Search Results (60)

In Australia and around the world, young students are increasingly experiencing declines in wellbeing, engagement, and sense of belonging. These trends are accompanied by rising anxiety and social disconnection that affect learning and development. In response to these concerns, this study investigated whether a 10-week nature play intervention could support wellbeing, engagement, and learning in Year One students. A quasiexperimental mixed-methods design was used with students (N = 50; mean age = 6.87 years) from a metropolitan public primary school in Sydney, Australia. Participants were allocated to an intervention (n = 25) or a waitlist control group (n = 25). Data was collected at three time points: pre-intervention, post-intervention, and four-month follow-up. Quantitative measures included reading and mathematics results, and a student self-report questionnaire assessing play, nature connection, engagement, and wellbeing. Qualitative data comprised teacher and student journals, teacher interviews, parent surveys, and researcher observations. The results indicated significant improvement in mathematics, alongside children’s reported expressions of joy, autonomy, and emerging awareness of human–nature reciprocity. Despite limitations in sample size and context, these outcomes suggest that nature play supports holistic development while promoting a broader view of education that values wellbeing, engagement, and belonging alongside academic learning. Full article

This article reinterprets the doctrine of iʿjāz al-Qurʾān (the inimitability of the Qurʾān) by shifting the question from what makes the Qurʾān miraculous to how it is miraculous. It argues that the Qurʾān’s primary miracle lies not merely in its content, i.e., its eloquence or correspondence with scientific truth, but in its method: the transformation of the very frameworks through which knowledge, reason, and revelation were understood. Using Muḥammad ʿĀbid al-Jābirī’s tripartite epistemology of bayān (expressive reasoning), burhān (demonstrative reasoning), and ʿirfān (reflective reasoning) together with Gadamer’s “fusion of horizons,” the article argues that the Qurʾān can be read as fusing and transcending these three systems, uniting Arabic eloquence, Greek rationalism, and Persian–gnostic spirituality into a single, holistic discourse. Through close analysis of key passages, such as Abraham’s dialectical reasoning in Sūrat al-Anbiyāʾ and the metaphysics of light in Āyat al-Nūr, the article shows how the Qurʾān integrates poetic language, rational argument, and mystical depth to create an epistemic design that addresses intellect, emotion, and spirit simultaneously. This synthesis allows the Qurʾān to be interpreted, within classical and later exegetical traditions, not only as a linguistic or theological miracle but as a paradigmatic reconfiguration of cognition: one that these traditions understood as teaching readers how to think, reflect, and awaken. Full article

When reading a novel or poem, readers sometimes gain comprehension or experiences that cannot be expressed in language yet are felt as holistic. Previous studies focused on the linguistically expressible aspects of text comprehension. In this study, we propose a new hypothesis, the purification comprehension hypothesis, that seeks to explain how a reader constructs indescribable and coherent comprehension using quantum probability theory. This hypothesis regards the reading process as purification, in which the reader’s initial interpretation state is mixed, and the reader incorporates external systems, such as the interpretation of other parts of the text or prior knowledge, to purify their state. Therefore, the dimensionality of the state increases and von Neumann entropy decreases through purification. We also highlight two types of reading based on this hypothesis: purification and deterministic. Our model contributes to studies on reading by bridging humanities and scientific studies, provides implications for cognition models that aim to minimize Shannon entropy, and has the potential to apply cognition related to other modalities and media, such as music and art. Full article

This review synthesizes research from cognitive psychology and English for Academic Purposes (EAP) to propose a new conceptual framework for understanding and fostering international student success. It argues that traditional EAP approaches, while effective in developing analytical intelligence—evidenced by a focus on critical reading, argumentation, and source-based writing—provide an incomplete model for the multifaceted demands of global academia. Drawing on Robert Sternberg’s Triarchic Theory of Intelligence, this paper posits that “successful intelligence,” defined as the capacity to achieve one’s goals within a specific sociocultural context, is a more holistic and ecologically valid construct. It depends equally on creative intelligence (e.g., formulating novel research ideas, adapting to unfamiliar academic genres) and practical intelligence (e.g., navigating academic norms, acquiring tacit knowledge, demonstrating pragmatic competence in communication). This paper conducts a critical review of pedagogical practices within EAP that implicitly or explicitly cultivate these three interdependent intelligences. After providing a balanced overview of Sternberg’s theory, including its scholarly critiques, this review broadens its theoretical lens to incorporate complementary perspectives from sociocultural approaches to academic literacies. It systematically maps specific EAP tasks—such as source-based synthesis essays (analytical), research proposals for occluded genres (creative), and simulations of academic email communication (practical)—onto the components of the triarchic model. Drawing on this analysis, the paper concludes by proposing an integrated pedagogical framework, the “Triarchic EAP Model.” This model consciously balances the development of analytical, creative, and practical abilities through integrated tasks, explicit scaffolding, and a focus on transferability. It offers a more holistic approach to student support and strategically positions the EAP classroom as a unique environment for the cultivation and assessment of the multifaceted intellectual skills required for sustainable success in 21st-century global academia. Full article

This article explores applying regenerative development approaches in an Amsterdam-based university course on “Education and International Development” during the COVID-19 pandemic. A transnational team examined possibilities and challenges in virtual/hybrid learning, focusing on co-creative pedagogies to enhance engagement and mutual learning. The study uses auto-ethnographic narratives, reflection questions, and student insights to reflect on critical, transgressive, decolonising, and contemplative pedagogies. Findings highlight three design premises for regenerative approaches to higher education: paradigm shifting for purpose-driven education; living system thinking for co-creative pedagogy; and holistic developmental learning for being-education. This research contributes to innovative educational practices in international fields of study and invites readers in a reflective reading experience. Full article

This paper presents the development and structure of a geospatial (work in progress), architectural heritage database designed to document, interpret, and valorize Second World War military fortifications in Sardinia. Currently hosting over 1800 georeferenced entries—including bunkers, artillery posts, underground shelters, and camouflage systems—the database constitutes the analytical core of an interdisciplinary research framework that interprets these remnants as a coherent wartime palimpsest embedded in the contemporary landscape. By integrating spatial data, archival sources, architectural features, conservation status, camouflage typologies, and both analog and digital graphic representations, the system operates as a central infrastructure for multiscale heritage analysis. It reveals the interconnections between dispersed military structures and the wider territorial fabric, thereby laying the groundwork for landscape-based interpretation and site-specific reactivation strategies. More than a cataloging tool, the database serves as an interpretive and decision-making interface—supporting the generation of cultural itineraries, the identification of critical clusters, and the design of adaptive reuse scenarios. While participatory tools and community engagement will be explored in a second phase, the current methodology emphasizes landscape-oriented reuse strategies based on the perception, spatial storytelling, and contextual reading of wartime heritage. The methodological synergy between GIS, 3D modeling, traditional drawing, and archival research (graphic and photographic documents) contributes to a holistic vision of Sardinia’s wartime heritage as both a system of knowledge and a spatial–cultural resource for future generations. Full article

Reverse engineering of internal vehicle communication is a crucial discipline in vehicle benchmarking. The process presents a time-consuming procedure associated with high manual effort. Car manufacturers use unique signal addresses and encodings for their internal data. Accessing this data requires either expensive tools suitable for the respective vehicles or experienced engineers who have developed individual approaches to identify specific signals. Access to the internal data enables reading the vehicle’s status, and thus, reducing the need for additional test equipment. This results in vehicles closer to their production status and does not require manipulating the vehicle under study, which prevents affecting future test results. The main focus of this approach is to reduce the cost of such analysis and design a more efficient benchmarking process. In this work, we present a methodology that identifies signals without physically manipulating the vehicle. Our equipment is connected to the vehicle via the On-Board Diagnostics (OBD)-II port and uses the Unified Diagnostics Service (UDS) protocol to communicate with the vehicle. We access, capture, and analyze the vehicle’s signals for future analysis. This is a holistic approach, which, in addition to decoding the signals, also grants access to the vehicle’s data, which allows researchers to utilize state-of-the-art methodologies to analyze their vehicles under study by greatly reducing necessary experience, time, and cost. Full article

Background: Spiritual care is vital for the holistic well-being of hospitalized cancer patients, addressing their emotional, psychological, and spiritual needs. This study addresses gaps in the relevant literature by evaluating spiritual perspectives among Peruvian oncology patients, offering culturally grounded insights that can inform nursing practice and healthcare management. The main objective of this research was to measure the overall level of Spiritual Perspective among hospitalized oncology patients using the Spiritual Perspective Scale (SPS) developed by Pamela Reed in 1987, which reflects early aspects of spirituality later integrated into her broader Spiritual Perspective theory. Materials and methods: This study aimed to evaluate the perceived levels of Spiritual Perspective among oncology patients in a hospital setting. Adopting a quantitative, descriptive, cross-sectional design, data were gathered from 137 patients at a national hospital in Lima, Peru. Results: The majority of participants were older adults, with a high school education, and predominantly single. Findings revealed that most patients experienced moderate levels of Spiritual Perspective, spiritual practices, and beliefs. Patients commonly practiced prayer, meditation, and spiritual reading. Beliefs centered on a higher power and forgiveness. Essential support networks also provided emotional aid, complementing spiritual care. Conclusions: This study highlights the importance of spiritual care in nursing for oncology patients. Findings advance understanding of spirituality in illness and support interventions to improve patient outcomes. Full article

This paper re-examines consciousness through Nietzsche, Wittgenstein, and contemporary neo-materialism, arguing that traditional views overstate its importance and that retreating to the subconscious is inadequate. Using a moth infestation metaphor, it highlights the interconnectedness of sentient and non-sentient beings and advocates for recognizing our shared existence. Nietzsche’s perspectivism shows that human will arises from interdependent life forces, while Wittgenstein’s “form of life” illustrates that meaning comes from shared practices. In one reading of the form of life, religion can be seen as different forms of life. This paper concludes that theology must rethink its focus on human consciousness post the “anthropological turn”, avoiding dualistic body–soul separations. By embracing a holistic view of interconnectedness, we can enrich our understanding of human existence and foster compassionate engagement with diverse life forms, promoting a more integrated and empathetic approach to living. Full article

This review synthesizes the latest research and developments to take into consideration for creating advanced sun protection products that meet evolving consumer demands. It examines the multifaceted effects of solar radiation (UVB, UVA, blue light, and infrared) on the skin, detailing cellular damage mechanisms, including DNA and RNA damage, and oxidative stress. It covers advancements in sunscreen formulation science, delivery systems, and UV filters. It delves into testing methodology advancements addressing in vivo limitations, new regulatory guidelines, and the integration of artificial intelligence from new UV filter development to consumer facing apps. Finally, it highlights biotechnology’s potential to deliver novel sustainable UV filters. By providing a holistic perspective on these interdisciplinary advancements, this review serves as background reading, informing future sunscreen development and fostering a comprehensive approach to photoprotection that address current and emerging challenges. Full article

Writing proficiency is important for academic and professional success, yet only one-third of US students write at proficient levels. While Self-Regulated Strategy Development (SRSD) has shown effectiveness across different populations, few studies have examined its application in elementary social studies contexts. This study investigated the implementation of STOP DARE+, an SRSD-based writing intervention incorporating reading from social studies source texts and perspective-taking, in a fourth-grade social studies classroom studying the Underground Railroad. The intervention was delivered across 11 sessions to 12 students with diverse learning needs. Writing quality was assessed using the newly developed Multidimensional Spectrum of Holistic Writing Quality scoring tool, alongside genre elements and text production measures. Social validity was evaluated through the Teacher-Informed Perspectives Snapshot (TIPS), a new repeated-measures tool, combined with interviews and student focus groups. Results showed significant improvements in all writing measures with large effect sizes. Students and teachers reported strong positive perceptions of the intervention’s effectiveness and meaningfulness, with students particularly emphasizing the importance of perspective-taking for both academic and social development. The findings suggest that integrating SRSD-based writing instruction with social studies content can enhance both writing skills and critical thinking while fostering deeper engagement with historical events and social justice themes. Full article

This paper examines the formative influence of Jesus’ upbringing in Nazareth, particularly as depicted in Luke 4: 16–22, alongside related passages such as Luke 2: 51–52. Through these accounts, this analysis seeks to elucidate the social, cultural, and spiritual dimensions of Jesus’ early life and their significance in shaping his mission and identity, as well as how his religious customs and community involvement can inspire contemporary youth by integrating the core pillars of faith, education, and family and empowering them to confront modern challenges with a holistic perspective inspired by Jesus’ mission. Methodologically, it should be taken for granted that a tendency to psychologise biblical characters—interpreting their actions or decisions as if they shared modern psychological frameworks—can lead to oversimplifications or misapplications. For example, Jesus’ obedience to his parents reflects a culture of strict family authority, contrasting with today’s focus on independence and self-expression in youth development. By examining key Greek terms such as tethramménos (from trépho: ‘having been brought up’) and katà tò eiōthòs autộ (‘as was his custom’) in v.16, this study emphasises Jesus’ strong connection to his faith and cultural heritage. His regular participation in synagogue life and his upbringing in a religious and familial context (see Luke 2: 51–52) were crucial in shaping his identity and preparing him for his transformative and transforming mission, according to the Isaianic prophecy (61: 1–2) he read on the same occasion. This paper argues that these early experiences, particularly his education within the Jewish tradition and his family’s role in nurturing his spiritual growth, were foundational for the holistic mission Jesus would later proclaim—a mission that sought spiritual, social, and physical liberation. Full article

Reading is a complex skill that requires accurate word recognition, fluent decoding, and effective comprehension. Children with dyslexia often face challenges in these areas, resulting in ongoing reading difficulties. This study systematically reviews the use of eye-tracking technology to assess dyslexia, following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) 2020 guidelines. The review identifies the specific types of eye-tracking technologies used, examines the cognitive and behavioral abilities assessed (such as reading fluency and attention), and evaluates the primary purposes of these evaluations—screening, assessment, and diagnosis. This study explores key questions, including how eye-tracking outcomes guide intervention strategies and influence educational practices, and assesses the practicality and time efficiency of these evaluations in real-world settings. Furthermore, it considers whether eye-tracking provides a holistic developmental profile or a targeted analysis of specific skills and evaluates the generalizability of eye-tracking results across diverse populations. Gaps in the literature are highlighted, with recommendations proposed to improve eye-tracking’s precision and applicability for early dyslexia intervention. The findings underscore the potential of eye-tracking to enhance diagnostic accuracy through metrics such as fixation counts, saccadic patterns, and processing speed, key indicators that distinguish dyslexic from typical reading behaviors. Additionally, studies show that integrating machine learning with eye-tracking data can enhance classification accuracy, suggesting promising applications for scalable, early dyslexia screening in educational settings. This review provides new insights into the value of eye-tracking technology in identifying dyslexia, emphasizing the need for further research to refine these methods and support their adoption in classrooms and clinics. Full article

The building sector constitutes 40% of global electric energy consumption, making it vital to address for achieving the global net-zero emissions goal by 2050. This study focuses on enhancing electric load forecasting systems’ performance and interactivity by investigating the impact of weather and building usage parameters. Hourly electricity meter readings from a Texas university campus building (2012–2015) were employed, applying pre-processing techniques and machine learning algorithms such as linear regression, decision trees, and support vector machines using MATLAB R2023a. Exponential Gaussian Process Regression (GPR) showed the best performance at a one-year training data size, yielding an average normalized root mean square error (nRMSE) value of 0.52%, equivalent to a 0.3% reduction compared to leading methods. The developed system is presented through an interactive GUI and allows for prediction of external factors like PV and EV integration. Through a case study implementation, the combined system achieves 12.8% energy savings over a typical year simulated using ETAP 22 and Trimble ProDesign software version 2021.0.19. This holistic solution precisely models the electric demand management scenario of grid-interactive efficient buildings (GEBs), simultaneously enhancing reliability and flexibility to accommodate diverse applications. Full article

Patients with substance use disorders may view healthcare professionals as capable of supporting them through their suffering and experience. Although numerous studies have focused on the roles, approaches, and attitudes of healthcare professionals, there is a lack of information on the nursing perspective. This study aims to explore the experiences and nursing approaches towards patients with psychoactive substance dependence admitted to an Italian acute hospital ward. A qualitative phenomenological study was conducted. Data were collected using semi-structured face-to-face interviews. The interviews were transcribed, read thoroughly, and analysed. Fifteen nurses were interviewed. Six main themes were extracted: (1) origin context, (2) participants’ personal thoughts, (3) type of approach provided, (4) school education received on the topic, (5) effectiveness of rehabilitative therapy, and (6) methods that can improve nursing care. The findings suggest that most respondents experience stigma and discrimination when providing care to these patients. In response to the results obtained, models have been suggested, such as Jean Watson’s Human Caring Theory, which shows how practising a holistic approach based on empathy and active listening can improve the relationship between nurses and patients. Furthermore, to eliminate stereotypes, it would be appropriate to act on the university education of nurses. This study was not registered. Full article