Continuous Reflection Research Articles

Application of Natural Science Methods in Social Science Research

The introduction of natural science methodologies into social science research aims to enhance the scientific rigor and validity of studies through precise techniques. By employing quantitative analysis, data mining, and model construction, researchers are able to delve deeper into the complexities of social phenomena, injecting new vitality into traditional qualitative research. Quantitative analysis methods render research outcomes more objective and reproducible, while data mining techniques can extract underlying patterns and trends from vast amounts of data. Model construction offers a systematic understanding of social dynamic processes, supporting the prediction and intervention of future social developments. Computer simulation technologies, particularly with the backing of big data and high-performance computing, enable hypothesis testing and virtual experiments on social systems, allowing for multi-level and multi-perspective observations of social phenomena. This interdisciplinary integration not only provides new research tools and methodologies for the social sciences but also effectively fosters the interchange of knowledge between different disciplines. However, continuous reflection and adjustment in practical applications are necessary to address the potential pitfalls and limitations that may arise from the complexity of these methods.

Innovative Strategies for Hosts in the Dissemination of China's Narrative System in the Age of Intelligent Media

In the report of the 20th National Congress of the Communist Party of China, the "second integration" emphasized the contemporary significance of excellent traditional Chinese culture, highlighting the construction of an independent narrative system based on the integration of traditional Chinese culture and local cultural practices. In today’s society, China faces challenges in the dissemination of its narrative system, such as the external shaping of cultural symbols and a relatively singular form of cultural communication. The integration of culture and tourism has become a popular topic in recent years, with tourism programs serving as a window to showcase Chinese culture. Although cultural programs and tourism programs have both seen substantial development, creating a comprehensive program that effectively integrates both remains a task requiring continuous reflection from hosts. Particularly, current tourism programs face challenges like weak cultural relevance, lack of distinctive hosting styles, and hollow content. These issues present new challenges to hosts and offer great development potential for related programs. The key topic of this paper is how hosts can leverage their expertise to expand the program’s reach or enhance its content dissemination. Through research, the paper identifies innovative approaches for hosts in cultural tourism programs, summarized into three phases: tasks to be completed in the pre-production, production, and post-production stages. The analysis covers the core content, the host’s positioning, and communication methods. The proposed innovative paths provide new perspectives and ideas for more effectively disseminating Chinese cultural symbols abroad.

Quadratic Unet for seismic random noise attenuation

In the field of seismic data processing, seismic denoising is essential to improve the quality of seismic data. Various deep learning methods have been proposed, showing promising performance for seismic denoising. However, most deep learning methods are based on lin ear neurons, resulting in limited expressive ability for complex seismic signals. To enhance denoising capability using non-linear neurons, we propose a supervised quadratic U-shaped network (QUnet) for seismic random noise attenuation. The quadratic neurons in QUnet are represented by a second-order polynomial of input data and weighted parameters. Nu merical synthetic seismic data experiments show that the proposed QUnet method achieves higher signal-to-noise ratio results and preserves the continuity of reflectors more effectively. We have also tested the effectiveness of QUnet on both prestack field data and post-stack seismic data. The detailed structures and weak signals of seismic data are better preserved by our proposed QUnet method.

“AMONGST A SINGLE POINT” Thoughts on the medial attachments of Dezső Tandori

Dezső Tandori’s lyric poetry includes quite distinct voices ranging from modernity to neo-avantgarde, his poetry spanning philosophical poems, minimal art, concept poetry, as well as pieces of experimental word poetry (and even more). Examples of the medial ties between visuality and verbality are his ideograms, drawings-prose, drawings-aphorisms, and his meta-mathematical commentaries accompanied by figures. The visualization of mental space and the continuous reflection on it always connects with the deliberation of subjectivity, communicability, and the coherency of the world. Thus, Tandori’s intermedial works are not only border-crossings or configurations between art forms, but at the same time, they are works that emphasize the media nature of the subject. This is articulated by Tandori’s terms: intermediális- átélt [intermedial lived-through], and médium-art-élt [media-art-life/lived]. This study aims to show what special existential and ontological meaning can be associated with the “Tandori-like intermedial”; how the subject becomes a depot: the bearer and mediator of the meglét [being/existence] and the tűnt volt [seemed was].

Research review. Navigating the digital limes: Transformative practices and challenges in Classical and Mediterranean archaeology

This paper examines the profound impact of digital technology on Classical and Mediterranean archaeology, with a focus on digital field recording and infrastructures. Using the “Skeuomorphism of Practice” framework, it traces the integration of technology into our existing methodologies. The Swedish Pompeii Project is used as a case study to illustrate the adoption of 3D models into traditional archaeological practices. While highlighting the benefits, the paper also addresses the tensions between traditional and digital methods. As archaeological practices increasingly generate digital data, the role of infrastructures as collaborative hubs is emphasized. The study questions the adequacy of current pedagogy in preparing students for the digital and technological landscapes and argues for continued critical reflection on the impact of technology.

KH.M.'S Educational Concept Hasyim Asy'ari's Perspective on the Jihad of Ibn Qoyyim Al Jauziyyah

This study explores the educational evaluations of KH. Hasyim Asy'ari in the context of jihad, as conceptualized by Ibn Qayyim al-Jawziyyah. The research focuses on four key aspects of evaluation: spiritual, intellectual, physical, and social, examining how these align with the broader concept of jihad. KH. Hasyim Asy'ari's holistic approach to education emphasizes the integration of spiritual, intellectual, physical, and social development to produce balanced individuals who can contribute to society and practice Islamic principles. Spiritual evaluation focuses on self-purification and closeness to Allah, intellectual evaluation emphasizes mastery of knowledge, physical evaluation highlights the importance of fitness and readiness, and social evaluation promotes contributions to the welfare of society. By aligning these educational goals with the concept of jihad, the study reveals how education serves as a powerful tool for character development, fostering a balance between spiritual growth and worldly responsibilities. The findings suggest that KH. Hasyim Asy'ari's educational model, deeply rooted in Islamic teachings, provides a comprehensive framework for preparing individuals to contribute both to their faith and society, encouraging continuous self-improvement and reflection.

Disability Arts and Disability Aesthetics

Disability aesthetics has emerged in the modern/contemporary era as a critical approach that challenges traditional notions of beauty, wholeness, and normalcy in art. By centering the experiences and perspectives of disabled individuals, disability aesthetics seeks to subvert ableist assumptions and stereotypes, presenting disability as a natural part of human diversity. This paper aims to explore how disability aesthetics challenges ableism, expands our understanding of art and beauty, and brings about societal changes through a critical analysis of various examples of disability arts in the modern/contemporary era. However, this paper also acknowledges the potential pitfalls within the field of disability aesthetics. These include the risk of fetishization or exoticization of disability, and the need for a more intersectional analysis that considers how disability intersects with other marginalized identities. As disability aesthetics continues to evolve, it is crucial to address these challenges and work towards a more nuanced and inclusive understanding of disability representation in art. Given this, by critically examining both the strengths and limitations of disability aesthetics, this paper aims to contribute to the ongoing dialogue about representation, identity, and artistic expression in the context of disability. Ultimately, it underscores the importance of continual reflection and refinement within the field to ensure that disability aesthetics remains a powerful tool for social change and artistic innovation.

Práctica reflexiva del profesorado en formación de la carrera de Historia, Geografía y Ciencias Sociales de la Pontificia Universidad Católica de Valparaíso

Introduction: The objective of the research is to identify what type of reflection the pre-services teachers in the History, Geography and Social Sciences program at the Pontifical Catholic University of Valparaíso develop at the end of their professional practice, in order to recognize challenges and training opportunities for the promotion of reflective practice. Methodology: Qualitative descriptive research that analyzed the performances of 33 pre-service teachers in their reflection protocol, identifying the type of reflection carried out: descriptive, comparative or critical. Results: The majority pre-service teachers, when evaluating the impact of their teaching, based on their students' learning and reflecting pedagogically, develop a descriptive reflection, to the detriment of a comparative and critical one. When it is requested to analyze the impact of pedagogical practice from the opinions of the students, this is of the comparative type. Discussions: Systematic reflection on educational practice constitutes a possibility for the formation of teaching identity. Conclusions: It is important to understand reflective practice as a key competence of teaching practice, which is consolidated as a space for continuous learning and reflection par excellence due to its approach and experience of teaching work.

Influence of PE Teachers’ Professional Learning Community on Continuing Professional Development

The study determined the predictive influence of PE Teachers’ professional learning community participation (PLC) on their continuing professional development engagement. To measure the PLC participation of the respondents, the researcher used the core features of PLC in China: common vision, read-practice-share learning flow, continuous reflection, supportive and sharing leadership, and peer and organizational support. For the assessment of CPD status, the study used the following sub-variables: keeping one’s self abreast, reflection and feedback, experimentation, collaboration for instruction improvement, and collaboration for school development. The assessments showed that the respondents participated in PLC well. Similarly, there is a high CPD engagement among the respondents. More importantly, the study showed that PLC participation significantly predicts CPD engagement.

Enabling access: Reflecting on inclusive education practice

AbstractInclusive education is a multifaceted approach that celebrates diversity, acknowledges individual differences and fosters an environment where all students can thrive. This reflective piece delves into key components of inclusive education practice, including embracing diversity, implementing differentiated instruction, fostering collaborative partnerships, creating an inclusive environment and engaging in continuous reflection and professional development. Drawing from over two decades of teaching experience, I seek to highlight the importance of catering to individual needs, building collaborative relationships and nurturing a culture of inclusivity and empowerment which are factors essential in creating inclusion and equity within the classroom. Through embracing inclusive practices, teachers can create learning communities where each student, regardless of their ability or challenges, has the opportunity to succeed.

Varying free-gas zone (FGZ) and bottom-simulating reflection (BSR) response across a deep graben off Trujillo, central Peru

The complexity of marine gas hydrate systems at the Peruvian convergent margin has been linked to the post-Miocene history of vertical tectonics and subduction erosion that affected the forearc. Here, multichannel seismic data and published findings reveal that such a complexity has been further extended by the occurrence of the pre-Miocene deep Morsa Norte Graben (MNG) off Trujillo (8°–9° S) in the Central Peru margin. At water depths of 650–750 m in the upper slope, directly above the MNG depocentre (which has a 4–6 km overburden thickness), continuous bottom-simulating reflections (BSRs) and concentrated sub-BSR high-amplitude reflections are confined beneath a layered basin with a low–moderate near-seafloor heat flow (7–33 mW m −2 ). A deeper BSR modelled with a thermogenic gas composition is associated with the enhanced reflections. At a water depth of 900 m, sub-BSR reflections become less frequent in an area with a layered sediment cover defined by a moderate near-seafloor heat flow (15–33 mW m −2 ). At a water depth of 1200 m, where the MNG is relatively thick (3–4 km overburden thickness), faults connect patchy BSRs with a moderate–high near-seafloor heat flow (52–110 mW m −2 ). There, sub-BSR enhanced reflections are scarce. Immediately above the top of the gas hydrate stability zone (GHSZ), the near-seafloor heat flow reaches 81 mW m −2 . Modelling suggests a water depth-dependent transport of heat towards the seafloor with respect to the top of the GHSZ, implying that the closer the seafloor is to the top of the GHSZ, the lower the advection of heat, and vice versa. Recent seafloor-related depositional and structural features amplify such relations in agreement with near-seafloor heat-flow variability. However, towards the area outside the extent of the MNG (<3 km overburden thickness), continuous BSRs are not linked either to a deeper BSR or to sub-BSR enhanced reflections. The continuity of one of these BSRs is deflected upwards beneath a slump, suggesting an incomplete thermal re-equilibration of the GHSZ. Therefore, we conclude that the BSR responds to: (1) the confinement and thickening of the free-gas zone (FGZ) above the MNG depocentre due to the sealing effect of recent sedimentation close to the top of the GHSZ; (2) the seepage of gas-rich fluids from a thinned FGZ above the relatively thick MNG, due to the enabling effect of faults cutting the GHSZ far from the top of the GHSZ; (3) the undisturbed state of the FGZ outside the extent of the MNG; and (4) the disequilibrium state of the base of the GHSZ due to the unloading of sediments in an unstable slope environment prone to failure.

Reflections on co-researching AI literacy

Students as Partners (SaP) approaches have gained more and more traction in higher education in recent years (Dai & Matthews, 2022). Rooted in values such as reciprocity and shared responsibility, SaP can offer opportunities for internationalizing the curriculum and departing from traditional teacher-student hierarchies (Green & Baxter, 2022). This case study focuses on a SaP project involving international students and their English for Academic Purposes (EAP) teacher, which investigated artificial intelligence (AI) literacy during a UK pre-sessional course in summer 2023. The project identified that learning about the limitations of AI, in addition to developing skills for effective prompt writing, was beneficial to students (Partridge et al, 2023). This case study reflects on the challenges and benefits of SaP for both students and the teacher using the Advance HE (2016) Framework for Student Engagement Through Partnership. Based on these reflections, the case study offers recommendations for future SaP projects including effective scheduling, defining roles, engaging in continual reflection, and formally recognising student input.

The Diversity of Voices in Universities: A Critical Reflection on Representation Based on Two University Projects in Iceland and Germany

ABSTRACTBackgroundUniversities are deeply rooted in a tradition of exclusivity. However, for the past several years, they have been called upon to develop in an inclusive and socially responsible manner that does justice to the plurality of society. This has led to the emergence of diverse practices and projects around the world that are intended to open up universities to previously excluded and marginalised groups of people. At the same time, findings from postcolonial studies, such as Spivak's discussions on the topic of representation, show that such processes of change must always be accompanied by critical reflection. This article offers a reflexive analysis of two university projects—one in Iceland and one in Germany—where people with learning difficulties are employed as academic staff, engaged in both teaching and research.MethodsThis article is a result of a collaboration between three nondisabled lecturers and three lecturers with learning disabilities, co‐written across three languages—German, Icelandic and English. The authors worked together to explore theories of representation, ensuring that their discussions and writing were accessible to all members, regardless of language or disability. The article discusses two projects from Iceland and Germany.FindingsThe article shows that inclusive higher education developments are necessary. The projects presented in the article have created work opportunities for people with learning disabilities in the previously exclusive setting of the university. The article provides descriptions of the exemplary life paths of the three lecturers with learning disabilities who co‐authored this article. They have had to navigate the precarious balance between being reduced to mere representatives of their disability and contributing valuable academic knowledge. The findings suggest that an inclusive university can foster equitable academic environments, contributing to the transformation of higher education by reflecting diverse viewpoints and experiences.ConclusionsInitiatives in Iceland and Germany highlight significant progress towards more inclusive universities by integrating individuals with learning disabilities into academic roles, challenging traditional power dynamics. Spivak's (2008) concept of representation emphasises the need to include marginalised voices in academic discourse, ensuring they are genuinely reflected. While these efforts are crucial, continuous critical reflection is necessary to avoid reinforcing inequalities. Moving forward, universities must embed inclusion into all aspects of their structures, creating meaningful opportunities for marginalised groups to influence decision‐making. This approach will ensure that representation is transformative and drives genuine social change.

Building an IoB ecosystem for influencing energy consumption in smart cities

Introduction: The Internet of Behaviors (IoB) represents a paradigm shift in integrating digital technologies with human behaviors, offering unprecedented insights and opportunities across various domains. This research paper explores the transformative potential of IoB and presents an innovative IoB framework applied to an energy consumption scenario. Objective: We offer an innovative IoB ecosystem aimed at heightening citizens' responsibility and awareness regarding home energy consumption in smart cities.Methodology: We propose a framework that elicits behavioral insights by leveraging smart meter data, clusters citizens based on similar energy consumption patterns using K-Means into groups, applies an LSTM-based prediction model to forecast their future energy consumption, and influences their behavior through a continuous personal reflection loop. Moreover, to foster trust, XAI principles are also integrated into our framework to ensure citizens comprehend and trust the IoB model's results.Results: Our proposed LSTM-based prediction model achieved, on the smart meters’ dataset, high-performance results, an R² value equal to 0.986, a root mean squared error of 0.492 and a mean squared error equal to 0.242. Conclusions: This paper presents how we can leverage the IoB and XAI into the energy sector. However, the IoB's potential is not restricted to a certain domain. It has a revolutionary influence across sectors, with the power sector standing out as one of the domains where the IoB has the potential to alter social practices

Seismic Characteristics and Distribution Patterns of Maokou Formation Dolomite Reservoirs in The Hechuan Area of Central Sichuan

Abstract In recent years, the exploration of dolomite reservoirs of the Permian Maokou Formation in the Hechuan area has made a breakthrough, making the Maokou Formation the main exploration layer in the central part of the Sichuan area. The reservoir lithology of the Maokou Formation in central Sichuan is mainly composed of fine to medium crystalline dolomite and residual granular dolomite. The dolomite reservoir is relatively thin, located in the middle of the second member of Maokou Formation vertically and distributed stably laterally. Based on rock physics, this study analyzes the factors influencing the seismic response characteristics of the dolomite reservoir of Maokou Formation, and makes it clear that the dolomite reservoir shows the characteristics of continuous strong peak reflection in the seismic profile. By analyzing the positive correlation between reservoir quality and amplitude intensity, the amplitude attribute can be used to determine the favorable area of dolomite reservoir development, and the reservoir distribution can be quantitatively described by seismic inversion. According to the seismic attributes, the dolomite reservoirs are distributed in contiguous regions, mainly along the TS3 ~TS4~TS11~MX39, which are distributed in a NW - SE direction. Seismic inversion results further clarify the stable distribution of dolomite reservoirs, with regional contiguous features. Through the study, it is clear that the favorable area of the dolomite reservoir in the second member of Maokou Formation is distributed in the central part of the Hechuan area, and the area of the reservoir is more than 1200km2. Multiple Wells have been deployed to obtain more than one million square meters of industrial air flow, and billions of square meters of proved reserves have been submitted.

Research on the initiation and wavefront evolution of diverging cylindrical detonations of acetylene and oxygen mixtures

The present study focuses on fundamental research about the transition from a planar detonation to a cylindrical detonation and the propagation of the diverging cylindrical detonation. We aim to figure out the mechanism of the transition and propagation of the diverging cylindrical detonation by analyzing the cellular pattern and critical initial pressure. The findings highlight that the successful detonation in a cylindrical chamber via transition through a straight channel is predominantly influenced by diffraction at the corners and the successive continuous reflections between the front and rear walls. Depending on the initial pressure, the initiation modes exhibit characteristics of subcritical, critical, and supercritical three-stage processes. Sustained propagation of cylindrical detonations necessitates increasing the number of cells to match the growth rate in the front region. Experimental investigations reveal two distinct modes of cell number increase: mild and violent. In the case of the former, cell number increase predominantly occurs on a scale of two to three times the characteristic cell size of the Chapman-Jouguet detonation. In contrast, a decaying Mach stem undergoes twisting and evolves into local kinks, leading to the development of new triple-wave points. The latter mode typically occurs near the limit, where cell increase primarily arises from randomly occurring local explosions, and operates on a scale of ten times the characteristic cell size or the chamber diameter. In addition, a numerical study of two-dimensional fundamental problems abstracted from the experiment is conducted to help interpret experimental results and reveal more about the physics of the problem.

What Is Music For? The Power of Community Music Programs

Drawing from Small’s notion of musicking, I invite readers to recognize the transformative power of community music programs in fostering societal cohesion and personal growth. Central to this discussion is the idea that musicking extends beyond mere musical performance to encapsulate a complex network of relationships among participants, which reflects broader societal interactions as envisaged by those involved. I propose the cyclic nature of building and rebuilding within community music programs and advocate for continuous reflection on the fundamental question: “What is music for?” This paper aims to deepen our understanding of music’s role within our communities.

Evolving Professional Identities: A Narrative Exploration of a Chinese Preservice EFL Teacher’s Practicum Experience

This paper presents a narrative study on the professional identity development of a Chinese preservice EFL teacher, examining her experiences before, during, and after the teaching practicum. The data for this research were gathered through in-depth interviews, documents, and observations. By offering a comprehensive narrative of Yang’s practicum journey, this study sheds light on the evolving nature of professional identity among Chinese preservice EFL teachers. Through the framework of teacher socialization, the findings reveal distinct phases in Yang’s professional identity. Yang’s stories highlight the dynamic and evolving process of professional identity development, characterized by continuous negotiation, adjustment, and reflection at each stage of the practicum. Additionally, this paper offers practical recommendations for educational institutions, placement schools, and preservice teachers. By integrating these findings, future teacher education programs can better prepare aspiring educators to navigate the complexities of professional identity development, thereby enhancing the effectiveness of EFL teacher training in China.

Experiences of Using a Digital Guidance and Assessment Tool (the Technology-Optimized Practice Process in Nursing Application) During Clinical Practice in a Nursing Home: Focus Group Study Among Nursing Students.

Nursing students' learning during clinical practice is largely influenced by the quality of the guidance they receive from their nurse preceptors. Students that have attended placement in nursing home settings have called for more time with nurse preceptors and an opportunity for more help from the nurses for reflection and developing critical thinking skills. To strengthen students' guidance and assessment and enhance students' learning in the practice setting, it has also been recommended to improve the collaboration between faculties and nurse preceptors. This study explores first-year nursing students' experiences of using the Technology-Optimized Practice Process in Nursing (TOPP-N) application in 4 nursing homes in Norway. TOPP-N was developed to support guidance and assessment in clinical practice in nursing education. Four focus groups were conducted with 19 nursing students from 2 university campuses in Norway. The data collection and directed content analysis were based on DeLone and McLean's information system success model. Some participants had difficulties learning to use the TOPP-N tool, particularly those who had not attended the 1-hour digital course. Furthermore, participants remarked that the content of the TOPP-N guidance module could be better adjusted to the current clinical placement, level of education, and individual achievements to be more usable. Despite this, most participants liked the TOPP-N application's concept. Using the TOPP-N mobile app for guidance and assessment was found to be very flexible. The frequency and ways of using the application varied among the participants. Most participants perceived that the use of TOPP-N facilitated awareness of learning objectives and enabled continuous reflection and feedback from nurse preceptors. However, the findings indicate that the TOPP-N application's perceived usefulness was highly dependent on the preparedness and use of the app among nurse preceptors (or absence thereof). This study offers information about critical success factors perceived by nursing students related to the use of the TOPP-N application. To develop similar learning management systems that are usable and efficient, developers should focus on personalizing the content, clarifying procedures for use, and enhancing the training and motivation of users, that is, students, nurse preceptors, and educators.

Indirect (pivot) audiovisual translation: a burning issue for research and training

ABSTRACT This article serves as an introduction to the special issue on the practice of translating audiovisual content through an intermediate language or text. This increasingly common yet underexplored area presents numerous challenges and opportunities for research and training. By employing a broad definition of this practice, we aim to highlight its significance and complexity. We start by discussing the rationale behind focusing on this topic, noting the conceptual ambiguities and diverse terminology associated with it. Then, we review past, present, and anticipated developments in the field, and provide an overview of the contributions within this special issue. To conclude, we identify research questions and potential future directions, emphasising the need for continued exploration and reflection. Ultimately, with this introduction and the special issue as a whole, we aim to bring attention to this critical practice in audiovisual translation, encouraging further scholarly inquiry and practical advancements.