Negative Way Research Articles

The potential effects of deepfakes on news media and entertainment

AbstractDeepfakes are synthetic media, such as pictures, music and videos, created with generative artificial intelligence (GenAI) tools, a technique that builds upon machine learning and multi-layered neural networks trained on large datasets. Today, anyone can create deepfakes online, without any knowledge about the underpinning technology. This fact opens up creative opportunities at the same time as it creates individual and societal challenges. Some identified challenges are fake news, bullying, defamation, media manipulation and democracy damage. The aim of this study was to analyse and discuss how deepfakes could affect entertainment, education and digital news media in positive and negative ways. The chosen research strategy was a qualitative cross-sectional study to create a snapshot of current attitudes in blogs, online discussion fora and from a selected expert panel. Firstly, blogs and internet discussion fora on deepfakes and AI were analysed inductively. Secondly, results from the previous step were used to create a question scheme for semi-structured interviews with some selected experts that have relevant knowledge in the field of AI and deepfakes. Finally, interviews answered were analysed thematically using the Technology Affordances and Constraints Theory as an analytical lens. Findings show that deepfakes at the same time have a wide variety of affordances, but also some critical constraints to consider. In the affordance part, there are the potential use of deepfakes for speculative and provoking concepts, not only as entertainment, but also to illustrate educational scenarios that are hard or impossible to capture in traditional videos, images or sound recordings. Furthermore, there are many affordances for entertainment and the creation of environments where realism is not an important condition. Some examples are video game graphics, animated film background music in games and music videos. However, the conclusion is that the findings comprise more of constraints than of affordances, where the serious negative aspect of deepfakes can lead to psychological, financial and social harm. Many images and videos in news media have already been manipulated during the last decades, but deepfakes can take this to a new and more problematic level where the overall trust might disappear. The author’s recommendation is to further increase the focus on source criticism and that discussions on which sources to trust should be an early introduced part of educational programmes.

One health: the impact of environment, detergents and hygiene on barrier, microbiome and allergy

SummaryA variety of body surfaces, such as skin and mucosal membranes—from the nasopharyngeal area to the lungs, uterus, vaginal area, and digestive tract—contain complex microbial ecosystems that are tailored to the specifics of the respective niche [1].The so-called dysbiosis—a disadvantageous change in the composition of the microbiome—is associated with the pathogenesis of a variety of diseases [2]. Gastrointestinal as well as cardiovascular, metabolic, neurodegenerative, psychological, oncological, and also allergic diseases have been linked to microbial dysbiosis. Susceptibility to allergies can be due to genetic predisposition; in addition, extrinsic factors from today’s lifestyle increasingly contribute to microbiome changes, but also to the disruption of the skin and mucosal barrier and thus to the development of allergies [3].Gisela, a fictional farmer, guides us through this review. She is representative of adults and children of all genders in industrialized countries. During her daily routine, the skin and mucosal microbiome is influenced by a variety of exogenous factors. These include everyday personal hygiene products, detergents for laundry and dishes, food, medication, animal contact, and exposure to various outdoor environments. Gisela’s daily routine will illustrate how the human microbiome and the skin barrier are modified in positive or negative ways, and how this could influence the development of allergies. Furthermore, potential measures for the prevention and management of dysbiosis will be discussed in terms of examples of alternative products and behaviors.

Sound absorption properties of different green wall systems

Façade of the buildings generally consists of acoustically rigid materials. They reflect or scatter sound emitting from sound sources especially main roads thus affects sound environment in a negative way. Applying green walls can be nature-based solution to these urban scale noise. The aim of this research is to compare green wall systems in terms of sound absorption and to determine which one is more effective. Sound absorption at normal incidence of 8 different green wall systems measured via impedance tube in accordance with TS ISO EN 10534-2 standard for 50-6400 Hz. The ivy type, evergreen Hedera Helix plant was used. Potting soil or felt or rock wool was used as a growth medium. As a result, it was seen that the sound absorption of the 'plant + 20 cm potting soil + 10 cm air gap' green wall system was higher than the others. It is followed by the system with 'plant + 20 cm potting soil', 'plant + 3 cm felt + 10 cm air gap' and 'plant + 3 cm rock wool + 10 cm air gap' systems. The sound absorption value was found to be lowest when the plant was applied only as a green façade.

THE ELECTRONIC CIGARETTE TREND: THE IMPACTS ON ORAL HEALTH

Objective: The objective of this narrative literature review article is to address the electronic cigarette, an invention created in recent years, which has been widely used by adolescents, young people and adults, and is a product that has been causing several problems in the oral mucosa, dental structure and oral health, impacting in an extremely negative way. Methodology: To construct this narrative literature review article, a methodology was outlined in a thoughtful and strategic way, so that the maximum amount of information that could be added to the topic of the article could be obtained from online books, doctoral and master's theses, course completion papers, case reports, review articles, monographs, PICs and research on the topic addressed. Thus, to obtain this range of information, research was carried out in the following databases and websites: DeCs, BVS/BIREME, PROSPERO, Web of Science, CAPES Periodicals Portal, Science Direct, Scielo, PUBMED Central, The Cochrane Library, LUMEN ET VIRTUS Magazine, FT Magazine, Research, society and development journal combined with the Google Academy website. Results: The electronic cigarette was initially created as something that was supposed to be less corrosive and would cause fewer problems than the conventional cigarette, being something that was created for people who already smoke, so that they would start using this “healthier” cigarette, until the dependence diminished so that smokers could later quit all types of cigarettes. Conclusion: Thus, it is seen that the electronic cigarette has a range of harmful effects on the human body, being a product that causes problems in the oral cavity.

Investigating the mediating role of digital game addiction in the relationship between adolescents’ school belonging and resilience

ABSTRACT Objective The aim of this study is to investigate the mediating role of digital game addiction in the relationship between school belonging and psychological resilience of adolescents in middle school. Considering school belonging together with digital game addiction may help to better understand the risk and protective factors of psychological resilience and to create a comprehensive model of psychological resilience. Method The sample consisted of 316 secondary school students aged between 11 and 14 (M = 12.84), 47.5% (n = 150) female and 52.5% (n = 166) male. Data were collected using a demographic information form and three self-report scales. In addition to descriptive statis- tics, Pearson Correlation Coefficient and Bootstrap Analysis were used to analyses the data. The mediating role of digital game addiction in the relationship between school belonging and resilience was analysed using the Bootstrap method with 5000 resamples. This approach is regarded as providing more accurate results compared to the Sobel test. Results The results of the study show that there are significant positive relationships between school belonging and psychological resilience and negative relationships with digital game addiction. Also, the results of the study revealed that the mediating role of digital game addiction in the effect of school belonging on adolescents’ psychological resilience was statistically significant. Conclusion It was revealed that digital game addiction, which affects both psychological resilience and school belonging, which is a protective factor, in a very negative way, is a mediating variable whose effect should be reduced or eliminated.

INTERRELATION OF PHARMACOLOGICAL QUALITIES VIZ; RASA- GUNAVIRYA-VIPAKA-PRABHAVA WITH RESPECT TO THEIR STRENGTH (BALABAL NIRUPANA)

Ayurveda is founded on the Tridosha theory. The primary objective of the mind and the body is to establish Tridosha balance, encompassing Vata, Pitta, and Kapha. When all three forms of dravyas (Jangam, Audabhid, and Parthiva), i.e., food or drug, also pass through the human body, they elicit a reaction that impacts the Tridoshas in either a positive or negative way. Drugs' therapeutic potential is also linked to qualities such as Rasa, Guna, Virya, Vipaka, and Prabhava. These qualities of medication are known as Panchapadarthas or Pachagunas. Dravya's biological effects are substantially influenced by its inherent features, including Vipaka and Prabhava. These pharmacological qualities contribute to the pacification of significant Tridoshas and restore equilibrium between Dhatu, Mala, Srotas, and Agni. Their strength determines the interrelationship of these pharmacological properties and their subsequent effect on one another is called Balabal Nirupana. Ancient Ayurvedic Acharyas and manuscripts explain some fundamental laws underlying this idea. This paper will discover how a Dravya operates by applying ancient Ayurvedic principles.

Prayer and Mental Well-Being in the United States: An Overview of Original and Comprehensive Prayer Data.

The Baylor Religion Survey (Wave 6; 2021) contains the most comprehensive set of prayer questions of any national survey of the USA; it also contains multiple indicators of mental health and well-being, specifically measures of happiness, depression, anxiety, sense of control, mattering, and dignity. This paper provides a complete overview of how various dimensions of prayer correlate with these different aspects of well-being. While many of these relationships will require more intensive investigation, our synopsis provides confirmation of past expectations using new data. Overall, we find that prayer is related to mental well-being in both positive and negative ways. Specifically, we find that praying with others and positive emotions felt during prayer are correlated with greater overall mental health and more positive self-concepts. However, we also find that petitionary prayer topics, belief that God is impersonal, and negative emotions felt during prayer coincide with higher levels of depression, anxiety, and a lack of control. Generally, these conclusions hold after controlling for basic demographics, religious tradition, and church attendance, which confirms that mental well-being is related to the practice of prayer in both beneficial and detrimental ways.

Taxonomic diversity of amphibians (Amphibia, Anura) and reptiles (Reptilia, Testudines, Squamata) in a heterogeneous landscape in west-central Mexico: a checklist and notes on geographical distributions.

In Mexico, land use changes have significantly impacted the diversity of amphibians and reptiles in a negative way. In light of this, we evaluate the alpha and beta components of the taxonomic diversity of amphibians and reptiles in a heterogeneous landscape in west-central Mexico. Additionally, we provide a checklist of amphibian and reptile species recorded over nine years of observations within the studied landscape and surrounding areas. The land cover/use types with the highest species richness and alpha taxonomic diversity differed between amphibians and reptiles. Overall beta taxonomic diversity was high for both groups, but slightly higher in reptiles. This taxonomic differentiation mainly corresponded to a difference in the turnover component and was greater in pristine habitats compared to disturbed ones. The checklist records 20 species of amphibians (ten of which are endemic) and 48 of reptiles (30 endemics). Additionally, the study expands the known geographical distribution range of one species of frog and three species of snakes. Our findings suggest that heterogeneous landscapes with diverse land cover/use types can provide essential habitats for the conservation of amphibian and reptile species.

Огюст Конт и режим Второй империи

The article analyzes the doctrine of the late Comte in his attitude to the Bona­partist regime. Although Comte experienced a short-term fascination with Napoleon’s personality in his youth, from the Restoration period he spoke of the empire in a negative way. At the same time, the coming to power of Louis Bonaparte seemed to him a favorable omen for the fate of positivism. Through public lectures on the philosophy of human history allowed by the new regime, he set the task of influencing public opinion. The Bonapartist coup met the full approval from the founder of positivism, and he did not renounce this kind of as­sessment even later. The transformation of republican power seemed inevitable to him: from parliamentarism to dictatorship. In this regard the dictatorship was conceived as a transitional stage to a true positivist regime. The idea of centra­lizing power impressed Comte, so he interpreted the coup as a logical conse­quence of the entire previous history of France. This was more than an episode. But then the philosopher became disappointed with Bonapartist politics. The presi­dent proclaimed an empire, which, in the opinion of the philosopher, acted only as a metamorphosis of an obsolete monarchical principle. But Comte did not refuse to adhere to the “republican dictatorship”, he spoke of the need for a posi­tivist triumvirate to come to power, personally outlined by him. He assigned himself the role of a spiritual mentor of secular power, the high priest of the new, scientific religion of Mankind. Both the philosopher and the emperor saw their mission as helping to end the era of revolutions. But the ways of its implementa­tion were thought so differently that there was no way to synchronize the two political positions

Trust and distrust in public governance settings: Conceptualising and testing the link in regulatory relations

ABSTRACT The relationship between trust and distrust in public governance is still an open question. In the literature, three different perspectives on how trust and distrust are related are intensively debated: (1) trust and distrust as two ends of the same conceptual continuum; (2) trust and distrust as opposites, but with neutral ground in between; and (3) trust and distrust as related, yet distinct concepts. Employing a new measure for distrust and by using perceptual data on trust and distrust in regulatory agencies from multiple types of stakeholders in nine countries and three sectors, this article shows that high trust and high distrust can co-exist at the same time, and that trust and distrust are negatively correlated only to a limited extent. Moreover, while trustworthiness correlates strongly with trust, trustworthiness does not or only weakly correlate with distrust in a negative way. These findings are robust even when controlling for respondents' characteristics, different types of stakeholders, sectors and countries. This suggests that in public governance settings trust and distrust should be considered as distinct concepts, and the article calls for more research into the distinctiveness of the measurement, causes and effects of distrust, compared to trust.

A Study of Effects of Stress Level on Job Performance

To study the Effects of stress level on job performance. Stress levels can significantly impact job performance, often in both positive and negative ways. Moderate stress can enhance focus, motivation, and productivity, pushing employees to meet deadlines and solve problems more efficiently. However, excessive stress tends to have detrimental effects, leading to burnout, decreased job satisfaction, and lower performance quality. High stress levels can impair cognitive functions, reduce decision-making abilities, and increase absenteeism. Organizations that manage stress through supportive policies and resources can help mitigate these adverse effects, fostering a healthier, more productive work environment.This study looks at how stress affects work performance using a mixed-methods approach. It employs both quantitative and qualitative techniques, combining structured and open-ended surveys with descriptive research to collect extensive data from corporate staff members. The methodology applies statistical techniques like ANOVA and percentage analysis to assure accuracy, integrating SPSS software for data analysis. Purposive sampling is employed, along with questionnaires for primary data collection, with the goal of reducing bias and increasing validity.The regression Test in the study demonstrated that stress explained around 50.3% of the variability in job performance, highlighting its significance in workplace dynamics.

Populus trichocarpa EXPA6 Facilitates Radial and Longitudinal Transport of Na+ under Salt Stress.

Expansins are cell wall (CW) proteins that mediate the CW loosening and regulate salt tolerance in a positive or negative way. However, the role of Populus trichocarpa expansin A6 (PtEXPA6) in salt tolerance and the relevance to cell wall loosening is still unclear in poplars. PtEXPA6 gene was transferred into the hybrid species, Populus alba × P. tremula var. glandulosa (84K) and Populus tremula × P. alba INRA '717-1B4' (717-1B4). Under salt stress, the stem growth, gas exchange, chlorophyll fluorescence, activity and transcription of antioxidant enzymes, Na+ content, and Na+ flux of root xylem and petiole vascular bundle were investigated in wild-type and transgenic poplars. The correlation analysis and principal component analysis (PCA) were used to analyze the correlations among the characteristics and principal components. Our results show that the transcription of PtEXPA6 was downregulated upon a prolonged duration of salt stress (48 h) after a transient increase induced by NaCl (100 mM). The PtEXPA6-transgenic poplars of 84K and 717-1B4 showed a greater reduction (42-65%) in stem height and diameter growth after 15 days of NaCl treatment compared with wild-type (WT) poplars (11-41%). The Na+ accumulation in roots, stems, and leaves was 14-83% higher in the transgenic lines than in the WT. The Na+ buildup in the transgenic poplars affects photosynthesis; the activity of superoxide dismutase (SOD), peroxidase (POD), and catalase (CAT); and the transcription of PODa2, SOD [Cu-Zn], and CAT1. Transient flux kinetics showed that the Na+ efflux of root xylem and leaf petiole vascular bundle were 1.9-3.5-fold greater in the PtEXPA6-transgenic poplars than in the WT poplars. PtEXPA6 overexpression increased root contractility and extensibility by 33% and 32%, indicating that PtEXPA6 increased the CW loosening in the transgenic poplars of 84K and 717-1B4. Noteworthily, the PtEXPA6-promoted CW loosening was shown to facilitate Na+ efflux of root xylem and petiole vascular bundle in the transgenic poplars. We conclude that the overexpression of PtEXPA6 leads to CW loosening that facilitates the radial translocation of Na+ into the root xylem and the subsequent Na+ translocation from roots to leaves, resulting in an excessive Na+ accumulation and consequently, reducing salt tolerance in transgenic poplars. Therefore, the downregulation of PtEXPA6 in NaCl-treated Populus trichocarpa favors the maintenance of ionic and reactive oxygen species (ROS) homeostasis under long-term salt stress.

From NAFLD to MAFLD and MASLD: a tale of alcohol, stigma and metabolic dysfunction

Liver steatosis is a frequent finding in clinical practice and it is estimated to affect 30% of the general adult population worldwide. It became one of the leading causes of end-stage liver disease and hepatocellular carcinoma. From its first description, a diagnosis of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) required the exclusion of excessive alcohol consumption and concomitant chronic liver diseases of different origins, making it a diagnosis of exclusion. In recent years, the need to stress the strict association between liver steatosis and metabolic dysfunction (i.e., insulin resistance, overweight/obesity, type 2 diabetes, and metabolic syndrome), as well as the desire to define a condition in a positive rather than negative way, led to new definitions and new diagnostic criteria. Metabolic dysfunction-associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD) was proposed by Eslam et al. in 2020. More recently, a Delphi consensus endorsed by several international hepatologic societies proposed a new terminology [metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD)] and a new set of diagnostic criteria. The MAFLD and MASLD definitions have a good degree of concordance. They mainly differ in the number of metabolic derangements needed to define “metabolic dysfunction” in normal-weight individuals and in alcohol consumption. Indeed, while MAFLD does not exclude patients with significant alcohol consumption, the recent Delphi consensus included the metabolic dysfunction and alcohol-related liver disease (MetALD) disease entity, a condition in which steatosis, metabolic dysfunction, and moderate alcohol intake coexist. In the present narrative review, we underline the strengths and possible limitations of each definition and summarize available evidence from epidemiologic studies evaluating the clinical usefulness of each set of diagnostic criteria.

The Efficacy Of Continuous Non-Inhaled Intranasal Carbon Dioxide (CO2) In The Abortive Treatment Of Migraine: Results From Three Randomized, Double-Blinded, Placebo-Controlled Trials

Objective: Determining the efficacy, tolerability, and safety of continuous non-inhaled intranasal carbon dioxide (CO2) in the acute or abortive treatment of migraine. Background: Carbon dioxide gas infused in the nose and sinuses potentially blocks trigeminal nerve activation and subsequent neuropeptide release, probably through inhibition of voltage-gated channels. The pathogenesis of the migraine headache involves activation of the trigeminocervical system, which establishes the nociceptive innervation of the head through the trigeminal and occipital nerves. Methods: In three randomized, double-blinded, placebo-controlled trials, we randomized 350 subjects with migraine as defined by the International Headache Society (intent-to-treat population). We determined tolerability and safety in the 317 subjects who we exposed to treatment up to 24 hours post-dose (modified intent-to-treat population). We determined efficacy in the modified intent-to-treat and per-protocol populations at 15 minutes, half, one, two, and twenty-four hours post-dose in terms of pain freedom, freedom from headache-associated symptoms, and headache relief, treating migraine headaches of mild, moderate, or severe intensity. Results: We did not observe clinically significant systemic effects, either on blood carbon dioxide pressure or on the cardiovascular or respiratory system. No serious or clinically significant adverse events occurred and those reported were predominantly local, transient, and short-lived. Headache intensity strongly and in a negative way determined the efficacy of treatment with carbon dioxide but not with placebo, and even when placebo consisted of no gas, blinding seemed adequate. Conclusions: Continuous non-inhaled intranasal carbon dioxide seems safe, relatively well tolerated, and moderately effective for the acute or abortive treatment of migraine.

Nationalism on Social Media: The impacts of comments on ASEAN Football Pages on mental health

Background: As a modern communication medium, Facebook provides a new place to people who live far apart to interact and discuss on the same topic, such as football. This research examines how the nationalism is generated through Facebook. From the perspective of social realities, Facebook is observed as a channel of communication utilized by football lovers. However, communication through Facebook also causes conflicts among its users. Aims: This study aims to investigate how nationalism is expressed through communication on Facebook and how conflicts affect mental health but can also build and perpetuate a sense of nationalism and strengthen group identities. Methods: To achieve the objectives, content analysis is used to examine the manifestation with regard to the context of generating a spirit of nationalism through the communication interaction process of Facebook users. Data collection in this study was conducted through ASEAN football page on Facebook. Posts, images and comments left under the related posts were then selected when they are regarding only the spirit of nationalism. Results: Results show that Facebook is not only a social medium but also, a means of generating nationalism through conversations. As nationalism is expressed both in a positive and negative way on ASEAN football page, it, of course, leads to conflicts because of the differences in the orientation of values and interest when the conflicting sides hold different background. Conclusion: By exploring how nationalism is expressed through Facebook comments on ASEAN football page, the research provides insights into how digital platforms shape and amplify nationalistic sentiments. This understanding is crucial in an era where social media plays a significant role in public discourse and it also highlights the mental health impacts of online nationalistic comments. This is significant for developing strategies to address and mitigate the negative psychological effects that such interactions can have on individuals. Received: 31 July 2024, Reviewed: 4 August 2024, Revised: 22 August 2024, Accepted: 24 August 2024.

The impact of early-life conditions on visual discrimination abilities in free-ranging laying hens

Conditions during incubation and rearing can greatly affect the developmental trajectory of chickens, in a positive and negative way. In this study, the effect of early-life conditions on the visual discrimination abilities of adult, free-ranging laying hens was examined. These early-life treatments entailed incubation in a 12/12h green light/dark cycle and rearing with Black soldier fly larvae (BSFL) as foraging enrichment. Through a modified pebble-floor test, 171 hens of 41 to 42 wk old, housed in mobile stables with outdoor access, were tested for their ability to discriminate between food and nonfood items (mealworms and decoy mealworms). Each hen was allowed 60 pecks during the trial, from which the overall success rate, as well as within-trial learning was investigated. The latter was accomplished by dividing the 60 pecks into 3 blocks of 20 pecks and comparing the success rate between these blocks. Due to another ongoing experiment on range use, roughly half the hens received range enrichment (mealworms) at the time of testing, so this was included as a covariate in the analysis. Incubation with green light did not have an effect on the visual discrimination abilities of adult laying hens. Rearing with BSFL did have a limited beneficial effect on the visual discrimination abilities, as evidenced by a higher success rate during the first block of the visual discrimination trial. These enhanced visual discrimination abilities might be useful in a more complex free-range setting, where the animals have more foraging opportunities. Hens that received range enrichment at the time of testing, also had a higher success rate during the visual discrimination test, though they had a lower degree of test completion, likely due to habituation to the mealworms as an enrichment. The positive effects of BSFL during rearing and mealworms during the laying period stress the importance of enrichment throughout the life of the hens.

Nursing interventions for the proposed nursing diagnosis of puerperal fatigue: An integrative review.

The postpartum period is considered a phase of many physiological and hormonal changes that affect the individual. Fatigue is something present and can influence the postpartum woman in a negative way. In this way, the nurse has an essential role, and the nursing process can be used to establish an efficient care plan. To present the main nursing interventions and activities of the nursing diagnosis (ND) fatigue (00093) in individuals/people in the immediate postpartum period obtained through an integrative literature review and correlate with the proposed ND puerperal fatigue/excessive burden of fatigue in the postpartum period. Integrative literature review, carried out in the databases Cochrane, Scopus and Medical Literature Analysis and Retrieval System Online (MEDLINE), Web of Science (WoS), Virtual Health Library (VHL), and Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature (CINAHL), following rigorous methodological standards. Six articles were included that identified the main nursing interventions related to the proposed ND puerperal fatigue. The integrative review highlighted the main nursing interventions and activities, and this study will be the basis for the next stages of the validation process for the ND puerperal fatigue/excessive fatigue in the postpartum period. This work can help nurses in clinical practice establish an efficient care plan through the most accurate nursing interventions and thus improve the quality of nursing services.

Patient perspectives on systematic client feedback in Dutch outpatient mental healthcare, a qualitative case reports study

ObjectiveThe added value of systematic client feedback (SCF) to psychotherapy can be affected by patient perspectives, both in a positive and negative way, and is influenced by cultural factors as well. Current study explores patients’ perspectives on use and optimization of SCF in Dutch outpatient mental healthcare. Primary aim of present study is to generate implications for daily practice and optimize SCF implementation, particularly for the Netherlands.MethodFour patients suffering from mild to moderate psychological disorders were in-depth interviewed on their perspective on the use of SCF, when the Partners for Change Outcome Management System (PCOMS, high frequent), the Outcome Questionnaire (OQ-45, low frequent) and the Mental Health Continuum Short Form (MHC-SF, low frequent) was added to treatment as usual in two Dutch outpatient mental healthcare centers offering brief psychological treatment. Interview topics were (a) SCF in general; (b) type of questionnaires; (c) frequency of use; (d) effect of SCF on therapy; and (e) perceived added value of SCF. A SCF expert team analyzed the data through reflexive Thematic Analysis.ResultsWe identified three themes, all of which have two sub-themes: (a) Requirements to use SCF, with sub-themes (a1) Balance between effort to complete SCF and perceived validity, and (a2) Balance between used frequency and perceived validity; (b) Modifiers for test-taking attitude, with subthemes (b1) SCF as an embedded part of therapy, and (b2) Quality of Therapist-Client alignment; and (c) Effects on therapeutic process, with subthemes (c1) Focus on task and goals, and shared responsibility, and (c2) Effects on outcome and satisfaction.ConclusionsAdding SCF to therapy can be perceived as helpful by patients in psychotherapy if two conditions are met: (1) Creating a right balance between effort and yield for SCF to be used at all; and (2) embedding SCF as an integral part of therapy, through therapist-client alignment. Throughout the progression of therapy, it might be useful to perceive SCF and therapy as communicating vessels; according to patients it is not only necessary to adjust therapy based on SCF, but also to adjust SCF based on the course of therapy.Trial RegistrationThis trial was registered on September 30, 2015 in the Dutch Trial Register NTR5466. The Medical Ethics Committee of the University of Twente (Enschede) approved this study (registration number: K15-11, METC Twente).

A Negative Way: Dionysian Apophaticism and the Experiential

The experiential bias in modern understandings of spirituality has led to readings of the pre-modern texts of Pseudo-Dionysius as referring to “negative experiences” of faith. Denys Turner, Bernard McGinn, and others have outlined the mistaken “spiritual positivism” of such readings and their contrast with the negative dialectics of the classical apophatic tradition. Indeed, the philosophical parameters of the Christian mysticism of the Dionysian tradition would deny “mystical experience” to be “experience” as such. Nevertheless, several modern theologians have attempted to integrate interpretations of the experiential in Christian mysticism into their theology. These include Sara Coakley in the idea of spiritual sense in her theology of the body, Karl Rahner in the conception of spiritual touch within his theology of grace, and Louis Dupré’s view that there is religious significance in the experience of “emptiness” in modern-day atheism. I shall contrast these attempted integrations with the critique of “mystical experience” within classical understandings of apophaticism.

Foreign Language Learners' Uncertainty Experiences and Uncertainty Management.

Uncertainty is unavoidable in life; it is also an indispensable characteristic of educational settings. The process of learning a foreign language naturally involves interaction and coconstruction of knowledge. During this process, students may encounter uncertainty from a variety of sources, including the course, context, friends, or the teacher. Besides, to communicate meaningfully, the mutual effort of both the listener and the speaker is needed to deal with uncertainty. Considering this, the present study makes an effort to comprehend how learners appreciate and manage uncertainty in language learning environments. Although uncertainty is considered a multidisciplinary research topic, a limited number of studies are found in the literature which examine how students experience uncertainty and how they react to it. Regarding foreign language learning, related research focused on a specific form of uncertainty, Tolerance of Ambiguity, which is conceptualized as a cognitive style. In-class pen-and-paper surveys, reflective journals, video recordings, and stimulated recall interviews were the instruments used to gather data. The findings demonstrate that language learners frequently encounter uncertainty during the language learning process due to course-related, cognitive, and social factors, and learners may appreciate uncertainty in both positive and negative ways. Additionally, learners' emotional reactions to uncertainty depend on their positive or negative appraisals of uncertain situations. By recognizing and embracing uncertainty, language learners will adapt to it and be able to handle it through a variety of techniques. The results suggest that learners employ a variety of strategies, such as reducing, maintaining, and resolving uncertainty as well as ignoring uncertainty.