scholarly journals Social Isolation and Loneliness: The Pros and Cons of Technological Interventions

2020 ◽  
Vol 4 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. 714-714
Author(s):  
George Demiris

Abstract A variety of technologies have been proposed, tested, and used to reduce social isolation and loneliness [SIL]. Furthermore, information technology may offer a way to detect or predict patterns of SIL. In this paper, the range of technology tools for assessment (e.g., passive monitoring, tracking data patterns, electronic health records) and intervention (e.g., social robots, social media, virtual reality) are reviewed for evidence of impact, and consideration is given for related ethical issues. The role of technology in relation to the report’s recommendations is discussed, including assessment and testing of new technological interventions for their potential benefits and harms, consideration of contextual issues such as broadband access, and the role of technology in education and training. Finally, gap areas of research are explored, such as the impact of the use of technology among current younger adults as they age. Part of a symposium sponsored by Loneliness and Social Isolation Interest Group.

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kathryn R. Wentzel

In this article, I comment on the potential benefits and limitations of open science reforms for improving the transparency and accountability of research, and enhancing the credibility of research findings within communities of policy and practice. Specifically, I discuss the role of replication and reproducibility of research in promoting better quality studies, the identification of generalizable principles, and relevance for practitioners and policymakers. Second, I suggest that greater attention to theory might contribute to the impact of open science practices, and discuss ways in which theory has implications for sampling, measurement and research design. Ambiguities concerning the aims of preregistration and registered reports also are highlighted. In conclusion, I discuss structural roadblocks to open science reform and reflect on the relevance of these reforms for educational psychology.


Reproduction ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 161 (1) ◽  
pp. F1-F17
Author(s):  
Rocío Martínez-Aguilar ◽  
Lucy E Kershaw ◽  
Jane J Reavey ◽  
Hilary O D Critchley ◽  
Jacqueline A Maybin

The endometrium is a multicellular tissue that is exquisitely responsive to the ovarian hormones. The local mechanisms of endometrial regulation to ensure optimal function are less well characterised. Transient physiological hypoxia has been proposed as a critical regulator of endometrial function. Herein, we review the literature on hypoxia in the non-pregnant endometrium. We discuss the pros and cons of animal models, human laboratory studies and novel in vivo imaging for the study of endometrial hypoxia. These research tools provide mounting evidence of a transient hypoxic episode in the menstrual endometrium and suggest that endometrial hypoxia may be present at the time of implantation. This local hypoxia may modify the inflammatory environment, influence vascular remodelling and modulate endometrial proliferation to optimise endometrial function. Finally, we review current knowledge of the impact of this hypoxia on endometrial pathologies, with a focus on abnormal uterine bleeding. Throughout the manuscript areas for future research are highlighted with the aim of concentrating research efforts to maximise future benefits for women and society.


2014 ◽  
Vol 8 (1) ◽  
pp. 22 ◽  
Author(s):  
David Michael Bourne

Technology has an ever increasing impact on how we work and live. Article adressed the issue of the impact of technology in two key areas of language learning. On the one side learners increasingly used technology to translate. Given this trend, was there any real need to learn a language. On the other side, educational institutions increasingly used technology to rate language proficiency. Given this trend, would the work of the teacher become less and less important. The survey was conducted by using quantitative method. The respondents’ age range was 18-25. There were 53 respondents, 35% were male and 65% were female. The instrument was a questionaire having 9 questions describing the students’ reliance on computer in translation. It can be concluded that learners of English indicate that they accept and welcome the role of technology in language learning, but there is a doubt that the role and participation of humans in the learning process will be completely replaced. The human element remains an important ingredient. (EE)


2018 ◽  
Vol 1 (2) ◽  
pp. 319-340 ◽  
Author(s):  
Beatriz Naranjo Sánchez

Abstract Based on previous findings about the role of music as an emotional stimulus, as well as the potential benefits of music-driven emotional engagement in written production and creative behaviour, the present study investigates the impact of emotional background music on translation quality and creativity. A translation experiment in two different conditions (music vs. silence) was conducted in a controlled environment. Participants translated two literary texts of opposing emotional contents (happy vs. sad) while they listened to an emotionally-matching soundtrack. Statistical analysis of within- and between-group comparisons only revealed conclusive results for the sad condition, showing a positive effect of sad music on translation creativity and a negative effect on accuracy.


Author(s):  
Annette Greer ◽  
Vivian W. Mott

This article explores the use of various learning technologies as tools for facilitating learner-centered teaching. The article offers another perspective on the scholarship of teaching with technology—through discussion of various theoretical models of learner-centered teaching, the role of technology on the student/instructor relationships, the impact on technology in different educational settings and contexts, and learners’ cultural differences. The article concludes with a brief discussion of future trends, cautions, and speculations related to technology use in learner-centered teaching.


2009 ◽  
Vol 37 (2) ◽  
pp. 181-186
Author(s):  
Margaret Rose

Technologies that enable the targeted manipulation of the genome have created new opportunities to study the role and interplay of specific genes in both the regulation and function of physiological and behavioural processes and in the development of pathological conditions. Despite the potential benefits, there are ethical issues in relation to the application of these technologies, some of which relate to the impact on the welfare of the animals involved. Matters of concern include the methods involved in the derivation and production of genetically-modified (GM) animals and resulting phenotypes, where animal welfare is compromised. In the case of the latter, this may be the predicted consequence of the genetic modification, but the occurrence of unforeseen animal welfare complications is a major challenge in the management of GM animals. There has been a rapid escalation in the development of new GM lines, most of them involving mice. Databases of available lines have been developed by national and international consortia, and researchers have developed standard protocols to describe the phenotype of a new line; increasingly, such data are entered into these databases. The inclusion of animal welfare assessments with these data would provide a powerful and sophisticated tool to promote refinement. The scope, level and frequency of monitoring would facilitate the identification of unpredicted effects and the management of humane endpoints, and would identify opportunities to manage the animals so as to ameliorate negative impacts. Furthermore, by highlighting the subtleties of gene–environment interactions, such data have wider implications in achieving the goals of refinement.


Proceedings ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 31 (1) ◽  
pp. 20
Author(s):  
Vega ◽  
Ramírez-Benavides ◽  
Guerrero ◽  
López

By using techniques such as the Wizard of Oz (WoZ) and video capture, this paper evaluated the performance of the Nao Robot in the role of a personal assistant, which was valuated alongside the impact of the assigned gender (male/female) in the perceived performance of the robot assistant. Within a sample size of 39 computer sciences students, this study assessed criteria such as: perceived enjoyment, intention to use, perceived sociability, trust, intelligence, animacy, anthropomorphism, and sympathy, utilizing testing tools such as Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology (UTAUT) and Godspeed Questionnaire (GSQ). These methods identified a significant effect of the gender assigned to the robot in variables such as intelligence and sympathy.


2016 ◽  
Vol 22 (6) ◽  
pp. 420-427
Author(s):  
Richard M. Duffy ◽  
Marian Henry

SummaryThe use of PowerPoint has become nearly ubiquitous in medical education and continuing professional development; however, many alternatives are emerging that can be used in its place. These may confer some advantages, but they also have potential drawbacks. It is helpful that educators are aware of these new presentation options and their pros and cons, including any financial implications and issues of data protection. This article considers the role of technology in teaching and learning, identifying underlying assumptions that are often made. It identifies and appraises technology that can be used with or instead of PowerPoint to best facilitate deep learning. The potential pedagogical benefits and practical limitations of these technologies are considered, and strategies are highlighted to maximise the impact of PowerPoint where it is the software of choice.


2014 ◽  
Vol 11 (26) ◽  
pp. 31-44
Author(s):  
Amy Kenny

In 2012, Shakespeare’s Globe hosted the Globe to Globe Festival, which featured performances from thirty-seven international companies in their native tongues as part of the Cultural Olympiad in the lead up to the London Olympic Games. This paper explores the role that language played in the Globe to Globe Festival, and the way in which language mediated direction and translation of various plays, specifically in the rehearsal room in anticipation of the performance itself. Translating Shakespeare into thirty-seven different languages allowed the companies to think about the potential benefits of performing their play in a specific dialect or style for both audiences at the Globe and their own language and culture as well. This paper considers the impact of language barriers that existed even within individual companies, and shows that the specific choices around language informed the ways audience members understood and interpreted the narratives of the plays during the festival.


2020 ◽  
Vol 12 ◽  
pp. 298-311
Author(s):  
Garima Sharma Nijhawan ◽  
Surbhi Dahiya

COVID-19 is an unprecedented global pandemic which has changed the way audience consume media. An undeniable trend surfaced in this period– adoption of OTTs. There are many reports which point to the growing market and consumer appetite for content of choice available on OTT platforms. OTTs offer a never before consumer advantage– choice of content, ease of access, choice of device / mediums (hand phone, laptop, tablet or TV screen). Gone are the days when family members fought for screen time of choice on family’s singular home device i.e. TV. With this study, the researchers studied the evolution of OTT space in India and reviewed the dynamic OTT space – evaluate some firsts like big banner movie releases on platforms like Amazon and Netflix, return of old content like Mythological programmes from the DD era on Hotstar etc. To complete the study, it was imperative to evaluate the impact of growing content consumption on psychographics across generations (children, adults and elderlies) as there is limited censorship in the OTT space. With this background, the researchers workedon the objectives and tried to evaluate the role played by the pandemic in evolving OTT media consumption trends; a qualitative mapping of increase in OTT adoption – Pre and Post COVID 19 in India; study underlying trends around increasing consumer appetite for the medium and analyse psychographic impact on children, adults and elderlies – listing pros and cons for freely available content with minimal censorship. The researchers adopteda combined qualitative and quantitative approach to extrapolate the data. A survey was also conducted to do audience mapping and analysis.In addition to primary data, content from news articles, industry research reports, international journals for accumulation of key trends were analysed.


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