Search Results (300)

This study critically examines the multidimensional differences in body image perceptions among female students who participate in regular sports activities compared to their sedentary counterparts. The investigation involved a sample of 436 female students divided into two distinct groups: the sports group (GS, n = 180), consisting of participants from physical education and sports disciplines, and the non-sports group (GNS, n = 256). Anthropometric measurements such as height, weight, and body mass index (BMI) were systematically taken, along with the administration of three validated psychometric tools: the Silhouette Rating Scale (SRS) to assess body perception and satisfaction, the Objectified Body Consciousness Scale (OBC) to evaluate body objectification, and the Ideal Body Stereotype Scale-Revised (IBIS-R) to analyze perceptions of ideal body stereotypes. Notably, body dissatisfaction (SRS-D) showed the strongest correlation with BMI in both groups, with the non-athletic group displaying slightly higher correlation coefficients (r = 0.940) compared to the athletic group (r = 0.904; p < 0.001). Additionally, stereotypes related to the ideal body (IBIS-R) were strongly correlated with BMI in the non-athletic group (r = 0.846), whereas the athletic group showed a slightly lower correlation (r = 0.805). The body objectification measure (OBC) demonstrated moderate correlations, with the non-athletic group showing stronger associations (r = 0.394 vs. r = 0.352). Linear regression analysis revealed that non-athletic individuals exhibited higher predictive validity, characterized by greater R² values and stronger correlations between physical and psychosocial factors. The results indicate that participation in sports serves as a protective factor against negative body image, shown by weaker correlations in the sports group. This research suggests that engaging in physical activities is associated with healthier body profiles and a more positive body image, leading to greater satisfaction and more realistic perceptions of body size. Full article

Background/Objectives: Meningoencephalitis (ME) is a life-threatening infectious disease; therefore, prompt and accurate diagnosis is lifesaving. Traditional diagnostic methods, such as culture, have several limitations related to sensitivity and specificity. Emerging multiplex ME-PCR panels are a comprehensive and rapid tool in a single test. The Bio-Speedy Meningitis/Encephalitis RT-qPCR MX-17 panel (Bioeksen R&D Technologies Inc., Turkey) enables testing for 17 targets. To evaluate the performance of the panel compared to clinical and CSF parameters. Methods: A total of 403 patients with a preliminary diagnosis of ME were reviewed between January 2019 and September 2023. Following revision, 72 patients with clinical, CSF, and laboratory findings were included. The tested panel was used to detect targeted pathogens in CSF samples. The 30-day survival rate and prolonged stay were analyzed. Results: The median CSF protein value was 59.5 mg/dL (14.2–1471 mg/dL) and glucose was 61.95 mg/dL (0.083–165 mg/dL). Forty-one (56.9%) ME panel results were positive, among which 38.9% (28) were viral and 19.4% (14) were bacterial. HHV-6 ranked first with a rate of 15.3%. The Bio-Speedy panel test results outperformed the CSF culture (p < 0.001). The correlation of the Bio-Speedy panel with impaired consciousness was statistically significant (p = 0.004). Six (8.3%) patients from the study group died within 30 days. Conclusions: Compared to traditional methods, Bio-Speedy panel was effective in identifying the causative agents of ME. The Bio-Speedy ME RT-qPCR MX-17 panel offers accurate detection of ME-causing pathogens. The implementation of the panel in clinical practice can impact patient management and improve outcomes. Full article

Plant-based meat alternatives (PBMAs) are gaining momentum in response to rising demand for sustainable and healthier diets. Drawing on an integrated framework combining the Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB) and the Value–Attitude–Behavior (VAB) model, this study explores key determinants shaping consumers’ purchase intention towards PBMAs in Taiwan. This study performed Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modelling (PLS-SEM), fuzzy-set qualitative comparative analysis (fsQCA) and necessary condition analysis (NCA) to evaluate the formation of consumers’ PBMA purchase intention. The PLS-SEM results revealed that both environmental consciousness and health consciousness exert a significant influence on consumer attitudes, which, together with subjective norms and perceived behavioral control, positively predict purchase intention. fsQCA revealed six distinct combinations of conditions leading to high purchase intention, while NCA identified environmental consciousness, health consciousness, and the three TPB components as necessary conditions. The results highlight the mediating role of attitude and underscore the value of integrating multiple analytical perspectives to capture the complexity of consumer decision-making. This research advances both theoretical understanding and practical application by elucidating the psychological mechanisms underpinning PBMA adoption and by providing evidence-based implications for strategic marketing within the plant-based food sector. Full article

The four ethical boundaries established in the Declaration Toward a Global Ethic (1993)—“Do not kill,” “Do not steal,” “Do not lie,” and “Do not commit sexual immorality”—though recognized as cross-civilizational consensus, face practical challenges as external commandments. From a comparative theological perspective, Christianity’s “Moral Golden Rule” originates from the Ten Commandments, with Sabbath observance serving as sacred temporal space for moral practice. While this time-bound practice has physiological and psychological foundations and plays a vital role in shaping religious identity, contemporary conflicts and divisions within Christian civilization reveal its sacredness facing secularization crises. The Buddhist ethical framework of the Five Precepts and Ten Virtues, grounded in the principles of dependent origination, karma, and mind-consciousness, manifests enhanced flexibility in sacred temporality and tolerant practical applications when interpreted through the lens of emptiness as a temporal perspective. The Christian Zen movement creatively employs Buddhist meditation techniques as methodological instruments, providing an embodied practice pathway for civilizational dialogue and constructing future communities of shared ethical values. Full article

Background: Animal-assisted activities (AAA) are participative interventions, designed to lower hospitalization-related stress and anxiety, enhance communicative readiness, improve quality of life and encourage human–animal interaction. The aim of the present study was to evaluate AAA effects in the context of intensive rehabilitation of patients with spinal cord injury (SCI), traumatic brain injury (TBI), stroke. Methods: AAA in this study were structured by a local specialized association, for small groups of patients (5/7 a time), biweekly; each session lasted 60 min. Each patient participated in 10 sessions of AAA. Evaluation rating scales were administered at T0 (before the first session) and T1 (after the last session, five weeks later) as follows: Neurobehavioral Rating Scale (NRS) in case of patient with stroke/TBI without disorder of consciousness; Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS) for SCI patients. Results: A total of 50 patients concluded the study. NRS score for joined TBI and stroke populations varied from a T0 mean value of 32.34 [C.I. 26.83–37.35] to 17.21 [C.I. 12.66–21.76] (46.7%); this difference proved to be statistically significant (p = 0.000). Stroke patients had a 57.6% NRS lowering by mean 28.10 [C.I. 20.55–35.65] points to 12 [C.I. 6.6–17.36], which was significant (p = 0.000); similarly, TBI patients showed a mean decrease of 35.8% points from the initial 41.6 points [C.I. 37.29–45.93] to 26.76 [C.I. 21.94–31.59] (p = 0.002). As for HADS scores a smaller improvement was found in the cohort of SCI patients: anxiety registered a 1 mean point decrease at T1 (21.5%), from the initial 6.5 points [C.I. 3.80–9.34] to 5.1 ones [C.I. 3.17–7.11]. This variation was near the threshold of significance (p = 0.05). Depression domain, instead, improved by 2.35 mean points (37%), from the 6.35 initial points [C.I. 3.45–9.26] to the final 4 [C.I. 2.15–5.98] with reaching of a significant p value (p = 0.03). ANCOVA did not confirm this last value and showed no influence of age and gender on outcome variations. Discussion: AAA showed preliminary evidence to decrease neurobehavioral disorders in patients with high-complexity neurological diseases, particularly stroke and TBI. The role of AAA in SCI patients remains unclear. Future studies should address confounders’ role for these populations, particularly severity of disease. Furthermore, AAA interventions will have to be studied on larger samples, deepening the exact phase to introduce AAA for neurological patients. Lastly, qualitative studies are needed to explore patients’ lived experiences. Full article

Background: Price is the most authoritative constituent among the factors shaping consumer demand. Growing consciousness among global communities regarding environmental issues makes greenness one of the key factors controlling demand, along with time, which drives demand in markets. This paper addresses such issues associated with a retail purchase scenario. Methods: Consumer’s demand for products is hypothesized to be influenced by pricing, time and the green level of the product in the proposed model. Time-dependent inventory carrying cost and green level-induced purchasing cost are considered. The average cost during the decision cycle is the objective function that is analyzed in trade credit phenomena, involving delayed payment by the manufacturer to the supplier. The Convex optimization technique is used to find an optimal solution for the model. Results: Once a local optimal solution is found, sensitivity analysis is conducted to determine the optimal value of the objective function and decision variables for other impacting parameters. Results reveal that demand-boosting parameters, for instance, discounts on price and green activity, result in additional average costs. Conclusions: Discounts on price and green activity advocate a large supply capacity by boosting demand, creating opportunities for the retailer to earn more revenue. Full article

Corporate boards play a pivotal role in shaping firms’ environmental strategies, yet the influence of board demographics, particularly director age, on sustainability outcomes remains insufficiently understood. This study investigates how the age profile of board members affects corporate environmental performance, including greenhouse gas emissions. Analyzing a comprehensive panel of 1843US publicly listed firms (17,218 firm-year observations) from 1996 to 2018, primarily through panel regressions with firm and year fixed effects, we find consistent evidence that firms with older boards tend to exhibit poorer environmental performance and higher direct, indirect and value chain greenhouse gas emissions. We argue that this relationship is driven by age-related differences in risk tolerance, time horizons, and sensitivity to environmental concerns. Additionally, the study explores moderating factors such as poor governance oversight (board co-option), pressure for profitability from institutional ownership, CEO social and environmental consciousness (CEO gender), and managerial ability, revealing that these governance dynamics significantly influence the strength of the director age–environmental performance link. The results, robust to endogeneity concerns, underscore the importance of considering age diversity and board refreshment in corporate governance to foster more effective environmental stewardship. These insights offer valuable implications for board members, corporate leaders, and policymakers aiming to advance sustainable business practices, but also open up opportunities for further exploration in alternative institutional contexts. Full article

This essay explores whether romantic exclusivity is more than a cultural choice, suggesting it might be built into the very structure of love. Turning away from typical sociological or psychological explanations, I place classical philosophy in direct conversation with contemporary thinkers like Natasha McKeever, Christopher Bennett, and Carrie Jenkins to investigate this question. I argue that a synthesis of three distinct philosophical frameworks reveals exclusivity as a structural requirement for romantic love in its deepest sense. First, drawing on Kant, I suggest that love’s demand for a totalizing cognitive synthesis of two lives runs into a transcendental barrier when attempted with more than one person. Second, I use Scheler’s phenomenology to argue that the deep, sustained attention required for love’s unique power of value revelation is inherently diluted across multiple partners. Third, I introduce Schopenhauer’s metaphysics to posit that divided romantic striving contradicts the indivisible nature of the Will. I also briefly touch on how thinkers like Kierkegaard and Levinas reinforce this theme of existential singularity. Taken together, this synthesis does not condemn non-monogamous relationships but reframes the debate. It suggests that what we call “romantic love” may be structurally distinct from other valuable forms of intimacy. The powerful pull toward exclusivity, then, might not be a mere social script but may reflect the fundamental architecture of consciousness, valuation, and being itself. Full article

As new technologies shape education, helping students develop historical consciousness remains a challenge. Building on Nordic curricula that emphasize students as both “history-made” and “history-making” citizens, this paper proposes an approach that integrates artificial intelligence (AI) with implicit digital game-based learning (DGBL) to learn and develop historical consciousness in education. We outline how traditional, lecture-driven history teaching often fails to convey the abstract principles of historicity (the idea that individual identity, social institutions, values, and ways of thinking are historically conditioned) and the interpretation of the past, understanding of the present, and perspective on the future. Building on Jeismann’s definition of historical consciousness, we identify a gap between the theory-rich notions of historical consciousness and classroom practice, where many educators either do not recognize it or interpret it intuitively from the curriculum’s limited wording, leaving the concept generally absent from the classroom. We then examine three theory-based methods of enriching teaching and learning. Game-based learning provides an interactive environment in which students assume roles, make decisions, and observe consequences, experiencing historical consciousness instead of only reading about it. AI contributes personalized, adaptive content: branching narratives evolve based on individual choices, non-player characters respond dynamically, and analytics guide scaffolding. Implicit learning theory suggests that embedding core principles directly into gameplay allows students to internalize complex ideas without interrupting immersion; they learn by doing, not by explicit instruction. Finally, we propose a model in which these elements combine: (1) game mechanics and narrative embed principles of historical consciousness; (2) AI dynamically adjusts challenges, generates novel scenarios, and delivers feedback; (3) key concepts are embedded into the game narrative so that students absorb them implicitly; and (4) follow-up reflection activities transform tacit understanding into explicit knowledge. We conclude by outlining a research agenda that includes prototyping interactive environments, conducting longitudinal studies to assess students’ learning outcomes, and exploring transferability to other abstract concepts. By situating students within scenarios that explore historicity and temporal interplay, this approach seeks to transform history education into an immersive, reflective practice where students see themselves as history-made and history-making and view the world through a historical lens. Full article

The individual’s willingness to pay (WTP) for environmental reduction programs is one way of gauging society’s environmental consciousness. We explore the determinants of an individual’s WTP for a product produced from carbon capture and utilization (CCU) technology in Qatar. A representative questionnaire sample was administered to 1012 respondents in Qatar on habits, perceptions, economic and religious attitudes related to environmental consciousness, and WTP. The findings reveal that environmental concern is significantly enhanced by environmental consciousness, awareness, and education, while environmental awareness also positively influences perceived social norms regarding others’ environmental awareness. Further, environmental consciousness, religiosity, and education are significantly positively associated with the WTP for an eco-friendly product. Also, those who earn high incomes have a greater WTP for eco-friendly products with premium prices of 10–75% higher. Respondents motivated by religious obligation have a significantly greater WTP for eco-friendly products with a 10–30% price premium. These findings imply the need for context-specific strategies that leverage cultural values, address income disparities, and effectively communicate the benefits of green choices to drive the adoption of green products. Full article

As large language model (LLM) tutors evolve from scripted helpers into adaptive educational partners, their capacity for self-regulation, ethical decision-making, and internal monitoring will become increasingly critical. This paper introduces the Needs-Driven Consciousness Framework (NDCF) as a novel, integrative architecture that combines Dennett’s multiple drafts model, Damasio’s somatic marker hypothesis, and Tulving’s tripartite memory system into a unified motivational design for synthetic consciousness. The NDCF defines three core regulators, specifically Survive (system stability and safety), Thrive (autonomy, competence, relatedness), and Excel (creativity, ethical reasoning, long-term purpose). In addition, there is a proposed supervisory Protect layer that detects value drift and overrides unsafe behaviours. The core regulators compute internal need satisfaction states and urgency gradients, feeding into a softmax-based control system for context-sensitive action selection. The framework proposes measurable internal signals (e.g., utility gradients, conflict intensity Ω), behavioural signatures (e.g., metacognitive prompts, pedagogical shifts), and three falsifiable predictions for educational AI testbeds. By embedding these layered needs directly into AI governance, the NDCF offers (i) a psychologically and biologically grounded model of emergent machine consciousness, (ii) a practical approach to building empathetic, self-regulating AI tutors, and (iii) a testable platform for comparing competing consciousness theories through implementation. Ultimately, the NDCF provides a path toward the development of AI tutors that are capable of transparent reasoning, dynamic adaptation, and meaningful human-like relationships, while maintaining safety, ethical coherence, and long-term alignment with human well-being. Full article

This research utilised Value–Belief–Norm theory (VBN) to develop a conceptual framework to test the impact of environmental consciousness on green purchasing behaviour through financial attitude. In addition, this study tested the moderating role of price sensitivity and greenwashing on the indirect impact of environmental consciousness on green purchasing behaviour through financial attitude among consumers in Egypt and Jordan. The study employs a cross-sectional questionnaire using a Likert scale to collect 828 and 776 valid responses from Egypt and Jordan, respectively. The data were analysed using Structural Equation Modelling (SEM). The results revealed that financial attitude positively mediates the link between environmental consciousness and green behaviour, while price sensitivity and greenwashing significantly moderate the indirect relationship between environmental consciousness and green purchasing behaviour through financial attitude in both Egypt and Jordan. The study extends VBN through contextualising its abstract ideas into the research variables and testing it in two developing economies. In addition, it enhances understanding of the barriers to and enablers of green purchasing behaviour and offers actionable recommendations for businesses to improve the transparency and affordability of green products, while guiding policymakers on designing targeted incentives and regulations to foster sustainable consumption. Full article

This article critically analyses the use of generative Artificial Intelligence (GenAI)—specifically, the DALL·E system within the ChatGPT-4o environment—for creating visualisations of biblical scenes for teaching purposes. As part of a case study examining the Baptism of Jesus in the Jordan (Mt 3:13–17; cf. Mark 1:9–11; Luke 3:21–22; John 1:31, 34) and the Last Supper (Mt 26:17–30; cf. Mark 14:12–16; Luke 22:7–13), four AI-generated images are analysed. Two were created using general, non-specific prompts, while the other two were based on more precise queries containing references to Catholic symbolism and the images’ intended educational use. A comparison of these variants reveals a lack of theological depth and symbolic oversimplification in AI-generated images, as well as a tendency to reproduce Western cultural stereotypes. Despite their aesthetic appeal and quick availability, these images do not reflect the complexity of the biblical or spiritual contexts of the scenes depicted. This study aims to evaluate the theological, symbolic, and pedagogical value of AI-generated images and to provide practical recommendations for their responsible use in Bible didactics. In conclusion, the authors argue that GenAI can support biblical teaching when used consciously, critically, and reflectively. Full article

This article offers a theistically conscious biocentric environmental ethic that builds upon the scaffolding of Aldo Leopold’s land ethic with a synthesis of biocentric individualism, deep ecology, and Vaiṣṇava theology. The practical benefit of this proposed ethic is immediately recognized when viewed in light of innovation in biomimicry. Leopold set a fourfold standard for environmental ethics that included (1) acknowledging the evolution of consciousness needed to give rise to ecological conscience, (2) surpassing anthropocentric economic interests in ecological decision making, (3) cultivating individual responsibility and care for the land, and (4) offering a unified mental picture of the land to which individuals can relate. We defend his original work, from later interpretations where the communal aspect of the whole overshadows the uniqueness of the different parts. Transitioning from mitigating overemphasis on the value of the collective, we turn to biocentric individualism, which despite overvaluing the individual, identifies the practical necessity of a qualified moral decision-maker in discerning individual value within the web of nature. Deep ecology articulates self-realization as the qualification that this moral agent must possess. A theistically conscious biocentric environmental ethic balances the role of the individual and the collective by recognizing their irreducible interdependence as a simultaneous unity-in-diversity. This principle of dynamic oneness is introduced in deep ecology and fully matures in Vaiṣṇava theology. Individuals have particular functional value based on their unique role within the Organic Whole, and genuinely self-realized decision-makers can assess these values appropriately enough to discern how human civilization can flourish through harmonizing with nature. In many ways, this is the basis for biomimicry, a field where thoughtful people observe nature’s problem-solving and adapt those same strategies and design principles to humanity’s challenges. The development of biomimicry affirms the central thrust of the proposed environmental ethic, which can reciprocally inspire further biomimetic progress. Full article

In the era of generative artificial intelligence, writing has evolved into a programmable practice capable of generating sustainable narratives and preserving cultural heritage through poetic prompts. This study proposes “Writing Is Coding ” as a paradigm for sustainability education, exploring how students engage with AI-mediated multimodal creation to address environmental challenges. Using grounded theory methodology with 57 twelfth-grade students from technology-integrated high schools, we analyzed their experiences creating environmental stories and digital cultural artifacts using MidJourney, Kling, and Sora. Data collection involved classroom observations, semi-structured interviews, and reflective journals, analyzed through systematic coding procedures (κ = 0.82). Five central themes emerged: writing as algorithmic design for sustainability (89.5%), emotional scaffolding for environmental awareness (78.9%), aesthetics of imperfection in cultural preservation (71.9%), collaborative dynamics in sustainable creativity (84.2%), and pedagogical value of prompt literacy (91.2%). Findings indicate that AI deepens environmental consciousness and reframes writing as a computational process for addressing global issues. This research contributes a theoretical framework integrating expressive writing with algorithmic thinking in AI-assisted sustainability education, aligned with SDGs 4, 11, and 13. Full article