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Keywords = social and everyday communication

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23 pages, 908 KiB  
Article
Employee Perceptions of ESG Policy Implementation in Urban and Rural Financial Institutions
by Jelena Vapa Tankosić, Nemanja Lekić, Miroslav Čavlin, Vinko Burnać, Milovan Mirkov, Radivoj Prodanović, Gordana Bejatović, Nedeljko Prdić and Borjana Mirjanić
Agriculture 2025, 15(15), 1684; https://doi.org/10.3390/agriculture15151684 - 4 Aug 2025
Viewed by 186
Abstract
The purpose of this research is to examine employee perceptions regarding the implementation of ESG (environmental, social, and governance) practices in financial institutions, with a comparative focus on urban and rural banks in the Republic of Serbia. The study investigates how employees assess [...] Read more.
The purpose of this research is to examine employee perceptions regarding the implementation of ESG (environmental, social, and governance) practices in financial institutions, with a comparative focus on urban and rural banks in the Republic of Serbia. The study investigates how employees assess environmental, social, and governance aspects of ESG, as well as their own role in applying these principles in everyday work. The results reveal statistically significant differences between the two groups; employees in urban banks report greater engagement, more access to training, and stronger involvement in ESG decision-making. These findings suggest the existence of more developed institutional support, infrastructure, and organisational culture in urban banks. In contrast, employees in rural banks highlight the need for enhanced training, clearer ESG guidance, and improved oversight mechanisms. The study underlines the importance of investing in employee development and internal communication, particularly in rural contexts, to improve ESG outcomes. By focusing on employee-level perceptions, this research contributes to the understanding of how organisational and geographic factors influence the implementation of ESG-related practices in financial institutions. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainability and Energy Economics in Agriculture—2nd Edition)
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13 pages, 583 KiB  
Review
Chronic Disease in Pediatric Population—A Narrative Review of Psychosocial Dimensions and Strategies for Management
by Francesca Mastorci, Maria Francesca Lodovica Lazzeri, Lamia Ait-Ali, Pierluigi Festa and Alessandro Pingitore
Children 2025, 12(8), 967; https://doi.org/10.3390/children12080967 - 23 Jul 2025
Viewed by 309
Abstract
Children living with chronic diseases represent a great challenge for the health care system, their families, and communities. These young patients face continuous medical needs that affect not only their health but also their daily routines, emotional well-being, and family dynamics. In response, [...] Read more.
Children living with chronic diseases represent a great challenge for the health care system, their families, and communities. These young patients face continuous medical needs that affect not only their health but also their daily routines, emotional well-being, and family dynamics. In response, clinical practice is increasingly integrating psychosocial indicators alongside traditional medical parameters. Consequently, there is a growing consensus that the evaluation of pediatric chronic diseases should address not only clinical dimensions but also the disease’s impact on socialization, emotional health, and daily functioning. This narrative review explores the role of psychosocial variables in the management of pediatric chronic illnesses, including the experiences of parents and siblings, with a focus on effective strategies to improve everyday life. The integration of quality of life and well-being within a multidimensional care model could be instrumental in both symptom management and psychosocial support. Recognizing that children with chronic conditions are at increased risk for long-term adverse outcomes, it is critical to develop interventions that go beyond clinical care, encompassing education, coping reinforcement, and family-centered approaches. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Pediatric Mental Health)
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15 pages, 279 KiB  
Article
Religious Minorities in the Spanish Public Sphere: Ethnographic Contributions for Improving the Public Management of Religious Diversity
by Óscar Salguero Montaño and Carmen Castilla Vázquez
Religions 2025, 16(7), 932; https://doi.org/10.3390/rel16070932 - 18 Jul 2025
Viewed by 327
Abstract
When designing, implementing and assessing public policies, and, in particular, those affecting the public management of religious diversity, it is increasingly common to include ethnographic approaches from the field of social anthropology and the broader social sciences. Ethnographic practice can provide more representative [...] Read more.
When designing, implementing and assessing public policies, and, in particular, those affecting the public management of religious diversity, it is increasingly common to include ethnographic approaches from the field of social anthropology and the broader social sciences. Ethnographic practice can provide more representative and accurate perspectives on the actors, settings, and social phenomena subject to regulation. This article presents the findings of an ethnographic study on two minority religious communities, conducted by a team of anthropologists within the framework of a broader research project on religious freedom in Spain, led by jurists. Based on two case studies—the teaching of Evangelical religion in state schools and Islamic burial practices—our study analyses the implications of the varying degrees of public recognition, as well as how this recognition actually manifests in the everyday practice of religious groups within a context of religious diversity. The study also examines the barriers to the full participation of these communities in public institutions and civil society, as well as the discourses, strategies, and practices they develop to overcome these challenges. Full article
19 pages, 259 KiB  
Article
Understanding the Impact of Assistive Technology on Users’ Lives in England: A Capability Approach
by Rebecca Joskow, Dilisha Patel, Anna Landre, Kate Mattick, Catherine Holloway, Jamie Danemayer and Victoria Austin
Bioengineering 2025, 12(7), 750; https://doi.org/10.3390/bioengineering12070750 - 9 Jul 2025
Viewed by 567
Abstract
This study presents an analysis of England’s 2023 national assessment of assistive technology (AT) access and use, with a particular focus on the qualitative impact of AT as described by users. It aims to address limitations in conventional AT impact assessments, which often [...] Read more.
This study presents an analysis of England’s 2023 national assessment of assistive technology (AT) access and use, with a particular focus on the qualitative impact of AT as described by users. It aims to address limitations in conventional AT impact assessments, which often prioritize clinical outcomes or user satisfaction, by offering a deeper account of how impact is experienced in everyday life. Drawing on data from a nationally representative survey of 7000 disabled adults and children, as well as six focus group discussions and 28 semi-structured interviews with stakeholders across the WHO 5Ps framework (People, Providers, Personnel, Policy, and Products), the study applies Amartya Sen and Martha Nussbaum’s Capability Approach to explore these experiences. Using inductive thematic analysis, we identify three main domains of user-reported impact: Functions and Activities (e.g., mobility, communication, vision, leisure, daily routines, and cognitive support), Outcomes (e.g., autonomy, quality of life, safety, social participation, wellbeing, and work and learning), and Lived Experience (e.g., access barriers, essentiality, identity and emotional connection, peace of mind, and sense of control and confidence). These findings offer a more user-centered understanding of AT impact and can inform the development of future measurement tools, research design, and government-led interventions to improve AT provision. Full article
22 pages, 792 KiB  
Article
Childhood Heritage Languages: A Tangier Case Study
by Ariadna Saiz Mingo
Languages 2025, 10(7), 168; https://doi.org/10.3390/languages10070168 - 9 Jul 2025
Viewed by 392
Abstract
Through the testimony of a Tangier female citizen who grew up in the “prolific multilingual Spanish-French-Darija context of international Tangier”, this article analyzes the web of beliefs projected onto both the inherited and local languages within her linguistic repertoire. Starting from the daily [...] Read more.
Through the testimony of a Tangier female citizen who grew up in the “prolific multilingual Spanish-French-Darija context of international Tangier”, this article analyzes the web of beliefs projected onto both the inherited and local languages within her linguistic repertoire. Starting from the daily realities in which she was immersed and the social networks that she formed, we focus on the representations of communication and her affective relationship with the host societies. The analysis starts from the most immediate domestic context in which Spanish, in its variant Jaquetía (a dialect of Judeo-Spanish language spoken by the Sephardic Jews of northern Morocco) was displaced by French as the language of instruction. After an initial episode of reversible attrition, we witnessed various phenomena of translanguaging within the host society. Following the binomial “emotion-interrelational space”, we seek to discern the affective contexts associated with the languages of a multilingual childhood, and which emotional links are vital for maintaining inherited ones. This shift towards the valuation of the affective culture implies a reorientation of the gaze towards everyday experiences as a means of research in contexts of language contact. Full article
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14 pages, 715 KiB  
Article
Preferences of South African Adolescents Living with HIV in the Western Cape Province Regarding the Use of Digital Technology for Self-Management
by Leonie Weyers, Talitha Crowley and Lwandile Tokwe
Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2025, 22(7), 972; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph22070972 - 20 Jun 2025
Viewed by 431
Abstract
Adolescents living with HIV (ALHIV) face significant challenges in self-managing their chronic condition. Digital health technology (DHT) has become increasingly common and understanding ALHIVs’ preferences is essential for developing interventions tailored to this unique population. This study aimed to explore the preferences of [...] Read more.
Adolescents living with HIV (ALHIV) face significant challenges in self-managing their chronic condition. Digital health technology (DHT) has become increasingly common and understanding ALHIVs’ preferences is essential for developing interventions tailored to this unique population. This study aimed to explore the preferences of ALHIV regarding the use of DHT for self-management. A qualitative research approach with an exploratory and descriptive design was used. Participants were recruited using a purposive sampling method. Data were gathered through six nominal focus groups with 29 participants at two Community Health Centers in the Western Cape Province, South Africa. The participants were ALHIV aged 15–24 years. Discussions focused on current technology usage and the ranking of desired DHT features. The transcripts were analyzed using thematic analysis. Three main themes emerged: (1) everyday usage of digital technology where participants frequently used digital devices for communication, social media, and finding information; (2) the role of digital technology in self-management; a strong interest in digital technology that provides medication reminders, health education, and peer support; and (3) factors influencing digital technology, including the cost of data, limited connectivity, and issues of privacy related to participants’ HIV status. The ALHIV showed a strong willingness to use digital platforms for health information, reminders, and peer support, although concerns about connectivity, data cost, and privacy remain. These findings underscore the need for flexible, user-centered approaches when designing DHT interventions for self-management in South Africa. Full article
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26 pages, 25577 KiB  
Article
Stintino (Sardinia, Italy): A Destination Balancing Tourist Gaze and Local Heritage
by Sonia Malvica, Valentina Arru, Nicoletta Pinna, Andreea Andra-Topârceanu and Donatella Carboni
Sustainability 2025, 17(12), 5650; https://doi.org/10.3390/su17125650 - 19 Jun 2025
Viewed by 914
Abstract
The present study explores residents’ perceptions of Stintino (Sardinia, Italy) as a tourist destination. The municipality is predominantly known for La Pelosa beach, widely regarded as one of the most attractive coastal sites in Europe. However, its popularity has raised critical issues related [...] Read more.
The present study explores residents’ perceptions of Stintino (Sardinia, Italy) as a tourist destination. The municipality is predominantly known for La Pelosa beach, widely regarded as one of the most attractive coastal sites in Europe. However, its popularity has raised critical issues related to carrying capacity and seasonal overcrowding, contributing to a tourism model centered almost exclusively on beach-related activities. This study aims to investigate how locals conceptualize their place beyond the dominant seaside narrative, particularly considering Stintino’s identity as a former fishing village with a strong maritime tradition. As part of Italy’s designated inner areas, Stintino also embodies a deep-rooted connection to cultural heritage, further reinforcing the need for its preservation. Adopting a photovoice-based participatory visual methodology, this study engaged 15 local stakeholders from key sectors (hospitality, fishing tourism, retail, gastronomy, and cultural institutions) who produced and discussed photographic representations of their lived experience of the territory. The visual material was thematically analyzed using a conceptual framework informed by theories of place perception and social representations. The findings suggested a multifaceted territorial storytelling rooted in local heritage, symbolic spaces, and everyday practices. Tourism governance strategies could incorporate community-based approaches, such as participatory mapping and inclusive narrative development, to foster more sustainable and place-sensitive promotion models. Full article
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21 pages, 1151 KiB  
Article
Combining Virtual Reality Visual Novels and Social Stories to Support Social and Emotional Development in Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder
by Katerina Atsalaki and Ioannis Kazanidis
Appl. Sci. 2025, 15(12), 6584; https://doi.org/10.3390/app15126584 - 11 Jun 2025
Viewed by 531
Abstract
Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental condition affecting social interaction, communication, and emotional regulation, often requiring specialized educational approaches. Traditional teaching methods may not meet the needs of children with ASD, while visual and interactive formats tend to be more effective. This [...] Read more.
Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental condition affecting social interaction, communication, and emotional regulation, often requiring specialized educational approaches. Traditional teaching methods may not meet the needs of children with ASD, while visual and interactive formats tend to be more effective. This study examines the use of a virtual reality (VR) visual novel incorporating social stories to support social–emotional learning in children with Level 1 ASD. The intervention used an interactive, choice-based VR environment simulating everyday social situations. Four primary school students participated in a one-week case study, during which they engaged with the VR prototype. Teachers observed the students and provided feedback through questionnaires and interviews. Results showed high engagement with observable social communication behaviors and emotional responses in one participant but no consistent short-term changes across the group. All teachers expressed positive views, noting the tool’s visual clarity, ease of use, and alignment with ASD learners’ needs. Usability challenges were minimal but included pacing delays and difficulties managing impulsive behavior. Although limited by sample size and short duration, the findings indicate that VR visual novels are a promising and acceptable approach for practicing social–emotional skills in inclusive classrooms. Further research is needed to evaluate long-term effects and enhance adaptability. Full article
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21 pages, 1579 KiB  
Article
MOOCs in Heritage Education: Content Analysis and Didactic Strategies for Heritage Conceptualization
by Inmaculada Sánchez-Macías, Olaia Fontal Merillas, Pablo de Castro Martín and Andrea García-Guerrero
Heritage 2025, 8(6), 218; https://doi.org/10.3390/heritage8060218 - 7 Jun 2025
Viewed by 1205
Abstract
This article carries out an interdisciplinary analysis of five MOOC courses developed by the University of Valladolid and offered on higher education platforms between 2020 and 2024. This research is based on the study of the lexical categories used by the informants participating [...] Read more.
This article carries out an interdisciplinary analysis of five MOOC courses developed by the University of Valladolid and offered on higher education platforms between 2020 and 2024. This research is based on the study of the lexical categories used by the informants participating in these courses, establishing a correlation with the theoretical and practical debates surrounding the definition of heritage and the frameworks of contemporary heritage education. Through a metalinguistic approach, the semantic limits of the emerging lexical categories are examined, paying attention to their ambiguity, polysemy and contexts of use, both from a formal linguistic perspective and from a hermeneutic approach. The analysis is based on natural language processing tools, complemented by qualitative techniques from applied linguistics and cultural studies. This dual approach, both scientific–statistical and humanistically nuanced, allows us to identify recurrent discursive patterns, as well as significant variations in the conceptualization of heritage according to the socio-cultural and geographical profiles of the participants. The results of the linguistic analysis are contrasted with the thematic lines investigated by our research group, focusing on cultural policy, legacy policies, narratives linked to the culture of depopulation, disputed scientific paradigms, and specific lexical categories in the Latin American context. In this sense, the article takes a critical look at discursive production in massive online learning environments, positioning language as a key indicator of the processes of cultural resignification and the construction of legacy knowledge in the Ibero-American context. The findings of my scientific article underscore the pressing need for a multiform liberation of the traditionally constrained concept of heritage, which has long been framed within rigid institutional, legal, and disciplinary boundaries. This normative framework, often centered on materiality, monumentalism, and expert-driven narratives, limits the full potential of heritage as a relational and socially embedded construct. My research reveals that diverse social agents—ranging from educators and local communities to cultural mediators and digital users—demand a more flexible, inclusive, and participatory understanding of heritage. This shift calls for redefining legacy not as a static legacy to be preserved but as a dynamic bond, deeply rooted in affective, symbolic, and intersubjective dimensions. The concept of “heritage as bond”, as developed in contemporary critical theory, provides a robust framework for this reconceptualization. Furthermore, the article highlights the need for a new vehiculation of access—one that expands heritage experience and appropriation beyond elite circles and institutionalized contexts into broader social ecosystems such as education, digital platforms, civil society, and everyday life. This approach promotes legacy democratization, fostering horizontal engagement and collective meaning-making. Ultimately, the findings advocate for a paradigm shift toward an open, polyphonic, and affective heritage model, capable of responding to contemporary socio-cultural complexities. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Progress in Heritage Education: Evolving Techniques and Methods)
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21 pages, 11663 KiB  
Article
Exploring Gamification’s Role in Shaping Socially Sustainable Urban Spaces: A Case Study of Gensen in SOLANA, Beijing
by Yanhua Yao, Zheyu Li and Sai Ma
Buildings 2025, 15(12), 1969; https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings15121969 - 6 Jun 2025
Viewed by 663
Abstract
This paper explores the innovative integration of digitalization and gamification in urban design to address social sustainability challenges in rapidly evolving cities. Using Gensen, a metaverse platform launched in 2024, as a case study, the research investigates how the convergence of virtual environments [...] Read more.
This paper explores the innovative integration of digitalization and gamification in urban design to address social sustainability challenges in rapidly evolving cities. Using Gensen, a metaverse platform launched in 2024, as a case study, the research investigates how the convergence of virtual environments and real urban spaces can foster new forms of social interaction, spatial usage, and community engagement. The motivation behind this study is to assess the potential of gamification in enhancing social sustainability within digitalized urban contexts. By introducing the opening event, “Treasure Hunting”, established by Gensen, the study examines how users engage with existing urban settings through a gamified approach. The research investigates how gameful design, facilitated by digitalization, can transform public spaces into more dynamic environments that encourage diverse participation while also addressing emerging risks such as spatial inequality resulting from varying levels of access to digital tools and literacy. The research questions focus on how gamification can bridge these gaps and contribute to creating more inclusive urban environments. In conclusion, the study argues that current gamified design approaches, based on digitalization, often overlook the playfulness inherent in physical environments and human interaction. However, a bottom-up approach that emphasizes individuals’ understanding of the inherent playfulness in existing urban spaces is still lacking. This aspect needs further exploration to inform and enhance gameful design strategies aimed at promoting social sustainability in urban development. Bridging this gap is essential for integrating digital interventions into everyday life, ultimately achieving a more effective gameful design in urban contexts. Full article
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50 pages, 2839 KiB  
Article
A Predictive Framework for Understanding Multidimensional Security Perceptions Among Students in Serbia: The Role of Institutional, Socio-Economic, and Demographic Determinants of Sustainability
by Vladimir M. Cvetković, Milan Lipovac, Renate Renner, Svetlana Stanarević and Zlatko Raonić
Sustainability 2025, 17(11), 5030; https://doi.org/10.3390/su17115030 - 30 May 2025
Viewed by 1118
Abstract
This study investigates and forecasts multidimensional security perceptions among Serbian university students, who are a particularly engaged and vulnerable demographic in transitional societies. It examines how demographic traits, socio-economic status, and levels of institutional trust and engagement shape students’ evaluations of security in [...] Read more.
This study investigates and forecasts multidimensional security perceptions among Serbian university students, who are a particularly engaged and vulnerable demographic in transitional societies. It examines how demographic traits, socio-economic status, and levels of institutional trust and engagement shape students’ evaluations of security in everyday life. The study examines six primary dimensions of security perception: personal safety, safety at public events and demonstrations, perceived national threats, digital security and privacy, perception of emergencies and crises, and trust in institutions and security policies. A structured online survey was administered to a sample of 406 university students selected through non-probability purposive sampling from major academic centres in Serbia, including Belgrade, Niš, Novi Sad, and Kragujevac. The questionnaire, based on a five-point Likert scale, was designed to measure levels of agreement across the six dimensions. Data were analysed using multiple regression, one-way ANOVA, Pearson’s correlation, and independent samples t-tests. All necessary statistical assumptions were met, ensuring the reliability and validity of the results. Descriptive statistics indicated moderate to moderately high overall perceived safety, with personal safety scoring the highest, followed by digital security and disaster preparedness. Lower scores were recorded for public event safety, perceived national threats, and, in particular, trust in institutional security policies. Regression analysis revealed that key predictors of perceived safety varied across dimensions: gender was a significant predictor of personal safety. At the same time, family financial status had a strong influence on perceptions of safety at public events. These findings offer valuable insights for designing targeted risk communication, inclusive policy initiatives, and institutional reforms that aim to enhance youth resilience, civic trust, and participatory security governance, ultimately contributing to long-term social sustainability. Full article
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29 pages, 31652 KiB  
Article
Low-Carbon Practices and Cultural Adaptation Among Older Chinese Migrants: Insights from Walking Interviews on Environmental Policy and Social Integration
by Qing Ni, Hua Dong and Antonios Kaniadakis
Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2025, 22(6), 832; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph22060832 - 25 May 2025
Viewed by 585
Abstract
This study employs walking interviews to examine the low-carbon practices, cultural adaptation, and policy awareness of older Chinese migrants in the UK within their everyday environments. A total of 20 participants were interviewed in public spaces such as parks, supermarkets, and their homes. [...] Read more.
This study employs walking interviews to examine the low-carbon practices, cultural adaptation, and policy awareness of older Chinese migrants in the UK within their everyday environments. A total of 20 participants were interviewed in public spaces such as parks, supermarkets, and their homes. Using contextual thematic analysis, the study identifies key factors influencing their environmental behaviors. The findings reveal the following: (1) Language barriers, economic pressures, and social isolation limit migrants’ understanding of environmental policies. Many participants rely on self-sufficient ethnic community networks rather than engaging with mainstream sources; (2) Generational differences are evident—younger migrants demonstrate greater theoretical awareness of environmental policies, whereas older migrants exhibit stronger low-carbon behaviors through energy conservation and waste reduction; (3) A balance between cultural identity and consumption habits—while some migrants adjust their dietary, spending, and linguistic habits, core cultural values such as frugality and family responsibility remain unchanged. This study highlights the value of walking interviews in capturing situational insights into low-carbon behaviors and cultural adaptation. It provides empirical evidence for government agencies and community organizations, advocating for cross-cultural environmental education and improved policy communication. Recommendations include targeted environmental training, community-based volunteer initiatives, intergenerational environmental education, and policy dissemination through WeChat, Chinese communities, and ethnic networks. These measures can help bridge the generational gap in policy awareness and promote social integration among older Chinese migrants. Full article
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14 pages, 581 KiB  
Article
Body Image Concerns and Psychological Distress in Adults with Hearing Aids: A Case-Control Study
by Enrico Apa, Silvia Ferrari, Daniele Monzani, Andrea Ciorba, Luca Sacchetto, Virginia Dallari, Riccardo Nocini and Silvia Palma
Audiol. Res. 2025, 15(3), 62; https://doi.org/10.3390/audiolres15030062 - 24 May 2025
Viewed by 829
Abstract
Background/Objectives: Hearing loss represents an important communication barrier which can lead to social isolation and can be a challenge for mental health status. It is generally accepted that hearing aid (HA) users can develop a stigma related to hearing loss despite the [...] Read more.
Background/Objectives: Hearing loss represents an important communication barrier which can lead to social isolation and can be a challenge for mental health status. It is generally accepted that hearing aid (HA) users can develop a stigma related to hearing loss despite the perceived benefits due to most modern technologies. Nevertheless, stigma toward HAs may persist even when patients have been well acclimatized to their use. This study aims to evaluate their experiences in everyday life, the underlying social aspects and the utility of psychometric multidimensional approach in skilled HA users. Methods: In total, 96 HA users and 85 normally hearing subjects were enrolled and asked to complete three psychometric questionnaires that investigated social functioning, body image perception, and psychological distress. HA users were additionally asked to fulfill a disease-specific survey, the International Outcome Inventory for Hearing Aids. The performance of the devices was also investigated by HA’s functional gain through free-field audiometry. Results: Even if auditory devices help with compensating the sensorial deprivation, patients often suffer from social anxiety, social phobia and body image concerns about their appearance while wearing HAs. Conclusions: This study discloses psychopathological factors associated with the HA experience that are surprisingly present after long satisfying HA use. Despite the benefits, the satisfaction and the daily use, HA users continue to be worried about body image and report more psychopathological distress in comparison to their normal hearing peers. Full article
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20 pages, 4120 KiB  
Article
Visual Complexity in Korean Documents: Toward Language-Specific Datasets for Deep Learning-Based Forgery Detection
by Yong-Yeol Bae, Dae-Jea Cho and Ki-Hyun Jung
Appl. Sci. 2025, 15(8), 4319; https://doi.org/10.3390/app15084319 - 14 Apr 2025
Viewed by 534
Abstract
Recent advancements in information and communication technology have driven various organizations, including businesses, government agencies, and institutions, to digitize and manage critical documents. Document digitization mitigates spatial constraints on storage and offers significant advantages in transmission and management. However, while digitization offers many [...] Read more.
Recent advancements in information and communication technology have driven various organizations, including businesses, government agencies, and institutions, to digitize and manage critical documents. Document digitization mitigates spatial constraints on storage and offers significant advantages in transmission and management. However, while digitization offers many benefits, the development of image processing software has also increased the risk of forgery and manipulation of digital documents. Digital documents, ranging from everyday documents to those handled by major institutions, can become targets of forgery, and the unrestricted distribution of such documents may cause social disruption. As a result, research on digital document forgery detection has been actively conducted in various countries, with recent studies focusing on improving detection accuracy using deep learning techniques. However, most of the document image datasets generated for the development of deep learning models are English-based documents. Consequently, forgery detection models trained on these English-based datasets may perform well on English documents but may not achieve the same level of accuracy when applied to documents in other languages. This study systematically examines the necessity of language-specific datasets by analyzing the impact of visual complexity on forgery detection accuracy. Specifically, this study analyzes differences in forgery characteristics between English and Korean documents as representative cases and evaluates the classification performance of a forgery detection model trained on an English dataset when applied to both English and Korean documents. The experimental results indicate that forged document images exhibit distinct visual alterations depending on the language. Furthermore, the detection performance of models trained on English-based datasets varies according to the language of the training and test data. These findings underscore the necessity of developing datasets and model architectures tailored to the linguistic and structural characteristics of each language to enhance forgery detection efficacy. Additionally, the results highlight the importance of multilingual datasets in deep learning-based forgery detection, providing a foundation for the advancement of language-specific detection models. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Application of Information Systems)
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16 pages, 385 KiB  
Article
What Was a Monk in Joseon Korea?: Competing Monastic Identities According to the State, a Monastic Biographer, and a Confucian Literatus
by Sung-Eun Thomas Kim
Religions 2025, 16(3), 343; https://doi.org/10.3390/rel16030343 - 10 Mar 2025
Viewed by 854
Abstract
The question, what was a monastic? is a complex issue, whether in the context of China, Korea or even in the homeland of Buddhism, India. Nonetheless, this is especially so in the case of Joseon Korea due to the dramatic historical changes that [...] Read more.
The question, what was a monastic? is a complex issue, whether in the context of China, Korea or even in the homeland of Buddhism, India. Nonetheless, this is especially so in the case of Joseon Korea due to the dramatic historical changes that took place with the Imjin War. This obviously brought about shifts not only in the social status but also in the societal role of the monastics. The most substantive factors in the late-Joseon period (1600–1910) was the loss of state patronage and no longer being under the auspices of the state. Simply put, the discussed materials in this paper evince diverse images and roles of monks that range from being state officials, laborers, soldier-monks, and Seon meditators, to thieving bandits. A single descriptor would be unable to capture the diverse identities of the late-Joseon monks. Moreover, the monastics also presented themselves as highly organized with organizational aims, no different from an organization existing inescapably in everyday socio-economic and political conditions. The shared goal of the Buddhist community, by way of presenting certain images, was to regain social recognition and legitimation, to a position of power and privilege perhaps similar to what it once had during the Goryeo period (918–1392). Full article
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