Social Behavior Patterns Research Articles

Nutritional Status, Diet, and Intestinal Permeability of Mexican Children with Autism Spectrum Disorders

Introduction: Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) comprises a group of developmental disorders characterized by deficits in social interaction and behavioral patterns. Children with ASD may face nutritional challenges, primarily due to their restrictive behaviors and frequent gastrointestinal issues. Objective: The objective of the present study was to assess nutritional status, dietary habits, and intestinal permeability in a sample of individuals with ASD. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted with 24 children and adolescents (both sexes), aged 4 to 18 years, living in two cities of Mexico (Aguascalientes and Querétaro). Weight and height were measured, and body mass index for age was calculated and compared using WHO Z-scores. Diet was assessed through three 24 h dietary recalls and a food frequency questionnaire. Intestinal permeability was evaluated using a lactulose/mannitol test by HPLC. Results: A high prevalence of malnutrition was observed; 12.5% of the participants were underweight, and 45.8% were overweight or obese. Children had a low intake of fiber, vitamin E, folate, potassium, zinc, and phosphorus and a high intake of sodium. On average, the intestinal permeability ratio was 0.09 ± 0.05, with 54.2% of the children exhibiting high intestinal permeability. Conclusions: It is advisable to develop food counseling strategies for children with ASD to prevent micronutrient deficiencies, promote healthy weight, and improve gastrointestinal integrity.

Social Media Use and Academic Performance in Chinese Children and Adolescents: A Moderated Chain Mediation Model.

Based on data from the 2022 Chinese Minors' Digital Life and Online Protection Survey, this study investigated the status quo of social media use and its influencing mechanism on academic performance among Chinese children and adolescents. The statistical results indicate that the average level of Chinese students' social media use was generally low, with their academic performance varying across socio-demographic and schooling characteristics. After controlling for other variables, it was found that the frequency of social media use could exert a significant positive impact on students' academic performance. Moreover, the mechanism analysis revealed that online learning behavior and prosocial behavior served as chain mediators linking social media use to academic performance. Specifically, students could transfer their social media behavioral patterns to the internet-based learning context, and then effectively utilize remote learning resources. Meanwhile, engagement with social media would cultivate individuals' prosocial personality, thereby stimulating intrinsic motivation for learning and ultimately enhancing academic performance. The heterogeneity analysis further confirmed that the impact of social media use on students' academic performance was stronger in lower-class families, underscoring the moderating role of family socioeconomic status in the relationship between social media use and academic performance. The findings suggest that if academic performance is regarded as an integral part of individual capacity development, then the rational utilization of social media resources might be a pivotal approach to alleviate the predicament of developmental inequality faced by students from low socioeconomic backgrounds.

Older women’s constructions of equality over the lifecourse

Abstract Gender and age are central organising principles of social relations, with socially constructed gendered and age-based norms influencing patterns of social behaviour, power and inequality. Despite recent literature highlighting the importance of subjective measures of equality, including as a significant predictor of wellbeing, there is a gap in studies focused on subjective equality in research on ageing. Drawing on an equality ranking exercise and life herstory interviews with 20 older-aged women (65+) in Aotearoa New Zealand, this article focuses on the intersectionality of age and gender, analysing the ways in which participants constructed their experiences of equality over the lifecourse from their standpoint as older-aged women. The analysis reveals a significant rise in subjective equality from childhood to older age, with more varied responses in childhood and a convergence of responses from adolescence onwards. Participants’ constructions of equality differed: age was the dominant construct of equality women ascribed to their childhood years, while gender inequality came to the fore during their teenage years. In early to mid-adulthood, women found ways to navigate gendered inequality in various life domains, while in older adulthood equality was constructed as freedom and life satisfaction. This trajectory suggests that the frames individuals use to make sense of equality and their personal experiences are not fixed; they are fluid and shift throughout the lifecourse.

Transcriptomic characterization of human lateral septum neurons reveals conserved and divergent marker genes across species.

The lateral septum (LS) is a midline, subcortical structure, which regulates social behaviors that are frequently impaired in neurodevelopmental disorders including schizophrenia and autism spectrum disorder. Mouse studies have identified neuronal populations within the LS that express a variety of molecular markers, including vasopressin receptor, oxytocin receptor, and corticotropin releasing hormone receptor, which control specific facets of social behavior. Despite its critical role in regulating social behavior and notable gene expression patterns, comprehensive molecular profiling of the human LS has not been performed. Here, we conducted single nucleus RNA-sequencing (snRNA-seq) to generate the first transcriptomic profiles of the human LS using postmortem human brain tissue samples from 3 neurotypical donors. Our analysis identified 5 transcriptionally distinct neuronal cell types within the human LS that are enriched for TRPC4, the gene encoding Trp-related protein 4. Differential expression analysis revealed a distinct LS neuronal cell type that is enriched for OPRM1, the gene encoding the μ-opioid receptor. Leveraging recently generated mouse LS snRNA-seq datasets, we conducted a cross-species analysis. Our results demonstrate that TRPC4 enrichment in the LS is highly conserved between human and mouse, while FREM2, which encodes FRAS1 related extracellular matrix protein 2, is enriched only in the human LS. Together, these results highlight transcriptional heterogeneity of the human LS, and identify robust marker genes for the human LS.

The development of the Sensory Emotional Engagement Checklist (SEE-C): Preliminary reliability and validity

ABSTRACT The Sensory Emotional Engagement Checklist (SEE-C) was developed to assess social emotional challenges in children whose sensory integration and sensory processing differences impact daily life. Thus, the purpose of this study was to assess the validity and reliability of the SEE-C for identifying social emotional patterns. Retrospective data were used from parent interviews and consultations at a pediatric clinic in the northeast with occupational therapists that produced items representative of hypothesized social-emotional behavioral subtypes. Factor analysis was conducted to explore construct validity, followed by internal consistency reliability of factor groupings. Correlational analyses were computed for factors within the SEE-C as well as between the SEE-C and the Sensory Processing 3 Dimensions Checklist (SP3D-C). Data were collected from 167 individuals’ charts of children ranging from 4.5 to 13.5 years who were evaluated for sensory integration and sensory processing differences. Factor analysis revealed a four-factor solution that explained the proposed structure of the SEE-C. Internal reliability for SEE-C factors ranged from α = .7 to .8. Correlations were weak but significant within the SEE-C, as well as between factors of the SEE-C and the SP3D-C subscales. Evidence supports the preliminary reliability and validity of the SEE-C as well as suggesting a link between children’s social emotional styles and sensory-related behaviors. The proposed social emotional behavior patterns of the SEE-C also suggest behaviors commonly considered in the mental health field may be reflective of sensory integration and sensory processing differences. These sensory-emotional patterns can further justify the inclusion of pediatric Occupational Therapists as part of the therapeutic intervention team for social emotional challenges in children.

The theoretical path of constructive journalism and practical experience in China

The purpose of this study was to examine the stages of the formation of constructive journalism in the world and the practical implementation of this concept using evidence from modern Chinese media discourse. The study examined two theoretical approaches to constructive news: one based on positive psychology and the other on Buddhist philosophy. The Chinese journalism community was the first to pay attention to constructive news in terms of the supervision of public opinion. Based on the study of the official WeChat account of Xinhua News Agency, particularly the topics, genre specificity, emotional colouring, and formal indicators of news, the patterns of Chinese constructive journalism were identified. The rule of law, cultural life and education, health, and travelling were identified as the main themes. The emotional colouring of news reports is most often positive and neutral. It is worth noting the genre diversity: news, news bulletins, news essays, newsletters, investigative reports, and diversity in terms of formal indicators: “text only”, “text + image”, “image only”, “text + video + image”. It was found that the purpose of constructive journalism reporting in China coincides with the government’s public order goals. The concept of Chinese constructive journalism was reflected in the following aspects: using positive psychology to stimulate the vitality of news reports for social development, creating positive narrative strategy, improving news management, and promoting moral values. In the future, this study can be used to analyse patterns of social behaviour, illuminate media literacy, and study national media practices

Research on the Cognition of Generation Z University Students on Contemporary Feminist Ideologies in the Context of the Digital Society

This study, set against the backdrop of the digital society, focuses on the cognition of Generation Z university students regarding contemporary feminist ideologies. It aims to understand how these students comprehend, accept, and practice feminist concepts amidst the digital wave, and how these concepts influence their social perspectives and behavioral patterns. Through methods such as surveys, in-depth interviews, and online forum analysis, the research systematically collected cognitive data on Generation Z university students understanding of feminist ideologies. The goal is to deepen the understanding of Generation Zs gender concepts and attitudes towards feminism, offering new perspectives and approaches for promoting gender equality and social justice, as well as providing valuable references and insights for future feminist education and research.

Recreational ball games are effective in improving social communication impairments among preschoolers diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder: a multi-arm controlled study

BackgroundThis study aimed to compare the effects of two 12-week training intervention experimental ball games combined with standard behavioral rehabilitation against a control group solely utilizing standard behavioral rehabilitation on social communication impairments (SCI) in preschool children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD).MethodsA multi-arm controlled study design was implemented, involving 41 children diagnosed with ASD (mean age: 4.99 ± 0.76 years). 41 participants were randomized assigned to two experimental groups and a control group, The experimental group carried out ball combination training program group (BCTP) and mini-basketball training program group (MBTP) on the basis of routine behavioral rehabilitation, which underwent 12-week training interventions 5 times a week. The control group (n = 14) received only standard behavioral rehabilitation. Evaluations were conducted before and after interventions using the Social Responsiveness Scale, Second Edition (SRS-2).ResultsThe results suggest that both 12-week interventions, BCTP, and MBTP, led to significant improvements in social communication impairment among children with ASD (p < 0.05). Despite enhancing the overall scores on the SRS-2, these interventions displayed varying impacts across different sub-dimensions. BCTP primarily exhibited significant enhancements in social awareness and behavior pattern (p < 0.05), whereas MBTP significantly improved social cognition and social communication (p < 0.05). Both interventions showed slight improvements in social motivation.ConclusionsThe utilization of recreational ball games has showed to be effective in decreasing the impairment levels of children with ASD, while the control group experienced a worsening of outcomes. This suggests that irrespective of the specific ball game strategy employed, both can be employed on a weekly basis to complement standard behavioral rehabilitation and enhance the ability to improve the quality of life for children diagnosed with ASD.Trial registrationThe trial is retrospectively registered on the Chinese Clinical Trial Registry (ChiCTR1900024973;August 5, 2019).

Encoder-Decoder Transformers for Textual Summaries on Social Media Content

Social media has a leading role to our lives due to radical upgrade of internet and smart technology. It is the primary way of informing, advertising, exchanging opinions and expressing feelings. Posts and comments under each post shape public opinion on different but important issues making social media’s role in public life crucial. It has been observed that people&amp;apos;s opinions expressed through social networks are more direct and representative than those expressed in face-to-face communication. Data shared on social media is a cornerstone of research because patterns of social behavior can be extracted that can be used for government, social, and business decisions. When an event breaks out, social networks are flooded with posts and comments, which are almost impossible for someone to read all of them. A system that would generate summarization of social media contents is necessary. Recent years have shown that abstract summarization combined with transfer learning and transformers has achieved excellent results in the field of text summarization, producing more human-like summaries. In this paper, a presentation of text summarization methods is first presented, as well as a review of text summarization systems. Finally, a system based on the pre-trained T5 model is described to generate summaries from user comments on social media.

Investigating the relationship between abiotic factors and the behaviour of an All-Male Nile crocodile (Crocodylus niloticus) Group

Abiotic factors can have notable effects on animal behaviour at both seasonal and daily time scales. Understanding these effects is a critical consideration in the management and welfare of animals in human care. Herein we evaluated social behaviour and space use patterns of an ex-situ all-male Nile crocodile (Crocodylus niloticus) group in relation to seasonal (month) and daily (temperature, humidity, precipitation, time of day) abiotic factors over two years. Our results suggest that abiotic factors have notable influences on Nile crocodile behaviour at both seasonal and daily time scales. Seasonal patterns of behaviour were distinct, particularly between winter-spring and summer. Agonism rates during winter-spring were twice that of those in summer. Wounding was low throughout the year; however, the odds of having a wound increased by at least a factor of six during the winter compared to all other seasons. Also, sociosexual behaviour was almost exclusively observed within three months during the winter-spring seasons. These changes suggest this ex-situ all-male group’s social structure was seasonally variable in a manner that appears similar to reproductive seasonal changes observed in in-situ crocodile populations. Additionally, the odds of a crocodile being in water were nearly five times greater in the summer than winter-spring, likely reflective of seasonal differences in thermoregulatory requirements. Daily atmospheric conditions had generally weaker influences on behaviour than season; however, notable changes were observed suggesting daily abiotic variation is an important consideration in crocodile management. For example, morning rates of agonism were 1.5 times greater than afternoon rates, and the odds of a crocodile being in water were 73 % greater in the morning than afternoon. Collectively, these findings emphasize that care and welfare decisions based on behavioural inference may be incomplete, or worse inaccurate, if abiotic influences are not considered.

The influence of resource patch condition and size on social interactions, reproductive behaviors, and oviposition in a fungivorous beetle

Variation among resource patches can structure spatial patterns of social behavior. Individual preferences and requirements for heterogeneous resources can lead to differences in where behaviors take place and which kinds of individuals interact. In this study we examined whether properties of habitat patches predict presence of and interactions among wild forked fungus beetles (Bolitotherus cornutus). B. cornutus use shelf-like fruiting bodies of wood decaying fungi (brackets) as social arenas, courtship and mating sites, oviposition locations, and food sources. Brackets on a single log vary in size and condition and represent a dynamic resource as individual brackets decay over the years that they persist on a subpopulation. We found that size and condition significantly predicted how a bracket was used by B. cornutus. Both males and females were found more often on larger, living brackets. Larger brackets hosted proportionally more social interactions and mating behaviors relative to the overall visitation by individuals. The relationship between these resource properties and frequencies of behaviors was stronger for reproductive, between-sex social interactions. Live brackets also attracted more oviposition events by females, but bracket size had no effect on this behavior. Our results indicate that the dynamics of growth and aging of a critical resource can impact how social and reproductive behaviors are distributed in time and space, which in turn could affect the social structure of subpopulations.Significance statementSpecies that depend on critical host resources are often faced with a patchy landscape of resource quality. Those patches represent the infrastructure within which social behaviors take place, and can have formative effects on where, when, and how social interactions occur. We demonstrated that the size and condition of a fungal resource predicted male and female forked fungus beetle presence and behavior. Larger, living brackets hosted more beetles overall, while larger brackets in any condition hosted more social interactions and mating behaviors. Female beetles were more likely to lay eggs on living brackets, regardless of size. This study demonstrates how ecological dynamics of aging resource patches can indirectly structure social landscapes by influencing where and how individuals interact.

Modernisasi dan Sekularasi Pemikiran Islam di Indonesia

The two key ideas in the evolution of Islamic thought in Indonesia are modernization and secularization. Modernization is an effort to keep Islamic teachings up-to-date and relevant to the changing times, while secularization is the division of religion and state affairs. The purpose of this study is to analyze how modernization and secularization have influenced Islamic thought in Indonesia. The research method used is qualitative with literature study. Primary data sources used are books (especially recommended for scientific work), recognized scientific publications, and student research findings in various formats, including theses, dissertations, practicum reports, and so on. Meanwhile, secondary data sources are obtained through previous research that has been carried out by previous research. The data analysis technique used is by data reduction which aims to conclude the results of the entire study. The results of the study show: First, if modernization and secularization have brought significant changes in Islamic thought in Indonesia, it shows that modernization encourages Muslims to adopt a rational mindset and be able to adapt to the progress of the times. Meanwhile, secularization helps Muslims in Indonesia to separate religious affairs from politics, thus allowing them to contribute more effectively to the development of the country. Second, modernization brings significant social changes, including changes in social structures, behavior patterns, and social interactions. Social change can occur suddenly or gradually, involving the active participation of community members. Globalization accelerates the modernization process by spreading ideas and cultures from Western countries to the rest of the world. Third, the relationship between Islam, modernization, and secularization is a complex and ever-evolving phenomenon, with diverse views and interpretations from various figures and thinkers.

Social Acceptance of Innovative Water Technologies as a Development and Design Norm in North Cyprus

This paper addresses the necessary innovative methods for water production and harvesting as a design norm,especially in areas that are facing water shortages both now and in the long term, an example of which is NorthernCyprus Amidst projections forecasting that half of the global populace may confront water scarcity by 2025, and anestimated 700 million individuals could face displacement due to water scarcity by 2030, the imperative to diversifywater-sourcing mechanisms becomes paramount. This paper scrutinizes the intricate challenges engendered by theisland's climatic peculiarities and constricted land resources, underscoring the imperative of formulating sustainablewater management paradigms. It synthesizes extant scholarship on water management in North Cyprus, focusing onparticipatory design methodologies and their ramifications on the societal embracement of novel water technologies.Environmental determinants such as climatic conditions and human factors such as social behavioral patterns andinfrastructure maintenance are factors that have a direct impact on the analysis of water management in multifaceteddimensions. In addition, attitudes, social norms, and perceived behavioral control are effective in social acceptance ofrenewable energy projects in general and, in this paper, innovative water projects. Participatory design in a specialway causes the community to participate receive support.

Семья и школа как значимые институты социализации младших школьников

The article actualizes the problem of ensuring the successful socialization of children of primary school age. The analysis of scientific psychological and pedagogical literature is carried out. On its basis, the problems that characterize the course of the process of socialization among younger schoolchildren are determined. The socialization of younger schoolchildren by means of social institutions is considered. The most significant social institutions for this age group that influence the effectiveness of socialization are the family and the school. Their decisive role in the pedagogical support of the successful socialization of younger schoolchildren and the solution of the problems of social formation and development of children of this age group is revealed. It is pointed out that both social institutions have their own characteristics, but in general they contribute to the formation of social skills, values and behavioral patterns in children of primary school age. It is shown that the family has a variety of different means and methods to ensure the successful socialization of children, it is the parents who are primarily responsible for their emotional and psychological health in the process of socialization. Recommendations for parents of children of primary school age aimed at ensuring their successful socialization are presented. The school is characterized as a social institution that contributes to the realization of the needs of younger students in a new educational activity for them. Recommendations are also formulated for teachers and schools that will help improve the process of socialization of children of primary school age.

How Social Media Data Mirror Spatio-Temporal Behavioral Patterns of Tourists in Urban Forests: A Case Study of Kushan Scenic Area in Fuzhou, China

Exploring the spatial distribution of tourist attractions and comprehending the spatio-temporal behaviors of tourists within tourist attractions can provide local planning agencies, destination marketing organizations, and government departments with essential evidence for decision-making processes. This study examines the spatio-temporal behavior patterns of tourists in the Kushan Scenic Area by analyzing GPS trajectory data acquired from social media platforms. The investigation primarily utilizes three research methodologies: grid analysis, Markov chain, and K-means clustering. The grid analysis results reveal three spatial distribution patterns within the scenic area, while the outcomes from the Markov chain and K-means clustering delineate six tourist movement patterns, along with three choices regarding travel time. This finding holds significant practical implications for enhancing the attractiveness of scenic areas, optimizing spatial layout, and improving tourists’ experiences.

The Impact of Network Subculture on Traditional Culture: An Analysis of the Linguistic Features and Social Culture of Modern Chinese Network Buzzwords

Network subculture represents the values and aesthetics of the new generation. Relying on the Internet, social media and other new media to spread, it has new aesthetic standards and cultural symbols, and there are some special social behavior patterns and cultural norms, which will have some conflicts with traditional culture, but also bring some new possibilities for the inheritance and development of traditional culture. The emergence of network buzzwords is not only an innovation in language form, but also an embodiment of social and cultural changes. This paper studies the linguistic features and sociocultural relations of modern Chinese network buzzwords, and analyzes their features in language form, pragmatic function and cultural connotation through the overview and classification of network buzzwords. Combined with the social and cultural background, this paper discusses how the meaning and communication mode of network buzzwords reflect the hot issues, cultural trends and group identity of the current society. This paper probes into the impact of network buzzwords on traditional culture from three aspects: value concept, aesthetic standard and social behavior mode, and gives corresponding solutions.

Building a New Understanding of Changing Patterns of Community Interaction, Social Behavior, and Conflicts of Interest: A Theoretical Study

Building a New Understanding of Changing Patterns of Community Interaction, Social Behavior, and Conflicts of Interest: A Theoretical Study

Dissecting the long-term neurobehavioral impact of embryonic benz[a]anthracene exposure on zebrafish: Social dysfunction and molecular pathway activation

Benz[a]anthracene (BaA), a prevalent environmental contaminant within the polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon class, poses risks to both human health and aquatic ecosystems. The impact of BaA on neural development and subsequent social behavior patterns remains inadequately explored. In this investigation, we employed the zebrafish as a model to examine the persisting effects of BaA exposure on social behaviors across various developmental stages, from larvae, juveniles to adults, following embryonic exposure. Our findings indicate that BaA exposure during embryogenesis yields lasting neurobehavioral deficits into adulthood. Proteomic analysis highlights that BaA may impair neuro-immune crosstalk in zebrafish larvae. Remarkably, our proteomic data also hint at the activation of the aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AHR) and cytochrome P450 1A (CYP1A) pathway by BaA, leading to the hypothesis that this pathway may be implicated in the disruption of neuro-immune interactions, contributing to observable behavioral disruptions. In summary, our findings suggest that early exposure to BaA disrupts social behaviors, such as social ability and shoaling behaviors, from the larval stage through to maturity in zebrafish, potentially through the detrimental effects on neuro-immune processes mediated by the AHR-CYP1A pathway.

Structural Analysis of Pedagogic Mediation in a Foreign Language Classroom

Cultural diffusion and a paradigm shift from a “skill-based” approach to an “action-oriented” approach in language pedagogy transform the functions of an educator in a foreign language classroom. A language instructor accepts an intermediatory role in learners’ interactions with the environment, using language as a primary mediation tool. Thus, by being involved in varied social contexts and activities, a language educator mediates learning, communication, and sociocultural environments. This study relies on a structural analysis to investigate the mediating role of a language educator. It suggests that pedagogic mediation should be viewed as a specific form of language educators’ activity and described through three dimensions: mediating learning, mediating communication, and mediating sociocultural space. In the teaching and learning context, these dimensions manifest themselves as skills to adapt to the instructional and linguistic complexity of texts, manage interaction, facilitate communication in sensitive situations, etc. Drawing upon a phenomenological research design and qualitative methods, the study develops illustrative descriptors that can be used in a foreign language classroom to assess the patterns of social, instructional, and communicative behavior of educators. The developed descriptors allowed for exploring the self-perceptions of pre-service language teachers towards their abilities for pedagogic mediation in a foreign language classroom. The results of the study identified the learning gaps among novice language teachers that can be further addressed as learning objectives while designing a curriculum for professional training in language education.

The Efficacy of Music Therapy Programs on the Development of Social Communication in Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder: A Systematic Review

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) in children is characterized by difficulties in social communication and restricted repetitive behavior patterns. Music therapy appears to have beneficial effects in the area of social interaction and communication. The aim of this systematic literature review is to investigate the effectiveness of music therapy programs on the development of social communication among preschool- and school-aged children with ASD. For this purpose, a detailed study of the relevant literature that has been published in the last decade in peer-reviewed scientific journals was conducted. Web of Science, Springer Link, PsyINFO, and ERIC databases were searched, and according to the eligibility and exclusion criteria, 12 studies were finally selected from the 167 initially found. From the analysis of the results, the following categories were defined to contribute to enhancing social communication: (a) improvisational music therapy; (b) joint attention and eye contact; (c) therapeutic relationship, synchronization, and attunement; (d) imitation; (e) understanding and interaction; (f) family-centered music therapy; and (g) language and socioemotional adjustment. The results of the review were mixed, as music therapy appeared to have a positive effect on improving the social communication of children with ASD, but a general conclusion could not be drawn about the degree of its effectiveness compared to the standard treatments that children usually receive. In the future, further research in this field, especially on the improvisational music Therapy technique, is recommended. Moreover, an increased focus on the development of a common methodological practice regarding the sample selection process and measurement tools is suggested.