Structuring Research Articles

Young people's views and experience of diet-related inequalities in England (UK): a qualitative study.

Inequalities in diets contribute to overall inequalities in health. Economic inequality and inequalities in access to healthy food are key drivers of poor diet and ill health among young people (YP). Despite mounting evidence of structural barriers to healthy eating, less is known about how YP view and experience these inequalities where they live, and how to address them. To explore YP's perspectives on the drivers of diet-related health inequalities, we conducted three interlinked focus groups with YP aged 13-21 years from six youth groups across three geographical areas in England. We analysed the data inductively and deductively using reflexive thematic analysis and generated themes by examining how social structure, context and agency interact and impact YP's diet. YP were aware of how inequalities in employment conditions impact their families' income and ability to eat a healthy diet. They cited the high availability of hot food takeaways in their local areas as a significant barrier to healthy eating but did not support closing or restricting these outlets. They held strong views on policies to tackle diet inequality and showed a nuanced understanding of the strengths and limitations of universal and targeted approaches. Our study showed that YP have an awareness and understanding of food as important in relation to health, and of diet-related inequalities. However, further efforts are needed to shape and promote policies that resonate with YP and address both their health and wider social concerns.

Youth Mental Health First Aid Training: Impact on the Ability to Recognize and Support Youth Needs.

Youth Mental Health First Aid (YMHFA) trains individuals who regularly interact with youth to identify youth experiencing mental health challenges. Several studies demonstrate positive training impacts, but few assess whether the training equally impacts participants of different demographic and professional backgrounds or those who participate in different training modalities. Using a pre-post follow-up design with a comparison group, this study examined changes in participants' confidence in their ability to recognize and support youth mental health needs 1 to 2 months after training. Data were collected over two years (2021-2023) from training participants (n = 480) and comparable non-participants (n = 51). The authors examined whether changes in confidence varied by participant race/ethnicity, professional role in the education or mental health fields, and training modality (online versus hybrid). Training participants' confidence in supporting youth mental health increased significantly compared to non-participants. Although the training was effective for all participants, those with less mental health experience benefited more, consistent with previous research. While both in-person and hybrid training were effective, in-person training participants reported slightly higher confidence scores than virtual at follow-up. Study findings suggest that educational and social service organizations should offer this training to their staff and community members who interact with youth, prioritizing participants with less prior mental health training and delivering training through an in-person training modality when possible. However, additional research is needed to explore how aspects of in-person training, such as trainer characteristics and group dynamics, impact outcomes.

The effects of a facilitator-enabled online multicomponent iSupport for dementia programme: A multicentre randomised controlled trial

BackgroundMulticomponent interventions with carers of people with dementia demonstrate positive effects on the health and quality of life for carers and care recipients. The World Health Organization's iSupport for Dementia is an evidence-based online psychoeducation programme for carers. However, the programme was mainly implemented as a self-learning tool which might have limited its positive effects on carers and care recipients. Evidence for online multicomponent interventions with carers that incorporates the iSupport programme remains unknown. ObjectivesThis study aimed to partner with health and social care organisations to evaluate the effects of a facilitator-enabled online multicomponent Chinese iSupport programme, which included psychoeducation using the iSupport programme, facilitator-enabled carer support groups and access to care services. DesignA multicentre randomised controlled trial. Settings and participantsParticipants were family carers in Australia and greater China. We recruited participants to the study from 1st November 2021 to 30th June 2022. MethodsThe intervention group received the Chinese iSupport programme delivered online. The intervention lasted for 6 months. Our primary outcome was carers' quality of life. Our secondary outcomes were carers' self-efficacy, social support, distress reactions to changed behaviours, care recipients' frequency of changed behaviours, quality of life, unplanned hospital admissions, emergency department presentations and permanent admissions to nursing homes. The outcomes were measured at baseline (T0), 6 months (T1) and 9 months (T2). We applied a multivariate mixed effect linear regression model to capture the group effect, time effect and their interaction. ResultsIn total, 266 eligible family carers agreed to participate and were randomly assigned to an intervention group (n = 131) or a usual care group (n = 135). Most carers were women with a mean age of 53 years. The intervention group showed a statistically significant higher score of mental-health-related quality of life (mean difference = 4.1, 95 % CI: 1.5, 6.8, p = 0.002), self-efficacy in controlling upsetting thoughts (mean difference = 7.1, 95 % CI: 2.2, 12.0, p = 0.005) and lower score of distress reactions to changed behaviours (mean difference = −0.1, 95 % CI: −0.3, −0.03, p = 0.012) than the usual care group at T1. ConclusionThe facilitator-enabled online multicomponent Chinese iSupport programme demonstrated positive effects for carers on mental health-related quality of life, controlling upsetting thoughts and distress reactions to changed behaviours of people with dementia. Trial registrationThis study is registered in the Australia New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry on 12th March 2021 (ACTRN12621000276853). Tweetable abstractThe facilitator-enabled online multicomponent Chinese iSupport programme improved family carers' mental health-related quality of life, control of upsetting thoughts and distress reactions to changed behaviours of people with dementia.

Analysis of smallholder farmers' dynamics of knowledge sharing, skill transfer, and participation in using biogas (application of social network analysis)

Air pollution, population growth, and the lack of fossil energy sources are critical factors that drive people toward clean and renewable energies in the current century. Biogas is suitable for rural farmers as a source of clean energy. Since there are many social interactions in knowledge exchange and sharing, the transfer of skills, and participation among individuals, various actors are involved in the network. The power and influence of actors and the social interactions between smallholder farmers and these actors fuel the development of biogas consumption in rural areas. Therefore, this study analyzes the social network structures and characteristics of various actors by social network analysis (SNA) in knowledge sharing, the transfer of skills, and participation networks among traditional smallholder farmers in Iran. The research sample consisted of some smallholder farmers in four provinces of Fars, Khorasan Razavi, Golestan, and Kermanshah (144 smallholder farmers). The research instrument was a questionnaire designed as a matrix. The findings showed that based on the betweenness centrality score, biogas-consuming smallholder farmers (34.56) and cooperatives of smallholder farmers (24.79) were the main actors in the network of knowledge sharing, respectively. Furthermore, biogas-consuming smallholder farmers (28.04) and pioneer smallholder farmers (27.11) were the main actors in the network of participation, respectively. The betweenness centrality score revealed that cooperatives of smallholder farmers (29.23) and opinion leaders (23.33) were the main actors in the network of skills transfer, respectively. It can be concluded that these actors had high social power and influence among smallholder farmers and can be the core of the smallholder farmers’ social networks. It means that they can influence the development of biogas consumption among Iranian smallholder farmers.

Inbreeding avoidance, competition and natal dispersal in a pair-living, genetically monogamous mammal, Azara's owl monkey (Aotus azarae).

Natal dispersal is an important life-history stage influencing individual fitness, social dynamics of groups and population structure. Understanding factors influencing dispersal is essential for evaluating explanations for the evolution and maintenance of social organization, including parental care and mating systems. The social and mating systems of Azara's owl monkeys (Aotus azarae) are infrequent among mammals; these primates are pair-living, serially and genetically monogamous and both sexes directly care for offspring. To evaluate the role that competition and inbreeding avoidance play in shaping dispersal patterns, we used 25 years of demographic and genetic data to examine how variation in timing of natal dispersal is related to social (adult replacements, step-parents, births and group size) and ecological factors (seasonal abundance of resources) in a wild population of A. azarae in Formosa, Argentina. We found that all males and females dispersed from their natal groups, but subadults delayed dispersal when a step-parent of the opposite sex joined the group, indicating that they may perceive these step-parents as potential mates. Dispersal was more probable when resource conditions were better, regardless of age. Overall, agonistic conflict over food and potential mates with adults in the natal group, as well as inbreeding avoidance, contribute to regulating dispersal.

Dr Ambedkar’s idea of human rights and its scope of teaching in social work education: from text to context

ABSTRACT Dr Bhimrao Ramji Ambedkar (Ambedkar henceforth) is not merely known as the chief architect of the Indian constitution, social activist, philosopher, and social reformer but also as a great human rights defender in India. His idea and vision of human rights have been referencing points for creating an egalitarian society and formulating social policies. Despite his strong vision, teaching, and philosophy about an equal and just society, the pedagogy of social work is underutilized in social work education. His ideas of human rights were enshrined in the Indian constitution which even prevented marginalized social groups such as Dalit (Dalits are ex-untouchable caste group who live at the bottom in Indian social structure), tribal, and women from exploitation and protect their human rights. We argue that Ambedkar’s strong vision for a just and egalitarian society, and his rights and policy-based framework are key human rights features to introduce in the curriculum of social work education within India and outside India. This will not merely equip social work professionals to be better human rights defenders but also equip them significantly to contribute to creating a just and equal society.

О конституционно-правовом закреплении публичного статуса адвокатуры

This article is devoted to understanding the constitutional and legal consolidation of the public status of the bar as a non-governmental institution of social structure, serving as a mechanism for the implementation of constitutional guarantees of the rule of law and judicial protection of rights. Based on the philosophy of modern times and the basic postulates of the general theory of conflict, the work examines the competitive process of learning the truth in justice by organizing a system in the form of a simulated controlled conflict. Keywords

Сценарное моделирование протестного потенциала на основе событийной идентификации динамики факторов

In this study, we present a scenario-based approach to investigate the protest potential in society using mathematical tools from graph theory and simulation modeling. The research objective. The research aims to construct a cognitive map that reflects key factors, such as population deprivation levels, overall well-being, social fears, trust in authority, social expectations, and stability of social structures. Materials and methods. The model of functional oriented graphs, which in turn is a development of the classical cognitive model, is used as a metamathematical apparatus in the study. In the software implementation, the method of linear regression data analysis was used to calculate e-scenarios for the behavior of vertices. Results. We report the results of a scenario analysis of the developed model, obtaining forecasted scenarios of the dynamics of society’s protest potential under various conditions and influences. At the core of this research is the examination of a complex system’s possible response to external destructive impacts, and we propose a set of measures to counteract these influences on societal dynamics. The scenario methodology combines graph theory for representing complex relationships between key factors and simulation modeling for predicting potential developmental scenarios. Conducting this study required modifying the traditional mathematical apparatus of cognitive modeling. We developed methods and algorithms for scenario-event identification of the model’s significant factors’ behavior and utilizing the results of such identification when forming complex functional relationships in the scenario model. In generating scenarios, the range of events is significantly expanded compared to traditional cognitive modeling approaches, which could have been overlooked but may be crucial for situational analysis. Conclusion. The scenario modeling technology presented in the work is implemented in the appropriate software and analytical complex, the purpose of which is to automate the processes of scenario research of socio-economic and political systems.

SOCIAL FACTORS AFFECTING STYLE VARIATION

This research delves into how gender, age, ethnicity, social network, socioeconomic status, and other social factors impact language choices regarding style. This is called style variation, when people's speech patterns, dialects, and registers change based on social circumstances. Vocabulary is a powerful tool for self-expression and group identification, and this analysis shows how people change their vocabulary to fit in or stand out from their social circles. How prevailing social standards impact linguistic prestige and stigmatization is one area that the article delves into, as does the impact of power dynamics and social stratification on language patterns more generally. The study shows how language is a social identity marker that reflects larger social structures and interactions through case studies and sociolinguistic research. The results indicate that differences in style are not static but depend on the surrounding environment. They are an integral part of society and lighten the relationship between language, culture, and personal identity.

Exploring Self-Reflexivity in Selected Dalit Literatures

Dalit literature, which emerged prominently in the 1970s and 1980s, represents a significant shift in Indian literary and cultural discourse. It is deeply connected to the Dalit Panther Movement in Maharashtra, which sought to confront and challenge entrenched caste hierarchies and social injustices. Historically, Indian literature has been dominated by upper-caste perspectives, which marginalized lower-caste voices and reinforced existing social structures. Dalit literature disrupts this hegemony by foregrounding the experiences of those historically marginalized, challenging traditional literary canons that glorify upper-caste perspectives and advocating for a redefined cultural legitimacy. Self-reflexivity, a process of critical self-examination within social contexts, plays a crucial role in Dalit writings. It involves reflecting on one’s identity and its formation within oppressive socio-cultural frameworks. Dalit literature often explores the interplay between spatial identity and caste discrimination, emphasizing how physical and social spaces are laden with historical and cultural meanings. This reflexivity enables Dalit writers to question and reconfigure their identities in response to systemic inequalities. Historically, Dalit writings can trace their roots back to Vedic traditions that justified caste hierarchies. Figures like Sharankumar Limbale and Eleanor Zelliot highlight how Dalit literature is a counter-narrative to these oppressive traditions. Early Dalit writers, influenced by social reformers like B.R. Ambedkar and movements such as Bhakti, used their works to critique caste-based injustices and advocate for social change. Education has been a transformative force in Dalit autobiographies, serving as a means for personal and societal advancement. Despite historical resistance to the education of untouchables, British colonial reforms and missionary schools played a pivotal role in improving educational access. Figures like Jyotiba Phule further advanced educational opportunities for marginalized communities, challenging entrenched social norms and promoting empowerment through learning.

Effect of Socialization on Alzheimer's Disease During the COVID-19 Pandemic.

Age is the strongest risk factor for Alzheimer's disease, a neurodegenerative disease where beta-amyloid plaques accumulate in the brain. Elderly individuals, especially those in nursing homes, were burdened by social isolation during the COVID-19 pandemic. The purpose of this literature review is to describe the effectiveness of social engagement and how combating isolation can have a neuroprotective effect on individuals at risk for Alzheimer's disease. We conducted a search in PubMed examining articles from 2010 to 2023 that discussed the impact of socialization on Alzheimer's disease, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic. Our search terms were "Alzheimer's Disease + Socialization," "Social Isolation + Alzheimer's Disease," "Alzheimer's Disease + COVID-19," "COVID-19 + Social Isolation," and "Social Interventions + Alzheimer's Disease." Inclusion criteria consisted of patients ages 60 and older with Alzheimer's disease, mention of social isolation or engagement, and any relationship between COVID-19 and Alzheimer's disease. Exclusion criteria were defined as other dementias, non-social interventions, and the effects of different viruses on Alzheimer's disease. After the screening process, 30 articles were included, along with six articles that were suitable to the topic. Of the 36 total articles, 19 focused on an intervention involving socialization; eight explored the effect of social isolation during COVID-19 on patients with Alzheimer's disease; five articles examined social isolation as a risk factor for dementia; and four articles discussed the effect of socialization on Alzheimer's disease. A few studies reported that having a large social network can improve cognition and mood for patients with Alzheimer's disease. Studies reported that interventions such as volunteering, video calls, group art classes, animal interactions, and others produced positive outcomes in Alzheimer's patients, but not all were statistically significant. Our review found a consistent association between a socially integrated lifestyle and a decreased incidence of early-onset dementia. Although not all interventions were solely social, a strong social structure remained at the core of a healthy aging process.

Chemical and transcriptomic diversity do not correlate with ascending levels of social complexity in the insect order Blattodea.

Eusocial insects, such as ants and termites, are characterized by high levels of coordinated social organization. This is contrasted by solitary insects that display more limited forms of collective behavior. It has been hypothesized that this gradient in sociobehavioral sophistication is positively correlated with chemical profile complexity, due to a potentially increased demand for diversity in chemical communication mechanisms in insects with higher levels of social complexity. However, this claim has rarely been assessed empirically. Here, we compare different levels of chemical and transcriptomic complexity in selected species of the order Blattodea that represent different levels of social organization, from solitary to eusocial. We primarily focus on cuticular hydrocarbon (CHC) complexity, since it has repeatedly been demonstrated that CHCs are key signaling molecules conveying a wide variety of chemical information in solitary as well as eusocial insects. We assessed CHC complexity and divergence between our studied taxa of different social complexity levels as well as the differentiation of their respective repertoires of CHC biosynthesis gene transcripts. Surprisingly, we did not find any consistent pattern of chemical complexity correlating with social complexity, nor did the overall chemical divergence or transcriptomic repertoire of CHC biosynthesis genes reflect on the levels of social organization. Our results challenge the assumption that increasing social complexity is generally reflected in more complex chemical profiles and point toward the need for a more cautious and differentiated view on correlating complexity on a chemical, genetic, and social level.

Study of the family environment of students studying in government and non-government upper primary schools

The study of the family environment of students studying in government and private upper primary schools is an important topic. It helps in understanding their family context, social structure, economic status, and motivational environment. The families of students studying in government upper primary schools are often economically weak, and their infrastructure usually depends on government schemes. The families of students studying in these schools are often socially organized, and they have more knowledge of leadership and social change in society. There is more support for education in the families of students, and this supports their education. The message of understanding the importance of education is often propagated more intensively among the families of students. The families of students studying in private upper primary schools are often socially diverse, and this gives the students a diversity of experiences. The families of students studying in these schools are usually financially stable, and this gives them more resources. The level of enthusiasm and support for education is higher in the families of students, and they have more freedom in making decisions regarding their education. The families of students studying in these schools are more insistent in participating and supporting the students in their studies. The difference and importance of the family environment of students studying in government and non-government upper primary schools can be understood. Findings from the research study - No significant difference was found in the family environment of male students studying in government and non-government upper primary schools. No significant difference was found in the family environment of female students studying in government and non-government upper primary schools.

On Special Liberty and the Motivation to Harm

Abstract Special liberty is a destructive and criminogenic force operating throughout the social structure and is arguably the main source of social harm today. The subject of special liberty feels entitled to risk harm to others in pursuit of their own expressive and/or instrumental interests. Since its inception, the concept of special liberty has been used to make sense of numerous issues. However, little attention has been directed towards clearly delineating the two main forms of self-interest served by its use. Our understanding of why special liberty is employed in particular circumstances and conditions is therefore limited. This article makes an original contribution by attempting to formalize an initial delineation of expressive and instrumental self-interest apropos the use of special liberty.

Harmony under threat: does resource-mediated stress affect the (caste-based) social network of leaf-cutting ant colonies?

Managing pest species of eusocial insects, such as leaf-cutting ants, poses significant challenges. Controlling them requires understanding of how toxic plant substrates and ant baits are recognized by foragers, transported to the nest, shared among workers and managed by gardeners cultivating the symbiont fungus garden. Despite this, little is known about how unsuitable resources might impact social interactions within ant colonies. This study aims to investigate whether the provision of a suitable substrate (copperleaf) and a toxic substrate (nasturtium leaves) affects the social network dynamics within colonies of two leaf-cutting ant species: Acromyrmex molestans and Acromyrmex subterraneus. The interactions between castes were recorded and subjected to social network analyses. Initial foraging duration increased for A. subterraneus provided with copperleaf, although no difference was observed for the other species and resource combinations. The social network structure was similar for both species when copperleaf leaves were provided as a substrate. However, notable alterations occurred with nasturtium leaf provision, leading to higher integration of gardeners in interactions and noticeable changes in the generalist worker network centrality, particularly in A. subterraneus. The observed changes in social interactions, particularly in A. subterraneus, suggest that increasing gardener interactions with other castes expedites the movement of the substrate within the colony. This maximizes the potential toxic effect on the colony. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry.

ANALISIS YURIDIS PEMENUHAN HAK PELAYANAN PUBLIK BAGI PENYANDANG DISABILITAS KABUPATEN JEMBER

Public transportation plays a crucial role in the social and economic structure of cities worldwide by providing access to various services and activities. An efficient transportation system supports mobility in employment, education, healthcare, and recreation, and contributes to inclusive and sustainable urban development. However, individuals with disabilities often face barriers to accessing public transportation, both physical, such as the lack of disability-friendly facilities, and non-physical, such as insufficient staff training and supportive policies. These limitations hinder full participation of individuals with disabilities in society and widen the gap in life opportunities. In Indonesia, issues of inclusion and accessibility for people with disabilities are central to human rights and social justice discourse. Although legislative progress has been made, field practices often remain suboptimal. Regulations such as Article 12 (e) of Regional Regulation No. 7 of 2016 and Law No. 8 of 2016 on Persons with Disabilities provide a legal framework for accessibility, yet implementation on the ground still faces gaps. This study highlights the importance of improving legal protection and enhancing accessibility at public transportation stops in Jember Regency, aiming to identify barriers faced by people with disabilities and provide a basis for advocating for more inclusive policy and infrastructure changes. This research underscores that improving accessibility not only meets practical needs but also ensures recognition and protection of the legal rights of people with disabilities for equal mobility and full participation in society.

A religião em Gilberto Freyre - Sincretismo e a civilização «cristocêntrica»

In this article, I seek to dialogue with the thesis of alternative modernity in Freyre’s work from a less explored dimension: the religious one. Using texts and excerpts explicitly problematizing religion’s role in Brazil’s social formation, I show how we can read this alternative modernity in the light of an «alternative religiosity». This text then explores the author’s intuition of the influence of the Orient in the forms of the social organization of colonial Brazil. It is argued that this should be understood as refracted by Christianity and that the latter assumes a fundamental role in the cultural production of hybridity. This combination has its ethical core, allowing us to understand the utopian sense of some of Freyre’s theses. A sense which cannot be dissociated from a very particular attempt at the «invention» of national identity.

Bibliometric Analysis and Research Trends on Creative Accounting from 2000 to 2023

This study employs a comprehensive bibliometric analysis to explore the extensive landscape of creative accounting research from 1958 to 2024. By analyzing thematic clusters, research trends over specific years, potential research topics in less explored areas, and patterns of author collaboration, the study provides a multidimensional view of the field's evolution and current state. Thematic analysis reveals core areas such as policy, earnings management, and the role of external audits, illustrating their interconnectedness within the research community. Temporal trend analysis identifies shifts from regulatory and ethical discussions to more complex issues like technology’s impact on creative accounting practices. Emerging research topics suggest future areas of study, including the influence of cultural perceptions and technological advancements on creative accounting. Furthermore, the author collaboration network highlights influential researchers and suggests robust collaborative ties within the community, offering insights into the social structure of academic collaboration. This study maps the development of creative accounting research, providing a foundation for future academic inquiry and practical application in the field.

Multifaceted density dependence: Social structure and seasonality effects on Serengeti lion demography.

Interactions between density and environmental conditions have important effects on vital rates and consequently on population dynamics and can take complex pathways in species whose demography is strongly influenced by social context, such as the African lion, Panthera leo. In populations of such species, the response of vital rates to density can vary depending on the social structure (e.g. effects of group size or composition). However, studies assessing density dependence in populations of lions and other social species have seldom considered the effects of multiple socially explicit measures of density, and-more particularly for lions-of nomadic males. Additionally, vital-rate responses to interactions between the environment and various measures of density remain largely uninvestigated. To fill these knowledge gaps, we aimed to understand how a socially and spatially explicit consideration of density (i.e. at the local scale) and its interaction with environmental seasonality affect vital rates of lions in the Serengeti National Park, Tanzania. We used a Bayesian multistate capture-recapture model and Bayesian generalized linear mixed models to estimate lion stage-specific survival and between-stage transition rates, as well as reproduction probability and recruitment, while testing for season-specific effects of density measures at the group and home-range levels. We found evidence for several such effects. For example, resident-male survival increased more strongly with coalition size in the dry season compared with the wet season, and adult-female abundance affected subadult survival negatively in the wet season, but positively in the dry season. Additionally, while our models showed no effect of nomadic males on adult-female survival, they revealed strong effects of nomads on key processes such as reproduction and takeover dynamics. Therefore, our results highlight the importance of accounting for seasonality and social context when assessing the effects of density on vital rates of Serengeti lions and of social species more generally.

Mosque and Society: Cambridge Central Mosque “A British Mosque for the 21st Century”

Mosques are at the heart of Muslim lives, especially in non-Muslim communities—the variety of cultures and nationalities of the immigrants determines the concept of mosques in Britain. The landscape of the mosques in Britain differs in regard to the cultural, national and denominational concepts. Most of the mosques are focused on either specific nationalities or denominations. The current article explores the ways in which mosques are situated in contemporary societies in relation to expressing Islamic and cultural identities, using Cambridge Central Mosque, which debuted in Britain in 2019 with the motto "eco-friendly", as a case study. The current research focuses primarily on examining the architectural, sustainable, and social aspects of the Cambridge Central Mosque. After engaging with the design feature of the Mosque, the article questions the meaning of 'British Mosque' in its functioning and multicultural structure. Eco-friendly mosques have been on the agenda since the beginning of Islam. There are many mosques in history. For example, Esrefoglu Mosque in Konya was built using ecological materials and has survived for 900 years. In the 21st century, the increased interest in eco-friendly buildings due to the growing rate of industrialisation and the ensuing pollution of the environment has reminded us to focus on sustainability, as it has always been a core concept in Islam and Muslim lives. Offering a good perspective on this issue, The Cambridge Central Mosque represents an overarching space for all Muslims, women, and families. It is an example of environmentally friendly, sustainable, and integrated with the social structure in the modern world.