Interpersonal Networks Research Articles

The relationship among generalized trust, social networks, and social resources across 30 countries

The study proposes an integrative model of individual social capital and examines if trust, social networks, and social resources are related across countries. Although trust and social resources were often referred to as social capital or its essential components, the literature lacks empirical verification of whether and how they are associated. Particularly, examining the relationship by a specific measurement of social networks is imperative. The relationship should be identified considering the influences of country-level contingencies. The study applied a multilevel within-between mixed regression method to the International Social Survey Program 2017 data from 30 countries. Using a position generator of social networks, the study found that generalized trust was associated with interpersonal networks primarily through weak ties across countries, accounting for country-level contingencies. Both strong and weak ties were instrumental in embedding social resources. The results supported the integrative model of social capital that connects generalized trust to social resources.

A German DJ, Postmodern Dreams, and the Ambivalent Politics of East–West Exchange at the First Exhibition of Approximate Art in Riga, April 1987

Organized as part of the annual Art Days festival in the capital of the Latvian SSR, the First Exhibition of Approximate Art comprised a cacophonous and provocative mashup of music, dance, performance art, and design. At the center of the event was a demonstration of mixing and scratching records by Maximilian Lenz, also known as Westbam, one of the leading DJs in West Berlin. Mining archival sources in Berlin and Riga, this article reconstructs the complicated path by which the DJ came to perform at the event. It reveals a surprising network of relations and alliances operating in tandem behind the scenes, featuring a Riga artist dedicated to enacting a vision of postmodern performance in his city, an ambitiously networking émigré Latvian living in exile in West Germany, and a pair of Soviet offices under direct control of the KGB, charged with managing cultural exchanges with the West in hopes of currying sympathies for Soviet culture and policy. Complementing and extending research on the “gaps” and “holes” in the Soviet system that sometimes allowed for the staging of otherwise unacceptable works of art, the story of the First Exhibition of Approximate Art reveals how personal connections and interpersonal networks within even the most highly monitored parts of the system itself—the state security apparatus—could open doors for artistic projects unanticipated and even undesired by the bureaucratic state.

A conceptual model of community participation of middle-aged and older people based on interview data from China

ABSTRACT Urban and rural planning and development are embedded in the community. How to encourage the community to participate in them is key to community governance, and middle-aged and older people are key to the community governance process. This study aimed to investigate the main factors affecting the participation of middle-aged and older people in the community to formulate effective measures to encourage participation. Based on interview data from residents of Taiyuan City and grounded theory, this paper introduces a conceptual model of community participation of middle-aged and older people from three aspects: the participants, the public facilities and the activities themselves. The results show that: (1) functional needs are the most important for middle-aged and older people, and improving facilities can positively promote their community participation; (2) at the level of the participants themselves, the construction of interpersonal networks motivates them to participate in their community; (3) the community participation of middle-aged and older people operates at two levels: autonomous participation and cooperative participation.

The Service Experience Innovation Model of Cultural Tourism in Historic Districts: A Case Study on Zhongshan Road in Quanzhou, Fujian Province of China

This study aimed to elucidate how consumers engage in cultural activities in Quanzhou and analyze innovative service experiences in this ancient city. We also sought to create a model integrating humanistic innovations into the enhancement of service experiences. We used an exploratory case study approach, combining secondary data analysis with on-site observations. The findings include the following: (1) The tourist experience in cultural tourism involves six stages: “Connect and Attract”, “Orientate”, “Interact”, “Extend and Retain”, “Advocate”, and “Recollect”. (2) We developed the TESP model for innovative cultural tourism services in Quanzhou, with four dimensions: Technological, Experiential, Systemic, and Platform. The Platform dimension introduces the Hub and Service Process sub-dimensions. Additionally, the study suggests that creating a sense of place in historic districts relies on traditional culture, emphasizing the core competitiveness, identity, and culture of a locality. (3) Integrating “humanistic innovation” into cultural tourism is essential, utilizing digital platforms and interpersonal networks to promote core values and thus foster local economic prosperity. The research outcomes hold practical significance for cultural heritage tourism in Quanzhou, as well as for the study and implementation of service and experience innovations among experience providers, practitioners, managers, and marketing professionals in the field.

Walking in “Masses and Elites”: Investigation into Donald MacGillivray’s Missionary Strategies in China (1888–1930)

From his arrival in China in 1888 to his departure in 1930, Canadian missionary, Donald MacGillivray (季理斐), was in China for more than 40 years. According to changes in the Chinese missionary situation, the key target of his mission was frequently adjusted. From his initial work in the early days in North Honan, to his work with officials and intellectuals in Shanghai in the late Qing Dynasty, then to students, women, and children in the Republic of China, Donald MacGillivray continued to preach to both the masses and the elites. His approach was flexible, ranging from oral preaching to academic publications. Relying on his interpersonal network, MacGillivray paid close attention to the social changes occurring in modern China. An evaluation of his activities in China can not only reveal the impact of individual missionaries in the process of Western learning and the transformation of Chinese knowledge in modern times, but also provide insight into the integration of Christianity into the indigenization process of China.

A practice of unitary community renewal led by cultural regeneration: The case of Dongba Township in Beijing

For communities, culture is not only a natural product of long-standing daily life but also a binding force that interconnects the interpersonal relationships among the community’s inhabitants. This is particularly evident in centralized unitary communities where work and life are seamlessly integrated. However, with economic development and the transformation of the social structure, the unitary community model no longer aligns with the evolving needs of social development. As a result, it must undergo a transformation into a modern community that meets multiple needs. During the regeneration process, there has been a notable focus on the creation of space within the community, often at the expense of its cultural values. In this context, we have chosen six unitary communities in Beijing’s Dongba Township as a sample. Drawing from cultural regeneration theory, our approach revolves around recreating space with community culture as its core. This approach involves not only integrating culture into the physical space but also reshaping the interpersonal network of the community through culture. Finally, we propose four regeneration models, namely, “Spatial Regeneration – Recreating the Spirit of Place,” “Community Renewal – Diverse Expressions of Community Culture,” “Vitality Regeneration – Enhancing the Cultural Supply,” and “Social Regeneration – Reshaping the Social Network.” These models aim to contribute to the rejuvenation of the community and provide references for the regeneration of old urban neighborhoods.

Presentation of a weight bias internalization tool for use in pregnancy and a call for future research: A commentary

BackgroundEmerging evidence has shown that weight stigma is a concern during pregnancy, with several studies documenting common sources including healthcare, the media and interpersonal networks. Experiencing weight stigma may lead to weight bias internalization (WBI), whereby individuals accept and self-direct negative weight-related stereotypes, and limited research has assessed this in the context of pregnancy. Pregnancy is unique in terms of weight changes as many individuals will experience gestational weight gain (GWG). Accordingly, a WBI tool that accounts for GWG may be a more population-specific resource to use. MethodsThis commentary presents a pregnancy-specific WBI tool that accounts for GWG. The validated Adult WBI scale was modified to include ‘pregnancy weight gain’. This commentary also presents a brief summary of research that has assessed WBI in pregnancy and recommendations for future work. ResultsRecommended future work includes validation of the pregnancy-specific WBI tool and prospective examinations of weight stigma and WBI in pregnancy and implications on maternal and newborn outcomes. ConclusionUltimately this research may inform development of interventions and resources to mitigate weight stigma and WBI in pregnancy and overall may contribute to improving prenatal outcomes and experiences.

Predictive models based on machine learning for early recurrence and metastasis in postoperative patients with colorectal cancer

Abstract Objectives: To construct and validate a prediction model based on machine learning algorithms for early recurrence and metastasis in patients with colorectal cancer after surgery. Methods: This study employed a prospective cohort design. A total of 498 postoperative patients with colorectal cancer, treated at an affiliated hospital of Qingdao University, were recruited using convenience sampling from June to December 2021. Data were collected during outpatient visits and hospitalizations. The risk factors for early recurrence and metastasis of colorectal cancer were determined through multivariate logistic regression analysis in SPSS 26.0 software. Using Python 3.7.0 software, 4 machine learning algorithms (logistic regression, Support Vector Machine, XGBoost, and LightGBM) were used to develop and validate prediction models for early recurrence and metastasis of colorectal cancer after surgery. Results: Of the 498 patients, 51 (10.24%) had early recurrence and metastasis. Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that personal traits (family history of cancer, histologic type, degree of tumor differentiation, number of positive lymph nodes, and T stage), behavior and/or lifestyle (intake of refined grains, whole grains, fish, shrimp, crab, and nuts, as well as resilience), and interpersonal networks (social support) were all associated with early recurrence and metastasis of colorectal cancer (P<0.05). The logistic regression prediction model showed the best prediction performance out of the 4 models, with an accuracy rate of 0.920, specificity of 0.982, F1 of 0.495, AUC of 0.867, Kappa of 0.056, and Brier score of 0.067. Conclusion: Our findings suggest that a prediction model based on logistic regression could accurately and scientifically predict which patients are likely to experience early recurrence and metastasis, helping to lessen the burden for both patients and the health care system.

The Strength of Community: The Role of Social Support Networks in Sport Officials’ Retention

Previous researchers have indicated that a sense of community and social support are vital to referee retention; however, little is known about the connection between specific characteristics of sports officials’ networks and retention. To better understand the sports officiating shortage, researchers explored the social support networks of 116 referees utilizing egocentric network analysis. The authors suggest that retention of sports officials depends on the interpersonal ties and network structures within which the referees are embedded. Specifically, resulting hierarchical models confirmed that retention relationships among officials are a multilevel phenomenon, and that outside communication and community were vital network characteristics that fostered retention relationships. Network size, tenure, and the officiating level also were significant when considering an official’s network and its impact on retention. Areas for future research and suggestions for referee managers are presented.

The topology of interpersonal neural network in weak social ties

The strategies for social interaction between strangers differ from those between acquaintances, whereas the differences in neural basis of social interaction have not been fully elucidated. In this study, we examined the geometrical properties of interpersonal neural networks in pairs of strangers and acquaintances during antiphase joint tapping. Dual electroencephalogram (EEG) of 29 channels per participant was measured from 14 strangers and 13 acquaintance pairs.Intra-brain synchronizations were calculated using the weighted phase lag index (wPLI) for intra-brain electrode combinations, and inter-brain synchronizations were calculated using the phase locking value (PLV) for inter-brain electrode combinations in the theta, alpha, and beta frequency bands. For each participant pair, electrode combinations with larger wPLI/PLV than their surrogates were defined as the edges of the neural networks. We calculated global efficiency, local efficiency, and modularity derived from graph theory for the combined intra- and inter-brain networks of each pair. In the theta band networks, stranger pairs showed larger local efficiency than acquaintance pairs, indicating that the two brains of stranger pairs were more densely connected. Hence, weak social ties require extensive social interactions and result in high efficiency of information transfer between neighbors in neural network.

Young women's leisure time physical activity determinants: a mixed methods approach.

The aim of the study was to analyze the habits, motives and barriers related to Leisure Time Physical Activity (LTPA) among young women of Gipuzkoa, from a mixed approach. A total of 526 women aged 18-29 (24.60 ± 3.30 years) responded to the Gipuzkoa Women's Physical Activity Questionnaire (GWPAQ), seven of which were later interviewed. The main motives for LTPA were intrapersonal - related to health and enjoyment - and to interpersonal networks. However, the main barriers facing LTPA were mostly intrapersonal, such as lack of time, tiredness, and laziness. Contextual factors such as the availability of safe spaces, previous negative experiences, or negative self-perception of motor competence also emerged as conditioning factors in young women's LTPA habits. This study may help to promote policies aimed at incentivizing LTPA for young women based on their needs and interests, by addressing the diversity of factors.

A Study Applying Rogers’ Innovation Diffusion Theory on the Adoption Process of New Teaching Methods in Secondary Education

This longitudinal study explores the adoption process of new teaching methods in U.S. secondary education from 2010 to 2022, utilizing Rogers’ Innovation Diffusion Theory as a theoretical framework. The research investigates the dynamics of innovation diffusion by analyzing the roles of adopter categories, such as innovators, early adopters, early majority, late majority, and laggards. The study delves into factors influencing adoption, including the perceived relative advantage of innovations, compatibility with existing practices, and the impact of interpersonal networks. The findings contribute valuable insights into the nuanced landscape of educational innovation, emphasizing the pivotal role of early adopters and the applicability of Rogers’ theory in understanding the complex adoption process. The implications for educators, policymakers, and researchers are discussed, along with recommendations for future research in the field of innovation diffusion in secondary education.

Adoption Restraints in Mobile Banking with Reference to India

The number of people using mobile banking has been steadily growing over the past few years. Most of the time, this is the case in countries that are still developing or underdeveloped. It is proposed to investigate the comparative significance and distinctive influence of communication channels on customers' theories and attitudes regarding the adoption of mobile banking in India. This is despite the fact that the technology that provides services to the satisfaction of the user has not yet been investigated. "Perceived usefulness, perceived credibility, impact of communication channels, interpersonal networks, mass media, and social media" are the five primary variables that are incorporated into the study from a variety of perspectives. In the findings, it was discovered that the most important factors that influence the consumer's intention are the convenience of use and the cost. Banks ought to raise greater awareness and make it easier for customers to utilise themselves.

Analysis on the Business Model of Content E-commerce

With the rise of We Media and the continuous innovation of social e-commerce, content e-commerce has emerged. Nowadays, those who do content are doing e-commerce, while those who do e-commerce are doing content. Content e-commerce refers to e-commerce that uses content as a link to reach people, obtain consumers, and provide consumer advice to guide consumption. There are various forms of content, including text, audio, images, videos, live streaming, and so on. This article analyzes the business model of Content + Social E-commerce based on interpersonal networks and consumer trust by summarizing existing literature and studying existing content e-commerce platforms and their forms. Finally, this article proposes suggestions for increasing platform supervision, innovating content, and improving the platform supply chain to address the current issues about content e-commerce. The article explores how content e-commerce operates and its impact on purchasing behavior, providing certain reference and inspiration for the marketing and development of the content e-commerce industry.

Politics of Shared Humanity: On Hospitality, Equality and the Spiritual in Rural Gambia

ABSTRACT In rural communities on the north bank of River Gambia, religious ‘visitations’ or pilgrimage ceremonies (siyaare) are becoming increasingly popular. These ceremonies have been described as a hallmark of Senegalese urban Sufism but are currently organised across the countryside and communicated in wide personal networks and through social media to attract guests and strangers from near and far. The sensibilities articulated in preparations for siyaare ceremonies promote inclusiveness, hospitality and the bridging of difference. Organisers appeal to the ‘oneness’ of humankind, to be achieved in siyaree by transcending differences between people and between humans and the spiritual realm, through communal prayers that enhance the circulation of God-given blessing. This article takes debates among Wolof speakers in rural Gambia over such Muslim religious ceremonies as the starting point to explore how attention to ‘network’ can illuminate various appeals to ‘shared humanity’. Appeals to human unity feature divergent, or in part competing values and virtues, and bring particular social forms and worlds into being. These, I will show, are articulated as modes of consumption, but also moral living, including forms of modesty and preferences for rural lifestyles and futures, and convey generational differences. The article questions what ‘politics’ of shared humanity encompasses, and argues for a gaze beyond dyadic relationships and interpersonal networks, and a perspective on what goes into, as well as who takes part in, world-making.

Para uma história da governança hospitalar global,do final do século XIX a meados do século XX: contribuição para uma história a ser escrita

Abstract This article draws on the recent historiography in international relations and global health, as well as selected archives, to propose some milestones for a history of global hospital governance from the late nineteenth to the mid-twentieth century. How can we identify a system of hospital governance, including formal and informal arrangements, on a global or sub-global scale? Through the lens of the International Hospital Association, founded in 1931, we highlight the significance of internationalization processes, relationships with other international organizations, transnational interpersonal networks, and forces structuring innovation. This document provides a preliminary starting point for discussion and encourages further research.

The paradox of seeking help: Socioeconomic inequality in medical crowdfunding in the era of the mobile internet

In recent years, the emergence of mobile-internet-based crowdfunding has provided a new way for the poor to obtain emergency relief for medical needs. Despite a number of reported scams, medical crowdfunding has made an important contribution to society. Public opinion and sentiment highlight two practical issues: Are the resources being directed to the people who need them the most? And how can we optimize medical crowdfunding? To tackle these questions, we focus on the issue of how the socioeconomic status (SES) of help-seekers affects their online medical crowdfunding outcomes. We ask three research questions: What is the correlation between the SES of help-seekers and their fundraising outcomes? What are the underlying mechanisms? Is there a possible path for the optimization of medical crowdfunding outcomes? Our dataset includes 1930 fundraising cases from a large medical crowdfunding platform in China. The study finds significant differences in crowdfunding outcomes among different socioeconomic groups. Higher SES brings higher donation amounts, higher proportions of fundraising targets reached, a higher number of donations received, and more shares on social media. This socioeconomic gradient in crowdfunding outcomes contradicts the social expectation of prioritizing help to the neediest in medical crowdfunding. Mediation analysis also shows that offline interpersonal networks play an important intermediary role. While appealing case narratives are helpful, they are not an intermediary mechanism that links family SES with crowdfunding outcomes. Further analysis also finds that such a socioeconomic gradient seems to weaken when crowdfunding that begins within a private network of offline acquaintances on WeChat moves to public platforms.

Health Information Seeking Behaviour in University Students Sri Lanka

Health Information Seeking Behaviour (HISB) refers to the action individuals take to fulfil their health-related information needs. In today's information-rich world, understanding HISB has become crucial for developing effective strategies in information-seeking and health management. For university students, efficient HISB can alleviate health-related anxiety, enhance risk management, promote self-care, and empower informed decision-making, all of which can positively impact academic performance. The findings unveiled intriguing patterns in information source preferences, with 46.2% of students turning to the Internet as their primary source, 41% relying on interpersonal networks, and 13% consulting healthcare professionals. Notably, no students reported using mass media platforms for health information. Gender, year of study, degree program, physical activity, health literacy, self-efficacy, and perceived severity of health problems exhibited significant associations with the choice of information sources. For instance, male students preferred the Internet, while female students leaned towards consulting healthcare professionals and interpersonal networks. Second-year students primarily used the internet, while final-year students sought advice from family and friends. Those who work-activity turned to healthcare professionals, whereas sports-activity favoured the internet. Furthermore, students with low work activity showed reduced odds of using the internet. Interestingly, sports activity had a significant impact only among internet information seekers. Students with moderate health literacy were more inclined to consult family and friends. This comprehensive study provides valuable insights into the factors affecting HISB among university students, offering a nuanced understanding of their information-seeking behaviour. These findings have implications for health education and interventions promoting informed and responsible health-related decision-making among young adults.

Navigating health information chaos: Perspectives from Persian-speaking immigrants in Finland

The purpose of this study is to explore health information environment and behaviours of Persian-speaking immigrants in Finland during the COVID-19 pandemic, utilising information chaos framework. Between January to March 2022, semi-structured interviews were conducted with a sample of 18 participants, using an adapted framework of information chaos and previous research as a guide for the interview questions. The study found that participants relied on interpersonal connections, news outlets, and social media to stay informed on current news and health-related information, with messaging apps being particularly popular due to their convenience and ability to connect with friends and family in their home countries. While most participants were satisfied with the amount of information they received, some encountered inaccurate pandemic information. The study also identified significant obstacles related to information scatter and conflict. Participants employed various methods, including verifying with official sources and interpersonal networks, to assess the reliability of their information. Credible health information led to changes in behaviour and lifestyle. The study's findings offer practical implications for health authorities and policymakers to address the health information needs of Persian-speaking immigrants during public health crises. The use of an information-chaos framework could be beneficial in identifying challenges related to channelling accurate and reliable health information among minorities through different information sources. Such initiatives can bridge the gap between the health information needs of immigrants and the available health information, ultimately reducing health disparities and improving health outcomes. This study represents one of the pioneering works exploring the information environment during a pandemic and the strategies adopted by the Persian-speaking minority to address the dissemination of false information during a health crisis. These findings shed light on the complex interplay of individual and health information environments that influence adhering to safety protocols and adopting healthy behaviours in this population.

Psychosocial factors of insomnia in depression: a network approach

BackgroundInsomnia symptoms in patients with major depressive disorder (MDD) are common and deleterious. Childhood trauma, personality traits, interpersonal distress, and social support contribute to insomnia, but how they interact to affect insomnia remains uncertain.MethodsA total of 791 patients with MDD completed the Insomnia Severity Index, Eysenck Personality Questionnaire, Interpersonal Relationship Comprehensive Diagnostic Scale, Childhood Trauma Questionnaire, Social Support Rating Scale and Hamilton Depression Scale-17. This study utilized network analyses to identify the central symptoms of insomnia and their associations with psychosocial factors.ResultsWorrying about sleep was identified as the central symptom in the insomnia network, insomnia and associated personality network, insomnia and associated interpersonal disturbance network, insomnia and associated childhood trauma network, insomnia and associated social support network, and the integrated network of insomnia symptoms and associated psychosocial factors. In the networks of insomnia symptoms and individual psychosocial factors, most psychosocial factors (other than childhood trauma) were directly or indirectly related to insomnia symptoms; however, neuroticism was the only factor directly associated with insomnia symptoms before and after controlling for covariates. In the final integrated network of insomnia symptoms and psychosocial factors, neuroticism was a bridge node and mediated the relationships of social support and interpersonal disturbances with insomnia symptoms, which is clearly presented in the shortest pathways.ConclusionsWorrying about sleep and neuroticism were prominent in the integrated network of insomnia symptoms and associated psychosocial factors, and the edge between them connected psychosocial factors and insomnia symptoms in MDD patients.