Search Results (1,003)

A longstanding ambiguity surrounds the operationalization of consciousness in artificial systems, complicated by the philosophical and cultural weight of subjective experience. This work examines whether cognitive architectures may be designed to support a functionally explicit form of artificial consciousness, focusing not on the replication of phenomenology, but rather on measurable, technically realizable introspective mechanisms. Drawing on a critical review of foundational and contemporary literature, this study articulates a conceptual and methodological shift: from investigating the experiential perspective of agents (“what it is like to be a bat”) to analyzing the informational, self-regulatory, and adaptive structures that enable purposive behavior. The approach combines theoretical analysis with a comparative review of major cognitive architectures, evaluating their capacity to implement access consciousness and internal monitoring. Findings indicate that several state-of-the-art systems already display core features associated with functional consciousness—such as self-explanation, context-sensitive adaptation, and performance evaluation—without invoking subjective states. These results support the thesis that cognitive engineering may progress more effectively by focusing on operational definitions of consciousness that are amenable to implementation and empirical validation. In conclusion, this perspective enables the development of artificial agents capable of autonomous reasoning and self-assessment, grounded in technical clarity rather than speculative constructs. Full article

This work uses the MATLAB Reservoir Simulation Toolbox (MRST) to reduce the 3D reservoir model into a 2D version in order to investigate CO₂ storage in the Aurora model using the vertical equilibrium (VE) model. For this purpose, we used an open-source reservoir simulator, MATLAB Reservoir Simulation Toolbox (MRST). MRST is an open-source reservoir simulator, with supplementary modules added to enhance its versatility in addition to a core set of procedures. A fully implicit discretization is used in the numerical formulation of MRST-co2lab enabling the integration of simulators with vertical equilibrium (VE) models to create hybrid models. This model is then compared with the Eclipse model in terms of properties and simulation results. The relative permeability of water and gas can be compared to verify that the model fits the original Eclipse model. Comparing the fluid viscosities used in MRST and Eclipse also reveals comparable tendencies. However, reservoir heterogeneity is the reason for variations in CO₂ plume morphologies. The upper layers of the Eclipse model have lower permeability than the averaged MRST model, which has a substantial impact on CO₂ transport. According to the study, after 530 years, about 17 MT of CO₂ might be stored, whereas 28 MT might escape the reservoir, since after 530 years CO₂ plume reaches completely the open northern boundary. Additionally, a sensitivity analysis study has been conducted on permeability, porosity, residual gas saturation, rock compressibility, and relative permeability curves which are the five uncertain factors in this model. Although plume migration is highly sensitive to permeability, porosity, and rock compressibility variation, it shows a slight change with residual gas saturation and relative permeability curve in this study. Full article

The human need for belonging and identity (stemming from the need for belonging) is strong. This article begins by discussing these needs, drawing on the theories of Abraham Maslow and Erik Erikson. Forceful societal trends in the early twenty-first-century world have been creating a new societal context that tends to disrupt historical, relatively simple trajectories of identity formation. These trends are then subsumed under two megatrends that operate in the contemporary world. The first is globalisation, evident in the world since c.1990 as “Globalisation 3.0”. One outcome of Globalisation 3.0 is identity flux. Around 2015, a trend of deglobalisation became evident around the world. Populism is one of the manifestations of this counter-trend, a manifestation that is also visible in identity formation patterns. Education, citizenship educationin particular, has long been looked up to as instrument of political socialisation and identity formation, and these counter-trends tend to impact it, as well. The thesis of this article is that citizenship education, as it is presented in the education systems of the contemporary world, could be deemed to be anachronistically simple and hence requires adaptations in response to the exigencies of this new, changed global context. Finally, we suggest some guidelines for a reconceptualised citizenship education attuned to the exigencies of the new unfolding global context. Full article

Forests are a key terrestrial carbon sink, storing carbon in biomass, the forest floor, and the mineral soil (SOC). Since Pinus radiata D. Don is the most widely planted forest species in Chile, it is important to understand how environmental and soil factors influence these carbon pools. Our objective was to evaluate the effects of climate and site variables on carbon stocks in adult radiata pine plantations across contrasting water and nutrient conditions. Three 1000 m² plots were installed at 20 sites with sandy, granitic, recent ash, and metamorphic soils, which were selected along a productivity gradient. Biomass carbon stocks were estimated using allometric equations, and carbon stocks in the forest floor and mineral soil (up to 1 m deep) were assessed. SOC varied significantly, from 139.9 Mg ha⁻¹ in sandy soils to 382.4 Mg ha⁻¹ in metamorphic soils. Total carbon stocks (TCS) per site ranged from 331.0 Mg ha⁻¹ in sandy soils to 552.9 Mg ha⁻¹ in metamorphic soils. Across all soil types, the forest floor held the lowest carbon stock. Correlation analyses and linear models revealed that variables related to soil water availability, nitrogen content, precipitation, and stand productivity positively increased SOC and TCS stocks. In contrast, temperature, evapotranspiration, and sand content had a negative effect. The developed models will allow more accurate estimation estimates of C stocks at SOC and in the total stand. Full article

This paper analyses the religious experience of young people in contexts of digitalisation. The secularisation thesis has not been imposed. Youth, who are more open to the porosity of social and cultural boundaries, live outside of dogma and the church, with the signs of transcendence as a fundamental part of their personal narrative. Religiosity, a contingent temporality, and youth socialised in the unknown lay the foundations for this reflection. Full article

Carbon dioxide (CO₂) geosequestration is a critical technology for reducing greenhouse gas emissions, with shale caprocks, such as Opalinus Clay (OPA), serving as essential seals to prevent CO₂ leakage. This study employs computational fluid dynamics and finite element analysis to investigate the hydromechanical behavior of OPA during CO₂ injection, integrating qualitative and quantitative insights. Validated numerical models indicate that capillary forces are the most critical factor in determining the material’s reaction, with an entry capillary pressure of 2–6 MPa serving as a significant threshold for CO₂ breakthrough. The numbers show that increasing the stress loading from 5 to 30 MPa lowers permeability by 0.3–0.45% for every 5 MPa increase. Porosity, on the other hand, drops by 9.2–9.4% under the same conditions. The OPA is compacted, and axial displacements confirm numerical models with an error margin of less than 10%. Saturation analysis demonstrates that CO₂ penetration becomes stronger at higher injection pressures (8–12 MPa), although capillary barriers slow migration until critical pressures are reached. These results demonstrate how OPA’s geomechanical stability and fluid dynamics interact, indicating that it may be utilized as a caprock for CO₂ storage. The study provides valuable insights for enhancing injection techniques and assessing the safety of long-term storage. Full article

Serra da Estrela cheese (a raw ewe’s milk) ripened for 45 days was treated at 600 MPa for 6 min (P1) and at 450 MPa for 6 (P2) and 9 min (P3) and kept in refrigerated storage for 15 months. Lactobacillus and Lactococcus viable cell numbers were reduced in 3.2–3.6 and 2.7–3.6 log cycle units, respectively. Lower reductions were verified for total aerobic mesophilic and Enterococcus viable cell numbers in cheeses treated at 450 MPa (2.4–2.5 and 1.2 log reductions, respectively). In HPP cheeses, yeasts and moulds were below the enumeration limit up to 6 months of storage, but at 15 months 3.6–4.2 log cfu/g were quantified in all cheeses, while Enterobacteriaceae were inactivated to below the quantification limit. The increment of pressure treatment caused a greater impact on the microbiota’s viability than the increase in time under pressure. During storage, minor total colour differences were determined for HPP P3 cheese surface relative to control cheeses, Ch_C, at 45 days of ripening. HPP can thus be a good process to apply after cheese manufacture, since it offers a good potential to render raw-milk cheese microbiologically safer, with minimal changes in quality. Full article

Built heritage serves as a vital repository of human history and culture, and an examination of its spatial distribution and influencing factors holds significant value for the preservation and advancement of our historical and cultural narratives. This thesis brings together various forms of built heritage, employing methodologies such as kernel density estimation, average nearest neighbor analysis, and standard deviation ellipses to elucidate the characteristics of spatial distribution. Additionally, it investigates the influencing factors through geographical detectors and Multiscale Geographically Weighted Regression (MGWR). The findings reveal several key insights: (1) In terms of geographical patterns, built heritage is predominantly located southeast of the “Hu-Huanyong” line, with notable concentrations at the confluence of Shanxi and Henan provinces, the southeastern region of Guizhou, as well as in southern Anhui, Fujian, and Zhejiang. Moreover, distinct types of built heritage exhibit marked spatial variations. (2) The reliability and significance of the analytical results derived from prefecture and city-level units surpass those obtained from grid and provincial-level analyses. Among the influencing factors, the explanatory power associated with the number of counties emerges as the strongest, while that relating to population density was the weakest; furthermore, interactions among factors that meet significance thresholds reveal enhanced explanatory capabilities. (3) Both road density and population density demonstrate positive correlations; conversely, the positive influence of topographic relief and river density accounts for 90% of their variance. GDP exhibits a negative correlation, with the number of counties contributing to 70% of this negative impact; thus, the distribution of positive and negative influences from various factors varies significantly. Drawing upon these spatial distribution characteristics and the disparities observed in regression coefficients, this thesis delves into potential influence factors and proposes recommendations for the development and safeguarding of built heritage. Full article

This study evaluated the effects of supplementing early-lactation Holstein cows with rumen-protected omega-3 fatty acids (calcium salts) on productive and reproductive performance. Thirty-six multiparous cows were randomly assigned to one of two treatments from 21 ± 2 days before calving to 105 ± 5 days in milk (DIM): a Control group (C) or an Omega-3-supplemented group (O-3), receiving a blend of linseed and fish oil (60:40). Both groups were fed isoenergetic diets, with ground corn as the control supplement. Total dry matter and net energy intake did not differ between treatments. A treatment-by-time interaction was observed for milk yield, with cows in the O-3 group producing more milk than controls at specific time points. Additionally, O-3 cows had higher overall protein yield and improved feed efficiency. No differences were found in body weight, BCS, glucose, insulin, IGF-1, or urea concentrations, but a tendency toward higher plasma NEFA and BHBA concentrations and lower energy balance was observed in the O-3 group. Supplementation increased plasma cholesterol and progesterone concentrations and was associated with a higher proportion of cows being pregnant at 130 DIM. These findings suggest that omega-3 supplementation may improve specific aspects of lactational performance and reproductive efficiency without compromising metabolic status. Full article

Higher Degree by Research (HDR) students in language and education disciplines, particularly those enrolled in thesis-only programmes, are increasingly expected to interpret complex statistical data. However, many lack the analytical skills required for independent statistical analysis, posing challenges to their research competence. This study investigated the pedagogical potential of ChatGPT-4o feedback and peer feedback in supporting students’ evaluative judgement during a 14-week doctoral-level statistical analysis course at a research-intensive university. Thirty-two doctoral students were assigned to receive either ChatGPT feedback or peer feedback on a mid-term assignment. They were then required to complete written reflections. Follow-up interviews with six selected participants revealed that each feedback modality influenced their evaluative judgement differently across three dimensions: hard (accuracy-based), soft (value-based), and dynamic (process-based). While ChatGPT provided timely and detailed guidance, it offered limited support for students’ confidence in verifying accuracy. Peer feedback promoted critical reflection and collaboration but varied in quality. We therefore argue that strategically combining ChatGPT feedback and peer feedback may better support novice researchers in developing statistical competence in hybrid human–AI learning environments. Full article

The Tunisian uprisings projected an elusive surrealistic scene that was an aberration in a part of the world where Islamic ideology had been considered the only rallying force and a midwife for regime change. However, this sense of exceptionalism was short-lived, as the religiously zealous Islamist expats and their militant executive wings infiltrated the power vacuum to resume their suspended Islamization project of the 1980s. Brandishing electoral “legitimacy”, they attempted to reframe the bourgeoning indigenous democratization project, rooted in an evolving Tunisian intellectual and cultural heritage, along the neocolonial ideological underpinnings of the “Arab Spring” metanarrative, which proffers the thesis that democracy can be promoted in the Muslim world through so-called “Moderate Muslims”. This paper challenges this dominant narrative by offering a counter-narrative about the political transition in Tunisia. It takes stock of the multidisciplinary conceptual and analytical frameworks elaborated upon in postcolonial theory, social movement theory, cognitive neuroscience theories, and digital communication theories. It draws heavily on socio-narrative translation theory. The corpus analyzed in this work consists of disparate yet corroborating narratives cutting across modes, genres, and cultural and linguistic boundaries, and is grounded in insider participant observation. This work opens an alternative inquiry into how the processes of cross-cultural knowledge production and the power dynamics they sustain have helped shape the course of the transition since 2011. Full article

Revealing the complex system of transboundary conflicts would help to understand the behavior of states and anticipate potential actions that would collectively reflect the state doctrine. However, a specific approach to the state political doctrine (SPD) for governing transboundary water has not been formalized. The core academic contribution of this research is to formalize the structure of the SPD for transboundary water, which might assist in fostering water cooperation and peacebuilding in one of the most conflict-prone regions—the Middle East and South Africa—by examining the upstream countries’ behavior. Case studies include Turkey in the Euphrates–Tigris Basins, Israel in the Jordan River Basin, and Ethiopia in the Nile River Basin. The theoretical framework presents a new paradigm that systematically links a state’s essential drivers, political philosophy, and potential actions, employing the Hegelian dialectic of thesis–antithesis–synthesis and the three Doctrines of Being, Essence, and Concept to articulate the state’s behavior and its indispensable core principles for survival. It is integrated with Arnold Toynbee’s challenge-and-response theory to analyze upstream motives. This study reviewed 328 documents and pieces of literature alongside 105 expert discussions. The key findings include the three upstream countries embracing different SPDs to address specific challenges at the state level, where Turkey employs the Water-Bank Doctrine, Israel utilizes the Identity-Seeking Doctrine, and Ethiopia adopts the Nation Rise Power Doctrine. Besides the critical external challenges that limit water availability, such as the impact of climate change, the time factor is a crucial key to shifting the bargaining power and impacting the adopted SPD, thereby affecting water diplomacy and regional water cooperation. Full article

This paper advances two interrelated theses. As for the first thesis, it distinguishes well-being, on the one hand, from happiness, on the other hand. As for the second thesis, it differentiates between two important facets of happiness: what this paper calls “happiness-as-tranquility” and “happiness-as-aspiration”. Actually, in order to differentiate the two facets of happiness, we first need to distinguish happiness from well-being. This is the case because happiness, after all, is a by-product of reflecting upon and ruminating over well-being. Given it is the same well-being, how could it give rise to different facets of happiness? It can only do so if we stop conflating happiness with well-being. This entails taking to task the widely accepted concept of “subjective wellbeing”. Such concept is expressly designed to obfuscate the difference between well-being and happiness. As for the two facets of happiness (the second thesis), this paper relies upon the contrast of two famous works of literature: the story of Job and the story of Faust. The contrast uncovers the criticality of the temporal dimension in the acts of reflection upon and rumination over well-being. If people reflect on past accomplishments, they experience backward-looking happiness along the Job story—i.e., happiness-as-tranquility. If people reflect on desire, they experience forward-looking happiness along the Faust story—i.e., happiness-as-aspiration. While the two facets of happiness seem contradictory, they are indeed complementary if we recognize the temporal element when one reflects upon and ruminates over well-being. Full article

Forest thinning treatments are expanding in scope and scale to counter increasing wildfire risk. Such treatments are being applied in aquatic-adjacent forests that provide a critical habitat for sensitive amphibians, yet little is known about the impact of these treatments. We used a 5-year (2017–2021) before–after–control–impact experiment to investigate the effects of hand-thinning on pond-breeding amphibian activity around an ephemeral lake in the southern Cascade Range of California. We found that hand-thinning had no detectable negative effects on long-toed salamanders (Ambystoma macrodactylum) and western toads (Anaxyrus boreas) and significantly increased adult Sierran chorus frog (Pseudacris sierra) activity (χ² = 4.70, df = 1, p = 0.030) in upland habitats. These results are consistent with pre-treatment habitat associations—chorus frog activity was higher when tree density was lower, and the treatment reduced tree density; adult long-toed salamanders and western toads were positively associated with canopy closure, which was not significantly reduced by the treatment. In addition, late-season surface activity of adult long-toed salamanders and chorus frogs was strongly associated with fall rain events when they tend to cluster very near the lake edge. Hand-thinning in aquatic-adjacent habitat may have minimal negative impacts, and even some positive impacts, on pond-breeding amphibians in coniferous forests, especially if treatments are not implemented during periods of high amphibian activity and do not substantially alter canopy closure. Full article

Among European colubroids, scale sensilla—mechanoreceptors present in the head integument—are more expressed in natricids. The presence of protruded sensilla, observable with the naked eye, is found in the cephalic shields of all species belonging to the genus Natrix. The identification of these sense organs in this genus determines its correlation in aquatic and semi-aquatic species, in which these traits are more developed and recognizable than in terrestrial species. As hypothesized for elapoids, this differentiation could be due to the fact that in natricids, like sea snakes, these can perform a hydrodynamic function in addition to the mechanosensory one. In support of this thesis, within the genus Natrix, the most aquatic species of the five, Natrix tessellata, features the most expressed sensilla. This specificity represents a further analogy in the evolutionary convergences involving the cephalic region that this species shares with marine elapids. Still in the genus Natrix, a second trait involving the shields has been identified, expressing itself in the opposite condition to the protruded sensilla, occurring as a pitting arranged mainly within the shields along the upper portion of the labial arches. In vivo examinations and microscopy were performed on different species of the Natrix genus, and comparative analyses have been carried out on other natricid taxa from the New and Old World, where the presence of protruded scale sensilla has been found in several species. Full article