Interdisciplinary Perspective Research Articles

Demon Possession, Theology, and Mental Health

Beliefs that human distress may be caused by demon possession have a long history and are very common around the world. They have been the subject of research across multiple academic disciplines and are a topic of theological as well as medical and scientific controversy. It is proposed that the theological diversity of perspectives may helpfully be represented as a spectrum of views ranging from theological realism to theological purity, with a middle ground of theological complexity. The range of interdisciplinary perspectives may also be represented using a spectrum model, incorporating anthropology, psychiatry, psychology and theology. This approach emphasises a practical, collaborative, and inter-professional approach to deliverance ministry within the Christian tradition.

Identities at the dinner table: Commensality, self-perception, and relationships in Anne Cherian’s A Good Indian Wife

Food studies is rapidly gaining ground as a multidisciplinary area of research. Within it, literary food studies brings an interdisciplinary perspective as works of literature are viewed through the lens of food that is informed by frameworks and concepts that are rooted in a variety of fields including cultural anthropology, sociology, and more. One such concept that is in focus here is that of commensality that is associated with food and food practices. Commensality, drawing from notions of conviviality, refers to the practice of sharing a table and consuming food together. Deeper meanings of communal identities come to the fore in this social practice, leading it to shape how identities are understood and projected. Commensality can be a complex site of belonging and alienation depending on the context, and this paper seeks to explore the representation of the same in Anne Cherian’s A Good Indian Wife (2008). Leila, the titular Indian wife in the novel, moves to the US from India after her marriage to Neel and grapples with finding her place in the foreign land. With this displacement comes the endeavor to reaffirm her new identity, which now includes the role of being a wife and the aspect of being an immigrant. Neel also deals with complicated feelings towards the projection of his identity. With food playing a crucial role in the everyday experiences of their lives, commensality becomes a point of enquiry into how they see themselves and how their relationships with each other and themselves evolve through the course of the narrative.

Intersecting dimensions: advanced analytical approach to school climate and injury prevention in health policy

BackgroundChild safety in schools is paramount for decision-makers globally, with a focus on ensuring children return home safely. However, the prevalent issue of injuries across educational systems demands a comprehensive investigation into their causes, incorporating interdisciplinary perspectives and social dynamics, to develop effective prevention strategies. The objective of this study is to comprehensively analyze the factors contributing to school-related injuries and examine the impact of school climate on student safety. By employing advanced data analysis techniques, the research aims to develop targeted, effective strategies to enhance child safety in educational settings. This research aims to develop a multidimensional taxonomy to understand child injuries in elementary schools better, enhancing precision in decision-making.MethodsData from 363 Israeli primary schools and 10,855 school injuries attended to by MDA, the principal EMS provider, were analyzed. The study utilized a two-level taxonomy, employing clustering methodology to classify schools into distinct climate "patterns," with each pattern further delineating school injury characteristics into sub-patterns. The chosen method proved effective in revealing nuanced relationships between school injuries and climate characteristics.ResultsAnalysis revealed five school climate clusters, ranging from "good" to "bad," each exhibiting two homogeneous sub-clusters of school injuries. Schools with a "positive" climate witnessed boys predominantly experiencing head injuries during breaks, while girls often sustained limb injuries from playing in corridors. Conversely, within the "negative" climate cluster, subgroups emerged based on injury nature, whether linked to playing or falling from a height.ConclusionThe research delineates a nuanced association between school climate and injury rates, emphasizing the necessity for sophisticated analytical techniques beyond conventional methodologies. Utilizing a diverse dataset from various disciplines, the study highlights the multidimensional aspects of school health. The developed taxonomy reveals the complex dynamics within school environments, advocating for customized health policies to mitigate injuries. Critical findings prompt a reevaluation of established assumptions about the school climate-injury relationship, informing strategic policymaking. For example, it suggests collaboration to enhance school safety through targeted, gender-sensitive interventions and improvements. Integrating different data sources offers a holistic understanding crucial for effective health policy formulation in educational contexts.

An update on pharyngeal assessment by the modified barium swallow.

The modified barium swallow study (MBSS) is a diagnostic examination that visualizes the functional anatomy and physiology of the oral pharyngeal swallowing mechanism in real time. The MBSS, a videofluoroscopic imaging method, is indicated for patients with known or suspected oropharyngeal dysphagia and ideally involves the combined expertise of a radiologist and speech pathologist. The MBSS provides critical diagnostic insights that help in identifying and assessing the type and severity of physiological swallowing impairments, evaluating the safety of oral intake, testing the effectiveness of evidence-based interventions, and developing treatment plans. This manuscript aims to present an overview of MBSS standards from an interdisciplinary perspective, emphasizes key areas of best practices, and reviews the common morphologic abnormalities seen on MBSS exams.

Digital Transformation in Financial Reporting: How AI and Blockchain Are Shaping Transparency and Efficiency in Corporate Accounting

The digital transformation of financial reporting has emerged as a critical paradigm shift in corporate accounting, driven by the revolutionary technologies of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Blockchain. This qualitative research employs a comprehensive literature review methodology to examine how these emerging technologies are fundamentally reshaping transparency, efficiency, and reliability in corporate financial reporting processes. Through systematic analysis of peer-reviewed journals, academic publications, and industry reports published within the last five years, the study explores the multifaceted implications of digital technologies on accounting practices. The research investigates the transformative potential of AI and Blockchain in addressing traditional challenges such as data integrity, real-time reporting, fraud prevention, and regulatory compliance. By synthesizing insights from interdisciplinary perspectives, including accounting, computer science, and organizational management, this study reveals how these technologies are creating unprecedented opportunities for enhanced financial transparency and operational efficiency. Key findings demonstrate that AI-powered algorithms can significantly improve financial data analysis, predictive modeling, and risk assessment, while Blockchain technology offers immutable, decentralized record-keeping that minimizes manipulation and increases trust. Moreover, the study critically examines the implementation challenges, technological infrastructure requirements, and potential organizational resistance to these digital innovations. The research provides a comprehensive framework for understanding the strategic integration of AI and Blockchain in financial reporting, offering valuable insights for corporate leaders, accounting professionals, and policymakers seeking to navigate the evolving digital landscape of corporate financial management.

Extremism, racism and riots: exploring the political, social and cultural determinants of poor mental health.

The UK has seen an outbreak of riots after the death of three children in a knife attack. Misinformation about the suspect's heritage and religion was spread by social media, which was then used to incite violence and racism resulting in damage to property, terror and injuries. We put forward arguments that this was an extremist act and draw on the literature on terrorism, extremism and identity to put forward a deeper analysis of how this happened and what can be done to prevent future riots. We bring an interdisciplinary perspective drawing on research from social, cultural, psychological and political perspectives.

Female music entrepreneurs’ use of international social capital and digital technology

Abstract Music entrepreneurs are by nature intrinsically involved in the music industry due to lifestyle and business reasons. This study investigates the use of lifestyle entrepreneurship behaviours by taking a gender perspective about how music entrepreneurs develop commercial activities. This includes focusing on how international relationships relate to meaningful music entrepreneurial experience based on the use of social capital. Drawing on interview data from 12 female music entrepreneurs the findings highlight lifestyle identification responses to entrepreneurship as central constituents. Moreover, the study shows how female music entrepreneurs tap into their lifestyle connections based on their gender and social interests. The article contributes to the development of the music, gender, lifestyle, and digital entrepreneurship work by identifying a more interdisciplinary perspective. The practical implications for the music industry evolve around helping more female entrepreneurs break into the sector by harnessing their creative potential.

Advances in MRI Research for First-Episode Schizophrenia: A Selective Review and NSFC-Funded Analysis.

The causes of schizophrenia remain unclear, and research has been hindered by the lack of quantifiable standards. However, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is addressing these challenges, revealing critical neurobiological details and emphasizing its importance in both evaluation and treatment. First, we reviewed the progress of research on structural MRI (sMRI), functional MRI (fMRI), multimodal/multiomics analysis, artificial intelligence, and neuromodulation in first-episode schizophrenia (FES) over the past 5 years. Second, we summarize the current state of schizophrenia research funded by the National Natural Science Foundation of China (NSFC) to facilitate academic exchange and cooperation both domestically and internationally. sMRI has identified early neurodevelopmental biomarkers in FES patients, and fMRI has highlighted functional abnormalities across disease stages. Multimodal/multiomics analysis has revealed complex brain-neurobiology interactions. Neuromodulation techniques, which directly modulate neural activity in specific brain regions, offer promising long-term benefits for stabilizing conditions and enhancing patients' quality of life. NSFC-funded analysis shows China is increasing its funding for schizophrenia research, though funding distribution remains uneven. The research focus has shifted from a single perspective on brain structure and function to multichannel, multimodal comprehensive analysis methods. This progress has driven the integration of machine learning-driven multiomics research, aiming to construct disease classification models, explore disease mechanisms, and guide treatment from multidimensional and interdisciplinary perspectives. MRI technology has provided new perspectives for the diagnosis and treatment of schizophrenia, especially the neurobiological foundations of the disease. Support from the NSFC provides a scientific and financial basis for future research and treatment, heralding scientific discoveries and technological innovations in this field and bringing hope to schizophrenia patients.

History of science, religion and the ‘big picture’

Abstract The academic subfields of ‘science and religion’ and ‘Islamic sciences’ have witnessed significant developments in recent decades. Despite historians discrediting outdated narratives, persistent ideas within the public sphere prompt the need for a comprehensive ‘big picture’. This paper examines the historiographical developments in the fields of ‘science and religion’ and ‘Islamic sciences’, emphasizing the necessity for a ‘big picture’ that acknowledges the intricate histories of these areas. It traces the evolution of both fields, challenging the ‘conflict thesis’ and the ‘Golden Age’ narrative, and advocating for interdisciplinary perspectives that are global. This paper aims to advocate for an approach defining ‘science’ and ‘religion’ within their temporal and geographical contexts, to foster a deeper understanding of their intertwined histories.

:Ireland, Slavery and the Caribbean: Interdisciplinary Perspectives

:<i>Ireland, Slavery and the Caribbean: Interdisciplinary Perspectives</i>

ЭНДОМЕТРИОЗ БРЮШНОЙ СТЕНКИ: МЕЖДИСЦИПЛИНАРНЫЙ ПОДХОД (Обзор литературы)

Abstract. Introduction. Abdominal wall endometriosis characterized by the presence of ectopic endometrial glands or stroma in the abdominal wall, is a rare form of extragenital endometriosis, but can have a significant negative impact on the quality of women’s life. Abdominal wall endometriosis is mostly iatrogenic and is associated with cesarean section or gynecological operations involving hysterotomy. Given the steady increase in the frequency of cesarean sections, it is expected that the number of cases of abdominal wall endometriosis will continue to grow. Aim: To provide updated information on abdominal wall endometriosis from an interdisciplinary perspective. Materials and Methods. A review of publications based on research using the keywords endometriosis, abdominal wall endometriosis, scar endometriosis, cesarean section scar endometriosis, umbilical endometriosis, and inguinal endometriosis, based on search results in electronic resources in Russian and international systems (eLibrary, PubMed, MedLine, and Crossref) for the last 7 years, from 2017 to 2024. Results and Discussion. Abdominal wall endometriosis occurs with a frequency of 0.04%–5.5%. A typical manifestation is a painful formation in the abdominal wall. The pain syndrome intensity may be determined by the menstrual cycle phase. Endometrioid foci can develop primarily (spontaneously) and secondarily in the postoperative scar area. By localization, abdominal wall endometriosis is divided into cicatricial, umbilical, and inguinal. The average age as of diagnosis is 32-36 years, while the time from surgery to endometriosis identification varies from 3 months to 2 decades. Clinically, the diagnosis is established in 20-50% of cases, and with using additional imaging methods, such as ultrasound, CT, and MRI, this level reaches 70%. Cases of malignant transformation are extremely rare and amount to about 1%. The question remains controversial regarding the relationship of abdominal wall endometriosis to the presence of other concomitant endometriosis forms. Currently, the gold standard of treatment is wide excision of endometrioid foci, including the surrounding fibrous tissue. The recurrence rate varies from 1.5 to 28.6%. Conclusion. Interdisciplinary collaboration involving gynecologists, surgeons, imaging specialists, and pathologists is necessary for early diagnosis and optimization of abdominal wall endometriosis patient treatment.

POSITIVE EFFECTS OF PHOTOGRAPHY ON WOMEN'S SELF-ESTEEM AND SELF-IMAGE: WHEN ART MEETS PSYCHOLOGY

This study analyzes the impact of artistic representation in pregnancy photography on women's self-esteem and self-perception during significant physical and emotional changes. Grounded in Cooley's "Looking-Glass Self" theory and Fredrickson and Roberts's objectification theory, the research examines how external evaluations and cultural norms shape self-perception. Utilizing a qualitative approach, the study explores the dual role of social media as a platform that both supports and challenges women's body image through social comparison and idealized standards. The findings highlight that artistic elements in photography, such as specific lighting techniques and personalized posing, positively influence self-esteem by emphasizing individuality and beauty. Ethical considerations in photo retouching are addressed, advocating for a personalized approach that balances technical possibilities with psychological needs. The novelty of this work lies in its interdisciplinary perspective, combining psychological theories with artistic practices to offer insights for professionals aiming to enhance psychological well-being among pregnant women through supportive photographic experiences.

International and Interdisciplinary Perspectives on School Violence and Bullying, Cyberbullying, and Cyber Deviance: An Introductory Essay

ABSTRACTSchool violence and bullying, cyberbullying, and cyber‐deviance have become subject matters of great concern for various disciplines, such as social work, criminology, psychology, education, medicine, public health, and nursing. In the past years, scholars in different countries have adopted the theoretical perspectives developed in their respective disciplines to separately examine issues of school violence and bullying, cyberbullying, and cyber deviance. For example, researchers in the field of social sciences tend to adopt psychosocial theories and perspectives, while public health scholars tend to adopt medical‐ or health‐related theories. There is a call for the international and interdisciplinary perspectives to examine these topics and their potential interconnectedness. There is also an urgent need to systematic strategies, policies, and intervention to tackle school violence and bullying, cyberbullying, and cyber deviance. The purpose of this special issue is to deepen our understanding of issues related to school violence and bullying, cyberbullying, and cyber‐deviance, to expand our cross‐disciplinary and integrated perspectives on these topics, and to provide potential legal strategies, policy, and intervention to tackle these social problems.

Contributions of Gibson's Ecological Psychology to the Creation of Interactive Sound Installations

This article explores the potential contributions of Gibson's Ecological Psychology to artistic creation within the scope of Interactive Sound Installations. It provides a historical overview of the evolution of this form of art, highlighting the growing emphasis on the role of space and body (audience action) in shaping interactive art concepts. The article delves into how ecological acoustics research has integrated interdisciplinary perspectives from sociology, anthropology, and cognitive science to promote a more equitable and fair acoustic environment. Considering that the concept of the body embedded in the world is both central to interactive arts and Cognitive Science, particularly to Gibson's Ecological Psychology, this text presents its main aspects. It then discusses how these aspects can be applied in Interactive Sound Installations. In conclusion, it suggests that applying Ecological Psychology concepts to Interactive Sound Installations can contribute to the goals of recent acoustic ecology in creating a fairer acoustic environment.

The Recovery of Consciousness via Evidence-Based Medicine and Research (RECOVER) Program: A Paradigm for Advancing Neuroprognostication.

Neuroprognostication for disorders of consciousness (DoC) after severe acute brain injury is a major challenge, and the conventional clinical approach struggles to keep pace with a rapidly evolving literature. Lacking specialization, and fragmented between providers, conventional neuroprognostication is variable, frequently incongruent with guidelines, and prone to error, contributing to avoidable mortality and morbidity. We review the limitations of the conventional approach to neuroprognostication and DoC care, and propose a paradigm entitled the Recovery of Consciousness Via Evidence-Based Medicine and Research (RECOVER) program to address them. The aim of the RECOVER program is to provide specialized, comprehensive, and longitudinal care that synthesizes interdisciplinary perspectives, provides continuity to patients and families, and improves the future of DoC care through research and education. This model, if broadly adopted, may help establish neuroprognostication as a new subspecialty that improves the care of this vulnerable patient population.

Exploring scanning electrochemical probe microscopy in single-entity analysis in biology: Past, present, and future.

Scanning Electrochemical Probe Microscopy (SEPM) shows significant potential promise for analyzing localized electrochemical activity at biological interfaces of single entities. Utilizing various SEPM probe manipulations allows real-time monitoring of the morphology and physiological activities of single biological entities, offering vital electrochemical insights into biological processes. This review focuses on the application of five SEPM techniques in imaging single biological entities, highlighting their unique advantages in the observation and quantitative evaluation of biological morphology. Specifically, these techniques not only enable high-resolution imaging of single biological structures but also allow for quantitative analysis of their response behavior. Additionally, the integration of Artificial Intelligence (AI) is discussed to improve data processing and image analysis, potentially advancing SEPM technology towards automation. Although still in an early stage, AI integration opens new avenues for deeper single-entity analysis. This review aims to offer an interdisciplinary perspective and encourage advancements in SEPM-based imaging and analytical techniques, contributing to the bioanalytical field.

How will developmental neuroimaging contribute to the prediction of neurodevelopmental or psychiatric disorders? Challenges and opportunities.

Successful developmental neuroimaging efforts require interdisciplinary expertise to ground scientific questions in knowledge of human development, modify and create technologies and data processing pipelines suited to the young brain, and ensure research procedures meet the needs and protect the interests of young children and their caregivers. This paper brings together four interdisciplinary perspectives to tackle a set of questions that are central for the field to address as we imagine a future role for developmental neuroimaging in the prediction of neurodevelopmental or psychiatric disorders: 1) How do we generate a strong evidence base for causality and clinical relevance? 2) How do we ensure the integrity of the data and support fair and wide access? 3) How can these technologies be implemented in the clinic? 4) What are the ethical obligations for neuroimaging researchers working with infants and young children?

Online Media and Political Communication in North Macedonia and the Western Balkans

In the digital age, online media has become a key platform for public political communication, reshaping the landscape of political discourse and social engagement. This paper proposes a typology framework to classify various forms of online media and elaborate on their distinct roles and functions in political communication. Using interdisciplinary research perspectives from media studies, political science, and communi- cation theory, the typology categorizes online media into distinct types, explaining how they determine communication in the political sphere. Furthermore, the paper examines how different types of online media are utilized by political actors, interest groups, and citizens to dissemi- nate information, mobilize political support, shape public opinion, and improve civic engagement. The scope of the research includes a review of existing case studies on online media in North Macedonia and Western Balkans, combined with empirical analysis of prominent platforms across different types and demographics. Cultural and linguistic biases may influence the interpretation of findings, particularly in cross-cultural analyses. By mapping out the diverse ecosystem of online media and their different uses in public political communication, this typology contributes to a deeper understanding of the complex interplay between technology, media, and politics in the digital era. A sample analysis will be presented, illustrating the application of the typological framework to a selection of popular online media platforms

Cellular, Molecular, and Genetic Mechanisms of Avian Beak Development and Evolution.

Diverse research programs employing complementary strategies have been uncovering cellular, molecular, and genetic mechanisms essential to avian beak development and evolution. In reviewing these discoveries, I offer an interdisciplinary perspective on bird beaks that spans their derivation from jaws of dinosaurian reptiles, their anatomical and ecological diversification across major taxonomic groups, their common embryonic origins, their intrinsic patterning processes, and their structural integration. I describe how descriptive and experimental approaches, including gene expression and cell lineage analyses, tissue recombinations, surgical transplants, gain- and loss-of-function methods, geometric morphometrics, comparative genomics, and genome-wide association studies, have identified key constituent parts and putative genes regulating beak morphogenesis and evolution. I focus throughout on neural crest mesenchyme, which generates the beak skeleton and other components, and describe how these embryonic progenitor cells mediate species-specific pattern and link form and function as revealed by 20 years of research using chimeras between quail and duck embryos.

Development of a novel tool for individual treatment trials in mucopolysaccharidosis.

Mucopolysaccharidosis (MPS) encompasses a group of genetic lysosomal storage disorders, linked to reduced life expectancy and a significant lack of effective treatment options. Immunomodulatory drugs could have the potential to be a relevant medical approach, as the accumulation of undegraded substances initiates an innate immune response, which leads to inflammation and clinical deterioration. However, immunomodulators are not licensed for this indication. Consequently, we aim to provide evidence advocating fast access to innovative individual treatment trials (ITTs) with immunomodulatory drugs and high-quality evaluation of drug effects by implementing a risk-benefit model tailored for MPS. The iterative methodology of our novel decision analysis framework (DAF) involves three key steps: (i) literature review on promising treatment targets and immunomodulators in MPS; (ii) quantitative risk-benefit assessment (RBA) of selected molecules; (iii) assigning phenotypic profiles and quantitative evaluations. The results facilitate a personalized application of the model and are based on published evidence as well as interdisciplinary experts' consensus and patient perspectives. Four promising immunomodulators have been identified: adalimumab, abatacept, anakinra, and cladribine. An improvement in mobility is most likely with adalimumab, while anakinra is anticipated as a treatment of choice for neuronopathic MPS patients. Nevertheless, a comprehensive RBA should always be completed on an individual basis. Our evidence-based DAF tool for ITTs directly addresses the substantial unmet medical need in MPS and characterizes an initial stride toward precision medicine with immunomodulators.