Social Interaction Research Articles

ANALISIS PERSEPSI MASYARAKAT DUNIA TERHADAP VIRTUAL YOUTUBER YANG MENAWARKAN PENGALAMAN KEKASIH

This research investigates the global public's perception of the phenomenon of Virtual YouTubers (VTubers) who offer romantic experiences such as "boyfriend" or "girlfriend experience." Involving sentiment analysis, this study collected and classified 1623 comments from social media platforms using the Microsoft Azure algorithm. The analysis results indicate that the majority of the public holds a negative view of such relationships, depicting the complexity of social interactions in the digital world. These findings underscore the importance of understanding the impact of VTubers' phenomenon in the context of parasocial relationships. The research recommends increased discussions through other social platforms and the development of more advanced sentiment analysis models for a deeper understanding of this phenomenon. The research findings emphasize the relevance and complexity of VTubers' phenomenon in today's digital culture, highlighting the importance of developing social understanding of human interactions in a virtual context.

Usability and Utility of a Mobile App to Deliver Health-Related Content to an Older Adult Population: Pilot Noncontrolled Quasi-Experimental Study.

Digital patient-centered interventions may be important tools for improving and promoting social interaction, health, and well-being among older adults. In this regard, we developed a mobile app called DigiAdherence for an older adult population, which consisted of easy-to-access short videos and messages, to improve health-related knowledge among them and prevent common health conditions, such as falls, polypharmacy, treatment adherence, nutritional problems, and physical inactivity. This study aimed to assess the usability and utility of the DigiAdherence app among Portuguese older adults 65 years or older. In this pilot noncontrolled quasi-experimental study, older adults who were patients at the primary health care center in Portimão, Portugal, and owned a smartphone or tablet were recruited. Participants were assessed at baseline, given access to the DigiAdherence app for 1 month, and assessed again immediately after 30 days (first assessment) and 60 days after stopping the use of the app (second assessment). App usability and utility (primary outcomes) were analyzed in the first follow-up assessment using a structured questionnaire with 8 items. In the second follow-up assessment, our focus was on knowledge acquired through the app. Secondary outcomes such as treatment adherence and health-related quality of life were also assessed. The study included 26 older adults. Most participants rated the different functionalities of the app positively and perceived the app as useful, attractive, and user-friendly (median score of 6 on a 7-point Likert scale). In addition, after follow-up, participants reported having a sense of security and greater knowledge in preventing falls (16/24, 67%) and managing therapies and polypharmacy (16/26, 62%). The DigiAdherence mobile app was useful and highly accepted by older adults, who developed more confidence regarding health-related knowledge. RR2-10.2196/29675.

Recognizing the opponent: The consolidation of long-term social memory in zebrafish males

Recognizing and remembering another individual in a social context could be beneficial for individual fitness. Especially in agonistic encounters, remembering an opponent and the previous fight could allow for avoiding new conflicts. Considering this, we hypothesized that this type of social interaction forms a long-term recognition memory lasting several days. It has been shown that a second encounter 24 h later between the same pair of zebrafish males is resolved with lower levels of aggression. Here, we evaluated if this behavioral change could last for longer intervals and a putative mechanism associated with memory storage: the recruitment of NMDA receptors. We found that if a pair of zebrafish males fight and fight again 48 or 72 h later, they resolve the second encounter with lower levels of aggression. However, if opponents were exposed to MK-801 (NMDA receptor antagonist) immediately after the first encounter, they solved the second one with the same levels of aggression: that is, no reduction in aggressive behaviors was observed. These amnesic effect suggest the formation of a long-term social memory related to recognizing a particular opponent and/or the outcome and features of a previous fight.

Pendidikan Masyarakat dan Stratifikasi Sosial Dalam Prespektif Islam

In people's lives there are often various kinds of hierarchical differences, ranging from differences in economics, politics, religion, race, geographical conditions, and even differences in education levels which often lead to more acute disparities and levels of social interaction in society. One of the main sources of social stratification is education. As it should be education that has clear and potential functions and goals can make students mature, or recognize themselves and education should be a tool to improve the social status of the community, not the other way around.

Slurring individuals

ABSTRACT This paper explores the derogatory uses of nicknames within closely-knit social settings such as villages, households, and schools. By examining ethnographic and psychological data on nicknaming practices, this paper contends that pejorative nicknames and slurs share structural and functional attributes. On the one hand, pejorative nicknames and slurs can elicit deep offence regardless of the speaker’s intentions or whether they occur within speech reports. On the other, pejorative nicknames can contribute to creating and reinforcing unjust intra-group hierarchies, hence mirroring the role of slurs within a smaller social scale. To explain these shared attributes, this paper argues (i) that both forms of verbal aggression index multiple dimensional qualities such as ‘negative valence’, ‘neutral arousal’, and ‘high dominance’ rather than discrete emotional categories such as ‘contempt’ or ‘anger’, and (ii) that the expression of high dominance in social interactions underlies their capacity to offend. Then, it translates this hypothesis into a Bayesian model of sociolinguistic variation inspired by Heather Burnett’s work on identity construction, thus integrating pragmatic reasoning into a psychologically informed framework for interpreting emotional cues. By studying both phenomena in tandem, this paper shows how understanding nicknaming dynamics within smaller speech-act communities can contribute to our comprehension of the derogatory impact of slurs in more intricate social contexts.

Playing online videogames—more than just entertainment? A qualitative study of virtual social participation in persons with spinal cord injury

IntroductionSpinal cord injury (SCI) affects many aspects of life, physically, emotionally and socially. Engaging in online videogames holds the potential to facilitate increased social interactions for individuals with SCI. The aim of this study is to increase our understanding of the experiences people with SCI have with using online videogames as an arena for social participation.MethodsA focus group interview was conducted with seven participants with SCI, aged 15–35, all experienced in using online videogames as a method of socializing. The data was analyzed using thematic analysis.ResultsThe participants highlighted that playing online videogames way of maintaining social connections and expanding their social network. However, they faced challenges due to limited knowledge and negative attitudes from others regarding use of videogames as a social arena. Three main themes were developed from the findings: “Disabling social barriers”, “Attitudes towards gaming” and “Gaming—connecting people”.ConclusionHealthcare professionals should consider videogames as a leisure activity and facilitate their use, recognizing their potential for social interaction and well-being. Prioritizing activities that promote social interaction is crucial for good health.

“Lace up Your Boots and Do Something:” A Symbolic‐Interactionist Analysis of Girls and Young Women Equestrian Athletes' Resilience

This analysis illuminates how girls and young women dedicated to horse sports craft a resilient identity that they take to their wider lives. The constitutive features of their horse person identity are their willingness to love, care, and learn about horses combined with their embodied close relationships with specific horses. This horse person identity orients them toward a resilient mindset marked by perseverance, patience, and adaptability, as they manage the physical and emotional risks inherent in riding. Significantly, they believe that their horse person‐derived resilient mindset is useful for challenges in personal relationships and social interactions outside their riding community.

Snapshot Audit Early Onset Colorectal Cancer (EOCC) – What is the Current Situation in Switzerland?

Abstract Background Early onset colorectal cancer (EOCC), defined as colorectal cancer (CRC) ≤ 50 years, has seen an alarming rising incidence in western countries. Aims This research aims to determine the current state of incidence, symptoms, diagnostic methods, and treatment approach in EOCC compared to late onset CRC (LOCRC) in the extended Northwestern Switzerland. Methods Patients seeking care for CRC between April-November 2023 were enrolled in a prospective multicenter (11 hospitals within extended Northwestern Switzerland) observational cohort study. Information was collected using questionnaires and patient charts. Results We included 315 patients, thereof 38 (10.8%) EOCC. In total 211 (58.9%) patients were male, mean age was 42.5 and 71.2 years, respectively. Rectal bleeding was the main symptom in both groups (60.5% vs 37.0%), followed by change in bowel habits in EOCC and fatigue in LOCRC without reaching significance. Rectal bleeding and mucous, abdominal pain, change of bowel habits and bloating were significantly more often in EOCC. Significantly more LOCRC patients stated that their physical condition affected sexual erection and social interaction, whereas in EOCC, family life was significantly affected. For both groups, endoscopy was the leading diagnostic tool. EOCC had a diagnostic delay of 6.5 weeks compared to their counterparts. No difference in frequency of neoadjuvant treatment, surgical approach or need for emergency surgery was observed. In EOCC, a trend to more lymph node retrieval was observed and significantly more EOCC received an ostomy. Postoperatively, significantly more EOCC than LOCRC patients received adjuvant chemotherapy (55.6 % vs 28.6 %). Conclusion Our analysis illustrates the current standard-of-care of EOCC in the extended Northwestern Switzerland. EOCC compared to LOCRC patients present themselves differently to the medical community, leading to a different approach to their symptoms, which eventually results in a delayed diagnosis. Based on these results, it is time to foster awareness and start redefining national screening criteria.

THE IMPACT OF HEART FAILURE ON QUALITY OF LIFE: A MIXED METHOD STUDY

Abstract Introduction Heart failure (HF) is a significant global health problem, affecting over 64,000 people annually and resulting in high mortality rates (Savarese et al., 2023). However, for those receiving follow–up care, there is a 20% increase in 5–year survival (Braunwald, 2013). Globally, heart failure affects 1–3% of the population in developed countries, with 15 million patients in Europe and a 2% prevalence in Italy, accompanied by a 20% mortality rate (Heidenreich et al., 2022). Patients with heart failure often experience a reduction in quality of life (QoL), impacting their psychosocial well–being (Lupón, 2013). Indeed, those with lower QoL tend to experience more adverse events, such as rehospitalization and mortality (Ly et al., 2023). Therefore, it becomes crucial to assess QoL over time, utilizing new technologies for home monitoring. Continuous evaluation of QoL and the use of home monitoring technologies, such as telemedicine and telemonitoring, are essential and can have a positive impact on promoting QoL (Morken et al., 2022). OBJECTIVE: Investigate the perceived quality of life in geriatric patients with heart failure, describing the impact of the condition on QoL. Materials and Methods This mixed–methods study aims to explore QoL perception in a cohort of real–life outpatient geriatric patients with HF based on different stages of the disease. The study consists of two phases: a quantitative survey and a qualitative investigation. The KCCQ 23 scale was used to quantitatively assess self–reported QoL during in–person follow–up appointments and subsequently through phone follow–ups at 6 and/or 12 months. Additionally, the qualitative phase involved conducting semi–structured interviews via video calls. Results, Discussion and Conclusions The study involved 478 patients with heart failure, with women, who were underrepresented, reporting lower QoL than men. Analysis of interviews and subsequent triangulation of quantitative and qualitative data revealed that the QoL of HF patients is influenced by six identified themes: future perspectives, self–care, social interactions, emotional state, functional status, awareness of the disease, and awareness of one‘s health status. Furthermore, it was observed that deceased patients who received follow–up care reported significantly worse QoL scores compared to those who did not receive follow–up.

ASSOCIATION BETWEEN HEALTH LITERACY AND NURSING DEPENDENCY IN HEART FAILURE PATIENTS: A RETROSPECTIVE STUDY

Abstract Background Approximately 6.7 million Americans over 20 years of age have heart failure (HF) and 33% of the US adult population without known symptomatic HF is at–risk for HF. To understand self–care protocols, patients should understand and use health information and literature suggests a positive relation between health literacy (HL) and self–care. Health literacy (HL) is a potential risk factor for health outcomes and can be defined as “personal knowledge and competencies obtained through daily activities, social interactions and across generations”. However, even though HL has gained international relevance, it remains underestimated in most world countries. Moreover, HL is poorly measured in hospitalized HF patients and its relationship with nursing dependency is still poorly studied. We aimed to describe HL levels by analyzing the relationship between HL and nursing dependency. Methods A retrospective design was used by selecting 608 adult patients with HF consecutively admitted in cardiovascular and internal medicine units of an Italian university hospital across 1 year. Single Item Literacy Screener (SILS) was used to measure HL and was systematically reported on electronic health records; nursing diagnoses were collected from the clinical nursing information system to measure nursing dependency. Results The mean age of the sample was 75.50 ± 13.06. HL levels were low (SILS >2) in approximately 26% of the hospitalized patients (n=159; 26.2%). A mean of 4.1 ± 3.4 nursing diagnosis per patient was identified. A significant difference was observed between patients with adequate HL (n=449) and low HL (n=159) in terms of nursing diagnoses (mean 2.76 ± 20.3 VS mean 8.69 ± 2.79; p< .001, respectively). A statistically significant linear association (Spearman’s correlation coefficient) was observed between the HL score and the number of NDs. Conclusion HL was associated with the number of NDs in HF patients. Understanding the relationship between HL and nursing dependency can allow the planning of targeted interventions to improve the patient’s health outcomes, representing a key element for public health.

Analysis of the Role of Cosmetic Dermatology in Improving the Quality of Life of Patients with Vitiligo: Observational Study at Busan Hospital, South Korea

Introduction: Vitiligo is an autoimmune disease that causes skin depigmentation. This can have a significant impact on the patient's quality of life. Dermatological cosmetics can be used to cover depigmented areas and improve the patient's quality of life. Methods: This observational study was conducted on vitiligo patients treated at Busan Hospital, South Korea. Patients were given a questionnaire to assess their quality of life before and after using dermatology cosmetics. A total of 250 research subjects took part in this study. Data were analyzed using appropriate statistical tests. Results: The results showed that the use of dermatological cosmetics significantly improved the quality of life of vitiligo patients. Patients report improvements in self-satisfaction, self-image, and social interactions. Conclusion: Cosmetic dermatology is a safe and effective therapeutic option to improve the quality of life of vitiligo patients.

Home-based motorised cycling in Non-ambulant adults with cerebral palsy: a feasibility study

Purpose The primary aim was to establish feasibility of a home-based motorised cycling intervention in non-ambulant adults with cerebral palsy (CP). The secondary aim was to investigate perceived outcomes on pain, sleep, fatigue, and muscle stiffness. Materials and method Non-ambulant adults with CP were recruited from a specialist clinic. Feasibility encompassing recruitment, retention, adherence, acceptability, practicality, and safety, was the primary outcome., Cycling frequency and duration data were downloaded from the device and augmented by a usage diary and participant survey. Participant satisfaction was rated using a 5-point Likert scale where 1 = very satisfied. Quantitative data and open-ended survey responses were analysed using descriptive statistics and content analysis, respectively. Results Ten non-ambulant adults with CP (5 female), 18 to 32 years, participated. The median (IQR) days cycled per week was 4 (3,5) with no serious adverse events recorded. The median (IQR) time cycled per session was 13.9 min, (10.2,19.8), per day. Participant satisfaction was high, median (IQR) 2 (1,2.5). Perceived benefits in pain, sleep, fatigue, stiffness, leg function, mood, behaviour, and social interactions were reported alongside occasional problems with spasms and foot placement. Conclusion This study provides preliminary data to support the feasibility of motorised cycling for non-ambulant adults with CP.

Artificial intelligence technology readiness for social sustainability and business ethics: Evidence from MSMEs in developing nations

Social, economic, and environmental development together contributes to sustainable development. Social sustainability (SS) is essential to create just and inclusive societies where people's basic needs are satisfied, human rights are protected, and social cohesion and fairness exist. To achieve holistic, sustainable development, policymakers and management must consider SS and environmental and economic considerations. Employees' social and behavioral interactions impact SS and business ethics. Micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) can learn from artificial intelligence (AI) for better decision-making, operational optimization, increased employability, and employee empowerment. Therefore, this research aims to assess how artificial intelligence technology affects SS and business ethics in the MSMEs. We studied the artificial intelligence (AI) readiness among MSME companies in developing nations. We analyzed AI readiness using the theory of technology-organization-environment (TOE). Further, we also studied AI readiness and its influence on business ethics and SS, which we measured through skill development, work conditions, environment, and safety among MSMEs. We collected the data from 236 MSME employees. We used Structural Equation Modeling using SmartPLS software for data analysis. The research findings indicated that AI readiness directly impacts SS. We also found that the findings directly impact employees' social and ethical behavior. We also observed that business ethics significantly affects SS, indicating partial mediation. This study has substantial theoretical and managerial implications as policymakers and MSME leadership need to consider SS an essential component of sustainable development.

The Clinical Sequelae of the COVID-19 Pandemic: Loneliness, Depression, Excessive Alcohol Use, Social Media Addiction, and Risk for Suicide Ideation

Background Depression, loneliness, and alcohol use disorder are associated with suicide ideation. The ongoing COVID-19 pandemic has challenged our social structures with social distancing and isolation policies implemented worldwide, severely restricting social interactions. Studies regarding the effects of the pandemic are starting to shed light on the harmful psychological effects of these policies. Aims This study aims to identify whether the increase in suicidal ideation among college students (mostly young adults) during the pandemic was due to the known risk factors of loneliness, depression, alcohol use disorder, social media addiction, and other background variables. Method Nine hundred and eleven college students completed self-report questionnaires assessing suicidal risk, depressive symptoms, loneliness, excessive alcohol use, and social media use. Results During the pandemic suicidal ideation was associated with loneliness (χ2 = 54.65, p < 0.001), depressive symptoms (χ2 = 110.82, p < 0.001), alcohol use disorder (χ2 = 10.02, P < 0.01) and social media addiction (χ2 = 13.73, P < 0.001). Being single [OR = 2.55; p < 0.01], and self-identifying as a non-heterosexual [OR = 2.55; p < 0.01] were found to constitute additional risk factors. Limitations The structural nature of quantitative self-report scales does not offer the flexibility of gaining a deeper understanding of causes, specific to particular circumstances that may lead participants to ideate on suicide, even briefly. Conclusions Social distancing and isolation policies during the COVID-19 pandemic constitute an additional factor in the risk for suicide ideation.

Enhancing Dementia Nursing Homes in South Korea: Lessons from German Building Standards

South Korea is an aging society with a rapidly increasing number of people with dementia. In that context, this study aimed to compare dementia nursing home building standards in South Korea and Germany, based on the minimum physical and architectural requirements specified by both countries’ relevant laws, to gain insights into improving South Korean building standards. I examined South Korea’s Welfare of Senior Citizens Act and its Enforcement Regulations, and Germany’s Federal Nursing Home Act (HeimG), Regulation on Minimum Standards for Nursing Homes (HeimMindBauV), and the corresponding state regulations. The analysis revealed differences regarding the basic requirements, facility sizes, composition of necessary rooms, and detailed regulations pertaining to these rooms. South Korea emphasized autonomy, including barrier-free and compensatory environments, as well as safety and security. Meanwhile, Germany enhanced similar aspects of autonomy to those in South Korea, including the barrier-free standard DIN 18040-2. Additionally, Germany incorporated features such as familiarity, sensory stimulation, legibility, and social interaction, reflecting aspects that offer orientational cues for autonomy. Improving South Korean building standards requires stronger regulations on the autonomy of individuals with dementia. Further, additional regulations on familiarity, sensory stimulation, legibility, and social interactions should be considered. The results provide foundational data for cross-national comparisons to establish building standards for dementia-friendly built spaces in dementia nursing homes in South Korea. Further surveys on spatial utilization, discussions, and the application of proposed improvements in Korea would contribute to enhancing the dementia-friendly nursing home design in the country.

Development and Validation of Instruments for Assessing the Impact of Artificial Intelligence on Students in Higher Education

&lt;p style="text-align:justify"&gt;The role of artificial intelligence (AI) in education remains incompletely understood, demanding further evaluation and the creation of robust assessment tools. Despite previous attempts to measure AI's impact in education, existing studies have limitations. This research aimed to develop and validate an assessment instrument for gauging AI effects in higher education. Employing various analytical methods, including Exploratory Factor Analysis, Confirmatory Factor Analysis, and Rasch Analysis, the initial 70-item instrument covered seven constructs. Administered to 635 students at Nueva Ecija University of Science and Technology – Gabaldon campus, content validity was assessed using the Lawshe method. After eliminating 19 items through EFA and CFA, Rasch analysis confirmed the construct validity and led to the removal of three more items. The final 48-item instrument, categorized into learning experiences, academic performance, career guidance, motivation, self-reliance, social interactions, and AI dependency, emerged as a valid and reliable tool for assessing AI's impact on higher education, especially among college students.&lt;/p&gt;

Validation of Medicinal Plant Use Needs More Support

The COVID-19 pandemic was both a curse and a gift. As a curse, it brought immense suffering and death. All aspects of our daily lives were affected, including healthcare, the economy, and social interactions.1 It was a gift because of the enormity of the problem, the same pandemic has fueled national and international initiatives to produce anti-COVID vaccines and therapies in record time.2 In the Philippines, the Department of Science and Technology was at the forefront of providing technical and financial support for local research on COVID-19, specifically for three plant-based therapies or supplements.3 Our paper was one of the research studies that the DOST supported. It was a two-stage multicenter parallel, randomized clinical trial using the NIRPROMP-IHM formulation of Lagundi (Vitex negundo) for patients with mild COVID-19.4 Stage 1 compared high and regular Lagundi doses. Stage 2 was an efficacy trial comparing the best dose found in Stage 1 to placebo. Compared to the placebo, the Lagundi group had statistically significantly lower total symptom and anosmia scores, indicating beneficial effects. There was a trend for lower symptom scores (cough, colds, fever, fatigue, body malaise, ageusia) in the Lagundi group but not statistically significant. Physician and patient-rated global evaluation ratings were higher for Lagundi than placebo, suggesting better alleviation, but were not statistically significant. Recovery times were similar for both groups, with few adverse events overall. The second study, published in this issue, is on using virgin coconut oil (VCO) as an adjunctive treatment for hospitalized patients with COVID-19 (pages 31 to 41). Further reading of the paper also showed similar recovery times and duration of hospital stay for both VCO and placebo groups. A positive outcome was that the inflammatory marker CRP was seen to normalize in more patients in the VCO group compared to the placebo. Other positive outcomes for the VCO group included a trend for lower mortality rate and lower ICU admission. The third study involving Tawa tawa (Euphorbia hirta) for COVID-19 patients has yet to be published. Positive effects were seen for both Lagundi and VCO, as stated above. In a review article by Dayrit, he recommended studies on several Philippine medicinal plants with immunomodulatory activity, including VCO and lagundi.5 More extensive trials may further elucidate their full potential. I would also suggest exploring their use in long COVID. It is only appropriate to endorse using Philippine medicinal plants for therapeutic purposes after conducting adequate human studies to establish their efficacy and safety profile. Randomized clinical trials are the gold standard; the study should have internal and external validity. More funding should be invested in such studies so that we can fully and correctly utilize our bountiful natural resources. Herbal medicines can potentially address issues in our healthcare system, such as the need for economical, effective, and safe treatments for many primary care illnesses. These were seen with the development of the NIRPROMP-IHM formulations of Lagundi and Sambong (Blumea balsamifera), which are being prescribed by Filipino physicians and included in the Philippine National Formulary.6 Developing more herbal medicines will benefit the patients, the farmers who plant these crops, the local pharmaceutical industry, and the Philippine economy. This would further lead to increased self-sufficiency for the nation as a whole. There are many more medicinal plants to explore and use for various acute and chronic diseases. Sadly, many entrepreneurs peddle their so-called wonder drugs (herbal or otherwise) on the internet or other channels as safe and effective just because they are natural and with minimal studies claiming to cure everything under the sun. Social media should not be our sole source of information, but looking into the evidence, such as those reported by the article on VCO, can help us understand their actual place in therapy.

Uses and gratifications of metaverse: understanding the user adoption factors through a mixed method approach

PurposeTechnology 4.0 comes with a challenge to understand the degree of users’ willingness to adopt a digital transformation. Metaverse, being a digital transformation, enables real-world activities in the virtual environment, which attracts organizations to adopt the new fascinating technology. This paper thus explores the uses and gratification factors affecting user adoption and recommendation of metaverse from the management perspective.Design/methodology/approachThe study adopts a mixed approach where structural topic modeling is used to analyze tweets about the metaverse, and the themes uncovered from structural topic modeling were further analyzed through data collection using structural equation modeling.FindingsThe analyses revealed that social interaction, escapism, convenient navigability, and telepresence significantly affect adoption intent and recommendation to use metaverse, while the trendiness showed insignificance. In the metaverse, users can embody avatars or digital representations, users can express themselves, communicate nonverbally, and interact with others in a more natural and intuitive manner.Originality/valueThis paper contributes to research as it is the first of its kind to explore the factors affecting adoption intent and recommendation to use metaverse using Uses and Gratification theory in a mixed approach. Moreover, the authors performed a two-step study involving both qualitative and quantitative techniques, giving a new perspective to the metaverse-related study.

Attentional Orienting and Disfluency-Related Memory Boost Are Intact in Adults With Moderate-Severe Traumatic Brain Injury.

Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is associated with a range of cognitive-communicative deficits that interfere with everyday communication and social interaction. Considerable effort has been directed at characterizing the nature and scope of cognitive-communication disorders in TBI, yet the underlying mechanisms of impairment are largely unspecified. The present research examines sensitivity to a common communicative cue, disfluency, and its impact on memory for spoken language in TBI. Fifty-three participants with moderate-severe TBI and 53 noninjured comparison participants listened to a series of sentences, some of which contained disfluencies. A subsequent memory test probed memory for critical words in the sentences. Participants with TBI successfully remembered the spoken words (b = 1.57, p < .0001) at a similar level to noninjured comparison participants. Critically, participants with TBI also exhibited better recognition memory for words preceded by disfluency compared to words from fluent sentences (b = 0.57, p = .02). These findings advance mechanistic accounts of cognitive-communication disorder by revealing that, when isolated for experimental study, individuals with moderate-severe TBI are sensitive to attentional orienting cues in speech and exhibit enhanced recognition of individual words preceded by disfluency. These results suggest that some aspects of cognitive-communication disorders may not emerge from an inability to perceive and use individual communication cues, but rather from disruptions in managing (i.e., attending, weighting, integrating) multiple cognitive, communicative, and social cues in complex and dynamic interactions. This hypothesis warrants further investigation.

Visual statistical learning in preverbal infants at a higher likelihood of autism and its association with later social communication skills.

Visual statistical Learning (SL) allows infants to extract the statistical relationships embedded in a sequence of elements. SL plays a crucial role in language and communication competencies and has been found to be impacted in Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). This study aims to investigate visual SL in infants at higher likelihood of developing ASD (HL-ASD) and its predictive value on autistic-related traits at 24-36 months. At 6 months of age, SL was tested using a visual habituation task in HL-ASD and neurotypical (NT) infants. All infants were habituated to a visual sequence of shapes containing statistically predictable patterns. In the test phase, infants viewed the statistically structured, familiar sequence in alternation with a novel sequence that did not contain any statistical information. HL-ASD infants were then evaluated at 24-36 months to investigate the associations between visual SL and ASD-related traits. Our results showed that NT infants were able to learn the statistical structure embedded in the visual sequences, while HL-ASD infants showed different learning patterns. A regression analysis revealed that SL ability in 6-month-old HL-ASD infants was related to social communication and interaction abilities at 24-36 months of age. These findings indicate that early differences in learning visual statistical patterns might contribute to later social communication skills.