The dynamical formation of ephemeral groups on networks and their effects on epidemics spreading

In network models of propagation processes, the individual, microscopic level perspective is the norm, with aggregations studied as possible outcomes. On the contrary, we adopted a mesoscale perspective with groups as the core element and in this sense we present a novel agent-group dynamic model of propagation in networks. In particular, we focus on ephemeral groups that dynamically form, create new links, and dissolve. The experiments simulated 160 model configurations and produced results describing cases of consecutive and non-consecutive dynamic grouping, bounded or unbounded in the number of repetitions. Results revealed the existence of complex dynamics and multiple behaviors. An efficiency metric is introduced to compare the different cases. A Null Model analysis disclosed a pattern in the difference between the group and random models, varying with the size of groups. Our findings indicate that a mesoscopic construct like the ephemeral group, based on assumptions about social behavior and absent any microscopic level change, could produce and describe complex propagation dynamics. A conclusion is that agent-group dynamic models may represent a powerful approach for modelers and a promising new direction for future research in models of coevolution between propagation and behavior in society.

Investigación-Acción Participativa en el Grupo denominado “Colectribu” de Jóvenes Artistas en situación de Riesgo Social

This research tries to describe the group dynamic that unravels between members of the hip hop artistic collective “Colectribu”, consisting of young people in social risk, exposed to phenomena such as violence, gangs and substance abuse, they attend the “Resistencia Juvenil” program dependent from the La Paz Foundation. It describes a space of artistic development allowing growth of artistic abilities by means of lyricism workshops, musical production and others types of workshops. At the same time the concept of gang reformulates, leaving behind the violent intent to redirect the work from “Colectribu” to creation, social contribution and personal growth. “[Colectribu] is a union of youth who come from different places of La Paz who get together joined by hip hop, it’s a way of expressing to people a new message, that is conscious and reflexive”. An action-participative study was made, as well as a documentary who logs the reality of the members of the group that can be found at https://youtu.be/fiX6eR1FV4A.

Concurrent Group-dynamic Assessment of Intermediate EFL Learners’ Receptive and Productive Vocabulary Size

Although research studies on dynamic assessment (DA) yielded promising results to the field of language teaching, scant research attention has been paid to examining the effectiveness of group dynamic assessment (G-DA) in relation to vocabulary development. To this effect, the present mixed-methods study was designed to inspect the potential of concurrent G-DA in enlarging receptive and productive vocabulary size of 56 Iranian intermediate EFL learners. The study used two modalities: the control group, which was taught the selected lexical items through traditional procedures such as using word lists; and the experimental group, which was offered group-based supportive prompts for doing vocabulary exercises within the G-DA framework. The results of a series of independent-samples t-tests indicated the significant effect of G-DA in enhancing receptive and productive vocabulary size of EFL learners. The qualitative data underscored the role of group mediation in increasing learners’ motivation to increase vocabulary uptake within the G-DA framework and maintaining their positive attitude toward G-DA.

Student Group Dynamic Model Based on Understanding in Mathematics Subjects

This study discusses the interaction of students with a mathematical modeling point of view. This interaction involves students who understand and do not understand mathematics subject matter. The interaction process between groups is modeled in a two-dimensional system of differential equations. Variable A is the percentage of students who understand the material, and variable B is the percentage of students who do not understand the material. The dynamic analysis results obtained by one trivial equilibrium point and three non-trivial equilibrium points exist with several conditions. Based on the stability analysis of the non-trivial equilibrium point, it is found that the conditions without students do not understand mathematics subject matter. This condition is the goal of this study, which involves interaction between students; it can increase the learning process's success.

Dinamika Kelompok Perkumpulan Petani Pemakai Air (P3A) Sumber Mulyo dalam Kegiatan Pengelolaan Jaringan Irigasi di Desa Pereng Kecamatan Mojogedang Kabupaten Karanganyar

<p><em>The purpose of this research are to know the factors of that affect group dynamic, the result of activities, and the best strategy in development object of this research. This research use indept revew, observation, and document analyst to collecting the datas. And then, the datas will be thought in input stage until the researcher fing the strengths and the weakness of the object. The researcher can find the opportunities and the treats of thi object by using IFE (Internal Factor Evaluation) matrix and EFE (External Factor Evaluation) matrix. The researcher use SWOT (Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, and Threats) matrix to determine the strategies that will be use in the next stage. The result of the research is the most important strength factors are high farmer participation and participatory of the leadership (0,727). While, the weaknesses are low farmer education and the existence of multiple positions in management (0,409). The highest opportunity is attention from the government at the beginning of P3A activities (1,333). While the threat factor is the lack of government attention to the current P3A activities (1,000). The result of this research is the strategies can be used for P3A Sumber Mulyo’s activities are optimizing P3A Sumber Mulyo activities to faced the problem. The researcher hope to P3A Sumber Mulyo can solve the problem about primary, secondary, and tertiary waterways management and manufacturing and processing of organic fertilizer.</em></p>

Terrorism: Group dynamic and interdisciplinary aspects

In this chapter, we offer an interdisciplinary and group-focused model to examine how extreme violence develops, and discuss aspects of interventions for prevention, specifically with regard to terrorism and its many forms. We argue that an analysis of terrorism must be more open, and include research into the perpetrators of extreme violence such as genocide. In general, we see the breakdown of empathy, a group dynamic process that creates the image of ‘the other’ and the violation of basic concepts of humanitarian and human rights laws, as a precondition to terrorism when viewed as a subtype of extreme violence. In recent years, Internet-based and large multinational groups have gained importance, a factor that is insufficiently considered, meaning that more attention is needed on group dynamic processes as drivers of extreme violence. Our interpretation uses models such as that developed by the group analyst Vamik Volkan, and others, including that of chosen trauma. We discuss these factors together with possible strategies to aid transitional justice and contribute to the rehabilitation of victims and perpetrators. The specific impact of each act of terrorism and the needs of victims and society to recover reflect the complex background of each event, and of the contexts in which the crimes were committed.

Exploring the Effects of Mediation in Group-Dynamic Assessment (G-DA) Approach for an Iranian Undergraduate EFL Writing Course

The present study employed a cumulative format of Group Dynamic Assessment (G-DA), an assessment approach that integrates instruction into assessment, and adopted an interactionist approach to DA to conduct a semester-long mediation program in a writing course, which aimed at improving the writing ability of 15 (8 males and seven females) intermediate proficiency level sophomore students of English Language and Literature, in a State University in Iran. The students’ performances on non-dynamic writing pre- and post-tests and nine in-class dynamic writing tasks, completed during the DA sessions, were compared using independent samples t-test and mixed between-within subjects analysis variance (ANOVA), respectively. More specifically, the participants were divided into the two groups of more-skilled and less-skilled student writers, and then their performance was compared. The results indicated that the mediation offered had been highly effective in improving the writing competence of both groups of more- and less-skilled writers. They have been equally able to benefit from the mediation received and resolve their problems in writing. In addition, the dominant patterns of tutor mediational and learner reciprocity moves from a recorded DA intervention session were identified to see how they can lead to the learners’ writing development.