Human Experience Research Articles

Exploring the Intersection of Tales, Myths, and Cultural Narratives in the Literary work of Sudha Murty

Throughout history, tales, myths, and cultural expressions have woven a rich tapestry of human storytelling, transcending borders and bridging civilizations. This study explores the dynamic blend of folklore, myths, and cultural narratives across epochs, analyzing common themes and archetypes that reveal our shared human experience. Emphasizing the role of oral traditions, it examines how stories adapt to societal changes, shaped by beliefs, rituals, and norms. By looking at the impact of globalization and technology on these narratives, the study celebrates storytelling’s power to connect and preserve cultural identity, offering insights into its enduring relevance in today’s world.

Legal obligations of transparency in the field of artificial intelligence

The digital revolution, caused by the dynamic development of various technologies, certainly led to a number of positive changes in all areas of human life. However, at the same time, there was an urgent need for the formation of an appropriate regulatory and legal basis that would regulate social relations related to the latest technologies. In recent years, both in the international arena and in the national legislation, complex acts have already appeared, designed to solve the problems of the implementation of digital technologies in the legal field. At the same time, the law does not always respond in time to the rapid development of the latest technologies, which again gives rise to a lot of problematic issues. Artificial intelligence and its rapid penetration into almost all spheres of human existence became a vivid example of such a situation. The use of artificial intelligence (AI) has raised a number of questions for the legal community, including the legal status of AI and the results of its work, data protection, intellectual property, ethics, etc. The goal of the legislative regulation of artificial intelligence is to create a clear policy in the content of legal acts that would determine specific rules for the operation, application and protection of AI. The need for legislative regulation of artificial intelligence, in addition to the significant development that the field has undergone, is also related to the need to control the consequences that the unregulated use of AI can cause. Some states have implemented a number of attempts to legislate AI regulation at the national level, in particular, Ukraine has already taken the first steps to create a legal framework in the field of artificial intelligence. Thus, in 2020, the Concept of the Development of Artificial Intelligence in Ukraine was created, in which the definition, purpose, principles and tasks of the development of artificial intelligence technologies in Ukraine are provided for the first time at the legislative level. However, compared to individual countries, it is the European Union that has made the most progress in terms of preparing for the introduction of a legislative framework for the regulation of AI. On August 1, 2024, the EU Artificial Intelligence Act (EU AI Act), adopted by the European Parliament, the long-awaited European regulation on artificial intelligence, entered into force. This act created a kind of foundation for the further development of the mechanism of the use of artificial intelligence systems in the legal field, regulating such aspects as maintenance of AI systems, protection of personal data, intellectual property rights to the results of AI activity, as well as what, in our opinion, is no less important , provided for clear obligations of subjects during the use of artificial intelligence. The key role of the duties established by the EU AI Act is to ensure transparency in activities using AI. In our opinion, it is worth investigating the content of the established duties in order to understand the mechanism of ensuring the so-called transparency in AI activities. In addition, given the absence of a legal act in Ukrainian legislation that would regulate the use of artificial intelligence systems, the study of the EU’s experience in this field is more than relevant and can be taken into account during the development of such an act in the future.

Changes in ecosystem carbon sequestration and influencing factors from a ’Past-Future’ perspective: A case study of the Tarim River

Amid global warming and intensified human activities, the carbon sequestration (CS) capacity of terrestrial ecosystems faces significant pressure. Ecological Water Conveyance (EWC) projects, by altering land use patterns, have become a key approach to addressing this issue. Therefore, the critical question this study aims to solve is how to enhance regional CS by optimizing EWC measures, based on understanding the relationship between land use changes and CS. To address this, we propose an integrated framework that couples the PLUS-InVEST-OPGD models, adopting a ’past-future’ perspective to explore the relationship between CS and land use changes in the context of EWC. The study found that during the historical period (2000–2020), CS in the Tarim River (TR) area exhibited a pattern of ’ first increasing, then stabilizing.’ Between 2000 and 2010, the total CS increased by 3.5 × 10^6 Mg, accompanied by an expansion of forested areas along the riverbanks and within national parks. However, from 2010 to 2020, the total CS increased by only 0.3 × 10^6 Mg, with forested areas along the riverbanks and within national parks remaining relatively stable. Under three future development scenarios—Natural Increase (NIS), Farmland Protection (FPS), and Ecological Protection (EPS)—CS differences between NIS and FPS are minimal at 0.01 × 10^6 Mg, as both continue existing EWC policies without optimization, with NIS following natural growth and FPS prioritizing farmland preservation. In contrast, the EPS, which introduces optimized EWC strategies to limit urban expansion and enhance ecological sustainability, results in a significant CS increase of approximately 1.1 × 10^6 Mg, with farmland areas also expanding. Through single factor and interactive detection analyses, we found that potential evapotranspiration and annual average groundwater depth play crucial roles in vegetation restoration in arid regions, as EWC helps maintain groundwater levels, reducing plant water stress and supporting vegetation growth, while managing evapotranspiration ensures that the water provided through EWC is efficiently utilized for ecosystem recovery and CS. Under the current EWC model and prevailing climate and human activity conditions, the CS capacity of ecosystems appears to stabilize. To further enhance the region’s CS potential, optimizing EWC strategies is essential. It is recommended to construct a ’surface’ water conveyance network through engineering measures, in addition to the existing ’linear conveyance’ model, to improve water resource utilization efficiency. The findings of this study offer valuable insights not only for the TR region but also for other arid inland river basins worldwide, providing a replicable framework for ecological restoration and water management.

In a pickle: the pedagogical potentiality of fermentation

ABSTRACT Many people associate fermentation with provisions like kimchi, kombucha, sourdough, beer, wine, and sauerkraut. These sundries, many staples in various cultural gastronomies, have long been known to encourage various health benefits including gut probiotics, aid in digestion, and, among other wonders, nutrient accessibility. While these benefits are important, many scholars working in multispecies ethnographies have turned to non-human organisms (viruses, animals, and microbes) to continue critical conversations decentering human experience and reimagining epistemology, relationality, and ethics. This project positions fermentation – and the microbes and bacteria involved – as a site of pedagogical potentiality that resonates with notions of biophilia, relationality, and care. Using my own experiences with pickles (fermented!) and in Jewish delis as a kind of organic site of inquiry, this essay makes a case for the importance of environment for cultivating relational life.

Beyond Stereotypes: How Individuals with Disabilities Perceive Their Representation in Picture Books

ABSTRACT Selecting inclusive books for early childhood classrooms is key to promoting a spectrum of human experiences and diversity, yet there is a sizable gap in children’s books that authentically portray disabled characters. Our research delved into how disabilities are presented in picture books commonly used in early childhood settings by engaging with adults who have disabilities reviewing these books. Using a qualitative approach, we coded their feedback and applied the constant comparative method, leading to themes about how disability is depicted in picture books. The findings indicated that many participants felt that disabled characters were commonly shown dealing with adversity, including isolation and low self-esteem, with an overt focus on their disabilities. Conversely, the participants frequently noted positive representations highlighting characters’ resilience and complexity. The participants resonated with the narratives, contemplating their diverse identities and instances of social exclusion. Their insights provided insights into the power of literature to nurture understanding and dismantle preconceived notions. Our findings call for a richer literary tapestry that genuinely reflects the diverse experiences and capabilities of disabled individuals, contributing to a society that embraces inclusivity and understanding.

Experiencing hybrid spaces a scoping literature review of empirical studies on human experiences in cyber-physical environments

Whether we are taking a leisurely stroll through the city or rushing about our daily business, our everyday lives are today informed, mediated, and entertained by digital technology. As a consequence, new spatial arrangements are constituted that have been conceptualised as hybrid spaces. They evolve in connection with mobile devices and ubiquitous Internet access and are characterized by an imbrication of the physical environment and digital technology. Although hybrid spaces permeate our everyday life, there is little empirical research on experiences in hybrid spaces. This paper presents a scoping literature review on experiences in hybrid spaces. Based on a synthesising reading of research evidence from 28 empirical studies, three overarching thematic strands were identified: place, mobility, and social interaction. However, the empirical research field appears nascent still and lacks convergent and consolidating approaches, particularly across disciplines. Nevertheless, while digital technologies have so far been associated with processes of domestication and a diminishing importance of places, mobile devices and especially AR applications can draw people outside and foster spatial meaning-making. Hybrid practices change spatial uses and produce new patterns of urban functions at multiple levels. Moreover, hybridisation challenges fundamental notions of ‘place’, as digital augmentation allows for the coexistence of an infinite number of modifications of a place and can encompass past, present and future representations. While what we gain and lose through this development remains an open question, we provide concrete guidance for future research on what and whom to investigate, as well as how to do so.

Kirigami-Inspired Stretchable Piezoelectret Sensor for Analysis and Assessment of Parkinson's Tremor.

Human muscle activity contains rich information that can reflect human movement patterns and conditions of diseases or physical abnormalities. Flexible pressure sensors enable the assessment of muscle tremors in Parkinson's disease (PD) through Force Myography (FMG). Here, an easily fabricated, ultra-sensitive, and stretchable piezoelectret pressure sensor is presented. Utilizing an effective integration of Kirigami structure and piezoelectret air gap, the sensor achieved a dynamic sensitivity of ≈725 pC/N (@5Hz), measurement repeatability of <2.5%, measurement hysteresis of <1%, a pressure detection limit of <15Pa, a response time of ≈2.5ms, stable output within ±3% over 40000 cycles, and output decay of <2.5% after 1000 cycles of complex deformation, meeting non-distorted measurement conditions up to 20Hz. Successful monitoring and assessment of hand muscle tremors are demonstrated. Furthermore, using a 1×3 sensor array enabled tremor localization, achieving a high accuracy rate of 99.5% with machine learning algorithms. Additionally, the sensor facilitated the experimental quantification and assisted scoring of the Movement Disorder Society Unified Parkinson's Disease Rating Scale (MDS-UPDRS), with an accuracy of ≈85%. The sensor demonstrates potential for assisting in the diagnosis and rehabilitation monitoring of Parkinson's disease.

Intersecting Visions: The Symbiotic Relationship of Literature and the Arts in the Antiquity and the Romantic Age

This paper presents the complex and dynamic relationship between literature and the arts, exploring how these two domains have symbiotically interacted, especially in the Antiquity and the Romantic Age. By examining the mutual influences, thematic resonances, and aesthetic convergences between literature and the arts, this study seeks to expose some of the complex intermedial dialogues that have enriched cultural expressions throughout history. Through a comparative analysis that spans mainly two key historical epochs – each marked by distinctive socio-cultural and philosophical currents –, this research highlights how literature and arts have not only reflected but also shaped and propelled each other’s evolution. The paper employs a dual methodological approach, combining theoretical frameworks with specific case studies, to demonstrate the way these artistic synergies have manifested. This approach allows for a more detailed understanding of the roles that art and literature play in both mirroring and constructing the human experience, thus offering insights into the broader cultural and aesthetic implications of their interplay. The study underscores the enduring power of artistic collaboration and influence, revealing how these intersections have contributed to the development of complex cultural narratives and the continuous redefinition of aesthetic and philosophical paradigms.

ФУНКЦІЙНИЙ ПОТЕНЦІАЛ АНГЛІЙСЬКИХ КОГНІТИВНИХ ДІЄСЛІВ У НАРАТИВІ (НА МАТЕРІАЛІ ТВОРІВ М. ЕТВУД)

The paper identifi es and systematically substantiates the peculiarities of the functioning of English cognitive verbs in the literary discourse. The material of the study is the cognitive verbs in the novels of the famous contemporary Canadian postmodernist writer Margaret Atwood. The research is theoretically framed by the works on lexical and functional semantics of (cognitive) verbs (K. Aijmer, D. Biber, M. A. K. Halliday, A. Fetzer, I Dilai, etc.), as well as by the works on narratology (I. Bekhta, G. Freytag, etc.). The study’s methodological framework is a comprehensive application of the corpus analysis of empirical textual data using the psychometric software LIWC, discourse analysis, and M. A. K. Halliday’s metafunctional analysis. Based on the classifi cation of linguistic metafunctions proposed by M. A. K. Halliday, the cognitive verbs in the narrative mainly perform the ideational metafunction, which lies in construing human experience. The ideational linguistic metafunction of the cognitive verbs realized in the works refl ects the internalized structures of the narrator’s and characters’ consciousness and appeals to the reader’s active mental cooperation. Thus, English cognitive verbs in the narrative act as explicit markers of the internalization of speech. They are represented by the corresponding mental processes which alternate in the narrative as a linear sequence of processes with diff erent intensity. It has been revealed that the distribution of the cognitive verbs in the novels is mostly uneven, although refl ects a certain pattern associated with the canonical principles of the structural organization of the narrative. According to the narrative arc (Boyd et al., 2020), the cognitive verbs become most frequent in the middle and closer to the end of the narrative as explicit markers of cognitive tension – the third (main) stage of narrative progression. Cognitive tension refl ects the peak of psychological tension due to the need to resolve the confl ict and constitutes the climax of the narrative. At this stage, characters are actively engaged in confl ict resolution making numerous mental efforts. In addition to the ideational metafunction, some cognitive verbs, in particular those which serve as discourse markers, such as I think, I believe, perform the interpersonal metafunction. As a rule, they are found in the direct speech (dialogues) and aim to construct a common mental experience, cooperation with the interlocutor (and the reader) based on intersubjectivity. LIWC helped to inventory, quantify, and follow the distribution of the cognitive verbs in seven novels by M. Atwood. Deviations in the frequencies and distribution are perceived as indicators of the author’s idiostyle and genre peculiarities. Thus, the realization of the functional potential of the cognitive verbs and the peculiarities of their distribution in the narrative canvas have been identifi ed and substantiated. Key words: cognitive verbs, narrative, function, metafunction, M. Atwood.

The case for a ‘cognitive turn’ in conflict analysis: Lessons from Afghanistan and the Sahel

ABSTRACT This paper advocates for an integrated approach to exploring and analysing contemporary conflicts, especially in complex socio-political and cultural contexts. It examines how a framework that incorporates cognitive, socio-political and historical factors can enhance our understanding of these conflicts. Grounded in the ‘cognitive turn’, an idea that advocates combining cognitive and social sciences insights to understand human experiences and actions, this paper draws on secondary sources to demonstrate how neglecting emotion-laden factors and local contextual realities has undermined conflict analysis. Using as case studies the US intervention in Afghanistan and the French missions in the Sahel region it argues that emotional blind spots led them to overlook critical local factors while focusing narrowly on the rational aspects of the conflicts. The paper promotes the development and adoption of cross-disciplinary theoretical models that integrate cognitive influences, environmental conditions and politico-historical contexts to improve conflict analysis and intervention outcomes.

Nonstationary Control Parameter Prediction for Underwater Gliders Utilizing an Innovative Transformer-Based Model

As a new type of unmanned autonomous marine observation platform, underwater gliders (UGs) offer advantages such as low energy consumption and long operational ranges. However, during the gliding process, the complex marine environment often leads to abrupt changes in short-term control parameters, complicating the data and rendering them more challenging to predict. This typically poses difficulties in adjusting control parameters based on human experience, thereby significantly reducing UG control efficiency. To address this issue, this paper proposes a novel method termed DFFormer, aimed at enhancing the predictive accuracy of the rudder angles during UG motion. The proposed method integrates discrete wavelet transform (DWT) for rudder angle signal decomposition and employs a fast Fourier transform-based attention mechanism (FFT-Attention) to effectively capture and analyze its frequency- and time-domain characteristics. Notably, the method leverages a Transformer architecture to process the decomposed signals through multiple parallel pathways, substantially improving the capability to forecast the complex and variable control parameters of UGs. The effectiveness and practicality of the proposed method are demonstrated through actual sea trials. The experimental results indicate that the proposed method surpasses traditional approaches in terms of accuracy and computational efficiency, exhibiting superior performance in predicting UG control parameters and, to some extent, enhancing their heading-keeping ability.

Biorefinery and Bioremediation Strategies for Efficient Management of Recalcitrant Pollutants Using Termites as an Obscure yet Promising Source of Bacterial Gut Symbionts: A Review.

Lignocellulosic biomass (LCB) in the form of agricultural, forestry, and agro-industrial wastes is globally generated in large volumes every year. The chemical components of LCB render them a substrate valuable for biofuel production. It is hard to dissolve LCB resources for biofuel production because the lignin, cellulose, and hemicellulose parts stick together rigidly. This makes the structure complex, hierarchical, and resistant. Owing to these restrictions, the junk production of LCB waste has recently become a significant worldwide environmental problem resulting from inefficient disposal techniques and increased persistence. In addition, burning LCB waste, such as paddy straws, is a widespread practice that causes considerable air pollution and endangers the environment and human existence. Besides environmental pollution from LCB waste, increasing industrialization has resulted in the production of billions of tons of dyeing wastewater from several industries, including textiles, pharmaceuticals, tanneries, and food processing units. The massive use of synthetic dyes in various industries can be detrimental to the environment due to the recalcitrant aromatic structure of synthetic dyes, similar to the polymeric phenol lignin in LCB structure, and their persistent color. Synthetic dyes have been described as possessing carcinogenic and toxic properties that could be harmful to public health. Environmental pollution emanating from LCB wastes and dyeing wastewater is of great concern and should be carefully handled to mitigate its catastrophic effects. An effective strategy to curtail these problems is to learn from analogous systems in nature, such as termites, where woody lignocellulose is digested by wood-feeding termites and humus-recalcitrant aromatic compounds are decomposed by soil-feeding termites. The termite gut system acts as a unique bioresource consisting of distinct bacterial species valued for the processing of lignocellulosic materials and the degradation of synthetic dyes, which can be integrated into modern biorefineries for processing LCB waste and bioremediation applications for the treatment of dyeing wastewaters to help resolve environmental issues arising from LCB waste and dyeing wastewaters. This review paper provides a new strategy for efficient management of recalcitrant pollutants by exploring the potential application of termite gut bacteria in biorefinery and bioremediation processing.

Neutrophil prime unique transcriptional responses in intestinal organoids during infection with nontyphoidal Salmonella enterica serovars.

Nontyphoidal strains of Salmonella enterica are a major cause of foodborne illnesses, and infection with these bacteria results in inflammatory gastroenteritis. Polymorphonuclear leukocytes (PMNs), also known as neutrophils, are a dominant immune cell type found at the site of infection in Salmonella-infected individuals, but how they regulate infection outcome is not well understood. Here, we used a co-culture model of primary human PMNs and human intestinal organoids to probe the role of PMNs during infection with two of the most prevalent Salmonella serovars: Salmonella enterica serovar Enteritidis and Typhimurium. Using a transcriptomics approach, we identified a dominant role for PMNs in mounting differential immune responses including production of pro-inflammatory cytokines, chemokines, and antimicrobial peptides. We also identified specific gene sets that were induced by PMNs in response to Enteritidis or Typhimurium infection. By comparing host responses to these serovars, we uncovered differential regulation of host metabolic pathways particularly induction of cholesterol biosynthetic pathways during Typhimurium infection and suppression of RNA metabolism during Enteritidis infection. Together, these findings provide insight into the role of human PMNs in modulating different host responses to pathogens that cause similar disease in humans.IMPORTANCENontyphoidal serovars of Salmonella enterica are known to induce robust recruitment of polymorphonuclear leukocytes (PMNs) in the gut during early stages of infection, but the specific role of PMNs in regulating infection outcome of different serovars is poorly understood. Due to differences in human infection progression compared to small animal models, characterizing the role of PMNs during infection has been challenging. Here, we used a co-culture model of human intestinal organoids with human primary PMNs to study the role of PMNs during infection of human intestinal epithelium. Using a transcriptomics approach, we define PMN-dependent reprogramming of the host response to Salmonella, establishing a clear role in amplifying pro-inflammatory gene expression. Additionally, the host response driven by PMNs differed between two similar nontyphoidal Salmonella serovars. These findings highlight the importance of building more physiological infection models to replicate human infection conditions to study host responses specific to individual pathogens.

Social impacts and post-disaster management in disaster-prone areas of East Java, Indonesia

The present study seeks to identify disaster-prone areas and socio-economic impacts to investigate the mechanism of the post-disaster management in East Java, Indonesia. The data was collected from three disaster-prone areas, i.e. Lumajang, Malang, and Bojonegoro regencies in East Java. This study applied the mixed method approach; hence, quantitative (survey) and qualitative (interviews) data have been gathered. The results show that disasters have several implications for human life, such as health, economic life, and socio-cultural and psychological conditions, which have several impacts on communities, such as human settlements, health, economic life, and socio-cultural and psychological conditions. Therefore, efforts are required to manage disaster victims and provide them with social protections related to mental, economic, and social activities and health services.Contribution: In disaster-affected areas, to restore the community’s economic condition, local governments provide multiple kinds of assistance, including business capital (grants), low interest rates, production equipment, community empowerment activities, job opportunities and business partnerships with the local market. Furthermore, such strategies for disaster management should be implemented in an integrated manner, and the inclusion of local community members for prevention, mitigation, preparedness, and emergency response to recovery phases are also highly recommended.

Living the Vita

In this article, Cindy and I explore our creative megapuppetry activism. As avocational advocates of social change in the state of Tennessee, we describe our lived experiences of educating adults about social issues in public spaces through protests, rallies, and parades. We use this description as a phenomenological autoethnography, investigating these experiences through ideation, creation, and realization. Because these creative educational efforts have been central to our lives, we place our practice in the rubric of Arendt’s (1958) vita contemplativa/vita activa, arguing that the practices aspire to a fulfilled life, satisfying the dictates of The Human Condition (Arendt, 1958).

Sustainable Pathways in Education: a Journey Towards the Integration of Environmental Education Into Pedagogical Projects of the Instituto Federal de Sergipe (IFS)

Objective: To analyze how Environmental Education for sustainability is approached and integrated into the pedagogical projects of courses at the Federal Institute of Sergipe (IFS), identifying effective practices, challenges and opportunities to strengthen this integration. Theoretical Framework: It presents the main concepts that underpin the theme of sustainability and Environmental Education, as well as the legislation and official documents that support them. Discusses how Pedagogical Political Projects and Interdisciplinarity in Federal Institutes contribute to the insertion of values ​​into human experience, aiming for changes in relation to the environment by academic communities. Method: This is an applied, descriptive study with a qualitative approach. It covers bibliographic and documentary research, with the purpose of analyzing how Environmental Education for sustainability is approached and integrated into IFS Course Pedagogical Project (PPC). Results and Discussion: The results obtained revealed that the analysis of the PPC, on themes related to environmental sustainability issues, found that there were metrics focusing on environmental practices. Research Implications: Future research has the potential to significantly enrich society by exploring teaching, extension and research for actions and effectiveness in the educational dimension for the process of environmental sustainability. Originality/Value: This study contributes to the literature by presenting to the scientific community and society in general the importance of Pedagogical Projects being in unison in the interdisciplinary process for educational practices focused on environmental sustainability.

Management of zoonoses in research institutions - lessons learned from a Coxiella burnetii outbreak case.

When biomedical research investigates the human surgical situation in the need of a chronic course, it is more often possible to do so using large animal models. The use of farm animals always poses special challenges for the institution conducting the research in terms of infection prevention and occupational safety. Especially for the zoonotic disease coxiellosis it is important to be aware of the constant risk of pathogen introduction by small ruminants and to take appropriate precautions. In this way, personal injury should be avoided or at least be kept to a minimum in the event of infection since then sustainable zoonosis control can be immediately initiated. Using the example of a Q fever outbreak at a research facility, we want to share with this extended case report the importance of central emergency structures, provisions and the inclusion of relevant experts and disciplines in a crisis team. Its primary purpose is to support the affected facility and coordinate the implementation of necessary cleaning, disinfection and decontamination measures in close contact with the responsible local authorities. The aim is to inactivate the pathogen in a systematic and controlled manner in few steps of action only and to keep the interruption of the facility's operations as short as possible.

Hygienic aspects of ensuring chemical safety of using new health-saving technologies for the utilization of biogas at solid municipal waste landfills

Introduction. Environmental health issues are currently among the most important for the population of large administrative and industrial centers. Improving the quality of the environment and creating comfortable living conditions for humans using environmentally friendly methods is one of the current topical areas in environmental hygiene. Materials and methods. The assessment of the effectiveness and chemical safety of the application of a new technology for the collection, purification, neutralization, and disposal of landfill gas for the content of a wide range of organic compounds C5–C20 at a municipal solid waste landfill was carried out using a chromato-mass spectrometric method that allows identifying and quantifying with sensitivity at and below hygienic standards a wide range of organic compounds C5–C20 in air with an unknown composition of pollutants. Results. As a result of the operation of the new landfill gas purification system at the solid waste landfill, the total concentration of pollutants, including marginal and aromatic hydrocarbons, oxygen-containing compounds (alcohols, carboxylic acids), organic sulfur-containing compounds, and sulfur dioxide decreased. As a result of the operation of the new landfill gas purification technology, 100% purification from odourous dialkyl sulfides and nitrogen-containing compounds has been achieved. However, at the outlet of the system, compounds not detected at the inlet were identified, which can be considered as products of combustion and transformation of hydrocarbons that are part of landfill gas, the presence of which indicates to the use of an oxidative process in the process of its disposal. Limitations. The study is limited to the application of the method of investigation of organic compounds with the molecular formula C5–C20. Conclusion. For an adequate assessment of the quality and chemical safety to human health of health-saving technologies, an important condition is the use of physical-chemical studies that identify and quantify dozens of pollutants simultaneously, which makes it possible to take into account the multiple componentness of the chemical composition and the possibility of adverse side effects in the form of toxic transformation of products affecting humans in real environmental pollution conditions.

The Secular Trend in Sicily. Proposal for Long Bones Measures and Statures open access databases

Human Stature is a widely used index of both individuals and populations. Stature is a sensitive measure of a series of factors including gender, age, social status, and environment. Human biologists and historians can use information on stature to betterunderstand the human condition through the ages. There are three goals of this paper: 1. review previous studies of height; 2. remeasure adult bones and expand sample sizes; 3. provide three free databases (long bone length; average height of populations; average agerelated stature. However, the aim of this paper is not to present an exhaustive analysis of the Secular trend in Sicily. The samples range from the Paleolithic to the Contemporary Age. The data consist of measures from 82 adult specimens and includes the average stature of 28 Sicilian populations and the average stature from 11 different periods (plus modern Italians). A few examples of statistical analyses are presented to illustrate the potential, reliability, and reproducibility of the databases.

Evil and the Demonic

Abstract This essay highlights the centrality of ‘the demonic’ in human experience, both collective and personal. It argues in favour of the possibility of explaining it; it dismisses its personification into a demon or several demons; it then proceeds towards a definition and a phenomenology of it; it examines its effects; and it portrays a final feature, namely resentment and revenge, as well as a religious response.