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Keywords = personal aptitude

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14 pages, 311 KiB  
Article
Role of Early Trauma on Defense Mechanisms and Coping Strategies in Personality Disorders
by Fabrizio Turiaco, Fiammetta Iannuzzo, Clara Lombardo, Valentina Clementi, Carmela Mento, Antonio Drago, Antonio Bruno, Maria Rosaria Anna Muscatello and Gianluca Pandolfo
Medicina 2025, 61(7), 1162; https://doi.org/10.3390/medicina61071162 - 26 Jun 2025
Viewed by 638
Abstract
Background and Objectives: We investigated whether early psychological trauma can contribute to the development of dysfunctional personality traits and emotional dysregulation. Personality disorders (PDs) are often characterized by using immature defense mechanisms and maladaptive coping strategies. Materials and Methods: We evaluated [...] Read more.
Background and Objectives: We investigated whether early psychological trauma can contribute to the development of dysfunctional personality traits and emotional dysregulation. Personality disorders (PDs) are often characterized by using immature defense mechanisms and maladaptive coping strategies. Materials and Methods: We evaluated the relationship between early traumatic experiences, PDs, defense mechanisms, and coping strategies. A total of 90 patients aged between 18 and 70 with PDs were studied to detect different subtypes of early trauma, along with the defensive mechanisms and the prevailing coping strategies. Correlation and regression analyses aimed at establishing if specific trauma subtypes were associated with specific defense mechanisms and coping strategies. The Childhood Trauma Questionnaire—Short Form (CTQ-SF), the Defense Style Questionnaire 40 (DSQ-40), and the Coping Orientation to Problem Experienced (COPE) were used as psychodiagnostic tools. Results: Our findings determine emotional abuse, emotional neglect, and physical neglect as the most represented subtypes of trauma and underline the use of immature defense mechanisms in PD patients, while adaptive coping strategies, such as social support and positive aptitude were used. Conclusions: Early trauma, such as abuse and neglect, can be associated with dysfunctional defense mechanisms and coping strategies. This may have significant implications for managing not only pathological areas of the patient but also the functional ones. Moreover, being aware of these aspects can be useful for psychotherapy, reinforcing therapeutic alliance and reducing symptoms. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Psychiatry)
19 pages, 2231 KiB  
Article
Personality-Aware Course Recommender System Using Deep Learning for Technical and Vocational Education and Training
by Rana Hammad Hassan, Malik Tahir Hassan, Muhammad Shujah Islam Sameem and Muhammad Aasim Rafique
Information 2024, 15(12), 803; https://doi.org/10.3390/info15120803 - 12 Dec 2024
Cited by 6 | Viewed by 2844
Abstract
Personality represents enduring patterns, providing insights into an individual’s aptitude and behavior. Integrating these insights with learning tendencies shows promise in enhancing learning outcomes, optimizing returns on investment, and reducing dropout rates. This interdisciplinary study integrates techniques in advanced artificial intelligence (AI) with [...] Read more.
Personality represents enduring patterns, providing insights into an individual’s aptitude and behavior. Integrating these insights with learning tendencies shows promise in enhancing learning outcomes, optimizing returns on investment, and reducing dropout rates. This interdisciplinary study integrates techniques in advanced artificial intelligence (AI) with human psychology by analyzing data from the trades of Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) education, by combining them with individual personality traits. This research aims to address dropout rates by providing personalized trade recommendations for TVET, with the goal of optimizing outcome-based personalized learning. The study leverages advanced AI techniques and data from a nationwide TVET program, including information on trades, trainees’ records, and the Big Five personality traits, to develop a Personality-Aware TVET Course Recommendation System (TVET-CRS). The proposed framework demonstrates an accuracy rate of 91%, and a Cohen’s Kappa score of 0.84, with an NMAE at 0.04 and an NDCG at 0.96. TVET-CRS can be effectively integrated into various aspects of the TVET cycle, including dropout prediction, career guidance, on-the-job training assessments, exam evaluations, and personalized course recommendations. Full article
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17 pages, 1020 KiB  
Article
Motivations for Enrolment and Dropout of First-Year Undergraduate Nursing Students: A Pilot Multimethod Study
by Elena Viottini, Alice Ferrero, Beatrice Albanesi, Johnny Acquaro, Giampiera Bulfone, Francesca Condemi, Donatella D’Accolti, Azzurra Massimi, Elisa Mattiussi, Roberta Sturaro, Alessio Conti and Valerio Dimonte
Nurs. Rep. 2024, 14(4), 3488-3504; https://doi.org/10.3390/nursrep14040254 - 13 Nov 2024
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1727
Abstract
Background/Objectives: Higher education institutions must improve the attractiveness and retention of the nursing profession to address the widespread shortage. This pilot multimethod study aimed to preliminarily understand the relationship between motivations for enrolment and dropout among first-year undergraduate nursing students. Methods: A two-step [...] Read more.
Background/Objectives: Higher education institutions must improve the attractiveness and retention of the nursing profession to address the widespread shortage. This pilot multimethod study aimed to preliminarily understand the relationship between motivations for enrolment and dropout among first-year undergraduate nursing students. Methods: A two-step approach was conducted among first-year nursing students from five Italian universities involving: (a) a baseline quantitative online survey collecting their characteristics and motivations for enrolment; (b) a follow-up semi-structured interview qualitative data collection among students who dropped out. Descriptive and inferential statistics were used to describe the motivations for enrolment and differences between universities. Dropout motivations emerged from inductive content analysis, with data categorisation according to Urwin’s framework. Results: A total of 759 students completed the online survey. Primary motivations for enrolment included the desire to be useful (88.8%), help suffering people (84.3%), and find employment (74.2%); 22.3% cited unsuccessful admission to another university as motivation for enrolment. Of the 141 students who discontinued, 31 were interviewed (22%). Eleven categories and three themes were identified. More than half of the participants dropped out due to interest in other courses and lack of aptitude, while a smaller number cited personal circumstances. Other motivations for dropout were related to negative learning environments or feelings and difficulties related to course characteristics. Conclusions: This study provides an initial insight into these complex phenomena that will be instrumental in understanding data from an Italian multicenter cohort study. The findings can inform recommendations and strategies to strengthen the future nursing workforce. Full article
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24 pages, 892 KiB  
Article
AI-Enabled Multi-Mode Electronic Information Innovation Practice Teaching Reform Prediction and Exploration in Application-Oriented Universities
by Ying Chen, Jianrong Bao, Geqi Weng, Yanhai Shang, Chao Liu and Bin Jiang
Systems 2024, 12(10), 442; https://doi.org/10.3390/systems12100442 - 20 Oct 2024
Cited by 3 | Viewed by 2085
Abstract
In view of professional learning and practical training in traditional electronic information education of application-oriented universities, this paper constructs electronic information–innovation practice teaching reform (EI-IPTR).In this scheme, by an integrating artificial intelligence (AI)-enabled curriculum with a multi-mode integrated platform and open-style module, big [...] Read more.
In view of professional learning and practical training in traditional electronic information education of application-oriented universities, this paper constructs electronic information–innovation practice teaching reform (EI-IPTR).In this scheme, by an integrating artificial intelligence (AI)-enabled curriculum with a multi-mode integrated platform and open-style module, big data-based comprehensive education resources are optimally configured. We jointly perform the multi-mode construction of innovative practice teaching, professional education stage design, and teaching management improvement, respectively. Subsequently, new practice teaching mechanisms with information technology and its implementation and management methods are established to achieve better teaching effects. It first strengthens learning and intra-group competition to promote students’ innovation in competitions. Then, the AI technique, i.e., attention mechanism-aided long short-term memory (LSTM), is used to model individual students’ abilities. Thus, it accurately evaluates them for teachers to efficiently manage their teaching process in accordance with their aptitude. The teaching reform practice verifies that the AI-enabled big data optimization of teaching reform has a better effect by the above multi-mode innovation. It exhibits an obvious improvement in the quantity and quality of students’ professional knowledge, personal ability, teamwork, and innovative practice. It is also in accordance with the independent completion of practical course teaching in the analysis of big education data. In addition, it realizes high-quality practical teaching by combining multi-mode, multi-level, and open discipline foundations together with efficient, professional skills. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Information Systems: Discipline, Critical Research and Education)
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16 pages, 304 KiB  
Article
A Spiritually Integrated Approach to Trauma, Grief, and Loss: Applying a Competence Framework for Helping Professionals
by Jo-Ann Vis and Heather Marie Boynton
Religions 2024, 15(8), 931; https://doi.org/10.3390/rel15080931 - 31 Jul 2024
Cited by 3 | Viewed by 5716
Abstract
Exposure to trauma, grief, and loss (TGL) can elicit spiritual pondering and meaning making, which can manifest as unsettled spiritual rumination or evolve into spiritual growth and transcendence. Incorporating a spiritually informed approach with TGL survivors invites spiritual interaction between the individual and [...] Read more.
Exposure to trauma, grief, and loss (TGL) can elicit spiritual pondering and meaning making, which can manifest as unsettled spiritual rumination or evolve into spiritual growth and transcendence. Incorporating a spiritually informed approach with TGL survivors invites spiritual interaction between the individual and professional helper to move beyond the trauma story and influences toward hope and possibility. This approach benefits survivors and offers the professional helper the potential for personal growth and transcendence. Integrating a spiritually informed approach encourages professionals and clients to engage as co-collaborators, co-creators, and co-authors in the change process. It is proposed that appreciation for spiritual attributes is essential for creating a spiritually interactive and dynamic dialogue. This spiritually informed approach can assist the professional helper in guiding individuals through spiritual processes that evoke hope, elicit meaning, and promote growth, offering spiritual transformation following a traumatic event. While the literature offers valuable information concerning the importance of spiritual intelligence and competence, little has been written about the significance of these spiritual attributes for professional helpers as they pertain to the competencies and development of knowledge, skills, and attitudes required for promoting resilience and posttraumatic growth for clients. This reflective article invites readers to consider the value of professional helpers accessing their spiritual aptitude and competence, emphasizing their integral role in facilitating and nurturing resilience and growth for those exposed to trauma. It offers a conceptual framework, which is structured around three developmental levels: exposure, immersion, and mastery. At each level, the framework incorporates specific knowledge, skills, and attitudes that are essential for the professional helper’s spiritual competency development. This framework integrates literature emphasizing spiritual aptitude and post-trauma growth as critical components of spiritual competency development, further highlighting the importance of the role of spirituality in the helping process. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Spirituality, Resilience and Posttraumatic Growth)
20 pages, 2509 KiB  
Article
Leadership Energy Theory for Sustaining Leadership Competence and Effectiveness
by Oluseye Olugboyega, Obuks Ejohwomu, Emmanuel Dele Omopariola and Alohan Omoregie
Merits 2024, 4(2), 191-210; https://doi.org/10.3390/merits4020014 - 7 Jun 2024
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 2969
Abstract
Leaders who lack leadership energy may struggle to demonstrate sustained competence and achieve effectiveness in difficult leadership situations. This research investigates the sources of leadership energy and examines the impact of leadership energy on the development and sustainability of leadership effectiveness and competence. [...] Read more.
Leaders who lack leadership energy may struggle to demonstrate sustained competence and achieve effectiveness in difficult leadership situations. This research investigates the sources of leadership energy and examines the impact of leadership energy on the development and sustainability of leadership effectiveness and competence. This study employed a hypothetico-deductive research design, wherein the formulated hypotheses were tested through structural equation modelling (SEM). Data were collected using a questionnaire survey. A total of 272 responses were received from leaders of various industries, indicating a response rate of 66%. The findings of this study indicate that a leader’s capacity to respond to various situations, comprehend the importance of being directive, prioritize the development of positive attitudes and supportiveness, and recognize the significance of achievement are all factors that contribute to the internal mechanisms necessary for the leader’s manifestation of leadership energy. The study additionally discovered that leaders’ skills, qualities, and abilities are derived and maintained through their internal capacity and personal resilience emanating from their leadership energy. The hypotheses that were validated suggest a direct causal relationship, indicating that leadership motivation, leadership personality, and leadership orientation are significant factors in the generation of leadership energy. This study’s conclusions suggest that to sustain leadership competence and effectiveness, leaders must cultivate a culture that prioritizes both effectiveness and competence. The findings also imply that individuals must establish precise developmental objectives, as well as exhibit cognizance of and the acquisition of leadership expertise, knowledge and approaches. Thus, the need to reevaluate the competency-based approach to leadership is overwhelming. This study introduces the concept of leadership energy as a catalyst for perpetuating leadership effectiveness and competence. The study claims that the energy emanating from the intricate interplay of leaders’ orientation, experience, development, personality, and motivation engenders and perpetuates their efficacy and aptitude. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue People—the Next Sustainability Frontier)
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24 pages, 1303 KiB  
Article
Unlocking Value Co-Creation in Entrepreneurial Ecosystems: The Vital Role of Institutions
by Yuko Inada
Adm. Sci. 2024, 14(5), 82; https://doi.org/10.3390/admsci14050082 - 24 Apr 2024
Cited by 4 | Viewed by 2571
Abstract
The entrepreneurial ecosystem is quite complicated because of the presence of numerous stakeholders and the inclusion of multicultural and social elements in diverse communities. The role of entrepreneurship education in developing entrepreneurial skills and aptitude has evolved. The collaboration between universities, companies, and [...] Read more.
The entrepreneurial ecosystem is quite complicated because of the presence of numerous stakeholders and the inclusion of multicultural and social elements in diverse communities. The role of entrepreneurship education in developing entrepreneurial skills and aptitude has evolved. The collaboration between universities, companies, and organizations in the collaborative online international learning (COIL) approach plays an important role in the entrepreneurial ecosystem to enhance value co-creation. To extend the limited literature on value creation through entrepreneurship education among stakeholders and analyze the entrepreneurial ecosystem from a micro perspective, this study investigated why companies and organizations support universities at the individual, organizational, and institutional levels to foster entrepreneurial ecosystems. Following a global career course using the COIL approach, semi-structured interviews were conducted in person or via Zoom with four representatives of the Embassy of Canada to Japan, Ernst & Young, and Manulife from April to May 2022. The modified grounded theory approach was used to analyze the responses from three institutions. The results showed that students were provided with the opportunity to solve actual issues that the three institutions faced and the students’ perspectives were considered to identify and develop high-quality proposals at the individual, organizational, and institutional levels. The institutional philosophy, organizational engagement and development, and personal development of the representatives of these institutions effectively create values within universities while also forming entrepreneurial ecosystems at Japanese and Canadian companies, organizations, and universities to help build the next generation of leaders. This study has important implications through its contribution to society and the development of an entrepreneurial ecosystem in collaboration with the academic, industrial, and public sectors. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section International Entrepreneurship)
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30 pages, 2053 KiB  
Article
Determinants of Emotion Recognition System Adoption: Empirical Evidence from Malaysia
by Muhammad Nadzree Mohd Yamin, Kamarulzaman Ab. Aziz, Tan Gek Siang and Nor Azlina Ab. Aziz
Appl. Sci. 2023, 13(21), 11854; https://doi.org/10.3390/app132111854 - 30 Oct 2023
Cited by 4 | Viewed by 3299
Abstract
Emotion recognition systems (ERS) are an emerging technology with immense potential, exemplifying the innovative utilization of artificial intelligence (AI) within the context of the fourth industrial revolution (IR 4.0). Given that personalization is a key feature of the fifth industrial revolution (IR 5.0), [...] Read more.
Emotion recognition systems (ERS) are an emerging technology with immense potential, exemplifying the innovative utilization of artificial intelligence (AI) within the context of the fourth industrial revolution (IR 4.0). Given that personalization is a key feature of the fifth industrial revolution (IR 5.0), ERS has the potential to serve as an enabler for IR 5.0. Furthermore, the COVID-19 pandemic has increased the relevance of this technology as work processes were adapted for social distancing and the use of face masks. Even in the post-pandemic era, many individuals continue to wear face masks. Therefore, ERS offers a technological solution to address communication challenges in a masked world. The existing body of knowledge on ERS primarily focuses on exploring modalities or modes for emotion recognition, system development, and the creation of applications utilizing emotion recognition functions. However, to enhance the development of impactful ERS, it is essential for researchers and innovators to understand the factors that influence its usage and adoption among the intended users. Therefore, this study presents a framework that combines technology adoption theories to identify the determinants of ERS adoption among Malaysian youth. Data for this study were collected through a survey involving 386 respondents. The findings revealed attitudes, subjective norms, perceived behavioral control, and awareness as significant determinants of ERS adoption. Additionally, the study found that technology aptitude plays a moderating role. These insights can inform the formulation of effective policies and programs to encourage and facilitate the development of innovative ERS solutions. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Intelligent Information Systems and AI Applications)
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13 pages, 909 KiB  
Article
What Competencies and Capabilities Identify a Good Teacher? Design of an Instrument to Measure Preservice Teachers’ Perceptions
by Elena Martín-Pastor, Beatriz Sánchez-Barbero, Diego Corrochano and Alejandro Gómez-Gonçalves
Educ. Sci. 2023, 13(8), 789; https://doi.org/10.3390/educsci13080789 - 3 Aug 2023
Cited by 5 | Viewed by 2159
Abstract
Teachers should not only be regarded as professionals with a large amount of knowledge that they must transmit but are also expected to fulfil other functions and possess other qualities to overcome the teaching challenge. This paper is aimed at designing and validating [...] Read more.
Teachers should not only be regarded as professionals with a large amount of knowledge that they must transmit but are also expected to fulfil other functions and possess other qualities to overcome the teaching challenge. This paper is aimed at designing and validating an instrument to identify preservice teachers’ perceptions about the competencies and capabilities that a good teacher should have. The study sample is made up of 230 university students who are in their teaching training practises and internships in schools. According to the consulted literature, we elaborated a questionnaire composed of 23 items that are subdivided into four dimensions: personal qualities, training, pedagogical aptitude, and interaction. We analysed reliability (Cronbach’s alpha value was 0.924, and, by dimensions, all values were higher than 0.75; the Orion accuracy coefficients by dimensions were all higher than 0.88) and construct validity, obtaining a good quality of the items (with factor loadings above 0.50), after eliminating one of them. We also obtained a high correlation between dimensions; the lowest value is 0.87. We have therefore achieved a final instrument made up of 22 items that helps identify the set of qualities that a good teacher must have and can serve as a guide for the design and planning of their initial and ongoing training. Full article
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15 pages, 1905 KiB  
Perspective
The Changing Environment in Postgraduate Education in Orthopedic Surgery and Neurosurgery and Its Impact on Technology-Driven Targeted Interventional and Surgical Pain Management: Perspectives from Europe, Latin America, Asia, and The United States
by Kai-Uwe Lewandrowski, John C. Elfar, Zong-Ming Li, Benedikt W. Burkhardt, Morgan P. Lorio, Peter A. Winkler, Joachim M. Oertel, Albert E. Telfeian, Álvaro Dowling, Roth A. A. Vargas, Ricardo Ramina, Ivo Abraham, Marjan Assefi, Huilin Yang, Xifeng Zhang, Jorge Felipe Ramírez León, Rossano Kepler Alvim Fiorelli, Mauricio G. Pereira, Paulo Sérgio Teixeira de Carvalho, Helton Defino, Jaime Moyano, Kang Taek Lim, Hyeun-Sung Kim, Nicola Montemurro, Anthony Yeung and Pietro Novellinoadd Show full author list remove Hide full author list
J. Pers. Med. 2023, 13(5), 852; https://doi.org/10.3390/jpm13050852 - 18 May 2023
Cited by 16 | Viewed by 4507
Abstract
Personalized care models are dominating modern medicine. These models are rooted in teaching future physicians the skill set to keep up with innovation. In orthopedic surgery and neurosurgery, education is increasingly influenced by augmented reality, simulation, navigation, robotics, and in some cases, artificial [...] Read more.
Personalized care models are dominating modern medicine. These models are rooted in teaching future physicians the skill set to keep up with innovation. In orthopedic surgery and neurosurgery, education is increasingly influenced by augmented reality, simulation, navigation, robotics, and in some cases, artificial intelligence. The postpandemic learning environment has also changed, emphasizing online learning and skill- and competency-based teaching models incorporating clinical and bench-top research. Attempts to improve work–life balance and minimize physician burnout have led to work-hour restrictions in postgraduate training programs. These restrictions have made it particularly challenging for orthopedic and neurosurgery residents to acquire the knowledge and skill set to meet the requirements for certification. The fast-paced flow of information and the rapid implementation of innovation require higher efficiencies in the modern postgraduate training environment. However, what is taught typically lags several years behind. Examples include minimally invasive tissue-sparing techniques through tubular small-bladed retractor systems, robotic and navigation, endoscopic, patient-specific implants made possible by advances in imaging technology and 3D printing, and regenerative strategies. Currently, the traditional roles of mentee and mentor are being redefined. The future orthopedic surgeons and neurosurgeons involved in personalized surgical pain management will need to be versed in several disciplines ranging from bioengineering, basic research, computer, social and health sciences, clinical study, trial design, public health policy development, and economic accountability. Solutions to the fast-paced innovation cycle in orthopedic surgery and neurosurgery include adaptive learning skills to seize opportunities for innovation with execution and implementation by facilitating translational research and clinical program development across traditional boundaries between clinical and nonclinical specialties. Preparing the future generation of surgeons to have the aptitude to keep up with the rapid technological advances is challenging for postgraduate residency programs and accreditation agencies. However, implementing clinical protocol change when the entrepreneur–investigator surgeon substantiates it with high-grade clinical evidence is at the heart of personalized surgical pain management. Full article
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12 pages, 505 KiB  
Article
Person-Centered Study of Cognitive Ability Dimensions Using Latent Profile Analysis
by Jeffrey M. Conte and Rebecca K. Harmata
J. Intell. 2023, 11(5), 80; https://doi.org/10.3390/jintelligence11050080 - 26 Apr 2023
Cited by 3 | Viewed by 3107
Abstract
A number of researchers have called for additional investigations into cognitive ability and intelligence in recent years. This paper utilized a person-centered approach, multiple cognitive ability dimensions, and latent profile analysis to investigate multivariate relationships among cognitive ability dimensions in a sample of [...] Read more.
A number of researchers have called for additional investigations into cognitive ability and intelligence in recent years. This paper utilized a person-centered approach, multiple cognitive ability dimensions, and latent profile analysis to investigate multivariate relationships among cognitive ability dimensions in a sample of 1681 Army recruits. Six cognitive ability dimensions were assessed via the Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery. Performance measures were obtained from supervisor ratings of Effort, Discipline, and Peer Leadership. Using latent profile analysis, the results identified five distinct cognitive profiles or classes, which differed significantly across the three types of supervisor ratings. Full article
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18 pages, 2748 KiB  
Article
“When You’re Smiling”: How Posed Facial Expressions Affect Visual Recognition of Emotions
by Francesca Benuzzi, Daniela Ballotta, Claudia Casadio, Vanessa Zanelli, Carlo Adolfo Porro, Paolo Frigio Nichelli and Fausta Lui
Brain Sci. 2023, 13(4), 668; https://doi.org/10.3390/brainsci13040668 - 16 Apr 2023
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 3602
Abstract
Facial imitation occurs automatically during the perception of an emotional facial expression, and preventing it may interfere with the accuracy of emotion recognition. In the present fMRI study, we evaluated the effect of posing a facial expression on the recognition of ambiguous facial [...] Read more.
Facial imitation occurs automatically during the perception of an emotional facial expression, and preventing it may interfere with the accuracy of emotion recognition. In the present fMRI study, we evaluated the effect of posing a facial expression on the recognition of ambiguous facial expressions. Since facial activity is affected by various factors, such as empathic aptitudes, the Interpersonal Reactivity Index (IRI) questionnaire was administered and scores were correlated with brain activity. Twenty-six healthy female subjects took part in the experiment. The volunteers were asked to pose a facial expression (happy, disgusted, neutral), then to watch an ambiguous emotional face, finally to indicate whether the emotion perceived was happiness or disgust. As stimuli, blends of happy and disgusted faces were used. Behavioral results showed that posing an emotional face increased the percentage of congruence with the perceived emotion. When participants posed a facial expression and perceived a non-congruent emotion, a neural network comprising bilateral anterior insula was activated. Brain activity was also correlated with empathic traits, particularly with empathic concern, fantasy and personal distress. Our findings support the idea that facial mimicry plays a crucial role in identifying emotions, and that empathic emotional abilities can modulate the brain circuits involved in this process. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Cognitive, Social and Affective Neuroscience)
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10 pages, 458 KiB  
Article
Selection of Appropriate Dogs to Be Therapy Dogs Using the C-BARQ
by Mayu Sakurama, Miki Ito, Yumiko Nakanowataru and Takanori Kooriyama
Animals 2023, 13(5), 834; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani13050834 - 24 Feb 2023
Cited by 8 | Viewed by 4662
Abstract
In recent years, therapy dogs in medical and assisted living facilities have become popular in Japan, and the demand for such dogs has increased. However, some owners have their dogs take this test, which evaluates the dog’s talent, without understanding what is required [...] Read more.
In recent years, therapy dogs in medical and assisted living facilities have become popular in Japan, and the demand for such dogs has increased. However, some owners have their dogs take this test, which evaluates the dog’s talent, without understanding what is required of the test. The system needs to teach owners in an understandable way whether their dog is suitable to become a therapy dog so that the owners can determine if their dog is ready to be tested. Therefore, we suggest that easy at-home testing is likely to encourage dog owners to apply for their dog to take the aptitude test. If more dogs take the test, more therapy dogs can be born. The purpose of this study was to identify the personality traits of therapy dogs that pass the aptitude test by using the Canine Behavior Assessment and Research Questionnaire (C-BARQ). The C-BARQ was administered to dogs that previously passed the aptitude test for therapy training at the Hokkaido Volunteer Dog Association, assessing their behavioural displays. A factor analysis was conducted for each questionnaire item, and a total of 98 items were analyzed. Data were collected from the results of 110 dogs encompassing 30 dog breeds, with the most common breeds including Labrador Retrievers, Golden Retrievers, and Toy Poodles. Factor analysis revealed that 14 extracted factors should be evaluated. Given these personality traits and the fact that breed and age did not influence aptitude, we believe that a variety of dogs have the potential to become therapy dogs. Full article
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9 pages, 1636 KiB  
Article
Connections between the Academic Achievement, Vocational Selection, and Careers of Pilots
by Vytautas Rimša, Aldona Radzevičienė and Mantvydas Latvėnas
Soc. Sci. 2023, 12(2), 79; https://doi.org/10.3390/socsci12020079 - 1 Feb 2023
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1477
Abstract
Research demonstrates that a pilot should have specific skills and abilities. Therefore, professional aptitude tests developed by AGAI are used to select the best graduates for the pilot profession. This research investigates the connections between pilots’ academic achievement, vocational selection, and careers. The [...] Read more.
Research demonstrates that a pilot should have specific skills and abilities. Therefore, professional aptitude tests developed by AGAI are used to select the best graduates for the pilot profession. This research investigates the connections between pilots’ academic achievement, vocational selection, and careers. The sample comprises 52 subjects who started studying in 2009, 2010, and 2011. They were evaluated based on their maturity examinations, vocational selection, academic achievement, and professional career. We observed that the average scores for the pilots’ Lithuanian language, mathematics, and physics maturity examinations are statistically significantly higher (p < 0.05) than the average scores of Lithuanian school graduates. The vast majority of the enrolled students completed their studies and began work in their field of specialty. The academic achievement of those working as pilots (a person who has completed 5 years of pilot studies and works as a captain or first officer) differ in that their average scores in physical study subjects are statistically significantly higher. The graduates who received higher study scores during this study show a statistically significant frequency in their employment as pilots (2–4 quartile). These research findings show that academic achievement and vocational selection are characteristics of those who work as pilots. Full article
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15 pages, 1167 KiB  
Article
Parental, Teacher and Peer Effects on the Social Behaviors of Chinese Adolescents: A Structural Equation Modeling Analysis
by Chao Huang, Cheng Li, Fengyi Zhao, Jing Zhu, Shaokang Wang, Jin Yang and Guiju Sun
Brain Sci. 2023, 13(2), 191; https://doi.org/10.3390/brainsci13020191 - 23 Jan 2023
Cited by 12 | Viewed by 3512
Abstract
Adolescent behavior is closely related to academic and long-term personal development, and adolescents are vulnerable to the influences from people around them. This study aimed to analyze the factors and mechanisms that influence the behavior of adolescents. It examines the impact of family, [...] Read more.
Adolescent behavior is closely related to academic and long-term personal development, and adolescents are vulnerable to the influences from people around them. This study aimed to analyze the factors and mechanisms that influence the behavior of adolescents. It examines the impact of family, teachers, and peers on adolescent prosocial behavior and misconduct. Data were obtained from the China Education Panel Survey (CEPS) follow-up data (2014–2015 school year) and 7835 middle school student participants were used for analysis. Structural equation modeling (SEM) was used to explore the influence and mechanisms of family, teachers, and peers on the development of adolescent social behavior. The findings showed that parental relationships, parental discipline, teacher supervision, and positive peer behavior were positively associated with adolescent prosocial behaviors and reduced the incidence of delinquent behaviors, while frequent home–school contact was associated with misconduct (all p < 0.01). These results remained significant after controlling for gender, residence, only-child status, family financial situation, and paternal education. Significant others in an adolescent’s life play multiple essential roles in forming and developing adolescent behavior and in directly influencing them. To guide the prosocial behaviors of middle school students and reduce delinquent behavior, we should build harmonious parent—child, peer, and teacher–student relationships, teach according to their aptitudes, pay attention to particular groups and strengthen psychological health education to develop their self-esteem and self-confidence. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Behavioral Neuroscience)
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