Search Results (63)

This study reinterprets Father Rodrigues’s apostasy in Endō Shūsaku’s Silence not as a religious failure, but as a process of Christianity’s “Japanization,” analyzed within the context of postwar Japanese intellectual history. Where existing criticism often falls into the binary opposition between martyrdom and betrayal, this study introduces the perspective of individual conviction versus organizational authority. First, Rodrigues’s act resonates with Yoshimoto Takaaki’s tenkō (ideological conversion) theory, specifically defined as the “third form of tenkō.” This form represents the choice to pursue the integrity of personal conviction over obedience to an organization. This links Rodrigues’s action to the spiritual continuity of the Kakure Kirishitan (Hidden Christians), arguing that the essence of his apostasy is a betrayal of the Church institution, not of faith itself. Furthermore, through the theme of the dialectic of everyday life, the study demonstrates that salvation is discovered not in the glorious death of martyrdom, but within the secular fabric of daily existence. Rodrigues’s paradoxical condition of being both weak and strong as Okada San’emon after the fumie is an extension of the Kakure Kirishitan’s survival, who maintained their faith amid secular labor. In conclusion, Endō’s literature serves as a testimony for the “cowards” and a plea for the grace to go on living. It illuminates the process through which individual faith transcends institutional authority and takes root in the indigenous Japanese way of life, thereby completing the vision of Christianity’s “Japanization.” Full article

Both governments and businesses globally are realizing the importance of treating environmental management and protection programs as ongoing efforts that go beyond their immediate operations. However, past initiatives to improve the impact of these programs have faced setbacks due to growing environmental challenges. In this direction, the current study aims to develop a research model that examines the interplay between green supply chain management (GSCM), intellectual capital (IC), corporate social responsibility (CSR), and sustainable performance (SP) within Saudi Arabia’s drilling sector. Additionally, it examines the mediating roles of IC and CSR. Contextualized within the Saudi Vision 2030 framework, which emphasizes sustainability and industrial advancement, this study utilized a quantitative approach by applying structural equation modeling (SEM) to analyze survey data from 334 employees in the Eastern Region’s drilling industry. The findings indicate that GSCM significantly enhanced SP, IC, and CSR. Furthermore, CSR demonstrated a positive impact on both SP and IC and, crucially, significantly mediated the positive relationship between GSCM and SP. Conversely, IC, while positively influenced by GSCM and CSR, did not show a significant direct impact on SP, nor did it act as a significant mediator in the GSCM-SP linkage in this context. This research highlights the prominent role of CSR in translating GSCM practices into holistic performance improvements within this industrial setting. It suggests that firms seeking to maximize the benefits of GSCM should strategically embed these initiatives within a robust and visible CSR strategy to effectively meet stakeholder expectations and drive sustainable performance aligned with national goals. Full article

Economic development and its sustainability are influenced not only by material, human, financial, and intellectual factors, but also by psychological factors. In particular, the levels of business expectations, trust, and confidence significantly affect the resilience of the economy, especially in crucial sectors such as industry and, more specifically, industrial production. Based on political, economic, social, and legal stability, businesses are likely to assess their opportunities more optimistically and realistically. This, in turn, enables them to look confidently toward the future and provides a foundation for investing in further development. Conversely, a decline in business expectations and confidence can slow socio-economic development, potentially leading to recession or depression. The purpose of the article is to identify the association between business confidence (Impact of the Business Confidence Indicator, IBCI) and the level of industrial production (Industrial Production Index, IPI), as a crucial aspect of ensuring sustainable economic development. A correlation–regression analysis conducted using Ukraine as a case study—a country candidate for EU accession—and statistical data from the State Statistics Service of Ukraine (SSSU) for the period from 1 February 2022 to 1 September 2024 demonstrated that there is a stable, positive, and strong relationship between IBCI and IPI levels (r = 0.7; D = 0.49). The constructed linear correlation model indicates that, with other factors held constant, a one-percentage-point increase in positive business expectations may lead to a 2.23-point rise in the industrial production activity of enterprises in Ukraine’s manufacturing sector. Furthermore, approximately 49.0% of the variation in industrial production levels is likely explained by changes in business expectations. Verification of the constructed regression equation and assessment of its parameters indicate that it is statistically reliable and consistent with real economic processes. Specifically, the Fisher coefficient (F = 5.30) exceeds the critical (tabular) value (Ft = 2.04), with Se = 0.45 and C_95% = 1.96; the causality test based on the Granger methodology revealed the presence of a causal relationship, indicating that the IBCI influences the IPI. The obtained statistical results for the applied models and tests are as follows: MDF (p < 0.05), KPSS (p > 0.10), Durbin–Watson ≈ 2.0, Breusch–Godfrey (p = 0.32), White (p = 0.41), ARCH (p = 0.27), and SER (p = 0.36). The constructed correlation–regression equation also allowed forecasting based on trend line modeling—how IPI levels will change depending on business confidence. According to the forecast, the IPI in Ukraine at the beginning of 2030 is expected to increase by 63.48 percentage points compared to the beginning of 2024, reaching 153.6%. Full article

This article addresses the multifaceted challenges inherent in the development of the novel REEFS (Renewable Electric Energy From Sea) wave energy converter (WEC). Building on the submerged pressure differential principle, it frames similar WECs before focusing on REEFS that combines renewable energy generation with coastal protection, functioning as an artificial reef. The review follows chronological criteria, encompassing experimental proof-of-concept, small-scale laboratory modeling, simplified and advanced computational fluid dynamics (CFD) simulations, and the design of a forthcoming real-sea model deployment. Key milestones include the validation of a passive variable porosity system, demonstration of wave-to-wire energy conversion, and quantification of wave attenuation for coastal defense. Additionally, the study introduces a second patent-protected REEFS configuration, isolating internal components from seawater via an elastic enveloping membrane. Challenges related to scaling, numerical modeling, and funding are thoroughly examined. The results highlight the importance of the proof-of-concept as the keystone of the development process, underscore the relevance of mixed laboratory-computational approaches and emphasize the need for a balanced equilibrium between intellectual property safeguard and scientific publishing. The REEFS development trajectory offers interesting insights for researchers and developers navigating the complex innovation seas of emerging wave energy technologies. Full article

Museums offer significant value by preserving cultural heritage, fostering education and intellectual curiosity, and promoting social interaction, contributing to economic development and environmental sustainability. Underwater museums are relatively new and innovative and the Museum of Underwater Art, (MOUA) installed in 2017 in the Great Barrier Reef, Australia, offers an inspiring and educational experience that encourages positive conversations and garners significant media attention. Through a blend of art and science, MOUA provides a unique educational opportunity and initiates reef conversations on the challenging issues of citizen science, climate change, and coral bleaching, inviting snorkelers, divers, and the general community to protect the Great Barrier Reef. The MOUA asset is valued at $4 M and generates approximately $100 K per year from grants and earned income. The MOUA sculptures are seen by approximately 1.5 M people per year with the highest interactions associated with The Ocean Siren sculpture and approximately four thousand snorkelers and SCUBA divers a year visit the remote Coral Greenhouse and Ocean Sentinels sculptures at John Brewer Reef on commercial tourism trips. The MOUA has a large media reach of over 22 million. The Museum of Underwater Art demonstrates how art and culture can amplify reef conservation, achieving global research and community engagement beyond its small scale. This case study also exposes gaps in how ocean sustainability is measured across reef organizations and highlights the methodologies to fulfill those knowledge gaps. Our paper assesses Key Performance Indicators across other institutions and proposes methods to shift and improve conservation paradigms by the inclusion of cultural storytelling, citizen science, education, and carbon neutral events. Full article

I recently developed the concept of eco-cognitive openness and situatedness to explain how cognitive systems, whether human or artificial, engage dynamically with their surroundings to generate information and creative outcomes through abductive cognition. Human cognition demonstrates significant eco-cognitive openness, utilizing external resources like tools and cultural contexts to produce contextually rich hypotheses, sometimes highly creative via what I called “unlocked strategies.” Conversely, generative AI, such as large language models (LLMs) and image generators, employs “locked strategies,” relying on pre-existing datasets with minimal real-time environmental interaction—this leads to limited creativity. While these systems can yield some low-level degrees of creative outputs, their lack of human-like eco-cognitive openness restricts their ability to achieve high-level creative abductive feats, which remain a human strength, especially among the most talented. However, LLMs often outperform humans in routine cognitive tasks, exposing human intellectual limitations rather than AI deficiencies. Much human cognition is repetitive and imitative, resembling “stochastic parrots,” much like LLMs. Thus, LLMs are potent cognitive tools that can enhance human performance but also endanger creativity. Future AI developments, such as human–AI partnerships, could improve eco-cognitive openness, but risks like bias and overcomputationalization necessitate human oversight to ensure meaningful results. In collaborative settings, generative AI can serve as an epistemic mediator, narrowing the gap toward unlocked creativity. To safeguard human creativity, control over AI output must be maintained, embedding them in socio-cultural contexts. I also express concern that ethical and legal frameworks to mitigate AI’s negative impacts may fail to be enforced, risking “ethics washing” and “law washing.” Full article

N-methyl-D-aspartate receptors (NMDARs) are ionotropic glutamate channels that play a pivotal role in brain development and the regulation of learning and memory processes. De novo pathogenic variants in four genes encoding NMDA receptor subunits (GRIN1, GRIN2A, GRIN2B, and GRIN2D) have been implicated in a broad spectrum of neurodevelopmental disorders, including developmental delay, intellectual disability, autism spectrum disorders, epilepsy, and movement disorders. Mutations in the GRIN1 and GRIN2B genes, which encode the GluN1 and GluN2B subunits, respectively, are strongly associated with malformations of cortical development, including diffuse dysgyria, bilateral polymicrogyria, hippocampal dysplasia, corpus callosum hypoplasia, and other findings such as ventricular enlargement and basal ganglia abnormalities. Conversely, GRIN2A mutations are associated with heterogeneous and less specific neuroimaging patterns. We reviewed the existing literature on the neuroradiological features associated with GRIN gene mutations, also providing pictorial representations from our patient cohort. The analysis revealed a more consistent association of malformations of cortical development with GRIN1 and GRIN2B variants, likely reflecting the critical role of these genes in neuronal migration and proper development of cortical structures. In comparison, GRIN2A mutations are associated with milder brain abnormalities. An integrated assessment of neuroimaging patterns and GRIN gene variants provides valuable insights for differential diagnosis and supports targeted genetic screening in patients presenting with epileptic encephalopathy, global developmental delay, and autism spectrum disorders. Full article

Augustine of Hippo (354–430), one of the most influential theologians of Late Antiquity, spent nearly a decade in the Manichaean sect before becoming a central figure in the shaping of Western “orthodox” Christianity. While his major works such as the Confessiones and De civitate Dei have been extensively studied for their treatment of Manichaeism, the vast collection of his ca. 300 preserved letters (Epistulae) remains an understudied source for understanding this aspect of his intellectual and theological development. This article addresses that gap by proposing a methodology to identify both anti- and crypto-Manichaean themes in his letters. Drawing on phenomenological openness, hermeneutical perspective, and close reading, the study also incorporates genuine Manichaean sources and anti-Manichaean polemics to contextualise Augustine’s rhetorical strategies. The Epistulae, unpolished and situated in specific communicative contexts, offer a unique view of Augustine’s doctrinal positioning after his conversion. Traces of his Manichaean past re-emerge in vocabulary, argumentation, and theological emphasis. This is exemplified in Epistula 137 to Volusianus (411–412), which, without naming the sect, covertly critiques key Manichaean doctrines such as Docetism and materialism. These critiques align with extant Manichaean sources and may reflect Augustine’s awareness of latent Manichaean influence in Christian communities. By bringing the Epistulae into the broader discussion of Augustine’s anti-Manichaean engagement, this study highlights their value as a window into his theological evolution and pastoral strategy in a religiously contested environment. Full article

The Draw-A-Person Intellectual Ability test for children, adolescents, and adults is a widely used tool in psychology for assessing intellectual ability. This test relies on human drawings for initial raw scoring, with the subsequent conversion of data into IQ ranges through manual procedures. However, this manual scoring and IQ assessment process can be time-consuming, particularly for busy psychologists dealing with a high caseload of children and adolescents. Presently, DAP-IQ screening continues to be a manual endeavor conducted by psychologists. The primary objective of our research is to streamline the IQ screening process for psychologists by leveraging deep learning algorithms. In this study, we utilized the DAP-IQ manual to derive IQ measurements and categorized the entire dataset into seven distinct classes: Very Superior, Superior, High Average, Average, Below Average, Significantly Impaired, and Mildly Impaired. The dataset for IQ screening was sourced from primary to high school students aged from 8 to 17, comprising over 1100 sketches, which were subsequently manually classified under the DAP-IQ manual. Subsequently, the manual classified dataset was converted into digital images. To develop the artificial intelligence-based models, various deep learning algorithms were employed, including Convolutional Neural Network (CNN) and state-of-the-art CNN (Transfer Learning) models such as Mobile-Net, Xception, InceptionResNetV2, and InceptionV3. The Mobile-Net model demonstrated remarkable performance, achieving a classification accuracy of 98.68%, surpassing the capabilities of existing methodologies. This research represents a significant step towards expediting and enhancing the IQ screening for psychologists working with diverse age groups. Full article

Background/Objectives: Malan syndrome (MALNS) is an ultra-rare genetic disorder caused by aberrations in the NFIX gene, located at chromosome 19p13.2. Key features of MALNS include general overgrowth, a typical facial gestalt, muscle–skeletal abnormalities, speech difficulties and intellectual disability. Additionally, MALNS frequently presents with autism-like behaviour and social challenges. However, characterisation of the cognitive profile of MALNS, including social perception skills, is limited. Methods: Six children and adolescents with MALNS, whose clinical and emotional–behavioural features had been described in previous studies, were assessed by means of a single, co-normed neuropsychological battery covering multiple cognitive domains. Results: Consistent with their intellectual disability, performance was generally weak across all neuropsychological subtests. Nonetheless, memory for faces, visual attention and contextual (non-verbal) theory of mind emerged as relative strengths of the profile, both at group and individual levels. Conversely, tasks requiring verbal reasoning and language comprehension, such as comprehension of instructions and verbal theory of mind, represented weaknesses for all participants. Conclusions: These findings provide a further characterisation of cognitive and social functioning in MALNS, which can inform future research as well as clinical practice and rehabilitation Full article

Leisure education has the potential to improve the quality of life and prepare students for social participation after graduation. This study elucidates the perspectives of special education teachers on leisure instruction. The study surveyed 129 teachers from 10 special needs schools for students with intellectual disabilities in Prefecture A, a rural area of Japan. An online survey was conducted from 21 October to 17 November 2023. The survey items were based on 13 aspects of leisure instruction identified from a literature review related to leisure instruction in Japan and a qualitative analysis of interviews with high school teachers in special needs schools for students with intellectual disabilities. The results showed that “The ability to pass time during brief periods of free time”, “Various activity experiences that lead to leisure”, and “Knowing one’s strengths and weaknesses in activities” were significantly more important during school. Conversely, “understanding the psychological importance of leisure”, “connecting with organizations that support leisure activities”, and “finding places to engage in leisure activities” were significantly more important after graduation. The results of this study can be used to identify the gaps in perception between special education teachers and vocational rehabilitation practitioners responsible for post-social participation support. Full article

Older adults with intellectual disabilities are not adequately prepared for ageing and show anxiety and uncertainty regarding the future. Therefore, the two-year educational intervention “Good Life in Old Age” was implemented to improve their understanding of ageing and enhance their well-being. This study aimed to explore the meaning of ageing during and after the intervention from the perspective of older adults with mild intellectual disability. The ethnographic design included participant observations, field notes, group interviews, and individual follow-up interviews with 20 adults aged 44–75 (mean 63.2) with intellectual disabilities. The main findings are expressed in four themes; Awareness of ageing with intellectual disabilities, Strengthened as a person through empowering community, Awareness of vulnerability as an older adult, and The educational intervention as a resource to manage vulnerability. The education programme created a social network for healthy ageing with an atmosphere of mutual support fostering greater mental strength and self-confidence. Individual retirement plans should be created to foster socialisation, involving adapted activities and conversations about bereavement and death. There is a need to disseminate and continue developing promising education programmes for older adults with intellectual disabilities to reduce their anxiety about retirement and loneliness and facilitate healthy ageing. Full article

The objective was to investigate the effects of auditory environments on postural balance during cognitive tasks. Nineteen individuals with intellectual disabilities, aged between 15 and 19, participated in the study. The assessment involved center of pressure (CoP) measurements on both firm and foam surfaces under open-eye (OE) and closed-eye (CE) conditions. During these assessments, participants were exposed to nature sounds and noise sounds while performing counting and verbal fluency tasks. The results showed that nature sounds on a firm surface under OE conditions during counting demonstrated a significant decrease in CoP values (p = 0.037), indicating improved postural balance. However, noise sounds on foam surfaces during counting and verbal fluency showed increased CoP values, reflecting impaired postural balance (p < 0.05). In conclusion, nature sounds on a firm surface with OE during counting improved postural balance. Conversely, noise sounds on foam surfaces during counting and verbal fluency tasks impaired postural balance. Full article

Background/Objectives: The evolution of digital technology enhances the broadening of a person’s intellectual growth. Research points out that implementing innovative applications of the digital world improves human social, cognitive, and metacognitive behavior. Artificial intelligence chatbots are yet another innovative human-made construct. These are forms of software that simulate human conversation, understand and process user input, and provide personalized responses. Executive function includes a set of higher mental processes necessary for formulating, planning, and achieving a goal. The present study aims to investigate executive function reinforcement through artificial intelligence chatbots, outlining potentials, limitations, and future research suggestions. Specifically, the study examined three research questions: the use of conversational chatbots in executive functioning training, their impact on executive-cognitive skills, and the duration of any improvements. Methods: The assessment of the existing literature was implemented using the systematic review method, according to the PRISMA 2020 Principles. The avalanche search method was employed to conduct a source search in the following databases: Scopus, Web of Science, PubMed, and complementary Google Scholar. This systematic review included studies from 2021 to the present using experimental, observational, or mixed methods. It included studies using AI-based chatbots or conversationalists to support executive functions, such as anxiety, stress, depression, memory, attention, cognitive load, and behavioral changes. In addition, this study included general populations with specific neurological conditions, all peer-reviewed, written in English, and with full-text access. However, the study excluded studies before 2021, the literature reviews, systematic reviews, non-AI-based chatbots or conversationalists, studies not targeting the range of executive skills and abilities, studies not written in English, and studies without open access. The criteria aligned with the study objectives, ensuring a focus on AI chatbots and the impact of conversational agents on executive function. The initial collection totaled n = 115 articles; however, the eligibility requirements led to the final selection of n = 10 studies. Results: The findings of the studies suggested positive effects of using AI chatbots to enhance and improve executive skills. Although, several limitations were identified, making it still difficult to generalize and reproduce their effects. Conclusions: AI chatbots are an innovative artificial intelligence tool that can function as a digital assistant for learning and expanding executive skills, contributing to the cognitive, metacognitive, and social development of the individual. However, its use in executive skills training is at a primary stage. The findings highlighted the need for a unified framework for reference and future studies, better study designs, diverse populations, larger sample sizes of participants, and longitudinal studies that observe the long-term effects of their use. Full article

This article explores the relatively theoretical question of what contribution academic theology is making to the synodal process and how this interaction might deepen in the years to come. It stresses the importance of what it calls foundational theological questions, employing the thought of the Jesuit philosopher and theologian Bernard Lonergan to define this term. It traces how a slow awareness of the importance of such questions, and an explicit attention to the question of theological method that is related to this, began emerging in the Second Vatican Council. It then suggests that such questions have come closer to the center of attention in the synodal process launched by Pope Francis. It proposes that the synodal process in the future will benefit by making further use of the thought of Lonergan. It leaves to a further study the question of how clarifying foundational and methodological questions in theology might have consequences for Catholic education in general. Full article