Search Results (329)

The spiritual has always been an important component in literary expression and religious experience, particularly in the context of cross-cultural exchange. Although Lin Yutang’s literary creation has been well received, the relationship between his spiritual thoughts and Christian new evangelization is less commonly mentioned at present, especially from an empirical point of view. This study addresses this gap, contributing to the practice of contextualization in mission work by providing a cross-cultural perspective on Lin Yutang’s creative works related to spiritual pursuit and their possible implications for Christian mission work. Herein, 45 representative literary texts were examined, employing a mixed methods analysis of spiritual motifs, cultural symbols, and audience reception among a range of different populations. Emphasized in the coding were self-transcendence, cultural integration, religious symbolism, and narrative as a strategy for creating spiritual involvement. This article reveals that Lin’s Christian writings reflect a mediating spiritual journey, illustrated by Christian motifs of self-transcendence and holiness. Through the integration of Eastern and Western spiritualities, his works offer helpful resources for the acculturation of the Gospel in mission activities. Readers from different cultural backgrounds have also claimed that their spiritual identification and openness to Christian messages improved after reading Lin’s stories. In this sense, the mediating effect of literature on spirituality contributes to new forms of proclamation that are more in line with the current times. In summary, this research brings Lin Yutang’s works into prominence as an important cultural bridge that enhances Christian new evangelization theories and practices, providing clues for culturally conscious evangelization in a globalized era. Full article

In the evolving digital landscape, the pervasive influence of artificial intelligence (AI) on social media platforms reveals a compelling paradox: the capability to provide personalized experiences juxtaposed with inherent biases reminiscent of human imperfections. Such biases prompt rigorous contemplation on matters of fairness, equity, and societal ramifications, and penetrate the foundational essence of AI. Within this intricate context, the present work ventures into novel domains by examining the potential of quantum computing as a viable remedy for bias in artificial intelligence. The conceptual framework of the quantum sentinel is presented—an innovative approach that employs quantum principles for the detection and scrutiny of biases in AI algorithms. Furthermore, the study poses and investigates the question of whether the integration of advanced quantum computing to address AI bias is seen as an excessive measure or a requisite advancement commensurate with the intricacy of the issue. By intertwining quantum mechanics, AI bias, and the philosophical considerations they induce, this research fosters a discourse on the journey toward ethical AI, thus establishing a foundation for an ethically conscious and balanced digital environment. We also show that the quantum Zeno effect can protect SVM hyperplanes from bias through targeted simulations. Full article

A key aspect of ensuring efficient management of gastronomic tourism is understanding the demand behavior. The studies conducted so far are limited to analyzing this demand in specific destinations, making it impossible to extrapolate their results to obtain a global profile of the gastronomic tourist. This study aims to address this gap by providing a more generalizable characterization and identifying a series of segments of gastronomic tourists. This has been achieved through a survey conducted with 421 gastronomic tourists on an international scale, using descriptive statistics and latent class analysis (LCA). The results obtained have provided insight into the behavior, willingness to pay, expectations, and experiences of those surveyed. From this, three segments of gastronomic tourists with clearly different profiles have been identified. These findings offer a precise understanding of the demand for gastronomic tourism and provide a strategic basis for designing tailored, conscious policies aimed at maximizing the cultural and economic value of the food heritage of different tourist destinations. Full article

This article focuses on the experience of internal exile in Samuel Beckett’s work, focusing on two fundamental axes: bilingualism and silence. Beckett’s conscious switch from English to French after World War II is not an aesthetic or practical choice, but an act of linguistic self-exclusion, through which he repositions himself in the face of word and meaning. Drawing on Derrida’s concept of the “monolingualism of the other” and Kristeva’s definition of the foreigner, this study treats bilingualism not as an expressive enrichment, but as a sign of a deep division within the creative subject. Meanwhile, silence is not seen as an absence of speech, but as the most sincere form of expression, a way of giving voice to what cannot be said. Analyzing works such as The Unnamable, Not I, and Krapp’s Last Tape, the article argues that Beckett does not write about exile, but from a permanent state of exile, conditioned not by geographical space, but by separation from language, identity, and meaning. The article aims to bring a new approach to the literature of exile, considering it as a fundamentally linguistic and existential experience, beyond the usual framework of national identity or cultural affiliation. Full article

The organization of consciousness is described through increasingly rich theoretical models. We review evidence that working memory capacity—essential to generating consciousness in the cerebral cortex—is supported by dual limbic memory systems. These dorsal (Papez) and ventral (Yakovlev) limbic networks provide the basis for mnemonic processing and prediction in the dorsal and ventral divisions of the human neocortex. Empirical evidence suggests that the dorsal limbic division is (i) regulated preferentially by excitatory feedforward control, (ii) consolidated by REM sleep, and (iii) controlled in waking by phasic arousal through lemnothalamic projections from the pontine brainstem reticular activating system. The ventral limbic division and striatum, (i) organizes the inhibitory neurophysiology of NREM to (ii) consolidate explicit memory in sleep, (iii) operating in waking cognition under the same inhibitory feedback control supported by collothalamic tonic activation from the midbrain. We propose that (i) these dual (excitatory and inhibitory) systems alternate in the stages of sleep, and (ii) in waking they must be balanced—at criticality—to optimize the active inference that generates conscious experiences. Optimal Bayesian belief updating rests on balanced feedforward (excitatory predictive) and feedback (inhibitory corrective) control biases that play the role of prior and likelihood (i.e., sensory) precision. Because the excitatory (E) phasic arousal and inhibitory (I) tonic activation systems that regulate these dual limbic divisions have distinct affective properties, varying levels of elation for phasic arousal (E) and anxiety for tonic activation (I), the dual control systems regulate sleep and consciousness in ways that are adaptively balanced—around the entropic nadir of E–I criticality—for optimal self-regulation of consciousness and psychological health. Because they are emotive as well as motive control systems, these dual systems have unique qualities of feeling that may be registered as subjective experience. Full article

The production of winter wheat, spring barley, spring oilseed rape, and field beans requires detailed experimental data studies to analyze the quality and productivity of spring barley grain under different cultivation and tillage conditions. As the world’s population grows, more food is required to maintain a stable food supply chain. For many years, intensive farming systems have been used to meet this need. Today, intensive climate change events and other global environmental challenges are driving a shift towards sustainable use of natural resources and simplified cultivation methods that produce high-quality and productive food. It is important to study different tillage systems in order to understand how these methods can affect the chemical composition and nutritional value of the grain. Both agronomic and economic aspects contribute to the complexity of this field and their analysis will undoubtedly contribute to the development of more efficient agricultural practice models and the promotion of more conscious consumption. An appropriate tillage system should be oriented towards local climatic characteristics and people’s needs. The impact of reduced tillage on these indicators in spring barley production is still insufficiently investigated and requires further analysis at a global level. This study was carried out at Vytautas Magnus University Agriculture Academy (Lithuania) in 2022–2024. Treatments were arranged using a split-plot design. Based on a long-term tillage experiment, five tillage systems were tested: deep and shallow plowing, deep cultivation–chiseling, shallow cultivation–disking, and no-tillage. The results show that in 2022–2024, the hectoliter weight and moisture content of spring barley grains increased, but protein content and germination decreased in shallowly plowed fields. In deep cultivation–chiseling fields, the protein content (0.1–1.1%) of spring barley grains decreased, and in shallow cultivation–disking fields, the moisture content (0.2–0.3%) decreased. In all fields, the simplified tillage systems applied reduced spring barley germination (0.4–16.7%). Tillage systems and meteorological conditions are the two main forces shaping the quality indicators of spring barley grains. Properly selected tillage systems and favorable climatic conditions undoubtedly contribute to better grain properties and higher yields, while reducing the risk of disease spread. Full article

The cognitive cycle has been studied via cognitive architectures and by analyzing cognitive experiments. An emerging theoretical approach suggests that several automatic cognitive processes retrieve information, making it available to an internal agent, which in turn decides which information to access. Derived from this view, four phases of the cognitive cycle can be formulated and reproduced within a cognitive monitoring system. This exploratory work presents a new theory, Attention as Internal Action, and proposes a hypothesis about the relationship between an iteration of the cognitive cycle and a conscious motor action. The design of a continuous reaction time task is presented as a tool for quick cognitive evaluation. Via continuously provided user responses, the computational system behind the task adapts triggering stimuli based on the suggested hypothesis. Its software implementation was employed to assess whether a previously conducted simulation of the cognitive cycle’s time range aligned with empirical data. A control group was assigned to perform a separate simple reaction time task in a sequence of five days. The analysis showed that the experimental cognitive monitoring system produced results more closely aligned with the established understanding of the timing of the cognitive cycle than the control task did. Full article

Templestay programs in South Korea represent a unique convergence of Buddhist ritual, cultural immersion, and wellness tourism. While often treated as niche cultural experiences, their broader significance within sustainable wellness tourism remains underexplored. This study examines participant reflections from the Beomeosa Templestay program through thematic analysis of over 600 reviews sourced from TripAdvisor, Google Reviews, and handwritten guestbooks. Using a triangulated framework combining Grounded Theory, Symbolic Interactionism, and the Wellness Tourism Model, the research identifies four recurring experiential themes: spiritual development, emotional healing, cultural immersion, and conscious consumption. Findings reveal cross-cultural variations: non-Korean participants emphasized spiritual exploration and cultural learning, while Korean participants prioritized emotional renewal and reconnection with heritage. Yet, across all groups, participants reported transformative outcomes, including heightened clarity, inner calm, and enhanced self-awareness. These results suggest that Templestays serve as accessible, culturally grounded wellness retreats that align with rising global demand for intentional, mindful travel. This study contributes to sustainable tourism scholarship by framing Templestays as low-impact, spiritually resonant alternatives to commercialized wellness retreats. Practical recommendations are offered to expand participation while maintaining program authenticity and safeguarding the spiritual and cultural integrity of monastic hosts in an increasingly globalized wellness landscape. Full article

The integration of artificial intelligence (AI) into educational environments is fundamentally transforming the learning process, raising new questions regarding student engagement and motivation. This empirical study investigates the relationship between AI-based learning support and the experience of flow, defined as the optimal state of deep attention and intrinsic motivation, among university students. Building on Csíkszentmihályi’s flow theory and current models of technology-enhanced learning, we applied a validated, purposefully developed AI questionnaire (AIFLQ) to 142 students from two Hungarian universities: the Ludovika University of Public Service and Eszterházy Károly Catholic University. The participants used generative AI tools (e.g., ChatGPT 4, SUNO) during their academic tasks. Based on the results of the Mann–Whitney U test, significant differences were found between students from the two universities in the immersion and balance factors, as well as in the overall flow score, while the AI-related factor showed no statistically significant differences. The sustainability of the flow experience appears to be linked more to pedagogical methodological factors than to institutional ones, highlighting the importance of instructional support in fostering optimal learning experiences. Demographic variables also influenced the flow experience. In gender comparisons, female students showed significantly higher values for the immersion factor. According to the Kruskal–Wallis test, educational attainment also affected the flow experience, with students holding higher education degrees achieving higher flow scores. Our findings suggest that through the conscious design of AI tools and learning environments, taking into account instructional support and learner characteristics, it is possible to promote the development of optimal learning states. This research provides empirical evidence at the intersection of AI and motivational psychology, contributing to both domestic and international discourse in educational psychology and digital pedagogy. Full article

Urban food markets are increasingly being recognized not only as centres of cultural identity and tourism but also as pivotal spaces for promoting urban sustainability. This study explores the role of urban markets in advancing sustainable cultural tourism, using Obor Market in Bucharest as a case study. As a historic marketplace and cultural landmark, Obor Market embodies Bucharest’s traditional commercial practices and community-oriented values. Through a mixed-methods approach, combining Geographic Information Systems (GIS) mapping and systematic surveys, we evaluate the location of markets, cultural authenticity, and visitor satisfaction. The quantitative findings reveal meaningful correlations between demographic factors (particularly nationality and age) and visitor perceptions, highlighting the market’s appeal through its authentic culinary offerings and immersive sensory experience. However, this study also identifies shortcomings in current promotional strategies employed by local stakeholders. The results suggest that urban food markets can serve as sustainable urban assets, fostering cross-cultural integration, supporting local economies, and encouraging environmentally conscious tourism behaviours. We argue for data-informed urban cultural policies that enhance the visibility, accessibility, and sustainability of such spaces, reinforcing their dual role as economic drivers and cultural touchstones. Full article

It has previously been shown that complex-valued electromagnetic fields can substantially increase the symmetry of Maxwell’s Equations (MEs). They are consistent with known experimental findings in classical electrodynamics and result in some interesting predictions. For example, complex MEs predict the existence of magnetic monopoles that would have escaped detection in past experimental searches for them. This paper extends the basic complex-valued MEs for use inside matter. The increased symmetry of the extended MEs is demonstrated by an electromagnetic duality transformation analogous to that of the standard MEs and a fundamentally new type of duality transform. A derived wave equation unexpectedly shows that the imaginary-valued portion of waves inside of matter propagates without attenuation or reduced speed. Demonstrating the existence of the imaginary-valued field components predicted by this theory could have substantial implications for understanding physical and biological phenomena. To illustrate this, ways in which imaginary-valued field components would contribute to existing electromagnetic field theories of consciousness are described. The ability of complex-valued fields to account for disparate phenomena (failure of past experimental searches to find magnetic monopoles; several poorly understood features of subjective time and memory) increases the probability of their existence. Full article

In the wake of intensifying global Extreme Climate Incidents (ECIs), which have particularly noticeable effects on indigenous populations, integrating value-driven education has become a global imperative. While Education for Sustainable Development (ESD) for SDG 13 climate action has been widely adopted in science and engineering curricula, language and culture programs remain underexplored as venues for transformative sustainability learning in Global Competence (GC). Learners in these fields often demonstrate critical literacy and global awareness, but lack the interdisciplinary tools and strategies to translate values into climate-conscious behavior. This study responds to this gap by incorporating virtual reality (VR) into a modified Global Competence Framework (GCF) in an experiment study within intercultural communication courses (N = 303, VR explorative group = 152, control group = 151). A mixed methodological approach was adopted by evaluating pretest–posttest quantitative data of ESD knowledge, attitudes, behaviors, and qualitative data of critical online reflection. The results demonstrate increase localized ESD knowledge in terms of climate, attitudes, and ecological behaviors in both groups in the lived experience of GCF, yet the VR explorative group showed a greater improvement in knowledge and behavior because of their visualization of the 3D rotation of rarely acquired scientific knowledge in monsoonal movement and the local indigenous village reconstruction after destruction. By localizing the Typhoon Morakot tragedy that devastated Shiaolin Village, the intervention provided a culturally specific and interactive context for ESD concepts, enabling interdisciplinary learners to experience climate injustice firsthand with value-based strategies while critically reflecting on global responsibility and sustainable action. Full article

Digital food-ordering apps make it simple to buy indulgent drinks yet hard to judge their health risks. We conducted five online experiments (N = 1048) to compare two messages for sugary beverages: self-promotion that stresses taste and self-disclosure that plainly warns “high sugar/high calories”. Brands that chose self-disclosure were seen as more socially responsible and transparent, which in turn raised trust and lifted purchase intent. These gains were strongest for users who care deeply about the category or the brand and remained robust even among highly health-conscious shoppers. The results show that, for “vice” foods, honest warnings can outperform glossy claims. Our study extends signaling and attribution theories to digital food markets and offers managers a straightforward playbook for complying with new labeling rules while still driving sales. Full article

As a crucial component of cultural heritage, industrial heritage possesses considerable cultural, historical, and economic significance. The key challenge for industrial heritage sites is to foster eco-conscious actions among visitors while boosting tourism spending. Based on the S-O-R theory, we constructed a relationship model between authenticity, place attachment and environmental responsibility behavior through structural equation modeling and tested it with the survey data of tourists in Maoming open-pit mine ecological park. Findings reveal that both the object-related authenticity and the existential authenticity of the experience enhance the sense of reliance and belonging to the place, with the former also directly promoting visitors’ eco-conscious actions. In contrast, experiential authenticity does not exert a direct effect on eco-conscious actions. The sense of place reliance and identity are found to be significantly and positively linked to eco-conscious behavior. Furthermore, place reliance and identity act as intermediaries in the relationship between object authenticity, experiential authenticity, and eco-conscious behavior, serving as a sequential mediating factor. The study suggests strategies such as augmenting financial support to preserve the authenticity of the site, prioritizing the enhancement of infrastructure and the creation of cultural offerings to elicit emotional responses, and reinforcing emotional bonds to encourage eco-conscious actions. Full article

When children are raised in environments that lack important elements of supportive care needed for developing a healthy identity, it results in a kind of “loss” of what is archetypally expected but never received. This category of loss, which I call estranged sorrow, is not accounted for in the current literature of loss related to grief related to known losses. Most approaches to trauma are similar in emphasizing what happens based on events and neglecting on the trauma that results from developing in an environment without emotionally available caregivers. In this article, a theoretical essay, I work within the framework of depth psychology to trace how estranged sorrows might originate in our culture. I then use the method of amplification to provide three different ways that the productive imagination can be harnessed as a vital resource: narrative amplification, imaginal amplification, and mythic amplification. I explore how the imagination enables a grieving process that connects sorrow with words and images that can then be processed as a conscious experience, and ultimately allowed to become part of the biographical past rather than an unvoiced present. Full article