Contemporary Views Research Articles

MALE SUPERIORITY REPRESENTED THROUGH P.T. BARNUM CHARACTER SCENE IN THE GREATEST SHOWMAN (2017) FILM

This study examines the depiction of male superiority in The Greatest Showman (2017) through the character of P.T. Barnum utilizing Connell’s (2005) framework of hegemonic masculinity to analyze the character of P.T. Barnum. The film serves as a contemporary lens through which to explore the societal constructs of male dominance, ambition, and emotional vulnerability. Despite extensive scholarship on gender dynamics, there remains a notable gap in the cinematic analysis of male superiority, particularly in Western biographical musicals. This study identifies these gaps, specifically in the portrayal of male characters’ internal conflicts and the intersection of personal and professional relationships. Employing a thematic analysis of dialogue and visual elements, the research elucidates how Barnum’s actions reflect traditional masculine ideals while simultaneously challenging them through moments of vulnerability. By examining key dialogues and visual symbols, the findings reveal the complexities of Barnum’s character as both an embodiment of ambition and a critique of rigid masculinity. Ultimately, this research contributes to the broader discourse on gender studies and cinematic analysis, offering insights into how The Greatest Showman both reinforces and complicates contemporary views on masculinity and its implications for societal structures and personal relationships.

Do bilinguals have an emotional advantage? An exploratory study on the interplay of language, culture and emotion

ABSTRACT Developing emotional competence during childhood is critical because it is a significant resource for building psychological well-being, social relationships and even school achievement. Language plays an important role in fostering emotional competence among monolingual children but for bilingual children, the relationship between culture, language and emotions is significantly more complex. Although bilinguals may have more emotion concepts due to their engagement in multiple languages and cultures, this potential may only materialise under specific conditions. In this study, we investigate whether ethnic minoritised bilingual children’s emotional competence (i) differs from that of majority monolingual children based on their language proficiency profile and (ii) is shaped by their exposure to the majority culture, independent of their language competencies. Using a sample of primary school children (aged 10–12; N = 924) living in Belgium, the results of our quantitative analyses suggest that being fluently bilingual is beneficial to fostering emotional competence for minoritized children. However, Belgian socialisation efforts, exposure to Dutch media and demographic proxies of the degree of cultural exposure were not significantly related to emotional competence. Our results contradict contemporary deficit views surrounding bilingualism and suggest important policy implications for educational professionals.

Exploring the existence of free will: A neuroscientific investigation

Free will, an age-old philosophical concept, is integral to our understanding of human autonomy, ethical responsibility, and the legal system. Its presence or absence fundamentally influences our decisions and the fabric of societal norms. In recent years, the advancement of neuroscience has made re-evaluating free will increasingly important. This paper reviews philosophical perspectives from ancient to modern times, integrates neuroscientific experiments, and analyzes psychological research to comprehensively explore the issue of the existence of free will. It enumerates contemporary mainstream views on the existence of free will, discusses the sources of the sense of free will, and highlights its profound implications for both individual and collective societal structures. The paper finds that current discussions on the existence of free will remain controversial. In the end, it summarizes the findings and provides an outlook on future research. New technologies and further interdisciplinary studies are expected to offer new perspectives and evidence for understanding free will.

Maintaining Agricultural Production Profitability—A Simulation Approach to Wheat Market Dynamics

Profitability is a complex notion, intertwined with theoretical, socio-economic, and modern economic considerations. While traditionally linked to monopoly advantages, contemporary views broaden this to include shareholder value creation. In agriculture, profitability faces impediments such as rising input costs, market volatility, and economic disparities, emphasizing technological innovation, market conditions, and policy as crucial determinants. This study presents an econometric simulation model to analyze and forecast wheat production profitability in Poland from 2023 to 2027, providing insights into production efficiencies, market dynamics, and policy impacts. Using a system of recursive equations, the model forecasts profitability, integrating econometric techniques with expert insights. It examines variables like resource use, production levels, and price changes, validated through FADN data. The findings reveal that price relations and production efficiencies are the key to profitability. The model highlights market volatility, particularly through “price scissors”, as the main factor influencing profitability. Favorable price conditions significantly boost profitability and incentivize production. The model is a critical tool for analyzing wheat profitability, highlighting the influence of market and policy changes. Future work could extend the model’s use to other regions or crops, incorporating advanced technologies to improve accuracy. This study offers valuable insights for agricultural economics, aiding stakeholders in strategic decision-making.

Embracing Levin’s Legacy: Advancing Socio-Technical Learning and Development in Human-Robot Team Design Through STS Approaches

AbstractThis paper investigates the synergy between Levin’s theories on technology transfer as a socio-technical learning and developmental process (TLD process), and what we learnt about socio-technical systems (STS) theories in a case study developing human robot solutions for the construction sector. Levin’s extensive work highlights the significance of technology transfer as a means for organizational development. His TLD process emphasizes the intricate interplay between technology, organizational change, and learning and highlights the importance of incorporating cultural knowledge and skills into the technological transfer process. Contemporary STS views developed through our own work are introduced to complement and extend Levin’s theories by providing a systemic lens to understand the broader socio-technical context in which technology transfer occurs. To illustrate the synergies and potential challenges from Levin’s theories of technology transfer with contemporary STS concepts, we use a qualitative study of a unique case about the design and development of human-robot teams (HRTs) for construction tasks. Our findings reveal that while Levin’s theories provide a valuable foundation for understanding technology transfer and organizational change, contemporary socio-technical systems face unique challenges in the context of AI-driven human-robot teams, where intelligent robots also contribute to the socio-technical learning process. Moreover, the rapidly evolving nature of technology and innovations could exponentially impact on multidisciplinary design teams, stakeholder participation and inter-organizational dynamics. The discussions suggest an extension of co-generative learning to incorporate ‘collaborative intelligence’ between human-robot teams enabled by artificial intelligence (AI). Consequently, we suggest that Levin’s theories of technology transfer, developed before the rapid application of AI, may not have fully considered further social challenges caused by the introduction of autonomous systems such as AI-driven HRT systems. We extend Levin’s important work by suggesting that addressing such challenges requires ongoing dialogue and collaboration among researchers, practitioners, and policymakers with different disciplinary backgrounds to develop robust and reliable socio-technical systems frameworks to navigate the complexities of robotics and AI in today’s rapidly evolving technological landscape.

Contibutuins of Muslims to Fundamental Research

The period spanning from the eighth to the thirteenth centuries, often referred to as the Islamic Golden Age, was marked by significant advancements in human knowledge attributed to Muslim scholars. The influence of this era is still evident today through various aspects of our daily lives, including the numeral system we use, terms such as algebra, algorithm, and almanac, as well as the nomenclature of celestial bodies. Unfortunately, much of this historical significance remains overlooked, as contemporary views of the Islamic world have largely diminished appreciation for its rich intellectual heritage. In contrast, this article aims to present an alternative viewpoint that diverges from the narratives commonly portrayed in 24-hour news cycles and online platforms. It is crucial to acknowledge the enduring legacy of Muslim contributions to intellectual progress, which have been recognized within Western society.

The Transcendental Status of Beauty: Evaluating the Debate among Neo-Thomistic Philosophers

Over the past 150 years, Thomists have been divided over whether or not St. Thomas Aquinas himself held to the transcendentality of beauty. Francis J. Kovach divides the Thomists into three groups: (1) the transcendentalists, (2) the anti-transcendentalists, and (3) the undecided. Some contemporary Thomist philosophers in the transcendentalist camp, such as Étienne Gilson, see beauty as the forgotten transcendental. We will briefly trace the historical context of the debate by mentioning how philosophers viewed the transcendentality of beauty in ancient and medieval times. Then, we will summarize a contemporary Thomistic transcendentalist view of the nature of beauty and its transcendental status, followed by a contemporary Thomistic anti-transcendentalist view of the nature of beauty and its transcendental status. After that, we will evaluate the nature of beauty according to St. Thomas, as well as the criteria which determines transcendentality. Finally, both the transcendentalist and anti-transcendentalist positions on beauty’s transcendental status will be evaluated to determine whether it is metaphysically consistent to regard beauty as a transcendental according to Thomistic thought.

Access, Choice, and Pleasure: Towards a New Model of Disability Sexual Rights

The paper offers a comprehensive exploration of the concept of disability sexual rights by integrating insights from both legal and sociological frameworks. Sexuality is an integral and inseparable part of human existence, encompassing a wide range of biological, physiological, psychological, and social aspects. Our understanding of sexuality developed over time, and contemporary social models view sexuality as shaped by social, cultural, and political factors. The rise of disability studies and social and critical models marked a significant shift in the way disabled sexuality is perceived. These studies underpin social aspects and constructions that contribute to the disabling process. Current Literature situates disability and sexuality within broader sociological frameworks of sexual citizenship, disability legal studies, and human rights, emphasizing the importance of recognizing disability sexual rights in forming an inclusive society. We examine the evolution of human rights discourse, mainly focusing on disability sexual rights as a marginalized subject within the human rights and disability rights agendas. We conclude by weaving together theories from disability studies, sexual citizenship, and law, proposing a new theoretical model of sexual rights that situates them in the intersection of disability, sexuality, law, and society. The model suggests three essential elements that cover the full scope of disability sexual rights: Access, choice, and pleasure. These elements can be applied to all aspects of disabled sexuality, encompassing sexual needs, participation, and autonomy.

Geopolitical Aspects of Demographic Processes: Development of Scientific Ideas of L. L. Rybakovsky

Demographic processes play a key role in the formation of the geopolitical picture of the world. Population size, its age structure, growth rates and migration flows have a significant impact on the economic power of states, their military potential and their ability to project power in the international arena. This article examines contemporary and historical views on the significance of demographic factors in the geopolitical competition of countries and the measurement of a state's national power. The study covers both contemporary and historical aspects of the issue. The paper provides a systematic review of the evolution of scientific views on the significance of demographic factors in the geopolitical context. Particular attention is paid to modern methodological approaches to measuring the national power of a state considering demographic indicators. The article offers a critical analysis of existing models for assessing geopolitical influence based on demographic factors and considers their applicability in the context of global demographic transformations. The study also addresses topical issues of the impact of demographic trends on the geopolitical strategies of states in the 21st century, including the problems of population aging, migration processes and demographic imbalances between developed and developing countries. Special attention is paid to the analysis of geopolitical aspects of demographic processes in the works of the outstanding Russian demographer L.L.Rybakovsky. The paper considers the key concepts of the scientist, including demographic security, the geopolitical significance of migration processes, the relationship between demography and spatial development of Russia, as well as the role of demographic policy as an instrument of geopolitical influence.

The Golgi method. A historical through contemporary view.

Knowledge regarding the biology of the nervous system and its functions has gone through various theoretical, methodological, and interpretative stages throughout history, depending largely on technical advances that have allowed us not only to approach old questions from new perspectives but also to address new ones. One advance that constituted a watershed in the history of neuroscience was the appearance of a chrome-silver staining technique called the Golgi method that allowed the complete, three-dimensional observation of nerve cells. Discovered by Camilo Golgi and, later, modified significantly and employed by Santiago Ramón y Cajal, Golgi's method was crucial in demonstrating the veracity of the Neuronal Theory over the earlier Reticular Theory, and in revealing numerous findings related to the human brain and those of many other animal species, which continue to be analyzed today. Despite a period of scientific recession in the first half of the 20th century, the use of the Golgi method prevailed and even expanded in the second half of that century and into the 21st, as researchers continued to use it in its original or modified form and in combination with emerging methodologies. Currently, there are no signs of any decline in its use.

Juvenile Behçet syndrome: a contemporary view and differential diagnosis in pediatric practice.

This review aims to provide a comprehensive and contemporary overview of juvenile Behçet syndrome (jBS), highlighting its clinical manifestations, diagnostic challenges, and treatment strategies. Behçet syndrome, with its intricate etiopathogenesis and diverse clinical phenotypes, is more aptly classified as a syndrome than a single disease. Its heterogeneous nature requires a broad diagnostic approach and sophisticated differential diagnosis capabilities. The relatively rare occurrence of Behçet syndrome, combined with incomplete clinical presentations and overlapping differential diagnoses, presents significant diagnostic challenges, particularly in pediatric cases. Nevertheless, substantial progress has been made in treatment, especially in managing inflammatory components and preventing complications. Juvenile patients, given their developmental stage, require distinct therapeutic strategies compared to adults, with careful consideration of treatment side effects on growth and psychosocial development. To ensure early identification of jBS, it is imperative to refine and develop diagnostic criteria specifically tailored to pediatric populations. With a deeper understanding of the disease mechanisms, treatment protocols should be designed to address the developmental, psychosocial, and individual needs of patients, aiming to minimize long-term side effects. Additionally, comprehensive studies considering age, sex, and ethnic differences are necessary to fill gaps in the literature and resolve existing inconsistencies.

A contemporary view of the macula densa: kidney remodeling

A contemporary view of the macula densa: kidney remodeling

Neurodiversity in the Minds of Students: From Perception to Campus Programming.

Neurodiversity is a social justice movement at the nexus of neuroscience, academia, and public policy. A contemporary view of neurodiversity is one that embraces neurological differences, encompassing all "neurotypes," including more specific identifiers like autistic or dyslexic. The goal of this study was to investigate student awareness and perception of neurodiversity since they are the next generation of public policy makers. Students enrolled in Introduction to Behavioral Neuroscience (N=146) were exposed to different information sources (popular, academic, TED talk, or choose/find their own) on the topic of neurodiversity. They then wrote a paper where they summarized: a) the information source used, b) their ideas to better support a neurodiverse society, and c) their opinions on aspects of neurodiversity. Several important findings emerged. First, 64% of the sample had never heard of the term neurodiversity; this class was their first exposure to it. Second, students conducting their own searches on neurodiversity had the highest level of optimism (p < 0.05) that society was ready to accept neurodiversity. Students identified even higher rates of receptivity (85%) amongst their friends. Third, student ideas to advance neurodiversity were organized into more salient categories for campuses to consider. Our findings challenge neuroscience programs to consider their role in providing "first exposure" opportunities to students in the diversity, equity, and inclusion realm, especially in areas directly related to our field. We also discuss the growing relevance of neurodiversity in research and academia and offer programming possibilities to enhance neurodiversity awareness and support on college campuses.

Abu Zayd Ahmed ibn Sahl Al-Balkhi (850-934): A Pioneer in the Field of Psychotherapy and Mental Health.

Abu Zayd Ahmed ibn Sahl Al-Balkhi (850-934) was a versatile scholar during the Islamic Golden Age, who made significant contributions in mental health, psychology, medicine, geography, and philosophy.Al-Balkhidelved into the intricate connection between psychological and physical health, contributing to the early understanding of psychosomatic medicine. His innovative understanding of mental health conditions such as anxiety and depression established the foundation for the subsequent development of cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT). Al-Balkhi's multidisciplinary approach, shaped by the guidance of his instructor Al-Kindi and the intellectually vibrant atmosphere of Baghdad, enabled him to assimilate knowledge from other traditions. His enduring legacy is acknowledged for its tremendous influence on historical and contemporary scientific thinking, establishing his position as a trailblazing figure in mental health and psychology.This narrative reviewcombines historical and contemporary views to assess Al-Balkhi's lasting legacy in the field of psychotherapy and mental health.

The Relationship between Income Inequality and Economic Growth

The relationship between income inequality and economic growth has long been a subject of intense academic debate, with varying perspectives emerging from different theoretical and empirical studies. This article delves into the complexities of this relationship, exploring how income inequality can both positively and negatively impact economic growth, depending on the context. Theoretical perspectives range from the classical Kuznets Curve, which posits that inequality initially increases with economic growth before eventually declining, to more contemporary views that highlight the risks of excessive inequality, particularly in developing economies. Empirical evidence from developed and developing countries further underscores the nuanced nature of this relationship. In developed economies, income inequality may sometimes promote growth by incentivizing investment and innovation, provided there are strong institutions to mitigate potential downsides. Conversely, in developing economies, high levels of inequality often inhibit growth by restricting access to education, healthcare, and other essential services, thus limiting human capital development. The study also emphasizes the critical role of institutions and policy interventions in shaping the relationship between income inequality and economic growth. Effective governance, progressive taxation, and investment in social infrastructure are highlighted as key strategies to balance growth with equity. The findings suggest that while some inequality might be necessary to spur economic progress, excessive inequality poses significant threats to long-term sustainable development. The article concludes by advocating for a balanced policy approach that promotes inclusive growth and ensures that the benefits of economic expansion are shared more broadly across society.

Infants and toddlers in imaginary play situations: The genesis and conditions that support the development of imagination

In line with contemporary views that problematise a stage-based approach to play, the study reported in this paper investigated the early forms of imaginary play of infants and toddlers. Results from two cohorts are presented in support of the genesis (11 infants; 1.1–2.0y; mean 1.6) and development of imagination as a psychological function (19 toddlers; 2.5–3.3ys; mean 2.9). Under the same conditions of an intervention of a Conceptual PlayWorld, the results show infants in imaginary situations gesturing imaginative intent, and the under three-year-olds engaged in more developed forms of imaginative play actions. Invited into imaginary play scenarios by educators, a dramatic tension between the infants' reality and their playing of reality was resolved through imitation, while the toddlers resolved emotional tensions in the drama of the imaginary play through emotional imagining (images). We concluded that there was a unique relationship between image formation, emotional imagining and the development of the psychological function of imagination. We argue that when imaginary play is made available to infants and toddlers that early forms of imagining are evident and suggest educators have a key role in creating conditions to support the development of imagination in group settings.

Palácio do Congresso Nacional – valor cultural de alterações em edifícios modernos

Setting itself apart from contemporary views on material culture conservation, the international debate on the preservation of modern architecture maintained, in the 1990s and 2000s, that such an architecture should be primarily conserved as a means of upholding the ideals of the Modern Movement. This perspective defined itself as a preservation of the authenticity of concepts. The 2000s gave rise to an alternative approach that moves toward cultural heritage tenets and deems matter and history as heritage attributes potentially as relevant as the authors’ ideas. This study contributes to the growing acceptance of this alternative approach, challenging the perception of modern buildings as pure ideas or unchanging images. It does so by exploring the cultural value resulting from intentional changes accumulated over time on the main building of the National Congress in Brasília, Brazil (designed by Oscar Niemeyer, 1957-1960). It used bibliographic and extensive documentary research as a basis for redrawing 100 renovation woks that have been carried out on the building. The analysis of the material shows diverse intentions, strategies, and outcomes from interventions from 1960 to 2020. This study sought to associate them with their authorship, institutional contexts, and different moments in the history of the building. The most significant alterations indicate that deviations from original intention and form in modern buildings fail to always configure distortions to be corrected. They can give rise to new images that replace established ones, updating collective imagery and bearing relevant cultural value. Addition acts can also offer a mode of intervention that enriches those buildings.

Populations Digitally Excluded from Education: Issues, Factors, Contributions and Actions for Policy, Practice and Research in a Post-Pandemic Era

AbstractThis conceptual paper draws on a wide range of research and policy literature, providing a contemporary view of issues, factors and practices that affect education for digitally excluded populations. Concern for how education for digitally excluded populations can be supported is focal to this paper, with different sections offering key related perspectives. From an analysis of issues, factors and practices, actions for policy, practice and research are identified. Given a key finding that power issues can have major effects on plans, implementation processes and outcomes when addressing needs of education for digitally excluded populations, the paper concludes by offering frameworks to support and enable key discussions, to involve representatives from an excluded population as well as those from policy (government and industry), practitioners (teachers and learners) and researchers.

Распространенность когнитивных нарушений у пациентов с рассеянным склерозом

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic autoimmune disorder that manifests itself in progressive neurodegeneration causing a broad spectrum of cognitive deficits in the patients. Cognitive impairment being an essential component of the clinical picture of the disease come in a variety of manifestations and significantly lower the MS patients’ quality of life. This paper reports contemporary views on the prevalence and pathogenesis of cognitive impairment; the data of original studies involving patients with multiple sclerosis are provided.

“Determined to prove a villain”

Abstract Shakespeare’s play Richard III represents a fascinating phenomenon from the perspective of critical disability studies. On the one hand, his portrayal stands at the root of the much-criticised link between evil intentions and a physical deformity; on the other, the play allows Richard to reclaim some of the agency of his own corporeality, as he uses his body to gain his political goals. Translations of this play inevitably mirror contemporary views of non-normative bodies, and the two Slovak versions of the play marking the immediate aftermath of World War II and the last years of the communist rule in former Czechoslovakia provide an ideal ground for observing these shifts against the backdrop of significant sociopolitical changes. This article explores how the subtle nuances in individual translated versions reshape Richard’s image, and ultimately highlights the changing historical narratives of disability translated for different generations of Slovak readers and theatregoers.