Greater Consciousness Research Articles

Experts’ opinion on the sustainable use of nematicides in Mediterranean intensive horticulture

Aim of study: Root-knot nematodes are considered a common limiting factor to reaching premium quality and economically viable yields in horticultural crops. Soil disinfestation with agrochemical fumigants has been the main nematode control method until their recent ban due to environmental and social concerns. This paper explores farmers and agricultural advisors’ opinion and preferences on the sustainable use of available nematode control methods, considering sustainability as an integration of nematicidal effectiveness, reduction of environmental harmful effects and preservation of human health. Area of study: This study has been carried out between farm advisors of intensive horticultural crop areas in Southern Spain. Material and methods: Farm advisors’ opinion and preferences on the use of nematicides was evaluated following an opinion survey and the Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP) method. The analysis done was exploratory. Main results: Providing that current available control methods give enough nematicidal effectiveness to get a profitable yield, the group of farm advisors showed a great consciousness on the use of sustainable alternatives for nematode control in intensive horticultural crops, prioritizing biosolarization as the first option, followed by biopesticides and fumigant nematicides in third place. The use of ozone and non-fumigant nematicides with high toxicity profiles were considered the last options, but new generation nematicides with lower ecotoxicity profiles are also considered as an important tool in sustainable nematode management. Research highlights: These results provide a prediction of farmers' responses to the sustainable use of nematicides promoted by the European Union when agrochemical fumigants are banned.

Elementary students' self‐regulation in computer‐based learning environments: How do self‐report measures, observations and teacher rating relate to task performance?

AbstractIt is well‐established that being a self‐regulated learner is beneficial academically, motivationally and is considered essential for productive life‐long learning. Despite this, there is limited evidence examining how different measures of self‐regulation for learning (SRL) relate to task performance for young students learning in digital contexts. This study investigated the relationships between different measures of SRL of elementary school students (N = 48, Mage = 10.75) while using a computer‐based learning environment, and their association with task performance and teacher rating of student SRL ability. Results confirmed the most effective measure of SRL, in terms of its relationship with, and predictability of task performance, was a self‐report written response, whereby students identified and explained known SRL strategies, such as how to plan, monitor or complete their work. Teacher ratings of their students' metacognitive capability were significantly correlated with task performance and with two self‐report instruments: the Junior Metacognitive Awareness Inventory and the SRL written response. Associations between actual observed self‐regulation behaviours in a computer‐based learning environment, using Azevedo et al.'s coding framework and how students self‐reported their knowledge and understanding about SRL, were weak. Observations of young students' SRL behaviours in computer‐based learning environments were not significantly related to task performance. Better understanding of these relationships will help educators and researchers to know where they should focus their attention in terms of developing elementary school students' self‐regulatory capabilities in digital contexts, as well as the reliability of self‐report measures of SRL as relative to observations of self‐regulation and task performance. Implications for teacher practice are also discussed. Practitioner notesWhat is already known about this topic Students need to use self‐regulation for learning (SRL) strategies in digital contexts. Self‐regulation strategies need to be explicitly taught to students as they are not guaranteed to become automatically acquired. Being a self‐regulated learner leads to improved academic performance, engagement and motivation. What this paper adds Empirical evidence addressing the associations and patterns between various measures of SRL for young students learning in digital environments. Student self‐report explanations of known SRL strategies was the only significant predictor of student task performance. Coding of young students' SRL behaviours in digital environments do not relate well to task performance. Implications for practice and/or policy Understanding the associations between young students' self‐report of SRL and how this relates to their actual SRL behaviour while using digital technology is critical to supporting student learning and success. Learning to better articulate self‐regulation strategies may result in greater consciousness and application of self‐regulation strategies in digital contexts, which in turn could improve task performance. Eliciting explanations from students about SRL strategies may be more informative and expedient than conducting and analysing individual observations in digital contexts, to determine the general self‐regulatory knowledge and understanding of young students.

Sustainable travel through experienced tourists’ desire for eudaemonia and immersion

ABSTRACT Consumption paradoxes create challenges for truly sustainable production and consumption practices across industries. This is also visible in tourism. Although today’s consumers have a greater consciousness of their own environmental footprints, demand for leisure travel appears insatiable as expressed in constantly growing international tourism until 2019. With the aim to achieve transformation towards more sustainability in future tourism, the lens has turned towards the consumer’s central role in the fulfilment of the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals. This article puts experienced tourists into the spotlight and aims to explore whether and how the experienced tourist’s desire for eudaemonic and immersive experiences can contribute to more sustainable travel patterns. It adopts a supply-demand perspective through a mixed-methods research design implemented in Germany and New Zealand. Results demonstrate that tourists with higher self-assessed experience levels are more likely to travel for eudaemonic reasons and adopt sustainable travel patterns compared to less experienced tourists. This article argues that experienced tourists are central in the transformation towards more sustainable tourism futures and that a better understanding of them is needed. These novel insights advance theory and practice, contributing to closing existing knowledge gaps related to sustainable consumption in a tourism context.

At the intersection of workplace spirituality and Buddhist psychology: a critical summary of literature

Purpose This paper aims to contribute or rekindle internal and external dialogues about the interactions, decisions and behaviour in the work environments; while also consider some critical overarching values that can help workforce members cope with the stress and pressure, which augment as the speed of life increases. Design/methodology/approach The methodology used in this project is an integrative literature review, supported by, findings and reflections from two doctoral dissertations: one in workplace spirituality and one in Buddhist psychology; and the researcher’s analysis and joint application of these two streams over the past decade. Findings Workplace spirituality and Buddhist psychology share overlapping, multi-interpretable traits, with as the main discrepancies that workplace spirituality is a relatively new concept, while Buddhist psychology has been around for more than 2,500 years; and workplace spirituality focusses only on the workplace, while Buddhist psychology focusses on every area of the life. Yet, the overarching notion of doing right while respecting and accepting others and aiming for an overarching better quality of life remains a strong driver in both realms. Research limitations/implications This paper will hopefully entice future researchers to engage in additional studies on spiritual intersections to expand on such databases and enhance awareness, acceptance and implementation amongst scholars and practitioners in business settings. Practical implications Exploring intersections of behavioural disciplines such as workplace spirituality and Buddhist psychology addresses an important need within workforce members and therewith also those within their social circles, as they evoke deeper and consistent contemplation on the aspects that connect us together and can enhance overall well-being and happiness at a greater magnitude than, this study experiences it today. Social implications The study aims to deliver a contribution to the database of awareness-enhancing literature, in an effort to help spawn dialogue and critical thinking about the attitudes and behaviours towards ourselves, others and the future. Originality/value This paper presents an overview of themes in two psychological streams, both focussing on living and acting with greater consciousness, to make more mindful decisions, improve the overall experience of cooperating towards a common good and understand the responsibility towards creating a future that will be sustainable rather than destroyed.

Personality and Body Mass Index in U.S. Military Veterans: Results from the National Health and Resilience in Veterans Study.

The relationship between the "Big 5" personality dimensions and body mass index (BMI) were examined in a nationally representative sample (National Health and Resilience in Veterans Study) of male and female U.S. military veterans. Multivariable analyses were conducted to evaluate gender-specific associations between personality factors and BMI. Among male veterans, greater extraversion was associated with higher BMI, (β = 0.18), while lower conscientiousness (β = -0.18), agreeableness (β = -0.18), and emotional stability (β = -0.17) were associated with lower BMI. Among female veterans, only greater consciousness was associated with lower BMI. These associations were robust to effects of age, physical activity, depression, and posttraumatic stress disorder. The "Big 5" personality dimensions are differentially associated with BMI in male and female veterans. While conscientiousness was associated with lower BMI in both male and female veterans, three additional personality dimensions were linked to BMI in male veterans. Implications of these findings for obesity management are discussed.

China’s image in U.S. propaganda during the Pacific War era

After the outbreak of the Pacific War, the U.S. government’s propaganda agency, the Office of War Information (OWI), set up a branch in China which became responsible for propaganda toward China. The OWI’s China branch portrayed China as a rising hero in the anti-Japanese resistance through a series of propaganda programs to promote U.S. wartime goals and policy goals in China. This image of China had three distinguishing types: (1) China as a heroic nation with all citizens engaged in resistance; (2) China as a major world power shouldering international responsibilities; (3) China as being on a “revolutionary” path modeled after the United States. The United States tried to lift the morale of the Chinese masses by highlighting wartime China’s national image, in addition to inculcating the Chinese people with a great power consciousness and ideals of international community. To achieve U.S. national interests, the OWI’s constructed image of China was deliberately edited in a way that did not completely reflect China’s reality, exposing the limits of U.S. understanding and its imagination of China.

The Practitioner’s Perspective: R2P at 15

Abstract In this contribution the authors reflect on the Forum topic ‘R2P 15 Years after the World Summit: Progress, Problems and Prospects’ and provide their perspective as advocates on the normative and practical progress made towards implementation of R2P. They discuss how R2P has created a greater consciousness regarding atrocity crimes within multilateral decision-making, the challenges inherent in cultivating norm champions, and how to transform R2P from a boutique foreign policy initiative into a domestic policy imperative.

Bioplastics for packaging in cosmetic sector towards a circular bioeconomy model


 
 
 
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 The Italian cosmetic industry is experiencing a period of constant growth. The materials used for industrial packaging are often produced in compliance with the hygiene standards imposed by the rules of the sector but without looking at the environmental aspect, how they are produced and how these packaging will be disposed of. In recent years, consumers' environmental awareness has increased thanks to fast and accessible media, like the internet, and to a greater consciousness of the institutions. The average consumer is no longer satisfied with the generic product found at the point of sale, but he informs himself, evaluates, and relies on companies that embrace the culture of sustainability. The aim of this paper is the analysis of the technological and environmental advantages coming from the benefit of Bio-based polymers applied to the sector of cosmetic packaging, through a project of a new start up based on production of bioplastics for that sector.
 

Sustainability communication in hospitality in peripheral tourist destinations

Purpose The purpose of this study posited that tourism companies and more especially hotels located in tourist destinations dependent on air transportation, need to commit more strongly to sustainability because of their greater distance from the main outbound markets. The research focused on determining whether hotels’ star rating, location, age and size influence their sustainability communication and on identifying the characteristics of the messages used in hotels’ sustainability communication. Design/methodology/approach To accomplish these objectives, a sequential mixed methods design with three interconnected phases was used, including quantitative data and content analysis. Findings Less than 10% of hotels located in a tourist destination strongly dependent on air transportation and peripheral to the main outbound markets actually communicate about sustainable practices on their websites. Communication practices are dependent on hotels’ star rating, location, size and age. Research limitations/implications The study limitations are that it was conducted in only one destination and that the hotel websites’ layouts are heterogeneous, which means that the analysis and comparison of the relevant information is extremely challenging. In addition, the research only considered hotels or similar lodgings, leaving out other types of accommodation. Practical implications Hotels in tourist destinations dependent on air transportation need to adjust their sustainability communication in response to the trend among tourists toward greater consciousness about the environmental impacts of their individual tourism-related choices. Hotels also need to provide more accurate and detailed information on sustainable practices, with both affective and rational appeals that focus on tourists’ experiences. Originality/value The study was conducted in a destination dependent on air transportation and peripheral to the primary outbound markets.

The Treachery Trope: Anti-Semitism as Indicative of a Psycho-Spiritual Disease Associated with the Betrayal of Cultural Ideals and of the Self.

The study seeks to place anti-semitism in a wider context by exploring the dynamics of betrayal-a designation often attributed to Jews, but also attributed to many victimized groups who are also deemed to be treacherous. The study argues that what lies at the heart of this practice is the betrayal (on the part of the victimizers) of ideological or personal principles that have not been realized. Instead of taking responsibility for this painful failure, those who have betrayed their principles project their treachery onto a set of victims who are accordingly punished as the 'true' embodiments of treachery. In view of this, cultural and personal health can only be improved if there is a greater consciousness of this psycho-spiritual dynamic; and, as the study suggests, principles associated with enlightenment may be brought to bear against this harmful affliction, which I have named the treachery rope.

Integrasi Nilai –Nilai Karakter Pada Pembelajaran Pendidikan Agama Islam (Pai) Studi Di Madrasah Tsanawiyah (Mts) Swasta Kabupaten Kulon Progo Yogyakarta

Abstract The great consciousness to the character internalization of students through education begins from the government’s concern to the students who have been doing the decency value for example dishonest, no discipline, no respect for teachers, truancy, late which is often done by school students. This research was conducted to reveal the character of students trough the integration character value on PAI learning that held in MTs Maarif Jangkaran, MTs Maarif Wates, MTs Muhammadiyah Wates and MTs Muhammadiyah Sentolo. The method used is descriptive qualitative analysis, with data collection done by observation complemented by interviews and documentation. The results showed that all private MTs at Kulon Progo district integrate the character (religious, honest, independent, communicative, responsible and democratic) in the PAI study done by a particular emphasis on offensive material value problem. In general, the integration of /characters in PAI learning to be effective, because it is supported by the enough facilities at the four private MTs, although there are obstacles integrating character values such as the perception of teachers PAI equalize the character with morals. Keywords: the character, PAI learning

Structural, Vibrational and Electronic properties of FeNi

The Fe-Ni alloys attract the great consciousness of researchers due to their anomalously low thermal expansion coefficient for Fe-rich compositions and numerous technological and practical applications. The structural, vibrational and electronic properties of tetrataenite L10 FeNi studied using the first-principles plane wave self-consistent method with the Ultrasoft pseudopotential scheme under the framework of density functional theory. Calculated c/a ratio and isothermal bulk modulus for tetrataenite L10 FeNi presented with the other available results. Conclusions based on the phonon dispersion curves, phonon density of states and electronic band structure along with the total and projected density of states are outlined.

Advocacy in International Commercial Arbitration, edited by Elliott Geisinger & Guillaume Tattevin

Advocacy in International Commercial Arbitration , edited by Elliott Geisinger & Guillaume Tattevin, ASA Special Series No 36, JurisNet, LLC 2013. This volume brings together various initiatives of the Swiss Arbitration Association relating to arbitral advocacy. These initiatives include the Association Suisse de l'Arbitrage (ASA) Charter of Advocacy in International Commercial Arbitration, the ASA Prize for Advocacy in International Commercial Arbitration, as well as institutional advocacy training in Switzerland. The book also includes supporting material in the form of the laudatorio for the 2010 and 2012 winners of the ASA Prize for Advocacy (respectively, Franz Schwarz and Philippe Pinsolle), brief descriptions of the advocacy training offered by the Swiss Arbitration Academy, the Foundation for International Advocacy and the MIDS-Geneva LLM in international arbitration. There are also three more substantial essays being a review of issues raised by advocacy in international arbitration (Elliott Geisinger), a possible model for the regulation of professional conduct in international arbitration (Matthew Gearing and Sheila Ahuja), and an essay on advocacy training (Jeffrey Waincymer). Arbitral advocacy has attracted considerable discussion in professional circles in recent years. There have been a number of conferences devoted to the theme (most significantly the 2010 International Council for Commercial Arbitration (ICCA) conference in Rio de Janeiro) as well as books and articles. There have probably been a number of reasons for this interest. We are currently in a phase of attempted harmonization of different traditions in international arbitration and advocacy is a fertile field for different assumptions and practices between jurisdictions; the phenomenal success of the Willem C. Vis International Commercial Arbitration Moot is producing young lawyers with a much greater consciousness of the character and technique of advocacy, as well as stimulating an overdue attention to the systematic training and preparation of lawyers in arbitral advocacy; and the drive for efficiency and savings of time and cost in arbitration has focused attention on forensic practices that might needlessly consume time … d.cairns{at}bcremades.com

Against the Grain: An intervention of mastery learning and intellectual emancipation in art education

In a case study of an undergraduate course in art education, modes of mastery learning and propositions of intellectual emancipation were explored as interventions in curriculum design. By adopting Rancière’s framework of a ‘will to will’ relationship between instructor and students, the core assignment—a visual journal—became a site of student positionality through mastery methods, rather than information gathering. The visual journal provided a record of the event of knowledge and served as a forum to verify that acts of student thinking were done with attention, congruent with Rancière’s perspective that learning generates greater consciousness, feeling and action. Requiring both qualitative and quantitative criteria within the parameters of the visual journal functioned as a means to experiment with the potential convergences of mastery and emancipatory approaches. The visual journal then operated as a third space where ongoing, consistent engagement demonstrated the capacity of students to encounter more equitable relations with the instructor and with the content in ways that have implications for knowledge creation in teaching and learning.

“A Firm Perswasion”: God, Art, and Responsibility in Blake's The Marriage of Heaven and Hell

Scholars have argued that William Blake's The Marriage of Heaven and Hell (begun in 1790) is principally about its author's understanding of God. This article, based on plates 22 to 24 and 12 to 13, argues that it illustrates how Blake integrates and takes responsibility for his imago dei and how he associates this imago with art. It also explores the degree to which his views depend on inner conviction—a “firm perswasion”—and the very real danger that inhabits such a view. It shows how Blake anticipates a great many features of Jungian practice: for instance, the use of active imagination; the need to assume responsibility for one's projections, especially one's shadow tendencies; and Blake's evident belief that the goal of the encounter with the inner world should be greater consciousness and understanding.

El “cosmos exaltado” de Ternura

The poems of Ternura are constructed from images of a permanent childhood in the sense explained by Bachelard: images of solitude impregnated by dream states that allow us to see the world in its beginnings. In this state, all archetypes (fire, air, water, light, earth) are manifested as “exalted cosmos” and are profoundly linked to human beings in a deep and happy communion: the exterior world is an aspect of the inner being. An animistic perception of existence is called up, a great consciousness in which everything exists and interrelates. This is because at the root of this contemplation as expressed in poetry there is a force that allows us to accept life with its intimate con

Crossroads of public art, nature and environmental education

This paper explores how environmental education through ecological art can help students develop creativity, critical thinking, and an arts-informed notion of being a citizen of the world. In illustrating the importance of uncovering the relationship between environmental education and ecological art, the paper examines how this may be used to promote intellectual development, inspiration, and a greater consciousness about social and environmental issues. Through a discussion of examples of classroom projects and processes that integrate art into the curriculum, the paper examines how teachers can use the work of ecological artists to help students learn to ask questions and examine contextual information about ecological art, which are argued to be essential for engagement and motivation. The paper also discusses how infusing ecological art into environmental education can help individuals develop a greater sense of connection with nature both within and beyond the classroom setting.

Når sport og motion bliver et spørgsmål om fysisk aktivitet

I artiklen undersøges hvorfor forskellen mellem andelen der i Danskernes motions- og sportsvaner siger at de dyrker sport eller motion og andelen der siger at de har dyrket mindst én aktivitet regelmæssigt indenfor det seneste år, er blevet mere markant siden 1993, samt i hvilke aktiviteter uoverensstemmelserne primært opstår i 2007.Quantitative research on sports participation among the Danish population has been conducted seven times between 1964 and 2007. The current study aims to find a better understanding of the ways the respondents reply to different questions about their sports participation. From the analysis it becomes clear, that the respondents reply very inconsistent according to the ways of asking. This inconsistency has grown remarkably within the last decades and men and people with short education levels tend to answer with more inconsistency than other population groups. The study discusses the impact of health interventions and an increased focus on physical activity as a cause of greater variety among the subjective understandings of sport and exercise – and thereby a change in the populations individual understanding of sport and exercise. Further the study suggests a greater consciousness about the purpose of these kinds of surveys when conducting them, because it has great influence in the following analysis from which perspective the design arises.

Toward Greater Consciousness in the 21st Century Workplace: How Buddhist Practices Fit In

The purpose of this study was to determine the applicability of Buddhist practices in today’s workplaces. The findings were supported by interviews with Buddhist masters and Buddhist business practitioners, as well as literature review, through phenomenological analysis. As a means of presenting the main reasons why Buddhist practices should be considered in contemporary workplaces, a SWOT analysis is presented. In this analysis, a number of strengths for using Buddhist practices in workplaces are listed such as pro-scientific, greater personal responsibility, and healthy detachment, while potential weaknesses such as non-harming, equanimity, and no competition are also reviewed. Both the strengths and the weaknesses could be listed in reverse if applied to a different extent. Among the opportunities were issues such as re-educating the world of business, enhancing personal ownership and a healthier society, while the threats comprised issues such as creating different imbalances, disinterest, and stationary development.

Corporate governance, external audit and the audit process

This paper reports on interviews with audit partners of listed companies on their perspectives of impact of corporate governance on the audit process. Based on responses received the study finds that audit risk framework is dynamic enough to incorporate expected changes in control environment brought about by greater consciousness on the part of directors on the need for good internal control. However there is still skepticism that good governance practice has filtered through clients’ control environment as auditors believe dominant CEO’s may still moderate the effectiveness of audit committees