CSR priorities among Indian businesses. Design/methodology/approach This study applies an interpretive phenomenological analysis strategy to glean information from in-depth interviews with leaders and professionals in CSR. Findings The findings of the study revealed that the main factors influencing Indian companies’ CSR area choices are existing processes and stakeholder pressures. Companies prioritise engaging with local communities and employees when selecting CSR activities. The major challenge is integrating biodiversity into business plans, with CSR heads struggling to secure investment due to long gestation periods and limited media coverage. Implementing agencies face issues with project deliverables, mainly due to land ownership and lack of local government support. Companies can also encourage employee involvement in pro-environmental behaviours. The study also provides practical solutions for Indian companies to enhance their CSR engagement in biodiversity conservation. Research limitations/implications The research only focuses on the opinions of CSR specialists and leaders, so it may only consider part of the situation’s complexity inside the organisation. The results may only apply to the business climate in India; hence, extra care is warranted when extrapolating them to other countries. Nonetheless, the study provides valuable insights into the interplay between CSR and biodiversity protection that might inform future studies and policy initiatives. Originality/value This research fills a gap in the literature by investigating an uncharted territory: the role of CSR in protecting biodiversity in India. Examining obstacles and variables affecting CSR objectives illuminates business involvement in biodiversity conservation. The recommended treatments have real-world consequences for improving CSR involvement in this critical area.

Pertanian Terpadu dan Dukungan Lembaga Lokal dalam Upaya Konservasi DAS Hulu Desa Beruk Jatiyoso Karanganyar

<p><em>The sustainable management of natural resources is crucial for maintaining ecosystem sustainability and ensuring long-term fulfillment of basic needs. Farmers in Beruk Village, residing in the upstream area of the Watershed (DAS), are able to meet their basic needs through farming on steep landslide-prone land, which should ideally be designated as conservation areas. The research aims to examine integrated farming practices, assess local institutional support in conservation activities, and identify the sustainability of conservation-based farming efforts. The study employs a qualitative method, conducted in Beruk Village, Jatiyoso Sub-district, Karanganyar Regency. Fifteen informants were selected using purposive and snowball sampling methods. Data analysis utilized the interactive inductive analysis approach by Miles and Huberman. The research findings indicate that farmers in Beruk Village practice integrated farming systems that combine food, feed, and fertilizer concepts. Local institutional support from Beruk Village includes active participation of members in various conservation activities. The study concludes that farmers in Beruk Village implement integrated farming systems combining food, feed, and fertilizer concepts, but not all farmers apply conservation principles in their farming practices. The study recommends enhancing education and intensive training for farmers on the benefits and techniques of implementing conservation practices. This could be achieved through collaboration with educational institutions, local governments, and non-governmental organizations.</em></p>