Human Social Development Research Articles

Neural Correlates of Social Touch Processing: An fMRI Study on Brain Functional Connectivity.

The significance of tactile stimulation in human social development and personal interaction is well documented; however, the underlying cerebral processes remain under-researched. This study employed functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) to investigate the neural correlates of social touch processing, with a particular focus on the functional connectivity associated with the aftereffects of touch. A total of 27 experimental subjects were recruited for the study, all of whom underwent a 5-minute calf and foot massage prior to undergoing resting-state fMRI. Additionally, 11 healthy controls participated solely in the resting-state fMRI recording. A functional connectivity network analysis was conducted to examine the alterations in connections between different brain regions following massage. The findings indicated the involvement of discrete neural networks in the processing of social touch, with notable discrepancies in functional connectivity observed between the experimental and control groups. The study revealed that the control group exhibited a higher degree of connectivity within a subnetwork comprising 25 connections and 23 nodes than the experimental group following the massage intervention. The experimental group showed hypoactivation in this subnetwork following the massage. The left anterior pulvinar thalamus and the right pregenual anterior cingulate cortex, which serve as the key hubs within this subnetwork, exhibited higher clustering and increased node strength in the control group. Relatively small and unequal sample sizes are the limitations of the study that may affect the generalizability of the results. These findings elucidate the neural underpinnings of tactile experiences and their potential impact on behavior and emotional state. Gaining insight into these mechanisms could inform therapeutic approaches that utilize touch to mitigate stress and enhance mental health. From a practical standpoint, our results have significant implications for the development of sensory stimulation strategies for patients with prolonged disorders of consciousness, sensory loss, autism spectrum disorders, or limited access to tactile interaction in their upper extremities.

Establishing a model of peer support for pregnant persons with a substance use disorder as an innovative approach for engaging participants in the healthy brain and child development study.

The HEALthy Brain and Child Development (HBCD) Study, a multi-site prospective longitudinal cohort study, will examine human brain, cognitive, behavioral, social, and emotional development beginning prenatally and planned through early childhood. The goal is to recruit over 7000 caregiver-child dyads across the United States, with 25 % of the study population comprising children exposed in utero to substances to better understanding the effects of prenatal substance exposure on fetal and child development. However, barriers of mistrust for pregnant persons who are substance involved can create challenges to recruiting and retaining this population. The HBCD Study is utilizing a novel approach in research, the inclusion of support professionals (i.e. study navigators) as research team members to boost recruitment, engagement, and retention in this population and other marginalized and underrepresented groups. This article describes the conceptualization and early implementation of a support model utilizing certified peer support specialists, and the evolution to a broader study navigator model (SNM). Core skills, training, and support necessary for integrating such support professionals onto the research team are outlined. A reflection on challenges and next steps describes how the early implementation of the SNM encourages a paradigm shift in longitudinal research that humanizes and centers the participants.

The propagation dynamics of UAU-SEPIR in two-layered networks

The frequent emergence of new infectious diseases poses a serious threat to human health and social development. In the current digital age, the widespread application of online social networks has accelerated the dissemination of information regarding these diseases, influencing the interplay between disease spread and information diffusion. To address this, we propose the UAU–SEPIR model, a novel two-layered network propagation model inspired by the early stages of the COVID-19 outbreak. This model, constructed using a micro-Markov-chain approach, features an upper layer for information diffusion (the UAU model) and a lower layer for disease propagation (the SEPIR model). We derive the epidemic threshold, which is influenced by the dynamics of information diffusion, the network topology of disease spread, and the pathways from exposed to infected to recovered individuals. Through extensive random simulations, we confirmed the validity of our model. The research findings reveal that both model parameters and network topology play crucial roles in shaping the interaction between information diffusion and disease spread. Additionally, in random networks, adaptive behavior of individuals significantly enhances the inhibition of disease transmission. Overall, Our study provides theoretical insights into the interplay between social-network dynamics and the early outbreak stages, offering valuable support for disease prevention and control strategies.

Assessment of Human Capital and Social Development in Ibipolo Community, Port Harcourt

Urbanization and industrialization have led to rural-urban migration of workers, especially the low income earners. By their influx, shanty towns develop, where the conditions are perplexed with poor road networks, lack of good drinking water and inadequate sanitary conditions. These conditions have caused decrease in the level of human capital and social development of many communities. This study is a sociological analysis of urban problems, focusing on the socio-economic and social amenities as they affect human capital and social development of residents of Ibipolo. The paper adopts a qualitative and ex-post-facto design approach. The population of the study consisted of 70 household heads. Instrument for the study was a questionnaire. Findings indicated higher number of informal workers as residents; lower level education population and high rates of capital crimes. Basic social amenities as public water supply, health care facilities, and schools are non-existent. Unsanitary conditions in the community typify prevalence of health challenges. It is recommended that, government adopt a more equitable distribution of social infrastructures in order to improving the physical quality of life of citizens. Update the national habitat policy to accommodate the low-income earners. Increase human capital and social development opportunities for the citizens.

Роль системно-ценностного мышления в социальном процессе

The relevance of the study of system-value thinking is due to the development of digital technology, globaliza-tion, which change the socio-cultural life and value orientation. Modern processes necessitate research atten-tion to the search for new directions in human social development and management of this process. The article analyzes the system-value thinking, considered not only as a form of cognitive activity, but also as an integra-tion process, which allows to take into account different connections between elements, to predict the mutual influence of factors, to identify existing patterns, within the system on an axiological basis. It is argued that sys-tem-value thinking is a person’s ability to typologize different processes, the skill of forming a holistic vision of a certain situation, the ability to use cognitive methods and evaluate the decisions made. In practical terms, the following functions of system-value thinking have been identified: worldview, socio-axiological, managerial, integrative. It is emphasized that it acts as an organizing, regulating and harmonizing factor of social processes. The practical significance of the work lies in the possibility of using the results of the study to draw up man-agement programs, in the definition of competencies and as a basis for the introduction of interdisciplinary approach in education.

Bio-inspired sustainable electrospun quantum nanostructures for high quality factor enabled face masks and self-powered intelligent theranostics

Plastic pollution, the energy crisis, and climate change are significant global challenges that threaten human sustainability and social development. Additionally, addressing pollution while simultaneously promoting valorization techniques for the development of effective personal protective equipment to mitigate the transmission of the SARS-CoV-2 virus poses a challenge, particularly in maintaining wearer comfort. Current advancements in intelligent future therapies focus on the incorporation of quantum nanostructures with theranostic capabilities that are compatible with the skin, reduce wear interference, and facilitate easy integration into minimally invasive surgical procedures. To address these challenges, we propose a win–win strategy that enables microplasma technology and high-throughput electrospinning technology to prepare sustainable self-powered angiogenesis inspired ultrafine nanofibers (AINFs). The proposed quantum nanostructure-anchored AINFs are designed to support the development of flex-insensitive white light-emitting optoelectronics (92 % at 500 cycles), COVID-19 face masks of record high-quality factors (0.167 Pa−1 @ PM0.2), and highly compatible large-scale self-powered theranostic capabilities (2694 pmV−1). These innovations align with the urgent demands of a circular economy and foster environmentally sustainable applications within the Internet of Medical Things.

¿Donde están? Hispanic/Latine inclusion, diversity and representation in the HEALthy Brain and Child Development Study (HBCD)

The HEALthy Brain and Child Development (HBCD) Study, a multi-site prospective longitudinal cohort study, will examine human brain, cognitive, behavioral, social, and emotional development beginning prenatally and planned through early childhood. Central to its mission of reducing health disparities is the establishment of the Spanish Language and Culture Committee (SLCC) within the HBCD framework, a significant step towards demographic representation and inclusivity in research. By addressing linguistic and sociocultural barriers and embracing the diverse identities of Hispanic/Latine individuals nationwide, the SLCC aims to promote inclusion, equity, and representation of all Hispanic/Latine subgroups, a population that has been historically misrepresented in health research. In this paper we describe the role of the SLCC in advocating for Hispanic/Latine families within the study, ensuring their inclusion from inception. This report also provides an overview of the SLCC organization, workflow, challenges and lessons learned thus far to reduce stigma and improve study outcomes, highlighting recruitment and retention strategies for the Hispanic/Latine population, and expanding outreach to promote inclusion across diverse Hispanic/Latine subgroups in the United States.

Social Marketing Strategy for Social Care Programs for Victims of Human Trafficking Crimes

This study aimed to determine the social marketing strategy for social care programs for victims of human trafficking crimes by identifying the reality, mechanisms, challenges, and proposals for activating social marketing for social care programs for victims of human trafficking crimes. The research is descriptive research that aims to describe the social marketing strategy for social care programs for victims of human trafficking crimes. In line with the type of research, the researcher relied on the social survey method with a sample, which is one of the most appropriate methods for descriptive research. The research community was represented by officials in the department of combating human trafficking crimes at the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development and in shelter centers in the kingdom's regions. The research sample was determined by a simple random sample of officials in the Department of Combating Human Trafficking Crimes at the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development and shelter centers in the kingdom's regions, consisting of 121 individuals. The research results confirmed that The challenges of social marketing for social care programs for victims of human trafficking crimes were represented in: interest in superficial advertising aspects of social marketing, lack of marketing skills among those in charge of social marketing programs, lack of good planning for social marketing programs, and poor training of workers in the field of social marketing. The proposals to activate social marketing for social care programs for victims of human trafficking crimes represented: interest in conducting social surveys to determine the needs of victims, building a specialized department in social marketing for social care programs for victims of human trafficking crimes, interest in realistic advertising aspects of social marketing, and measuring victims’ satisfaction with the programs scientifically provided to them.

Navigating ethical and legal challenges in the HEALthy Brain and Child Development Study: Lessons learned from the ethics, law, policy working group

The HEALthy Brain and Child Development (HBCD) Study, a multi-site prospective longitudinal cohort study, will examine human brain, cognitive, behavioral, social, and emotional development beginning prenatally and planned through early childhood. The HBCD study has faced several ethical and legal challenges due to its goal of enrolling pregnant people (including those with substance use disorder) and their newborns. Challenges not fully anticipated at the outset emerged from the rapidly changing legal landscape around reproductive rights in the United States. By embedding scholars in bioethics and law within research teams and engaging them in conversation with each other and other study personnel, we were able to address many challenges proactively and respond promptly to unanticipated challenges. In this paper, we highlight several important ethical and legal challenges that arose from the first phase of funding through the beginning of participant enrollment. We explain the methods used to address these challenges, the ethical and legal tradeoffs that arose, and the resolution of challenges through the design of the study. Based on this experience, we provide recommendations for research teams, sponsors, and reviewers to address legal risks and promote the ethical conduct of studies with pregnant people and caregivers. We highlight the importance of collaboration with bioethics and legal scholars in studies involving complex and evolving legal risks, as well as the necessity of designing robust approaches to informed consent and maintaining participant trust while navigating ethical challenges in research.

The Implementation and Implications of Sustainable Development Goals at City Scale and Sustainable Urban Development Path

Cities were products of human social development, but the environmental pollution problems brought by high-density buildings and high-density populations in cities had become increasingly serious. The 17 Sustainable Development Goals proposed by the United Nations in 2015 were closely related to urban sustainable development issues. Based on it, this article analyzed the impact of SDGs and related theories on urban sustainable development and possible development directions. Starting from the impact of SDGs on urban sustainable development, elaborated on their impact on already implemented urban sustainable projects and relevant theories. It concluded that the future development of sustainable cities should be based on existing cities, with different focuses on developed and developing countries, but both require the protection of historical value landscapes and the greening of existing facilities. By explaining the theories and practical cases related to SDGs and sustainable cities, hoping to provide a reference and guidance for the path of urban sustainable development.

Optimal Capacity Allocation for Life Cycle Multiobjective Integrated Energy Systems Considering Capacity Tariffs and Eco-Indicator 99

Traditional energy systems pose a significant threat to human social development due to fossil fuel depletion and environmental pollution. Integrated energy systems (IESs) are widely studied and applied due to their clean and low-carbon characteristics to achieve sustainable development. However, as integrated energy systems expand, their impact on ecosystems becomes more pronounced. This paper introduces the concept of the ecological damage index (EDI) to promote the sustainable development of integrated energy systems. Moreover, the introduction of a capacity tariff mechanism will impact the energy structure, making it essential to consider its effects on capacity allocation within integrated energy systems. This paper proposes a multiobjective optimization framework for constructing a capacity planning model for integrated energy systems, focusing on achieving a multidimensional balance between the economy, environment, and ecosystem using the life cycle assessment (LCA) method. Finally, the nondominated sorting genetic algorithm-II (NSGA-II) is employed to optimize the three objectives and obtain the Pareto frontier solution set. The optimal solution is selected from the solution set by combining the technique for order preference by similarity to ideal solution (TOPSIS) and Shannon entropy method. In comparison to scenarios with incomplete considerations, the multiobjective capacity optimization model proposed in this study exhibits significant improvements across the three metrics of cost, carbon emissions, and the ecological damage index, with a 19.05% reduction in costs, a 26.24% decrease in carbon emissions, and an 8.85% decrease in the ecological damage index. The study demonstrates that the model abandons traditional single-objective research methods by incorporating a multidimensional balance of the economy, environment, and ecosystems. This approach forms a foundational basis for selecting the optimal energy mix and achieving sustainable development in integrated energy systems. The life cycle assessment methodology evaluates impacts across all stages of integrated energy systems, providing a comprehensive basis for assessing and planning the sustainable development of the systems. The study offers guidance for the rational allocation of the integrated energy system capacity and advances the sustainable development of such systems.

Empathic pain: Underlying neural mechanism.

Empathy is usually regarded as the ability to perceive the emotional state of others, which is an altruistic motivation to promote prosocial behavior and thus plays a key role in human life and social development. Empathic pain-the capacity to feel and understand the pain of others-constitutes a significant aspect in the study of empathy behaviors. For an extended duration, investigations into empathic pain have predominantly centered on human neuroimaging studies. Fortunately, recent advancements have witnessed the utilization of animal models in the exploration of the fundamental neural underpinnings of empathic pain. There is substantial evidence implicating multiple brain regions and neural networks in the generation and maintenance of empathic pain. Nevertheless, further elucidation of the neural mechanisms underlying empathic pain is warranted. This review provides a concise overview of prior studies on the neural mechanisms of empathic pain, outlining the pertinent brain regions, neural pathways, synaptic mechanisms, and associated molecules while also delving into future prospects.

Air quality historical correlation model based on time series

Air quality is closely linked to human health and social development, making accurate air quality prediction highly significant. The Air Quality Index (AQI) is inherently a time series. However, most previous studies have overlooked its temporal features and have not thoroughly explored the relationship between pollutant emissions and air quality. To address this issue, this study establishes a historical correlation model for air quality based on a time series model—the Gaussian Hidden Markov Model (GHMM)—using industrial exhaust emissions and historical air quality data. Firstly, a traversal method is used to select the optimal number of hidden states for the GHMM. To optimize the traditional GHMM and reduce error accumulation in the prediction process, the Multi-day Weighted Matching method and the Fixed Training Set Length method are utilized. Both direct and indirect prediction modes are then used to predict the AQI in the Zhangdian District. Experimental results indicate that the improved GHMM with the indirect mode provides higher accuracy and more stable state estimation results (MAE = 13.59, RMSE = 17.59, mean forecasted value = 117.94). Finally, the air quality historical correlation model is integrated with the air quality meteorological correlation model from a previous study, further improving prediction accuracy (MAE = 11.59, RMSE = 14.87, mean forecasted value = 120.88). This study demonstrates that the GHMM’s strong ability to analyze temporal features significantly enhances the accuracy and stability of air quality predictions. The integration of the air quality historical correlation model with the air quality meteorological correlation model from a previous study leverages the strengths of each sub-model in handling different feature groups, leading to even more accurate predictions.

Measurement of emerging neurocognitive and language skills in the HEALthy Brain and Child Development (HBCD) study

The HEALthy Brain and Child Development (HBCD) study, a multi-site prospective longitudinal cohort study, will examine human brain, cognitive, behavioral, social, and emotional development beginning prenatally and planned through early childhood. The study plans enrolling over 7000 families across 27 sites. This manuscript presents the measures from the Neurocognition and Language Workgroup. Constructs were selected for their importance in normative development, evidence for altered trajectories associated with environmental influences, and predictive validity for child outcomes. Evaluation of measures considered psychometric properties, brevity, and developmental and cultural appropriateness. Both performance measures and caregiver report were used wherever possible. A balance of norm-referenced global measures of development (e.g., Bayley Scales of Infant Development-4) and more specific laboratory measures (e.g., deferred imitation) are included in the HBCD study battery. Domains of assessment include sensory processing, visual-spatial reasoning, expressive and receptive language, executive function, memory, numeracy, adaptive behavior, and neuromotor. Strategies for staff training and quality control procedures, as well as anticipated measures to be added as the cohort ages, are reviewed. The HBCD study presents a unique opportunity to examine early brain and neurodevelopment in young children through a lens that accounts for prenatal exposures, health and socio-economic disparities.

The Path of Constructing Cultural Confidence under the View of Materialistic History

Cultural self-confidence is the most basic, deepest, and lasting force in the development of a country and a nation. Cultivating and constructing cultural self-confidence requires scientific theoretical guidance. As a theory revealing the general laws of human social development, the Marxist materialist concept of history is a great “cognitive tool” for analyzing and solving social problems, which not only provides a profound theoretical and philosophical foundation for firming cultural self-confidence but also provides a scientific methodological approach for fostering cultural self-confidence. The General Secretary has mentioned cultural self-confidence many times, pointing out that culture is a kind of soft power of the country and explaining the importance of culture. Cultural self-confidence from the perspective of historical materialism is embodied both at the level of principles and at the level of methodology. The basic principles of the materialist concept of history are the theoretical guidance of cultural self-confidence. At the same time, cultural self-confidence under the guidance of the materialist concept of history is also of great significance to the construction of a strong modern socialist country.

Quantifying brain development in the HEALthy Brain and Child Development (HBCD) Study: The magnetic resonance imaging and spectroscopy protocol

The HEALthy Brain and Child Development (HBCD) Study, a multi-site prospective longitudinal cohort study, will examine human brain, cognitive, behavioral, social, and emotional development beginning prenatally and planned through early childhood. The acquisition of multimodal magnetic resonance-based brain development data is central to the study’s core protocol. However, application of Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) methods in this population is complicated by technical challenges and difficulties of imaging in early life. Overcoming these challenges requires an innovative and harmonized approach, combining age-appropriate acquisition protocols together with specialized pediatric neuroimaging strategies. The HBCD MRI Working Group aimed to establish a core acquisition protocol for all 27 HBCD Study recruitment sites to measure brain structure, function, microstructure, and metabolites. Acquisition parameters of individual modalities have been matched across MRI scanner platforms for harmonized acquisitions and state-of-the-art technologies are employed to enable faster and motion-robust imaging. Here, we provide an overview of the HBCD MRI protocol, including decisions of individual modalities and preliminary data. The result will be an unparalleled resource for examining early neurodevelopment which enables the larger scientific community to assess normative trajectories from birth through childhood and to examine the genetic, biological, and environmental factors that help shape the developing brain.

The development and structure of the HEALthy Brain and Child Development (HBCD) Study EEG protocol

The HEALthy Brain and Child Development (HBCD) Study, a multi-site prospective longitudinal cohort study, will examine human brain, cognitive, behavioral, social, and emotional development beginning prenatally and planned through early childhood. Electroencephalography (EEG) is one of two brain imaging modalities central to the HBCD Study. EEG records electrical signals from the scalp that reflect electrical brain activity. In addition, the EEG signal can be synchronized to the presentation of discrete stimuli (auditory or visual) to measure specific cognitive processes with excellent temporal precision (e.g., event-related potentials; ERPs). EEG is particularly helpful for the HBCD Study as it can be used with awake, alert infants, and can be acquired continuously across development. The current paper reviews the HBCD Study’s EEG/ERP protocol: (a) the selection and development of the tasks (Video Resting State, Visual Evoked Potential, Auditory Oddball, Face Processing); (b) the implementation of common cross-site acquisition parameters and hardware, site setup, training, and initial piloting; (c) the development of the preprocessing pipelines and creation of derivatives; and (d) the incorporation of equity and inclusion considerations. The paper also provides an overview of the functioning of the EEG Workgroup and the input from members across all steps of protocol development and piloting.

Biospecimens in the HEALthy Brain and Child Development (HBCD) Study: Rationale and protocol

The HEALthy Brain and Child Development (HBCD) Study, a multi-site prospective longitudinal cohort study, will examine human brain, cognitive, behavioral, social, and emotional development beginning prenatally and planned through early childhood. The longitudinal collection of biological samples from over 7000 birthing parents and their children within the HBCD study enables research on pre- and postnatal exposures (e.g., substance use, toxicants, nutrition), and biological processes (e.g., genetics, epigenetic signatures, proteins, metabolites) on neurobehavioral developmental outcomes. The following biosamples are collected from the birthing parent: 1) blood (i.e., whole blood, serum, plasma, buffy coat, and dried blood spots) during pregnancy, 2) nail clippings during pregnancy and one month postpartum, 3) urine during pregnancy, and 4) saliva during pregnancy and at in-person postnatal assessments. The following samples are collected from the child at in-person study assessments: 1) saliva, 2) stool, and 3) urine. Additionally, placenta tissue, cord blood, and cord tissue are collected by a subset of HBCD sites. Here, we describe the rationale for the collection of these biospecimens, their current and potential future uses, the collection protocol, and collection success rates during piloting. This information will assist research teams in the planning of future studies utilizing this collection of biological samples.

Application of Convolutional Neural Network in Image Recognition

Image recognition is of great significance for both human social development and daily life. This paper mainly discusses the application research of convolutional neural network (CNN) in the field of image recognition. Firstly, the basic structure and working principle of CNN, including the core components of convolution layer, pooling layer and full connection layer, are introduced, and then the structure and characteristics of the middle layer are explained. Then, this paper compares the advantages and disadvantages of different CNN models such as LeNet-5, AlexNet, GoogLeNet, ResNet, etc., and analyzes their application in face recognition, medical image recognition, traffic recognition, character recognition and other fields. Finally, this paper summarizes the application of CNN in image recognition, and points out the problems faced in its practical application, such as model complexity, computational resource requirements, etc., aiming to provide reference for further research of image recognition technology.

Remote data collection of infant activity and sleep patterns via wearable sensors in the HEALthy Brain and Child Development Study (HBCD)

The HEALthy Brain and Child Development (HBCD) Study, a multi-site prospective longitudinal cohort study, will examine human brain, cognitive, behavioral, social, and emotional development beginning prenatally and planned through early childhood. Wearable and remote sensing technologies have advanced data collection outside of laboratory settings to enable exploring, in more detail, the associations of early experiences with brain development and social and health outcomes. In the HBCD Study, the Novel Technology/Wearable Sensors Working Group (WG-NTW) identified two primary data types to be collected: infant activity (by measuring leg movements) and sleep (by measuring heart rate and leg movements). These wearable technologies allow for remote collection in the natural environment. This paper illustrates the collection of such data via wearable technologies and describes the decision-making framework, which led to the currently deployed study design, data collection protocol, and derivatives, which will be made publicly available. Moreover, considerations regarding actual and potential challenges to adoption and use, data management, privacy, and participant burden were examined. Lastly, the present limitations in the field of wearable sensor data collection and analysis will be discussed in terms of extant validation studies, the difficulties in comparing performance across different devices, and the impact of evolving hardware/software/firmware.