Successful Interaction Research Articles

Teacher Academic Training Systems in Greece and Serbia

This study examines the teacher preparation paradigms of Serbia and Greece, two countries with similar histories and religions but different educational ideologies influenced by their social and cultural backgrounds. The study aims to determine the effect of various settings on teacher preparation, with a particular emphasis on pedagogical approaches and curriculum designs. Using a mixed-methods approach, the study assesses how each system affects student results and teacher effectiveness by combining quantitative data from educational tests like PISA with qualitative views from educators and policymakers. Concerns have been raised regarding the influence of Greece’s reliance on a centralized curriculum on developing critical thinking and practical application abilities in aspiring teachers. On the other hand, Serbia’s adaptable strategy incorporates contemporary teaching approaches, boosting students’ capacity for analysis and practical problem-solving. The report emphasizes the value of stakeholder participation, highlighting Serbia’s successful interactions with parents and educational institutions, which help create a climate conducive to educational change. The study emphasizes the integration of cutting-edge pedagogical approaches and standardized assessments, underscoring the necessity for systemic transformation in teacher training processes to satisfy contemporary educational demands. It also asks for fair resource distribution and sufficient funding to enable enhanced teaching approaches that comply with European standards. Ultimately, our research aims to promote international understanding and cooperation, increase teacher preparation programs, and raise education standards globally.

Can Gamification Foster Trust-Building in Human-Robot Collaboration? An Experiment in Virtual Reality

Abstract With the increasing deployment of robots to support humans in various activities, a crucial factor that has surfaced as a precondition for successful human-robot interaction (HRI) is the human’s level of trust in the robotic companion. A phenomenon that has recently shifted into the foreground for its potential to influence cognitive and affective dimensions in humans is gamification. However, there is a dearth of knowledge whether and how gamification can be employed to effectively cultivate trust in HRI. The present study investigates and compares the effects of three design interventions (i.e., non-gamified vs. gameful design vs. playful design) on cognitive and affective trust between humans and an autonomous mobile collaborative robot (cobot) in a virtual reality (VR) training experiment. The results reveal that affective trust and specific trust antecedents (i.e., a robot’s likability and perceived intelligence) are most significantly developed via playful design, revealing the importance of incorporating playful elements into a robot’s appearance, demeanor, and interaction to establish an emotional connection and trust in HRI.

Offshore renewable energy SMEs’ innovation interactions across the triple helix: a management as practice perspective

Abstract Offshore Renewable Energy (ORE) could be pivotal in combating climate change, offering reliable and sustainable energy with less intermittency than other renewables. However, unlocking its potential requires robust collaboration across many different actors. The purpose of this study is to explore the ‘human element’ of how SME leadership manage the technology transfer process and the underlying inter-organisational interactions across the triple helix. To achieve this, we adopt a management as practice perspective using Whittington’s (2016) framework, which delineates praxis, practices, and practitioners. The research study employed a multiple case study design, and the primary sample included eight European ORE SME case studies. The study finds SMEs operate within a heavily strained triple helix environment, requiring them to navigate complex bureaucratic dynamics with universities and government partners. This is further compounded by fragmented governance structures across the EU, making collaboration reliant on forging strategic alliances. We find that the ‘human element’ within SMEs embodying an innate blend of ability, experience, pragmatism, and adaptability is central to executing successful interactions. We discuss the policies needed for ORE SMEs to navigate the multifaceted challenges surrounding the human element of triple helix interactions.

Band Gap Tuning in Mercaptoacetic Acid Capped Mixed Halides Perovskites and Effect of Solvents on Their Fluorescence Dynamics: A Potential Sensor for Polarity.

From synthesis to application, there are always certain interactions between the polar solvents and perovskite nanocrystals (NCs). To explain the effect of solvent polarity especially on the photoluminescence (PL) properties of NCs is highly desirable, especially for sensing applications. Herein We have synthesized the methylammonium lead mixed halides (MAPbCl3 - nBrn, where n = 0, 0.5, 1, 1.5) perovskite nanocrystals (NCs) at room temperature by using ligand-assisted re-precipitation (LARP) method, by employing mercaptoacetic acid (MAA) as a capping ligand. Different techniques have been employed to get information regarding the structural and optical properties of the synthesized material. Powder X-ray diffraction (PXRD) confirms the orthorhombic crystal structure of the MAPbCl3 - nBrn perovskite NCs. FT-IR (Fourier-transform infrared) analysis confirms the successful interaction of capping ligands with NCs. By increasing MABr precursor concentration during the synthesis of perovskite NCs, a red shift in the UV-Vis absorption and PL spectra has been observed. The steady-state photoluminescence (SSPL) and time-resolved photoluminescence (TRPL) techniques suggested that these perovskite NCs exhibit tunable PL relative to the substitution of Cl with Br in NCs. The comparative PL studies in non-polar (benzene) and polar (tetrahydrofuran (THF)) revealed that the PL properties are highly sensitive and selective toward the solvent chosen. All synthesized NCs possess longer PL lifetime in benzene than in THF. Relatively, perovskite NCs synthesized with 0.166 mM MABr precursor concentration show a longer PL lifetime (6.51 ns in benzene) as compared to other MABr concentrations. These studies not only propose that by controlling precursors concentration, one can synthesize NCs having tunable PL with a longer radiative PL lifetime, but also provide a comparative understanding of PL dynamics of NCs in different solvents.

Regulation of automatic imitation: Domain-specific versus domain-general control processes.

The tendency to automatically imitate others' behavior is well documented. Successful interactions with others require some control of automatic imitation, but the nature of these control mechanisms remains unclear. The present study investigated whether the regulation of automatic imitation involves domain-specific versus domain-general control processes. Automatic imitation was assessed using the imitation-inhibition task, in which participants responded to an imperative stimulus with finger movements while seeing imitatively congruent versus incongruent, task-irrelevant movements. In Experiment 1, the imitatively congruent/incongruent trials ratio was manipulated, and increasing the amount of incongruent trials reduced the imitative congruency effect-as typically observed in "nonsocial" conflict tasks. In Experiment 2a, the imitation-inhibition task was intermixed with the Simon (spatial congruency) task. The ratio of spatially congruent/incongruent trials in the Simon task was varied while keeping the ratio of imitatively congruent/incongruent trials constant. Results indicate that increasing the amount of Simon conflict reduced both Simon and imitative congruency effects. Thus, control adaptations related to Simon congruency transferred to automatic imitation. In Experiments 2b and 3, the manipulation of the proportion of incongruent trials in the imitation-inhibition task did not exert an influence on the Simon effect. We discuss the domain-specific versus domain-general nature of the mechanisms regulating imitation in the light of these conflicting findings. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2025 APA, all rights reserved).

The needs of family members of people with severe or profound intellectual disabilities when collaborating with healthcare professionals: a systematic review.

Collaboration with healthcare professionals is crucial in arranging necessary lifelong support for people with intellectual disabilities. However, family members often face challenges when collaborating with healthcare professionals. Family members of people with severe and profound intellectual disabilities often encounter many professionals due to medical needs and the severity of their disability. Therefore, providing a comprehensive overview of existing literature on the needs and experiences of family members of relatives with severe or profound intellectual disabilities when collaborating with healthcare professionals is needed to provide insight into how to stimulate and support collaboration. The review was conducted in accordance with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) statement. Seven databases were systematically searched and a thematic analysis was conducted on 23 studies. Five overarching themes were identified: (1) need for a balanced view of their relative; (2) need for recognition and compassion; (3) healthcare professionals facilitating close and active involvement; (4) desired qualities of healthcare professionals and (5) conditions for successful interaction between family members and healthcare professionals. The results indicated distinct needs that family members had for themselves and their relatives, as well as desired qualities (e.g. trustworthiness) and supporting factors (e.g. information). Furthermore, the review highlighted persisting needs, such as the need for information and empathy, as well as emerging needs, such as the desire to be recognised as experts and to develop personal bonds with healthcare professionals. These insights can inform future research by identifying areas that require deeper exploration.

Curriculum Development and the Challenges of Foreign Language Teachers in Pre-University Education in Albania

The importance of learning foreign languages has reached new dimensions in today’s globalized world. Foreign language skills have become a fundamental requirement for successful international communication and interaction. Europe, as part of these global developments, aims to establish itself as a unified economic, cultural, and linguistic entity. Therefore, a united Europe places significant emphasis on promoting foreign language education, based on new pedagogical principles and the best global and European practices, implemented through various reform projects. The goal is to improve citizens’ language proficiency and strengthen intercultural communication. In particular, Albania has recognized the importance of foreign language education since the 1990s and acknowledged the need to reform curricula to equip Albanian citizens with the best European qualifications. These reforms aim to modernize foreign language education and adapt it to current needs and standards. Moreover, they promote Albania’s European integration and strengthen national identity within the European context by educating students to be open-minded and culturally competent citizens. This significantly contributes to the social and economic development of the country. Our article will examine how these goals have been achieved and what the curriculum reforms specifically entail.

Successive Reactions of Trimethylgermanium Chloride to Achieve > 26% Efficiency MA-Free Perovskite Solar Cell With 3000-Hour Unattenuated Operation.

The rapidly increased efficiency of perovskite solar cells (PSCs) indicates their broad commercial prospects, but the commercialization of perovskite faces complex optimization processes and stability issues. In this work, a simple optimized strategy is developed by the addition of trimethylgermanium chloride (TGC) into FACsPbI3 precursor solution. TGC triggers the successive interactions in perovskite solution and film, involving the hydrolysis of vulnerable Ge─Cl bond forming Ge─OH group, then forming the hydrogen bonds (O─H···N and O─H···I) with FAI. These successive interactions effectively safeguard FA+ from decomposition, accelerate crystallization, restrict ion migration, and passivate film defects. Thus, a high-quality perovskite is obtained with the super-hydrophobic surface, maintaining the light-active phase (α-phase) even after exposure to high-humidity air (RH: 85%) for 10 days. Consequently, the TGC-treated conventional (n-i-p) and inverted (p-i-n) FACsPbI3 PSCs achieve 26.03%- and 26.38%- efficiencies, respectively, retaining unattenuated operation initial efficiency after tracking at the maximum power point (MPP) under illumination for 3000h.

Understanding Trust and Reliance Development in AI Advice: Assessing Model Accuracy, Model Explanations, and Experiences from Previous Interactions

People are increasingly interacting with AI systems, but successful interactions depend on people trusting these systems only when appropriate. Since neither gaining trust in AI advice nor restoring lost trust after AI mistakes is warranted, we seek to better understand the development of trust and reliance in sequential human-AI interaction scenarios. In a 2 \({\times}\) 2 between-subject simulated AI experiment, we tested how model accuracy (high vs. low) and explanation type (human-like vs. abstract) affect trust and reliance on AI advice for repeated interactions. In the experiment, participants estimated jail times for 20 criminal law cases, first without and then with AI advice. Our results show that trust and reliance are significantly higher for high model accuracy. In addition, reliance does not decline over the trial sequence, and trust increases significantly with high accuracy. Human-like (vs. abstract) explanations only increased reliance on the high-accuracy condition. We furthermore tested the extent to which trust and reliance in a trial round can be explained by trust and reliance experiences from prior rounds. We find that trust assessments in prior trials correlate with trust in subsequent ones. We also find that the cumulative trust experience of a person in all earlier trial rounds correlates with trust in subsequent ones. Furthermore, we find that the two trust measures, trust and reliance, impact each other: prior trust beliefs not only influence subsequent trust beliefs but likewise influence subsequent reliance behavior, and vice versa. Executing a replication study yielded comparable results to our original study, thereby enhancing the validity of our findings.

Preserved learning of implicit regularities with predictive social cues in older adults

IntroductionWith ageing there are changes in the ability to orient attention, which affect more endogenous than exogenous orienting. However, orienting attention by the gaze direction of others shares characteristics of both exogenous and endogenous attention and it is unclear how it is affected by ageing. Being able to orient attention by the gaze direction of others is important to establish successful social interactions (i.e., joint attention), and when gaze direction predicts where in the environment salient events occur, it helps to successfully navigate the environment.MethodsHere we investigated whether older individuals learn implicit regularities between the direction of eye gaze and a spatial location where salient events occur. We also assessed the association between orienting attention by the gaze of others and loneliness. Seventy older individuals completed the three-items UCLA loneliness scale and the gaze cueing task, in which gaze cues were non-predictive of target location (block 1), but unbeknownst to participants became predictive of the spatial location where the target appeared (block 2) and then, returned to being non-predictive (block 3).ResultsFindings clearly show that older individuals are less able to orient attention by non-predictive gaze cues, but they successfully learn from environmental regularities implemented with direction of eye gaze. This learning biases attention as it enhances the gaze cueing effect even when the regularities are not present. Importantly, gaze cueing was not affected by self-reported loneliness.DiscussionThese findings point to a training strategy to improve joint attention in older individuals.

Optimizing operations of flexible assembly systems: demonstration of a digital twin concept with optimized planning and control, sensors and visualization

AbstractThis paper presents the development of an optimized planning and control method for flexible manufacturing and assembly systems. While the significant potential of flexible manufacturing concepts to help producers adapt to market developments is recognized, the complexity of the flexible systems and the need to optimally plan and control them is a major obstacle in their practical implementation. Thus, this paper aims to develop a comprehensive digital planning method, based on a digital twin and to demonstrate the feasibility of the approach for practical application scenarios. The approach consists of four modules: (1) a simulation-based optimization module that applies reinforcement learning and genetic algorithms to optimize the module configuration and job routing in cellular reconfigurable manufacturing systems; (2) a synchronization module that links the physical and virtual systems via sensors and event handling; (3) a sensor module that enables a continuous status update for the digital twin; and (4) a visualization module that communicates the optimized plans and control measures to the shop floor staff. The demonstrator implementation and evaluation are implemented in a learning factory. The results include solutions for the method components and demonstrate their successful interaction in a digital twin, while also pointing towards the current technology readiness and future work required to transfer this demonstrator implementation to a full-scale industrial implementation.

Teacher stress in social interactions in the light of polyvagal theory. An ambulatory assessment approach to teachers' heart rate and heart rate variability.

Teaching is a genuinely social and highly demanding task. Drawing on Porges' phylogenetic polyvagal theory with three evolved systems and three associated behavioral responses (social engagement, mobilization, and immobilization), we investigated teachers' heart rate and heart rate variability in social interactions using ambulatory assessments. We continuously measured heart rate and heart rate variability of 42 apparently healthy teachers on a work and leisure day with ambulatory electrocardiogram. We videotaped four consecutive, same-day lectures of each teacher. We trained observers to code student aggression and frontal teaching behaviors in an event sampling procedure with the behavior observation system for analyzing aggressive behavior in school settings. Additionally, perceived teacher-student relationship, social support from other teachers / school management, occupational complaints, and vital exhaustion were assessed by teacher self-reports. Teachers showed an increased heart rate and a decreased heart rate variability on a workday compared to a leisure day, anticipatory stress before classes, as well as insufficient recovery during lunchtime. Observed student aggression and high proportion of frontal teaching were associated with lower heart rate variability, while better perceived teacher-student relationship was correlated with higher heart rate variability. Differently, teachers' psychological strain and heart rate variability were unrelated to each other. Corresponding to polyvagal theory, results suggest that successful social interactions are fundamental for teachers' favorable cardiological reactions.

Fine-tuning of Fgf8 morphogen gradient by heparan sulfate proteoglycans in the extracellular matrix.

Embryonic development is orchestrated by the action of morphogens, which spread out from a local source and activate, in a field of target cells, different cellular programs based on their concentration gradient. Fibroblast growth factor 8 (Fgf8) is a morphogen with important functions in embryonic organizing centers. It forms a gradient in the extracellular space by free diffusion, interaction with the extracellular matrix (ECM) and receptor-mediated endocytosis. However, morphogen gradient regulation by ECM is still poorly understood. Here we show that specific Heparan Sulfate Proteoglycans (HSPGs) bind Fgf8 with different affinities directly in the ECM of living zebrafish embryos, thus affecting its diffusion and signaling. Using single-molecule Fluorescence Correlation Spectroscopy, we quantify this binding in vivo, and find two different modes of interaction. First, reducing or increasing the concentration of specific HSPGs in the extracellular space alters Fgf8 diffusion, and thus, its gradient shape. Second, ternary complex formation of Fgf8 ligand with Fgf-receptors and HSPGs at the cell surface requires HSPG attachment to the cell membrane. Together, our results show that graded Fgf8 morphogen distribution is achieved by constraining free Fgf8 diffusion through successive interactions with HSPGs at the cell surface and in ECM space.

The interplay of parasocial interaction, source credibility and homophily for influencer marketing success in the Middle East

While there are many studies on social media influencers, research that considers cultural contexts is rare. This paper aims to fill this research gap by analysing the success factors of influencer marketing in the unique environment of women in the Middle Eastern beauty market. Data were collected via an online survey (n = 892). Partial least square structural equation modelling (PLS-PM) was conducted to test hypotheses. The findings reveal significant positive relationships between parasocial interaction and purchase intention, indicating that Middle Eastern women who engage in parasocial interaction with influencers demonstrate a higher intention to purchase. The results also support direct positive effects of perceived source credibility and homophily on purchase intention. Furthermore, source credibility moderates the relationship between parasocial interaction and purchase intention. This paper presents theoretical and practical implications which have been derived from the study.

Synergistic interaction of green-synthesized titanium dioxide nanoparticles and Averrhoa carambola extract in chitosan films.

Chitosan-based films incorporated with green-synthesized TiO2 nanoparticles (CT) and Averrhoa carambola extract (CP) at different concentrations were fabricated and optimised based on enhanced tensile, moisture-gas barrier and retention capabilities of antioxidants. Chitosan incorporated with 0.06% TiO2 NP and those incorporated with 6% carambola extract exhibited optimal results, and developed films of the above two concentrations of the additives were blended into chitosan (CTP) for further analysis. Biodegradability assays confirmed the ecological sustainability of the films. FT-IR revealed a successful interaction between the additives and the chitosan. The XRD spectra of the control film and film containing carambola extract and TiO2 NP reveal a broad, amorphous nature, with carambola extract altering diffraction peaks. SEM revealed homogenous surfaces in control films, whereas those incorporated with the additives showed granules and microstructures. TGA revealed that the heat stability of chitosan-based films infused with TiO2 NP was boosted compared to those infused with carambola extract. Antimicrobial profiling showed good inhibition against gram-positive bacteria (E. faecalis and S. aureus), gram-negative bacteria (P. aeruginosa and E. coli), and a fungus (C. tropicalis). The developed biodegradable films are potential natural alternative food packaging or edible coating for delaying the maturation of fresh harvests.

Beyond a Pathological Outlook? The Plastic Reality of Bodily Phantoms from Merleau-Ponty to Malabou

This paper explores phantom pain sensations. Key questions include why we sense something missing and how to interpret this experience. I discuss Merleau-Ponty’s negative perspective on phantom manifestations and Malabou’s concept of plasticity, which ofers a more neutral view of bodily transformation. Malabou argues that somatic responses to lesions shouldn’t always be seen as pathological, unlike Merleau-Ponty. However, Malabou’s approach may still use similar language, especially concerning severe conditions like Alzheimer’s, where normalcy can’t be fully restored. This leads to a compromised aesthetic experience and limits engagement with the world, indicating a restriction in the understanding of successful aesthetic interaction.

Exploring the Experiences of Community-Dwelling Older Adults Participating in Group Interaction Programs: A Qualitative Meta-Synthesis.

To synthesise evidence from qualitative studies on community-dwelling older adults' experiences of social interactions in group interaction programmes. A systematic review and meta-synthesis based on the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analysis guidelines. Two independent researchers screened the titles and abstracts of all retrieved studies based on eligibility criteria. Quality appraisal was conducted based on the comprehensive Critical Appraisal Skills Programme checklist. Data were extracted through an adapted Data Extraction Tool from the Joanna Briggs Institute Qualitative Assessment and Instrument. Findings were synthesised through the JBI meta-aggregation approach. A literature search for peer-reviewed studies was conducted across seven databases from inception to September 2023. Our review included the experiences of 395 community-dwelling older adults across 25 studies, yielding the overarching theme of 'Navigating relationships and facilitating growth in a supportive community'. Five themes were identified: feeling safe in a familiar environment, bringing people together, establishing meaningful relationships, improving personal well-being and facing socialising challenges. Our findings provided not just theoretical insights but also practical implications. They can serve as a solid foundation for formulating or enhancing similar programmes, directly addressing the pervasive issues of loneliness and social isolation among the ageing population worldwide. This review improves our understanding of the social, emotional and personal benefits for older adults upon engaging in group interaction programmes. The insights into the elements of successful group interaction programmes for older adults, include providing a safe and familiar setting and bringing people together for socialisation. Future interventions should incorporate these elements to promote social interactions and community engagement more effectively to mitigate loneliness among older adults. Finally, the diverse range of programmes explored in this review demonstrates that future programmes can be flexibly formulated to suit different interests. The authors have nothing to report. The review protocol has been registered on PROSPERO.

Alternative control and assessment of auditory competence in students of humanities: motivational aspect

Importance. The rapidly changing labor market makes new demands on university graduates, including their ability to perceive and understand foreign language speech for successful interaction in international teams. The aim of the research is to analyze the influence of alternative ways of control and assessment of listening competence of students of humanities and their motivation for advanced study of English.Materials and methods. Such scientific methods as observation, formalized questionnaire survey with open and closed questions, comparative analysis, expert evaluation are used.Results and Discussion. It is proven that updating approaches to control of listening competence not only promotes its development, but also increases students' motivation to listen. Thus, after the experiment, the number of students with a high level of listening competence increased from 5.3 to 16 %, and the number of students with its low level decreased from 73.4 to 25.3 %. A statistically significant increase in the level of motivation to listening among the students who participated in the study was revealed (EG χ̅ = 4.32. Mo = 4, CG χ̅ = 3.17. Mo = 2). (EG χ̅ = 4.32. Mo = 4, CG χ̅ = 3.17. Mo = 2).Conclusion. It is concluded that the principles of monitoring and assessment of auditory competence tested in this experiment are universal. They can be recommended for application in the foreign language training of students of both humanitarian, technical, and natural science majors.

The empathic measure of true emotion (EMOTE): a novel set of stimuli for measuring emotional responding

ABSTRACT Empathy plays a fundamental role in successful social interactions. However, most tasks currently available for measuring empathy have limited ecological validity and therefore may not elicit true emotional responses in observers. To address this gap, we developed the Empathic Measure of True Emotion (EMOTE), the first emotion stimuli set to include footage of genuine positive and negative emotions unfolding in naturalistic contexts. We validated the EMOTE in a sample of 216 participants. The EMOTE demonstrated acceptable internal consistency, construct validity, and alternate forms reliability for both cognitive and affective empathy. We also found that, relative to conventional empathy measures, the EMOTE elicited stronger affective empathy ratings in observers, and the stimuli were rated higher in both genuineness and emotional intensity. Together, these findings demonstrate that the EMOTE is a reliable and valid measure of cognitive and affective empathy with enhanced ecological validity, providing a valuable new tool for measuring empathy in both clinical and research settings.

Exploring the Relationship Between Language competence and Intercultural Communicative Competence Among English as a Foreign language Learners: A Mixed-Methods Study

This study explores the relationship between language competence and intercultural communicative competence (ICC) among English as a Foreign Language (EFL) learners through a mixed-methods approach. A sample of 196 Chinese EFL learners was divided into three proficiency groups (low, intermediate, and high), with data collected through Likert-scale questionnaires and semi-structured interviews involving 16 participants. Quantitative analysis revealed that higher language proficiency is linked to improved overall ICC scores and its specific dimensions. The Kruskal-Wallis H test confirmed significant differences in overall ICC, attitude, and skill across proficiency levels, with attitude showing the strongest effect. Spearman's correlation analysis demonstrated small but significant positive correlations between English proficiency and overall ICC, attitude, and skill. Qualitative findings further enriched the quantitative results, emphasizing the foundational and catalytic role of language competence in enhancing ICC and its dimensions. However, participants acknowledged that language competence alone is insufficient for fully successful intercultural interactions. This study expands Byram’s model by offering detailed insights into the intricate relationship between language competence and various ICC dimensions. The study recommends that to fully cultivate ICC, it is essential to integrate the development of language competence into instructional practices.