Search Results (989)

This study used the Q methodology to examine how Korean science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) students perceive the experience of reading classical texts and how such experiences relate to their overall well-being. We developed 31 statements for the Q-sorting process and collected data from 39 undergraduate students majoring in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM). The analysis identified three distinct perception types: type 1—exploratory type, which broadens thinking through diverse perspectives, type 2—experience type, which shares achievement and enjoyment through reading together, and type 3—insight type, which seeks universal values and truth. These findings suggest that, for science and engineering students, reading classics offers a multidimensional experience—encompassing intellectual expansion, relational engagement, and philosophical reflection—beyond conventional academic activities. In particular, the therapeutic dimension of reading, as discussed in bibliotherapy, has emerged as a mechanism that supports self-reflection and emotional resilience. Although each type approached classical reading differently, the participants demonstrated varied perceptions that reflect dimensions of well-being, such as emotional awareness, relational connection, and self-reflection, as expressed through the Q-sorting of pre-defined statements. Based on these results, this study concludes that classical reading can function as a significant mechanism for promoting well-being, offering new directions and practical implications for classical reading education. Full article

Background/Objectives: Impairment in self-awareness (ISA) is one of the common consequences of an acquired brain injury (ABI) and is associated with anosodiaphoria. Collectively, these co-occurring neuropsychological disorders pose significant obstacles in the neurorehabilitation of moderate-to-severe ABI patients. Individuals who recover from ISA may present with anxiety and/or depression as adaptive reactions to the ABI, along with related functional disabilities. The present study investigated whether the level of metacognitive self-awareness (SA) is associated with the presence of anxiety and depression, apathy, or anosodiaphoria in patients with moderate-to-severe ABI. It aimed also at investigating the possible relationship between the severity of disability and both psycho-emotional diseases and the presence of PTSD symptoms in patients with high metacognitive SA. Methods: Sixty patients with moderate-to-severe ABI and different levels of metacognitive SA completed a series of questionnaires, which assessed their self-reported metacognitive SA, anosodiaphoria, anxiety and depression, apathy, and PTSD symptoms. Results: Low-metacognitive-SA patients showed lower levels of anxiety and depression and higher anosodiaphoria than high-metacognitive-SA patients. Patients with high metacognitive SA and high levels of disability showed significant higher states of anxiety and PTSD symptoms than patients with high metacognitive SA and low levels of disability. Conclusions: The neurorehabilitation of individuals with moderate to severe ABI should address, in particular, the complex interaction between ISA and anxiety and depression in patients during the rehabilitation process. Full article

Background: Rapid urbanization has intensified the challenges of freight transport, particularly in last-mile (LM) delivery, leading to rising costs and environmental externalities. Autonomous vehicles (AVs) have emerged as a promising innovation to address these issues. While much of the existing literature emphasizes business and operational perspectives, this study focuses on the acceptance of AVs from the standpoint of e-consumers—individuals who make purchases via digital platforms—in an emerging market context. Methods: Grounded in an extended Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology 2 (UTAUT2), which is specifically suited to consumer-focused technology adoption research, this study incorporates five constructs tailored to AV adoption. Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) was applied to survey data collected from 304 e-consumers in Northeast Brazil. Results: The findings reveal that performance expectancy, hedonic motivation, and environmental awareness exert significant positive effects on acceptance and intention to use AVs for LM delivery. Social influence shows a weaker, yet still positive, impact. Importantly, price sensitivity exhibits a minimal effect, suggesting that while consumers are generally cost-conscious, perceived value may outweigh price concerns in early adoption stages. Conclusions: These results offer valuable insights for policymakers and logistics providers aiming to implement consumer-oriented, cost-effective AV solutions in LM delivery, particularly in emerging economies. The findings emphasize the need for strategies that highlight the practical, emotional, and environmental benefits of AVs to foster market acceptance. Full article

The recent surge in the popularity of brachycephalic dog breeds has raised concerns about their predisposition to serious health issues linked to breed-specific morphological traits. This study examined the demographic characteristics, motivations, and awareness of owners regarding welfare issues in four brachycephalic breeds (French Bulldogs, Bulldogs, Pugs, Boston Terriers). Methods: A total of 497 owners of brachycephalic dogs examined over six years at an Italian university veterinary hospital were considered; a subset of 75 owners completed a structured questionnaire. Based on responses to a key multiple-choice question about the main reason for breed choice, owners were classified into three groups: trend-driven (aesthetics/fashion), value-oriented (intelligence/behavior), and indeterminate. Results: Gender distribution did not differ significantly compared to the overall population, but brachycephalic owners were significantly younger (p < 0.001). Value-oriented owners were significantly more likely (p < 0.01) to consult a veterinarian before acquisition and showed better understanding of typical respiratory issues, which did not affect their purchasing decision. Trend-driven owners were more influenced by public figures (p < 0.05) and less engaged in preventive care. Conclusion: Our findings highlight the need for pre-acquisition veterinary counseling. Veterinarians can also assist breeders by promoting awareness of the ethical risks of selecting extreme traits in dogs. Full article

Recent advancements in generative artificial intelligence have significantly progressed the field of text-to-music generation, enabling users to create music from natural language descriptions. Despite the success of various models, such as MusicLM, MusicGen, and AudioLDM, the current approaches struggle to capture fine-grained genre-specific characteristics, precisely control musical attributes, and handle underrepresented cultural data. This paper introduces a novel, lightweight fine-tuning method for the AudioLDM framework using low-rank adaptation (LoRA). By updating only selected attention and projection layers, the proposed method enables efficient adaptation to musical genres with limited data and computational cost. The proposed method enhances controllability over key musical parameters such as rhythm, emotion, and timbre. At the same time, it maintains the overall quality of music generation. This paper represents the first application of LoRA in AudioLDM, offering a scalable solution for fine-grained, genre-aware music generation and customization. The experimental results demonstrate that the proposed method improves the semantic alignment and statistical similarity compared with the baseline. The contrastive language–audio pretraining score increased by 0.0498, indicating enhanced text-music consistency. The kernel audio distance score decreased by 0.8349, reflecting improved similarity to real music distributions. The mean opinion score ranged from 3.5 to 3.8, confirming the perceptual quality of the generated music. Full article

Phubbing, a relatively new phenomenon in the field of digital risks, refers to the act of ignoring someone in favor of focusing on a smartphone during face-to-face interactions. Parental phubbing, a specific form of this behavior, is a prevalent negative parenting practice that can affect parent–child relationships and child development. However, the impact of parental phubbing on the emotional and behavioral development of preschool children remains unclear. This study aims to explore the relationship between parental phubbing and preschoolers’ behavioral problems, as well as test whether parents’ mindful attention awareness (MAA) acts as a mediator between them. Method: A questionnaire was administered to 138 Italian parents (mean age = 38.5, SD = 6.2) of 138 kindergarten preschoolers (mean age = 3.9, SD = 1.03). Questionnaires included the Generic Scale of Phubbing (GSP), the Mindful Attention Awareness Scale (MAAS), and the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ). Results: Analyses revealed a significant negative correlation between the MAAS and SDQ total scores, a positive correlation between the GSP total score and the SDQ total score, and a negative correlation between the GSP total score and the MAAS total score. The mediation analysis did not show a direct effect of GSP on SDQ, suggesting that parental phubbing did not directly predict children’s behavioral difficulties. Nevertheless, the indirect effect measured by bootstrapping was significant, indicating that parental MAA fully mediated the relationship between parental phubbing and preschoolers’ problematic behaviors. Conclusions: Although further research is needed, parental mindfulness may influence phubbing behaviors in parents providing valuable insights for early interventions aimed at reducing problem behaviors in young children. Full article

In the era of generative artificial intelligence, writing has evolved into a programmable practice capable of generating sustainable narratives and preserving cultural heritage through poetic prompts. This study proposes “Writing Is Coding ” as a paradigm for sustainability education, exploring how students engage with AI-mediated multimodal creation to address environmental challenges. Using grounded theory methodology with 57 twelfth-grade students from technology-integrated high schools, we analyzed their experiences creating environmental stories and digital cultural artifacts using MidJourney, Kling, and Sora. Data collection involved classroom observations, semi-structured interviews, and reflective journals, analyzed through systematic coding procedures (κ = 0.82). Five central themes emerged: writing as algorithmic design for sustainability (89.5%), emotional scaffolding for environmental awareness (78.9%), aesthetics of imperfection in cultural preservation (71.9%), collaborative dynamics in sustainable creativity (84.2%), and pedagogical value of prompt literacy (91.2%). Findings indicate that AI deepens environmental consciousness and reframes writing as a computational process for addressing global issues. This research contributes a theoretical framework integrating expressive writing with algorithmic thinking in AI-assisted sustainability education, aligned with SDGs 4, 11, and 13. Full article

Emotion regulation is essential for mental health. However, many people ignore their own emotional regulation or are deterred by the high cost of psychological counseling, which poses significant challenges to making effective support widely available. This review systematically examines the convergence of multimodal sensing technologies and large language models (LLMs) for the development of Automated Emotional Regulation (AER) systems. The review draws upon a comprehensive analysis of the existing literature, encompassing research papers, technical reports, and relevant theoretical frameworks. Key findings indicate that multimodal sensing offers the potential for rich, contextualized data pertaining to emotional states, while LLMs provide improved capabilities for interpreting these inputs and generating nuanced, empathetic, and actionable regulatory responses. The integration of these technologies, including physiological sensors, behavioral tracking, and advanced LLM architectures, presents the improvement of application, moving AER beyond simpler, rule-based systems towards more adaptive, context-aware, and human-like interventions. Opportunities for personalized interventions, real-time support, and novel applications in mental healthcare and other domains are considerable. However, these prospects are counterbalanced by significant challenges and limitations. In summary, this review synthesizes current technological advancements, identifies substantial opportunities for innovation and application, and critically analyzes the multifaceted technical, ethical, and practical challenges inherent in this domain. It also concludes that while the integration of multimodal sensing and LLMs holds significant potential for AER, the field is nascent and requires concerted research efforts to realize its full capacity to enhance human well-being. Full article

Social media platforms like Instagram significantly shape destination images and influence tourist behavior. Understanding how different cities are represented and perceived on these platforms is crucial for effective tourism marketing. This study provides a comparative analysis of Instagram content and engagement patterns in Seoul and Tokyo, two major Asian metropolises, to derive actionable marketing insights. We collected and analyzed 59,944 public Instagram posts geotagged or location-tagged within Seoul (n = 29,985) and Tokyo (n = 29,959). We employed a mixed-methods approach involving content categorization using a fine-tuned convolutional neural network (CNN) model, engagement metric analysis (likes, comments), Valence Aware Dictionary and sEntiment Reasoner (VADER) sentiment analysis and thematic classification of comments, geospatial analysis (Kernel Density Estimation [KDE], Moran’s I), and predictive modeling (Gradient Boosting with SHapley Additive exPlanations [SHAP] value analysis). A validation analysis using balanced samples (n = 2000 each) was conducted to address Tokyo’s lower geotagged data proportion. While both cities showed ‘Person’ as the dominant content category, notable differences emerged. Tokyo exhibited higher like-based engagement across categories, particularly for ‘Animal’ and ‘Food’ content, while Seoul generated slightly more comments, often expressing stronger sentiment. Qualitative comment analysis revealed Seoul comments focused more on emotional reactions, whereas Tokyo comments were often shorter, appreciative remarks. Geospatial analysis identified distinct hotspots. The validation analysis confirmed these spatial patterns despite Tokyo’s data limitations. Predictive modeling highlighted hashtag counts as the key engagement driver in Seoul and the presence of people in Tokyo. Seoul and Tokyo project distinct visual narratives and elicit different engagement patterns on Instagram. These findings offer practical implications for destination marketers, suggesting tailored content strategies and location-based campaigns targeting identified hotspots and specific content themes. This study underscores the value of integrating quantitative and qualitative analyses of social media data for nuanced destination marketing insights. Full article

In response to the stress commonly experienced by young people in high-pressure daily environments, a music-based stress-relief interactive system was developed by integrating music-assisted care with emotion-sensing technology. The design principles of the system were established through a literature review on stress, music listening, emotion detection, and interactive devices. A prototype was created accordingly and refined through interviews with four experts and eleven users participating in a preliminary experiment. The system is grounded in a four-stage guided imagery and music framework, along with a static activity model focused on relaxation-based stress management. Emotion detection was achieved using a wearable EEG device (NeuroSky’s MindWave Mobile device) and a two-dimensional emotion model, and the emotional states were translated into visual representations using seasonal and weather metaphors. A formal experiment involving 52 users was conducted. The system was evaluated, and its effectiveness confirmed, through user interviews and questionnaire surveys, with statistical analysis conducted using SPSS 26 and AMOS 23. The findings reveal that: (1) integrating emotion sensing with music listening creates a novel and engaging interactive experience; (2) emotional states can be effectively visualized using nature-inspired metaphors, enhancing user immersion and understanding; and (3) the combination of music listening, guided imagery, and real-time emotional feedback successfully promotes emotional relaxation and increases self-awareness. Full article

In crisis-stricken economies, leadership effectiveness increasingly hinges not on technical expertise alone but on emotional competence. While emotional intelligence (EI) has been widely acknowledged as a catalyst for effective leadership and employee outcomes, its role in volatile and resource-scarce contexts remains underexplored. This study addresses this critical gap by investigating the impact of five core EI dimensions, namely self-awareness, self-regulation, motivation, empathy, and social skills, on employee performance amid Lebanon’s ongoing multidimensional crisis. Drawing on Goleman’s EI framework and the Job Demands–Resources theory, the research employs a quantitative, cross-sectional design with data collected from 398 employees across sectors in Lebanon. Structural Equation Modeling revealed that all EI dimensions significantly and positively influenced employee performance, with self-regulation (β = 0.485) and empathy (β = 0.361) emerging as the most potent predictors. These findings underscore the value of emotionally intelligent leadership in fostering productivity, resilience, and team cohesion during organizational instability. This study contributes to the literature by contextualizing EI in an under-researched, crisis-affected setting, offering nuanced insights into which emotional competencies are most impactful during prolonged uncertainty. Practically, it positions EI as a strategic leadership asset for crisis management and sustainable human resource development in fragile economies. The results inform leadership training, policy design, and organizational strategies that aim to enhance employee performance through emotionally intelligent practices. Full article

Background: Emotional abuse is both prevalent and underrecognized particularly in culturally complex settings like India. Adolescents, being in a critical developmental phase, are especially vulnerable to the long-lasting psychological effects of emotional abuse. This qualitative literature review aims to synthesize findings from primary studies that explore the lived experiences of emotional abuse among Indian adolescents and identify emerging patterns across sociocultural contexts. Method: Electronic databases, including DOAJ, Google Scholar, ProQuest, JSTOR, Pubmed, PsycNet, and SCOPUS, were searched for peer-reviewed articles published in English up to March 2025. Inclusion criteria comprised qualitative or mixed-methods research focusing on emotional abuse among adolescents aged 12–20 in Indian contexts. The Critical Appraisal Skills Programme (CASP) was used for quality assessment. Results: Five major thematic domains were identified across the included studies: (1) Family as a primary site of emotional abuse; (2) Gendered experiences of abuse; (3) Cultural normalization and silence; (4) Psychological and emotional consequences; and (5) Coping and resilience among adolescents. These themes reflect shared experiences of emotional abuse shaped by cultural, familial, and gender-based expectations. Conclusions: This review highlights the urgent need for increased awareness and culturally sensitive interventions addressing emotional abuse in Indian adolescents. The findings suggest that parents, educators, and policymakers must recognize emotionally harmful behaviors and implement prevention-oriented strategies, particularly through non-violent communication and adolescent mental health support frameworks. Full article

This study aims to provide a comprehensive overview of psychological distress among medical students in Spain, a growing concern given the high prevalence rates of anxiety, depression, and burnout reported across multiple medical schools and universities. To assess the scope and key characteristics of this phenomenon, a thorough literature search was conducted in the PubMed, ProQuest, and Web of Science (WoS) databases. Studies published between 2010 and 2024 in peer-reviewed scientific journals, written in English or Spanish, and specifically focused on medical students enrolled in Spanish universities were considered for inclusion. A total of 14 studies were analysed. The findings indicate that psychological distress often emerges early in medical training and tends to intensify as students progress academically. Female medical students are consistently more affected, as most of the studies reviewed indicate that they exhibit higher levels of depressive symptoms, trait anxiety, and perceived stress. Some research also suggests greater levels of burnout among female students compared to their male peers. Key contributing factors include academic overload and dissatisfaction, sleep deprivation, and the use of maladaptive coping strategies. Although awareness of the issue is increasing, available evidence suggests that institutional responses remain limited, and that only a small number of universities have implemented structured mental health programmes. Overall, the results underscore the urgent need for institutional reforms in Spanish medical education to safeguard students’ mental wellbeing. Key priorities include revising curricula, implementing structured emotional support programmes, and ensuring accessible services—requiring coordinated, long-term commitment across academic, healthcare, and policy sectors. Future research should explore longitudinal trends and the effectiveness of targeted interventions. Full article

Background: Equine-assisted experiential learning (EAL) is an emerging approach that uses human–horse interactions to develop leadership skills through experiential methods. Purpose: This review synthesizes the literature on the role of EAL in developing leadership competencies and explores its implications for workplace learning. Design/methodology/approach: A narrative review was conducted examining empirical studies and theoretical frameworks on EAL and leadership development. Findings/Conclusions: Recent studies show EAL improves self-awareness, emotional intelligence, nonverbal communication, trust building, adaptability, and problem solving. These competencies are fostered through activities such as ground-based exercises, join-up techniques, and trust-building tasks, which require congruence between intention and action. Participants report behavioral changes such as improved empathy, clarity under pressure, and team cohesion. These align with core management skills for organizational performance. Implications: EAL complements traditional leadership training by developing relational and embodied leadership skills, including trust building, adaptability, and emotional intelligence, which contribute to organizational resilience and sustainable growth. Full article

Despite being highly prevalent among women of reproductive age, the psychological dimensions of iron deficiency anemia (IDA) often go unrecognized. While the hematological consequences of IDA are well established, emerging evidence suggests that it may also adversely affect emotional processing, mental health, and overall quality of life. This study aimed to systematically assess levels of alexithymia, anxiety, depressive symptoms, and quality of life in women diagnosed with IDA compared to age-matched healthy controls. A total of 151 women with confirmed IDA and 150 healthy controls were recruited. Participants underwent laboratory testing and completed validated questionnaires, including the Beck Depression Scale (BDS), State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI), WHOQOL-BREF-TR, and the Toronto Alexithymia Scale (TAS-20). Women with IDA demonstrated significantly higher alexithymia and anxiety scores and lower quality of life compared to controls. Within the IDA group, probable alexithymia was associated with more severe anemia parameters and poorer psychological outcomes. These findings indicate that IDA is not only a hematological disorder but also one with a substantial psychological burden. Recognizing and addressing these psychological dimensions in clinical practice is critical. A multidisciplinary management approach that integrates both hematological treatment and mental health interventions may be essential to improve overall patient outcomes among women with IDA. Full article