Social Network Interactions Research Articles

SWOT ANALYSIS OF KAZAKHSTANI STUDENTS’ NETWORK INTERACTION IN VIRTUAL SPACE

The article presents an analytical review of theoretical material on the study of the problem of network interaction in virtual space and the identification of the attitude of Kazakhstani students of pedagogical specialties of higher educational institutions to virtual communication and interaction in social networks. The trends of the influence of the Internet and digital resources on the development of networking and learning are studied. A SWOT analysis of the features of youth network interactions in the virtual space is presented, recommendations are given on managing existing risks in the development of online student interaction in the digital educational space. The authors have developed two models, one is related to the influence of network interaction on the formation of a network communicative culture of students, the second represents a network communicative culture of interaction between students and university teachers.

Rumor detection using BERT-based social circle and interaction network model

Rumor detection using BERT-based social circle and interaction network model

A SeNA-based study of in-service teachers’ interaction patterns in an online learning community

In-service teachers, constrained by work commitments, adopt online learning methods for their graduate studies, emphasizing the significance of exploring the construction of online learning communities. Analyzing collaborative conversation texts within the online learning process of the “Learning Science” course at a university in Beijing, this study employed social epistemic network analysis (SeNA) to investigate interaction patterns of in-service teachers and propose optimization strategies. The findings of this study show that in asynchronous discussions without intervention, the overall situation of collaborative conversations among in-service teachers tends to be low-level. The social interaction network shows polycentricity, categorizing members into core and peripheral interactors based on distinct social interaction characteristics, highlighting substantial disparities in epistemic networks. Core interactors prioritize engaging with others, yet their contributions primarily echo interactions, reflecting superficial knowledge dimensions. Conversely, specific peripheral interactors prioritize independent reflection, sharing content largely derived from personal experiences or knowledge, signifying a commitment to independent and in-depth thinking within deeper knowledge dimensions. Moreover, learners’ online interactions are influenced by individual characteristics, instructional evaluation and the learning community atmosphere.

Co-evolving networks for opinion and social dynamics in agent-based models.

The rise of digital social media has strengthened the coevolution of public opinions and social interactions that shape social structures and collective outcomes in increasingly complex ways. The existing literature often explores this interplay as a one-directional influence, focusing on how opinions determine social ties within adaptive networks. However, this perspective overlooks the intrinsic dynamics driving social interactions, which can significantly influence how opinions form and evolve. In this work, we address this gap, by introducing the co-evolving opinion and social dynamics using stochastic agent-based models. Agents' mobility in a social space is governed by both their social and opinion similarity with others. Similarly, the dynamics of opinion formation is driven by the opinions of agents in their social vicinity. We analyze the underlying social and opinion interaction networks and explore the mechanisms influencing the appearance of emerging phenomena, such as echo chambers and opinion consensus. To illustrate the model's potential for real-world analysis, we apply it to General Social Survey data on political identity and public opinion regarding governmental issues. Our findings highlight the model's strength in capturing the coevolution of social connections and individual opinions over time.

The temporal dynamics of group interactions in higher-order social networks

Representing social systems as networks, starting from the interactions between individuals, sheds light on the mechanisms governing their dynamics. However, networks encode only pairwise interactions, while most social interactions occur among groups of individuals, requiring higher-order network representations. Despite the recent interest in higher-order networks, little is known about the mechanisms that govern the formation and evolution of groups, and how people move between groups. Here, we leverage empirical data on social interactions among children and university students to study their temporal dynamics at both individual and group levels, characterising how individuals navigate groups and how groups form and disaggregate. We find robust patterns across contexts and propose a dynamical model that closely reproduces empirical observations. These results represent a further step in understanding social systems, and open up research directions to study the impact of group dynamics on dynamical processes that evolve on top of them.

Transgenic Drosophila melanogaster Carrying a Human Full-Length DISC1 Construct (UAS-hflDISC1) Showing Effects on Social Interaction Networks.

Disrupted in Schizophrenia 1 (DISC1) is a scaffold protein implicated in major mental illnesses including schizophrenia, with a significant negative impact on social life. To investigate if DISC1 affects social interactions in Drosophila melanogaster, we created transgenic flies with second or third chromosome insertions of the human full-length DISC1 (hflDISC1) gene fused to a UAS promotor (UAS-hflDISC1). Initial characterization of the insertion lines showed unexpected endogenous expression of the DISC1 protein that led to various behavioral and neurochemical phenotypes. Social interaction network (SIN) analysis showed altered social dynamics and organizational structures. This was in agreement with the altered levels of the locomotor activity of individual flies monitored for 24 h. Together with a decreased ability to climb vertical surfaces, the observed phenotypes indicate altered motor functions that could be due to a change in the function of the motor neurons and/or central brain. The changes in social behavior and motor function suggest that the inserted hflDISC1 gene influences nervous system functioning that parallels symptoms of DISC1-related mental diseases in humans. Furthermore, neurochemical analyses of transgenic lines revealed increased levels of hydrogen peroxide and decreased levels of glutathione, indicating an impact of DISC1 on the dynamics of redox regulation, similar to that reported in transgenic mammals. Future studies are needed to address the localization of DISC1 expression and to address how the redox parameter changes correlate with the observed behavioral changes.

Evolution of green travel behaviour on dynamic social networks

Encouraging residents’ green travel behaviour can reduce carbon emissions. However, existing research focuses more on the individual level than on green travel in the context of group interactions. This study aims to connect individual- and group-level insights by integrating the theory of planned behaviour (TPB) and the norm activation model (NAM). Based on empirical data from a questionnaire survey and web crawler, a simulation of the evolution of green travel behaviour interactions in social networks was conducted. The results reveal that the theory of planned behaviour and the norm activation model (TPB −NAM) can explain and predict green travel behaviour. With individuals’ interactions, social networks present scale-free characteristics, and the state of green travel behaviour tends to be stable. Lowering the opinion-bounded confidence of agents in social networks could promote green travel behaviour. This study extends the literature on the theory of green travel behaviour in terms of model integration and interactive decision-making between individuals and groups. The results support the promotion of residents’ green travel behaviour.

CARACTERIZACIÓN DE SISTEMAS DE PRODUCCIÓN LECHERA Y SALUD DE LA UBRE EN EL NORTE DE ANTIOQUIA, COLOMBIA

<p><strong>Background: </strong>The sociodemographic characterization of milk producers allows knowing their particular conditions in terms of social, political and economic structure through indicators that describe them as social actors, interaction networks, conflict situations and events related to milk production. <strong>Objective:</strong> To characterize the diversity of dairy production systems in Northern Antioquia with a focus on the producer, the farms, access to services and their impact on the biological indicators of udder health. <strong>Methodology:</strong> A cross-sectional study was designed <span style="text-decoration: line-through;">that</span> including 216 milk producers within distributed in 9 dairy municipalities in northern Antioquia. Surveys to characterize the producer, the farm and access to services for health and milk production were carried out. As biological indicators of udder health, the annual average<span style="text-decoration: line-through;">s</span> of bulk tank somatic cell counts (BTSCC) and colony-forming units (CFU) of each farm were analyzed. Statistical analyzes were performed with SPSS version 25.0 and a p < 0.05. <strong>Results: </strong>The biological indicators of udder health in the studied farms presented poor sanitary quality according to the BTSCC for 67 % of the producers and poor hygienic quality with CFU in for 22 % of the participating farms. Briceño producers showed the lowest production in contrast to Santa Rosa de Osos milk producers, who have the highest production. In the linear regression models, 18.2 % of the BTSCC was explained by the location in relation to the municipality, the size of the production system and the type of milking. The CFU values were explained in 29.8 % by the municipality, the cooperative association or livestock association, the milk storage system, the offer of laboratory services for milk and cows, the area of the farm dedicated to grazing, the number of animals on the farm and the average daily production per cow. <strong>Implications:</strong> This study shows the importance of understanding udder health issues not only at the cow level from a biomedical approach. The understanding of udder health from the farm in the sociodemographic context shows that its location, access to services, technology, education and associativity establish opportunities to improve production and competitiveness of milk production. <strong>Conclusions:</strong> udder health can be positively or negatively affected by the location of the production system, the size of the production system, the type of milking, the association to a cooperative or livestock association, the milk storage system, the supply of laboratory services for milk and cows, the area of the farm dedicated to grazing, the number of animals on the farm and the average daily production per cow. To consider these variables is fundamental in decision-making in mastitis control and preventive care for udder health.</p>

The function of OforOrco in the allogrooming behavior of Odontotermes formosanus (Shiraki) induced by Serratia marcescens Bizio (SM1)

Termites are consistently confronted with a complex microbial environment. In addition to the role of their innate immune system in resisting pathogen infection, social immune behavior also plays a significant role in helping termites withstand the stress caused by pathogenic microorganisms. The allogrooming behavior among different individuals is commonly observed in termites, and it plays a crucial role in the social immune interaction network. In the case of Odontotermes formosanus (Shiraki), Orco is specifically involved in detecting pheromones and volatile chemicals released by termites to communicate with each other. Nonetheless, the function of Orco in the social immunity remains unreported in O. formosanus. Consequently, in this study, we recorded the allogrooming behavior of O. formosanus workers under SM1 stress. The results indicated a significant increase in allogrooming behavior due to SM1 infection. The allogrooming behavior of workers under SM1 stress was significantly increased after the addition of soldiers. Compared with pronotum group treated by SM1, SM1 treatment of workers' heads significantly reduced the allogrooming behavior among workers. In addition, we found that SM1 could greatly increase the expression of OforOrco. Furthermore, interfering with OforOrco could markedly reduce the allogrooming behavior among workers under SM1 stress, and increase the mortality of worker under SM1 stress. This study demonstrated the significant role of OforOrco in the social immunity of O. formosanus, which offers a theoretical foundation for the advancement of research on termite RNA biopesticides, and the integration of RNA interference (RNAi) with pathogens. This study is valuable for elucidating the social immune behavior and interaction network of termites.

Exploring the motives for using social networks for professional development by Spanish teachers

PurposeSocial networks (SNs) play a significant role as environments supporting teacher professional development. The purpose of this to analyze the motivation and participation roles that Spanish teachers have when participating in SNs for their professional development in three professional stages: preservice teachers, beginning teachers and experienced teachers.Design/methodology/approachThe study uses a mixed-method approach, combining two validated surveys, one applied to 217 preservice teachers and other to 68 beginning teachers and 384 experienced teachers, with 15 interviews. A qualitative exploratory sequential strategy has been followed along with an ex post facto quantitative survey-type study of a descriptive and inferential nature.FindingsPreservice and beginning teachers use SNs to access materials and resources with which to learn, presenting an observer and passive role in their interaction on SNs. Experienced teachers log in to learn about experiences but begin to participate more actively in SNs for searching for specific resources, establishing contacts with other teachers, contributing with their own educational materials and helping other teachers with their doubts or even forming their own communities.Originality/valueThese findings help understand how the evolution in teacher expertise accompanies the level of involvement in their social network interactions. The results allow us to better understand how different levels of teaching experience influence the way Spanish teachers access and participate in SNs, in some cases consuming and in others producing digital content.

Quantifying Variations in Controversial Discussions within Kuwaiti Social Networks

During the COVID-19 pandemic, pro-vaccine and anti-vaccine groups emerged, influencing others to vaccinate or abstain and leading to polarized debates. Due to incomplete user data and the complexity of social network interactions, understanding the dynamics of these discussions is challenging. This study aims to discover and quantify the factors driving the controversy related to vaccine stances across Kuwaiti social networks. To tackle these challenges, a graph convolutional network (GCN) and feature propagation (FP) were utilized to accurately detect users’ stances despite incomplete features, achieving an accuracy of 96%. Additionally, the random walk controversy (RWC) score was employed to quantify polarization points within the social networks. Experiments were conducted using a dataset of vaccine-related retweets and discussions from X (formerly Twitter) during the Kuwait COVID-19 vaccine rollout period. The analysis revealed high polarization periods correlating with specific vaccination rates and governmental announcements. This research provides a novel approach to accurately detecting user stances in low-resource languages like the Kuwaiti dialect without the need for costly annotations, offering valuable insights to help policymakers understand public opinion and address misinformation effectively.

Lugares propios en territorios comunes

I analyze the practices related to home-making among llama pastoralists in the South-Central Andes, a process which is understood as a continuous negotiation among different kinds of persons, both human and nonhuman. I start by conceptualizing pastoralism as a social interaction network involving herders, their animals, the community (as the owner of the land), and various deities. Then, I analyze how llameros negotiate the placement of the house with each one of these agents, according to a logic that is explicitly manifested in ritual. In order to illustrate this point, I describe the k’illpa or «flowering» of the animals, the main domestic ritual of the annual cycle. I put emphasis on the ritual gestures and the way in which they express and reproduce this social fabric which defines the place of each family in the territory and in the world.

Lugares propios en territorios comunes

I analyze the practices related to home-making among llama pastoralists in the South-Central Andes, a process which is understood as a continuous negotiation among different kinds of persons, both human and nonhuman. I start by conceptualizing pastoralism as a social interaction network involving herders, their animals, the community (as the owner of the land), and various deities. Then, I analyze how llameros negotiate the placement of the house with each one of these agents, according to a logic that is explicitly manifested in ritual. In order to illustrate this point, I describe the k’illpa or «flowering» of the animals, the main domestic ritual of the annual cycle. I put emphasis on the ritual gestures and the way in which they express and reproduce this social fabric which defines the place of each family in the territory and in the world.

Socialisation of student youth in social networks

Social networks have become a part of the daily life of students, they influence the development of views, values and identity, which can have an impact on students’ social connections, so research is an urgent task that contributes to understanding this influence. The purpose of the study was to investigate the impact of social networks on various spheres of life of modern students. In order to investigate the issues of socialisation of young people in social networks, the study used generalisation and analytical method. As a result, the importance of developing strategies aimed at strengthening the positive impact of social networks on students was highlighted. It was revealed that changing social norms and creating an atmosphere of open and decent communication in an online environment can help improve students’ socialisation in the virtual world. It was noted that the protection of privacy and the development of critical thinking are important for ensuring the security and information competence of social network users. The importance of developing media literacy and skills in verifying the truthfulness of information in the process of socialisation of students was noted. Strategies that promote the development of virtual space and improve interaction in social networks were outlined. The paper analysed aspects of positive socialisation of students in the digital age that help them solve problems and cope with the challenges of the online environment. The results of scientific research can contribute to a better understanding of how social networks affect young people, and help researchers develop programmes and strategies aimed at supporting the positive aspects of this impact and reducing possible negative consequences

An Effective Method of Equivalent Load-Based Time of Use Electricity Pricing to Promote Renewable Energy Consumption

The variability and intermittency inherent in renewable energy sources poses significant challenges to balancing power supply and demand, often leading to wind and solar energy curtailment. To address these challenges, this paper focuses on enhancing Time of Use (TOU) electricity pricing strategies. We propose a novel method based on equivalent load, which leverages typical power grid load and incorporates a responsibility weight for renewable energy consumption. The responsibility weight acts as an equivalent coefficient that accurately reflects renewable energy output, which facilitates the division of time periods and the development of a demand response model. Subsequently, we formulate an optimized TOU electricity pricing model to increase the utilization rate of renewable energy and reduce the peak–valley load difference of the power grid. To solve the TOU pricing optimization model, we employ the Social Network Search (SNS) algorithm, a metaheuristic algorithm simulating users’ social network interactions to gain popularity. By incorporating the users’ mood when expressing opinions, this algorithm efficiently identifies optimal pricing solutions. Our results demonstrate that the equivalent load-based method not only encourages renewable energy consumption but also reduces power generation costs, stabilizes the power grid load, and benefits power generators, suppliers, and consumers without increasing end users’ electricity charges.

A typology of social network interactions in sub-Saharan Africa: Evidence from a rural population in Senegal

Social isolation/marginalization in sub-Saharan Africa is under-researched, despite increasing evidence of weakening traditional community-based social support. This paper aims to develop a typology of social networks capable of accounting for social marginalization in a rural community in Western Senegal and to describe the socio-demographic characteristics of network profiles. Building on prior qualitative work, we carry out a latent profile analysis using a unique and extensive social network data set, identifying four different network profiles: Locally integrated, Constrained relationships, Locally marginalized, and Local elites. This paper provides the first empirically supported classification of social integration and marginalization in social networks in rural sub-Saharan Africa. In doing so, it can serve as a reference for future research seeking to understand both the broader scope of social integration and marginalization and the consequences of differential access to social capital through social networks on access to health resources and well-being.

Graph Theory and Algorithms for Social Network Analysis

Graph theory and algorithms play a crucial role in the analysis of social networks, which are complex systems composed of individuals or entities connected by various types of relationships. This paper provides an overview of graph theory concepts and algorithms commonly used in social network analysis. It discusses how these tools can be applied to understand the structure and dynamics of social networks, identify key actors or communities, and analyze information flow and influence propagation. The paper also highlights some of the challenges and future directions in the field of social network analysis using graph theory. The study of graph theory and algorithms for social network analysis is of significant importance due to its wide-ranging applications in various fields. Understanding the structure and dynamics of social networks can provide valuable insights into human behavior, information diffusion, organizational dynamics, and the spread of diseases or ideas. By applying graph theory concepts such as centrality measures, community detection algorithms, and link prediction techniques, researchers can uncover hidden patterns, identify influential nodes or groups, and predict future interactions in social networks. This knowledge can be used to design more effective strategies for marketing, public health interventions, social media management, and other areas where understanding and influencing human behavior are critical. Versatile with distinctive options. MOORA is a new optimization approach that has been proposed. This objective method signifies a matrix of potential replies, but it also proposes better policies based on the rates employed. Well established. For comparison, the reference point method is another multi-objective optimization technique. After several competitions, this proved to be the best pick among the methods. From the result network models is in first position whereas Graph density is in 5th position

Predicting Higher Order Links in Social Interaction Networks

Predicting Higher Order Links in Social Interaction Networks

Critical Thinking in the Discourse of Russian and World Science: a Review of Research

Introduction. The study of the considered problems is relevant in the context of the digitalization of modern society, where critical thinking becomes an integral attribute of the formed personality. It allows you to analyze and assess the reliability of information, prioritize data, reflexively assess the situation and consciously communicate with surrounding individuals both offline and online. This article considers the definition of the concept and scientific approaches to the study of “critical thinking”. The independence (a developed broad outlook and the presence of logic), emotionality and flexibility (the ability to interpret, analyze and compare), as well as depth and integrity (observation, a detailed approach to the study of the issue, a vision of the general, not just the particular) are stood out among the key characteristics of this phenomenon.Objective. There is an aggregation, analysis and interpretation of empirical and theoretical data of Russian and foreign specialists in the field of psychology, philosophy, pedagogy and sociology on the topic of critical thinking.Concepts of critical thinking. Approximate scientific concepts in the field of studying the phenomenon of critical thinking are considered. The distinctive features of philosophical, psychological, pedagogical and communicative approaches are determined.Approaches to the study of critical thinking. The analysis of the research experience of the scientific community on the problem of critical thinking is carried out. The key features and groups of requirements for critical thinking are highlighted.Discussion. The analysis of the research are conducted by the authors of native and foreign authors on the problem of critical thinking made it possible to form an idea of the study of each of the presented concepts, determining the further potential for work at the junction of psychological and communicative approaches. This method will allow us to consider the phenomenon of critical thinking from the point of view of the importance of the skill in terms of communicative interaction in social networks and exposure to provocative actions on the part of users in a naturally and artificially given context.

Social network enhanced behavioral interventions for diabetes and obesity: A 3 arm randomized trial with 2 years follow-up in Jordan.

While obesity and diabetes are rising pandemics, few low-cost and effective prevention and management strategies exist, especially in the Middle East. Nearly 20% of adults in Jordan suffer from diabetes, and over 75% are overweight or obese. Social network-based programs have shown promise as a viable public health intervention strategy to address these growing crises. We evaluated the effectiveness of the Microclinic Program (MCP) via a 6-month multi-community randomized trial in Jordan, with follow-up at 2 years. The MCP leverages existing social relationships to propagate positive health behaviors and information. We recruited participants from 3 community health centers in Amman, Jordan. Participants were eligible for the study if they had diabetes, pre-diabetes, or possessed ≥1 metabolic risk factor along with a family history of diabetes. We randomized participants into three trial arms: (A Group) received the Full MCP with curriculum-activated social network interactions; (B Group) received Basic MCP educational sessions with organic social network interactions; or (C Group-Control) received standard care coupled with active monitoring and parallel screenings. Groups of individuals were randomized as units in a 3:1:1 ratio, with resulting group sizes of n = 540, 186, and 188 in arms A, B, and C, respectively. We assessed the overall changes in body weight, fasting glucose, hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) and mean arterial blood pressure between study arms in multiple evaluations across 2 years (including at 6-months and 2-years follow-up). We investigated the effectiveness of Full and Basic MCP social network interventions using multilevel models for longitudinal data with hierarchical nesting of individuals within MCP classrooms, within community centers, and within temporal cohorts. We observed significant overall 2-year differences between all 3 groups for changes in body weight (P = 0.0003), fasting blood glucose (P = 0.0015), and HbA1c (P = 0.0004), but not in mean arterial blood pressure (P = 0.45). However, significant changes in mean arterial pressure were observed for Full MCP versus controls (P = 0.002). Weight loss in the Full MCP exceeded (-0.97 kg (P<0.001)) the Basic MCP during the intervention. Furthermore, both Full and Basic MCP yielded greater weight loss compared to the control group at 2 years. The Full MCP also sustained a superior fasting glucose change over 2 years (overall P<0.0001) versus the control group. For HbA1c, the Full MCP similarly led to greater 6-month reduction in HbA1c versus the control group (P<0.001), with attenuation at 2 years. For mean arterial blood pressure, the Full MCP yielded a greater drop in blood pressure versus control at 6 months; with attenuation at 2 years. These results suggest that activated social networks of classroom interactions can be harnessed to improve health behaviors related to obesity and diabetes. Future studies should investigate how public health policies and initiatives can further leverage social network programs for greater community propagation. Trial registration. ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT01818674.