Structuring Research Articles

On the impact of zealots in a population of susceptible agents in a best-of-n problem within a heterogeneous network

Both humans and social animals live in groups and are frequently forced to choose between options with different qualities. When there are no leader agents controlling the group decision, consensus can be achieved through repeated interactions among group members. Various studies on collective decision-making illustrate how the dynamics of the opinions are determined by the structure of the social network and the methods that individuals use to share and update their opinion upon a social interaction. In this paper, we are interested in further exploring how cognitive, social, and environmental factors interactively contribute to determining the outcome of a collective best-of-n decision process involving asymmetric options, i.e., different costs and/or benefits for each option. We propose and study a novel model capturing those different factors, i) the cognitive load in processing social information, ii) the number of zealots (i.e., asocial agents who never change their opinion), iii) the option qualities, iv) the social connectivity structure, and v) the degree centrality of the asocial agents (i.e., the number of neighbours). By using the heterogeneous mean-field approach, we study the impact of the above-mentioned factors in the decision dynamics. Our findings indicate that when susceptible agents, i.e., individuals who change their opinion to conform with others, use the voter model as a mechanism to update their opinion, both the number and the degree of connectivity of the zealots can lead the population to converge towards the lowest quality option. Instead, when susceptible agents use methods demanding a larger cognitive cost (e.g., the majority rule), the group is marginally impacted by the presence of zealots. The results of the analytical model are complemented and extended by agent-based simulations. Our analysis also shows that the network topology can modulate the influence of zealots on group dynamics. In fact, in homogeneous networks where all nodes have the same degree, any location of the zealots has similar impact on the group dynamics. Instead, when the network is heterogeneous, our simulations confirm the model predictions showing that placing the zealots in the network hubs (nodes with several neighbours) has a much larger impact than placing them in lower-degree nodes.

Put at and kept from risk: The sexual risk dilemmas confronting marginalized youth.

The current study examines Bay-Cheng and Ginn's (2024) claim that marginalized youth confront two intertwined sexual risk dilemmas: being put at risk by unjust social forces and structures that threaten their sexual health and safety; and being kept from risk by those same forces and structures, thus compromising their development and dignity. We explored the presence and relevance of these dilemmas using interviews conducted in 2022 with 101 racialized and/or queer (i.e., a sexuality other than exclusively heterosexual) young women and trans or nonbinary youth aged 16-21 and living in Melbourne (Australia), New York City (United States), and Toronto (Canada). We conducted a directed content analysis of the data and examined intersectional group-based comparisons of code frequencies. We found that 80% of participants felt endangered (i.e., put at risk) and/or obstructed (i.e., kept from risk) by social and material conditions. Over half felt put at risk through exposure to hostility and harm, and over one-third of participants described precarious life circumstances as keeping them from taking wanted sexual risks. Group-based and intersectional comparisons indicated that feeling put at risk is associated with marginalized gender and sexuality identities and corresponding discrimination. We also found tentative signs that feeling kept from risk may be more closely linked to race and racism than marginalization by gender and/or sexuality. The findings highlight the diverse implications of interlocked social injustices for youths' sexual lives, particularly the infringement on their rights both to safety and to risk.

Source localization in signed networks based on dynamic message passing algorithm

Sign characteristics of social networks play a crucial role in the process of information dissemination, and structural balance theory is a significant property of signed networks. Despite some progress in source localization, the sign features of network structures are widely overlooked. Furthermore, the impact of structural balance on tracing remains unclear. In this paper, we explore a model of information propagation in signed networks and investigate source localization in the context of a given network state snapshot. We first propose a modified signed susceptibility-infection-recovery (S-SIR) propagation model, combining the positive/negative transmission rates based on structural balance theory, which is designed to better approximate the real-world social network structure. Next, a signed dynamic message passing algorithm (S-DMP) is proposed for source localization. Simulation experiments show that the S-DMP algorithm can fully utilize both the positive and negative attributes of the edges in the signed network and outperforms other methods in terms of source localization accuracy. These experiments prove that the proposed method can be used for source localization in the early stage of information transmission. Furthermore, we find that the accuracy of source localization is highest when there is a balance between the number of positive and negative edges.

Building the social. A query into the societal impact of the Pompeian water supply

This study explores the importance of the means of ensuring water supply in the formation of the architectural profile and basic social organization of Pompeii. It sees the city’s domestic water supply, for over two centuries ensured through rainwater-harvesting areas, basins and cisterns situated mainly in and below the many atria, as a stabilizing factor of both cityscape and household. Through the introduction of the city aqueduct in the 1st century AD and the creation of a generous network of public fountains this situation changes and the need to maintain the traditional organization of the “houseful”, comprising enlarged family, slaves and dependents of various kind including shopkeepers, is lessened; the physical proximity between those of different status renegotiated. This development, witnessed in adaptations of the architecture, can be followed through close study of the standing structures in Insula V 1. The hallmarks are the creation of upperfloor living quarters seemingly independent from the life of the large households of the atrium houses, and in parallel the introduction of private water lines from the city aqueduct. The remodelling that resulted in the creation of the double-atrium house of Caecilius Iucundus is focal to the discussion since it offers a coeval chronological fix point in the AD 40s for both remodelling and obtention of piped water. Given that the change in the domestic architecture observed was merely in its embryonic state in AD 79, the tenability to attribute a lower dating than that traditionnaly attributed not just to the private lines, but to the city’s distribution system of public aqueduct water as well, is reasoned. The particularities of Pompeii’s geomorphological situation and political status and how they impacted the discussed change in social relationships are also raised.

Investigating community relations among residents in the village of Tanah Merah, North Jakarta

This study examines the relationship among residents in the community of Kampung Tanah Merah, North Jakarta, with a focus on their social dynamics, aspirations and interactions. The community in this area faces various challenges such as inadequate infrastructure, and limitations in economy and education. This study aims to understand how residents organize themselves and participate in decision-making that affects their lives, and how they voice their aspirations and hopes for improved welfare. The methods used include semi-structured interviews, participant observation and document studies. The results of the study indicate that the community has a strong social structure with active local leadership, but still faces difficulties in accessing government programs. This study concludes that improving relation between residents and the government and other parties is essential to achieving better welfare. These findings are expected to provide policy recommendations that support inclusiveness and active participation of residents in the development of their environment.

Appalachia - Bridging the Opioid Epidemic Amid the Fentanyl Crisis.

Although the opioid epidemic and fentanyl crisis are nationwide problems of immense proportions, calming the storm raging across the isolating geo-economic framework of Appalachia demonstrates the need for courageous, culturally effective programs that have the power to address and overcome the grave situation of addiction in this region. In the Appalachian region, unjust social structures are embedded in the communities' socio-economic conditions. As this reality poses even greater barriers to addressing the opioid epidemic in these communities, the restoration of social relationships within a community becomes vital to the development of a broader approach to social functioning and human flourishing. Faith traditions and faith communities can play an important role in helping to establish and support such social cohesion through attention to the individual, social, and spiritual needs of the community. This essay explores the complex problem of the opioid epidemic compounded by the fentanyl crisis. It considers the importance of public health research within the regional geo-economic framework of Appalachia to (a) inform policies that improve health inequities and promote social cohesion, (b) develop social solutions with a spiritual dimension, and (c) reveal remedies capable of informing moral norms in support of building a more just society. Reflecting on the virtue of solidarity, this essay also highlights the witness of the Catholic Church's response to the suffering experienced within the communities and the societies within the Appalachian mountains. While there may be considerable interest in viewing this article as a research document, foundationally, this essay utilizes a literary narrative approach through a Catholic lens to inform ethical deliberations, reasoning, and practice while supporting ethical reflection and consideration of the responses raised. Further, the reader is strongly encouraged to reference the comprehensive footnote system provided for extension and verification of the data presented.

Binding properties of olfactory proteins to host volatiles, free fatty acids and cuticular hydrocarbons in the termite Reticulitermes aculabialis.

As eusocial insects prevalent in tropical and subtropical regions, termites are characterized by highly organized behaviors and exceptional adaptability, rooted in caste differentiation and chemical communication. These traits make them excellent models for studying insect social structures and ecological interactions. Investigating how termites use chemical signals to perceive and respond to their environment provides insights into their coordination and adaptation within complex ecosystems. This study delved into the chemosensory mechanisms of Reticulitermes aculabialis, examining the interactions of four olfactory proteins with 70 ligands, including host volatiles, cuticular hydrocarbons (CHCs), and free fatty acids (FFAs). Molecular docking simulations revealed varied affinities of the olfactory proteins for long-chain hydrocarbons (n-C23 to n-C28), suggesting a nuanced chemical communication system through specific hydrocarbon detection. RacuCSP1 and RacuCSP2 exhibited specific binding to linoleic acid and undecanoic acid, respectively, highlighting the significance of FFAs in the physiological and behavioral processes of termites. The four olfactory proteins showed a strong affinity for longifolene in fluorescence competitive binding experiments. Notably, RacuOBPs specifically exhibited unique affinities for terpenoid volatiles such as β-lonone and neocembrene, while RacuCSPs specifically bound with terpenoids like 3-carene, myrtenol, α-pinene oxide and β-pinene indicating their critical roles in host detection. Behavioral observations following gene silencing revealed that RacuOBP5 was essential for recognizing longifolene and α-lonone recognition, while RacuCSP1 was key for detecting α-pinene in termites. These findings enhance our understanding of the termite chemosensory system and offer insights for developing precise pest management strategies.

Representation of Vivāha Saṁskāra in the Kalyāṇsundara Sculptures

Saṁskāras, as sacramental practices, have been an integral part of the Indian culture and they concretised the fundamental premises of ancient Indian social organisation as Āshram, Puruṣārtha and Varṇa. Encoded in the Gṛhyasūtras, Saṁskāras were elaborated in Dharmasūtras, Mahākāvya and Purāṇas. The normative structure of ritual prescriptions in Sūtra literature was disseminated through legends and narratives of Purāṇas that assigned them a divine character and enhanced their popularity and relevance for the society. Besides literary references, the Saṁskāras’ pervading influence in socio-cultural life may be surmised through their artistic projections also. This article, in particular, underlines the significance of the Vivāha Saṁskāras as a nuptial ritual that initiated the Gṛhastha Āshram or life of the householder, facilitating the acquisition of both individual and social objectives of human existence. It cites the projection of the divine marriage ceremony of Śiva and Pārvatı̄ represented as Kalyāṇsundara motif in the Rāṣṭrakūṭa art at Elephanta and Ellorā, as epitomising continuity of Saṁskāras tradition for the fulfilment of socio-religious obligations in early medieval Deccan. Further, it implies that such artistic manifestations were instrumental in the process of socialisation and cultural assimilation.

Yellow Mustard Protein a Immunoreactivity Reduction Through Seed Germination, Lactic Acid Fermentation, and Cooking.

Food allergens are becoming increasingly threatening and are disrupting the health and social structure of a significantly large population worldwide. Proteins from mustard are among the well-recognized food allergens which affect many sensitive individuals. Many processing methods are continually being explored to reduce allergen immunoreactivity and for developing hypoallergenic foods. Cooking, germination, and fermentation have been evaluated to attenuate the immunoreactivity of food allergens. The objective of this study is to evaluate the effect of seed germination, lactic acid fermentation, and/or cooking on yellow mustard seed protein immunoreactivity (IR) (protein A) using ELISA techniques. Samples from five-day germination at 35-40 °C and three-day fermentation between 25 °C and 35 °C were evaluated. The germination and fermentation processes yielded varying reductions in the IRs of mustard proteins, with a combined yield of about 90% reduction. When complemented with further stovetop cooking, protein IR reduction was extended up to 98%, while cooking alone resulted only in about a 70% reduction. FTIR results confirmed that changes in mustard protein conformation maybe due to the unfolding and/or denaturation of mustard proteins. These processing methods are beneficial as they not only help reduce the native mustard protein IR, but also increased inherent antioxidant activities in germinated and fermented mustard seeds.

Alternative history of indenture: view from margins

ABSTRACT This paper departs from the prevailing approaches to studying the Indian indenture system and examines it from the perspective of marginalised social groups in India. While most studies on indentureship, from contemporary observers to historians and scholars, homogenise labourers’ experiences by neglecting the voices of lower castes and Dalits/untouchables within the Indian hierarchical social structure, this paper brings such marginalised voices to the centre of analysis. In the absence of writings by labourers from marginalised communities such as lower castes and Dalits, this study is based on the close reading of Indian nationalists’ writings, speeches, and memoirs of high caste girmitiyas, mainly Totaram Sanadhya, using the method of reading against the grain.

Exploring the use of Language in Thomas Hardy’s Tess of the d’Urbervilles: A Focus on Social Class and Patriarchal Mindset of Victorian England

Tess of the d’Urbervilles written by Thomas Hardy explores the complicated social structure and patriarchal injustice existing during the Victorian era. In this novel, Hardy uses refined and colloquial language for characters belonging to different classes in order to portray social differences and highlight power and position.Tess, being a girl from lower class was a subject of exploitation and received physical and mental abuse from Alec, Angel and overall, the society. Alec often abused her verbally using words reflectinghis ownership over Tess while Angel and the society blamed her for her rape. This paper aims to examine the role of language in Tess of the d’Urbervilles that represents the deep-rooted domination based on gender and class. Through Hardy’s narrative style and variation in linguistics pattern themes of male dominance and abuse, possession, control, victim blaming, identity, social class. and the patriarchal mindset of the society has been explored. The findings are basedon the primary and secondary data collected from the text Tess of the d’Urbervilles and other journals, articles, research paper of various scholars respectively. Besides, it also focuses on the sympathetic narrative tone of the writer where he expressed his compassion and presented Tess as a tragic character to the readers, who had gone through all sorts of sufferings due to her gender and class. The paper also presents a connection between Tess and the women of all ages who have similar experience and how language has always been an instrument of oppression and control over women by men. Hardy’s use of language is a reflection of the social and gender oppression during the Victorian era and how words can be a way of humiliating women.

Bibliometric Mapping of the Relationships Between Accounting, Professional Accountants, and Sustainability Issues

The accounting profession plays a crucial role in serving public interest by establishing the foundation for sustainable development and taking on social responsibility. The growing focus on sustainability practices of companies and stakeholders has also had a significant impact on the role of accounting and professional accountants. This has led to increased expectations for greater involvement in integrating sustainability into corporate decision making at every level. We used a bibliometric analysis of academic literature as a research method to identify the relationships between accounting, professional accountants, and sustainability issues (APASI). Bibliometrix R-package and VOSviewer were used to achieve the proposed objectives. This study analyzes the performance of the scientific literature, establishes the conceptual, intellectual, and social structure of research, and identifies new research directions. A period of 37 years (1987–2024) is taken into consideration, with 2556 documents and 859 sources extracted from the Web of Science database analyzed. We offer, in an original manner, descriptive statistics and relevant landmarks of the sources, authors, publications, organizations, and countries that have contributed significantly to the development of research in this field. Interested researchers have the opportunity to identify scholars for potential collaborations and valuable study resources.

Integrating Social Needs into Health Care: An Implementation Science Perspective.

Unmet social needs (e.g., housing instability, food insecurity, transportation barriers) impact a patient's ability to participate in health-seeking behaviors (e.g., physical activity, routine preventive care) and to achieve optimal health. A rapidly growing number of health care systems are incorporating social needs screening and assistance into clinical workflows, yet many implementation and sustainability challenges exist and require collaboration with social service organizations. This review highlights implementation approaches used within this rapidly changing US landscape and uses implementation science frameworks to systematically identify multilevel barriers to and facilitators of implementing and sustaining social needs care. Policies and economic investments are necessary as they determine critical barriers and facilitators within the clinical and social service contexts. Implementation may be further strengthened by cross-sector engagement, evidence-based implementation strategies, and capacity building within clinical and social service organizations. Successful, sustained implementation of social needs care may improve the quality of health care, population health, and health equity.

The relationship between LGBT older adults’ social network structure and function

Social prejudice, family nonacceptance, and lack of marriage or adoption rights often restrict the formation of conventional social ties among LGBT older adults. As a result, they often rely on families of choice constituted by other LGBT/age peers for support. Using a series of regression analyses with a national sample of LGBT older Americans, this study investigated how characteristics of social network structure (size and composition - LGBT vs. non-LGBT identity and age ≥50 vs. < 50) were related to LGBT older adults’ social network function (perceived social support). Larger social networks, especially those composed of LGBT members and older adults, were associated with more perceived social support. In subgroup analyses, larger social networks composed of more LGBT members and older adults were associated with more perceived social support among lesbian and gay respondents. For bisexual + older adults, larger social network size was associated with more perceived social support, but social network composition was not related to more perceived social support. For transgender older adults, neither social network size nor network composition were significantly associated with perceived social support. This study demonstrated that having more people with similar characteristics in their social networks cues LGBT older adults about the availability of social support. Findings may inform strategies for tailoring programs intended to maintain and strengthen LGBT older adults’ social support networks.

The Capability Approach and Archaeological Interpretation of Transformations: On the Role of Philosophy for Archaeology

Abstract Over its history, archaeology has seen a varied set of uses made of philosophy and philosophical concepts. A persistent critique has been that too often philosophical or more generally theoretical debates have made little difference in terms of empirical archaeological work and interpretation. In this article, we present results from an interdisciplinary study on the operationalisation of the Capability Approach in archaeology. We trace some of its implications as regards the understanding of identity and social organisation in archaeology and represent a model by way of which the Capability Approach can be operationalised in archaeology with the Cucuteni-Trypillia societies from 5050 to 2950 BCE as our case study. An analytic scheme is developed that relates archaeological categories to those of the United Nation’s Human Development Index.

Tulum’s underwater caves: insights into the oldest human fossils in the Americas

Evidence of late Pleistocene human and fauna remains has been documented within the extensive cave systems of the Tulum region in northeast Yucatán, Mexico. This unique area is vital for paleontological and paleoanthropological research, providing insights into early human adaptation in the Americas. To date, 10 human fossils have been thoroughly studied, with two additional recent discoveries under investigation. These remains, dating from 13,700 to 8,000 BP, emphasize the paleoanthropological significance of Tulum's submerged caves. A key discovery is the skeleton of Eva de Naharon, dated to 13,721 years cal BP, making her the oldest known human fossil in the Americas. Using 3D facial reconstructions and DNA analysis, researchers have identified craniofacial similarities with South Asian populations, suggesting shared ancestry and migration patterns. These findings enrich our understanding of human migration and adaptation. Ongoing research continues to highlight the role of Tulum’s underwater caves in shaping early human history, survival strategies, and social structures over millennia.

Digital leadership in meta-organizations? Emergence of a renewed relevance of leadership in the context of digitization

In the face of uncontrollable complexity, the concept of a rational design of the organization is being replaced by the notion of an open future that is inherently unpredictable and unplanable. In rapidly changing environments, organizations and leaders are confronted with a constant stream of irritations and unexpected developments, that require ongoing attention. This prompts the question of whether the conceptualization of digital transformation as a paradigm shift also implies the need for new forms of leadership. The article analyzes the discourse on digital leadership and assesses the extent to which this concept relativizes leadership in the context of the evolution of leadership theory, which is characterized by a persistent process of modification and relativization of preceding concepts. Leadership concepts are not only responsive to general needs, but also vary according to specific contexts, such as non-profit leadership or leadership in social welfare organizations and meta-organizations. Results of a discourse analysis, which underscore the significance of adopting a complexity theory perspective on digital leadership, will therefore be contrasted with the initial findings of an empirical study on digitization in such meta-organizations. This allows for a discussion of the general findings on the revitalization of leadership, which will serve as a paradigmatic example of the previously developed context. The article concludes with implications for further theory development with the aim of making a specific contribution to organization-sensitive digitization research. The findings of the empirical study indicate the significance of employing informal structures and a heightened emphasis on subjectivity within meta-organizations, as opposed to the formal structures of organizations. The concept of digital leadership does not signify the obsolescence of traditional leadership; rather, it can be conceptualized as an advanced form of unheroic leadership within the context of external and internal complexity.

The Effects of Taxes on Income Distribution Justice

One of the most important economic problems that countries have faced from the past to the present is income inequality. Income distribution is an important indicator that allows us to understand the social and political structures of societies by revealing how the income gap between the rich and the poor in a country changes. Thus, income redistribution or income justice is one of the important goals of fiscal policy. Taxes are also important intervention tools that economic management has in achieving this goal. In this context, this study aims to examine the relationships between different types of taxes and income distribution in the Turkish economy during the period from 2002 to 2022 by using markov regime switching analysis method. The analysis results indicate that, during the period covered by the study, indirect taxes have a positive effect on income distribution, while taxes based on declaration have a detrimental effect on income distribution.

The Effect of Organizational Justice Perception on Ethical Sensitivity in the Health Sector

Organizational justice is considered the cause of many individual and corporate results. It is also thought to have significant effects on employees. Justice, which is one of the fundamental values of the organization, affects the attitudes and behaviors of the employees. Therefore, while it is necessary for social organizations, it is even more crucial for health institutions. The culture of injustice perceived by nurses not only harms the health institution but also leads to more critical problems. In addition to the necessity of justice, essential health services include uncertain and high-risk situations to protect and support human health has increased the need for ethical sensitivity. In this context, the study aims to reveal the effect of nurses' perceptions of organizational justice on ethical sensitivity levels. The “Organizational Justice Perception Scale” developed by Niehoff & Moorman (1993) and the “Ethical Sensitivity Questionnaire” developed by Lutzen (1994) were used in the research conducted in one public and two private hospitals in Sakarya. Descriptive statistical methods, independent samples t-test, one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA), correlation analysis and regression analysis were used to analyze the data. According to the study's findings, a low-level positive correlation was found between general organizational justice perceptions and ethical sensitivity levels. Among the sub-dimensions of the scales, it was determined that the highest relationship was between the dimensions of fair distribution and orientation. As a result, it is expected that there will be an increase in ethical sensitivity levels depending on the rise in nurses' perceptions of organizational justice.

From Ignorance to Empowerment: Education’s Role in Sujatha Gidla’s Ants Among Elephants

This research paper mainly focuses on Sujatha Gidla’s Ants Among Elephants, which thoroughly explores the systematic oppression and tenacity prevalent in the Indian social structure, specifically focusing on the caste system. The comprehensive study analyses how personal decisions and environmental constraints determine identity in the context of extensive societal hierarchy. Gidla, from an academic perspective, explores the significant impact of education in promoting empowerment and upward social mobility among marginalised communities. Inspired by Indian scholars who take an interdisciplinary approach to Dalit feminism and by the lens through which Hooks interprets Black feminism. Using intersectionality, this study investigates how caste, gender, and socioeconomic issues affect Dalits in the caste system scenario to highlight their marginalization.