Opportunities For Interaction Research Articles

Seed-Bird co-occurrence networks in cocoa agroforests: Morphological matching analysis reveals shading effects on network organization

Tropical forests are highly vulnerable to ongoing deforestation, which often involves converting land for agricultural use. While tropical agroforests have been promoted as wildlife-friendly systems, limited information is available on the ability of agroforests to provide diverse fruits that attract birds and thus contribute to essential ecological processes, such as seed dispersal. Here, we evaluated the organization of tropical seed-bird co-occurrence networks in cocoa agroforests of the Brazilian Atlantic Forest. Specifically, we investigated the influence of (i) landscape and local predictors in shaping the structure of seed-bird co-occurrence networks; and (ii) species traits in explaining their interactive role in the networks. We constructed matrices of presence-absence interactions based on morphological matching among the beak width of frugivorous bird species and the size of ornithochorous seed species (both native and exotic species), using field data of seed rain and understory bird surveys from 15 cocoa agroforests. We further evaluated both the effects of landscape forest cover and local shading on five network indices and how functional traits of birds and seeds explain their importance to the network. In total, we obtained 467 events of potential plant-bird interactions, which revealed a modular pattern. We also observed that only canopy shading significantly affected network connectance, and seed diameter was a significant predictor in explaining tree species contribution in the network. Therefore, our findings show that cocoa agroforests with greater shading will have greater opportunities for interactions between frugivorous birds and plants. We also observed that plants with small seeds play a more relevant role in the co-occurrence interaction network. Based on findings, we emphasized that cocoa agroforests likely maintain certain mutualistic relationships to ensure ecosystem functionality and demonstrate that co-occurrence networks have great potential for future seed dispersal networks in agricultural ecosystems.

Timing of seasonal events is correlated with social network position in a wild mammal

Across animal systems, abiotic environmental features, including timing of seasonal events and weather patterns, affect fitness. An individual’s degree of social integration also has fitness consequences, but we lack an understanding of how abiotic features relate to patterns of individual sociality. A deeper understanding of this relationship could be developed from studying systems where these two links with fitness have already been identified. We explored the relationship between individual social behavior and seasonal timing, seasonal length, and weather patterns. We used social network analysis on a sixteen-year dataset of a wild population of hibernating yellow-bellied marmots (Marmota flaviventer). We fit a series of generalized linear mixed models and found that longer growing seasons before winter hibernation and longer winters were associated with increased individual sociality in the following spring. However, later snowmelt was associated with decreased sociality that spring. We found no relationship between individual sociality and various measures of precipitation and temperature. This suggests that seasonal timing and length may be a more important driver of sociality than weather patterns in this system, both as a lag and contemporary effect. Seasonal timing and length may mediate the opportunity or intensity of social interactions. The entwined relationships between the seasonal schedule and weather, and the seemingly contradictory role of winter length and snowmelt, suggests the timing of seasons and its relationship with sociality is complex and further exploration of environment-sociality relationships is required across taxa.Significance statementWhile the adaptive benefits of social behavior are well studied, less is known about how features of the abiotic environment drive variation in individual social behavior. Given increasing stochasticity in the timing of seasonal events and weather patterns, mapping the environment-sociality relationship will provide important insights to the drivers of sociality in the wild. This is particularly salient for species most vulnerable to climate and environmental change, such as seasonal hibernators, like yellow-bellied marmots (Marmota flaviventer). We found that features of seasonal duration were positively associated with increased sociality, whereas the timing of seasonal onset was negatively associated. This work provides empirical evidence towards an important gap in the behavioral ecology literature.

ВПРОВАДЖЕННЯ ТЕХНОЛОГІЇ МІКРОНАВЧАННЯ СТУДЕНТІВ-ЕКОНОМІСТІВ ЗА ДОПОМОГОЮ ОНЛАЙН-КУРСІВ

After the outbreak of the pandemic in 2019 and the outbreak of war in the country in 2022, educational institutions at different levels of Ukraine switched to a mixed format of the educational process and were forced to look for modern approaches and technologies for organizing the education of students. This study examines the implementation of microlearning technology using online courses developed on the Moodle platform. Microlearning is a modern learning technology that involves short, intensive training modules focused on the development of specific theoretical knowledge and practical skills. Available online courses, which provide the ability to create and deliver different types of educational content, focus mainly on the formation of necessary knowledge and skills of students, but do not take into account their individual needs and interests in the learning process, and pay little attention to their satisfaction with education in modern conditions. This article investigates the impact of microlearning technology using online courses on students' satisfaction with learning. To determine the level of student satisfaction, an online survey was conducted among 61 students enrolled in the specialty 051 "Economics" programs, which include Business Economics, International Economics, Economic Cybernetics, and Digital Economy, at the National University of Life and Environmental Sciences of Ukraine. All these students were studying using microlearning technology with the use of online courses. As a result, that the level of student satisfaction with learning using this technology is most influenced by such factors as the availability of learning resources, consideration of individual abilities and needs in the online course, opportunities for interaction and communication with the teacher, as well as the format of learning materials and acquired knowledge. Accordingly, these factors should be taken into account when developing online courses and implementing microlearning technologies in the educational process.

The promise and perils of coworking in residential areas: a systematic review of health and community impacts

PurposeThis study aims to explore the manifold implications – health, environmental and economic – of integrating coworking spaces (CSs) into residential settings. The research emphasizes the health-related potential and connected benefits of situating these contemporary spaces of work in retrofitted buildings.Design/methodology/approachThe research highlights the potential of retrofitted buildings – owing to their urban locations, existing infrastructure, and available space – to accommodate CSs. Employing the preferred reporting items for systematic reviews and meta-analyses (PRISMA) methodology, the paper systematically reviews literature from 2010 to 2021. It investigates the influence of residential CSs on health, community cohesion and environmental sustainability.FindingsThe results indicate that integrating CSs within residential areas can significantly enhance user wellbeing, create a healthier residential environment and positively impact the broader community. Retrofitted buildings emerge as optimal venues for CSs due to their urban positioning and potential to contribute to users' physical, mental and social health. However, the strategic (re)use of retrofitted buildings is crucial, alongside planning to address potential downsides like gentrification.Research limitations/implicationsThe study is based on a literature review and may not fully capture the specificities of certain regional or local conditions that could affect the health benefits associated with CSs. In addition to that, the study primarily references European-centric research between 2010 and 2021, indicating a need for more diverse geographic and cultural studies. Further empirical studies are needed to validate the findings behind the following study.Practical implicationsThe findings of this study can guide urban planners, policymakers and architects in assessing the feasibility of converting residential buildings into CSs and planning relevant activities. They can leverage the potential health benefits to promote CSs and encourage healthier lifestyle practices in residential communities.Social implicationsIntroducing CSs in residential areas can lead to reduced commuting stress, opportunities for physical activities and social interactions, and healthier lifestyle practices. These benefits can enhance the overall well-being of individuals and communities, fostering a stronger social fabric in urban settings.Originality/valueThis research is novel in examining the health benefits associated with CSs in residential areas and the role of retrofitted buildings in promoting such advantages.

Challenges, Opportunities, and Recommendations for Sino-Thai Cross-Border Cultural Tourism Cooperation under the Belt and Road Initiative

The Belt and Road Initiative aims to promote cooperation in infrastructure construction, trade cooperation, cultural exchanges, and other aspects among the countries along the route. Over the past decade, the implementation of this initiative in Thailand has achieved remarkable results, injecting new vitality into Sino-Thai cultural exchanges. The implementation of visa exemption policies has made personnel exchanges between China and Thailand more convenient, providing new opportunities for cultural interactions. Cultural exchanges help to enhance the understanding and friendship between the peoples of the two countries, promoting cooperation in culture, education, and other aspects. As a key medium of cultural exchange, the tourism industry plays a very important role. This paper discusses the opportunities and challenges of Sino-Thai cross-border cultural tourism cooperation under the framework of the Belt and Road Initiative and proposes corresponding strategies. The aim is to help promote cultural exchanges and mutual learning, contributing to the construction of a closer Sino-Thai community of shared destiny.

The impact of out-of-school L2 input and interaction on adolescent classroom immersion and community-L2 learners’ L2 vocabulary: opportunities for interaction are key

Abstract Comparing young second-language (L2) learners in different learning contexts is a valuable, but under-researched, design for determining how L2 experiences impact L2 development. This study addressed this gap by comparing the out-of-school L2 experiences of adolescents (N = 64) learning L2-English as either a community majority language or as a foreign language in an immersion classroom, and examining how differences in L2 experience impacted English receptive vocabulary ability. Participant questionnaires yielded information on sources of L2 input and L2 interaction out-of-school. Results showed the groups were comparable for L2 input, but immersion learners experienced less interactional L2 use and also had significantly smaller L2 vocabularies. Out-of-school L2 experience explained more variance in receptive vocabulary for community-L2 participants, with more significant predictor variables than immersion-L2 participants. L2 interaction variables explained more variance than L2 input variables for both groups, indicating that, overall, interaction is a key source of L2 receptive vocabulary development.

Environmental Communication Challenges in The Development Process of the Ciletuh Palabuhanratu Geopark Area, Sukabumi Regency

Purpose: The purpose of this research is to Explaining the process of environmental communication dynamics in the Ciletuh Palabuhanratu Geopark area, explaining the dynamics of environmental communication in the Ciletuh Palabuhanratu Geopark area, formulating follow-up actions to environmental communication dynamics in the Ciletuh Palabuhanratu Geopark area, Sukabumi Regency. Method: The research methodology this study used qualitative research methods. Research with a qualitative paradigm is flexible and open by emphasizing inductive analysis (empirico inductive) (Suprayogo and Tabroni 2001: 161). Based on the research objectives to be achieved, this type of research is a case study type of research. This research is based on the type of case study, including the type of exploratory case study research. An exploratory approach seeks to find general information about a topic/problem that is not yet fully understood by researchers. In this research, the data collected consists of primary data and secondary data. Primary data sources are objects observed directly in the field and data obtained through interviewed informants. In this research, informants came from four sub-districts which are representatives of the Ciletuh Palabuhanratu Geopark, including the PAPSI and Palapah community groups, community leaders from four sub-districts, local government, academics, and figures who initiated the Ciletuh Palabuhanratu Geopark. This data is also accompanied by photo, image and map data to complement the primary data. Secondary data sources are in the form of documents or written sources in general, such as village monographs, population statistics, building inventories, natural conditions, and also about the history of the formation and development of the Ciletuh Geopark area. Secondary data is obtained from research results, journals, the internet and matters related to data needs. This secondary data is useful for researchers to understand more deeply the problem that is the object of research. In general, the techniques that can be used to collect data for this research are interviews, observation and documentation studies. An interview is a process of direct interaction or communication between the interviewer and the respondent. Results and conclusion: Based on the literature review and analysis the Ciletuh Geopark area is an area that has unique geological, biological and cultural potential that can be developed as a complete natural and cultural tourism destination that has comparative and competitive advantages. The dynamics of environmental communication that occur are aimed at ensuring that conservation aspects can run in balance and in line with aspects of community empowerment. Research implications: The findings of this research have implications for environmental communication which has an important role in efforts to empower and develop the community's economy so that it is more environmentally friendly and of course can be more targeted. Environmental communication provides opportunities for good interaction between various parties in community empowerment activities by equalizing perceptions of various environmental problems, so that the expected goals can be achieved with the active participation of the community in overcoming environmental problems in the Geopark area. Originality/value: This research contributes to existing literature by focusing on the intersection between environmental communication dynamics and regional development in the Indonesian context. By identifying obstacles and providing recommendations, this research offers insight into community empowerment activities by equalizing perceptions of various environmental problems in the Geopark area.

Active Chat Monitoring and Suspicious Chat Detection Over Internet

In today's digital landscape, the proliferation of online communication platforms has brought about unprecedented opportunities for interaction and collaboration. However, this vast virtual space also presents challenges in ensuring safety and security, particularly concerning the monitoring of chat activities and the detection of suspicious behaviour. This research paper investigates the methods and technologies employed proactive chat monitoring and random chat across the web. The paper begins by examining the importance of monitoring chat platforms to prevent various forms of malicious activities, including cyberbullying, fraud, terrorism, and other illicit behaviours. It then delves into the techniques utilized for real-time monitoring of chat conversations, such as keyword filtering, sentiment analysis, and natural language processing algorithms. Furthermore, the paper explores the principles behind suspicious chat detection, highlighting the indicators of potentially harmful or illegal activities within chat communications. This includes analysing patterns of conversation, identifying anomalous behaviour, and integrating machine learning models to improve detection accuracy. Moreover, the research discusses the ethical considerations and privacy concerns associated with active chat monitoring, emphasizing the need for transparent policies and safeguards to protect user privacy while ensuring effective security measures. Keywords: Active chat monitoring, Suspicious chat detection, Online communication platforms, Cybersecurity, Malicious activities, Keyword filtering, Sentiment analysis, Natural language processing algorithms.

Science and language education: emergent bilinguals engage in modeling, explanation and argumentation for sense-making

This is a qualitative case study framed by a sociosemiotic theoretical framework to explore science and language instruction with three Emergent Bilinguals (EBs) in sixth grade. The study details the modeling and explanatory processes used by EBs to mediate science learning through evidence-based argumentation. A thematic analysis of students’ models, explanations and arguments was conducted. Three themes emerged from the analysis: (1) modeling and explanatory processes evolved from illustrative to causal purpose, (2) students engaged in discursive practices similar to scientific communities, and (3) students mediated science learning through evidence-based argumentation. The three themes revealed that when EBs are taught through integrated science and language instruction they are provided with opportunities to approximate the discipline-specific language register of science through three language functions: ideational, interpersonal and textual. Modeling and explaining scaffolded evidence-based argumentation tasks through which EBs critiqued each other’s models and explanations and revised their conceptual understanding of science concepts to increase sense-making. Implications suggest integrated content and language instruction to provide students with experiential learning opportunities while affording discourse and interactive opportunities on a larger scale and via other research methodologies to include a larger sample size of EBs.

АДАПТАЦІЯ ТА ОПТИМІЗАЦІЯ ТРАДИЦІЙНИХ МАРКЕТИНГОВИХ СТРАТЕГІЙ ДО ВИМОГ ЦИФРОВОЇ ЕКОНОМІКИ: ВИКЛИКИ ТА МОЖЛИВОСТІ

The modern business sphere is undergoing significant transformations in the context of rapidly changing digital economy, presenting both serious challenges and unlimited opportunities for companies. This article is dedicated to analyzing this phenomenon, aiming to identify optimal ways of adaptation and enhancement of traditional marketing strategies in response to new realities. The relevance of adapting and optimizing traditional marketing strategies to meet the demands of the digital economy is crucial in today's business environment. With the advent of digital technologies and changes in consumer habits, companies must revise their strategies to effectively compete in the market. The digital economy requires not only an online presence but also an understanding and utilization of cutting-edge tools and approaches. A range of key challenges arising from the implementation of digital technologies in marketing activities are highlighted, including the instability of the digital environment, high pace of changes, market competition for innovations, and the need for new skills in personnel. Through a thorough analysis of contemporary requirements for marketing strategizing, the researcher in the article provides comprehensive recommendations for optimizing and adapting traditional strategies. Special emphasis is placed on the examination of innovative tools in digital marketing, such as social networks, data analytics, artificial intelligence, and machine learning. Examples of successful utilization of these tools to achieve strategic marketing goals are cited, and opportunities for personalization and audience interaction in a dynamic digital environment are outlined. Additionally, the article discusses ethical and legal aspects of using digital strategies in marketing, and highlights factors contributing to the successful implementation of digital marketing strategies in the modern business environment. The article serves as a valuable source for professionals in the fields of marketing, management, and business who seek not only to understand the challenges of digital transformation but also to implement effective strategies for success in a high-tech business environment.

Mixed Method Evaluation of ACTS: Advancing Connection Through Storytelling-A Novel Approach to Improve Older Adult Engagement and Staff Interactions in Korean Nursing Homes.

A culture centered on relationships and communication is necessary to improve the quality of life of older adults living in nursing homes. To examine the effects of a storytelling program by examining the cognitive, emotional, and psychosocial changes in older adults in facilities and explore staff experience of changes in care. This mixed method study delivered a 6-week storytelling program based on relationship-centered care for residents of nursing homes (aged >65 years). Changes in emotional expression, depression, communication skills, social support, interpersonal relationships, nurse-patient interaction, and the person-centered environment as perceived by older adults were quantitatively analyzed using pre-intervention and post-intervention surveys. Qualitative data were collected through weekly stories created by residents, followed by focus group interviews with nursing home staff, analyzed using reflexive thematic analysis to enhance understanding of the program's outcomes. The 42 residents reported significant changes in their emotional expression, depression, communication skills, social support, interpersonal relationships, nurse-patient interaction, and person-centered environment scores after the 6-week intervention. Analysis of the residents' stories identified 5 themes. The staff focus group interviews identified 2 themes and 7 subthemes. Intervention group residents were more likely to initiate conversations, express themselves, carefully observe themselves and others, and actively participate in social activities. The storytelling program was useful in reducing older adults' negative emotions by allowing them to express their thoughts and feelings and improve their relationships, creating opportunities for social interaction. These effects could help foster relationship- and communication-centered facility cultures.

E054 Rituximab dose minimisation in rheumatoid arthritis, a retrospective outcome analysis

Abstract Background/Aims Rituximab was originally developed as a non-Hodgkin lymphoma treatment and rheumatology adopted the same dosing for rheumatoid arthritis(RA); two 1000mg doses two weeks apart for each maintenance cycle. UHSussex utilises self-referral for maintenance rituximab dosing once disease control lessens. Evidence demonstrates patients treated with lower dose rituximab still enjoy good disease control with less immunosuppression, reduced hospital attendance and reduction in drug expenditure. Following one two-dose cycle, stable RA patients were prescribed a single 1000mg dose from 2020 onwards. A retrospective outcome analysis was completed in August 2022; however, results were highly impacted by Covid-19 and a repeat analysis was required. Aim: to assess impact of a single 1000mg dose rituximab regime on patient sustained outcomes, dose intervals, Disease Activity Scores (DAS) and drug expenditure. Methods The pharmacy database was used to identify RA patients receiving rituximab from March 2020 to August 2023. Patients received at least one standard two-dose cycle before switching to a single infusion. Patients were excluded if lost to follow up (under care of rheumatology for less than a year following dose switching) or considered clinically unstable. Patient letters and departmental records were accessed for disease scores and treatment intervals. Results Table1: Results from the two analysis periods From the original cohort (31/59)53% remained on single dosing. Switch back tended to occur within 18 months of switching. DAS scores were not collected reliably and were omitted. Conclusion Covid-19 impacted services and attitudes during the initial study period. Many patients stopped treatment, particularly rituximab, due to the prolonged duration of effect, excluding them from analysis. The dose-interval increase during the first analysis was considered a result of the pandemic. Patients and clinicians delayed infusions; minimising immunosuppression due to perceived increased risk of Covid-19. The continued interval increase in the second analysis may identify a patient cohort in deep remission eligible for therapy review. The study highlights poor practice in collecting and recording DAS scores and appropriate patient-clinician interaction opportunities. 53% of patients remained on single infusions in August 2023 resulting in resource savings, reduced hospital attendance, immunosuppression and significant cost savings demonstrating the rationale for this option. Disclosure S. Butler: Honoraria; Abbvie, Janssen. H. Smith: Honoraria; Novartis, Abbvie.

EXPLORING HOME-BASED LEARNING: PERSPECTIVES AND EXPERIENCES OF GRADESCHOOLERS IN A PRIVATE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL

This qualitative study delved into the experiences of grade school students within a private elementary school setting during the period of home-based learning. Utilizing semi-structured and structured interview techniques, twelve participants were engaged to gather rich insights into their encounters. Thematic analysis served as the primary method for data interpretation. The research revealed that modular learning presented considerable hurdles for students. The shift to home-based learning appeared to diminish opportunities for socialization and peer interaction, given the limitations on direct engagement with teachers and classmates. Students encountered difficulties in managing time and maintaining focus without the direct supervision of teachers. Understanding modular learning materials proved to be challenging, particularly without timely clarification from educators. Moreover, restricted access to essential resources hindered students active engagement in the learning process. This study sheds light on the implications of home-based learning in the context of private elementary schools. It emphasizes the urgent necessity for educational institutions and educators to address these challenges effectively, thereby enhancing the overall learning experience for students during periods of home-based education.

The Value of Master's Degree Programmes in Health Professions Education: A Scoping Review.

There are increasing numbers of Master's Degree Programmes in Health Professions Education (MHPE), and the value to their students and graduates is not well understood. We conducted a scoping review to explore what is known about the value of MHPE programmes to their students and graduates. A scoping review was conducted using Arksey and O'Malley's five-stage framework. PubMed, CINAHL, Cochrane, BEI, ERIC and EThOs databases were searched in addition to cited reference searching. Original research with an evaluation and published in the English language were included. Nineteen studies were included. Studies were based in a variety of locations on five continents, and included in-person, distance and blended learning. Students and graduates of MHPE programmes self-reported development of their pedagogical knowledge, confidence and credibility in their role as an educator, and educational scholarship. Enhanced career opportunities and opportunities for collegial interactions and networks were also reported. Important barriers included struggling with the time and financial commitments required for studying on a MHPE programme. There are a variety of dimensions of value of MHPE programmes to their students and graduates. Important practical recommendations for MHPE programme providers and employers include providing opportunities for the development of networks and supporting the time and financial commitments required for studying.

Early human contact and housing for pigs – part 3: ability to cope with the environment

Early experiences can have long-term impacts on stress adaptability. This paper is the last of three in a series on early experiences and stress in pigs, and reports on the effects of early human contact and housing on the ability of pigs to cope with their general environment. Using a 2 × 2 factorial design, 48 litters of pigs were reared in either a farrowing crate (FC) or a loose farrowing pen (LP; PigSAFE pen) which was larger, more physically complex and allowed the sow to move freely. Piglets were provided with either routine contact from stockpeople (C), or routine contact plus regular opportunities for positive human contact (+HC) involving 5 min of scratching, patting and stroking imposed to the litter 5 days/week from 0 to 4 weeks of age. At 4 weeks of age (preweaning), C piglets that were reared in FC had considerably lower concentrations of serum brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) than piglets from the other treatment combinations. Compared to C pigs, +HC pigs had fewer injuries at 4 weeks of age. There were no clear effects of human contact on BDNF concentrations or injuries after weaning, or on basal cortisol or immunoglobulin-A concentrations, behavioural time budgets, tear staining, growth, or piglet survival. Compared to FC piglets, LP piglets showed more play behaviour and interactions with the dam and less repetitive nosing towards pen mates during lactation. There was no evidence that early housing affected pigs’ behavioural time budgets or physiology after weaning. Tear staining severity was greater in LP piglets at 4 weeks of age, but this may have been associated with the higher growth rates of LP piglets preweaning. There was no effect of lactation housing on growth after weaning. Preweaning piglet mortality was higher in the loose system. The findings on BDNF concentrations, injuries and play behaviour suggest improved welfare during the treatment period in +HC and LP piglets compared to C and FC piglets, respectively. These results together with those from the other papers in this series indicate that positive human interaction early in life promotes stress adaptability in pigs. Furthermore, while the farrowing crate environment deprives piglets of opportunities for play behaviour and sow interaction, there was no evidence that rearing in crates negatively affected pig welfare or stress resilience after weaning. Whether these findings are specific to the two housing systems studied here, or can be generalised to other housing designs, warrants further research.

"They Don't Come With a Handbook": Exploring Design Opportunities for Supporting Parent-Child Interaction around Emotions in the Family Context.

Parenting practices have a profound effect on children's well-being and are a core target of several psychological interventions for child mental health. However, there is only limited understanding in HCI so far about how to design socio-technical systems that could support positive shifts in parent-child social practices in situ. This paper focuses on parental socialisation of emotion as an exemplar context in which to explore this question. We present a two-step study, combining theory-driven identification of plausible design directions with co-design workshops with 22 parents of children aged 6-10 years. Our data suggest the potential for technology-enabled systems that aim to facilitate positive changes in parent-child social practices in situ, and highlight a number of plausible design directions to explore in future work.

International graduate entry nursing students: A qualitative study on engagement

AimThis study aims to elicit graduate entry nursing students' views on factors that enable and constrain their learning engagement. BackgroundLearning engagement has been associated with student retention/attrition and the achievement of learning confidence and success. While all students are subject to challenges that affect their learning engagement, those experienced by international students who are learning in a foreign and unfamiliar context are of particular concern to academics. An understanding of international graduate entry nursing students’ perspectives on factors that enable and constrain their engagement can inform development of learning and teaching strategies that are more responsive to the needs of this group of students and can support their learning achievement. DesignA qualitative descriptive design conducted in one Australian multi campus university School of Nursing. Participants included first and second-year international students enrolled in a graduate entry Master of Nursing course. MethodsData, including demographic information, was collected via a theoretically informed online survey consisting of a Likert scale and open- ended questions. This study reports participant responses to open ended questions included in the survey. A thematic analysis was used to interpret findings. FindingsAnalysis identified participants’ perspectives on factors that influenced their learning engagement in four theme areas: 1) Availability of study support resources, 2) Opportunities for social interaction, 3) Opportunities to build a sense of belonging, and 4) Constraints on development of a sense of engagement. Opportunities for social engagement emerged as a dominant finding across all themes. ConclusionThis research, which focused on international students’ perspectives on learning engagement, contributed to existing knowledge on student engagement in higher education graduate entry nursing courses. Opportunities for social interaction within and beyond formal course learning experiences were valued by students and identified as key to their learning engagement. These findings have implications for academics and student support services who together, can influence the context of students learning to better meet their engagement needs.

Urban segregation on multilayered transport networks: a random walk approach

We present a novel method for analysing socio-spatial segregation in cities by considering constraints imposed by transportation networks. Using a multilayered network approach, we model the interaction probabilities of socio-economic groups with random walks and Lévy flights. This method allows for evaluation of new transport infrastructure’s impact on segregation while quantifying each network’s contribution to interaction opportunities. The proposed random walk segregation index measures the probability of individuals encountering diverse social groups based on their available means of transit via random walks. The index incorporates temporal constraints in urban mobility with a parameter, α∈[0,1)\\documentclass[12pt]{minimal} \\usepackage{amsmath} \\usepackage{wasysym} \\usepackage{amsfonts} \\usepackage{amssymb} \\usepackage{amsbsy} \\usepackage{mathrsfs} \\usepackage{upgreek} \\setlength{\\oddsidemargin}{-69pt} \\begin{document}$$\\alpha \\in [0,1)$$\\end{document}, of the probability of the random walk continuing at each time step. By applying this to a toy model and conducting a sensitivity analysis, we explore how the index changes dependent on this temporal constraint. When the parameter equals zero, the measure simplifies to an isolation index. When the parameter approaches one it represents the city’s overall socio-economic distribution by mirroring the steady-state of the random walk process. Using Cuenca, Ecuador as a case study, we illustrate the method’s applicability in transportation planning as a valuable tool for policymakers, addressing spatial distribution of socio-economic groups and the connectivity of existing transport networks, thus promoting equitable interactions throughout the city.

COVID-19 experience of people with severe mental health conditions and families in South Africa.

People with severe mental health conditions, such as schizophrenia, and their family caregivers are underserved in low- and middle-income countries where structured psychosocial support in the community is often lacking. This can present challenges to recovery and for coping with additional strains, such as a pandemic. This study explored the experiences and coping strategies of people with lived experience of a severe mental health condition, and family caregivers, in South Africa during the initial stages of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. This qualitative study was conducted in the Nelson Mandela Bay District, Eastern Cape, South Africa, in the most restrictive period of the COVID-19 lockdown. Telephonic qualitative interviews were conducted with people with lived experience (n = 14) and caregivers (n = 15). Audio recordings were transcribed and translated to English from isiXhosa. Thematic analysis was conducted with NVivo 12. Participants described negative impacts including increased material hardship, intensified social isolation and heightened anxiety, particularly among caregivers who had multiple caregiving responsibilities. Coping strategies included finding ways to not only get support from others but also give support, engaging in productive activities and taking care of physical health. The main limitation was inclusion only of people with access to a telephone. Support needs for people with severe mental health conditions and their families should include opportunities for social interaction and sharing coping strategies as well as bolstering financial security. These findings indicate that current support for this vulnerable group is inadequate, and resource allocation for implementation of additional community-based, recovery-focused services for families must be prioritised.

Tendency of Internet Addiction in College Students (Case Study on Public Administration Students of the Faculty of Social and Political Sciences, HKBP Nommensen University)

The internet provides tremendous educational benefits for students and also provides better communication, information, and social interaction opportunities for young people, but excessive internet use can lead to negative psychological addiction. This study aims to quantitatively describe the tendency of internet addiction in the population of students majoring in Public Administration from the class of 2020, 2021, and 2022. The total sample taken was 142 people, including all students from the three batches. The data analysis method applied in this research is the crosstab or cross tabulation analysis technique. The data analysis process involved the use of SPSS V.25 statistical software. From the results of the analysis of gender and range of addiction, it can be seen that the majority of respondents, both males (66.7%) and females (69.9%), experience a moderate level of internet addiction, especially social media. The number of respondents who experienced moderate addiction reached 98 out of a total of 142 respondents. In the analysis of respondents' age groups and range of addiction, it can be seen that three age groups dominate, namely 19, 20 and 21 years old. Of the 28 respondents aged 19, 17 of them experienced moderate addiction. In the 20-year-old age group, out of 43 respondents, 33 were classified as moderately addicted. While in the 21-year-old age group, out of 37 respondents, 26 of them also showed a moderate level of addiction. Furthermore, the tendency of internet addiction in college students is dominated by two main aspects: characteristics and excessive use. Students who feel attached to the internet tend to always think about and find it difficult to control their use. Keywords: Tendency; Addiction; Internet; College Students