Perception Of Reality Research Articles

Institutional Gaslighting: How Institutions Distort our Reality

Prince Charles' allegations of institutional gaslighting against Buckingham Palace in 2022 sparked an extensive discussion around a phenomenon that, until this event, was considered predominantly psychological in academia. The authors of this article, relying mostly on socio-cultural and institutional approaches, also abandon the strictly psychological interpretation of gaslighting as a form of violence in favor of an interdisciplinary approach. This made it possible to identify the foundations and features of institutional gaslighting, studied by scientists in economics and management, healthcare, science and education, politics, etc. The article also reveals the tools for implementing institutional gaslighting in various spheres of social life. As a result, the authors conclude that the key feature of institutional gaslighting is the ability of the institutions themselves to change the mental environment and influence the perception of reality. This was actually ruled out, for example, by D. North, who denied institutions independent existence. In addition, the authors consider gaslighting not just as an institutional betrayal, but as a dysfunction of any institution, one of the most important functions of which is to limit and control violence in society.

Reality as Technology, or Ontological Lexicon in Modern Processes Nomination

The study examines terminological nominations in the IT sphere in the Russian, which include lexicon denoting ontological concepts. The aim of the research is to identify a conceptual shift in the perception of reality, as explicit in new terminological nominations of the digital era (augmented reality, mixed reality, RR). Composite nominations with key nouns of ontological semantics were extracted from scientific and media discourse. Research methodology includes semantic and contextual analysis, interpretative analysis within the framework of the theory of linguistic conceptualization of the world. The following conclusions were drawn: the use of words of ontological semantics in IT technical terms reflects a technocentric view of objective reality, where its fundamentally significant role in human and societal organization is reimagined. The concept of “reality” is juxtaposed with the concept of “virtuality.” The “real reality” itself, designated as ‘RR’, is considered one of the components in the paradigm of immersive technologies. Semantic changes are evident in the adjective ‘realnyy’ [real]: in opposition to attributes like ‘virtualnyy’ [virtual], ‘onlayn’ [online], etc., it embodies a new semantic nuance ‘manifesting not in virtual space’, which becomes relevant in discussions about the role of digital technologies in life.

Novel “A Heartbreaking Work of Staggering Genius” by Dave Eggers in Context of a New Cultural Paradigm

The article explores the leading metamodernist features evident in the autobiographical novel ‘A Heartbreaking Work of Staggering Genius’ (2001) by a contemporary American writer Dave Eggers. The purpose of this study is to identify the characteristic features of metamodernism in contemporary works on the basis of an interpretive analysis of D. Eggers’ autobiographical novel “A Heartbreaking Work of Staggering Genius”, to determine ways of their original implementation in this novel. The review of theoretical sources confirms the significance of Eggers’ works in the development of key trends in the new cultural paradigm of post-postmodernism. The author can be attributed to a galaxy of American writers who fully embody the tenets of metamodernism. A practical analysis of the selected novel for study allows for the assertion that the main characteristics of metamodernism in the examined novel can be identified as the following elements: a revival of the author’s role, post-irony, new sincerity, and neo-realism. To embody these artistic elements, the author employs various literary techniques such as the contamination of artistic and documentary elements, meta-narration and meta-meta-narration, and the fusion of realistic and romantic perceptions of reality. Eggers explores traditional themes of family values, friendship, responsibility, and finding one's place in life through a new metamodern lens.

Women in spine surgery: can we change the society?

Although the number of educated women and physicians, and especially neurosurgeons, is increasing worldwide, the educational opportunities, careers, and beliefs concerning female neurosurgeon's status and abilities are undermined. To date, reported studies have focused on the conditions of the work environment, work-life balance, and the academic career of female neurosurgeons. In this study, we aimed to report the patients' viewpoint and how they choose spine physicians. We conducted an international survey based on 19 questions in four languages (Bulgarian, Greek, English, and German). The responses of 413 individuals, unrelated to the medical field (sex, 315 female and 115 male individuals; one individual did not answer the question regarding the gender), were obtained. Except for the question regarding the patient's preference for the physician sex, the survey aimed to examine the factors that might be contributing to this choice, including education, age, heard/read recommendations/advertisements, knowledge regarding the work of the neurosurgeons/orthopedists, and their difference regarding spine surgery. The majority of the participants responded that they prefer male surgeons to treat their spine. The results showed a significant correlation between the choice of a male spine surgeon and heard/read advertisements/recommendations and knowledge regarding the work of the neurosurgeon. Despite the fact that education was not related to physician selection, it was an indirect factor that led to the final choice. Women in surgery, mainly in neurosurgery, are being treated by society in an unequal way. Female surgeons are still discriminated because of their gender. The most patients prefer female physicians to talk to, but still believe that they are incapable to perform spine surgery. We cannot stop this until we change our mindset and perception of reality.

Mistake in the Character of the Parties in Marriage Contract and its Impact on Afghan law

Mistake based on Article 562 of the Civil Code, that is considered as a defect of will in contracts, is also of special importance in marriage. Mistake in a marriage contract is a wrong perception of the fact that one of the parties to the contract is related to the physical, civil, or character identity of the other party; Therefore, it is considered necessary to investigate the mistake in the marriage contract and its impacts. In the present research, an attempt has been made to study, using the library method, document productivity and in a qualitative, descriptive and analytical way, the mistake in the character of the parties to the marriage contract and its effects in the legal system of Afghanistan; Therefore, the answere of the question is, whether the wrong perception of reality harms the validity of the marriage or not and what impacts does it have? The findings of the research show that the mistake in the marriage and its effects are as following: the mistake in the physical and civil identity, which forms the basis and foundation of the marriage, disrupts the nature and centrality of the marriage and causes the marriage contract is nullity. A mistake in the basic attributes, which is caused by the mistaker himself or in the form of manipulation, constitutes an important part of the marriage, and creates the right of termination for the mistaker. A mistake in the direction and motivation does not affect the validity of the marriage contract

Examining the Role of Christian Drama in Facilitating Social Transformation: A Study of Two Mount Zion Film Productions Movies

This paper investigates the impact of Christian drama on social transformation through an analysis of two prominent Mount Zion Film Productions (MZFP) movies: Last Man Standing and Legion. Anchored on the Cultivation Theory by George Gerbner, which suggests that long-term exposure to media content can shape individuals' perceptions of reality, influencing their beliefs, attitudes, and behaviors, the study explores how MZFP effectively utilizes storytelling to address contemporary issues and promote Christian values. Through a thematic analysis encompassing faith, redemption, forgiveness, spiritual warfare, and ethical dilemmas, the paper examines how these films engage audiences in thought-provoking reflections on Christian principles and societal challenges. Furthermore, it investigates how the films raise awareness, challenge stigmas, promote dialogue, advocate for change, and celebrate virtues while condemning vices. By comparing and contrasting the thematic elements and societal impact of Last Man Standing and Legion, this study offers insights into the potential of Christian drama to influence perceptions, attitudes, and behaviors within society. Ultimately, the findings contribute to a deeper understanding of the role of film as a medium for fostering social consciousness and spiritual renewal in contemporary culture.

Impact of the coronavirus pandemic on the functioning of companies from the perspective of employees


 
 
 The main objective of the article is to indicate the impact of the pandemic on the Polish economy, with particular emphasis on businesses from the perspective of employees. The hypothesis is that the coronavirus pandemic negatively affected the functioning of the Polish economy. Taking up this topic is related to the various reactions of the government and European organizations to the emergence of a new threat and the significant role of health in the economy. This article is mainly empirical. The research was conducted using the method of standardized computer-assisted questionnaire interviews between March and April 2021. The questionnaire form was shared on social media in the student group and the group Accounting – my passion (in Polish Księgowość moja pasja). 120 entrepreneurs and employees (N=120) were surveyed. The negative impact of the coronavirus is perceived by almost all respondents and the mitigation instruments offered by the government are considered insufficient. It would be worthwhile to think about relief solutions in times of pandemic, the current opinion shows a negative perception of the measures introduced so far. The pandemic caused not only economic effects, but also affected many areas of people’s lives, resulting in a negative perception of reality. The functioning during the lockdown was limited to the necessary minimum, therefore the quality of life was rated as average.
 
 

Analysis of hyperbolised phraseology and its cognitive aspect in media literacy

Relevance. The relevance of this study is motivated by a broad public interest in modern media communications, including the use of linguistic means to implement speech strategies and communicative tactics, maximising the impact on the selected audience, and the limited understanding of the functionality of hyperbole-based phraseological expressions in media discourse. Purpose. The purpose of the presented investigation is to comprehend the leading mechanisms of constructing a language paradigm in cognitive terms, linguistic analysis of stable units of speech as means of emotive-evaluation in text, the definition of the main lexical and semantic means, author's intentions and narrativity in media texts. Methodology. The main method employed is a theoretical approach to the study of media literacy in contemporary society, constructing linguistic templates for the perception of reality and its representation in a cognitive manner. Results. This investigation reveals the basic mechanisms of realization of communicative strategies in the media sphere by means of attracting a wide arsenal of linguistic resources, focusing on the functioning of phraseological units built on hyperbole by the example of the national language code (English and Kazakh). Conclusions. The materials presented in this study will contribute to further in-depth study of the frequency of use of such idioms, the functionality of texts using them and the ethical implementation of communication between author and recipient, to analyse the linguistic resources that can and cannot be used in media contexts, to structure the media field depending on the style and targeting, to establish basic rules and criteria to determine the media literacy of speakers of the national speech code. Keywords: phraseological unit; media communication; critical thinking; information space; phraseme; media field

Biosecurity measures for the prevention of African swine fever on German pig farms: comparison of farmers’ own appraisals and external veterinary experts’ evaluations

BackgroundSince its first introduction into the German wild boar population in 2020, African swine fever (ASF) has been spreading slowly from the eastern border westwards and has been introduced into eight domestic pig farms thus far. The European Food Safety Authority has named deficits in farm biosecurity and increased human activity as major risk factors for the introduction of the ASF virus into pig farms. Studies have shown that pig farms in Germany generally have a high level of biosecurity. However, veterinary practitioners and policy-makers have expressed concerns that not all pig farmers are appropriately prepared to deal with the threat of ASF. This study aimed to evaluate the level of biosecurity on pig farms in Lower Saxony and explore the reasons for deficits in the implementation of biosecurity measures. For this purpose, pig farmers were interviewed in open structured face-to-face interviews about their perception of ASF and biosecurity, and the implemented measures on their farms were assessed with a checklist. In the data analysis, the farmers’ answers and the results of the biosecurity check were compared to gain further insights into the factors influencing the implementation of biosecurity measures on the farms.ResultsThe biosecurity check showed that on most farms, a high level of biosecurity had been implemented. Nevertheless, deficits were found concerning the fences and the delimitation of clean and dirty areas on farm grounds and in the anteroom. Overall, the farmers were well informed about ASF and had a realistic perception of their own biosecurity. They considered the farm layout, financial means and practicality of hygiene measures to be the main barriers to implementing biosecurity measures against ASF. However, the results also suggested that farmers’ attitudes and legal regulations were major influencing factors.ConclusionThe results indicated a high level of biosecurity against ASF on most pig farms and a realistic perception of their own biosecurity by the farmers. Current knowledge transfer and information should focus on building upon the farmers’ own motivation and expertise and supporting them to put existing knowledge into practice.

THE ROLE OF SPIRITUAL AND FORMAL EFFECTS IN THE PERCEPTION OF EMOTIONAL STATES CONSTITUTING A WORK OF ART

: The emotional states that constitute a work of art are formed through the effects of a series of rules and regularities that explain the organization of various systems and also form the foundation of a field of study. Emotions, formal pleasures, and spiritual approaches are among the phenomena that develop a theory defining the general definition of art, delineating its boundaries, and identifying the qualities that allow us to label something as a "work of art." Additionally, art is related with the aesthetics of nature and human subjective realities. The emotional sentiments, characterized as reality for the artist and manifested through seeing and understanding, are dependent on the subjects to be addressed in art. Art, an inherent human capability, is essentially a representation of existence. The tangible qualities of natural objects, considered reality for the artist, assist in perceiving and grasping these emotional feelings in art. Furthermore, individually arising emotional states give rise to aesthetic judgment based on both objective and subjective evaluations. The essential qualities inherent in the essence of the artwork are the foundation of artistic existence. The form that aids in the emergence of artistic presence appears as the perceptible reality of any object through our senses. For the artist, the material characteristics in nature bring forth perceptions. Artistic works produced for aesthetic purposes help bring forth the existing emotional states.
 The artist reflects their artistic expression through a perspective developed from their perception of the dynamics of art, attempting to create artistic forms based on the interaction between everyday objects and the senses. Objects that transport perceived forms into reality and everyday items, in interaction with the senses, aid in creating artworks as a synthesis of spiritual approaches. Cultural, sociopolitical, and economic factors influencing society are among the primary factors affecting the creation of artworks. Additionally, variables related to the artist's psychological state and societal structure play a role in this transformative process in the production of artworks. Thus, objects that inherently lack artistic meaning interact with each other in the journey of being transformed into artworks by artists.
 Our research is conducted by examining qualitative data related to the emotional states that constitute a work of art and their perceptual, spiritual, and formal effects. It is believed that this study will contribute to the field of art.

Enhancing weight perception in virtual reality: an analysis of kinematic features

This study investigates weight perception in virtual reality without kinesthetic feedback from the real world, by means of an illusory method called pseudo-haptic. This illusory model focuses on the dissociation of visual input and somatosensory feedback and tries to induce the sensation of virtual objects' loads in VR users by manipulating visual input. For that, modifications on the control-display ratio, i.e., between the real and virtual motions of the arm, can be used to produce a visual illusionary effect on the virtual objects' positions as well. Therefore, VR users perceive it as velocity variations in the objects' displacements, helping them achieve a better sensation of virtual weight. A primary contribution of this paper is the development of a novel, holistic assessment methodology that measures the sense of the presence in virtual reality contexts, particularly when participants are lifting virtual objects and experiencing their weight. Our study examined the effect of virtual object weight on the kinematic parameters and velocity profiles of participants' upward arm motions, along with a parallel experiment conducted using real weights. By comparing the lifting of real objects with that of virtual objects, it was possible to gain insight into the variations in kinematic features observed in participants' arm motions. Additionally, subjective measurements, utilizing the Borg CR10 questionnaire, were conducted to assess participants' perceptions of hand fatigue. The analysis of collected data, encompassing both subjective and objective measurements, concluded that participants experienced similar sensations of fatigue and changes in hand kinematics during both virtual object tasks, resulting from pseudo-haptic feedback, and real weight lifting tasks. This consistency in findings underscores the efficacy of pseudo-haptic feedback in simulating realistic weight sensations in virtual environments.

Assessing the adoption of the Yavuz Battleship application in the mixed reality environment using the technology acceptance model

This study concentrates on developing a mixed reality (MR) app for the historic ship Yavuz Battleship, also known as “SMS Goeben,” and assessing its acceptance using the technology acceptance model (TAM). Mixed reality blends real and virtual environments to create novel spatial experiences, bridging the gap between the virtual and real worlds. This technology enables designers to craft immersive, interactive environments that enhance users' perception of physical reality. The study employs a multi-stage methodology, including historical research, 3D model creation, digital information integration, Unity program transfer, MR environment development with the Mixed Reality Toolkit (MRTK), and implementation as a Microsoft Hololens 2 app. TAM is employed to gauge MR acceptance. Evaluation results affirm the Yavuz MR app's TAM alignment, providing structural support for similar architectural science inquiries. The research underscores the need to explore MR's architectural applications and TAM's role in measuring MR acceptance.

Lightness constancy in reality, in virtual reality, and on flat-panel displays.

Virtual reality (VR) displays are being used in an increasingly wide range of applications. However, previous work shows that viewers often perceive scene properties very differently in real and virtual environments and so realistic perception of virtual stimuli should always be a carefully tested conclusion, not an assumption. One important property for realistic scene perception is surface color. To evaluate how well virtual platforms support realistic perception of achromatic surface color, we assessed lightness constancy in a physical apparatus with real lights and surfaces, in a commercial VR headset, and on a traditional flat-panel display. We found that lightness constancy was good in all three environments, though significantly better in the real environment than on the flat-panel display. We also found that variability across observers was significantly greater in VR and on the flat-panel display than in the physical environment. We conclude that these discrepancies should be taken into account in applications where realistic perception is critical but also that in many cases VR can be used as a flexible alternative to flat-panel displays and a reasonable proxy for real environments.

Physicians' perceptions of intensive care patients' 1-year prognoses compared to realistic prognoses.

It is unknown whether physicians treating critically ill patients have realistic perceptions of their patients' prognoses. We sent a survey by email to Finnish anesthesiologists to investigate their ability to estimate the probability of 1-year survival of intensive care unit (ICU) patients based on data available at the beginning of intensive care. We presented 12 fictional but real-life-based patient cases and asked the respondent to estimate the probability of 1-year survival in each case by choosing one of the alternatives 5%, 10%-90% in 10% intervals and 95%. We compared the physicians' estimates to registry data-based realistic prognoses of comparable patients treated in the ICU. Based on the difference between the estimate and the realistic prognosis, we categorized the estimates into three groups: (1) difference less than 10 percentage points, (2) difference between 10 and 20 percentage points, and (3) difference over 20 percentage points. We received 210 responses (totally 2520 estimates). Of the respondents, 43 (20.5%) were specialists working mainly in the ICU, 81 (38.6%) were specialists working occasionally in the ICU, 47 (22.4%) were specialists not working in the ICU, and 39 (18.6%) were doctors in training. The difference between the estimate and the realistic prognosis was less than 10 percentage points for 1083 (43.0%) estimates, between 10 and 20 percentage points for 645 (25.6%) estimates, and over 20 percentage points for 792 (31.4%) estimates, out of which 612 (24.3% of all estimates) underestimated and 180 (7.1%) overestimated the likelihood of survival. The median error (the median of the differences between the estimate and the realistic prognosis) for all estimates was -8.8 [interquartile range (IQR), -20.0 to -0.2], which means that the most typical response underestimated the likelihood of survival by 9 percentage points. Based on the 12 estimates, we calculated the median error for each respondent. The median (IQR) of these median errors was -8.6 (-12.6 to -5.0) for specialists working mainly in the ICU, -8.1 (-13.0 to -5.2) for specialists working occasionally in the ICU, -9.7 (-17.7 to -6.3) for specialists not working in the ICU, and -9.1 (-14.5 to -5.1) for doctors in training (p = .29). Finnish anesthesiologists commonly misestimate the long-term prognoses of ICU patients, more often underestimating than overestimating the likelihood of 1-year survival. More education about critically ill patients' prognoses and better prediction tools are needed.

Examining Illusory Touch Perception in Virtual Reality among Virtual Reality Users

The phenomenon of illusory touch perception in virtual reality (VR) is a subject of increasing intrigue within online VR communities, where users report experiencing tactile sensations in the absence of direct physical contact, triggered solely by visual stimuli. This paper presents an exploratory study aimed at understanding the underlying mechanisms that contribute to the development of such illusory touch perceptions in immersive virtual environments. Through an online survey targeting VR users, this study collected qualitative data on the nature and frequency of these experiences. The survey was complemented by a review of existing literature on touch perception and multisensory integration, providing a foundational understanding of how sensory information is processed and perceived. The findings suggest that certain visual cues in VR can evoke tactile sensations, a phenomenon that may be enhanced by the immersive quality of the virtual environment and the user's previous sensory experiences and expectations. This paper discusses potential contributors to the phenomenon, such as the realism of the virtual environment, the user's level of immersion and presence, and the congruence of multisensory stimuli. Although this study sheds light on the conditions that may facilitate illusory touch perception in VR, the complexity of human sensory processing necessitates further research. Controlled experimental studies are required to establish a causal relationship between specific factors and the experience of illusory touch in VR, which could have significant implications for the fields of virtual reality and sensory augmentation technology.

Narrating Conspiracy Theories: A Paradoxical Ethics of Otherness, Propaganda and Mistrust

Reflecting conspiracy theories in contemporary fiction actualises conspiratorial thinking as a specific sociocultural phenomenon and narrative. Four symptomatic novels – George Orwell’s Nineteen Eighty-Four, Ray Bradbury’s Fahrenheit 451, Ahmed Khaled Towfik’s Utopia, and Stephen King’s The Institute – have been analysed from a conspiratorial perspective to illuminate the most efficient ways of shaping the human perception of reality. For this purpose, the following conspiracy elements have been delineated to be the basis of the novels’ poetics: otherness, propaganda, and mistrust. They affect the authors’ strategies of storytelling in the books written in the era of the end of truth. Following an interdisciplinary approach that primarily includes the method of narrative construction and semiotic analysis, the article focuses on the conspiracy elements for plotting the selected novels and explicates conspiracy narratives for manifesting the paradoxical ethics of truth as fiction. Conceptualising this idea in the sociocultural context confers to such a kind of literature a new ethical dimension.

Creating Kinship Through the Animating Potential of Qi

I detail how a return to Asia as a third-generation Chinese American grants me the cultural resources to be in fluid relation with others. This article illustrates how the cultivation of one’s vital energy or qi life force can serve as an onto-epistemology and a methodological orientation, given its unique existence as both movement and substance, offering up a perspective to live within the interstices of the potential and the actual. In this autoethnography, I detail how local Taiwanese dynamics illustrate the vitality of qi’s characteristics, often demonstrating a socially embedded pedagogy of cultivating a heightened awareness of others, in essence, issuing dynamic invitations to kinship. Last, this article issues a call to open to a spirit of continual activation of possibility as a radical replacement to a perception of reality as a series of arrivals at static conditions.

Особенности договорной ответственности в исламском праве

The development of commercial relations with the countries of the Arab East requires a deeper understanding of the peculiarities of their legal system, including in terms of the implementation of civil liability measures. The article examines the features of the doctrine of Islamic law, notes various approaches to solving individual issues of liability for breach of contract due to the existence of various maskhabs, characterizes such forms of liability as daman and amana, analyzes the influence of various circumstances on determining the grounds and limits of liability, including force majeure. The practical implementation of these provisions is illustrated by references to the civil legislation of Egypt, Iran, Qatar and the UAE. The author comes to the conclusion that Islamic legislation reflects a rather peculiar perception of legal reality, which does not always coincide with the legal understanding inherent in the countries of the Romano-German or Anglo-American legal systems, although the approaches formed in it show general ideas about the grounds and limits of civil liability for violation of contractual obligations, as well as exemption from they are based on a deep understanding of the need to implement the principle of justice in civil legal relations.

Ketiadaan Mutlak dalam Buddhisme Zen dalam Perspektif Pemikiran Nishida Kitarō dan Korelasinya dengan Realitas

This essay discusses Nishida Kitarō's view of absolute nothingness, a concept influenced by the tradition of Zen Buddhism. Methodologically, it is designed as philosophical hermeneutics and aims to provide a new perspective in the study of philosophy. Nishida's thinking is based on the tradition of Western philosophical thought, especially Hegel, Kant, and Heidegger. However, in its development, Nishida created a new philosophical construction that attempted to criticize the Western philosophical tradition. This paper shows that Nishida Kitarō internalized Zen Buddhism into his philosophy. Nishida brings together Zen Buddhism as a philosophical thought with various types of thought and figures in the Western philosophical tradition. Zettai mu or absolute nothingness is at the heart of all of Nishida's metaphysical edifice. This absolute nothingness is built on a spatial logic that allows contact between the subject and the object. Nishida understands the concept of absolute nothingness in three phenomenologies of personal identity. These three stages lead to the contradiction of absolute self-identity. These findings can contribute to forming new enlightenment in freeing oneself from false perceptions of reality and wrong views.

Digital Image and Perceptual Realism in Films - Forrest Gump and Encanto

Digital Image and Perceptual Realism in Films - Forrest Gump and Encanto