People's Perceptions Research Articles

Exploring the perceptions and experiences of older people on the use of digital technologies during the COVID-19 pandemic: a qualitative study.

Physical inactivity is an ongoing problem throughout the lifespan. For older people, inactivity has a negative impact on wellbeing, which worsened during the COVID-19 pandemic. Digital technologies can be employed to encourage uptake of social and physical activity through remotely delivered interventions to improve wellbeing, however, we need to understand older people's perceptions and experiences of using digital technologies before implementing these interventions. To explore the perceptions and experiences of older people on the use of digital technologies during the COVID-19 pandemic. Qualitative semi-structured interviews were conducted with 16 community dwelling older people from Hertfordshire, United Kingdom who were all programme participants in a remotely delivered mind-body physical activity programme called Positive Movement. Interviews were conducted before programme participation. The audio recorded interviews were transcribed and analysed using thematic analysis. Four themes emerged from the data. The perceived impact of COVID-19 on social contact, perceived impact of COVID-19 on mental wellbeing, using digital platforms for health or exercise and using digital platforms for social contact. Participants reported reduced social contact due to COVID-19. Most participants reported using digital technologies for social inclusion rather than health reasons, and there were mixed views on the willingness to use digital technologies for physical activity. Digital technologies offered a lifeline during COVID-19 to maintain social contact and their use was found acceptable by older people. Digital platforms such as Zoom can be further employed to conduct remotely delivered interventions with the aim to increase uptake of social and physical activity interventions within this population.

Waiting for the Perfect Time: Perfectionistic Concerns Predict the Interpretation of Ambiguous Utterances About Time

Abstract Across numerous languages, individuals frequently employ two spatial perspectives – namely, the Moving Time and Moving Ego metaphors – to represent the movement of events in time. Specifically, the Moving Time perspective conceptualizes time as a dynamic entity that moves toward a stationary observer situated in a fixed location. In contrast, the Moving Ego metaphor positions the individual (the “ego”) as the one traversing through time, while time itself remains static. Previous research has established a positive association between procrastination and the adoption of the Moving Ego perspective. Drawing on findings that highlight the robust link between procrastination and perfectionistic concerns, we hypothesized that perfectionistic tendencies would correlate with a greater propensity to invoke an ego-moving representation of time. The present research tests this hypothesis and provides substantial support for this relationship. We demonstrate that a well-established measure of perfectionistic concerns is linked to an increased use of the Moving Ego perspective when interpreting ambiguous temporal utterances. Furthermore, this relationship is mediated by procrastination. This study presents the first empirical evidence that individual differences in perfectionistic concerns may influence how people perceive and interpret temporal relationships.

Haptics in social interaction with agents and avatars in virtual reality: a systematic review

AbstractIncorporating the sense of touch through haptics in virtual spaces enables people to communicate emotions and engage in more naturalistic and meaningful social interactions. Advances in haptics and virtual reality technologies and applications have been essential to support researchers in the exploration of mediated social touch in virtual environments. The aim of this work is to review the last decade of research on haptics and virtual reality technologies investigating social touch behavior between human avatars as well as between humans and non-human virtual agents. Our systematic review organizes the variety of the conducted research in three dimensions: the context against which mediated social touch is studied, the types of haptics and virtual reality technology used, and empirical studies including data collected and outcome measures. We discuss the results of the analysis of the three dimensions and present implications for future research. We pinpoint the importance of considering in-the-wild studies and emerging issues on social virtual reality; understanding human touch perception for people with different physical and cognitive abilities, and; creating development tools to broaden the exploration of advanced technological setups.

Different facets of age perception in people with developmental prosopagnosia and "super-recognisers".

The interplay between facial age and facial identity is evident from several scenarios experienced in daily life, such as when recognising a face several decades after the last exposure. However, the link between age and identity processing, and how age perception abilities might diverge in individuals with different face processing abilities, has scarcely been considered. Furthermore, the approach used to test age perception ability may also influence outcome, but the effect of different paradigms on performance is not yet known. Across three studies, we compare super-recognisers (SRs), people with developmental prosopagnosia (DPs), and a group of neurotypical controls, on three age perception paradigms. There were no differences on the numeric age estimation task (i.e. providing precise age estimates for a series of faces; Study 1), and numeric age estimation task with added noise-distortion to stimuli (Study 2). However, SRs were more accurate when instructed to classify ambient faces as either over- or under- the age of 18 compared to both DPs and controls (Study 3). Thus, there may be nuanced differences in age processing which can be tapped into using separate paradigms; however, given that the difference is only with SRs it remains unclear to what extent these are linked to facial identity processing.

Remote exercise services for people with cystic fibrosis: experiences and perceptions from people with cystic fibrosis and members of cystic fibrosis multidisciplinary teams

Purpose This study aimed to explore the experiences and perceptions of people with cystic fibrosis (PwCF) and multidisciplinary team (MDT) members on remote exercise services (RES) and to inform recommendations for future RES. Methods Participants were recruited from an adult CF centre and through social media. Individual online semi-structured interviews were conducted. Interviews were recorded, transcribed verbatim, and thematically analysed. Results Themes from MDT members: Accessibility and convenience offered by remote exercise services; Enhanced connections between MDT members and PwCF; Perceived health and wellness benefits of remote exercise services for PwCF; Barriers to engagement; and Suggested improvements for future remote exercise services. Themes from PwCF: Remote exercise enables activity with multifaceted benefits; Perceived limitations of remote exercise services; and Enhancing participation. Conclusions Participants’ overall perceptions towards RES were positive, and perceived benefits of RES included time and cost saving, improving work efficiency, and having peer support. Perceived barriers to RES were largely technological or related to lacking visual cues. Perceived recommendations to future RES included personalising exercise options, developing user-friendly platforms, and providing funding for buying equipment.

COOPERATIVE LEARNING TECHNOLOGIES AS A MEANS OF IMPROVING THE PROFESSIONAL TRAINING OF NURSES IN AUSTRIA

The article examines the use of cooperative learning technologies in the professional training of nurses in Austria. It is emphasized that the nursing profession in Austrian society has a high social rating, a pronounced personal and humanistic orientation, іt is a separate profession, where a nurse is an independent specialist in the health care system. It is emphasized that in the conditions of increasing the range of functional responsibilities and of the professional activity of medical specialists, cooperative learning technologies allow not only to improve practical skills, but also to develop the clinical thinking of future nurses, to adapt them to non-standard situations, to work out all the necessary stages of their activity. It is noted that the advantages of cooperative learning are the improvement of students' academic results, development of their ability to think critically and have non-stereotypical perception of other people, positive psychological climate in the group, studentsʼ desire for cooperation and constructive socialization, the presence of an empathetic reaction, mutual support, sympathy and friendly relations in the team, and positive attitude of students to studies, teachers and educational institution, etc. Unlike traditional forms and methods of educational activity, cooperative learning helps to achieve not only cognitive, but also motivational and emotional goals, develops the ability to take responsibility for oneʼs own learning, that is, the ability to independently organize the learning process.

Improving Sentiment Analysis Accuracy Using CRNN on Imbalanced Data: a Case Study of Indonesian National Football Coach

Conducting sentiment research on the perception of the Indonesian people towards Shin Tae Yong's (STY) role as coach of the Indonesian National Football Team (PSSI) is crucial as it can assist PSSI in determining whether to extend STY's contract. Prior studies have demonstrated that Deep Learning achieves a high level of accuracy when applied to sentiment analysis in many domains. Nevertheless, no investigation has been conducted thus far utilizing deep learning techniques to examine emotion towards STY. This study employs modified Convolutional Neural Networks (CNN), Recurrent Neural Networks (RNN), Convolutional Recurrent Neural Networks (CRNN), and CRNN models with and without data oversampling. The research findings indicate that the CRNN model, when combined with data oversampling and a redesigned architecture, achieves the highest level of accuracy (1.00) and consistently performs well. This research provides significant contributions in three areas: firstly, it utilizes Deep Learning techniques for sentiment analysis on STY; secondly, it modifies the CRNN architecture; and thirdly, it applies data oversampling to address the issue of imbalanced data.

The lasting effect of the Romantic view of nature: How it influences perceptions of risk and the support of symbolic actions against climate change.

Culture can have a major impact on how we perceive different hazards. In the Romantic period, nature was described and portrayed as mysterious and benevolent. A deep connection to nature was perceived as important. We proposed that this romantic view would be positively related to people's risk perceptions of man-made hazards and, more specifically, to concerns about climate change. Further, we hypothesized that the Romantic perception of nature leads to a biased perception of natural hazards and that the moral component of action is of particular importance above and beyond the mere efficacy of the action. We conducted an online survey in Germany (N=531), a country where Romanticism had a very widespread influence. The study shows that individuals with a Romantic view of nature perceived greater risks associated with climate change than those without such a view. In addition, those with a Romantic view of nature were more likely to support measures to reduce the risks of climate change, even when it is said that such measures are not effective. Finally, the study found a significantly higher positive correlation between Romantic views of nature and risk perceptions of man-made versus natural hazards. The results suggest that ideas developed during the Romantic era continue to influence hazard perception in Germany.

PERSEPSI MASYARAKAT TERHADAP KEBERADAAN RUMAH WALET DI DESA WATUTAU KECAMATAN LORE PEORE KABUPATEN POSOSULAWESI TENGAH

This research aims to determine the public's perception of the existence of swallow houses in Watutau Village, Lore Peore District, Poso Regency, and the factors that influence people's perceptions of swallow houses. In this research, the population was taken from a community located at a radius of 250 meters, namely 31 heads of families, the number of samples taken was 31 respondents. This research is a qualitative descriptive research. The research method used by the survey method is one of the information collection techniques carried out by compiling a list of questions asked to respondents at the research location. The data analysis used is descriptive statistics using grouping, simplification and presentation of data such as frequency distribution tables and measurements using the likert and chi- square scales. Based on the results of the study, the perception of the community in Watutau Village, Lore Peore District, Poso Regency, is in the category of Disturbed / Disagreed with the exis tence of swallow houses and the most influential factors in the perception of the community in Watutau Village, Lore Peore District, Poso Regency are the distance of houses on sound and socio-cultural indicators on community perceptions.

Incorporating tiny forests in the neighbourhood of Singapore - Opportunities and Challenges

‘Tiny forests’ have gained traction across the globe as a promising solution for restoring natural ecosystems and enriching biodiversity in highly urbanized areas. In land scarce cities, planting forests could mitigate the impacts of climate change and other urban socio-ecological challenges. This article investigates the potential for tiny forests to be part of the greening strategy in Singapore – a compact city that is already championing greening initiatives. Using a case study of the Jurong West neighbourhood, we conducted a survey aiming to understand people's perceptions and use of urban nature. We complement these results with a rapid assessment of land availability confirming the feasibility of implementing tiny forests in Singapore. From the survey, we found that residents were receptive to the idea of having nature closer to their residential areas despite highlighting disadvantages such as undesirable insects and animals. Factors such as minimal spatial requirements and planting methods that enhance trees growth make tiny forest a useful part of the landscaping portfolio to achieve national greening principles. Overall, we find that tiny forests have the potential to become part of the city-state's greening strategies.

Guidance device for visually impaired people based on ultrasonic signals and open hardware

<span>Visual impairment is a complex challenge that affects people of all ages, and it is estimated that around 2.2 billion people worldwide lack adequate access to medical treatment and support. In Latin America, there is a lack of attention to people with visual disabilities, evidenced by poor urban infrastructure and lack of compliance with inclusion laws. Some projects stand out for the use of prototypes with artificial vision technology, global positioning system (GPS) and smart canes. Therefore, the objective of the project is to use ultrasonic sensors and a low-cost electronic device coupled to canes, for obstacle detection and mobility using an open hardware embedded system. The results confirmed the efficiency in the detection and operation of the ultrasonic sensor by activating the light emitting diode (LED), the buzzer and the vibrating motor according to the programmed distances. Challenges were identified, such as adapting the sensor to the tilt of the cane and the importance of accurate calibration of the ultrasonic sensor. The system met its objectives by detecting objects in a range of 2 to 50 cm and providing sound alerts to improve the perception of blind people.</span>

Transforming people through service-learning. An experience in higher education

service-learning activities are effective in higher education programmes. During the COVID-19 period, universities have implemented this methodology and students have improved their social and practical skills. The purpose of this article is to analyse the role of higher education in the process of adapting teaching based on experiences designed for students to serve the community. This research presents the results of a specific service-learning experience of 35 students from the Teamworking programme during the academic years 2020–21 (online) and 2021–22 (face-to-face), in collaboration with the San Juan de Dios Foundation in Madrid, which provides care for people with disabilities. Students evaluated the experience through a quantitative study based on a questionnaire previously developed by Folgueiras (2013), divided into four dimensions. Students also provided some feedback, explaining that this experience changed their perception of people with disabilities, considering the personal value of contributing to social inclusion through service learning. The results show that through the Folgueiras model, students have strengthened their social skills and competences, and through an applied training project that offers the opportunity to build a real relationship through different activities, where learning was at the centre of the interaction between students and young people with disabilities. In conclusion, although the evaluation was positive in terms of the students’ professional and human development, this project requires continuous improvement in the long term, since the subjectivity of human relationships follows a dynamic course with variables that are sensitive to time and individual experience.

3D 패션 시뮬레이션을 활용한 섹슈얼리티 기반의 리조트웨어 샘플 개발

According to changing fashion trends, this study organized people’s perception for not only understanding of sexuality but also features of leisure activities in modern society that most people want to express themselves these days. In this study, 2 resort wear was designed and manufactured by using Z-WEAVE, a 3D fashion simulation program. The study recognized advantages of 3D fashion simulation program and actively used it. The study can supplement sexuality in the resort wear genre through analysis of people's perceptions of expressing themselves, and it is expected that the 3D fashion simulation program will be a workflow for fashion product development based on its advancements. As the digital industry environment continues to develop and expand, it is considered necessary to study the production of clothes using various digital technologies in addition to 3D simulation programs.

Conflict Resolution in Papua Using a Social Reconstruction Approach

The problem of High Social Gap in Papua is an indication of the causes of marginalization and discrimination against the Papuan people. The difference in perceptions of some Indonesian people at home and abroad regarding the armed separatist conflict is a push factor to corner the Indonesian government. Apart from that, the issue of the internationalization of the 1969 referendum mechanism, violations of Human Rights (HAM), and the management of Natural Resources (SDA) by multinational companies which did not have an impact on improving the welfare of the Papuan people also complement the opinion of the government's failure. Based on the background of the problem, this research uses qualitative research methods and a descriptive approach. The research results show that conflict resolution in Papua can be implemented through (three) things, namely the first, the gradual development of an Integrated Food Estate (IFE) according to traditional areas in Papua, which will indirectly support the realization of Territorial Resilience and the Universal Defense System (Sishanta). Furthermore, to ensure that all these processes are carried out well and continuously, it is necessary to form an Integrated Solution Center (ISC). To eliminate the issue of internationalization of Papua, it is necessary to implement International Defense Diplomacy (IDD) carried out by Indonesian government agents abroad to socialize International Laws which are the juridical basis that Papua is part of the Unitary State of the Republic of Indonesia (NKRI). By implementing all these recommendations, it is hoped that a peaceful and prosperous Papuan society will soon be realized.

A Relative Analysis of Gardens of Pakistan and UK

Parks play an important role in improving people's quality of life, especially amidst rapid urbanization. This research aims to explore how differences in park design and management affect people's use and perceptions in both countries. The approaches used in this research are qualitative and quantitative. Data were collected through literature review, field observations, and interviews with relevant parties, such as park managers and visitors. The findings show that parks in Pakistan have great cultural significance, often used for social gatherings and recreation, with examples of historical parks such as Shalimar. On the other hand, gardens in the UK offer a diverse range of styles and functions, from formal gardens to natural landscapes, serving as an educational resource for botanical lovers. This analysis provides insights into the unique characteristics of parks in both countries and provides recommendations for park planning and management in Pakistan, taking into account best practices from the UK.

Architectural Narratives of Aesthetic Form: Exploring the Perception and Psychological Design in Church Architecture

This article examines church architecture to explore the role of formal beauty in architectural spatial narratives and how perception and psychological design influence people's experiences and emotions. First, the article reviews the theoretical foundations of formal beauty in architecture, elaborating on the application of aesthetic elements such as proportion, symmetry, rhythm, and light and shadow in buildings. Then, through case studies of typical churches from different historical periods (such as Gothic, Baroque, and modern churches), it reveals how architects utilize spatial layout, verticality, light, and decoration to create unique spiritual atmospheres and enhance religious experiences. The article focuses on how architectural space guides people's perception processes, stimulates psychological resonance, and achieves emotional elevation. Finally, it summarizes the key role of formal beauty in architectural narratives, emphasizing the importance of perceptual and psychological design in enhancing the quality of architectural spaces. By deeply exploring church architecture, this study aims to provide new perspectives for modern architectural design, advocating for the creation of formal beauty to enrich the narrative and appeal of spaces while meeting functional requirements.

The effect of the ultra-low emission zone on PM2.5 concentration in Seoul, South Korea

As studies regarding the positive effect of Low Emission Zones (LEZs) and people's risk perception about air pollution have increased, more powerful and specific traffic regulation policies have been required. London is the first city in the world to implement an Ultra-low Emission Zone (ULEZ) in addition to the existing LEZ. Benchmarking London's ULEZ, a ULEZ policy was implemented in Seoul, South Korea on December 1, 2019. The goal of the policy is to improve air quality by prohibiting entry of vehicles registered nationwide into Seoul's ULEZ that do not meet a specific emission standard including diesel, gasoline, and LPG fuel-based vehicles. This study analyzed the effect of Seoul's ULEZ policy on the five major atmospheric pollutants (PM2.5, PM10, NO2, CO, SO2, O3) concentration in the zone, particularly focusing on PM2.5 concentration. The analysis employs Difference-in-Differences (DD) approach, comparing data from one year before and after the policy's implementation on December 1, 2019. The findings indicate that Seoul's ULEZ policy resulted in a 9.8% increase in PM2.5 concentrations. Conversely, the policy led to reductions in PM10, NO2, CO, and SO2 concentrations by 12.0%, 17.3%, 5.9%, and 10.8%, respectively, while the effect on O3 was statistically insignificant. These empirical results suggest that the ULEZ may need to incorporate more stringent emission standards, expand its coverage, or introduce additional measures to address the unintended increase in PM2.5 concentration.

Beyond the Stereotype: Exploring Monetary Donations and Volunteerism Among People With Disabilities

This study aims to provide empirical evidence supporting the perception of people with disabilities as givers and to explore their giving behaviors. Utilizing data from 2019 Social Survey by Statistics Korea, the study combined resource theory and selective optimization with compensation (SOC) theory to compare monetary donations and volunteer behaviors between people with disabilities and people without disabilities while identifying factors that influence giving behavior among people with disabilities. The study findings revealed that people with disabilities participate in giving behaviors despite resource scarcity, and disability had no significant effect on volunteer hours. Social and cultural resources were significant factors that influenced the amount of donations and hours of volunteering among people with disabilities. In addition, a mutual spillover effect was observed between donation amounts and volunteer hours. Such findings highlight the importance of lowering the barriers and connecting people with disabilities to giving behaviors.

Did internet usage reduce the impact of COVID-19 on the mental health of middle-aged and older adults? A difference-in-differences study based on CFPS data.

Mental health is the cornerstone of public health, especially where middle-aged and older adults during the COVID-19 pandemic were concerned. The impact of Internet usage on mental health in the time of the crisis still presents a mixed picture. This study employs the PSM-DID method according to longitudinal data (CFPS) to explore whether Internet usage reduced the impact of COVID-19 on the mental health of middle-aged and older adults. The results reveal that Internet use improves the mental health of middle-aged and older adults during the pandemic in China, but that the impact varies between urban and rural residents. Furthermore, the moderator effects model shows that people's perceptions of the Internet have an impact upon the length of time spent online and its consequent effect on mental health. These findings suggested that Internet use had a significant effect on alleviating the levels of depression in middle-aged and older adults. Greater marginal gains may be realized by enhancing the digital capacity of and narrowing the digital divide that exists among rural residents. The enhancement of digital capacity and proper guidance in digital education should be taken into consideration where the mental health of middle-aged and older adults is at issue.

Animal Welfare Perspectives Against the Backdrop of Animal Cruelty in Nigeria

Knowledge is crucial for improving animal welfare. People's perceptions, attitudes, and understanding may be a hindrance to adopting animal welfare-improving ideas which is crucial for developing effective animal welfare policies and advocacy in Nigeria. This study evaluates the current knowledge, attitudes, and perceptions of animal welfare among Nigerian residents. A cross-sectional survey using a structured questionnaire distributed via emails, social media platforms, and by personal contact. The survey collected data from 694 respondents across the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory of Nigeria over 6 months (November 2023 and June 2024). Descriptive statistics, reliability testing, and inferential statistical tests were performed using SPSS for windows. The result revealed that majority (60-87.3%) of the respondents had a good knowledge of what constitutes cruelty to animals. Also, 88.8% were aware that animals have right to freedoms that could enhance their welfare, and 96.1% agreed that freedom from hunger and thirst is reasonable for animals. The standard deviations were relatively low, suggesting consistent responses among participants. Respondents (87.3%) also supported the enforcement of animal cruelty laws and the enactment of comprehensive animal welfare laws in Nigeria. The high knowledge scores among Nigerian residents suggest a strong foundational understanding of animal welfare principles. It is recommended that despite the result continual advocacy and policy development are still necessary to shape the public attitudes, and perceptions to animal.