Human Experience Research Articles

Sun Salutations during the Winter Solstice in Planet Earth’s Southern Hemisphere

The article examines the cultural and spiritual significance of sun salutations during the winter solstice in the Southern Hemisphere, focusing on the historical reverence for the sun across various civilizations, including the Egyptians, Aztecs, and Chinese. It highlights the sun's role in spiritual and religious traditions, proposing that sun worship is one of humanity's oldest religions. The study integrates modern practices like yoga and breath work, emphasizing their benefits in reducing stress and enhancing well-being. Utilizing a phenomenological approach, the research combines poetry, photography, and Artificial Intelligence (AI) analysis to explore the symbolic and emotional connections between the sun and human experience. Participants contributed poems, haikus, narratives, and photographs, which were analyzed using AI tools to enhance data interpretation. The analysis revealed themes of rebirth, renewal, introspection, and spirituality, underscoring the sun's transformative power and its metaphorical role as a divine presence. The findings indicate a positive sentiment, with the sun depicted as a source of hope, renewal, and spiritual connection. Themes such as growth, resilience, and tranquility suggest that sun interactions evoke feelings of calmness and reflection, promoting mental well-being. The study highlights the potential of AI in qualitative research, offering a novel approach to understanding human experiences and emotions. It concludes by acknowledging the sun's multifaceted influence on human experience and the potential for AI-generated content to enrich the exploration of natural phenomena and their impact on spirituality and healing. Future research aims to further explore the interaction between nature, poetry, and AI in understanding human emotions and cultural heritage.

The Progression of Modern Western Psychological Theories to Incorporate Religious Thought

The focus of psychology has shifted significantly throughout modern history and separate schools of thought have developed to explain this important topic. Four considerable trends in modern Western psychology have progressed research and understanding, with each trend starting through a mindset to compensate for weakness in preceding theories. Psychoanalysis, behaviorism, and humanistic psychology have facilitated a greater understanding of the human mind and experiences in a primarily constructive direction. However, these schools of thought intentionally excluded religious teachings and worldviews, despite the strong history of believers in religion and the positive benefits that religion can provide. Transpersonal psychology and positive psychology have explored religious experiences and practices, using this knowledge to advance psychology beyond the previous schools of thought and improving the psychological well-being of those who have gleaned from their findings. Analyzing and synthesizing these movements, as well as related fields of study, leads to recommendations for future directions to advance psychological research.

Bridges, Boundaries, and Creativity: Integrating Pre and Post-modernity

Experience and hermeneutics are inseparable. By analyzing different ways of thinking grouped into the three broader categories of rational, pre and post-rational, this work focuses on how they are related to boundaries, bridges, and creativity. The boundaries are the place where conscious experience happens; the bridges are the change, and the choice of interconnection, the creativity, the way of managing this interrelatedness. Archetypes will be presented as the essential forming forms that unify human experiences, transcending and including diversity, offering an opportunity to bridge heritage and novelty. This will be sustained by getting a glance at ancient traditions worldwide. The article also proposes a specific post-rational way of thinking named transe- cognition.

Is there truth in fiction? Lessons from readers’ responses to dementia fiction

This paper addresses the question ‘is there truth in fiction?’, by synthesising a range of disciplinary approaches to the issue, as well as drawing on empirical research carried out with...

Enhancing research insights: the impact of phenomenographic analysis in educational studies

PurposeThe primary purpose of this paper is to articulate the pivotal function of phenomenographic analysis in advancing the depth and breadth of insights into doctoral research in educational studies. By examining the distinctive contributions and advantages afforded by phenomenographic analysis, the paper aims to highlight its profound capability to reveal the intricacies and variegated dimensions of human experiences and perceptions. It advocates for the integration of phenomenographic analysis into social science research methodologies to foster a deeper, more nuanced appreciation of its utility and impact.Design/methodology/approachThis article leverages empirical evidence from a specific educational research project to provide an in-depth examination of phenomenographic analysis. It meticulously outlines the procedural application of this methodological approach, showcasing how it enriches research outcomes by offering a profound exploration of the complex layers and subtle variations present within social phenomena. The study employs phenomenographic analysis to amplify the nuanced understanding and inherent value of research findings in educational studies.FindingsThe findings demonstrate that phenomenographic analysis significantly enriches research outcomes by offering a comprehensive exploration of complex social phenomena. The method’s capability to uncover the intricacies and variegated dimensions of human experiences and perceptions enhances the quality and relevance of research conducted within the domain. By providing empirical evidence and detailed procedural application, the paper illustrates how phenomenographic analysis contributes to the enrichment of academic discourse and elevates the caliber of research in the social sciences.Originality/valueThis article offers invaluable perspectives to both researchers and practitioners by providing a comprehensive analysis of phenomenographic methodology. It underscores the indispensable contribution of phenomenographic analysis in fostering a deeper understanding of educational research findings. The work advocates for its integration into social science research methodologies, highlighting its unique value in enhancing the quality and relevance of research. By illuminating the method’s profound capability to reveal complex human experiences, the paper significantly contributes to the enrichment of academic discourse in the social sciences.

«Ноктюрн b-moll» Юрія Косача: народження трагедії з духу музики

The article analyzes the post-war work of the famous Ukrainian author Yury Kosach in the context of literary searches of Ukrainian Diaspora literature of the first half of the 20th century. His historical prose is read in a psychological way, taking into account the cultural and historical context. The goal of the investigation is to understand Yuri Kosach's "Nocturne b-moll" through the prism of Nietzschean ideas with the involvement of the hermeneutic approach of broad extratextual contexts, in particular intermedial analysis. The main focus of the address is on the embodiment in Y. Kosach's short story of F. Nietzsche's ideas expressed in his work "The Birth of Tragedy Out of the Spirit of Music". The work of the Ukrainian artist becomes an example of Nietzschean perfect tragedy in a combination of Apollonian (ideal visible beauty, wrapped in dreamy contemplation) – expressed in plastic, and Dionysian (ecstasy, night reverie, prophetic voice) – expressed primarily in music. The text analysis of "Nocturne b-moll" by Yury Kosach is included in the nocturne tradition and the literature of European existentialism, taking into account the historical circumstances of the writing of the work and the wider context of historical prose about the Second World War. The interpretation of the problem is emphasized by the understanding of intertextual elements (in particular, quotations from the works of F. Nietzsche, A. Silesius, etc.) and intermedial inclusions (Chopin, Mozart, Ravel, Puccini, etc.). Contrast is recognized as the main principle of construction of the text "Nocturne b-moll" as a contradiction between real and ideal, reality and myth, sin and redemption, good and evil, low and high. The problem of dissonance in music and literature is also elaborated. The human existence in a borderline situation depicted in literature often highlights those aspects of being that have to be interpreted "on the other side of good and evil." Such methodological approach to the analysis of Yu.Kosach's prose is innovative in Ukrainian literary studies, which constitutes the novelty of this study. It is emphasized that Yu. Kosach considered the features of Nietzscheanism to be an important component of Ukrainian modernism of the beginning of the 20th century, which brought our writing to the European level. The conclusions state that the historical post-war prose of Yu. Kosach, in particular, in his understanding of the ideas of Nietzscheanism and existentialism, is a continuation of the best traditions of Ukrainian modernism at the beginning of the century, and at the same time – an embodiment of the ideas of the crisis era. In his work, the understanding of individual tragedy is projected onto the national tragedy and the Nietzschean problem of world sorrow.

Polyethylene glycol-phospholipid functionalized single-walled carbon nanotubes for enhanced siRNA systemic delivery

Small interfering RNAs (siRNA) technology has emerged as a promising therapeutic tool for human health conditions like cancer due to its ability to regulate gene silencing. Despite FDA-approved, their delivery remains localized and limiting their systemic use. This study used single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWNTs) functionalized with polyethylene glycolated (PEGylated) phospholipids (PL-PEG) derivatives for systemic siRNA delivery. We developed an siRNA systemic delivery vehicle (SWNT-siRNA) by conjugating SWNT functionalized with PL-PEG containing either amine (PA) or maleimide (MA). The functionalized SWNT with a lower molecular weight of PA produced the SWNT-siRNA conjugate system with the highest stability and high siRNA loading quantity. The system delivered siRNA to a panel of tumour cell lines of different organs (i.e. HeLa, H1299 and MCF-7) and a non-cancerous human embryonic kidney 293 cells (HEK293T) with high biocompatibility and low toxicity. The cellular uptake of SWNT-siRNA conjugates by epithelial cells was found to be energy dependent. Importantly, the presence of P-glycoprotein, a marker for drug resistance, did not inhibit SWNT-mediated siRNA delivery. Mouse xenograft model further confirmed the potential of SWNT-siRNA conjugates with a significant gene knock-down without signs of acute toxicity. These findings pave the way for potential gene therapy applications using SWNTs as delivery vehicles.

Intersecția coregrafiei cu tehnologia

Throughout the ages, pioneers of art, guided inwardly by the need for knowledge and development, have pushed the boundaries of possibility and imagination towards evolution. The field of choreography is no stranger to artists who have dedicated their entire activity to discovering new ways of creating choreography and performance in a spectacular manner. The new forms of performance that emerged mainly at the beginning of the 20th century and up to the present day have meet digital art. Artists from all over the world conceive new experimental contexts in a transcendental space. In this research I aim to highlight the early moment of the intersection between dance and technology, the influence of artificial intelligence on choreographic performances and what the benefits might be, without altering human existence. We are currently witnessing a technological evolution in the arts, of which choreographic artists are aware, exploring the corporeal dimension by introducing technology into choreographic creations. It is fascinating to see the way the artists manage to build their choreography through the dancer's body, but also through algorithms generated by artificial intelligence. Although AI was originally introduced into choreography to streamline dance notation, it is now used to create innovative choreography. By analysing the material available in the field, it becomes obvious that one of the benefits of AI is that it archives and preserves all the artist's research. As an emerging technology, however, I believe it is important not to highlight technology at the expense of the human.

A <i>Marcha das Margaridas</i> e<i> A Condição Humana</i>

The text establishes an exchange between the ecofeminist agendas of the Marcha das Margaridas and the political thought of Hannah Arendt (1906-1975). To do this, it will compare the claims found in the document "Power and Political Participation of Women", elaborated by the Marcha das Margaridas in 2023, with the concepts of plurality and equality developed by Arendt in her work The Human Condition (1958). The aim is to demonstrate that, although Arendt is not (explicitly) an author of feminism, not even of ecology or ecopolitics, her work addresses these themes, which share common agendas with those movements, potentially providing significant theoretical support, especially for ecofeminism.

Non-invasive neurostimulation: an emerging therapeutic modality in veterinary neurology

Non-invasive neurostimulation involves techniques that stimulate the nervous system without penetrating the skin. These techniques, which range from electrical and magnetic to other types of stimulation, are designed to alter the activity of nerve cells and the broader networks they form. Although these methods have proven effective and safe for treating certain neurological conditions in humans, their success varies significantly from one individual to another. This variability can be because of the lack of standardised stimulation protocols, biological differences among individuals and the particular state of the neural areas being targeted. Various non-invasive neurostimulation techniques have been investigated, particularly in human medicine, including transcutaneous vagal nerve stimulation, transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation on various nerves, repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation and transcranial direct current stimulation. Of these, repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation has emerged as the leading technique in research for human and veterinary medicine because of its potential in treating a wide range of neurological disorders. In the field of veterinary medicine, the use of non-invasive neurostimulation as a treatment approach is still in its early phases, with only a few reports documenting its application in managing seizures and behavioural issues in animals.

A Postmodernist Analysis Of Hyper-Textuality In Alice Oswald's Poem "Dunt : A Poem for a Dried Up River"

This study explores the concept of hyper-textuality within Alice Oswald's "Dunt: A Poem for a Dried Up River," situating the poem within a postmodernist framework. The central problem of this analysis lies in understanding how Oswald's work embodies and challenges the notions of textuality, fragmentation, and intertextuality typical of postmodern literature. The aim is to uncover the ways in which hyper-textuality enhances the thematic concerns of environmental degradation and the impermanence of nature in "Dunt." The hypothesis posits that Oswald employs hyper-textuality not merely as a stylistic device but as a means to evoke a multifaceted dialogue between the poem and its surrounding cultural, ecological, and literary contexts. Guided by postmodern literary theory, the methodology encompasses a close reading of the text alongside comparative analyses with other works that explore similar themes of nature and loss. This approach is complemented by examining critical texts on hyper-textuality and postmodernism. Preliminary results indicate that Oswald's use of fragmented images, disjointed narratives, and allusions to various texts create a rich tapestry of meanings that invite readers to engage actively with the text, thus reinforcing the poem's central motifs of absence and ecological crisis. The findings contribute to a broader understanding of how contemporary poetry utilizes hyper-textuality as a vehicle for critical engagement with pressing environmental issues, suggesting that Oswald’s work is not only a lament for a dried-up river but also an intricate commentary on the interconnectedness of text, nature, and human experience in the postmodern landscape.

Archaeology of loneliness

Although the study of emotions in archaeology has increased considerably in recent years, loneliness remains understudied. This paper aims to challenge that bias and demonstrate how identifying and exploring loneliness can provide invaluable insights into the human experience, enabling a greater understanding of past societies and their social dynamics. This study, bridging sciences and humanities, aims to promote a debate to address the gap in the archaeological study of loneliness. Taking an interdisciplinary approach, with insights from history, anthropology, and psychology, two case studies are presented using three different lines of archaeological analysis: one from architectural structures which contribute to the feeling of loneliness; one from lonely landscapes that may contribute to the same negative feeling; and one from the social (or individual) strategies used to fight that feeling.

Sublimul trădării

In his volume, "The Sublime of Betrayal", Sorin Crișan meditates on the role of theater as a living mirror of life. The book discusses the concept of working through an artistic context, in contrast to a psychoanalytic one, and discusses the concept of Brechtian distancing and mimesis, inspired by Roland Barthes, emphasizing the interplay between thought and perception in contemporary theatre. The themes of the sacred and the profane are discussed in relation to Mircea Eliade's theories and Husserl's phenomenology, to highlight how theater transcends everyday reality and opens new perspectives on human existence. The volume thus becomes a thorough analysis of the theater as a space of imagination and reflection, combining aesthetics and philosophical discourse finally, exploring the diversity of theatrical forms, from ritual to performance. Sorin Crișan significantly contributes to the understanding of theater not only as a performing art, but also as an intellectual and spiritual process, inaugurating specific ways of cognition for both the actor and the spectator.

Capability choices in tourism and economic activities: The influence of human development

We applied Sen’s capabilities approach to examine how human development influences the association between tourism expansion and economic growth in different groups of developed, developing, and transitional countries. The mediation test explores the distinctive patterns of the Human Development Index as a mediator between tourism and per capita GDP. Developed nations exhibit a significant negative mediation effect, hinting at saturation and competition challenges, while developing and transition economies showcase a positive and considerable mediation effect, emphasizing the potential for tourism to fuel economic growth under favorable human development conditions. In addition, we conducted a convergent cross-mapping causality test highlighting the contextual nuances in the tourism-growth relationship.

REIMAGINING ISLAMIC DISCOURSE: TOWARDS A GLOBAL ETHICAL FRAMEWORK FOR CONTEMPORARY LEADERSHIP

In relation to current issues facing global civilisations, there is a crucial need to highlight the Islamic paradigm in dealing with such challenges. This study explores the necessity of encouraging Islamic dialogue to promote stronger connections and involvement with worldwide cultures. This research explores how ethical leadership in Islamic thinking might help create a more inclusive, compassionate, and morally grounded global society. This study examines the fundamental principles of ethical leadership in Islam by combining classical Islamic sources, modern scholarship, and real-world case studies. The text explores the various aspects of ethical leadership, including qualities like integrity, justice, compassion, and accountability, as taught in Islamic principles and demonstrated by individuals in history. It also examines how these principles might be used to tackle current concerns that global civilisations are dealing with, such as governance, social justice, environmental protection, and interfaith cooperation. This research uses an interdisciplinary approach combining theology, philosophy, and social sciences to enhance Islamic discourse and make it relevant to many cultural and ideological perspectives. It stresses the significance of adapting Islamic ideas to modern contexts while maintaining their ethical core and universal nature. It promotes communication, collaboration, and mutual understanding among civilisations, recognising the richness and diversity of human experiences and viewpoints. This research suggests that incorporating ethical leadership into Islamic teachings has the potential to make a meaningful contribution to the shared goals of world civilisations. A collaborative effort is needed from researchers, leaders, and communities to participate in a transformational discussion that goes beyond limits, encourages empathy, and supports the common good. This will help advance the collective goal of creating a fair, peaceful, and prosperous world.

A unified understanding of the human mind — a neuroethical perspective

Abstract This article, titled “A Unified Understanding of the Human Mind - A Neuroethical Perspective,” examines the evolution of the concept of the human mind in Western thought and its integration with neuroscience, psychology, psychiatry, and relational dimensions. The author explores how the understanding of the mind has changed over time, influenced by shifts in philosophical paradigms, scientific advancements, and societal perspectives. The article traces the historical development of the mind’s concept, starting from ancient Greece, through influential thinkers like Plato and René Descartes, and progressing to contemporary perspectives. It highlights various philosophical and scientific approaches, including structuralism, functionalism, empiricism, and associationism, which have shaped our understanding of the mind. The article also delves into contemporary integration, where advancements in neuroimaging and the rise of holistic approaches offer a more nuanced understanding of the human mind. The author emphasizes the importance of the relational dimension and the interconnectedness of mental processes, the brain, and the external environment. This integrated perspective can benefit psychiatric treatment and psychological assessments by fostering a holistic approach to mental health. In conclusion, the article advocates for a multidimensional perspective that bridges subjective and objective aspects of human experience, offering promise for theoretical knowledge and practical applications in psychology, psychiatry, and neuroscience.

Anne Bogart: Despre aici și acum

The book A Director Prepares by Anne Bogart offers an engaging look at the world of theater, combining valuable insights and practical ideas for directors. Structured into seven key chapters (Memory, Violence, Eroticism, Terror, Stereotype, Embarrassment, Resistance), the book explores fundamental aspects of the human experience and its links to the art of theater. The memory chapter discusses the impact of memories on the creative process, emphasizing the importance of using them for authentic performance. Violence is analyzed in terms of its necessity in art, with the role of evoking strong emotional responses. Eroticism is discussed as a driving force in the creative act, while terror is seen as a stimulus for creativity and intensity in the stage event. Stereotypes are reinterpreted as tools for exploring and challenging social perceptions, while embarrassment is presented as a source of artistic vulnerability and authenticity. In the end, resistance is described as a driving force that leads artists to overcome limitations and discover their voices. Anne Bogart's book is not only about directing but also about the psychology and philosophy of theater art, making it essential reading for aspiring and experienced directors alike.

Addressing the Human Experience of Chronic Kidney Disease: ACall to Transform Kidney Care.

Chronic kidney disease (CKD), a long-term condition in which kidney function declines over time, is a growing global healthcare concern. CKD can have a major impact on the quality of life of patients and their caregivers. Recent research by the International Society of Nephrology highlights that current treatment strategies and policies do not fully address patients' needs. This commentary provides patient insights into the real-life concerns of those who are living with CKD, with main concerns focusing on relationships and support, work and finances, and awareness, prevention, and intervention. Strong support networks are essential for patients and caregivers, but the burden of CKD can make it difficult to maintain personal connections. Limiting disease progression and providing mental health support can help patients and caregivers to maintain their relationships. Work or education can be challenging to manage with CKD; however, employers and educational institutions can create supportive environments that meet the diverse needs of people with CKD. Although delaying disease progression can preserve patient quality of life, people are often unaware of their disease prior to diagnosis, the severity of their CKD, and the risk factors for progression. This presents an opportunity to involve patients in their care by improving education about the benefits of maintaining kidney health. Early identification and holistic intervention could slow disease progression and protect the well-being of patients with CKD and their caregivers. This commentary brings together the diverse perspectives of patients and patient advocacy groups, as well as primary care and specialist healthcare professionals, to advocate for a transformation of CKD management that encourages patient self-care and that prioritizes timely intervention.A patient perspective video and a graphical abstract are available with this article. Addressing the Human Experience of Chronic Kidney Disease: A Call to Transform Kidney Care. Watch Lweendo Hamusankwa discuss his experience of living with chronic kidney disease, from how it impacted his family life to the importance of support networks and patient-facing information. Lweendo advocates for patients to be educated on CKD progression, treatment options, and lifestyle interventions to encourage people to manage their own health and well-being.

Packaging Materials Design And Developing Trend

Abstract: Packaging materials design is related to economic and social development. At the same time, it also reflects human aesthetic and emotional expression. With the continuous maturity of consumer psychology, people have a new understanding of packaging design, and the past packaging materials design concepts can no longer meet the various needs of customers. As is known, packaging plays a very important role in promoting products to customers. Therefore, attractive packaging materials design is essential. In this work, the developing history of packing materials design was reviewed in detail. Both the advantages and disadvantages of the packing materials were discussed. Packaging materials experienced the process from paper, plastic, and metal to composite materials. The functions of packaging materials have gone from single to comprehensive. Driven by the commercialization of fierce competition, although humans have made great achievements in packaging material design, there is still greater room for development in packaging material design to meet the needs of future society. For a long time from now to the future, the balance between practicality and aesthetics will still be the basic principle of material packaging design. In addition, the human experience, such as the friction coefficient of packaging materials, has begun to be considered. The artistic combination of materials, shapes, colors, and characters combined with artificial intelligence has gradually become the frontier of packaging material design. By learning from nature, it can be concluded that smart packaging, eco-friendly and sustainable development in packaging materials design combining practicality and aesthetics are the developing trend for the future.

Novel imbalanced multi-class fault diagnosis method using transfer learning and oversampling strategies-based multi-layer support vector machines (ML-SVMs)

For health monitoring and fault diagnosis of critical mechanical system components, historical data related to equipment failures are often limited and exhibit varying imbalanced multi-class characteristics (e.g., with noisy and time-series data). Moreover, fault diagnosis frameworks based on traditional resampling algorithms (e.g., SMOTE) mostly heavily rely on manual feature extraction, making them difficult to adapt to diverse working conditions or objects. To address these challenges, we propose a novel end-to-end imbalanced multi-class fault diagnosis architecture using transfer learning and oversampling strategies-based multi-layer support vector machines (ML-SVMs). ML-SVMs utilize a VGG-based deep migration feature extraction method to extract features from original time-domain vibration signals, employing natural source domain weights to reduce dependence on human experience and sample size. Then, ML-SVMs introduce ISCOTE (i.e., the first and second layers of ML-SVMs), an improved version of the sample-characteristic over-sampling technique (SCOTE). ISCOTE generates more effective and reasonable samples for each fault class through a scaling factor and iterative optimization mechanism, whether in noisy feature spaces with fuzzy boundaries or in clear boundary feature spaces. Finally, in the third layer of ML-SVMs, multi-class SVMs (e.g., LS-SVMs and standard SVMs) are utilized to train balanced feature samples and derive classification models with strong generalization ability. The effectiveness of ML-SVMs is demonstrated through 16 fault diagnosis instances using CWRU and IMS bearing data, PHM 2010 and TTWD tool wear data. Results indicate that ML-SVMs outperform 8 well-known oversampling-based algorithms in fault diagnosis recognition rates and algorithm robustness. It has offered a feasible architecture for multi-class imbalanced fault scenarios with limited data and multiple adverse features.