Conflict Reduction Research Articles

The effect of infra low frequency–neurofeedback training on pistol shooting performance and attention in semi-skilled players

PurposeNeurofeedback (NF) typically involves an operant conditioning or other reinforcement protocol aimed at self-regulating patterns of brain activation. Endogenous Neuromodulation, characterized by the absence of discrete reinforcers, has emerged over the last two decades with the extension of training into the infra-low frequency regime, i.e., below 0.1 Hz. Specifically, Infra-Low Frequency (ILF) Neurofeedback training has demonstrated efficacy in enhancing the self-organization and regulation of the central nervous system in considerable generality. The present study explores a pivotal question: Can Infra-Low Frequency (ILF) Neurofeedback, acknowledged for its influence on arousal, vigilance, and emotional states, effectively enhance both attention generally and shooting performance specifically? Additionally, we explored whether the training exerted beneficial effects on three attentional networks—Conflict, Orienting, and Alerting.MethodsTo assess shooting performance, we employed the Shooter’s Coordination Analysis Target Training (SCATT), while attention networks were gauged through the Attention Network Test (ANT). Twenty semi-skilled pistol shooters, aged 28–40, underwent both the ANT and SCATT assessments before and after completing 20 half-hour ILF-Neurofeedback sessions. The participants were randomly assigned to two groups: an ILF NFB group, which underwent 20 sessions of ILF NFB training, and a control group that received no NFB.ResultsOur findings revealed that ILF-Neurofeedback significantly enhanced performance. In the ANT, the training led to a reduction in Conflict and an increase in Orienting and Alerting.ConclusionThe study demonstrates the effectiveness of ILF-Neurofeedback in improving shooting performance, and in positively impacting all three attention networks assessed by the ANT.

Exploring how AI can be used to Promote Collaboration in group Project reduce Conflict in Team Dynamics and Enhance Cooperative Learning Experiences

This paper aims to determine how artificial intelligence facilitates cooperation, minimizes conflict, and increases cooperative learning among group project teams comprising university students and instructors. The quantitative approach is applied to collect data from a sample size of 250 students and 150 instructors recruited using probability sampling methods from universities across Punjab. A self-administered questionnaire is used for the data collection purposes based on AI tools utilization, improved communication, and resolution of conflict between them along with general results of learning. Statistical methods, such as Pearson's r correlation analysis, regression analysis, and post-hoc tests were applied to analyze the data. All results obtained are positive; that is, utilization of artificial intelligence had relationships with improvements in collaboration (r = 0.76), communication (r = 0.72), coordination of tasks (r = 0.78), conflict reduction (r = 0.80), and the outcomes of learning (r = 0.75). Regression analysis has verified that AI tools are strong predictors of these changes, as the p-values are less than 0.05. This study emphasizes the strength of AI-driven tools in enhancing teamwork, reducing interpersonal conflicts, and encouraging cooperative learning in group settings. Therefore, the implications of the findings are very critical for the utilization of AI tools in educational settings.

Assessing the Economic and Ecological Costs of Human–Wildlife Conflict in Nuwara Eliya

Human–wildlife conflict (HWC) is a growing concern in the Nuwara Eliya Divisional Secretariat Division (DSD) in the central highlands of Sri Lanka. This study investigates the nature and distribution of HWC, with particular focus on agricultural damage, livestock losses, infrastructure destruction, and human injuries. Data were collected through field surveys, expert opinions, satellite imagery, and census data, including interviews with 720 farmers (conducted between 2021 and 2022) and 25 online questionnaires, which provided expert insights on HWC. Animals such as wild boars, bandicoots, barking deer, toque macaques, porcupines, buffaloes, sambar, and leopards were found to be key to HWC, contributing to crop raiding, livestock predation, and infrastructure damage, and through the analytical hierarchy process (AHP), the wild boar was determined to have the greatest impact. Spatial analysis revealed conflict hotspots near forest and tea plantation boundaries, emphasizing the influence of land use and proximity to wildlife habitats. Mitigation strategies were explored; most farmers utilize multiple conflict reduction strategies, with varying efficacy. These findings underline the importance of developing region-specific strategies for HWC management, promoting sustainable agricultural practices, and fostering coexistence between wildlife and local communities.

Testing an HPV Vaccine Decision Aid for 27- to 45-Year-Old Adults in the United States: A Randomized Trial.

In the United States, human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination among 27- to 45-y-olds (mid-adults) is recommended based on shared clinical decision making with a health care provider. We developed a patient decision aid tool to support the implementation of this mid-adult HPV vaccination guideline. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of a patient decision aid tool for HPV vaccination, HPV DECIDE, compared with an information fact sheet among mid-adults who have not received the HPV vaccine. Participants were recruited between December 2023 and January 2024. We used a randomized Solomon, 4-group, pretest/posttest design with mid-adults aged 27 to 45 y who were unvaccinated for HPV and balanced based on sex (n = 612). The primary outcome was decisional conflict. Intermediate outcomes included knowledge, behavioral expectancies, self-efficacy, and perceived risk. Variables were measured using validated scales. Pretest sensitization was not present; intervention and control groups were compared. Fixed-effects inverse-variance weighting was used to pool effect estimates and determine meta-analytic statistical significance across tests with and without pretest controls. Participants in the intervention group had significantly lower total decisional conflict scores (B = -3.58, P = 0.007) compared with the control group. Compared with the control group, participants in the intervention group showed higher knowledge (B = 0.48, P = 0.020), greater intention to receive (B = 0.196, P = 0.049) and discuss the HPV vaccine (B = 0.324, P ≤ 0.001), and greater self-efficacy about HPV vaccine decision making (B = 3.28, P = 0.043). There were no statistically significant results for perceived risks of HPV infection. The HPV DECIDE tool for mid-adult HPV vaccination shows promise for immediate reductions in decisional conflict and improvement in knowledge, intentions, and self-efficacy about the HPV vaccine. Future studies are warranted to evaluate the effectiveness of this patient decision aid tool in real-world settings. Shared clinical decision making is recommended for HPV vaccination with mid-adults.A patient decision aid for HPV vaccination reduced decisional conflict for mid-adults.The HPV vaccine patient decision aid was acceptable to mid-adults.

Understanding diverse perspectives on grizzly–livestock conflict and conflict‐reduction tools across southwest Montana ranching communities

AbstractAs the grizzly bear (Ursus arctos) population rebounds in the western United States, conflicts with humans, including livestock depredation, have also increased. What grizzly bear conflict means, for whom, and what it implies for the viability of conflict‐reduction tools on the ground can vary widely. Multiple perspectives on the causes of—and solutions to—grizzly bear conflict present serious challenges for conservation practice. To better understand perceptions of human conflict with grizzly bears, we used a combination of in‐depth interviews (n = 29) followed by a Q‐sort activity with key stakeholders (n = 21; i.e., ranchers, ranch managers, conservation organization members, agency scientists) in ranching communities in southwest Montana, USA, situated between the 2 largest grizzly bear recovery zones. Stakeholders interpreted conflict with grizzly bears as directly and indirectly connected to broader social changes on the landscape, and these changes influence how they make sense of and act on conflict reduction. Specifically, 3 distinct (but not mutually exclusive) perspectives on grizzly–livestock conflict and conflict‐reduction tools emerged: 1) that grizzly–livestock conflict is a symptom of the social divide within ranching communities, 2) that conflict can be attributed to governance structures that currently limit the use of potentially effective tools (e.g., hunting, lethal removal), and 3) there are multiple paths for reducing conflict and holistic, ecosystem‐based management is needed. We provide managers with new insights on grizzly–livestock conflict and conflict reduction, and hope this work helps increase collaboration among ranchers, managers, and other stakeholders engaged in this complex social and ecological challenge.

Fathers as Key Figures Shaping the Foundations of Early Childhood Development: An Exploratory Longitudinal Study on Web-Based Intervention.

Background/Objectives: Early childhood development is profoundly influenced by parent-child interactions, with recent research emphasizing the crucial role fathers play alongside mothers. Paternal involvement, especially in caregiving activities like feeding, positively impacts children's cognitive, emotional, and social development. However, paternal depressive symptoms can hinder the quality of these interactions, potentially leading to long-term behavioral and emotional difficulties in children. Despite this, interventions to enhance caregiving quality that target fathers remain limited. This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of a web-based video feedback intervention in improving father-child feeding interactions and reducing psychopathological symptoms in both fathers and their 12- to 24-month-old children. Methods: A longitudinal study was conducted with 244 fathers and their young children. Participants were assessed at two time points (T1 and T2) four weeks apart. Fathers engaged in remote one-hour intervention sessions twice a week, based on the Video Intervention Therapy (VIT) approach. The Symptom Checklist-90-Revised (SCL-90-R) assessed the fathers' psychopathological symptoms, while the Child Behavior Checklist (CBCL 1½-5) evaluated the children's emotional and behavioral functioning. Father-child feeding interactions were video-recorded and analyzed using the Scala di Valutazione delle Interazioni Alimentari (SVIA). Results: Post-intervention analyses showed significant improvements in father-child feeding interactions, with reductions in maladaptive behaviors and interactive conflicts. Fathers exhibited significant decreases in psychopathological symptoms, particularly in depression, anxiety, and obsessive-compulsive tendencies. Children demonstrated significant reductions in internalizing and externalizing problems. Conclusions: The web-based video feedback intervention effectively enhanced the quality of father-child feeding interactions and reduced psychopathological symptoms in both fathers and children. These findings highlight the importance of supporting fathers in their caregiving roles to promote positive developmental outcomes during critical early childhood periods. Further research is warranted to explore the long-term effects of such interventions and their applicability across diverse populations.

The impact of workplace bullying on employees’ work withdrawal behavior and the significance of psychological safety in China’s multi-ethnic regions

In China's multi-ethnic regions, the phenomenon of workplace bullying can be compared to a mental shackle, which inhibits the work enthusiasm of the bullied, makes the bullied feel depressed, frustrated, and other negative feelings, and makes many employees miserable. This study aimed to develop a correlation between workplace bullying, employees' work withdrawal behavior, and psychological safety in China's multi-ethnic regions. The data collection for this study primarily involved gathering information. through questionnaires from 357 employees within 42 Yunnan-listed enterprises in China's multi-ethnic regions. All statistical data, including frequency, proportion, average, and variability measures, were analyzed using a software tool designed to process statistical information. The finding indicated there exists a direct correlation amongst workplace bullying and employees' work withdrawal behavior in China's multi-ethnic regions. Incorporating psychological safety into the model, subsequent mediation effect testing reveals that there is a partial mediating role of psychological safety in the correlation among workplace bullying and employees' work withdrawal behavior. This research contributes to the existing theoretical investigation on the correlation among workplace bullying, employees' work withdrawal behavior, and their psychological safety in China's multi-ethnic regions. Additionally, it explores how psychological safety can mediate these effects. Furthermore, this study offers valuable insights for enterprises operating in China's multi-ethnic regions by providing practical strategies for human resource management and conflict reduction within organizations.

The correlates of childrearing marital conflict in Mexico according to urban women parenting preschoolers

ABSTRACT This cross-sectional study is based on the 2016 National Survey on the Dynamics of Relationships in Households in Mexico. It aims to identify the correlates of childrearing-related marital conflict in urban Mexico. The analysis sample consists of 7,544 heterosexual partnered women parenting preschoolers. Binomial logistic regression models were estimated to investigate factors associated with men’s and women’s annoyance regarding how their partners treat or educate their children, as perceived by women. The findings suggest that disputes over workload distribution, and possible power and control struggles underlie this type of conflict. Therefore, couples that enhance their communication skills, prioritize power-sharing within their relationship, and engage in an equitable division of childrearing and household responsibilities may benefit from a reduction in marital childrearing conflict.

Development of a Multicultural Curriculum to Enhance Student Tolerance in Senior High School

This study aims to explore how the development of a multicultural curriculum can enhance student tolerance at SMA Trenggalek. The main focus of the research is on the implementation of a multicultural curriculum that includes the integration of multicultural content into various subjects, extracurricular activities that support diversity, and specialized training for teachers. The research method employed is qualitative with a case study approach, involving school principals, teachers, students, and staff as research subjects. Data were collected through observations, in-depth interviews, and documentation. Data analysis was conducted thematically. The findings indicate that the implementation of a multicultural curriculum at SMA Trenggalek has a significant positive impact on students' attitudes towards tolerance. The integration of multicultural content in subjects such as Indonesian language and history helps students understand and appreciate cultural diversity and the nation's history. Extracurricular activities like cultural festivals and interfaith discussions serve as platforms for students to interact and learn firsthand about various cultures and beliefs. Additionally, intensive teacher training ensures that multicultural values are effectively applied in the teaching process. The impact of the multicultural curriculum is evident in the increased tolerance among students, the reduction of conflicts between students from different backgrounds, and the creation of a more inclusive learning environment. Students become more open to differences, reducing prejudice and stereotypes, and are more active in collaborating with peers from diverse backgrounds.

85 Improving children and families healthcare experiences through a Community Social Paediatrics model

Abstract Background The clinical presentation of children with referrals related for behavioral and school difficulties is often complex and involves environmental and psychosocial components in addition to medical considerations. Collaborative, team based, holistic and integrated approaches are standard of care for many medically complex conditions but less emphasized for what is considered more general presentations in Paediatrics. Given the complexity of patients presenting with challenging behaviors, an integrated approach should be considered as a patient centered and efficient model of care. Objectives The aim of this study was to determine if using a Community Social Paediatrics (CSP) model with an interdisciplinary team can improve experiences and outcomes for families of children being assessed for challenging behaviors who also have complex psychosocial considerations. Design/Methods This pre-post study recruited families with children who had received behaviour-related Paediatric referrals. Participants received the standard of care and additional resources typical to a CSP model, including support from a social worker, home visits, and referral/funding for clinically indicated therapeutic services such as occupational therapy. Three measures were used to evaluate the experience and outcomes of patients and families prior to intake and after 12 months of care: Paediatric Integrated Care Survey (PICS), Child Behaviour Checklist (CBCL), and Quality of Relationship Inventory (QRI). Descriptive analyses of demographics and subscale scores were conducted. Paired t-tests were conducted to detect significant changes in subscale scores across time points. Results In total, 31 caregivers completed the intake assessment and 26 of these completed the follow-up assessment for their children, who were between the ages of 5 to 14 at the time of intake. The QRI scores, which assessed the child-caregiver relationship, indicated a significant decrease in the conflict subscale between timepoints (M1=2.23, M2=1.87, p<0.005). Similarly, the CBCL scores indicated significant reductions in aggressive behaviour (M1= 68.65, M2= 64.77, p<0.05) and conduct problems (M1= 68.69, M2= 62.31, p<0.05). The PICS scores indicated families reported fewer access problems (M1= 3.35, M2= 1.19, p<0.005), and better communication with health care providers (M1= 14.53, M2= 16.92, p<0.05). Conclusion Findings indicate that aspects of the family experience and child outcomes were significantly improved after receiving care through the CSP model. In particular, the reduction of caregiver-child conflict, aggressive behaviour, and conduct problems may indicate that the child’s needs are being more effectively met, thus reducing conflict at home and school. Paediatricians should strongly consider an interdisciplinary model when seeing children for behavioral referrals. This may be especially true for those with complex psychosocial needs.

An efficient CNN accelerator for pattern-compressed sparse neural networks on FPGA

Currently, the sparsity of weights and activations are mainly utilized to improve the energy efficiency and computational performance of CNN accelerators. However, the irregular sparsity of weights and activations can lead to problems such as mapping access conflict and imbalanced workload, which poses great challenges to the efficient computation of sparse networks. To address those problems, this paper proposes a CNN accelerator for pattern-compressed sparse neural networks on FPGA to achieve efficient inference acceleration. It mainly includes three parts: first, we propose a convolutional kernel grouping fusion method to achieve a balanced workload of weights. Second, we propose an activation hash mapping conflict reduction method to drastically reduce the mapping access conflict rate. Finally, we further propose a hierarchical mapping computing architecture to achieve efficient processing of mapping access conflicts and balanced adaptation of weight loads. To verify the effectiveness of the method proposed in this paper, our accelerator is designed and implemented on the Zynq UltraScale+ MPSoC ZCU102 evaluation board and evaluated by running VGG16 and ResNet50 networks. The experimental results show that the method proposed in this paper can reduce the mapping conflicts by more than 97 % and improve the utilization rate of processing element (PE) by 1.67×. Furthermore, the accelerator implemented in this paper can achieve 393.2 GOPs throughput, 1.40–3.25× computational performance, and 1.11–7.34× energy efficiency improvement.

AI-Driven Traffic Simulation using Unity: Implementing Finite State Machines for Adaptive NPC Behaviour

This research develops an AI-powered traffic simulation using the Unity Engine, leveraging finite state machines (FSM) to enable adaptive and responsive non-player characters (NPCs). The integration of FSM with advanced pathfinding algorithms, such as A*, allows NPCs to dynamically adjust their behavior based on traffic conditions, obstacles, and environmental changes. The experimental results indicate a 25% improvement in route optimization and a 30% reduction in path conflicts compared to conventional static models, demonstrating the robustness of the proposed approach. Optimized navmesh deployment further enhances navigation fluidity, ensuring efficient agent movement in high-density scenarios without compromising system performance. The findings establish the effectiveness of the FSM-driven NPC behavior in simulating realistic traffic environments, contributing both to the advancement of AI applications in game development and urban planning. By providing an interactive platform for traffic management, this simulation offers a practical tool to study congestion patterns and test intervention strategies. In addition, it improves player engagement by fostering emergent gameplay through dynamic NPC interactions. Future work could explore the integration of real-time procedural generation or multiplayer functionality to enrich simulation depth and scalability. This study provides a comprehensive framework that bridges AI-based mechanics with simulation technology, providing significant insights for researchers and practitioners in game design, artificial intelligence, and urban planning.

Population Growth and Resource Scarcity: Implications for Conflict and Cooperation in Taraba State, Nigeria

Population growth has profound effects on resource availability and social dynamics in many regions across the globe. In Taraba State, Nigeria, the rapid increase in population has intensified resource scarcity, leading to heightened conflicts among communities, particularly those reliant on land and water for their livelihoods. This study examines how population growth intersects with resource depletion, conflict, and cooperation in Taraba State. A mixed-methods approach was employed, involving the analysis of questionnaire data from 294 respondents and qualitative insights from interviews with 10 local leaders, agriculturalists, and herders. The findings reveal that population growth significantly exacerbates the depletion of essential resources, such as land and water, with 72.8% of respondents indicating that population increases directly impact resource availability. This scarcity has led to a 78.3% occurrence of conflicts in areas experiencing severe resource depletion. The study also shows that resource scarcity forces communities into competition, often escalating tensions into violent disputes. However, the research accentuates the critical role of traditional governance structures, which were acknowledged by 64.3% of the respondents as key to fostering cooperation and mitigating conflicts in the state. The study concludes that integrating traditional governance systems with formal frameworks is essential for sustainable resource management and conflict reduction in Taraba State. Policymakers should prioritize these strategies to address the challenges posed by rapid population growth and resource scarcity, ensuring the long-term stability and well-being of communities in the state.

Multi-stakeholder identification and prioritization of human–tiger conflict reduction measures in Chitwan National Park, Nepal

Abstract The identification and implementation of conflict reduction measures are necessary to reduce predator attacks on people and livestock and to minimize human encroachment into predator habitats. We identified potential human–tiger conflict reduction measures and prioritized these measures for Chitwan National Park, Nepal. We identified these measures through a literature review, key informant interviews and a local stakeholder workshop. We prioritized the identified measures using a questionnaire survey of victims of tiger attacks (farmers, forest users and fishers), beneficiaries of tiger conservation (tourist guides, Jeep and elephant safari operators, tour and hotel operators and business operators) and National Park managers. We identified 22 measures (12 preventative, five reactive and five mitigative) as having potential for reducing negative interactions between people and tigers. Amongst these, we identified compensation payments, tiger-proof fences and habitat and prey management as high-priority measures. Conflict reduction priorities also varied amongst stakeholder groups. The victims assigned the highest priority to the construction of tiger-proof fences, whereas beneficiaries identified the management of habitat and prey as their highest priority. Compensation payments were the first preference of National Park managers and were amongst the top two priorities of all stakeholder groups. We recommend the adoption of the identified stakeholder priorities for reducing human–tiger conflict around Chitwan National Park and encourage consideration of the variations in priorities between stakeholder groups during policy development and decision-making.

Comparative Effectiveness of Decision Aids for Cancer-Screening Decision Making: An Overview of Reviews.

Decision aids (DAs), compared to no DAs, help improve the key aspects of shared decision-making, including increased knowledge, discussion frequency, and reduction in decisional conflict. However, systematic reviews have reported varied conclusions on screening uptake, and which DAs are superior to alternative forms in shared decision-making for cancer screening has not been comprehensively reviewed. An overview of systematic reviews was performed. Multiple databases were searched up to December 31, 2023, for systematic reviews of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and non-randomized comparative studies (NRCSs) of any size that assessed a decision aid aimed to facilitate cancer-screening decision making communications. Dual screening of abstracts and full-text reports, dual data extraction and quality assessment, and qualitative synthesis were performed. The 22 eligible publications included 24 reviews on cancer screening DAs for a single specific cancer (8, 8, 7, and 1 on prostate, breast, colorectal, and lung cancer, respectively) and three reviews on multiple aggregate cancers. Individual reviews were based on different primary study designs (92 RCTs and 37 NRCSs); each study was infrequently cited (median citation count 2; range 1-9). Although the DAs had variable formats and delivery methods, the reviews generally focused on use and non-use comparisons. DAs decreased the intention or actual uptake for prostate and breast cancer screening, but increased it for colorectal cancer screening. DAs were associated with increased knowledge, well-informed choice, and reduced decisional conflict, regardless of cancer type. Only four reviews on comparative effectiveness between alternative formats of DAs (based on 14 RCTs and 2 NRCSs) failed to conclude on the specific format that was superior to others. DAs improve cancer screening shared decision-making by boosting cancer screening knowledge and informed choice and lowering decisional conflict and may facilitate preference-based, individualized screening participation. Comparative data on different cancer screening DAs are limited. PROSPERO, CRD42021235957.

Large, rugged and remote: The challenge of wolf–livestock coexistence on federal lands in the American West

AbstractThe expansion of grey wolves (Canis lupus) across the western United States, including on public lands used for extensive livestock grazing, requires tools and techniques for reducing wolf–livestock conflict and supporting coexistence. We examined approaches used on forested lands managed by the U.S. Forest Service, which we characterize as large, rugged and remote (LRR) landscapes. Research on the spatial aspects of where tools and techniques are deployed and their effectiveness across geographic settings is scant.We selected six national forests located in six western states where managers seek to mitigate ongoing wolf–livestock conflict and conducted semistructured qualitative interviews with stakeholders (n = 69) to discuss approaches to conflict mitigation and perceptions of the effectiveness of different tools and techniques.We developed a three‐part typology categorizing tools and techniques for conflict reduction: livestock husbandry, non‐lethal deterrents and targeted lethal removal of wolves. Across these categories, interviewees noted that many approaches are challenging to scale up to the geographic context of Forest Service grazing allotments and LRR landscapes.The techniques perceived by our informants to be most effective for mitigating conflict in LRR landscapes include: human presence (mobile range riders); flexibility in grazing management; husbandry practices to minimize livestock vulnerability; and targeted lethal removal of wolves (used in combination with non‐lethal techniques).Social, economic and political factors also influence the ability of producers to implement desired conflict mitigation tools in the national forest context. For example, the economic costs of implementation in LRR landscapes, and policies associated with grazing on federal lands, can limit mitigation options.Policy implications. Geography matters! Efforts to address wolf–livestock conflict are more likely to be effective if they are designed to fit the local geographic context. Effectiveness may also increase if mitigation efforts go beyond technical approaches, considering the social, economic and institutional context in which conflict is embedded.Read the freePlain Language Summaryfor this article on the Journal blog.

RH-ECBS: enhanced conflict-based search for MRPP with region heuristics

Abstract This paper proposes a novel two-layer framework based on conflict-based search and regional divisions to improve the efficiency of multi-robot path planning. The high-level layer targets the reduction of conflicts and deadlocks, while the low-level layer is responsible for actual path planning. Distinct from previous dual-level search frameworks, the novelties of this work are (1) subdivision of planning regions for each robot to decrease the number of conflicts encountered during planning; (2) consideration of the number of robots in the region during planning in the node expansion stage of A*, and (3) formal proof demonstrating the nonzero probability of the proposed method in obtaining a solution, along with providing the upper bound of the solution in a special case. Experimental comparisons with Enhanced Conflict-Based Search demonstrate that the proposed method not only reduces the number of conflicts but also achieves a computation time reduction of over 30%.

A preliminary randomized controlled study of the PEERS® program for Taiwanese autistic adolescents: The effectiveness on reducing school bullying and enhancing social function.

Individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) often experience lifelong social communication challenges and are more vulnerable to school bullying. Addressing their social difficulties and school bullying requires evidence-based interventions. PEERS® (Program for the Education and Enrichment of Relational Skills) was adapted and translated for Taiwanese adolescents. This randomized controlled study aimed to examine the effectiveness of the Taiwanese version of PEERS® in reducing school bullying and enhancing social function among autistic adolescents. Twenty-one autistic adolescents (mean age 14.29 ± 1.67 years; female n = 733.33%) were randomized to a treatment group (TG, n = 10) or a delayed treatment control group (DTG, n = 11). The outcome measures (school bullying, social challenges, social skills knowledge, and social skills performance) were assessed at baseline, post-treatment, and follow-up. The group and time interaction analyses revealed greater magnitudes of reduction in general school bullying (p < 0.001), victimization (p < 0.001), perpetration (p = 0.012), social challenges (p = 0.001), and peer conflicts (p < 0.001), and improvement in social knowledge (p < 0.001) in the TG group than the DTG group. The findings suggest that the PEERS® program tailored for Taiwanese adolescents is effective in reducing school bullying, decreasing social challenges, and enhancing social skills among autistic adolescents, with very large effect sizes (Cohen's d ranging from 1.19 to 2.88). Consequently, participation in the PEERS® program is recommended for adolescents with social difficulties to improve their social communication and interactions to offset school bullying and other social challenges related to adverse outcomes.

Cooperative control for lane departure prevention based on model predictive control and gated recurrent unit model

Human-machine conflict has a significant impact on driving safety, posing a vital challenge in the design of lane departure prevention (LDP) systems. To address the issue, this paper proposes a driver-intelligent vehicle cooperative steering torque assistance control strategy. The lane departure decision-making module based on the gated recurrent unit (GRU) is used to predict the lateral deviation of the vehicle and to make real-time decisions regarding the switching of the model predictive control (MPC) based assistance controller. Next, the conflict performance between the MPC lane keeping and conflict reduction (MPC-LKCR) controller’s torque and the driver’s torque is added to the optimization objective of the MPC lane keeping (MPC-LK) controller, while the lane keeping performance is continually retained. That is because a shared factor based on the fuzzy model is designed with the ability to adjust the assistance torque within the MPC-LKCR controller according to the driver’s intention. Finally, after the overall optimization of the MPC-LKCR controller, the final torque after the superposition of driver and assistance torque acts on the steering column to realize the human-machine cooperative steering control. The driving data from 52 drivers were collected to train the GRU model offline. The proposed strategy was simulated and analyzed under different driving scenarios, and hardware-in-the-loop experiments were completed on a driving simulator to validate it. Hardware-in-the-loop results show that the average conflict intensity and conflict time ratio are reduced by 23.8% and 34.4% under the MPC-LKCR controller compared to the MPC-LK controller. The strategy not only accomplishes the task of vehicle lane departure but also effectively reduces the time and intensity of human-machine conflicts.

Evolution of sex-biased genes in Drosophila species with neo-sex chromosomes: Potential contribution to reducing the sexual conflict.

An advantage of sex chromosomes may be the potential to reduce sexual conflict because they provide a basis for selection to operate separately on females and males. However, evaluating the relationship between sex chromosomes and sexual conflict is challenging owing to the difficulty in measuring sexual conflict and substantial divergence between species with and without sex chromosomes. We therefore examined sex-biased gene expression as a proxy for sexual conflict in three sets of Drosophila species with and without young sex chromosomes, the so-called neo-sex chromosomes. In all sets, we detected more sex-biased genes in the species with neo-sex chromosomes than in the species without neo-sex chromosomes in larvae, pupae, and adult somatic tissues but not in gonads. In particular, many unbiased genes became either female- or male-biased after linkage to the neo-sex chromosomes in larvae, despite the low sexual dimorphism. For example, genes involved in metabolism, a key determinant for the rate of development in many animals, were enriched in the genes that acquired sex-biased expression on the neo-sex chromosomes at the larval stage. These genes may be targets of sexually antagonistic selection (i.e., large size and rapid development are selected for in females but selected against in males). These results indicate that acquiring neo-sex chromosomes may have contributed to a reduction in sexual conflict, particularly at the larval stage, in Drosophila..