Activity Levels In Individuals Research Articles

Correlation between IL-17 and inflammatory bowel disease

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is a protracted, persistent gastrointestinal disease that is distinguished by recurring, persistent inflammation of the digestive tract. IBD, including Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis, is characterized by persistent inflammation due to immune dysregulation. Interleukin -17 (IL-17) contributes significantly to the pathophysiology of IBD, as highlighted in the context of the provided research. There is a strong correlation between IL-17 inhibitors and the onset or exacerbation of IBD, with IL-17 inhibitor treatment being linked to gastrointestinal inflammatory events such as IBD and colitis. The goal of the current study was to determine the relationship between IBD disease activity and serum IL-17 levels in individuals with IBD. This case-control study included 102 IBD patients and 48 normal individuals as a control group. Blood samples were used for measuring IL-17 levels using the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Levels of IL-17 were increased in patients compared with the control group (p=0.0001). IL-17 levels were significantly elevated in patients aged 1-15 years, 31-45 years and 16-30 years. IL-17 levels showed significant differences between two types of inflammatory bowel disease being elevated in Crohn’s disease more than ulcerative colitis (p=0.001). IL-17 demonstrated significant differences in IL-17 levels between male and female in patients and controls groups (p=0.0001). In conclusion, patients with IBD have higher serum levels of IL-17, indicating that these cytokines may have a role in the development and pathophysiology of Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis. Overall, monitoring IL-17 levels could serve as valuable biomarkers for assessing IBD severity and guiding treatment decisions.

Validation of steps countering recorded with a smartwatch.

Activity trackers are becoming increasingly popular in everyday life, sport and research. Accurate measurement of step counts is essential for understanding an individual's daily activity levels and promoting healthier lifestyles. As the sensor technology has become very sophisticated, such a device can be worn on the body for several hours or days without restricting the subject's daily activities. The aim of this study was to evaluate the accuracy of a commercially available wrist-worn pedometer in accurately recording step counts. A total of twenty-one subjects participated in this comparative study by running at various speeds in a laboratory setting while wearing a Garmin Forerunner 245 Music watch (Garmin Ltd, Schaffhausen, Switzerland) on each wrist. Simultaneously, their steps were recorded by a camera system. The step counts recorded by the pedometer were compared with the counts obtained by the camera system. Descriptive statistical analyses such as Pearson correlation and Bland-Altman plots were used to assess the accuracy and reliability of the pedometer. For most settings the results on the treadmills showed a high correlation between the pedometer and the camera system. On the step machine the results showed a low correlation between the pedometer and the camera system, the pedometer showed a systematic bias by consistently overestimating the number of steps. Bland-Altman plots showed that the results were within the limits of agreement. Although pedometers provide a convenient tool for monitoring step count, this study highlights some limitations and potential inaccuracies of a commercially available pedometer. Our study indicates that the Garmin watch is sufficiently accurate to be used as a measurement tool in a treadmill running environment.

Measuring the Social Piety Index and Influential Factors: A Study of Bangka Barat Regency

This study aims to measure the social piety index and identify influential factors related to social piety among the residents of Bangka Barat Regency. The enhancement of community social piety is crucial, aligning with the local government's mission to foster competitive and virtuous human resources. The research employed a survey method and cluster technique (cluster random sampling) for data collection. The social piety index was determined based on three variables: individual worship activities (X1), knowledge about social piety (X2), and attitudes/behaviors reflecting social piety (X3). The findings reveal a high level of individual worship activities (X1: 65.22), a significant understanding of social piety (X2: 77.19), and favorable attitudes/behaviors reflecting social piety (X3: 66.31) within the community. Active participation in recitation and involvement in religious organizations emerged as dominant factors shaping individual piety. Engagement in good governance and participation in conservation/restoration were identified as key factors influencing knowledge about social piety. Respect for differences and involvement in good governance play pivotal roles in shaping attitudes/behaviors associated with social piety.

Management of Horizontal Cleavage Meniscus Tears.

The management of horizontal cleavage meniscus tears (HCT) has evolved in recent years. Historically, HCTs have been treated with partial meniscectomy, but multiple studies have shown the long-term risks of development of arthritic changes in the knee following meniscectomy. These findings have renewed interest in meniscal preservation whenever possible, even in older patients not previously considered for meniscus repair. This article provides an overview of current management of horizontal cleavage meniscus tears and describes modern surgical techniques for repair of HCTs. Current research studies have continued to emphasize the benefits of meniscal preservation on long-term function. Recent data has demonstrated similar success rates following repair of HCTs compared to repair of other types of meniscus tears. Additionally, multiple recent studies have demonstrated the potential benefit of biologic augmentation in decreasing failure rate after meniscal repair. Modern surgical techniques and biologic augmentation have improved outcomes of meniscal repair. However, consideration of a patient's individual goals, activity level, and expectation are important to achieve a successful outcome regardless of treatment modality. While not every patient is a candidate for meniscal repair, current data has shown it should be considered for a growing number of patients.

The Effectiveness of Therapeutic Exercise Interventions With Virtual Reality on Balance and Walking Among Persons With Chronic Stroke: Systematic Review, Meta-Analysis, and Meta-Regression of Randomized Controlled Trials.

Well-targeted balance, walking, and weight-shift training can improve balance capabilities in the chronic phase of stroke. There is an urgent need for a long-term approach to rehabilitation that extends beyond the acute and subacute phases, supporting participation without increasing the demand for health care staff. This study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of therapeutic exercise interventions with virtual reality (VR) training on balance and walking at the activity and participation levels in individuals with chronic stroke, compared with control groups receiving no treatment, conventional physical therapy, specific training, similar treatment, or identical treatment without VR. Studies were searched across 6 databases. The inclusion criteria were as follows: Adults aged 18 years or older with a stroke diagnosis for at least 6 months (population). Therapeutic exercises within a VR environment, using VR glasses or interactive games (intervention). Control groups without the use of VR (including no treatment, conventional physical therapy, specific training, similar treatment without VR, or identical treatment without the additional use of VR; comparison). We evaluated the Berg Balance Scale score, Functional Reach Test performance, Activities-specific Balance Confidence Scale score, Six-minute Walk Test, Two-minute Walk Test, 10-meter Walk Test results, and cadence (outcome measures). We investigated randomized controlled trials (study design). A meta-analysis and a meta-regression analysis were conducted to evaluate whether the content of VR interventions or control groups, as well as the level of VR immersion used, was related to balance or walking outcomes. A total of 43 randomized controlled trials involving 1136 participants were included in this review. The use of VR training in therapeutic exercise interventions had a large effect on balance (standardized mean difference 0.51, 95% CI 0.29-0.72; P<.001) and a moderate effect on walking (standardized mean difference 0.31, 95% CI 0.09-0.53; P=.006) in individuals with chronic stroke, compared with pooled control groups (no treatment, conventional physical therapy, specific training, similar treatment, or identical treatment without the use of VR). According to the meta-regression findings, the content of VR interventions (P=.52), the type of control groups (P=.79), and the level of VR immersion (P=.82) were not significantly related to the pooled balance or walking outcomes. The GRADE (Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development, and Evaluations) was moderate for balance and low for walking. Therapeutic exercise training with VR had a positive, albeit moderate, effect on balance and a low impact on walking at the level of activity (capacity), even in the chronic phase of stroke, without serious side effects. The results are applicable to working-aged stroke rehabilitees who are able to walk without assistance. Further research is needed with defined VR methods and outcomes that assess performance at the level of real-life participation.

A coupled model of information-epidemic considering heterogeneity in individual activity levels in multiple networks

A coupled model of information-epidemic considering heterogeneity in individual activity levels in multiple networks

Cognitive reserve against Alzheimer’s pathology is linked to brain activity during memory formation

The cognitive reserve (CR) hypothesis posits that individuals can differ in how their brain function is disrupted by pathology associated with aging and neurodegeneration. Here, we test this hypothesis in the continuum from cognitively normal to at-risk stages for Alzheimer’s Disease (AD) to AD dementia using longitudinal data from 490 participants of the DELCODE multicentric observational study. Brain function is measured using task fMRI of visual memory encoding. Using a multivariate moderation analysis, we identify a CR-related activity pattern underlying successful memory encoding that moderates the detrimental effect of AD pathological load on cognitive performance. CR is mainly represented by a more pronounced expression of the task-active network encompassing deactivation of the default mode network (DMN) and activation of inferior temporal regions including the fusiform gyrus. We devise personalized fMRI-based CR scores that moderate the impact of AD pathology on cognitive performance and are positively associated with years of education. Furthermore, higher CR scores attenuate the effect of AD pathology on cognitive decline over time. Our findings primarily provide evidence for the maintenance of core cognitive circuits including the DMN as the neural basis of CR. Individual brain activity levels of these areas during memory encoding have prognostic value for future cognitive decline.

Personality traits and physical activity in patients with gambling disorder attending a rehabilitation center. An observational study.

Problem gambling is associated with various negative health behaviors, such as physical inactivity. However, physical activity may also be used as a coping mechanism to manage stress and anxiety. This study aimed to investigate whether personality traits are associated with physical activity levels in individuals attending a rehabilitation center for gambling disorder (GD). An observational study was conducted in 71 patients belonging to a Gamblers' Recovery Association. All of them completed a socio-demographic questionnaire, the Exploratory Personality Questionnaire-III (CEPER-III) and the International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ). Comparisons with general population and association between personality traits and physical activity were analyzed. The study sample predominantly consisted of male participants (91.5%), with the majority having an educational attainment of compulsory schooling or less (70.4%). Additionally, a substantial proportion of participants exhibited school-related problems (43.7%) and had a history of mental health issues (33.8%). Compared to the general population, individuals in the CEPER-III cohort demonstrated significantly lower scores in the following personality traits: paranoid (p < 0.05), histrionic (p < 0.001), narcissistic (p < 0.001), passive-aggressive (p < 0.05), and sadistic (p < 0.01). Multivariate logistic regression analysis indicated that the antisocial, borderline, obsessive-compulsive, and self-destructive personality traits were significantly associated (p < 0.05) with the level of physical activity. This study found a link between personality traits and physical activity levels in patients with GD. Gamblers with higher scores on obsessive-compulsive and self-destructive personality traits were more likely to fall into the moderate-high physical activity group. In contrast, those with higher scores on antisocial and borderline personality traits were more likely to be classified in the low physical activity group.

Assessing the level of device-measured physical activity according to insomnia symptoms in 1,354 individuals with diabetes: the HUNT Study, Norway

BackgroundInsomnia symptoms that influence daytime functioning are common among adults with type 2 diabetes. However, no previous study has examined if levels of physical activity differ among adults with diabetes with and without insomnia symptoms. Thus, the aim of this study was to assess the difference in total physical activity (TPA) and moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) levels in individuals with diabetes with and without insomnia symptoms.MethodsThis cross-sectional study included 1,354 participants with any type of diabetes who participated in the Norwegian HUNT4 Study, 2017-19. Participants were defined to have ‘insomnia symptoms’ if they reported difficulty initiating and/or maintaining sleep ≥ 3 nights/week during the last 3 months. MVPA (defined as moderate/brisk walking [> 4.0 km/h], running, and cycling), and TPA (MVPA including slow walking [≤ 4.0 km/h]) were determined from two accelerometers worn on the thigh and lower back. Analyses were stratified by age and sex.ResultsThe median age was 67 years and 491 (36%) had insomnia symptoms and 37 (3%) had insomnia disorder. Among women, 28% with one or more insomnia symptoms fulfilled the recommended minimum level of physical activity, as compared to 34% in women without insomnia symptoms. The corresponding proportions in men were 48% and 45%. Women above 65 years with insomnia symptoms performed less TPA (-73 min/week, 95% CI -122 to -24) and MVPA (-33 min/week, 95% CI -50 to -15), compared to women without insomnia symptoms in the same age group. There was no clear difference in physical activity levels according to insomnia symptoms in men or women below 65 years. Women and men with insomnia disorder had substantially lower TPA (women: -192 min/week, 95% CI -278 to -106; men: -276 min/week, 95% CI -369 to -193) and MVPA (women: -37 min/week, 95% CI -63 to -11; men: -67 min/week, 95% CI -83 to -50) than those without insomnia symptoms.ConclusionsThis study showed that women above 65 years with insomnia symptoms and individuals with insomnia disorder performed less physical activity, suggesting that these subgroups may suffer from additional challenges that prevent them from engaging in regular physical activity.

Clinical Indicators for Predicting Physical Activity Levels in Long-Term COVID-19: Insights from Physical Exertion and Oxygen Saturation

IntroductionLong COVID-19 syndrome, affecting approximately 80% of adults after SARS-CoV-2 infection, often reduces physical activity due to fatigue and breathing difficulties, leading to impaired physical function and lung capacity. This cross-sectional study examined predictive variables such as physical exertion, heart rate, and oxygen saturation to assess physical activity levels in adults with long COVID-19 syndrome. MethodsWe recruited 34 adults aged 19-55 with a COVID-19 history and assigned them to the long-COVID-19 and control group. They were evaluated using the 6-Minute Walk Test, modified Borg Dyspnoea Scale, heart rate, maximum oxygen uptake, and the IPAQ-Short Form for daily physical activity assessment. ResultsThe Borg Dyspnoea Scale, maximum oxygen uptake, and resting oxygen saturation emerged as crucial indicators for predicting physical activity levels in post-COVID-19 individuals. Compared to these variables, resting and post-exercise heart rates were statistically insignificant. ConclusionPhysical exertion and oxygen saturation are potentially crucial predictors of physical activity levels in individuals with persistent post-COVID-19 symptoms. These findings offer valuable insights for managing long COVID-19 syndrome, emphasising the need for tailored interventions to address reduced physical activity levels in affected individuals.

Improving exercise cardiac reserve assessment using a novel cardiopulmonary and echocardiography testing protocol (CPET-ESE) based on individualised exercise intensity domains

Abstract Background Functional exercise stress echocardiography (ESE) is used to quantify changes in cardiac reserve and can improve early cardiac dysfunction diagnosis and follow-up.[1.2] Current ESE protocols do not account for individual variations in fitness and heart rate response, leading to difficulties in defining normal reference values.[2,3] Physiologically defined exercise intensity domains could be implemented as part of combined cardiopulmonary and ESE testing (CPET-ESE) to address this problem. Purpose We propose that using exercise intensity domains as part of CPET-ESE will result in cardiac reserve values not influenced by individual cardiorespiratory fitness or physical activity (PA) levels. We also hypothesise by matching work-rates and heart rates (HR), respectively, cardiac reserve will be higher in those exercising at the higher exercise intensity domain. Methods A total of 45 healthy adults (mean age 43.8 ± 14.2, range 18-65 y) underwent a CPET followed by a CPET-ESE consisting of two 6-minute stages: 1. Moderate intensity (MOD) at 90% of the work-rate at the gas exchange threshold (GET) and 2. High intensity (HIGH) at 40% of the difference between GET and peak. Global left ventricular and right ventricular free wall (LV and RV) longitudinal strain (Sl), RV fractional area change (RV-FAC), peak LV and RV TDI derived systolic (S’) and diastolic velocities (E’) were measured at each step, including rest. HIGH steps were matched 1-to-n with MOD steps from other participants based on work-rate and HR, respectively. Questionnaire derived PA was classified as low, moderate, and high active. Cardiorespiratory fitness was measured as peak oxygen uptake relative to body mass (mL·kg-1·min-1). Results After adjusting for age and sex, neither higher PA nor peak VO2 were associated with higher cardiac function parameters at either intensity (Table 1). Higher peak VO2 was associated with higher work-rate for HIGH only, while higher PA was associated with lower HR for MOD only (interaction term p&amp;lt;0.05). When paired by matching HR and work-rate, respectively, HIGH was associated with higher cardiac function parameters compared to MOD (all except for LV-S’ and RV-FAC when HR matched, Table 2), despite those matched from HIGH being older, less physically active and having lower peak VO2 (p&amp;lt;0.05 for all). Conclusions Current ESE protocols, which define submaximal exercise intensity using arbitrary work-rate or HR targets,[3] do not account for the complex differences in exercise response between healthy individuals. Cardiac function augmentation during exercise is likely a response to VO2 kinetics and this is not accurately described by either HR or work-rate alone. We derived normal reference values for cardiac reserve from implementing physiologically defined exercise intensity domains within the combined CPET-ESE testing frameworks. These values could be more appropriately used when comparing diverse clinical populations using CPET-ESE.

Associations between Physical Activity, Systemic Inflammation, and Hospital Admissions in Adults with Heart Failure.

Among individuals with diagnosed heart failure (HF), the impact of physical activity on systemic inflammation and risk of hospital admissions remains unclear. This study examines the associations between physical activity and 1) systemic inflammation measured through C-reactive protein (CRP) levels and 2) frequency of hospital admissions in those with HF. We utilized data from the National Health and Nutrition Evaluation Survey in this observational cross-sectional study to include 377 community-dwelling adults with HF. Demographic, clinical, and functional variables were extracted from the data and included in the regression models as covariates during analysis. Associations between activity and hospital admissions were examined using Poisson regression. Multivariable logistic regression analysis was used for association between CRP and physical activity. We found a direct linear relationship between CRP levels and hospital admissions with higher levels of CRP significantly associated with greater number oof hospital admissions in HF (IRR = 1.18, p < 0.001). Similarly, participating in vigorous activity was significantly associated with decreased expected rate of hospital admissions (IRR = 0.38, p = 0.013 (C.I. = 0.18-0.80) and with a significant decrease in the CRP levels (B = -0.44, p = 0.018 (C.I. = -0.80 - -0.83). To our knowledge, this is the first study using population-level data to examine the association between physical activity level, systemic inflammation, and hospitalizations in individuals with HF. The findings of this study demonstrate that irrespective of sex, engagement in physical activity at higher intensity levels is strongly associated with favorable health outcomes in older adults with HF.

Exploring relationships among gait, balance, and physical activity in individuals with Huntington's disease

Background Individuals with Huntington's disease (HD) experience a variety of motor and non-motor symptoms, but little is known about how these symptoms are related to one another. It is important to characterize the deficits present and explore the relationships among these symptoms in order to provide high quality clinical care. Objective The purpose of this study was to characterize gait, balance, and physical activity level in individuals with HD and explore the relationships among motor and non-motor symptoms. Methods Individuals completed one lab visit and wore a sensor for seven days to capture physical activity level. During the lab visit, gait, balance, and cognitive status were assessed using validated measures. A 2 × 2 ANOVA (Group×Condition) was used to assess differences in gait between individuals with HD vs. controls, while t-tests were used for other clinical measures. Correlations as well as a mixed effects model explored relationships among clinical measures in the HD group. Results Individuals with HD walk significantly slower and have significantly worse balance than controls. Gait velocity and balance were significantly correlated with cognitive status in individuals with HD. Additionally, balance performance and balance confidence were not significantly correlated, indicating that there may be a lack of self-awareness of deficits present in individuals with HD. In-lab measures were not significant predictors of physical activity. Conclusions Motor impairments in individuals with HD are correlated with cognitive impairment. Clinicians should be aware of the impact of cognitive impairment when selecting interventions to address motor symptoms in individuals with HD.

Evolution mechanism and influencing factors of multidimensional public opinion dissemination from the perspective of game theory

With the popularization and development of the Internet, in-depth investigation into the evolutionary mechanism of online multidimensional public opinion dissemination is crucial to modern public opinion management. This study introduces game theory into the analysis of the driving mechanism and propagation law of online public opinion, constructs a multi-dimensional public opinion network model covering social, psychological, viewpoint and environmental dimensions, and combines systematic simulation and empirical analysis. The study found: (1) In the process of online public opinion communication, the activity level of micro individuals is influenced by the comprehensive benefits of the game. The game benefits are internally affected by the benefits of publishing and receiving public opinion, and the cost of publishing public opinion. Externally, they are affected by the trust between opinion leaders; (2) Increasing the costs of publishing public opinion can effectively reduce the proportion of active participants in public opinion. Increasing the benefits of receiving or publishing public opinion will increase the proportion of active participants in public opinion; (3) A higher average social bandwagon accelerates the polarization process of viewpoints in the spread of online public opinion, while a higher average social trust slows down the speed of viewpoint polarization in the spread of online public opinion. An unfavorable external environment helps promote the polarization of viewpoints in the spread of online public opinion. This study provides a new perspective for understanding and predicting the dissemination of online public opinion, and a scientific basis for the government to formulate effective online public opinion management strategies.

Evaluating an Expanded Health Action Process Approach Model of Health Promotion to Predict Physical Activity Levels of Individuals With Chronic Health Conditions and Disabilities

Physical activity is associated with reduced stress, anxiety, and depression. This study evaluated autonomous motivation and social support for exercise in addition to the Health Action Process Approach (HAPA) model as predictors of physical activity among people with chronic health conditions and disabilities. This is secondary data analysis. Participants were 982 U.S. individuals with chronic health conditions and disabilities. Hierarchical regression analysis (HRA) was used to assess variable impact sequentially, and a serial multiple mediation analysis (SMMA) was utilized to test mediation effect. The HAPA model constructs, autonomous motivation, and social support for exercise accounted for 35% of the variance in physical activity scores, a large effect size. Commitment was the strongest predictor, followed by autonomous motivation and self-efficacy. SMMA results indicated that autonomous motivation was associated with self-efficacy and commitment, and these factors were significantly associated with physical activity. Self-efficacy and commitment significantly mediated the relationship between autonomous motivation and physical activity. Autonomous motivation thus plays an important role in predicting the physical activity levels of adults with disabilities, warranting the inclusion of an autonomy construct in the HAPA model.

The effects of online intervention program implemented during COVID-19 on the quality of life and physical activities of individuals with intellectual disabilities and their mothers.

The aim of the study was to examine the effect of the Online Intervention Program implemented during the COVID-19 period on the quality of life (QoL) and physical activity (PA) levels of individuals with intellectual disability (ID) and their mothers. The experimental method was used in this study. A total of 184 people, 92 individuals with intellectual disability and their mothers participated in the study. By random assignment method, 40 participants with ID and their mothers were assigned to the experimental group (EG) and 52 participants and their mothers were assigned to the control group (CG). The participants with ID in the EG participated in PA and music activities for 60 minutes a day, three days a week for 12 weeks, and the mothers participated in a psychological counseling program for 80 minutes a day, one day a week. "Personal information form" and "WHOQOL-BREF Turkish version" for mothers, "WHOQOL-BREF & Intellectual Disability Module" for individuals with ID, and "International Physical Activity Questionnaire" for mothers and individuals with ID were used as data collection tools. As a result of the analyses, it was found that the mothers and the individuals with ID who participated in the online intervention program maintained their PA levels, the mothers showed a significant increase in all sub-dimensions of QoL, and the individuals with ID had a partial increase in their QoL.

Rehabilitation-Specific Predictors of Pain Intensity and Physical Activity Levels in Individuals With Acetabular Dysplasia 6 Months After Periacetabular Osteotomy.

Individuals with acetabular dysplasia often report hip joint instability, pain, and poor hip-related function. Periacetabular osteotomy (PAO) is a surgical procedure that aims to reposition the acetabulum to improve joint congruency and improve pain and function. We aimed to examine the influence of presurgery clinical measures on functional recovery following PAO and the associations among clinical outcomes after PAO. We screened 49 potential participants, 28 were enrolled, and 23 completed both study visits (pre-PAO and 6 months post-PAO). We evaluated dynamometer-measured hip and thigh strength, loading patterns during a squat and countermovement jump (CMJ), pain intensity, and device-measured physical activity (PA) levels (light, moderate-to-vigorous PA [MVPA], and daily steps). We used linear regression models to examine the influence of muscle strength (peak torque; limb symmetry index [LSI]) and loading patterns before PAO on pain intensity and PA levels in individuals 6 months following PAO. Additionally, we used Pearson correlation coefficient to examine cross-sectional associations among all variables 6 months following PAO. Lower extremity muscle strength and loading patterns during the squat and CMJ before PAO did not predict pain intensity or device-measured PA levels in individuals 6 months following PAO (p > 0.05). Six months following PAO, higher knee extensor LSI was associated with higher time spent in MVPA (r = 0.56; p = 0.016), higher hip abductor LSI was associated with both lower pain (r = 0.50; p = 0.036) and higher involved limb loading during the squat task (r = 0.59; p = 0.010). Lastly, higher hip flexor LSI was associated with higher CMJ takeoff involved limb loading (r = 0.52; p = 0.021) and higher involved hip extensor strength was associated with higher CMJ landing involved limb loading (r = 0.56; p = 0.012). Six months after PAO, higher hip and thigh muscle strength and strength symmetry were associated with lower pain, higher PA levels, and greater normalized limb loading during dynamic movement tasks.

Effect of individual activity level heterogeneity on disease spreading in higher-order networks.

The active state of individuals has a significant impact on disease spread dynamics. In addition, pairwise interactions and higher-order interactions coexist in complex systems, and the pairwise networks proved insufficient for capturing the essence of complex systems. Here, we propose a higher-order network model to study the effect of individual activity level heterogeneity on disease-spreading dynamics. Activity level heterogeneity radically alters the dynamics of disease spread in higher-order networks. First, the evolution equations for infected individuals are derived using the mean field method. Second, numerical simulations of artificial networks reveal that higher-order interactions give rise to a discontinuous phase transition zone where the coexistence of health and disease occurs. Furthermore, the system becomes more unstable as individual activity levels rise, leading to a higher likelihood of disease outbreaks. Finally, we simulate the proposed model on two real higher-order networks, and the results are consistent with the artificial networks and validate the inferences from theoretical analysis. Our results explain the underlying reasons why groups with higher activity levels are more likely to initiate social changes. Simultaneously, the reduction in group activity, characterized by measures such as "isolation," emerges as a potent strategy for disease control.

Examination of The Relationship between Physical Activity Level and Social Skills Level of Individuals Diagnosed with Special Learning Disability

Examination of The Relationship between Physical Activity Level and Social Skills Level of Individuals Diagnosed with Special Learning Disability

The coupled dynamics of information-behavior-epidemic propagation considering the heterogeneity of adoption thresholds and network structures in multiplex networks

During epidemics, individual responses to prevention and control information vary significantly, affecting the execution of preventive measures. This paper introduces a novel model to analyze the co-evolution of the information-behavior-epidemic dynamic, accounting for the heterogeneity in individual behavioral adoption thresholds and network structures. The model consists of three layers: the upper layer, utilizing scale-free social networks to represent the diffusion of information; the middle and lower layers, employing community networks, to illustrate individuals’ decision-making and epidemic transmission processes, respectively. We applied the Heaviside step function to depict the effects of information and local environmental factors on individuals’ decisions. Through the microscopic Markov chain approach (MMCA), we determined the epidemic threshold. Our methodology also included extensive Monte Carlo (MC) simulations to validate our theoretical predictions. Our results reveal several key insights: (i) reducing community mobility and the threshold for adopting preventive behaviors can significantly restrain the scale of the epidemic and delay outbreaks; (ii) the level of individual activity in the physical contact network has a significant influence on epidemic transmission; (iii) integrating individuals’ behavior adoption thresholds induces a two-stage phase change, deviating from the continuous phase transition typically observed in epidemic transmission.