Community Relations Research Articles

Indigenous social infrastructures and affective experiences of resettlement in Hasankeyf town after the Ilısu Dam

This study draws attention to the role of urban redevelopment practices in shaping indigenous social infrastructures and community life in the post-displacement and resettlement period. From decolonial and relational perspectives, I explore how relations with social infrastructures change because of urban redevelopment practices following displacement and resettlement in Hasankeyf caused by the Ilısu Dam. To understand the relations between Indigenous resettlers and social infrastructures, I focus on residents’ lived experiences, practices and sense of belonging by examining the affective implications of the changes in the social infrastructures and affordances resulting from urban redevelopment practices (before and after the flooding of Hasankeyf in 2020 and resettlement in 2021). A mix of qualitative methods was used by combining a decolonial method of cuerpo-territorio, interviews and observations. The intertwining of the colonial framework with the practices of urban redevelopment in Turkey is evident in the process of the resettlement of Hasankeyf. The downplay of the reconstruction and protection of indigenous social infrastructures during urban redevelopment after the Ilısu Dam has damaged the sense of belonging, community relations, affective experiences, indigenous cultural practices and social development of the resettlers. I extend the understanding of indigenous social infrastructures in the social infrastructure literature introduced by Klinenberg and by Latham and Layton. I outline five key aspects that highlight the need for and importance of indigenous social infrastructures in the context of urban redevelopment through resettlement.

Diversity patterns and ecological assembly mechanisms of bacterial communities in the northeastern Indian Ocean epipelagic waters during the northeast monsoon

Disentangling microbial community diversity patterns and assembly mechanisms is critical for understanding ecological processes and evaluating biogeochemical cycling in ecosystems. However, the diversity patterns and assembly mechanism of the microbial communities in the epipelagic waters in the northeastern Indian Ocean (NEIO) on the spatial scale are still unclear. In this study, we investigated the spatial dynamics, geographic distribution pattern, and assembly process of the bacterial community using 532 samples collected from the epipelagic waters in the NEIO during the northeast monsoon. The results indicate that the bacterial richness and Bray-Curtis dissimilarity exhibited the strongest correlations with depth compared to the latitudinal and longitudinal scales. The dissolved oxygen was identified as the most important environmental factor affecting the bacterial richness and Bray-Curtis dissimilarity compared to temperature and salinity. The distance–decay relationship (DDR) of the bacterial community strengthened with increasing water depth. Turnover was the predominant β-diversity component influencing the spatial changes in the whole bacterial community. The dispersal limitation of the stochastic process and homogeneous selection of the deterministic process governed the bacterial ecological assembly process of the whole bacterial community. Abundant and rare subcommunities differed in terms of the niche breath, composition changes. The abundant subcommunities exhibited a much wider niche breath than the rare subcommunities. Regarding the abundant subcommunity species changes, the contributions of the turnover and nestedness varied with the water depth and oceanic region. In contrast, turnover was the major β-diversity component regarding the changes in the rare species. These data improve our understanding of the ecological processes of bacterial community assemblages in the NEIO.

Nihilism and Modern Consumerism: A Philosophical Exploration of the Search for Meaning

This study explores the relationship between nihilism and modern consumption concepts, analyzes the manifestation of nihilism as a philosophical viewpoint in modern society, and its impact on individuals’ search for meaning. By examining the origins, representative thinkers, and modern theories of nihilism, this article further reveals how nihilism affects modern consumer culture, leading individuals to feel lonely and alienated and lose meaning in their consumption behavior. The study also discusses philosophical strategies to address nihilism, proposing ways to make modern consumer behavior more meaningful and valuable through creating meaning, accepting nothingness, and strengthening community relationships. Finally, this study emphasizes the importance of nihilism in understanding modern consumer culture and calls for further philosophical exploration of it.

Social Support Networks and Faculty Motivation: Insights from Tribhuvan University

Study examines the topic of “Social Support Networks and faculty Motivation." The research aims to shed light on the significant factors influencing teachers' motivation within the context of Tribhuvan University. The study employed a quantitative research design, collecting data from a sample of teaching Faculty within the university. The study utilizes regression analysis to show the impact of four variables on the motivation levels of teaching faculty. SPSS 26 was used to analyze the data. The study revealed that family support and faculty-parent collaboration have a strong positive impact on faculty motivation. On the other hand, faculty -community relations and social recognition of faculty had less significant effects. These findings emphasize the importance of family encouragement and partnerships between faculty and parents in boosting faculty motivation. The study suggests that focusing on family support networks and improving teacher-parent cooperation can be effective ways to enhance faculty motivation in Tribhuvan University. Novelty: This research provides a new perspective i.e. Social Recognition, Faculty Community Relation, Faculty Parent Relation, and Family Support by studying the factors that influence faculty motivation specifically at Tribhuvan University.

Inclusive playgrounds: Caregiver perceptions of accessibility and use

This descriptive qualitative research aimed to explore the caregivers’ perceptions of children’s social and physical accessibility in inclusive playgrounds. The researchers conducted 11 in-depth interviews with caregivers regarding their perceptions of the accessibility and use of an inclusive playground by children with disabilities and how they perceive interactions between children with and without disabilities while using the playground. From the interviews, two major themes emerged. The first major category was physical accessibility, with three minor themes emerging: a) safety and physical accessibility; b) sensory and cognitive safety; and c) variety and options; and the second major category was social accessibility, with two minor themes: a) social interactions; and b) building friendships and practicing social skills.Overall, the participants in this study described the inclusive playgrounds as safe places that include varied play equipment, which encouraged children with and without disabilities to play together, interact verbally, and build immediate friendships. The findings highlight the importance of inclusive playgrounds as a starting place for enhanced community relationships. The researchers suggest conducting further research that focuses on children’s perceptions and including a broader range of children with varying disabilities using inclusive playgrounds.

Short-term effects of clearing restoration on the relationship of plant and moth communities

Abstract Insects and plants share a close relationship; plants provide feeding opportunities, ecological niches, and shelters for insects, while insects, in turn, facilitate pollination for plants. Management actions might positively or negatively affect insect species richness and/or abundance, in particular, forest practices can significantly influence insect communities. In this study, we investigated the effects on plant and moth communities following the realization of an ecological corridor (composed of 10 clearings) in forest in NW of Italy. Specifically, through plant surveys and moth light traps, we investigated plant and moth communities and their relationship in newly shaped clearings and their surrounding forest. We found that plants responded quickly to clearing formation, presenting differentiated plant communities between xero-thermophile clearings, mesophile clearings and forest. These differences reflected on moth communities as well, allowing to find indicator species for each ecosystem. Structural variables (i.e. openness) and topography (i.e. elevation) were key factors affecting the differentiation of moth communities. On the other hand, plants explained most of the variance in moth communities, so, through plants, we differentiated moth communities into those typical of xero-thermophile clearings, mesophile clearings and forest. In conclusion, forest management significantly affects plant and moth communities. Newly shaped clearings support higher species richness (including specialist species) and abundance than closed canopy forest. To increase species richness and abundance for both plants and moths, we suggest conservation measures that include creating open habitats within forests at medium elevation (650–950 m a.s.l.).

Sustainability Analysis At KnK Koffee Resources

MSMEs become one of the backbones of the national economy have enormous economic potential. Semarang City has 17,564 MSMEs (95%) and in the last five years, the turnover of MSMEs assisted by the Central Java Provincial Government has increased by Rp. 30.45 trillion. However, that does not mean that MSMEs do not encounter obstacles. This obstacle is exacerbated by the conditions of the Corona Virus Disease 2019 (Covid-19) Pandemic, the majority of business people experiencing a decline in turnover. The MSMEs affected by the pandemic are approximately 1,538 MSMEs, as many as 50% of MSMEs are food processing, and the remaining 50% are mixed MSMEs. It is necessary to assist the Community Service Team of the State University of Semarang (PPM Unnes) with the target audience of MSMEs in the City of Semarang, namely Strengthening Knk Koffee Resources Partners. This home-based coffee processing industry is a café stockist from 60 coffee shops (75% supplier) in Semarang, with an average turnover of 100 million per month. This activity is in line with the Regional Medium-Term Development Plan (RPJMD) of Semarang City for 2016-2021. The community/locality development (CD/LD) model used includes community services, empowering, and relations, with the stages of collecting facts, problem formulation, program planning, action and communication, and evaluation. This activity is expected to improve the quality of partners/MSMEs by increasing the competitiveness, production, turnover and welfare of partners. Government support, research institutions and banks with motivating forces, credit, upkeep gear, and quality standard help will increment efficiency and quality whereas expanding smallholder coffee costs.

Are police as “guardian-oriented” as they should be? Expectation-reality discrepancies are related to perceptions of legitimacy

PurposeDue to instances of excessive use of force by police and in recognition of the importance of building positive police-community relationships, policymakers have urged police to become more guardian-oriented (i.e., prioritizing community safety and relationships) and less warrior-oriented (i.e., prioritizing physical control and fighting crime). The purpose of this study was to examine whether community members think police should be guardian- or warrior-oriented and how they view police in their community. MethodsYoung adult participants from Prolific Academic (N = 436) self-reported their perceptions of police in an online survey. ResultsParticipants preferred police to have more of a guardian than warrior orientation and thought police are not as guardian-oriented as they should be. Further, if police did not meet guardian expectations, participants had more negative perceptions of police legitimacy. ConclusionsExpectations for police behavior may influence police legitimation and, within the context of police reform, community members support the call for police to be more guardian-oriented by prioritizing community safety and building relationships. Fostering a guardian orientation in police is particularly important for police that are interested in promoting perceptions of legitimacy among the communities they serve.

Perpetrator characteristics and firearm use in pediatric homicides: Supplementary Homicide Reports - United States, 1976 to 2020

BackgroundDescribe trends in perpetrator characteristics and firearm use in pediatric homicides across the United States.MethodsMultiply-imputed data from the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s 1976–2020 Supplementary Homicide Reports were used to estimate perpetrator characteristics (sex, age, and relationship to victim) and firearm use in pediatric homicides. Descriptive analyses were stratified by victim age group, sex, race, and five-year time periods.ResultsFamily members were the most common perpetrator of infant and toddler (ages 0–4) and child (ages 5–12) homicides, whereas acquaintances accounted for the majority of adolescent (ages 13–19) homicides. Perpetrator characteristics vary across victim sex and race, particularly among adolescents. Despite overall stability, there were changes in perpetrator characteristics from 1976 to 2020. There was a sustained increase in the proportion of homicides committed with a firearm. In 2016–2020, the proportion of firearm-involved homicides was an all-time high for infant and toddler (14.8%), child (53.1%), and adolescent victims (88.5%).ConclusionsPolicy interventions that improve family stability and well-being may be most effective at preventing infant, toddler, and child homicides, whereas programs that target peer and community relationships, as well as policies that focus on firearm access, may be more crucial for preventing adolescent homicides.

Ecological succession shapes size–density scaling relationships of trees and soil invertebrates

Abstract The widely observed negative scaling relationship between organism size and abundance is predicted to have a universal −0.75 scaling exponent across all life forms. However, factors influencing frequently observed deviations from this exponent, such as ecosystem succession and organism traits, remain poorly understood. We explore the dependence of size–density scaling on ecosystem succession and organism traits by analysing size–density relationships in trees and soil invertebrates across 183 temperate forest plots comprising urban secondary forests, urban old‐growth forests and non‐urban natural forests. Exponents of scaling relationships in urban tree and invertebrate communities progressively steepened with increasing restored (planted) forest stand age as small organisms increased in abundance. In contrast, non‐urban tree scaling relationships flattened during succession with exponents veering away from −0.75, whereas urban tree and invertebrate communities converged towards this prediction in later successional stages. Our results shed light on how the body size structure of tree and soil invertebrate communities spanning multiple trophic levels shift over successional time as the relative abundances of large versus small‐bodied organisms increase. This study emphasises the fundamental influence of organismal traits and ecosystem succession on scaling relationships of organism body size and abundance. Read the free Plain Language Summary for this article on the Journal blog.

Strengthening Public Communication in Delivering Premium Services to the Community of North Labuhan Batu District

<em>This dissertation aims to study the public communication strategies used by the North Labuhanbatu Regency government to provide the best service to the community. This shows that improving communication infrastructure and human resources is needed to improve public service performance and community satisfaction. This research focuses on media observations in Aek Kanopan, North Labuhanbatu Regency. Primary data was collected from documents, books and journals, as well as secondary data from discussions, interviews and focus group observations. Interactive analysis and triangulation ensure fairness, reliability, and appropriateness of the method. Analysis of excellent service in North Labuhanbatu Regency shows that communication is very important to strengthen government and community relations. To achieve community satisfaction, things like accessibility, responsiveness, and transparency must be used. Better public communication can help the North Labuhanbatu Regency government increase trust, community participation, crisis management, public education, and strengthen shared values. This can all be achieved through effective two-way interaction and communication. The government's digital communication model combines digital technology, two-way communication, transparency, and excellent service. The public's response to efforts to strengthen government communications shows that the public is actively involved in government efforts and provides criticism and appreciation. Improving the quality and accessibility of public services through digitalization and innovation in the civil registration, education, health and social systems is part of the communication dynamics in North Labuhanbatu Regency. One of the efforts made is to increase service efficiency through the use of information technology, improve two-way communication for better response, and increase staff capacity to ensure effective and efficient services.</em>

Soil Microbial Community in 47 Chinese Forest Sites: Biogeographic Patterns and Links With Soil Dissolved Organic Matter

AbstractSoils in forested ecosystems are extremely heterogeneous and represent a critical component of terrestrial ecosystems. Despite their substantial ecological value, the geographic characteristics, ecological processes, and coexistence of microbial communities in forest soils remain poorly understood. Here, we investigated the biodiversity dynamics, environmental influences, community assembly, and co‐occurrence patterns of bacterial and fungal communities in surface and subsurface soils across 47 Chinese forest sites. The biogeographic characteristics determined using high‐throughput sequencing data sets revealed evident spatial patterns of bacterial and fungal α and β diversity, assembly processes, and co‐occurrence relationship, with greater variation in the bacterial than in fungal communities. Both fungal and bacterial communities showed significant spatial separations regulated by community assembly processes, co‐occurrence patterns, and soil variables. The microbial dissimilarity was lower in high latitudes than in low latitudes, which was consistent with the lower deterministic processes and relatively higher co‐occurrence associations in high latitudes than in low latitudes. Additionally, there were significant associations of soil dissolved organic matter (DOM) characteristics (e.g., its content, aromaticity, and molecular weight) with biodiversity dissimilarities, microbial assembly process balances, and microbial co‐occurrence relationships in bacterial and fungal communities; they clearly indicate the key role of DOM in regulating microbial biogeographic patterns in forest soil ecosystems. Collectively, our study enhances the understanding of biogeographic patterns and coexistence theories in forest soil microbial ecosystems.

Distribution pattern and driving factors of mite communities in karst cave ecosystems.

Mites are among the most abundant invertebrates in subsurface ecosystems, and their community assemblages and distributions are often significantly influenced by the diversity of habitat resources. The cave ecosystem encompasses drastic changes in nonbiological factors, such as changes in lighting conditions from bright to extraordinarily dark and habitat gradients of surface plant resources from abundant to scarce or even disappearing, providing an ideal unique environment for evaluating the assembly mechanism of soil animal communities. Nevertheless, there still needs to be a sufficient understanding of the biodiversity patterns and drivers of mite communities across environmental gradients in karst caves. We conducted a comprehensive survey on the composition and diversity of soil mites in three photometric zones (dark, twilight, and light) of a typical karst cave and its adjoining extractive environments (forest scrub and farmland). Our research aimed to investigate the ecological relationships of mite communities between above- and below-ground habitats and the effects of abiotic factors on mite communities. We collected 49 families, 86 genera, and 1284 mites. In the external cave environment, we captured 1052 mites from 72 genera and 45 families; in the internal cave environment, we captured 232 mites from 46 genera and 29 families. The abundance, richness of genera, and diversity parameters of the mite community decreased from the cave entrance to the cave interior with decreasing light intensity. Oribatid mites dominated the mite community. Protoribates and Scheloribates were the dominant genera, along with Tectocepheus and 11 other genera, which primarily distinguished the mite communities among different habitats. Forty endemic taxa were found in the external cave environment, compared to 14 endemic taxa in the internal cave environment. The mite community showed a strong preference for the cave ecosystem habitat. Temperature, humidity, and soil nitrogen content significantly influenced the distribution pattern of mite communities (VIP > 0.8, p < 0.05).

How does the citizens' choice of water use actions based on their empirical knowledge affect the water quality in a rural community of the Philippines?

This research assessed water quality, based on the purpose of water consumption, in households in the municipality of Barbaza, the Province of Antique, Philippines, according to the national water quality guidelines. The effects of the empirical/traditional water use actions taken by local people on the quality of the water they use were investigated through a descriptive study using water quality measurements. Most of the drinking water in the community did not meet the required standards of pH, total dissolved solids (TDS), or coliform. Tap water and well water samples generally met the pH and TDS standards. However, Escherichia coli (E. coli) and coliform were detected, and nitrogen pollution in well water was also confirmed. Local practices, such as using old clothes as filters for well pumps, increased the coliform concentration from 0-10 CFU/mL to too numerous to count (TNTC) levels of more than 100 CFU/mL. Storing well water in a bucket also affected both E. coli and coliform concentrations. Such empirical/traditional water use actions create a high risk of exposing local people to harmful microorganisms. This research integrated citizen science into the methodology for local water management, which could assist governors, practitioners, and citizens, particularly in Southeast Asia, where strong community relationships exist.

Analysis of Community and Stakeholder Relationships in the Development of Cigadung Creative Tourism Urban Village

This study examines local communities and stakeholders in the establishment of Cigadung Creative Tourism Urban Village in Bandung City. The success of Cigadung Creative Tourism Urban Village depends on effective cooperation between the local population, government, and tourism sector. This study uses qualitative descriptive research method included observation, interviews, and document analysis. The results demonstrated that local communities, especially Pokdarwis, are essential to tourism planning, management, and destination marketing. Government assistance and partnership with academics and businesses have helped this tourism urban community succeed. However, party coordination issues must be resolved by open communication and collaboration. This research sheds light on sustainable tourism development dynamics that can be used to benefit local welfare and culture.

Culinary narratives: Exploring the socio-cultural dynamics of food culture in Africa

This paper delves into the multifaceted dimensions of food culture in Africa beyond culinary practices. It examines the socio-cultural significance of food consumption, production, and distribution in shaping identities, social structures, and community relationships. Through case studies and ethnographic research, it explores how food serves as a lens for understanding issues such as globalization, colonial legacies, and cultural hybridity, highlighting how food culture intersects with broader socio-political dynamics on the continent. Culinary Narratives: Exploring the Socio-Cultural Dynamics of Food Culture in Africa Culinary narratives in African literature provide a unique lens through which to explore the socio-cultural dynamics of food culture on the continent. This review delves into the rich tapestry of food-related stories, traditions, and practices in African societies, highlighting their significance in shaping identity, community, and cultural exchange. This study examines the role of culinary narratives in African literature, focusing on how food-related stories and traditions reflect and influence socio-cultural dynamics. By analyzing a range of literary works from different African countries and regions, this study aims to uncover the diverse ways in which food culture is represented and its impact on African societies. Studying culinary narratives in African literature is crucial for understanding the complexities of food culture and its role in shaping identity and social relations. Food is not just sustenance in African societies; it is a form of communication, a marker of identity, and a medium through which cultural traditions are preserved and shared. By exploring culinary narratives, we gain insights into the values, beliefs, and traditions that define African cultures. This study argues that culinary narratives in African literature offer a rich and multifaceted portrayal of food culture, highlighting its significance in shaping identity, community, and cultural exchange. Through the analysis of various literary works, this study seeks to illuminate the diverse ways in which food is represented and its impact on African societies. In conclusion, culinary narratives in African literature offer a unique and insightful perspective on the socio-cultural dynamics of food culture on the continent. By exploring these narratives, we gain a deeper understanding of the diverse ways in which food is used to communicate, celebrate, and preserve cultural heritage in African societies.

A Corporate Managerial Framework for Collaboration Skills Training of Employees From Formerly Oppressed Communities

It is widely recognized that countries scoring high in capitalism, democracy, and the rule of law (CDR) tend to have impressive levels of real per capita gross domestic product (GDP) adjusted for purchasing power parity (GDPppp). However, the key to the rule of law is collaboration, and the ability to work together may have been eroded in communities that have experienced past traumas such as forced labor, excessive discrimination and exposure to harmful chemicals. These distressing outcomes can be inherited by future generations through negative epigenetic transgenerational psycho-sequela, leading to poor academic and employment performance, low income, self-harm, negative community relations, and increased aggression. This paper aims to explore the development of a managerial framework for rehabilitating psychological health that aims to revive lost collaboration skills. The originality of this work lies in the managerial framework that facilitates the restoration of collaboration skills, which are fundamental to exceptional economic growth and higher average income countrywide.

Functional traits of exotic submerged macrophytes mediate diversity-invasibility relationship in freshwater communities under eutrophication

Plant diversity may respond differently in terms of whether it can drive plant invasions in freshwater ecosystem. Linkages and interactions between diversity and invasibility have not been clearly resolved, and it is unclear how nutrient enrichment (e.g., eutrophication) will affect this relationship. As a key predictor of plant growth, the ability of functional traits to mediate trade-offs in the diversity-invasibility relationship is unknown. Here, we conducted a series of experiments to determine the role of exotic plant functional traits in the diversity-invasibility relationship of submerged macrophyte communities under eutrophication. We selected common native and exotic submerged macrophytes in the subtropics to construct different diverse submerged macrophyte communities to simulate invasion. Meanwhile, to test the adaptability and importance of functional traits, we experimentally verified the differences in functional traits between exotic and native species. Our results showed a positive correlation between native plant diversity and community invasibility. Moreover, the invader's performance was predominantly determined by functional traits of exotic species, such as plant biomass and tissue nutrients, which were significantly altered by species diversity. Furthermore, our results suggested that functional traits contribute significantly more to the invasiveness of exotic submerged macrophytes than the other factors to which they are subjected. Plant functional traits can mediate the diversity–invasibility relationship because of the higher intrinsic dominance of exotic submerged macrophyte species. In summary, our study revealed diversity-invasibility relationship in submerged macrophyte communities and highlighted functional traits as key drivers of invasion of high-risk exotic submerged macrophyte species. Although previous studies have elucidated the importance of functional trait studies for plant invasions, our study provides the only current evidence demonstrating the important role of invaders' functional traits in mediating the diversity-invasibility relationship. This novel perspective offers valuable insights into the management and control of invasive aquatic plants.

Corporate Social Responsibility and Sustainability through Institutional Legitimacy in Police Forces

This paper analyses the effect of institutional legitimacy on Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) and sustainability in police forces through their methods and procedures (procedural justice) that determine citizens’ trust in the police, which theoretically influences organised coexistence in human communities (social effectiveness). CSR can increase collective well-being through legitimacy, sustained by police action. An anonymous citizen survey was carried out to verify the theoretical proposal to inquire about their opinions on the legitimacy, methods, and community relations between Spanish police forces and the community. The hypotheses were analysed with a structural equation system. The practical implications aspire to know the citizens’ opinions about the methods and procedures used by the Spanish police and their relations with Spanish civilians. Finally, citizens consider that police actions and procedures are institutionally and legally regulated competencies, and, therefore, citizens cannot influence them.

ViSSR: A visual analytics system for student high-order social relationships at campus

Social relationships among students at campus are closely related to their mental health and academic performance. Therefore, it is a very important task for educators to analyze students’ social relationships. However, existing studies have focused on one-to-one social relationships between students, few ones have explored the high-order community relationships hidden in social networks, especially in a visual manner. To solve this problem, a visual analysis system called ViSSR is proposed in this paper, which utilizes the Louvain algorithm to detect the hierarchical community structure of students’ social network at campus, and then provides four coordinated views to visualize the detection results. Among the views, the hierarchical hypergraph view is to visualize the hierarchical community structure that greatly breaks through the limitations of first-order relationships available in a traditional node-link social network, the community analysis view and individual analysis view show the social characteristics of a community and individual student respectively, and the matrix view displays the behavioral features of students. Case studies and experts evaluation have been conducted to demonstrate the usability of the system.