Deep Connection Research Articles

Hope for a New Us/Earth via E-Co-Affectivity and Jeong (정 情)

In E-Co-Affectivity, Marjolein Oele explores the deep connectivity and relational entanglements of plants, animals, humans, and the soil as elemental components of a co-affective community. Her deconstructive reading of the Aristotelian conception of degrees of three souls, with such hierarchy of humans-animals-vegetables via what she calls categorical contamination,” is a brilliant example of how re-reading the western canon can cast important interpretive light upon contemporary ethico-political questions. Oele’s work shows how it is crucial to foreground (eco)feminist re-interpretations of the writings of major figures in the western philosophical traditions. It is reconstruction and construction of feminist hermeneutics so that it is not a mere interpretation, but a transformation of old traditions into planetary cosmo-centric new-becomings. Through my reading of E-Co-Affectivity, I focus on the coherence of the crucial themes of the middle voice, precarity, and e-co-affectivity, from my comparative ecofeminist perspective. The Korean concept of jeong, which can be a healing mechanism in the midst of our planetary crises, I will suggest, resonates profoundly with e-co-affectivity.

Fluctuation-induced extensive molecular transport via modulation of interaction strength.

In our previous work, we studied the thermodynamics of two cases of intercompartmental transport through a carbon nanotube: one involving water molecules and the other involving nonpolar molecules. Free energy calculations indicate that transporting water molecules from one compartment to another via a narrow channel is impossible, whereas for nonpolar molecules, only approximately half can be transported. Therefore, the interaction strength between transported molecules significantly affects molecular transport. In this study, we examined the effect of interaction strength on molecular transport both kinetically and thermodynamically via simple models and molecular simulation methods. The results revealed that, depending on the interaction strength, the transport behavior can be categorized into three regimes: water-like, nonpolar-like, and transition regimes. Interestingly, the molecular fluctuations in the transition regime are so large that a significant number of molecules are transported between the compartments in an oscillatory manner, exceeding the transport of half of the molecules in the nonpolar-like regime. Thus, to induce molecular transport driven by large fluctuations, the interaction strength should remain within a moderate range. Moreover, potential of mean force (PMF) analysis supports this large fluctuating behavior, as the PMF profile exhibits a flat region that allows significant variation with no free energy cost. We elucidate the role of interaction strength in molecular transport, as well as the deep connection between molecular fluctuations and molecular transport.

Experience of Aging in the Ngäbe‑Buglé Community in Coto Brus, Costa Rica: A Qualitative Study

Introduction: Indigenous communities grapple with unique challenges in the aging process, often encountering amplified barriers to healthcare and resources, possibly due to their remote locations and distinct cultural backgrounds. Limited research exists on aging within Costa Rica’s Ngäbe‑Buglé Indigenous community, particularly the La Casona community in Coto Brus. This study explores the aging experience of the Ngäbe‑Buglé community in La Casona, aiming to identify challenges and potential resources to enhance the quality of life and aging experience for elderly community members. Methods: This qualitative study utilized semi‑structured interviews to collect data from 14 elderly participants (6 female, 8 male), aged 52–90 years, living in the La Casona community. Participants were selected through purposeful snowball sampling techniques, and individual interviews were conducted at their residences. Interviews were conducted with assistance from an interpreter and lasted approximately 30–60 minutes. Thematic analysis was used to examine participants’ responses to understand their experiences with aging. Results: Three primary themes emerged: economic difficulties, insufficient social support, and cultural aspects related to La Casona. Among the three primary themes were a total of eight subcategories. Economic challenges encompassed financial constraints and food insecurity, housing and infrastructure needs, and difficulties in accessing healthcare. Insufficient social support was evident through heavy reliance on family, limited community aid, and an absence of engaging activities. Cultural aspects highlighted the community’s deep connection to nature and concerns about the fading cultural heritage among younger generations. These themes collectively contribute to the challenges confronted by elderly adults in the Ngäbe‑Buglé community. Conclusions: Improving healthcare access, enhancing social interactions, and preserving cultural heritage are essential when it comes to improving the aging experience in La Casona. The following participant discussions provide insight into public health interventions. Addressing these issues will require governmental support and policy changes aimed at uplifting the Ngäbe‑Buglé community.

Uprooted when settled: Koonj and Kuku in the changing migrating identity of Gujjars and Bakerwals, the transhumant pastoralist of Jammu and Kashmir

ABSTRACT Transhumant pastoralism, rooted in the seasonal movement of humans and nonhuman animals across forest ranges, constitutes a shared multispecies collective identity. For Gujjars and Bakerwals – a transhumant pastoral tribe from Jammu and Kashmir – the long-distance movement with their livestock across the forest has for long defined their lived experience. The present study examines how the assimilation of the transhumant identity of Gujjars and Bakerwals into a more settled mode of living, resulting from hegemonic ideologies, leads to what Homi Bhabha calls ‘in-between-ness,’ as reflected in their oral narratives. This ‘in-betweenness’ generates a sense of being ‘unhomed.’ The research explores how, by establishing their relationship with the birds Koonj (Crane) and Kuku (Cuckoo) – who for years have migrated with the Khafila of the tribe – emerge as counter-hegemonic narratives in oral narratives, such as Udd Udd Koonj and Kuku amid changing socio-political conditions. Month-long fieldwork with the members of the tribe in the Rajouri district reveals that their deep connection with these birds underscores their adaptive resilience. This paper attempts to understand the interwoven relationship of agency, where humans and more-than-human actors come together to construct a multispecies world of entangled relationships, which makes the tribe cognizant of their collective multispecies identity as transhumant pastoralists.

Embracing the One Health Paradigm for Public Health Transformation

The One Health approach recognizes the deep connections between human, animal, and environmental health. It provides a powerful framework for addressing global health challenges like zoonotic diseases, antimicrobial resistance (AMR), and environmental changes. By integrating efforts across disciplines, it has proven effective in reducing disease outbreaks, improving surveillance, and mitigating AMR. Examples like rabies control through animal and human vaccination demonstrate the potential of this collaborative model. The One Health paradigm is essential for addressing the interconnected health challenges of our time. By fostering interdisciplinary collaboration, integrating knowledge across domains, and focusing on prevention, One Health offers a transformative approach to public health. Investing in One Health strategies including infrastructure development, policy reform, and research advancements is critical to building resilient systems that can prevent and respond to emerging threats, ensuring a healthier, sustainable future for all.

Integrating Indigenous Knowledge into Sustainable Forest Management for Climate Change Adaptation and Mitigation Strategies: Case from Southern Slopes of Mount Slamet, Indonesia

Rural communities near forests are highly vulnerable to climate change due to frequent natural disasters and extreme weather. This study investigated local wisdom in forest management as a strategy to address climate challenges. Conducted in April–May 2024 on the southern slopes of Mount Slamet, Central Java (i.e., Gununglurah, Sokawera, and Sunyalangu Villages), the research used a participatory learning action approach and descriptive-quantitative analysis based on interpretive and critical sociology. Key findings highlight three aspects of community-based forest management: spatial categorization of forests into sacred conservation forests (tabet), protected forests in steep areas, and production forests managed through agroforestry; temporal scheduling based on the traditional pranatamangsa seasonal calendar; and plant selection for production, conservation, and spiritual purposes. These practices reflect a deep socio-cultural connection to forests and provide a foundation for integrating traditional wisdom with modern management methods. Legal recognition is essential to protect the rights of indigenous communities and their forest management systems, ensuring that these practices contribute to sustainable forest management and effective climate change adaptation and mitigation strategies.

String scattering and evolution of a Ryu-Takayanagi surface

In this paper, our aim is to illustrate that the process of open string scattering corresponds to the evolution of the entanglement wedge, where the scattering distance is identified as the entanglement wedge cross section. Moreover, open-closed string scattering, specifically the disk-disk interaction, works for the evolution of the reflected entanglement wedge, with the circumference of the waist cross section equating to the reflected entropy. It therefore provides evidence for the deep connections between the string world sheet and the Ryu-Takayanagi surface. This connection is not only a coincidence rooted in hyperbolic geometry; it also reflects an additional correspondence between two distinct theories: mutual information and the geometric Batalin-Vilkoviski master equation. Published by the American Physical Society 2025

Antiferromagnetic order and possible quantum spin liquid in kagome antiferromagnet LuCu3(OH)6Br2[Br x (OH)1-x

Abstract Recent studies on the kagome lattice YCu3(OH)6+x X3-x (X = (Cl, Br)) have show promising evidence for the existence of a Dirac quantum spin liquid. We have synthesized a new compound LuCu3(OH)6Br2[Br x (OH)1-x ], which has two types of structures with two different space group, P 3 m1 and R 3. Type-I sample with the space group of P 3 m1 has undistorted Cu2+ kagome planes and orders magnetically below about 1.5 K. Type-II has a larger unit cell with the space group of R 3 and distorted kagome planes. No magnetic ordering is observed, and the low-temperature specific heat behaves like the Dirac quantum spin liquid, including the quadratic temperature dependence at zero field and an additional linear-T term under magnetic fields. By comparing the structures with YCu3(OH)6+x X3-x (X = Cl, Br), we show that the QSL ground state may have a deep connection with the J ⎔ - J - J' Heisenberg model on the kagome lattice.

Exploring transcultural translanguaging strategies in English literature of a bilingual Chinese author: a corpus-based study

ABSTRACT Translanguaging, though widely studied in spoken language pedagogy, remains under-explored in written texts produced by bilingual or multilingual authors. This study introduces a new framework grounded in translanguaging practice and transcultural creativity to conceptualize “transcultural translanguaging strategies.” Using this framework, the bilingual Chinese author Qiu Xiaolong’s novel Enigma of China is analyzed to uncover how literary devices reveal transcultural translanguaging strategies. A corpus-based approach, combined with thematic analysis, examines expressions containing cultural keywords from the novel. Five transcultural translanguaging strategies are identified: ‘Place,’ ‘Classic Literature,’ ‘History,’ ‘Specialty,’ and ‘Social Politics.’ These strategies reflect the author’s bilingual identity, convey Chinese cultural heritage, and portray contemporary Chinese society. This research highlights the expressive power of transcultural translanguaging in written bilingual authors’ literature, offering a corpus-based analytical framework to study Asian English literature. It expands understanding of translanguaging beyond spoken contexts, fostering rich interpretations and deep transcultural connections and insights.

P0206 Skin deep connections: patients with stricturing Crohn’s disease are more likely to have a history of skin scarring than those with non-stricturing Crohn’s and non-IBD controls

Abstract Background The mechanism and prediction of stricturing Crohn’s disease (CD) to guide medical therapy remains elusive. Formation of hypertrophic and keloid skin scars have not been previously studied in IBD. This study aimed to evaluate the nature of skin scars in patients with CD, and their association with different phenotypes. Methods Adult patients attending a tertiary IBD service were invited to participate in this cross-sectional observational study. Patients were divided into three groups (non-IBD controls, non-structuring/non-penetrating CD and stricturing/penetrating CD). A patient survey tool, consisting of 8 questions was administered to assess for the presence of scars and their type. Disease characteristics were ascertained using electronic medical records. The primary outcome of the study was the prevalence of either hypertrophic or keloid scarring across the 3 groups. Secondary outcomes included the rates of scarring overall as well as keloid and hypertrophic scars individually between the three groups. The chi-square test along with pair-wise comparison differences was used to assess for differences between groups. Results 189 patients were recruited for this study with baseline characteristics presented in table 1 below. Control patients were older than the other groups (p = 0.013). Patients with stricturing/penetrating CD were more likely to be male. Patients with stricturing/penetrating CD (36.5%) were more likely to have either hypertrophic or keloid scars than those with non-stricturing/non-penetrating CD (11.1%) and non-IBD controls (6.3%), p = <0.0001. Pairwise comparisons revealed differences individually between the stricturing/penetrating and non-stricturing/non-penetrating (p = 0.001) and healthy controls (p < 0.001), but not between the latter two groups (p = 0.52). 8 patients with structuring/penetrating CD had a history of keloid scars, but none in the other 2 groups (p < 0.001). Across the 3 groups, there was no difference in the rates of normal scars (p = 0.112). Conclusion In this pilot cross-sectional study, a higher rate of hypertrophic or keloid scarring was demonstrated in patients with stricturing or penetrating disease in comparison to healthy controls and those with non-stricturing/non-penetrating disease, suggesting potential underlying common pathophysiology. Future studies confirming this novel association may provide an avenue for further study of predictive and therapeutic targets for IBD.

Assessing the Impact of Intangible Cultural Heritage Cognition on Sense of Place Among Urban Residents in Dalian Under Sustainable Development Goals

Objective: The objective of this study is to evaluate the impact of urban residents' intangible cultural heritage cognition on their sense of place with the aim of to providing empirical support for promoting intangible cultural heritage and enhancing the sustainability of urban culture. Theoretical Framework: Based on the sense of place theory. He sense of place embodies a deep emotional connection between people and places, a special human-place relationship transformed by cultural and social characteristics. Method: This research mainly adopts quantitative analysis method. Data collection was conducted through questionnaires. Data of Dalian residents were collected to determine the dimensions of urban residents' intangible cultural heritage cognition through exploratory factor analysis, and the impact of these dimensions on urban residents' sense of place was assessed through regression analysis. Results and Discussion: The results show that residents' perception of intangible cultural heritage significantly affects their sense of place. In addition, demographic variables such as gender, age, and length of residence also affect urban residents' sense of place. Research Implications: The study found that improving residents' awareness of intangible cultural heritage can help enhance residents' sense of place, and based on this, recommendations are made for the government and relevant cultural institutions. Originality/Value: This study provides empirical support for improving residents' sense of local identity through the recognition of intangible cultural heritage and provides a reference for realizing the sustainable development goal of urban cultural construction.

Morse Theory, Discrete Morse Theory and Applications

By employing a specific class of smooth functions to study a space, Morse theory establishes deep connections between analysis and topology. It is a classical subject of pure mathematics, originally pioneered by Marston Morse in the 1920s. In this article, we use Morse theory to present a proof of an interesting result on the knots, known as the Fry-Milnor theorem. We also discuss discrete Morse theory, a subject of applied mathematics developed by Robin Forman in the 1990s, and its application. We focus on elucidating especially the inherent similarity between classical Morse theory and discrete Morse theory

Impact of peer dynamics and only-child experience on academic motivation among Chinese international graduate students in the U.S.

Chinese international graduate students (CIGs), growing up without siblings, under China’s One-Child policy, are particularly impacted by peer dynamics. This study explored the influence of peer dynamics and family structure on the academic motivation of CIGs in the U.S., using Bandura’s self-efficacy theory as a framework. A single-case study approach involved six in-depth interviews. Findings showed that CIGs, with high academic self-efficacy, favor limited and balanced peer interactions, forming deep connections with co-national peers while maintaining primarily academic interactions with host and other international peers. These diverse interactions affect academic motivation both positively and negatively, with personality traits playing a crucial role in shaping these peer interactions.

Exploring Traditional Ecological Knowledge (TEK) in Kalinga Province: Practices, Preservation, and Perspectives

This study delves into the traditional ecological knowledge (TEK) of the Indigenous People of Kalinga, Philippines, while also examining similar practices and challenges faced by other indigenous communities worldwide. The study highlights the universal themes and unique adaptations of TEK across cultures, providing a broader perspective on the significance of traditional knowledge in addressing contemporary environmental issues. It aims to identify and document the traditional practices, rituals, and beliefs that demonstrate the community’s deep connection with nature and their efforts in sustainable resource management; it explores the challenges faced in preserving TEK, such as the impact of formal education, globalization, and modernization, and provide recommendations for safeguarding and promoting TEK among the Kalinga people for future generations. It uses a pure qualitative research method with interviews as the primary tool; the elders of the different Kalinga sub-tribes are the study participants. Ethical considerations were followed; the researcher sought the elders’ approval before being interviewed. The results of this study were also returned to them so they could concur with the translation of their answers. The findings highlight the community’s profound reverence for nature, reflected in their cultural traditions and environmental stewardship practices. By advocating sustainable actions like refraining from burning and employing natural farming techniques, Kalinga communities contribute to climate resilience and biodiversity protection. Ultimately, this study seeks to contribute to the ongoing dialogue about the role of TEK in sustainable development and environmental stewardship, advocating for the integration of traditional knowledge with modern scientific approaches. Additionally, the study underscores the impact of formal education and globalization on Kalinga traditions, emphasizing the need to balance modernity with heritage preservation.Recommendations include involving youth in traditional activities, integrating old and new farming methods, documenting TEK, and incorporating it into the education curriculum to ensure longevity and relevance. This holistic approach aims to cultivate a sense of collective responsibility, sustainability, and environmental consciousness across Kalinga communities.

Technological implications for planning and designing human-centred cities

The 4th Industrial Revolution characterized by the merging of info-tech and bio-tech will overturn existing modes of living and production, creating new spatial opportunities. The recent movement of counter-urbanization can be understood as urbanites taking advantage of info-tech and flexible working to explore new and more comfortable life. The 4th Industrial Revolution characterized by Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Internet of Things (IoT) can offer technical supports for making urban life more human-centred. To explore the connection between technology and urban planning and design practice, a more humble and inclusive understanding of the term “human-centred” is provided, stressing humans’ deep connections with other species in the web of life. Meanwhile, three fundamental trends of the 4th Industrial Revolution are discussed; they are: job automation, new economy and industry, and flexible working. Following these trends and the new conception of “human-centred”, three principles are proposed for the planning and design of future cities: 1) Interwoven nature, which emphasizes a tight integration and harmonious co-existence of the built and natural environment; 2) Attraction-driven, which stresses the value of natural and cultural sites at non-central locations; 3) Dispersion, which encourages a decentralization and more equitable allocation of urban resources.

The concept of alternative tourism and the study of the potential for wine tourism in Azerbaijan

Alternative tourism has gained considerable attention in recent years as travelers seek unique and authentic experiences outside of traditional tourist destinations. One form of alternative tourism is enotourism, which focuses on the exploration of wine and the culture surrounding it. Wine tourism represents a growing niche within the broader field of alternative tourism, attracting people passionate about wine, culture, and sustainable travel. Alternative tourism aims to provide authentic and meaningful experiences, often involving smaller, less-visited destinations or unconventional activities. The main goal is to move away from standard tourism by encouraging sustainability, cultural exchange, and deeper connections between travelers and the places they visit.

Placemaking Through Sensory Engagement: Assessing Cultural Essence of Assi Ghat, Varanasi for Virtual Environments

Assi Ghat, one of the most prominent places in India, and incorporating the steps leading down to the sacred river Ganges in Varanasi, is a microcosm of the city’s spiritual, cultural, and social life. This paper explores the sensory experiences at the cultural landscape site Assi Ghat, focusing on how these experiences shape the identity of the space and contribute to the overall experience of visitors and pilgrims. The built fabric of the ghat (from Sanskrit Ghatta, steps leading to a river), along the sacred river Ganges, is not merely a geographical location but a multisensory environment where the sights, sounds, smells, and textures all play a crucial role in creating a deep, immersive experience and spiritual connection with the sacred environment. Various activities at the ghat, such as the morning prayers (Aarti), yoga sessions, and cultural performances become integral to this sensory landscape, influencing how both locals and visitors perceive and interact with the space. The study discusses the importance of sensory experiences in public spaces, particularly in the context of placemaking at cultural landscapes, where these elements contribute to the creation of meaningful and engaging environments. Additionally, the paper explores the concept of digital placemaking, suggesting that the sensory richness of Assi Ghat could be preserved and replicated in a digital environment. The study emphasizes the need to integrate sensory experiences into both physical and digital placemaking efforts to maintain the cultural and spiritual essence of Assi Ghat, ensuring that its unique atmosphere is preserved for future generations.

Exploring Number Theory and Its Applications in Quantum Computing

This paper discusses the deep connection between Number Theory, Cryptography, and Quantum Computing techniques in an endeavor to understand their application in developing new cryptographic techniques, optimization problems, and computational complexity. Like modular arithmetic, which uses prime factorization, in most quantum algorithms like Shor’s and Grover's algorithms, number theory is one of the significant paradigms. This work gives a detailed analysis of some mathematical derivation, theore,m and proof of these algorithms to their practical use as well as computational efficiency. Discussed issues include scaling, correction of errors, and unsolved concerns applying number theory; all discussed from the perspective of existing quantum architecture. Addressing this new research directions of the field, the paper also presents further developments in quantum cryptography, topological quantum computing, and the algorithmic area. In highlighting both theoretical and computational challenges, this work has shown that the synergy between number theory and quantum computing has the opportunity to revolutionize cryptography and optimization and to lay the groundwork for future quantum advancements

Relativistic Quantum Fields Are Universal Entanglement Embezzlers.

Embezzlement of entanglement refers to the counterintuitive possibility of extracting entangled quantum states from a reference state of an auxiliary system (the "embezzler") via local quantum operations while hardly perturbing the latter. We uncover a deep connection between the operational task of embezzling entanglement and the mathematical classification of von Neumann algebras. Our result implies that relativistic quantum fields are universal embezzlers: any entangled state of any dimension can be embezzled from them with arbitrary precision. This provides an operational characterization of the infinite amount of entanglement present in the vacuum state of relativistic quantum field theories.

DIALECTAL BASE OF THE REGIONAL COMPONENT OF COLLOQUIAL LEXICON IN THE CITY OF IZHEVSK

The article focuses on description of the dialectal component of the lexical composition of urban speech (primarily colloquial language) in the city of Izhevsk. The sources of material for the study include scientific works on urban speech in Izhevsk, texts of journalistic nature, as well as the author's personal observations. The study conducts a comparison of the vocabulary of the colloquial language of the city of Izhevsk with the lexicon of Russian dialects in Udmurtia based on modern lexicographic and corpus sources. A total of 103 words of dialectal origin were analyzed, most of which are noted in the Russian dialects of Udmurtia, while a significant portion of the remaining words are found in the dialects of neighboring regions: Kirov Oblast and Perm Krai. These results allow for the conclusion that despite the heterogeneous composition of the residents of Izhevsk, formed as a result of several waves of settlement by newcomers from other regions, the dialectal basis of their speech remains the local dialects - the dialects of the interfluve of the Vyatka and Kama rivers. The absence of certain dialectal words noted in the dialects of neighboring regions in the corpus of Russian dialects in Udmurtia can be explained by incomplete documentation. At the same time, a general Northern Russian foundation of the dialectal vocabulary recorded in Izhevsk is noted. It is also mentioned that not all analyzed lexemes can be considered widely disseminated in the speech of the residents of Izhevsk. Thematically, the dialectal vocabulary pertains to traditional groups that denote a person and their characteristic features, actions and their descriptions, food, representatives of the animal and plant worlds, household items, and so on. Thus, this study confirms the deep connection between local dialectal vocabulary and urban speech, highlighting the importance of dialects in shaping the unique linguistic identity of the city.