Ecological Systems Model Research Articles

Unveiling unwillingness to communicate among EFL learners in flipped learning: an ecological perspective

ABSTRACT Flipped learning has gained significant promotion in higher education, while EFL learners lack the willingness to communicate in the offline classroom after they learn online. Given the insufficient understanding of the phenomenon in flipped learning settings, this study aims to comprehensively inquire into university EFL learners’ perceptions of flipped learning and unveil the reasons that lead to an unwillingness to communicate based on Bronfenbrenner’s nested ecological system model. A qualitative research endeavor, grounded in the nested ecological framework, was made through semi-structured interviews with a cohort of 12 university EFL learners. This study unpacked various factors indicating micro, meso-, exo-, macro-, and chronosystem, influenced their unwillingness to communicate in the flipped learning. Specifically, unwillingness was explained by nine factors, and they are introversion, listener identity, low linguistic self-efficacy, and pedagogy lack at microsystem; lack of interest, unfamiliarity, and insufficient self-control in online pre-learning at mesosystem; overwhelming workload and implicit assessment criteria at exosystem; avoidance of any potential conflict and embarrassment at macrosystem. Furthermore, in the chronosystem, the dynamic and developmental trajectory of communication intention emerges. The findings of the study enhanced people’s understanding of Bronfenbrenner’s nested ecological system model in explaining unwillingness to communicate in the flipped learning setting. Particularly, the cultural factors provide unique perspectives for research in UWTC and provide pedagogical implications for teachers’ continuing professional development.

QTL-Based Evidence of Population Genetic Divergence in Male Territorial Aggressiveness of the Japanese Freshwater Threespine Stickleback.

Territorial aggression is widespread across the animal kingdom and is expressed in diverse ecological and social contexts. In addition, there are marked variations in the degree of male reproductive territoriality within and between species. These differences are often attributed to genetic components. However, the evolutionary genetic mechanisms in wild animals are poorly understood. This study explored the genetic basis of divergent male territorial aggressiveness between two Japanese freshwater populations, Gifu (GF) and Tomakomai (TM), in the threespine stickleback, which is a well-known model system for both behavioral ecology and evolutionary genetics. First, our field survey indicated that the distribution of reproductive territories differed greatly across breeding habitats between the focal populations, and the density of reproductive territories was much greater in the GF population. Second, a one-on-one arena aquarium experiment on male-male combat using wild-caught and common-garden-reared males revealed that GF males were genetically more aggressive than TM males. Finally, we performed quantitative trait loci (QTL) analysis using an F2 hybrid cross between the two populations to identify the causal genomic regions contributing to the divergence in male territorial aggressiveness. Our QTL analysis identified a single significant locus in an aggression-related behavioral component, that is, the number of bites of focal F2 males toward a GF stimulus intruder. Two notable behavior-related genes, HTR2A and MAO-A, are found near this locus. These genes have often been suggested to influence of aggressive behavior in animals; therefore, they are regarded as important candidate genes for further functional analyses. Thus, we are the first to provide a QTL-based genetic basis for population divergence in male territorial aggressiveness in the threespine stickleback.

Identification of Ecological Priority Areas Based on Nested-Scale Analysis: A Case Study of Metropolitan Nanjing, China

Rapid urbanization has led to severe fragmentation of ecological spaces in high-density metropolitan regions, threatening urban ecological security and environmental well-being. While cities explore various restoration strategies, the systematic identification of ecological priority areas remains an urgent challenge, particularly due to the limitations of multi-scale evaluation methods. This study develops an integrated nested-scale analytical approach to examine ecological elements at metropolitan and central urban levels, using Metropolitan Nanjing as a case study. The framework combines Morphological Spatial Pattern Analysis (MSPA), Landscape Connectivity Analysis, and INVEST Habitat Quality Assessment to identify ecological sources while employing a multi-dimensional ecological resistance evaluation system and Circuit Theory Model for critical node assessment. The findings reveal a notable spatial overlap between ecological pinch points and barrier points across scales, demonstrating the importance of nested-scale coupling in maintaining network stability. Through this analysis, 3297 ecological priority areas are identified and classified into three hierarchical categories, offering a practical framework for optimizing ecological networks in high-density metropolitan regions.

Polish Family War Stories: Perpetuating and Healing Intergenerational Trauma

SYNOPSIS Objective. This study explored the types of war stories Polish families tell and the lessons family members learn from these stories. Design. Polish adults (n = 32) were interviewed about their intergenerational family stories. Interview transcripts were analyzed using narrative thematic analysis. Results. Analyses revealed four types of war stories—survival stories, hero stories, tragedy and loss stories, and missing stories—and four lessons learned from these stories—how to live, how to be Polish, how to cope, and how to understand others. Conclusions. Findings advance narrative scholarship by integrating communicated narrative sense-making theory with the ecological systems model of family narratives. In so doing, we highlighted how macro-system meanings, values, and beliefs emerged in these family stories. Findings also show the presence and effect of silencing in intergenerational family storytelling.

Addressing the Language and Literacy Needs and Challenges of Students with Refugee Experiences: Integrated Supports

This paper reports on an ethnographic research study with experienced K-12 teachers and paraprofessionals in Western Canada to understand (1) the language and literacy needs and challenges of students with refugee experiences; and (2) the pedagogical responses used to build trusting, collaborative relationships of power. Our theoretical framework draws on Bronfenbrenner’s ecological systems model, which we align with a literacy ecology of communities perspective. Working with 15 participants in a school district with a long history of resettlement, we address the following questions: (1) What do teachers and paraprofessionals identify as the language and literacy learning needs and challenges for students with refugee experiences? and (2) What are the most appropriate and empowering pedagogical responses to meet curricular expectations and use language and literacy for social impact and identity representation? Using thematic analysis, we identify four interweaving themes: relationships, mindful pedagogies, well-being, and safety. We provide illustrative examples from ethnographic focus group discussions, triangulated with informal interviews and observations in relation to an integrated model of supports for students with refugee experiences. We conclude with four critical lessons learned about relationships, communication flows within and across nested ecological systems, flexibility and structure, and inspirational pedagogies.

Social Media Shadows: Unveiling the Hidden Struggles of African American Youth on Facebook

Abstract: While Facebook has become a central element of digital culture, its impact on the mental health of African American youth remains underexplored, particularly in relation to intersecting marginalized identities. Despite extensive research on social media and youth well-being, there is a significant gap in understanding how Facebook contributes to mental health challenges like depression and anxiety, especially for African American adolescents who experience systemic racism and discrimination both offline and online. This paper addresses these shortcomings by examining the intersection of race, socio-economic status, and the pervasive influence of social media on African American youth. Utilizing the Ecological Systems Model and Cultural Historical Activity Theory (CHAT), this study critically analyzes existing literature to uncover how Facebook exacerbates mental health struggles through online discrimination, cyberbullying, and harmful social comparison. Furthermore, the research highlights the underrepresentation of African American LGBTQ+ youth in current studies, emphasizing the need for intersectional approaches. Findings reveal that while Facebook offers opportunities for connection and identity exploration, it also intensifies mental health challenges due to frequent exposure to online racism and social exclusion. This study concludes by advocating for targeted interventions, including digital literacy programs, supportive online communities, and improved content moderation, to mitigate the negative mental health impacts on African American youth in the digital age.

Beyond genes-for-behaviour: The potential for genomics to resolve long-standing questions in avian brood parasitism.

Behavioural ecology by definition of its founding 'Tinbergian framework' is an integrative field, however, it lags behind in incorporating genomic methods. 'Finding the gene/s for a behaviour' is still rarely feasible or cost-effective in the wild but as we show here, genomic data can be used to address broader questions. Here we use avian brood parasitism, a model system in behavioural ecology as a case study to highlight how behavioural ecologists could use the full potential of state-of-the-art genomic tools. Brood parasite-host interactions are one of the most easily observable and amenable natural laboratories of antagonistic coevolution, and as such have intrigued evolutionary biologists for decades. Using worked examples, we demonstrate how genomic data can be used to study the causes and mechanisms of (co)evolutionary adaptation and answer three key questions for the field: (i) Where and when should brood parasitism evolve?, (ii) When and how should hosts defend?, and (iii) Will coevolution persist with ecological change? In doing so, we discuss how behavioural and molecular ecologists can collaborate to integrate Tinbergen's questions and achieve the coherent science that he promoted to solve the mysteries of nature.

“Baba, you’re not gonna live forever … . we need these stories”: Intergenerational storytelling in Palestinian families connecting history, identity, and (the loss of) place

ABSTRACT The current study integrates communicated narrative sense-making (CNSM) theory with the ecological systems model to investigate intergenerational family storytelling (IGFS) in Palestinian families. Amidst historical and ongoing persecution, members of the Palestinian diaspora are tasked with making sense of their cultural and familial experiences. This study aims to understand how IGFS affects members’ meanings, values, and beliefs related to their Palestinian identity. Interviews with 25 Palestinians in the U.S. revealed that their IGFS was unified under “sumud” – a Palestinian concept highlighting steadfastness across generations. Sumud was illuminated through themes of shaping identity and connecting through generations. Findings contribute to CNSM theory by illuminating the unique functions of IGFS and can inform culturally sensitive interventions for communities facing intergenerational trauma and adversity.

Fractional order modeling of ecological and epidemiological systems: ambiguities and challenges

Fractional order modeling of ecological and epidemiological systems: ambiguities and challenges

The ecological and evolutionary dynamics of inselbergs.

Islands are fundamental model systems in ecology, biogeography, and evolutionary biology. However, terrestrial islands, unlike their aquatic counterparts, have received comparatively less attention. Among these land islands, inselbergs (i.e. isolated rock outcrops with diverse lithologies and a modest topographical prominence) stand out as iconic examples distributed worldwide across global biomes. Due to their durable lithology, inselbergs change slowly, persisting for tens of millions of years. In this review, we propose a biological definition for inselbergs that captures three fundamental characteristics of inselbergs from the perspective of biota. These are old age, isolation and the presence of unique microhabitats that are rare or absent in the surrounding matrix, fostering distinct communities often with unique and endemic biota. We synthesise the state of the art and formulate a set of testable hypotheses to deepen our understanding of the origins and maintenance of diversity on inselbergs, which are increasingly exposed to anthropogenic threats. By offering different habitats compared to the surrounding habitat matrix (e.g. moist microhabitats in dryland landscapes and xeric environments in humid tropical landscapes), inselbergs may allow specific lineages to thrive beyond their typical geographical limits. Particularly in drylands and degraded landscapes, inselbergs may not just provide different habitats but also act as ecological refuges or evolutionary refugia by providing a wider range of potential microhabitats than the surrounding matrix, enhancing resilience and promoting regional biodiversity. The central role of the matrix ensures that the ecological and evolutionary dynamics of inselbergs differ from those of true islands such as oceanic islands. Given that inselberg biota coexist within a terrestrial matrix, interactions between inselberg and matrix populations impact each other significantly. Over evolutionary timescales, matrix species may contract to inselberg refugia, preserving lineages while cycles of isolation and reconnection may drive speciation via a species pump. Although inselberg biodiversity has been studied predominantly from an island biogeography perspective, we argue that depending on the spatial scale, habitat specificity and mobility of the organisms considered, a range of different theories and paradigms can help explain the biogeography and local distribution patterns of different taxonomic and functional groups of inselberg species.

A new high-quality genome assembly and annotation for the threatened Florida Scrub-Jay (Aphelocoma coerulescens).

The Florida Scrub-Jay (Aphelocoma coerulescens), a Federally Threatened, cooperatively-breeding bird, is an emerging model system in evolutionary biology and ecology. Extensive individual-based monitoring and genetic sampling for decades has yielded a wealth of data, allowing for the detailed study of social behavior, demography, and population genetics of this natural population. Here, we report a linkage map and a chromosome-level genome assembly and annotation for a female Florida Scrub-Jay made with long-read sequencing technology, chromatin conformation data, and the linkage map. We constructed a linkage map comprising 4,468 SNPs that had 34 linkage groups and a total sex-averaged autosomal genetic map length of 2446.78 cM. The new genome assembly is 1.33 Gb in length, consisting of 33 complete or near-complete autosomes and the sex chromosomes (ZW). This highly contiguous assembly has an NG50 of 68 Mb and a Benchmarking Universal Single-Copy Orthologs (BUSCO) completeness score of 97.1% with respect to the Aves database. The annotated gene set has a BUSCO transcriptome completeness score of 95.5% and 17,964 identified protein-coding genes, 92.5% of which have associated functional annotations. This new, high-quality genome assembly and linkage map of the Florida Scrub-Jay provides valuable tools for future research into the evolutionary dynamics of small, natural populations of conservation concern.

Applying an Integrated Indigenist Ecological Systems Model to Research on Justice-Involved Indigenous Youth in Canada

Indigenous youth in Canada face disproportionately high rates of criminal justice involvement, rooted in colonial history. This paper uses the Integrated Indigenist Ecological Systems Model (IIESM) for a scoping review of literature on Indigenous youth justice involvement. By mapping studies onto the IIESM framework, this review identifies gaps and provides insights into often-overlooked socio-ecological and historical contexts. Findings show most research focuses on individual-level risk factors, neglecting broader ecological and historical dimensions. The review suggests a wholistic approach which integrates Indigenous knowledge systems and emphasizes culturally relevant research and interventions. The IIESM offers a valuable framework for future studies addressing the multifaceted nature of Indigenous youth criminal involvement, promoting more effective, culturally sensitive policy and practice.

Prediction of Potential Suitable Areas and Distribution Evolution of Phoebe zhennan under Different Climate Scenarios

As climatic and geographical conditions change in the future, species’ habitats will also change. Phoebe zhennan is a national second-level key protected wild plant in China with extremely high economic value and landscape value. In order to better protect the resources of P. zhennan and achieve the goal of the sustainable development of P. zhennan resources, we predict potential suitable areas for P. zhennan under different scenarios in the future. We collect the current distribution data of P. zhennan, and in combination with nine climate factors and three geographical factors, use the MaxEnt ecological niche model and ArcGIS geographic information system software to predict and analyze potential suitable areas for P. zhennan in different climate scenarios in the future. The result shows that more accurate prediction results can be obtained by using China’s climatic and geographical data before clipping as environmental variables. The precipitation of the warmest quarter and the slope are the main influencing factors in the prediction of potential suitable areas for P. zhennan. The future potential suitable areas for P. zhennan are mainly distributed in the central–southern and southern regions of China, with a tendency to expand towards the Tibet Autonomous Region and the northeast. The suitable habitat area will increase significantly, and the highly suitable habitat area will be more concentrated. These research results can provide valuable references for the effective protection of existing P. zhennan populations, the cultivation of P. zhennan within suitable habitats in the future, the establishment of a P. zhennan reserve, and the promotion of the sustainable utilization of P. zhennan resources.

Applying Bronfenbrenner’s Ecological Systems Model in Family Court

he work of Urie Bronfenbrenner is a key framework in Family Science, yet there are many areas where it has seldom been applied, including in the processes experienced by divorcing families in Family Court. Acknowledging the paucity of scholarship applying ecological systems theory to these topics, the paper offers instructive interpretations of personal practice experience in these roles. Described are two of several career roles in Family Court available to professionals trained in family science and how Bronfenbrenner’s ecological systems model of development is applicable in that work. Careers described are providing training and consultation for attorneys and judges and conducting custody evaluations. Bronfenbrenner’s model affords consistent and useful principles for both roles. The processes of separation and divorce are described as a series of ecological transitions that affect not only family structure, but the relationships that make up the family system, as well as family members’ participation in other ecosystems. Changes in relationships and ecosystems affect development by requiring individuals to adapt. Family Court itself is an ecosystem with roles, activities and macrosystem beliefs that are often stressful for family members and that may increase risks to family relationships and development. Discussion considers areas where Family Scientists can use Bronfenbrenner’s model to contribute to improved research and practice for divorcing families.

Applying the Markov chain in natural language processing and three-pool model

This paper delves into the application of Markov chains in Natural Language Processing (NLP), and the Markov Chain Monte Carlo (MCMC) methodology relevant to the three-pool model. The former outlines the basic principles of Markov chains, highlighting their utility in predicting word sequences in language modelling and text generation, despite certain limitations. Also, the former describes mathematical frameworks like n-gram models that enhance prediction accuracy by considering multiple preceding words. It acknowledges challenges in NLP such as oversimplification and emotional depth, as well as computational issues in higher-order models. It concludes by discussing the integration of Markov chains with other models to mitigate these limitations, and their enduring relevance in computational linguistics. The later investigates the MCMC methodology, a seminal development in the field of statistical inference, which is especially useful when analysing complicated systems when traditional statistical techniques are inadequate. Moreover, this later explores the fundamental concepts of MCMC, clarifies how it is inherently related to Markov chains, presents the three-pool model that is commonly applied to models of physical, chemical, or ecological systems, and discusses how MCMC can be used to analyse these models.

Comparing the Learning Ecologies of International Students in Internationalisation Abroad and at a Distance

This study explores and compares the experiences of international students studying through internationalisation abroad (IA) and at a distance (IaD) at a UK university through the lens of Ecological Systems Model. In doing so, we propose a revised Ecological Systems Model, integrating the co-existing but fluid and liminal virtual/physical and home/host dimensions. Thirty-two interviews were conducted with international students who studied either: 1) in-person, 2) online in their own country, or 3) first online and then in-person. Our findings identified that the perceived learning environments of IA and IaD students were not distinct from one another, yet the differences in their learning ecologies impacted their experiences significantly. Compared with geographically mobile students, international distance learners experienced a discrete process of internationalisation with limited intercultural learning. Our findings suggest our revised Ecological Systems Model provides a stronger conceptual framework for the digital era of international higher education.

On formal limitations of causal ecological networks.

Causal multivariate time-series analysis, combined with network theory, provide a powerful tool for studying complex ecological interactions. However, these methods have limitations often underestimated when used in graphical modelling of ecological systems. In this opinion article, I examine the relationship between formal logic methods used to describe causal networks and their inherent statistical and epistemological limitations. I argue that while these methods offer valuable insights, they are restricted by axiomatic assumptions, statistical constraints and the incompleteness of our knowledge. To prove that, I first consider causal networks as formal systems, define causality and formalize their axioms in terms of modal logic and use ecological counterexamples to question the axioms. I also highlight the statistical limitations when using multivariate time-series analysis and Granger causality to develop ecological networks, including the potential for spurious correlations among other data characteristics. Finally, I draw upon Gödel's incompleteness theorems to highlight the inherent limits of fully understanding complex networks as formal systems and conclude that causal ecological networks are subject to initial rules and data characteristics and, as any formal system, will never fully capture the intricate complexities of the systems they represent. This article is part of the theme issue 'Connected interactions: enriching food web research by spatial and social interactions'.

Factors Influencing Life Satisfaction of the Elderly with and without Children: Focusing on the Ecological Systems Model

Factors Influencing Life Satisfaction of the Elderly with and without Children: Focusing on the Ecological Systems Model

Active Engagement in Retirement: Factors That Influence the Participation of Older People in Community Volunteering

Although older adults participating in volunteering promotes “active ageing” and reduces social service burden, not many retied people in China participate in volunteering. Utilizing data from semi-structured interviews with 15 retired individuals in Beijing, this research explores the factors influencing their involvement in community volunteer services. Informed by resource theory and social ecological system theory, a hybrid three-level social ecological systems model is developed following thematic analysis. At the micro-level, foundational factors for volunteering are their human capital, including good health status, ample free time, and satisfaction with pensions. At the meso-level, social capital from family and peers provides essential information and support, while a cohesive community environment fostered through community and volunteer management enhances the willingness to volunteer. At the macro-level, CPC ideologies and governmental policies nurture a culture of volunteerism that facilitates community involvement. The study also investigates interactions across these levels: the microsystem and mesosystem mutually enhance human and social capital, whereas the macrosystem and mesosystem reflect the reciprocal influence of cultural on social capital. Recommendations are offered to increase retired people’s participation in community volunteering, emphasizing community management and governmental policy adjustments.

Protecting breeding sites: a critical goal for the conservation of the golden eagle in Mexico under global change scenarios

Impacts of global climate and land‐use changes on distribution patterns and breeding sites remain today poorly studied for several vulnerable emblematic bird species, including the Golden Eagle (Aquila chrysaetos). Herein, we analyzed the potential effect of global climate changes and agricultural activities on the distribution patterns of this top predator across Mexico. We assessed the long-term role of protected areas (PAs) for safeguarding the species’ overall distribution and its breeding sites. We evaluated current and future (2040s, 2060s, and 2080s) threats from global change using ecological niche modeling and geographic information system approaches to determine the percentage of the species’ distribution area that overlaps with highly human-modified areas and PAs under each climate scenario. We also used niche overlap tests to assess whether the species’ breeding sites show equivalence or similarity of climatic conditions over time. Our findings revealed shifts in the Golden Eagle’s distributional area, with an overall size reduction (by ~ 57% in the 2040s and ~ 78% in the 2080s) due to future environmental changes, mainly attributable to increasingly dry and warm conditions. Mexican PAs cover ~ 12% of the Golden Eagle’s range across country, but this decreased by > 33% on average under the species’ future distributions. Although the hypothesis of equivalent climatic conditions at breeding sites over time was rejected, those sites did have long-term climate similarity (niche overlap: 0.75–0.83; P < 0.05). Considering the species’ nest site fidelity and that colonization of new areas within Mexico seems unlikely, protection of these breeding sites is a critical step for the long-term conservation of this emblematic species in Mexico.