Opinion consensus incorporating higher-order interactions in individual-collective networks

In the current information society, the dissemination mechanisms and evolution laws of individual or collective opinions and their behaviors are the research hot topics in the field of opinion dynamics. First, in this paper, a two-layer network consisting of an individual-opinion layer and a collective-opinion layer is constructed, and a dissemination model of opinions incorporating higher-order interactions(i.e. OIHOI dissemination model) is proposed. Furthermore, the dynamic equations of opinion dissemination for both individuals and groups are presented. Using Lyapunov's first method,two equilibrium points, including the negative consensus point and positive consensus point, and the dynamic equations obtained for opinion dissemination, are analyzed theoretically. In addition, for individual opinions and collective opinions,some conditions for reaching negative consensus and positive consensus as well as the theoretical expression for the dissemination threshold are put forward. Numerical simulations are carried to verify the feasibility and effectiveness of the proposed theoretical results, as well as the influence of the intra-structure, inter-connections, and higher-order interactions on the dissemination and evolution of individual opinions. The main results are as follows.(i) When the intra-structure of the collective-opinion layer meets certain characteristics, then a negative or positive consensus is easier to reach for individuals.(ii) Both negative consensus and positive consensus perform best in mixed type of inter-connections in the two-layer network.(iii) Higher-order interactions can quickly eliminate differences in individual opinions, thereby enabling individuals to reach consensus faster.

the Collective s Superior to the Individual

One of the outstanding differences between Eastern and Western cultures is the difference in the perception of individualism and collectivism. For Westerners, everything serves the individual＇s values and rights, while Chinese believe the collective is superior to everything as there cannot be a self without a collective.

Use of the knowledge,attitude,and practice(KAP)model to examine sustainable agriculture in Thailand

Sustainable agriculture plays an important role in achieving sustainable development goals with regard to food security and environmental conservation.Sustainable agriculture relies on sustainable farming practices that reduce greenhouse gas production,the wise use of local natural resources,and reductions in negative impacts on the environment and human health.Sustainable farming practices can be driven by various factors,such as the socio-environmental setting,socio-cognitive factors,agricultural institutions,and policy.This study used the knowledge,attitude,and practice(KAP)model to examine farmers’knowledge,attitudes,and practices in the area of sustainable agriculture.It also considered the factors affecting farmers’knowledge,attitudes,and practices.Two different socio-environmental contextual settings in Surin Province(a Thai-Cambodian border province)of Thailand are considered.The results show that there are differences between the two different socio-environmental contextual settings with regard to farmers’sustainable agricultural practice perceptions,knowledge,and attitudes.Farmers’perceptions of environmental degradation,the number of years of agricultural experience,and agricultural policy drive farmers’attitudes and individual sustainable practices.Another major result of the study is that individual farmers’attitudes and practices promote collective sustainable agricultural behaviors.The implication of these findings is that it is necessary to improve the learning ability of individual farmers on the environment and sustainable agricultural practices through social learning and scientific knowledge dissemination,so as to produce sustainable collective development behaviors.