Social Interaction Research Articles

Evaluating the Effectiveness of Using Virtual Reality Interventions on Children and Adolescents with Autism Spectrum Disorder: A Systematic Review

Background: Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a Psychopathic disorder characterized by abnormal communication and verbal behaviors. ASD is very common in children, affecting about 1 in 160 individuals, and the symptoms of this disorder appear before the age of three, and the main cause is still unknown. The effectiveness of this technology on the abilities required for people with ASD to communicate in a social setting has been the subject of several systematic and comprehensive studies. Methods: A systematic review by searching in PubMed, EMBASE and CINAHL for publications was conducted from 1 January 2012 to 30 May 2021 involving use of virtual reality interventions on children and adolescents with autism spectrum disorder in which autism, autism spectrum disorder, ASD, virtual reality, VR keywords were utilized. Three reviewers independently investigated search results for inclusion in analysis and resolved disagreements by consensus. Results: Literature research of databases specifies a total of 808 records. According to the abstract and the full text of the studies, after applying the inclusion and exclusion criteria and eliminating duplicates and screening articles, 15 articles were selected for final review based on the PICO criteria (population, intervention, comparison and results). The studies focused on the five topics of emotion and social interaction, social communication, daily life skills, specific fears and anxieties, physical activity, and attention. Conclusion: According to reports, the findings rightly claim that the use of virtual reality technologies not only improves the social and communication skills of children with ASD, but also provides them with an engaging and enjoyable experience. Moreover, Parents indicated high satisfaction with VR applications and this technology can contain many benefits in the treatment of ASD.

The Past, Present, and Future of the Internet: A Statistical, Technical, and Functional Comparison of Wired/Wireless Fixed/Mobile Internet

This paper examines the quantitative and qualitative situation of the current fixed and mobile Internet and its expected future. It provides a detailed insight into the past, present, and future of the Internet along with the development of technology and the problems that have arisen in accessing and using broadband Internet. First, the number of users and penetration rate of the Internet, the various types of services in different countries, the ranking of countries in terms of the mean and median download and upload Internet data speeds, Internet data volume, and number and location of data centers in the world are presented. The second task introduces and details twelve performance evaluation metrics for broadband Internet access. Third, different wired and wireless Internet technologies are introduced and compared based on data rate, coverage, type of infrastructure, and their advantages and disadvantages. Based on the technical and functional criteria, in the fourth work, two popular wired and wireless Internet platforms, one based on optical fiber and the other based on the 5G cellular network, are compared in the world in general and Australia in particular. Moreover, this paper has a look at Starlink as the latest satellite Internet candidate, especially for rural and remote areas. The fifth task outlines the latest technologies and emerging broadband Internet-based services and applications in the spotlight. Sixthly, it focuses on three problems in the future Internet in the world, namely the digital divide due to the different qualities of available Internet and new Internet-based services and applications of emerging technologies, the impact of the Internet on social interactions, and hacking and insecurity on the Internet. Finally, some solutions to these problems are proposed.

A Coordinated Data Analysis of Four Studies Exploring Age Differences in Social Interactions and Loneliness During a Global Pandemic.

Examining loneliness and social isolation during population-wide historical events may shed light on important theoretical questions about age differences, including whether these differences hold across different regions and the timecourse of the unfolding event. We used a systematic, preregistered approach of coordinated data analysis (CDA) of four studies (total N = 1,307; total observations = 18,492) that varied in design (intensive repeated-measures and cross-sectional), region, timing, and timescale during the first year of the COVID-19 pandemic. We harmonized our datasets to a common period within 2020-2021 and created a common set of variables. We used a combination of ordinary least squares regression and multilevel modeling to address the extent to which there was within- and between-person variation in the associations between social isolation and loneliness, and whether these associations varied as a function of age. Within- and between-person effects of social interactions were negatively associated with loneliness in one study; in follow-up sensitivity analyses, these patterns held across early and later pandemic periods. Across all datasets, there was no evidence of age differences in the within-person or between-person associations of social interactions and loneliness. Applying the CDA methodological framework allowed us to detect common and divergent patterns of social interactions and loneliness across samples, ages, regions, periods, and study designs.

Prosocial emotions predict individual differences in economic decision-making during ultimatum game with dynamic reciprocal contexts.

Social decision-making is known to be influenced by predictive emotions or the perceived reciprocity of partners. However, the connection between emotion, decision-making, and contextual reciprocity remains less understood. Moreover, arguments suggest that emotional experiences within a social context can be better conceptualised as prosocial rather than basic emotions, necessitating the inclusion of two social dimensions: focus, the degree of an emotion's relevance to oneself or others, and dominance, the degree to which one feels in control of an emotion. For better representation, these dimensions should be considered alongside the interoceptive dimensions of valence and arousal. In an ultimatum game involving fair, moderate, and unfair offers, this online study measured the emotions of 476 participants using a multidimensional affective rating scale. Using unsupervised classification algorithms, we identified individual differences in decisions and emotional experiences. Certain individuals exhibited consistent levels of acceptance behaviours and emotions, while reciprocal individuals' acceptance behaviours and emotions followed external reward value structures. Furthermore, individuals with distinct emotional responses to partners exhibited unique economic responses to their emotions, with only the reciprocal group exhibiting sensitivity to dominance prediction errors. The study illustrates a context-specific model capable of subtyping populations engaged in social interaction and exhibiting heterogeneous mental states.

The Social Impact of COVID-19 on Migrants in Urban Africa

AbstractThis paper explores the social impacts of COVID-19 on migrants living in three major African cities: Accra, Johannesburg, and Nairobi. Given the importance of social support networks to mobile populations, particularly in areas with limited access to essential services, understanding how the pandemic disrupted social relations underscores the broader health and economic impacts of COVID-19 on migrant communities. Using a large scale 2021 survey of nine migrant neighborhoods located across three African mega-cities, we comparatively analyze migrant social interactions during the first year of the pandemic. We find that while migrant social interactions decreased in Accra and Nairobi, living in Johannesburg was significantly associated with unchanged or increased social interactions in the first year of the pandemic. We situate these findings with municipal and country-level variation of COVID-19 policy responses within each city. In particular, we illuminate how the severity of the pandemic and response in South Africa may have catalyzed opportunities for migrants to increase social engagements within their everyday lives. By understanding how compound challenges impacted migrant life, this paper contributes to the emerging area of comparative studies on the effects of COVID-19 on migrant populations, and urban populations within the Global South more broadly.

Dampak Teknologi terhadap Pembelajaran di Abad 21

The progress of the education sector in the modern 5.0 era presents significant challenges and opportunities. This article reviews the positive and negative impacts of technology on 21st-century education and efforts to optimize its usage. The research methodology employed is qualitative descriptive, involving the exploration of learning and educational technology definitions and the analysis of technology's impact on 21st-century learning. Research findings indicate that technology facilitates information access, creates new learning methods, and enhances data processing efficiency. However, there are also negative impacts such as dependence on technology, cybercrime risks, and a decline in ethics and social interaction. The conclusion emphasizes the importance of collaboration among educational institutions, technology industries, and governments to strengthen technological literacy, develop competency-based curricula, ensure adequate infrastructure, and monitor and evaluate the effectiveness of technology-based learning. Recommendations for optimizing technology in 21st-century education include training for educators and learners, parental supervision reinforcement, promotion of interdisciplinary learning, and regular updates in teaching methods. With this approach, educational institutions are expected to be more effective in addressing challenges and leveraging opportunities offered by the 21st-century education era, thus preparing a generation ready to compete on the global stage.

Inhibiting proBDNF to mature BDNF conversion leads to ASD-like phenotypes in vivo.

Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) comprise a range of early age-onset neurodevelopment disorders with genetic heterogeneity. Most ASD related genes are involved in synaptic function, which is regulated by mature brain-derived neurotrophic factor (mBDNF) and its precursor proBDNF in a diametrically opposite manner: proBDNF inhibits while mBDNF potentiates synapses. Here we generated a knock-in mouse line (BDNFmet/leu) in which the conversion of proBDNF to mBDNF is attenuated. Biochemical experiments revealed residual mBDNF but excessive proBDNF in the brain. Similar to other ASD mouse models, the BDNFmet/leu mice showed reduced dendritic arborization, altered spines, and impaired synaptic transmission and plasticity in the hippocampus. They also exhibited ASD-like phenotypes, including stereotypical behaviors and deficits in social interaction. Moreover, the plasma proBDNF/mBDNF ratio was significantly increased in ASD patients compared to normal children in a case-control study. Thus, deficits in proBDNF to mBDNF conversion in the brain may contribute to ASD-like behaviors, and plasma proBDNF/mBDNF ratio may be a potential biomarker for ASD.

Neurobehavioral perspectives on autistic spectrum disorder

Understanding genetics and environmental influences in autism has been explored in greater depth in recent decades. However, the mechanism by which they converge that leads to autism still needs to be explored further. An autism diagnosis in DSM-5 results from a neurodevelopmental disorder hurting normal brain function, affecting communication and social interaction combined with restricted or repetitive patterns of behavior and interests. This paper reviews current work investigating how the underlying mechanism of the brain structure and function relates to the complex and aberrant behavioral manifestations of autism. Mapping this connection can provide us with a better understanding of autism signs and symptoms, making the process of accurate diagnosis more straightforward. As a complex neurobehavioral condition, autistic individuals process the environment and their interactions with others differently from those without autism. So, they make different perceptions and connections between themselves and the environment. Consequently, they will have difficulty communicating, forming relationships, and responding appropriately to their environment. It is this lifelong neurobehavioral dysfunction that prevents autistic individuals from adequately understanding what they perceive and the emotional expression of others. There will be differences in their mental states, how their brains work, and how their thinking processes will be affected by a neurodevelopmental disability.

The influence of volleyball training classes on the psychological health of students of higher education institutions in the conditions of martial law in the country

This scientific article examines the impact of volleyball training sessions on the psychological state of students in collective teams of higher educational institutions during the martial law in Ukraine. The study focuses on the study of aspects of psychological well- being and stress resistance of the participants. The research methodology includes the analysis of psychological indicators of students before and after participation in volleyball training sessions in the collective teams of higher education institutions. The obtained monitoring results allow us to understand how sports activity affects the psychological health of student youth in the stressful conditions of military service, in particular. The results of the study also indicate possible practical applications in the field of psychological support of students during the military conflict through the implementation of volleyball training programs. This can become the basis for the development of physical education programs aimed at increasing psychological stability and balancing the psychological well- being of the student community during the period of crises in the country. In addition, the article analyzes the relationship between participation in volleyball training sessions and the level of social interaction among the student community under martial law. Evidence of the beneficial effect of such classes on the psychological state of students can serve as an increase in their level of self-esteem and general well-being, contributes to the formation of a positive psychological climate in the university environment during difficult historical periods. The study offers new opportunities for studying the impact of sports activities on the mental health and social adaptation of students in countries with a difficult political situation.

Factors Influencing Social Isolation among Cancer Patients: A Systematic Review

(1) Background: Social isolation, which has numerous adverse effects on health status, is prevalent among cancer patients. This review proposes to identify the influencing factors of social isolation among cancer patients. (2) Methods: Articles published in English or Chinese from six electronic databases before December 2023 were identified via a systematic search. A manual search was also performed. (3) Results: Twenty-eight studies were identified in this systematic review. The factors associated with social isolation can be summarized into the following categories: demographic characteristics, having cancer, health status, coping, social support and social interaction. Despite the heterogeneity, 20 factors were significantly associated with social isolation, including age, gender, comorbidity burden, education level, residence, medical insurance, occupation status, personality, race, smoking status, having children, not living alone, household income level, marital status, the role of primary caregiver, physical health status, mental health status, social health status, coping styles, and the level of social support and social interaction. (4) Conclusions: The systematic review showed that cancer patients’ social isolation was influenced by their demographic characteristics, cancer-related factors, physical condition, psychological status, social health status, coping styles, and level of social support and social interaction. In addition, future group intervention could be considered to improve social isolation.

Urolithin A Inhibits Anterior Basolateral Amygdala to Ventral Hippocampal CA1 Circuit to Ameliorate Amyloid-β-Impaired Social Ability.

Anxiety and social withdrawal are highly prevalent among patients with Alzheimer's disease (AD). However, the neural circuit mechanisms underlying these symptoms remain elusive, and there is a need for effective prevention strategies. This study aims to elucidate the neural circuitry mechanisms underlying social anxiety in AD. We utilized 5xFAD mice and conducted a series of experiments including optogenetic manipulation, Tandem Mass Tag-labeled proteome analysis, behavioral assessments, and immunofluorescence staining. In 5xFAD mice, we observed significant amyloid-β (Aβ) accumulation in the anterior part of basolateral amygdala (aBLA). Behaviorally, 6-month-old 5xFAD mice displayed excessive social avoidance during social interaction. Concurrently, the pathway from aBLA to ventral hippocampal CA1 (vCA1) was significantly activated and exhibited a disorganized firing patterns during social interaction. By optogenetically inhibiting the aBLA-vCA1 pathway, we effectively improved the social ability of 5xFAD mice. In the presence of Aβ accumulation, we identified distinct changes in the protein network within the aBLA. Following one month of administration of Urolithin A (UA), we observed significant restoration of the abnormal protein network within the aBLA. UA treatment also attenuated the disorganized firings of the aBLA-vCA1 pathway, leading to an improvement in social ability. The aBLA-vCA1 circuit is a vulnerable pathway in response to Aβ accumulation during the progression of AD and plays a crucial role in Aβ-induced social anxiety. Targeting the aBLA-vCA1 circuit and UA administration are both effective strategies for improving the Aβ-impaired social ability.

Social interactions and olfactory cues are required for contagious itch in mice

The phenomenon of contagious itch, observed in both humans and rodents, remains a topic of ongoing debate concerning its modulators and underlying pathways. This study delves into the relationship between contagious itch and familiar olfactory cues, a non-visual factor contributing to this intriguing behavior. Our findings showed that contagious itch in observer mice occurs during physical interaction with the cagemate itch-demonstrator but not with a stranger demonstrator or in a non-physical encounter condition. Notably, itch-experienced observer mice displayed an increased contagious itch behavior, highlighting the relevance of itch-associated memory in this phenomenon. Furthermore, anosmic observer mice, whether itch-naïve or itch-experienced, displayed no contagious itch behavior. These results demonstrate that the familiar olfactory cues, specifically cagemate body odors, are required for contagious itch behaviors in mice. In line with these behavioral findings, our study reveals increased activity in brain regions associated with olfaction, emotion, and memory during contagious itch, including the olfactory bulb, the amygdala, the hypothalamus, and the hippocampus, with this activity diminished in anosmic mice. In conclusion, our study unveils the critical role of familiar olfactory cues in driving contagious itch in mice, shedding light on the interplay between social factors, sensory perception, and memory in this phenomenon.

Ahnak in the prefrontal cortex mediates behavioral correlates of stress resilience and rapid antidepressant action in mice

The prefrontal cortex (PFC) is a key neural node mediating behavioral responses to stress and the actions of ketamine, a fast-acting antidepressant. The molecular mechanisms underlying these processes, however, are not fully understood. Our recent study revealed a pivotal role of hippocampal Ahnak as a regulator of cellular and behavioral adaptations to chronic stress. However, despite its significant expression in the PFC, the contribution of cortical Ahnak to behavioral responses to stress and antidepressants remains unknown. Here, using a mouse model for chronic social stress, we find that Ahnak expression in the PFC is significantly increased in stress-resilient mice and positively correlated with social interaction after stress exposure. Conditional deletion of Ahnak in the PFC or forebrain glutamatergic neurons facilitates stress susceptibility, suggesting that Ahnak is required for behavioral resilience. Further supporting this notion, Ahnak expression in the PFC is increased after the administration of ketamine or its metabolite (2R, 6R)-hydroxynorketamine (HNK). Moreover, Ahnak deletion in forebrain glutamatergic neurons blocks the restorative behavioral effects of ketamine or HNK in stress-susceptible mice. This forebrain excitatory neuron-specific Ahnak deletion reduces the frequency of mini excitatory postsynaptic currents in layer II/III pyramidal neurons, suggesting that Ahnak may induce its behavioral effects via modulation of glutamatergic transmission in the PFC. Altogether, these data suggest that Ahnak in glutamatergic PFC neurons may be critical for behavioral resilience and antidepressant actions of ketamine or HNK in chronic social stress-exposed mice.

Nature and human well-being: The olfactory pathway.

The world is undergoing massive atmospheric and ecological change, driving unprecedented challenges to human well-being. Olfaction is a key sensory system through which these impacts occur. The sense of smell influences quality of and satisfaction with life, emotion, emotion regulation, cognitive function, social interactions, dietary choices, stress, and depressive symptoms. Exposures via the olfactory pathway can also lead to (anti-)inflammatory outcomes. Increased understanding is needed regarding the ways in which odorants generated by nature (i.e., natural olfactory environments) affect human well-being. With perspectives from a range of health, social, and natural sciences, we provide an overview of this unique sensory system, four consensus statements regarding olfaction and the environment, and a conceptual framework that integrates the olfactory pathway into an understanding of the effects of natural environments on human well-being. We then discuss how this framework can contribute to better accounting of the impacts of policy and land-use decision-making on natural olfactory environments and, in turn, on planetary health.

Cognitive Processing Speed and Loneliness in Stroke Survivors: Insights from a Large-Scale Cohort Study.

Loneliness, when prolonged, is associated with many deleterious effects and has been shown to be highly prevalent in those with a history of stroke, yet the cognitive mechanisms underpinning this phenomenon remain unclear. Therefore, the current study aims to investigate the extent to which cognitive factors, with specific focus on processing speed, are associated with loneliness in those with a history of stroke. Utilizing data from the British Cohort Study, a nationally representative dataset, we conducted secondary data analysis. A total of 7,752 participants completed relevant questions related to health, social interactions, demographics, loneliness, and cognitive assessments. Among them, 47 had experienced a stroke ("stroke," n = 47), 5,545 reported other health conditions ("ill," n = 5,545), and 2,857 were deemed healthy ("healthy," n = 2,857). Consistent with previous research, our findings confirmed a positive correlation between stroke history and heightened loneliness. However, inferential analysis revealed that processing speed, alongside other cognitive factors, had a minimal impact on loneliness, with correlations too small to draw definitive conclusions. This study suggests that cognitive processing speed alone is not a robust predictor of loneliness in stroke survivors. Consequently, when developing interventions to combat loneliness in this population, it is crucial to consider a broader spectrum of factors, such as social engagement, emotional wellbeing, and interpersonal relationships. This underscores the imperative need for comprehensive assessments to better comprehend the multifaceted nature of loneliness and inform more effective intervention strategies.

To disclose or to protect? Predicting social media users’ behavioral intention toward privacy

PurposeIn the paradox of personalized services and privacy risks, what factors influence users’ decisions is considered an interesting issue worth exploring. The current study aims to empirically explore privacy behavior of social media users by developing a theoretical model based on privacy calculus theory.Design/methodology/approachPrivacy risks, conceptualized as natural risks and integrated risks, were proposed to affect the intention of privacy disclosure and protection. The model was validated through a hybrid approach of structural equation modeling (SEM)-artificial neural network (ANN) to analyze the data collected from 527 effective responses.FindingsThe results from the SEM analysis indicated that social interaction and perceived enjoyment were strong determinants of perceived benefits, which in turn played a dominant role in the intention to disclose the privacy in social media. Similarly, trust and privacy invasion experience were significantly related to perceived risks that had the most considerable effect on users’ privacy protection intention. And the following ANN models revealed consistent relationships and rankings with the SEM results.Originality/valueThis study broadened the application perspective of privacy calculus theory to identify both linear and non-linear effects of privacy risks and privacy benefits on users’ intention to disclose or protect their privacy by using a state-of-the-art methodological approach combining SEM and ANN.

Bringing together multimodal and multilevel approaches to study the emergence of social bonds between children and improve social AI

This protocol paper outlines an innovative multimodal and multilevel approach to studying the emergence and evolution of how children build social bonds with their peers, and its potential application to improving social artificial intelligence (AI). We detail a unique hyperscanning experimental framework utilizing functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS) to observe inter-brain synchrony in child dyads during collaborative tasks and social interactions. Our proposed longitudinal study spans middle childhood, aiming to capture the dynamic development of social connections and cognitive engagement in naturalistic settings. To do so we bring together four kinds of data: the multimodal conversational behaviors that dyads of children engage in, evidence of their state of interpersonal rapport, collaborative performance on educational tasks, and inter-brain synchrony. Preliminary pilot data provide foundational support for our approach, indicating promising directions for identifying neural patterns associated with productive social interactions. The planned research will explore the neural correlates of social bond formation, informing the creation of a virtual peer learning partner in the field of Social Neuroergonomics. This protocol promises significant contributions to understanding the neural basis of social connectivity in children, while also offering a blueprint for designing empathetic and effective social AI tools, particularly for educational contexts.

Green areas in cities mitigate cases of obesity: Case study from Espírito Santo do Pinhal-SP

Obesity has been treated as a worldwide epidemic, and the number of obese people in Brazilian cities is growing. In most cases, obesity is related to eating high-calorie foods and a lack of physical activity. Thus, the aim of this study was to portray how green areas in the municipality of Espirito Santo do Pinhal-SP help to reduce numerous diseases, including obesity, which is characterized as a public health problem. A survey of areas in the municipality was carried out, looking at the existence of outdoor gyms, tree vegetation and structures for practicing physical activities. During the survey, five green areas used by the population for physical activity were inspected, and it was observed that the places that had walking trails, courts and outdoor gyms were more frequented by the population than the places that only had outdoor gyms. Thus, green areas have a positive impact on people's lives, encouraging physical activity and greater social interaction, as well as reducing cases of obesity and other cardiovascular comorbidities.

Transformative User Credibility Assessment on Twitter: A RNN based Heuristic Approach

Objectives: To construct a comprehensive weighted multi-dimensional model to assess the impact of influence score of Twitter users, considering the credibility based on user profile, their tweets and social interactions aiming to empower users in distinguishing fake news or misinformation. Methods: The credibility evaluation is formulated based on text analysis, user account attributes, and user social engagement. We've gathered around 100,000 tweets from 100 users using Tweepy API over a six-month duration for the purpose of evaluating credibility. The collected tweets spanned diverse professions namely politics, entertainment, business, science, sports, and trending topics. We chose to utilize a self-devised deep active learning model to classify and label the unlabelled data instead of engaging in time-consuming human annotation for the tweets we gathered. Findings: The obtained accuracy for influence score evaluation for Recurrent Neural Network, Random Forest, Naïve Bayes, Decision Tree, and Support Vector Machine are 89.03%, 79.10%, 81.59%, 73.06% and 79.45% respectively. Upon reviewing and analysing the outcomes, RNN surpassed all other models achieving an exceptional accuracy of 89.03%. Novelty: Employing a weighted multi-dimensional framework, it systematically evaluates the influence score by considering the credibility of both users and tweets within the context of Twitter. Weighted features are instrumental in capturing the relative importance of different elements, leading to a more refined and context-aware decision-making process. In contrast to earlier research, which predominantly centred on the credibility of individual tweets, our research work shifts the focus to a broader perspective, encompassing the credibility of users, their tweets and their overall social influence. By incorporating user influence score, the framework not only empower users in discerning fake news or mis-information but also elevates their ability to gauge the reliability of information, offering a nuanced approach to news credibility analysis. Keywords: Active Learning, Credibility Score, User Influence, Twitter, Machine Learning, Recurrent Neural Network

Impact of construction workers informal safety communication (CWISC) on safety performance on construction sites

PurposeAn understanding of the impact of construction workers informal safety communication (CWISC), a form of parallel safety communication between workers, on safety performance among construction workers is crucial in order to develop effective strategies for improving safety performance in the construction industry. However, research remains scant on the impact of CWISC on safety performance. This study empirically aims to test the relationship between these important constructs.Design/methodology/approachStatistical analysis was used to examine the relationship in a hypothetical model with two latent variables; the exogenous variables represented by two groups of informal safety communication: friends and crew members and the endogenous variables represented by two groups of Safety performance metrics: safety compliance and safety participation, was tested.FindingsThe emergent findings revealed that there is a significant relationship between informal safety communication among crew members and safety compliance, and also between informal safety communication among friends on construction sites and safety participation. These findings emphasize the importance of fostering effective safety communication and collaboration within construction crews, as well as recognizing the influence friendships on safety performance. Stakeholders can leverage on these findings to implement policies to improve safety performance.Originality/valueThe study presents insightful practical knowledge on how CWISC impacts safety performance on construction sites. Practical recommendations for organizations are also proposed, e.g., development of team-building activities, platforms for sharing safety-related information and experiences, mentorship programs and initiatives that encourage social interaction among workers.