Changes In Perception Research Articles

Questions of (un)framedness in the post-cinematic road movie/travelogue

Image of the Road and Virtual Realis (Pruciak 2023) are travelogue video projects selected as a vantage point from which to examine our understanding of image since the disappearance of the frame and collapse of the cinematic form in VR video. Exploring the concept ‘frame’ in dialogue with theories of cinema and VR and an analysis of VR video’s characteristics, we question whether it may effect changes of perception and new understandings of the road as a virtual site/sight explored by travellers. We suggest that VR video’s ‘unframedness’ gives the unlimited freedom that allows a cognitive shift in the experience of non-narrative travelogues. This allows an inherent potential for an experience of transcendence akin to the overview effect. VR video gives spectators the opportunity of making autonomously their own journey and thus encountering new understandings and experiences in the travelogues presented to them.

Sex differences in physiological responses and thermal perception during repeated extremely cold exposure (−15 °C)

People working in cold regions often need to move frequently between indoor and outdoor environments. Due to sex differences in metabolic rates and thermal sensitivity, repeated exposure to large temperature differences may stress physiological and perceptual systems of males and females differently. This study aims to explore the physiological responses and thermal perception changes in males and females repeatedly exposed to −15 °C. The experiment involved 20 participants (gender balanced), who experienced two consecutive cycles of cold exposure. Each cycle included 30 min of cold exposure and 30 min of recovery. During the experiment, multiple physiological parameters as well as overall and local thermal perception were recorded. The experimental results indicate that repeated cold exposure can lead to thermal habituation in both males and females. Males exhibited higher skin temperatures in extremities such as the hands, fingers, face, and feet, while females reported lower thermal sensations in these areas during the recovery period. Furthermore, repeated cold exposure has a greater impact on the rate of recovery of extremity skin temperatures in females, requiring a longer recovery time compared to males. This article has reference value for considering sex differences in the design of temporary transition spaces in winter, which is beneficial to improving thermal comfort and energy efficiency.

Diversity-driven Privacy Protection Masks Against Unauthorized Face Recognition

Face recognition (FR) technologies have enabled many life-enriching applications but have also opened doors for potential misuse. Governments, private companies, or even individuals can scrape the web, collect facial images, and build a face database to fuel the FR system to identify human faces without their consent. This paper introduces PMask to combat such a privacy threat against unauthorized FR. It provides a holistic approach to enable privacy-preserving sharing of facial images. PMask preprocesses the facial image and hides its unique facial signature through iterative optimization with dual goals: (i) minimizing the amount of noise to ensure high image quality and (ii) minimizing the perception loss between the privacy-protected face and the original face to ensure the face is recognizable to be the same person by humans. Extensive experiments are conducted on eight representative FR models to evaluate PMask against unauthorized FR. The results validate that PMask provides much stronger protection, introduces less perceptible changes to facial images, and runs faster than state-of-the-art methods to provide privacy protection with a better user experience.

Dog owners' perceptions and veterinary-related decisions pertaining to changes in their dog's behavior that could indicate pain.

Assess dog owners' concern levels and veterinary care decisions pertaining to behaviors that might signify pain before and after receiving brief pain-related educational information. Additionally, evaluate dog owners' perceptions of a modified version of the Colorado State University Canine Acute Pain Scale to identify their dog's pain level, determine whether they should take their dog to the veterinarian, and describe their dog's pain to their veterinarian. 367 survey respondents who resided in the US and were the primary caretaker of at least 1 dog. An electronic survey was created in Qualtrics and distributed via Prolific. Data were analyzed. When assessing differences between participants' concern levels before and after educational pain-related information, significant differences were found for 2 of the 3 scenarios. Significant differences were also found between participants' veterinary-related behaviors before and after educational pain-related information for all 3 scenarios. The most common reasons for not seeking immediate veterinary care included elements related to cost, convenience, and dog-related stress during veterinary visits. Most participants reported finding the Canine Acute Pain Scale useful for identifying their dog's pain level (89%), determining whether they should take their dog to the veterinarian (84%), and describing their dog's pain to their veterinarian (89%). Owners' interpretations of and subsequent actions (or inactions) to behaviors that might suggest pain carry great implications for companion animals' overall well-being. Following exposure to brief educational material about signs and symptoms of canine pain, owners in our study reported significant increases in stated concern related to their dog's change in behavior and intention to seek veterinary care. These findings suggest that even very brief pain-related educational material can have a positive impact on owners' perceptions of canine behavioral changes and increase the possibility that they will seek veterinary care.

Small ruminant farmers’ feeding strategies to cope with climate change across five agroecological zones of Benin, West Africa

This study aimed to understand feeding strategies used by small ruminant farmers to cope with climatic change in the five contrasting agroecological zones (AEZ) of the Benin Republic and to identify the determinants of adopting these strategies. A semi-structured questionnaire was used to conduct interviews with 400 smallholder farmers in the rural areas of Benin. Data was collected on production system characteristics, farmers’ perception of climatic changes' impacts on livestock production, and their coping strategies. Cross tabulations with Chi2 statistic and the non-parametric Kruskal Wallis test were used to compare farmers’ perceptions and coping strategies between the five AEZ. Then, the binomial logistic regression was used to identify determinants of using a particular adaptive feeding strategy. The farmers perceived climatic changes as rainfall delays, increasing rainfall, less frequent drought periods during the rainy season, no change in sunshine duration, and no change in temperature. These changes negatively affected grassland biomass production (86.3%, 86.3% and 77.5% of farmers in South Borgou, Plateau, Atacora chain AEZ, respectively) and water availability (100%, 93.7%, and 85% of farmers in Oueme Valley, Plateau and Mekrou-penjari AEZ, respectively). Consequently, farmers mentioned decreased animal growth (58.8% and 45% of farmers in Plateau and South Borgou AEZ, respectively) and increased animal mortalities (43.8% in Plateau AEZ). Farmers' current and future coping strategies varied significantly (p<0.05) among AEZ. These strategies included more diversification of feed resources used, more free wandering of animals, feeding intensification with supplements as current strategies, and new feed resource exploration and forage cultivation as future strategies. Logistic regression results showed that gender, education level, main activity, and the climatic and agroecological zones where the farm is located influenced the strategies used. The study showed that farmers understood climate change and its impact on production systems. In response, the common climate-smart feeding strategies adopted were mainly diversifying feed resources. Feed resources use strategies, and limitations to adopting these strategies, could be assessed in future studies.

Behaviors suggestive of pain: the perceptions and veterinary-related decisions of cat guardians in the USA.

The aim of the study was to assess cat guardians' concern levels and veterinary care decisions pertaining to behaviors that might signify pain before and after receiving brief pain-related educational information. The secondary aims were to evaluate cat guardians' perceptions of the usefulness of a modified version of the Colorado State University Feline Acute Pain Scale (CSU-FAPS) in identifying their cat's pain level, determining if they should take their cat to the veterinarian and describing their cat's pain to their veterinarian. Participants were recruited through Prolific. An electronic survey was created in Qualtrics and distributed via a link offered in Prolific. A total of 362 surveys were completed by participants who resided in the USA and were the primary caretaker of at least one cat. Significant differences between participants' concern levels before and after pain-related educational information were found for two of the three scenarios. Significant differences were found between participants' veterinary-related behavior choices before and after pain-related educational information for all three scenarios. The most common reasons for not seeking immediate veterinary care included elements related to cost and stress for guardian and cat during veterinary visits. The majority of participants reported finding the CSU-FAPS useful for identifying their cat's pain level (90%), determining if they should take their cat to the veterinarian (86%) and describing their cat's pain to their veterinarian (92%). Guardians' interpretations of and subsequent actions to behaviors that might suggest pain carry great implications for feline health and wellbeing. After exposure to brief pain-related educational material, guardians in our study reported significant increases in stated concern related to their cat's change in behavior and intention to seek veterinary care. These findings suggest that even very brief pain-related educational material can have a positive impact on cat guardians' perceptions of feline behavior changes and increase the possibility they obtain appropriate veterinary care.

Acute local and non-local morphological, sensory and fluid responses to stretching and foam rolling in young females

BackgroundThis study aimed to compare and examine the local and non-local effects of a foam rolling (FR) and static stretching (SS) intervention applied to the plantar flexor (PF). MethodsFourteen female participants were investigated. Each participant underwent three conditions in a random order at least 48h apart and at the same time of the day: Control (CC), SS, and FR. Each condition was performed unilaterally in the dominant PF for 4 sets (apart from CC). SS was performed for 30 s. The FR included 30 rolls (15 in each direction) over a period of 30 s. A rest of 30 s was provided between each set for all conditions. Outcome variables were ankle dorsiflexion range of movement (ROM), tissue hardness, localized bioimpedance analysis at 50 kHz (L-BIA), and pain pressure thresholds (PPT). Tissue hardness, L-BIA, and PPT were measured in the lower leg and thigh. Measures were assessed pre (T0), immediately post (T1), and 10-min after (T2) the intervention. ResultsNo differences were found for time for the CC or between the T0 of each condition. Concerning the lower leg, ROM improved for SS and FR from T0 to T1 while returning to baseline in T2. A significant increase in PPT was observed only for SS in T1. L-BIA showed a significant increase for both phase angle and impedance only for FR in T1. Tissue hardness did not change for any group at any time-point. Concerning the thigh, no measure at any time point showed significant differences. ConclusionBoth, FR and SS were able to acutely improve ankle ROM. The observed changes were probably caused by a change in viscoelastic properties and local pain perception, without any variation in tissue morphology. FR was the only intervention to improve the intracellular-to-extracellular ratio and decrease fluids. Non-local effects were not observed.

Are We Getting Closer to Consensus? An Analysis of Changes in Socially Perceived Necessities Over Time in Japan

The measurement of poverty using the material deprivation scale has become widespread throughout the world. One of the technical challenges in constructing the material deprivation scale is the identification of socially perceived necessities. Researchers have used methods ranging from focus groups to separate public opinion surveys to develop a list of socially perceived necessities. However, material deprivation is a relative concept. As society undergoes economic, demographic and political change, the list needs to be reviewed for relevance. The aim of this study was to examine the stability of perceptions of children's necessities in Japan at a time when public awareness of child poverty in Japan has risen sharply. The results of the analysis show that, using the 50% criterion, the list of socially perceived necessities for children has been surprisingly stable over 20 years. However, there has been a statistically significant change in the public's perception of necessity for 16 of the 25 items, even after controlling for age, gender, income and whether they have children. Furthermore, the analysis shows that although the consensus between genders and between income quintile groups is fairly stable or converging, there is a greater divergence in the consensus between age groups and between respondents with and without children. In a society with increasing numbers of elderly and childless people, we need to be increasingly careful that the items selected for the deprivation scale not only meet the 50% criteria, but are also agreed by different segments of the population.

Knowledge and perceptions of health literacy among pharmacists in Ohio in 2013 and 2021

BackgroundThere is limited existing literature on pharmacists' knowledge of health literacy and the interventions pharmacists use to address limited health literacy. ObjectivesThe primary objectives of this study were to evaluate pharmacists' knowledge and perceptions of the impact of limited health literacy on patients and their practice, and to review the techniques used to care for patients. MethodsWe conducted a cross-sectional, web-based survey of registered Ohio pharmacists in 2013 and repeated the survey in 2021. The Nursing Professional Health Literacy Survey was adapted and employed to assess 1) general knowledge; 2) health literacy in the workplace; and 3) demographics. Changes in pharmacists' knowledge and perceptions of health literacy, self-reported use of communication techniques, and methods for assessing a patient’s health literacy were evaluated. ResultsResponse rates were 12.4% (N = 62) in 2013 and 3.5% (N = 174) in 2021. Awareness of the term health literacy increased, rising from 82.3% to 89.7% (P = 0.127). Less than 41% of pharmacists in both cohorts had received formal health literacy training; a regression model indicated that pharmacists with more years of practice were less likely to have had such training (P < 0.05). Most pharmacists admitted they never formally assess health literacy (79.0% in 2013 and 81.6% in 2021; P = 0.875) but reported often relying on their gut feeling to gauge a patient's health literacy (37.1% in 2013 and 41.4% in 2021; P = 0.658). The percentage of pharmacists who orally reviewed written instructions with patients, used layman’s terms, and had patients demonstrate instructions significantly increased (P < 0.05) between 2013 and 2021. ConclusionGaps remain in pharmacists' knowledge and practices related to health literacy. From 2013 to 2021, there were improvements in how pharmacists communicate with patients who have limited health literacy, but no significant change in the methods used to assess health literacy.

Poly-ether-ether-ketone (PEEK) versus dead-soft coaxial bonded retainers: a randomized clinical trial. Part 1. Stability, retainer failure, and participant satisfaction.

Poly-ether-ether-ketone (PEEK) was introduced in dentistry as an alternative to metal alloys. To assess the effectiveness of PEEK-fixed retainers in preserving the stability of mandibular anterior and participant satisfaction as compared to the Dead-soft coaxial fixed retainer (DSC). A single-centre, two-arm parallel groups randomized clinical trial. The patients treated with pre-adjusted orthodontic appliances who have a Little's Irregularity Index (LII) ≤ 0.5mm have been enrolled in the trial. PEEK retainers were prepared to round 0.8mm wire by computer-aided design and manufacturing, and the DSC wire was carefully adapted to the lingual surface of the lower anterior teeth. The primary outcome was the stability of lower anterior teeth as assessed by LII, while the secondary outcomes were changes in occlusal parameters, retainer failure, and patient satisfaction. The data were collected at the debonding stage (T0), 1 month (T1), 3 months (T3), and 6 months (T6) after starting the trial, except for patient's satisfaction, which was recorded using an electronic form at T1 and T6. Single blinding of participants. A total of 46 participants with an age range of 12-28 years old were randomly allocated to the two groups (n = 23 in each). Only one participant dropped out; therefore, 45 participants were analysed. The DSC group showed a significant increase in LII at T3. Both retainer groups had comparable occlusal measurements, failure frequency, and survival time, with no significant difference. The patients in the DSC group reported a statistically significant perception of change in the position of their teeth compared to those in the PEEK group. No harmful effects have been reported. Limited follow-up duration and the inability to blind the operator due to the nature of the intervention. After 6-month retention, the PEEK retainer was equally effective to DSC retainers in maintaining the teeth alignment, with no significant differences regarding the failure frequency, survival rate, and general patient satisfaction. https://register.clinicaltrials.gov. (NCT05557136).

Applying the Panarchy Framework to Examining Post-Pandemic Adaptation in the Undergraduate Medical Education Environment: A Qualitative Study

Phenomenon: The COVID-19 pandemic necessitated an abrupt shift to online medical education, disrupting learning across knowledge, skills, and social connections. Post-pandemic, medical schools must evaluate how these disruptions shaped student experiences to optimize the return to in-person learning. Approach: This cross-sectional qualitative study explored medical students’ perceptions of their learning environment during the post-pandemic reintegration period in Oman. Fifty-four preclinical and clinical students participated in six focus group interviews. Content analysis identified key topics characterizing students’ perceptions of change and change processes in the post-pandemic learning environment. The panarchy framework, developed to characterize complex adaptive systems in nature, was used to frame the results. Findings: The return to in-person environments presented a mix of renewed connectivity, involving collaborative benefits alongside transitional adjustment strains. Five major topics characterizing student perceptions of change and change processes in their post-pandemic learning environment were identified: learning skills, developing clinical competence, faculty interactions, physical atmosphere, and social connections. Managing academic schedules and cognitive load as the learning environment opened challenged students’ learning skills. Learners valued a renewed opportunity for interactive application of knowledge through collaboration, patient contact, and empathy skill-building to feel prepared for future practice. Returning to in-person instruction renewed a sense of community and peer support networks disrupted by pandemic isolation. Some students continued to struggle with study-life imbalance and felt ill-equipped to handle post-pandemic demands. Improved access to student support and wellness services was emphasized to ease transitional stresses. Students defined an ideal learning climate as supportive, active, personalized, relevant, challenging, accessible, and collaborative. Insights: While pandemic disruptions posed challenges, they provide opportunities to strengthen the educational system’s resilience moving forward. Our findings highlight an opportunity for medical educators and learners to capitalize on the innovations that emerged during this period, integrating technology with interactive learning activities and reconnecting students with the core values of the medical profession. Applying the panarchy framework to frame this adaptive process could enable the tracking of multi-level interactions within the medical education environment and the evaluation of interventions targeted at identified areas of concern. Further exploration to achieve complete mapping of specific environmental domains onto the panarchical cycles merits future investigation to build integrated resilience frameworks.

The Relationship Between HIV/AIDS Knowledge Levels and Teen Attitudes Towards Premarital Sex

Adolescence is a stage characterized by rapid changes and challenges that can be difficult to face due to limited knowledge, particularly about HIV/AIDS. Knowledge plays a crucial role in shaping attitudes, which can influence changes in perceptions of premarital sex. The aim of this study is to examine the relationship between HIV/AIDS knowledge levels and teen attitudes towards premarital sex. The research employs a descriptive correlational method with a cross-sectional approach, involving 208 respondents selected through proportional stratified random sampling. Data collection was conducted using a questionnaire. The results revealed that 100 respondents (48.1%) fell into the adequate knowledge category, 90 (43.3%) were in the good knowledge category, and 18 (8.7%) were categorized as having poor knowledge. Regarding attitudes towards premarital sex, 198 respondents (95.2%) exhibited a positive attitude, while 10 (4.8%) displayed a negative attitude. The Spearman rank correlation test yielded a p-value of 0.05, indicating a significant relationship between knowledge and attitudes, with a very weak correlation in a positive direction. This means that as adolescents' understanding of HIV/AIDS increases, their attitudes become more positive. The study recommends adding resources about HIV/AIDS and premarital sex in schools and suggests that future research should focus on selecting appropriate educational methods for HIV/AIDS prevention.

A Study on the Change in Perceptions of Welfare Enhancement and Tax Burden Before and After the COVID-19 Outbreak

A Study on the Change in Perceptions of Welfare Enhancement and Tax Burden Before and After the COVID-19 Outbreak

The Cruciality of Self-Determination on James Baldwin’s Bruce and the Spider

This paper exposes the crucial points of self-determination in the flash fiction of James Baldwin entitled Bruce and the Spider. The short story is a narrative that describes a brief moment in the life of the main character, Bruce, a Scottish king who was defeated many times by the King of England. When he saw a spider weaving its web in the corner of his retreat, this moment became symbolic of Bruce's emotional journey and self-determination within himself and the kingdom of Scotland. In this flash fiction, it is witnessed how Bruce struggles amid his repeated failures. Using qualitative research method, this article illustrates small changes in perception and courage and asks questions about how simple moments can have a profound impact on a person's life. This writing is supported by Self-Determination Theory as conceptualized by Richard M. Ryan and Edward L. Deci. Through explorative approach, the analysis includes how self-determination accompanies the reflections of the meanings behind simple actions and the importance of facing failure. In conclusion, it is self-determination through self-confidence, self-understanding, and self-reliance that directs King Bruce to defeat his despair, get back up, and beat back the English soldiers.

Determinants of changes in perception of the quality of dairy products by Polish consumers

Determinants of changes in perception of the quality of dairy products by Polish consumers

AGMATINE ADMINISTRATION ALLEVIATES NERVE DAMAGE AND IMPROVES NERVE FUNCTION IN METHOTREXATE INDUCED PERIPHERAL NEUROPATHY IN RATS

Objective: Chemotherapeutic agents can produce neurodegenerative changes. This study was conducted to assess the therapeutic potential of agmatine, a neuromodulator, on methotrexate induced neurodegeneration in sciatic nerve. Materials and Methods: 40 male Wistar albino rats were assigned into four groups at random as control, methotrexate, agmatine and methotrexate-agmatine. Methotrexate was injected intraperitoneally at a 37.5 mg/kg/week dose for 3 weeks. Afterwards, agmatine was administered intraperitoneally twice a day at a 40 mg/kg dose for 7 days. Sciatic functional index, nociceptive pain perception and behavioral changes were analyzed every week. Nerve conduction velocity was evaluated. Apoptotic activity and mitophagy, histopathological changes in sciatic nerves were examined. Results: Methotrexate administration resulted in a prolonged escape time to the platform and decreased the time spent in the quadrant in the water maze test; elevated nociceptive latencies; decreased the number of frames passed in the open field test; reduced sciatic NCV and SFI score. Besides, methotrexate administration caused a reduction in myelin thickness and axon diameter in sciatic nerve and a more intense glial fibrillary acidic protein immunoreactivity. Methotrexate administration triggered an increase in the Bax/Bcl-2 protein expression ratio without changing the expression level of Parkin, indicating a slight apoptotic activation. agmatine administration improved methotrexate induced changes in behavioral performances, nociceptive pain perception, nerve conduction, SFI scores and histopathological changes. Conclusion: Agmatine has been demonstrated to possess a therapeutic potential in methotrexate induced degeneration and peripheral neuropathy in the rat sciatic nerve.

Organizational Culture Change and Adaptation in the Face of Digital Transformation: A Study of Jambi’s Banking Sector

The advent of digital transformation has necessitated significant changes in organizational culture and adaptation strategies, especially within the banking sector. This study aims to examine the impact of digital transformation on organizational culture change and adaptation within the banking sector in Jambi, Indonesia. A mixed-methods approach was employed, incorporating both qualitative and quantitative data collection and analysis techniques. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with key stakeholders within the banking sector in Jambi, including bank managers, employees, and customers. Additionally, a survey was administered to a larger sample of bank employees to gather quantitative data on their perceptions of organizational culture change and adaptation in the face of digital transformation. The findings of this study indicate that digital transformation has had a profound impact on organizational culture change and adaptation within the banking sector in Jambi. The study revealed that banks that were successful in adapting to digital transformation were those that had a strong culture of innovation, collaboration, and customer-centricity. These banks were also more likely to have invested in employee training and development programs to equip their workforce with the necessary skills to navigate the digital landscape. In conclusion, this study provides valuable insights into the challenges and opportunities associated with organizational culture change and adaptation in the face of digital transformation within the banking sector. Additionally, investing in employee training and development is crucial for ensuring that the workforce is equipped with the necessary skills to thrive in the digital era.

Changes in teacher efficacy and perceptions of teacher professionalism of pre-service teachers during childcare practicum

Changes in teacher efficacy and perceptions of teacher professionalism of pre-service teachers during childcare practicum

Conceptions of aging and beliefs about how one's life is unfolding over time: A lifespan developmental perspective.

The present study examined beliefs about how one's life satisfaction is unfolding over time in relation to conceptions of aging in an online American adult lifespan sample (N = 882; Mage = 47.89, SD = 15.30, range = 19-84 years; 56% female). Single-item and multi-item ratings of recollected past, current, and anticipated future life satisfaction were employed, along with subjective perceptions of change in life satisfaction over time. Person-centered (latent profile) analysis identified distinct linear and nonlinear patterns of beliefs concerning past-current and current-future changes in life satisfaction: improve-improve, stable-stable, worsen-worsen, and worsen-improve. Multiple facets of conceptions of aging were assessed, including subjective perceptions of age (chronological vs. felt and desired age); attitudes toward, experiences of, and expectations concerning aging; future time perspective; and goal orientations (growth, maintenance, prevention of losses). Multinomial logistic regression models identified unique facets of conceptions of aging characterizing the four profiles. In general, individuals reporting a distinct profile conveying the belief that one's life was improving (vs. worsening) over time were characterized by more positive conceptions of aging. Further, conceptions of aging partially explained the link between chronological age and the belief that one's life is getting worse and worse (vs. better and better). Thus, the present work provides new insights into how age and conceptions of aging may shape the directions and patterns with which individuals view their lives to be unfolding over time. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2024 APA, all rights reserved).

Menelusuri Pemahaman Patriarki Dalam Tafsir Q.S. An-Nisa:34 dan Impikasinya Terhadap Tren Penurunan Pernikahan di Indonesia

This study explores the understanding of patriarchy in the interpretation of Q.S. An-Nisa:34 and examines its implications for the declining marriage trend in Indonesia. The interpretation of Q.S. An-Nisa:34 is often seen as supporting patriarchal values, which significantly impact social structures and gender perceptions. With social changes, Indonesia has experienced a decline in marriage trends, which may be influenced by more egalitarian religious interpretations. This study aims to understand how the verse is interpreted in society and how this understanding contributes to the declining marriage trend This research uses a qualitative approach with the maudhu'i method and a little touch of hermeneutics. It interprets Q.S an-Nisa':34 by putting forward the views of the mufassir. The findings show that the interpretation of Q.S. An-Nisa:34 is understood as a basis in the household where men are qawwam (leaders or protectors). This means that there is a big task that men must do, namely providing for their wives and children. If the task of earning a living is not done, then the nature of leadership is lost. The misunderstanding of Q.S. An-Nisa:34 contributes to the changing perception of marriage, which in turn affects marriage trends in Indonesia.