Contemporary Research Research Articles

Bridging ancient wisdom and modern science: Exploring the symbiotic relationship between Agni and manas in Ayurveda and contemporary perspectives

This paper examines the relationship between Agni (digestive fire) and Manas (mind) from both Ayurvedic and modern scientific viewpoints. Drawing upon the rich heritage of Ayurveda, it explores the intricate connections between Agni and Manas, emphasizing their role in maintaining holistic health. Ayurvedic literature elucidates how the state of Agni influences mental well-being and vice versa, underscoring the importance of balancing both for optimal health. Furthermore, the paper integrates modern scientific research to provide insights into the physiological mechanism underlying the Agni -Manas relationship, including the Gut-Brain axis and the influence of neurotransmitters on digestion and mood. Through this Contemporary understanding, offering avenues for holistic health promotion that resonate with both traditional wisdom and scientific evidence. For this study,Review of classical Ayurvedic texts such as Charak Samhita, Sushruta Samhita and Ashtang Hridaya to understand the principles of Agni and Manas. Review of contemporary Ayurvedic literature and research articles focusing on Agni, Manas and scientific literature from books to understand relation between digestion and mental health. To investigate how Ayurvedic principles describe the interconnectedness of Agni and Manas in influencing overall health well-being. To understand how disruptions in Agni can manifest as disturbances in Manas and vice versa from both the viewpoints. The study underscores importance of recognizing and nurturing the symbiotic relationship between Agni and Manas for promoting optimal health and vitality. By embracing insights from both Ayurveda and modern science, individuals can cultivate a holistic approach to well being that integrates ancient wisdom with contemporary knowledge.

A review of multi-disciplinary decomposition research and key drivers of variation in decay.

The decomposition of animal remains is a multifaceted process, involving ecological, biological, and chemical interactions. While the complexity is acknowledged through concepts like the necrobiome, it's unclear if this complexity is reflected in research. Appreciation of the complexity of decomposition is crucial for identifying sources of variation in estimations of time since death in medico-legal science, as well as building broader ecological knowledge of the decomposition process. To gain insights into the extent of multidisciplinary research in the field of decomposition science, we conducted an examination of peer-reviewed literature on four key drivers of variation: volatile organic compounds, microbes, drugs/toxins, and insects. Among 650 articles, we identified their scientific discipline, driver/s of variation investigated, and year of publication. We found that 19% explored relationships between two drivers, while only 4% investigated interactions between three. None considered all four drivers. Over the past three decades, there has been a steady increase in decomposition research publications, signifying its growing importance. Most research (79%) was linked to forensic science, highlighting opportunities for interdisciplinary collaboration in decomposition science. Overall, our review underscores the need to incorporate multidisciplinary approaches and theory into contemporary decomposition research.

The introspections of contemporary business research: a call for scientific creativity

Purpose This study aims to squeeze some critical viewpoints from the shifting landscape of business research (she), that conceals her true personality. Today, she is relentlessly struggling to strike a good balance between science and creativity. Therefore, she resolves to pivot the scholarly attention towards “scientific creativity”. Design/methodology/approach Business research is personified in this viewpoint paper. By adopting the methodology of third-person omniscient, the author pens the introspections of contemporary business research, and how she would express herself in modern times if she were a living person. Findings Business research introspects that she is suffering from the phenomena of “existential crisis” and “popularity fallacy” in contemporary times. Though she believes that the science of business research is evolving significantly, worries about becoming scientifically monotonous grip her in the dark of the nights. She laments the grim reality of today; studies of a similar nature dominate the research literature while the philosopher in her is fading gradually. Therefore, she calls for more “scientific creativity”. She realises that solving societal problems must remain her foremost priority. However, she believes that her priorities towards society and world peace depend on whether she could revitalise the fading philosopher of personality. Originality/value The current viewpoint paper is an attempt to shed some light on the landscape of contemporary business research, which is undergoing unremitting changes. It also highlights the desirable changes in the context of business research.

Exploring the immunomodulatory potential of Brahmi (Bacopa monnieri) in the treatment of invasive ductal carcinoma.

Bacopa monnieri (L) Wettst, commonly known as Brahmi, stands as a medicinal plant integral to India's traditional medical system, Ayurveda, where it is recognized as a "medhya rasayana"-a botanical entity believed to enhance intellect and mental clarity. Its significant role in numerous Ayurvedic formulations designed to address conditions such as anxiety, memory loss, impaired cognition, and diminished concentration underscores its prominence. Beyond its application in cognitive health, Brahmi has historically been employed in Ayurvedic practices for the treatment of inflammatory diseases, including arthritis. In contemporary biomedical research, Bacopa monnieri can attenuate the release of pro-inflammatory cytokines TNF-α and IL-6 in animal models. However, there remains a paucity of information regarding Bacopa's potential as an anticancer agent, warranting further investigation in this domain. Based on previous findings with Brahmi (Bacopa monnieri), the current study aims to find out the role of Brahmi plant preparation (BPP) in immunomodulatory actions on IDC. Employing a specific BPP concentration, we conducted a comprehensive study using MTT assay, ELISA, DNA methylation analysis, Western blotting, ChIP, and mRNA profiling to assess BPP's immunomodulatory properties. Our research finding showed the role of BPP in augmenting the action of T helper 1 (TH1) cells which secreted interferon-γ (IFN-γ) which in turn activated cytotoxic T-lymphocytes (CTL) to kill the cells of IDC (*p < 0.05). Moreover, we found out that treatment with BPP not only increased the activities of tumor-suppressor genes (p53 and BRCA1) but also decreased the activities of oncogenes (Notch1 and DNAPKcs) in IDC (*p < 0.05). BPP had an immense significance in controlling the epigenetic dysregulation in IDC through the downregulation of Histone demethylation & Histone deacetylation and upregulation of Histone methylation and Histone acetylation (*p < 0.05). Our Chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP)-qPCR data showed BPP treatment increased percentage enrichment of STAT1 & BRCA1 (*p < 0.05) and decreased percentage enrichment of STAT3, STAT5 & NF ΚB (*p < 0.05) on both TBX21 and BRCA1 gene loci in IDC. In addition, BPP treatment reduced the hypermethylation of the BRCA1-associated-DNA, which is believed to be a major factor in IDC (*p < 0.05). BPP not only escalates the secretion of type 1 specific cytokines but also escalates tumor suppression and harmonizes various epigenetic regulators and transcription factors associated with Signal Transducer and Activator of Transcription (STAT) to evoke tumor protective immunity in IDC.

A CONTEMPORARY REFLECTION ON ECONOMY AND THE QUEST FOR A SIMPLIFIED LIFESTYLE: REVISITING THOREAU'S WALDEN

This study examines the economic relevance of Henry David Thoreau’s philosophy and his quest for a simplified lifestyle in the context of the 21st century. Amidst the complexities of a globalized economy and the relentless pursuit of growth, Thoreau's wisdom serves as a catalyst for a critical reflection on economic ideologies and their impact on society. The study explores the complex interrelationships between money, education, and employment, challenging the narrow view that links education only to financial gain. Thoreau's call for a simple lifestyle, exemplified in his work "Walden," is analyzed in the light of contemporary research that highlights the tangible benefits of embracing simplicity for individual well-being, economics, and environmental sustainability. Additionally, the study explores the role of advertising in shaping consumer preferences, emphasizing Thoreau's call to reevaluate our needs in the face of widespread consumerism. Finally, the concept of a return to interdependent societies that prioritize self-sufficiency and social support is explored, drawing on historical examples and contemporary trends consistent with Thoreau's vision. Thoreau's philosophy provides valuable insights and guidance for navigating the challenges of the 21st century, overcoming materialism and economic dependence and promoting a more meaningful and sustainable way of life.

History and current status of embryogenic culture-based tissue culture, transformation and gene editing of maize (Zea mays L.).

The production of embryogenic callus and somatic embryos is integral to the genetic improvement of crops via genetic transformation and gene editing. Regenerable embryogenic cultures also form the backbone of many micro-propagation processes for crop species. In many species, including maize, the ability to produce embryogenic cultures is highly genotype dependent. While some modern transformation and genome editing methods reduce genotype dependence, these efforts ultimately fall short of producing truly genotype-independent tissue culture methods. Recalcitrant genotypes are still identified in these genotype-flexible processes, and their presence is magnified by the stark contrast with more amenable lines, which may respond more efficiently by orders of magnitude. This review aims to describe the history of research into somatic embryogenesis, embryogenic tissue cultures, and plant transformation, with particular attention paid to maize. Contemporary research into genotype-flexible morphogenic gene-based transformation and genome engineering is also covered in this review. The rapid evolution of plant biotechnology from nascent technologies in the latter half of the 20th century to well-established, work-horse production processes has, and will continue to, fundamentally changed agriculture and plant genetics research.

Akrasijos samprata D. Husako baudžiamosios atsakomybės teorijoje ir alternatyvios sampratos pranašumai

This article explores two concepts of akrasia and their relation to the ascription of responsibility in Douglas Husak’s theory of criminal responsibility. Ever since Plato’s Protagoras, the problem of akrasia has been tightly related to the issue of moral knowledge. By using influential texts of ancient and Christian ethics, as well as contemporary research on akratic behavior, this article outlines a different conception of akrasia, one that is based on intrapersonal conflict. In his theory, Husak employs the concept of akrasia related to moral knowledge-ignorance, albeit sourcing its presuppositions from contemporary skeptics rather than from ancient philosophy. Yet, Husak’s theory is not skeptical. The article highlights the main drawbacks of this theory. These drawbacks are grounded in Husak’s conception of the akratic agent and the ascription of responsibility to such an agent. Their analysis reveals the advantages of the concept of akrasia based on intrapersonal conflict for constructing a non-skeptical theory of criminal responsibility.

Akrasijos samprata D. Husako baudžiamosios atsakomybės teorijoje ir alternatyvios sampratos pranašumai

This article explores two concepts of akrasia and their relation to the ascription of responsibility in Douglas Husak’s theory of criminal responsibility. Ever since Plato’s Protagoras, the problem of akrasia has been tightly related to the issue of moral knowledge. By using influential texts of ancient and Christian ethics, as well as contemporary research on akratic behavior, this article outlines a different conception of akrasia, one that is based on intrapersonal conflict. In his theory, Husak employs the concept of akrasia related to moral knowledge-ignorance, albeit sourcing its presuppositions from contemporary skeptics rather than from ancient philosophy. Yet, Husak’s theory is not skeptical. The article highlights the main drawbacks of this theory. These drawbacks are grounded in Husak’s conception of the akratic agent and the ascription of responsibility to such an agent. Their analysis reveals the advantages of the concept of akrasia based on intrapersonal conflict for constructing a non-skeptical theory of criminal responsibility.

THE TECHNOLOGY AS AN INTERDISCIPLINARY INTERSECTION

In the dynamic landscape of contemporary research, our twenty-one issue of Mythos delves into the intricate area where technology serves as a pivotal intersection across diverse subjects. This theme underscores the profound impact of technology on various fields and the interconnected nature of advancements in science, engineering, humanities, and beyond. We invite scholars and researchers to explore the multifaceted dimensions of technology's role as an interdisciplinary catalyst.

Analysis of University Students' Perspectives on Physical Activity and Mandatory Physical Education

The decline in physical activity levels during the transition from high school to college is evident, despite the known impact of youth and adolescent physical activity on later life. Observable trends reveal a decline in enthusiasm for sports activities and a notable decrease in motivation for engaging in physical activity. The college environment plays a pivotal role in shaping students' engagement with physical activity, presenting an opportunity to significantly enhance their quality of life. This study's primary objective is to analyse university students' attitudes toward physical activity and assess their satisfaction with compulsory physical education at Masaryk University, comparing results spanning nearly two decades. In adherence to contemporary research methodologies, a questionnaire survey combining standard quantitative and qualitative analysis procedures was conducted. The survey questions focused on examining various facets of physical activity, including volume, intensity, sports preferences, and attitudes toward mandatory physical education at Masaryk University in Brno. A total of 1,293 respondents (422 men and 871 women) with an average age of 20.7 years participated in the study. The findings underscore a notable inclination among almost 73% of students to welcome an extension of compulsory physical education to 2 or more semesters (currently set at 2 semesters at MU). Moreover, over 75% of students express contentment with the spectrum of mandatory sports activities offered in physical education. The study reveals a growing interest among students in individual physical activities and a burgeoning enthusiasm for unorganized sports. These outcomes furnish valuable insights into students' perceptions regarding the organization of physical and sports education activities within university settings.

Characteristics of contemporary health research practice: A shift from ivory tower to collaborative power

Abstract The academic world is rapidly changing due to multiple influences, including COVID-19, technological advancement, tertiary competition, shifting government policies, and emerging research practices and priorities. Given this rapidly changing tertiary-education landscape, added importance is placed on the need for emerging research leaders to understand contemporary research practices which likely exceeds the skills displayed by their supervisors and mentors. Consequently, reflecting on 80+ years of collective post-PhD research experience, we identify and discuss six common characteristics of contemporary health research practice, with the aim of guiding and empowering higher degree by research students and emerging early career researchers as they develop their research identities and shape their approaches and values on the path to becoming research leaders in health. Indicative of today’s dynamic and exacting research environment, we propose that best practice contemporary health research should be: Diverse; Creative; Collaborative; Authentic; Respectful; and, Trusting. By understanding a diverse range of research approaches, and through working in collaborative and creative teams, diversity of thought, approach, and methods can become a cornerstone of practice. By blending this understanding with questions and research approaches that facilitate the pathway of translation uptake for the next-user, emerging research leaders can deliver authentic research with the requisite ingredients for impact.

Evaluating large language models for selection of statistical test for research: A pilot study

Abstract Background: In contemporary research, selecting the appropriate statistical test is a critical and often challenging step. The emergence of large language models (LLMs) has offered a promising avenue for automating this process, potentially enhancing the efficiency and accuracy of statistical test selection. Aim: This study aimed to assess the capability of freely available LLMs – OpenAI’s ChatGPT3.5, Google Bard, Microsoft Bing Chat, and Perplexity in recommending suitable statistical tests for research, comparing their recommendations with those made by human experts. Materials and Methods: A total of 27 case vignettes were prepared for common research models with a question asking suitable statistical tests. The cases were formulated from previously published literature and reviewed by a human expert for their accuracy of information. The LLMs were asked the question with the case vignettes and the process was repeated with paraphrased cases. The concordance (if exactly matching the answer key) and acceptance (when not exactly matching with answer key, but can be considered suitable) were evaluated between LLM’s recommendations and those of human experts. Results: Among the 27 case vignettes, ChatGPT3.5-suggested statistical test had 85.19% concordance and 100% acceptance; Bard experiment had 77.78% concordance and 96.3% acceptance; Microsoft Bing Chat had 96.3% concordance and 100% acceptance; and Perplexity had 85.19% concordance and 100% acceptance. The intra-class correction coefficient of average measure among the responses of LLMs was 0.728 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.51–0.86), P &lt; 0.0001. The test–retest reliability of ChatGPT was r = 0.71 (95% CI: 0.44–0.86), P &lt; 0.0001, Bard was r = −0.22 (95% CI: −0.56–0.18), P = 0.26, Bing was r = −0.06 (95% CI: −0.44–0.33), P = 0.73, and Perplexity was r = 0.52 (95% CI: 0.16–0.75), P = 0.0059. Conclusion: The LLMs, namely, ChatGPT, Google Bard, Microsoft Bing, and Perplexity all showed &gt;75% concordance in suggesting statistical tests for research case vignettes with all having acceptance of &gt;95%. The LLMs had a moderate level of agreement among them. While not a complete replacement for human expertise, these models can serve as effective decision support systems, especially in scenarios where rapid test selection is essential.

Transforming Customer Digital Footprints into Decision Enablers in Hospitality

The proliferation of online hotel review platforms has prompted decision-makers in the hospitality sector to acknowledge the significance of extracting valuable information from this vast source. While contemporary research has primarily focused on extracting sentiment and discussion topics from online reviews, the transformative potential of such insights remains largely untapped. In this paper, we propose an approach that leverages Natural Language Processing (NLP) techniques to convert unstructured textual reviews into a quantifiable and structured representation of emotions and hotel aspects. Building upon this derived representation, we conducted a segmentation analysis to gauge distinct emotion and concern-based profiles of customers, as well as profiles of hotels with similar customer emotions using a self-organizing unsupervised algorithm. We demonstrated the practicality of our approach using 22,450 online reviews collected from 44 hotels. The insights garnered from emotion analysis and review segmentation facilitate the development of targeted customer management strategies and informed decision-making.

From Policy Adoption to Practice: Comparative Analysis of Innovation Institutionalization Paths

Policy innovation is critical to improve governance capacity; however, contemporary research mainly focuses on diffusion and adoption, disregarding the next stage, namely institutionalization. Taking the diffusion and institutionalization of China’s “One Visit at Most” reform as a case study and using fuzzy-set qualitative comparative analysis, this paper examines the conditions and paths that lead local governments to institutionalize this reform. The results show that four paths lead from innovation to institutionalization: policy system and idea embeddedness, spontaneous competition, learning by seizing momentum, and entrepreneurial breakthrough. These findings extend the research on policy adoption, diffusion, and institutionalization.

Ermakov Equations can be Derived from Zel’dovich Pancake, and they are Cold and Nonlocal through using Neutrosophic Venn Diagram

As we argue in the previous article [3], the labyrinthine worlds of Jorge Luis Borges are more than captivating narratives; they are portals to a deeper understanding of existence. By weaving elements of science-fiction fantasy with philosophical and ethical inquiries, Borges's short stories bridge the seemingly disparate realms of physics and the humanities, offering fertile ground for contemporary physics research. The present-day universe consists of galaxies, galaxy clusters, one-dimensional filaments and two-dimensional sheets or pancakes, all of which combine to form the cosmic web. The so called ”Zeldovich pancakes”, are very difficult to observe, because their overdensity is only slightly greater than the average density of the universe. Falco et al. presented a method to identify Zeldovich pancakes in observational data, and the method were used as a tool for estimating the mass of galaxy clusters [2]. Here we provide an outline from Zel’dovich pancake to Burgers equations to represent cosmic turbulence, and then from Burgers equations to Ermakov dynamics systems, which in turn they plausibly lead to nonlocal current.

A Content Analysis of Peer-Reviewed Journal Articles Over the Last 20 Years: To What Extent Does Contemporary Research Focus on the Effects of Frequent Relocation on the Academic Performance of Military-Connected Students?

A Content Analysis of Peer-Reviewed Journal Articles Over the Last 20 Years: To What Extent Does Contemporary Research Focus on the Effects of Frequent Relocation on the Academic Performance of Military-Connected Students?

[Public space as a place of rehabilitation for the elderly - a systematic literature review].

The phenomenon of the population's gradual global ageing means that an increasing proportion of research is concerned with the space in which seniors function on a daily basis. They are primarily aimed at identifying elements of the built environment that need updating in the new social context. The purpose of the analyses presented in this article is to review the current scientific literature on various aspects of physical activity of people outdoors in an urbanized environment. The scope review was based on the resources of 3 scientific databases (Web of Science, Scopus and PubMed). The analyses concerned articles published in the last decade (2013-2023). The collected material was subjected to the PRISMA procedure (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analytics), and 29 articles were extracted for analysis. The conducted research indicated thematic scopes that are undertaken in contemporary research on physical activities of a rehabilitation nature undertaken in public space by older people (>65 years of age). The research topics described in the articles analysed dealt with elements defining the characteristics of public space that mobilise older people to be active, identified barriers preventing its use and factors popularising it. The studies analysed also identified the characteristics of public spaces according to the type of activity used by seniors for rehabilitation. The result of the review is the separation of the thematic scope of research on the activation of the elderly in the open air towards rehabilitation. The information provided may be useful for architects, urban planners and people managing urban spaces to determine design solutions that meet the needs of older people.

Recent Advances and Future Perspectives in the E-Nose Technologies Addressed to the Wine Industry.

Electronic nose devices stand out as pioneering innovations in contemporary technological research, addressing the arduous challenge of replicating the complex sense of smell found in humans. Currently, sensor instruments find application in a variety of fields, including environmental, (bio)medical, food, pharmaceutical, and materials production. Particularly the latter, has seen a significant increase in the adoption of technological tools to assess food quality, gradually supplanting human panelists and thus reshaping the entire quality control paradigm in the sector. This process is happening even more rapidly in the world of wine, where olfactory sensory analysis has always played a central role in attributing certain qualities to a wine. In this review, conducted using sources such as PubMed, Science Direct, and Web of Science, we examined papers published between January 2015 and January 2024. The aim was to explore prevailing trends in the use of human panels and sensory tools (such as the E-nose) in the wine industry. The focus was on the evaluation of wine quality attributes by paying specific attention to geographical origin, sensory defects, and monitoring of production trends. Analyzed results show that the application of E-nose-type sensors performs satisfactorily in that trajectory. Nevertheless, the integration of this type of analysis with more classical methods, such as the trained sensory panel test and with the application of destructive instrument volatile compound (VOC) detection (e.g., gas chromatography), still seems necessary to better explore and investigate the aromatic characteristics of wines.

Spiritual Humanism: Self, Community, Earth, and Heaven

Abstract This paper summarizes the author’s view and research on the concept of ‘Spiritual Humanism’ as a cross-cultural, historical heritage and theoretical framework for contemporary research in philosophy. It builds on comprehensive scholarship conducted over the last decades within a plurality of leading academic communities. It reflects the author’s commitment to include Chinese Philosophy and intellectual history within the international scholarly canon.

Laughing and humor in ancient Egyptian monasticism

Abstract The goal of this article is to analyze laughter and humor in the Egyptian monastic and ascetic movement in the 4th and 5th centuries with a special focus on solitary and non-humorous laughter. The article argues that laughter and humor were part of a strict emotional regime. It shows that several of the monastic stories include a laughter which is not humorous and where no one else laughed apart from the main character. This laughter was a means to show spiritual excellence and superiority. The other side of the emotional regime was that monastics were scolded for laughing and joking. There is a division between illegitimate laughter caused by humor and frequently connected to eroticism and a legitimate laughter of spiritual insight and authority. The article argues that non-humorous laughter should get more attention in contemporary research.