Social Interaction Environment Research Articles

A Survey of Multimodal Perception Methods for Human–Robot Interaction in Social Environments

Human–robot interaction (HRI) in human social environments (HSEs) poses unique challenges for robot perception systems, which must combine asynchronous, heterogeneous data streams in real time. Multimodal perception systems are well-suited for HRI in HSEs and can provide more rich, robust interaction for robots operating among humans. In this article, we provide an overview of multimodal perception systems being used in HSEs, which is intended to be an introduction to the topic and summary of relevant trends, techniques, resources, challenges, and terminology. We surveyed 15 peer-reviewed robotics and HRI publications over the past 10+ years, providing details about the data acquisition, processing, and fusion techniques used in 65 multimodal perception systems across various HRI domains. Our survey provides information about hardware, software, datasets, and methods currently available for HRI perception research, as well as how these perception systems are being applied in HSEs. Based on the survey, we summarize trends, challenges, and limitations of multimodal human perception systems for robots, then identify resources for researchers and developers and propose future research areas to advance the field.

Motivation-based visitor segmentation in the context of a new governance model for a protected area

ABSTRACT Understanding visitor motivations is crucial for developing sustainable tourism strategies in protected areas (PAs). However, the literature often overlooks the role of visitor motivation research in enhancing place-based collaborative governance within PAs. This study focuses on the Alvão Natural Park (PNAL), a mountainous Portuguese PA currently implementing a new co-management model. This represents a significant change, considering that the governance of the PA has shifted from a single state entity to a collaborative model that prioritises tourism as a key factor in local development. This study seeks to address the research gap regarding motivation-based segmentation studies in mountainous natural parks, while exploring the innovative aspects of conducting such a study within the framework of a new governance model. By surveying 351 PNAL visitors, factor analysis revealed four motivational dimensions with emphasis on connection with nature and relaxation. However, cluster analysis identified only one segment primarily motivated by connecting with nature, while the largest segment is motivated by convenience and social environment interactions. The results suggest the importance of involving the local community in governance and decision-making processes, and the need to prioritise ecotourism as a key focal point in PNAL's tourism policies, strategic planning, and development. Our findings contribute to theoretical knowledge and inform policy-making, providing valuable guidance for the successful implementation of co-management in PNAL and potentially other similar PAs.

Organizational and managerial context of project-based learning development in higher school

The article is devoted to the study of the organizational and managerial context of the development of project-based learning in Russian universities. The sample of the study is represented by twelve universities of different types (federal, research, reference) Volga, Ural, Siberian and Southern Federal districts. Based on the traditional analysis of official documents posted on the official websites of universities, an assessment of key aspects of university policies in the implementation of project-based student education was carried out, reflecting the development of the organizational infrastructure of the analyzed practice and forming an environment of social interaction between students, teachers, curators, employers and representatives of educational management. The development of assessment tools was based on the methodology of systemic, organizational and managerial, process, situational and temporal approaches. The purpose of the study is to analyze the organizational and managerial context of project–based education in Russian universities. It is established that the institutional practices of implementing project-based learning in the universities under study have different resource capabilities and are implemented along different trajectories that have their own logic. The study recorded that in the information space, and accordingly in the organizational and managerial environment, diversity is represented in determining the goals and effectiveness of project training. The demarcation lines in the existing organizational and managerial models are strategic forks that ensure: the mass or selectivity of project-based education in universities; orientation towards educational and/or product results; integration of project-based learning into the educational process or the implementation of students' project activities beyond their educational activities. The dependence between the organizational design of project training and its resource provision – regulatory, personnel, and information support is revealed. The scale and intensity of managerial innovations associated with the transition of the educational process to project-based learning formats are more typical for universities included in the “Priority-2030” university development program. They determine not only serious institutional and organizational changes, but also the transformation of social interaction practices in higher education.

Delay Threshold for Social Interaction in Volumetric eXtended Reality Communication

Immersive technologies like eXtended Reality (XR) are the next step in videoconferencing. In this context, understanding the effect of delay on communication is crucial. This article presents the first study on the impact of delay on collaborative tasks using a realistic Social XR system. Specifically, we design an experiment and evaluate the impact of end-to-end delays of 300, 600, 900, 1,200, and 1,500 ms on the execution of a standardized task involving the collaboration of two remote users that meet in a virtual space and construct block-based shapes. To measure the impact of the delay in this communication scenario, objective and subjective data were collected. As objective data, we measured the time required to execute the tasks and computed conversational characteristics by analyzing the recorded audio signals. As subjective data, a questionnaire was prepared and completed by every user to evaluate different factors such as overall quality, perception of delay, annoyance using the system, level of presence, cybersickness, and other subjective factors associated with social interaction. The results show a clear influence of the delay on the perceived quality and a significant negative effect as the delay increases. Specifically, the results indicate that the acceptable threshold for end-to-end delay should not exceed 900 ms. This article additionally provides guidelines for developing standardized XR tasks for assessing interaction in Social XR environments.

Self-regulation in online string instrument lessons: Motivation, social interaction and learning environment

This article investigates selected processes of self-regulated learning (SRL) in online string instrument lessons. We explore: (i) the factors that motivate teachers and students to commence and maintain online teaching and learning, (ii) the synchronous and asynchronous social interactions that occur between teachers, students and peers and (iii) the structuring of the online/physical learning environment. The participants were five international string teachers and six students, voluntarily teaching and learning online in a non-formal educational context. Data sources include lesson observations, semi-structured interviews and questionnaires. A theoretical’ thematic analysis method was used to analyse the data. The findings indicate that the possibility of online lessons overcoming geographical barriers led to the involvement of teachers and students, and persistence came with the realisation of student performance progress. Teachers attempted to overcome the impracticability of technique-related physical manipulation by stimulating students’ mental imagery. They also reported the importance of exploring interactions through social media platforms to encourage students to seek help. To account for lessons taking place at students’ homes, teachers reinforced the importance of providing instructions to promote environmental structuring. Finally, despite the physical distance, teachers affirmed that they established bonds of affection with students.

The Multiple Functionality of Input Material in Learning: Environment, Knowledgeable Guide, and Mediators of Social Interaction

Learning materials often play a significant role in the learning process, but their specific roles can vary depending on the situation. Based on Vygotsky’s (1978) sociocultural theory and Piaget’s (1952) stages of cognitive development, we can propose three channels through which children learn: the environment, more knowledgeable individuals, and intermediaries of social interaction. Surprisingly, learning materials can assume all three roles in different situations. A child's environment determines the learning materials and resources they have access to. When students learn without the involvement of a teacher, the learning materials become their source of knowledge. Teachers and peers also utilize learning materials as intermediaries during instruction.

Environmental factors around Primary School students in pornography exposure among electronic Age

In the current electronic age, the trend of pornography exposure to Primary School Students is massively happening. Pornography exposure becomes an important issue to study because it concerns the self-development of tens of millions of Primary School Students in Indonesia. This phenomenon cannot be separated from environmental factors. Environmental factors around Primary School Students in pornography exposure become a focus of this study. Specifically, about kinds of environmental factors, environmental role, dan the process of pornography exposure facilitated by the environment. This study was conducted qualitatively with the use of observation, in-depth interviews, and field notes to collect data. This study finds that there are three kinds of environments around primary school students now. All of these have an important role in causing pornography exposure. Interaction with two or three kinds of environments at the same time by involving a virtual environment ends in pornography exposure. Associated with it, this interaction needs to be attention because interaction with a virtual environment cannot happen without physical environment and or social environment interaction. In response to these findings, stakeholders should reduce pornography exposure to Primary School Students simultaneously maximizing their role in changing Primary School Student’s behaviour.

Creation of social interaction environments with robot for autistic children: analysis of assessment instruments and type of activities

PurposeThe aim of the study is to conduct a thematic review of assessment tools and types of activities in the application of robotics to autistic students during the period 1996–2021 using Web of Science and Scopus. The sample consisted of 119 documents.Design/methodology/approachNowadays, emerging technologies have become increasingly prevalent across various fields of knowledge. In this regard, robotics is being increasingly applied in the educational environment. The characteristics of this tool are the ones that best suit the needs of autistic students.FindingsResults reveal that 16.80% of the studies used automatic measurement systems, whilst 15.96% of the studies used user observation and recording techniques. As for the tasks, 37.80% were focussed on imitation tasks. Amongst the practical implications is the need to include tasks that could be developed collaboratively in the regular classroom.Originality/valueWith this research, it is intended to disseminate in the scientific community what are the characteristics that should have the interaction activities between a robot and autistic students. In addition, the type of tool needed to evaluate the improvements in the interaction is proposed.

SOCIAL CAPITAL IN KNOWLEDGE MANAGEMENT SYSTEMS FOR THE CREATIVE INDUSTRY SECTOR

The primary aim of this scholarly article is to examine the significance of social capital within the context of knowledge management systems (KMS) in the creative industry literature. The research adopts a comprehensive approach by employing both conceptual and literature analysis and empirical quantitative and qualitative investigations for validation purposes. According to existing literature, KMS is an essential organizational process and tool for acquiring, converting, applying, and safeguarding knowledge from internal and external sources, facilitating its utilization, development, and effective management.
 The findings of this study reveal that specific organizations acquire knowledge primarily through internal research and development (R&D) processes. However, in contrast, the creative industry heavily relies on knowledge stemming from social capital, including the social environment and community interactions. This social capital plays a pivotal role in providing the necessary knowledge required for the existence of the creative industry and its ability to generate innovative products that reflect the prevailing social context within which it operates. To analyze and classify prior research on the role of social capital for KMS in the creative industry, this study utilizes a meta-analysis as a robust analytical tool, building upon earlier works that have served as foundational pieces for this investigation.
 Previous research in the creative industry has demonstrated that knowledge acquisition within this domain results from a synergistic interplay between tacit knowledge and explicit knowledge obtained through diverse creative classes conducted within the industry. As a renewable resource-driven sector, the creative industry capitalizes on creativity, skill, and talent as valuable assets that can be leveraged for wealth generation, not only for significant enterprises but also for micro, small, and medium economies (UMKM), often orchestrated by local communities. This endeavor aims to stimulate employment opportunities by strategically exploiting intellectual property. Consequently, the creative industry can be regarded as a knowledge-based sector, necessitating the adept implementation of Knowledge Management Systems (KMS) in its operational framework.

Influence of androgen status on the quality of life in men suffering from coronary artery disease

Introduction. Cardiovascular diseases, in particular, coronary artery disease, remain the leading cause of disability and mortality among the population in Ukraine and the world, which determines the urgency of finding new factors that can affect the quality of life of this population category. In particular, such factors may include androgenic status in men with coronary artery disease. Available literature data indicate a possible relationship between androgenic status and QOL in this population category, but further research is needed to study this issue in more detail.The purpose of the study: to determine the influence of androgen status on the quality of life in men suffering from coronary artery disease (CAD). Material and methods. 85 men with coronary artery disease aged 45-65 years participated in this prospective observational study. The selection of patients was carried out on the basis of the cardiology department. In addition to standard clinical and paraclinical examination methods, patients were assessed for their androgenic status by determining the level of total testosterone in the blood serum. When evaluating the quality of life level, a survey was conducted according to the WHOQOL-BREF questionnaire, which includes 4 sub-sections that determine respondents' satisfaction with their own physical and psychological health pit, environment and level of social interaction. After counting the points, a score from 4 to 20 was formed for each of the subdivisions. Then, statistical processing of the obtained results was carried out.Results and discussion. As a result of the study, a reliable positive correlation of medium strength was found between the level of testosterone and the satisfaction of the study participants with their own physical and psychological health, the Spearman rank correlation coefficient was 0.55 (p<0.05) and 0 .51 (p<0.05), respectively.Conclusion. It was concluded that a higher level of testosterone was associated with greater satisfaction with one's own physical and psychological health in men with coronary artery disease, which indicates the influence of androgen status on the quality of life in this category of patients.Prospects for further research. The obtained results indicate the need for further study of the relationship between androgen status and quality of life in men with coronary artery disease and the search for its possible mechanisms.

Do Locations of Employment and Residence Influence whether People Use Virtual Social Networks? A Case Study of Residents in Wuhan, China

High-speed information technology development has made virtual social networking (VSN) a social interaction trend. Studies have been carried out to investigate the spatial clustering characteristics of the locations where there is online social interaction, but they have not yet concentrated on the geographic phenomenon associated with the distribution of occupational and residential locations of citizens who use VSN. According to usage statistics gathered from China Unicom for people living in the Wuhan metropolitan development area, there are geographical characteristics for the sites of employment and residence of virtual social application (VSA) users. Compared with people who live or work in the central city, suburban citizens are more willing to conduct virtual social networking, and those who are most likely to do so are concentrated in the suburbs 20–30 km from the main city. Additionally, we used geographically weighted regressions to evaluate the relationship between the density of physical social facilities and the possibility of the usage of VSAs, revealing the influence of various conventional social conveniences on the propensity to use the VSA. Residents are more inclined to engage in VSN in places where traditional social interaction is inconvenient, particularly in suburbs, indicating that VSN is an addition to traditional social interaction. Nonetheless, neither an improvement in, nor the replacement of, VSN activities is apparent in places where conventional socializing is practical. This study identified the clustering of virtual social users’ places of employment and residence in metropolitan areas and concluded that virtual social interaction offers new social channels for people who lack access to adequate physical social facilities; that is, it complements traditional social interaction. These results can deepen the understanding of the relationship between traditional social interaction and VSN. They also offer a fresh viewpoint on facility planning for the potential future creation of a more balanced and diverse social interaction environment through the joint planning of virtual and physical social facilities.

Exploring community perceptions and engagement of nature-based solutions: The case of Ningbo, a Chinese coastal sponge city

Sustainable stormwater management facilities such as strip bioretention, effectively improve the urban landscape's urban stormwater quality and aesthetics. The progress of Nature-Based Solutions (NBS) and Blue-Green Developments such as the Sponge City Program (SCP) in Chinese cities, is significantly delivering multiple benefits to address urban water, climate and ecosystem services. These practices are transforming the urban environmental context and enhancing the wider aspects of social-environmental interactions and participation. This study will particularly focus on investigating the SCP practices implemented for several years in Ningbo, a selected Sponge pilot city on the east coast of China. There is currently a lack of substantial findings from the perspective of communities towards NBS in China or an understanding of the importance of participation and engagement processes in Sponge or NBS infrastructure in Chinese cities. Through an in-depth semi-structured interview (n = 34), this study will elucidate the previous developments, current challenges and future delivery of constructed NBS infrastructure (e.g. artificial wetland). This article will undertake a detailed investigation of public perceptions, channels of learning, and opportunities for further participation and engagement in the case of Ningbo. In this study, we found that the perception and participation are likely to improve significantly in the future and that public education about SCP practices would foster closer human-nature stormwater connections and co-production to deliver better NBS practices.

PHILOSOPHICAL PERSPECTIVE OF MARXISM-LENINISM ON THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN BEHAVIORAL CULTURE AND THE NATURAL ENVIRONMENT

Behavioral culture is an integral component of culture, comprising a system of values including knowledge, emotions, beliefs, attitudes, and behaviors of individuals towards the natural environment, social environment, and human interactions accumulated through practical activities. In this article, we clarify the concept of behavioral culture, cultural behavior towards the natural environment, and delve into the study of the relationship between behavioral culture and the natural environment based on the viewpoints of Marxism-Leninism concerning behavioral culture towards the natural environment.<p> </p><p><strong> Article visualizations:</strong></p><p><img src="/-counters-/soc/0056/a.php" alt="Hit counter" /></p>

Overlapping governmentalities and the cosmo-politics of Mongolian water- and miningscapes

Since transitioning to a market-based economy, Mongolia has experienced a mining boom that turned extractive industries into a key contributor to the country’s national budget. However, benefits from mining activities are allocated unevenly, with increasing rural poverty and degradation of water resources that threaten the livelihood and health of pastoralists, in particular. Regulatory efforts to improve the protection of water resources are confronted with severe implementation challenges as notions of what constitutes appropriate interpretations of the rules and appropriate ways of behaving diverge.Applying Foucault’s concept of governmentality and tying it to the literature on social imaginaries, I show how different rationalities overlap in Mongolian water- and miningscapes. They shape an extractive imaginary perpetuated by technical- managerial truth claims, an increasing monetization of social and social-environmental relationships, an imperative for industrial-economic development, and a state that performs sovereignty by enforcing procedures rather than substantive laws. However, an alternative, cosmo-political imaginary exists that derives its moral imperatives and individual incentive structures from an understanding that human land-use is contingent on the approval of spiritual entities that inhabit nature. As multiple governmentalities exercise power simultaneously, their interaction produces subjectivities that align with various and contradictory positions towards mining and that require negotiation. This challenges simplistic accounts of a homogeneous ‘state’ or ‘community’, as well as a priori assumptions about the interests and rationalities that motivate the behavior of stakeholders. It thus supports a call for environmental governance research and practice to give more attention to the cognitive-symbolic dimension of social-environmental interactions.

The spatial dimension in university-social environment interactions. A proposal for the Argentine case

ABSTRACT This article analyzes how the spatial dimension is incorporated in interactions between universities and their environments, based on three ideal-types of interaction: scientific-technological poles, the establishment of networks, and the university as a locale. This work is based on a systematic analysis of specialized literature and fieldwork that included 120 interviews carried out across four Argentine universities between 2016 and 2021. The main findings indicate that spatial dimension is traditionally understood as a surface where actions take place; we propose to think of space in university–social environment interactions as a product of the different situations of interaction that is contingent and enables or restricts the possibilities of generating lasting impacts.

Using a Data Mining Method to Explore Strategies for Improving the Social Interaction Environment Quality of Urban Neighborhood Open Spaces

With the intensification of population aging and the increasing awareness of public health protection in the post-epidemic era, the renewal of the old urban community neighborhood space is facing many new challenges and problems. Neighborhood Public Open Space (POS) is the main place for people to carry out various social activities in community life. The quality of the social interaction environment that a neighborhood POS can provide can have a vital impact on people’s well-being, as well as their physical and mental health. Therefore, the purpose of this research is to identify and clarify the key physical environmental design attributes/features of the old urban community neighborhood POS, and to explore the relationship between them from the perspective of creating a high-quality social environment. Through the investigation of relevant cases in Shenzhen and Guangzhou, China, the classification performance of each case on the key physical and environmental elements is used as the conditional attribute, and the quality of the social interaction environment in the current situation of each case is used as the decision making attribute to conduct a data mining analysis. Using rough set theory, this study screened out four important elements: greenbelt form planning (C1); ped and bike system (C2); space organization and zoning planning (C6); Public facilities (C8). Moreover, this study also presents a set of hierarchical decision rules to describe the classification status of the matching physical environmental design elements when the social interaction environment reaches a high quality in the neighborhood POS. This study provides local policy makers with key current situation assessment and diagnostic tools in urban-built environmental renewal projects. The results of this study can help designers draw up the renovation design plans of neighborhood POS on the basis of efficiently obtaining the practical experience of relevant cases, and then create a high-quality social interaction environment.

The Dynamics of Online Fandom Communities: A Qualitative Study on Engagement and Identity

This study aims to explore the dynamics of online fandom communities, focusing on how these digital platforms influence engagement patterns, identity formation, community dynamics, motivations for participation, and the challenges and issues faced by members. It seeks to contribute to the existing literature by providing a comprehensive analysis of the multifaceted experiences of individuals within these communities. A qualitative research design was employed, utilizing semi-structured interviews with 33 participants actively involved in various online fandom communities. Thematic analysis was conducted to identify key themes and categories related to engagement, identity, and community dynamics. The study adhered to ethical guidelines, ensuring participant confidentiality and informed consent. The analysis revealed five main themes: Engagement Patterns, Identity Formation, Community Dynamics, Motivations for Participation, and Challenges and Issues. Engagement Patterns highlighted content creation, community interaction, and event participation. Identity Formation encompassed personal identity, group identity, and roles within the community. Community Dynamics focused on inclusion and exclusion, conflict and resolution, and support and solidarity. Motivations for Participation identified escapism, social connection, and skill development as key drivers. Challenges and Issues discussed toxic behaviors, identity safety, and content disputes. Online fandom communities play a significant role in shaping individuals' engagement patterns, identity formation, and community dynamics. These communities provide a supportive environment for creative expression, social interaction, and personal growth. However, challenges such as toxic behaviors and identity safety concerns highlight the need for effective community management and support mechanisms. The findings underscore the complexity of online fandom participation and its impact on individual and collective identity construction.

Why do people buy apparel in the virtual world? The influence of cool and interactivity on purchase intentions

The meta-universe notion is regularly introduced in the digital era, and meta-universe virtual apparel has become a new trend with the growth of Internet technology. With highly tailored, technological, and intelligent properties, virtual clothing can imitate the digital environment in digital form. Based on self-presentation theory, this research investigates these elements and provides a conceptual model, followed by an empirical test utilizing samples from a questionnaire survey. The findings show that cool and interactivity have a substantial influence on purchase intention for virtual apparel. And online self-presentation desire plays a mediating role. On this ground, it is proposed that the virtual world creates an environment of new and trendy social interaction.

Artificial intelligence technologies and the rise of cyber threats in Latin America

Artificial Intelligence (AI) technologies have been a real revolution and breakthrough in the world of virtual communication for modern society. Latin American countries are just beginning to adopt this type of technology to achieve the smart government paradigm and accelerate the pace of building a digital economy. A number of countries in the Latin American region are investing in strategies to develop AI technologies, focusing on improving economic development, with significant efforts to create a broader cooperation network at the regional level. The Economic Commission for Latin America and the Caribbean (ECLAC) also has been striving for several years to harness the huge potential of AI, including the digital transformation of the public sector. The global concept of cybersecurity becomes particularly relevant due to the increasing use of cyberspace as a virtual environment for political, economic, social and cultural interaction. To date, cybersecurity has become an important issue for national strategies of Latin American countries due to the increasing incidence of malicious use of AI in the political and economic life of the region. The purpose of this study is to demonstrate main dimensions of national strategies for the implementation of AI in the public sector in Latin America and to identify the main cyber tools aimed at undermining national security and putting political actors out of work.

The Effect of Agents' Psychology and Social Environment on the Opinion Formation: C/PA Relative Agreement Model in SW and SF Societies

Opinion dynamics in relative agreement models seen as an extension of bounded confidence ones, involve a new agents’ variable usually called opinion uncertainty and have higher level of complexity than that of bounded confidence models. After revising the meaning of the opinion uncertainty variable we conclude that it has to be interpreted as the agent’s opinion toleration, that changes the type of the variable from the social to the psychological one. Since the convergence rates to the stationary states in dynamics of sociological and psychological variables are in general different, we study the effect of agents’ psychology and social environment interaction on the opinion dynamics, using concord and partial antagonism relative agreement model in small-world and scale-free societies. The model considers agents of two psychological types, concord and partial antagonism, that differs it from other relative agreement models. The analysis of opinion dynamics in particular scenarios was used in this work. Simulation results show the importance of this approach, in particular, the effect of small variations in initial conditions on the final state. We found significant mutual influence of opinion and toleration resulting in a variety of statistically stationary states such as quasi consensus, polarization and fragmentation of society into opinion and toleration groups of different configurations. Consensus was found to be rather rare state in a wide range of model parameters, especially in scale-free societies. The model demonstrates different opinion and toleration dynamics in small-world and scale-free societies.