Experience Research Articles

The Evolution of Human Intelligence Throughout a Person's Life - A Lifelong Journey

This is an extended article from the book Intelligence, from Natural Origins to Artificial Frontiers - Human Intelligence vs. Artificial Intelligence, by Nicolae Sfetcu. The evolution of human intelligence during a person's lifetime is a process influenced by an interaction between biological development, genetics, environmental factors, and personal experiences. To comprehend the progression of intellectual growth, it is essential to explore the emergence, maturation, and sometimes, the decline of cognitive abilities, illustrating a complex interplay between genetic predispositions and environmental influences.

Transforming the food system: Are farmers ready to take phosphorus stewardship action?

Ensuring global food security while halting ecosystem degradation is arguably one of the most fundamental current challenges. As a key component of fertilisers for which there is no substitute, phosphorus plays a central role in this challenge. Food production systems are critically vulnerable to phosphorus supply disruptions and price spikes, while high phosphorus-inefficiencies drive the greatest global threat to waters through diffuse pollution. Transformation to a more phosphorus sustainable and efficient system inevitably necessitates transition at the farm level, leading to the critical question of whether farmers are ready for such transition. This paper examines the relationship between the farmers’ perceived adaptive capacity and farm-level actions that can enable a positive phosphorus transition. We innovatively apply a second-generation psycho-social mobilisation approach to adaptive capacity (based on personal experience, place attachment, competing concerns, household dynamics, and risk attitudes) and establish its relation to an extended framework of phosphorus stewardship action, using Structural Equation Modelling in a UK-wide survey. Our results confirm that the second-generation approach provides a more nuanced approximation to the understanding of farmers’ adaptive capacity than traditional (first-generation) approaches (five capitals: human, natural, physical, financial, and social), allowing a more dynamic understanding and a more robust assessment of adaptive capacity. Beyond our specific results for the UK (which demonstrate relatively high levels of farmers’ readiness to adapt and promising predisposition to do so, if supported), our research illustrates how this framework can be used to identify priority actions to enhance farmers’ uptake of phosphorus stewardship actions more generally.

Ballet after breast cancer: A qualitative evaluation of a novel 16-week ballet intervention for women after breast cancer

ObjectivesOur evaluation of the pilot study- “Ballet after breast cancer”, demonstrated that a classical ballet program delivered online and/or face-to-face is feasible and acceptable, with promise for improving health and wellbeing following breast cancer. The present study aimed to explore participant experiences of the 16-week ballet intervention, and their perceptions of the future potential of ballet in the context of breast cancer. DesignQualitative analysis of focus group discussions. MethodsIntervention participants were invited to take part in online focus groups to discuss: Perceived changes resulting from ballet participation, content of the ballet classes, delivery of the ballet program, suitability of ballet for future implementation during/after active cancer treatment. Themes were generated using an inductive approach, and feedback/recommendations for future implementation of “Ballet after breast cancer” were summarised. ResultsSeventeen women previously treated for breast cancer (54.4 ​± ​11.9 years; 54.2 ​± ​43.5 months post-diagnosis) took part in one of three focus groups. Themes generated through discussion included: Embracing normal; Connection to others; Acceptance without judgement; Engagement; Learning and progress. Participants described perceived improvements in physical, psychosocial, and cognitive wellbeing, and identified some limitations of online attendance compared to face-to-face. The personal attributes and experience of the ballet instructor were identifed as key determinants of program engagement and enjoyment. Participants reported a preference for classes specifically for people with lived experience of breast cancer. Recommendations to improve future ballet programs during/after breast cancer treatment included: Hybrid delivery model; Opportunities to socialise with classmates; Access to additional learning resources. ConclusionsParticipants offered novel and valuable insight into their experiences of the “Ballet after breast cancer” program, providing guidance for future delivery of ballet across the cancer continuum.

Validation of a holistic composite outcome measure for the evaluation of chronic pain interventions.

Chronic pain is a personal experience influenced by multiple biopsychosocial factors. Using a pain intensity measure alone to assess the effectiveness of a chronic pain intervention fails to fully evaluate its impact on the multifaceted chronic pain experience. The holistic minimal clinically important difference (MCID) is a composite outcome developed to provide a comprehensive assessment of chronic pain in response to intervention, across 5 outcome domains: pain intensity, health-related quality of life, sleep quality, physical, and emotional function. To focus on domains where the individual need is greatest, the holistic MCID reflects the cumulative MCID averaged over only the domains where subjects were impaired preintervention. To assess the internal and construct validity of the Holistic MCID score to inform its future use as an evidence-based tool. This validation study was undertaken using data from the EVOKE trial with 111 patients up to 24-month follow-up. Internal consistency of the holistic MCID was assessed using Cronbach alpha statistic and dimensional exploration using principal component analysis. The holistic MCID measure demonstrated strong internal consistency with Cronbach alpha >0.7 at all follow-ups. Principal component analysis showed one overarching holistic dimension to be present in the composite. Construct validity was demonstrated by an increase in the holistic MCID score being associated with both increased Patients' Global Impression of Change, EuroQol visual analogue scale score, and each of the outcome domains in a "leave-one-out" analysis (all P < 0.001). The holistic MCID provides a valid measure for the comprehensive, personalized assessment of response after a chronic pain intervention. The validity of the holistic MCID requires further confirmation in other chronic pain populations and with different interventions.

What do you need to know when preparing to give a talk at an international dermatology conference? Insights and practical recommendations.

To provide a checklist for presentation preparation at dermatology conferences, discuss important factors to consider when preparing a presentation, and recommend strategies for effective presentations and networking. With a combination of personal experience and literature review of PubMed database and dermatology society resources, this article serves as the first comprehensive guide for how to prepare a talk for an international dermatology conference. Conferences are an excellent opportunity to learn more about yourself, your field, and others throughout the world. Well-prepared presentations have the potential to greatly impact your audience and expand your connections. The authors provide a step-by-step discussion and checklist that thoroughly addresses the logistics, operations, scientific content, and social aspects that are important to know when preparing to give a presentation in the field of dermatology.

Influence of Emotional Marketing in the Field of Cosmetics Among Females Towards Brand Loyalty and Preference

Emotional marketing in the cosmetics industry has gained significant traction as brands strive to connect with female consumers on a personal level. Recognizing that cosmetics are more than just products, brands increasingly foAcus on evoking emotions and building connections that resonate with consumers’ identities, values, and aspirations. By tapping into emotional drivers such as self-confidence, empowerment, and individual expression, cosmetics brands leverage storytelling, personalization, and value-driven messages to create bonds that transcend the traditional product experience. These strategies, by going beyond functional benefits, forge meaningful relationships that positively influence both brand loyalty and consumer preference. As brands grow in their understanding of consumer psychology1 , emotional marketing strategies have evolved from mere trend-following to becoming an integral part of brand identity and differentiation. In a highly competitive cosmetics market, emotional engagement becomes a key asset, distinguishing brands that merely offer quality products from those that offer experiences rooted in emotional satisfaction and alignment with personal values. For instance, storytelling allows brands to narrate their journey and core values—whether through ethical sourcing, sustainability efforts, or diversity and inclusion initiatives—which resonates deeply with consumers2 who prioritize similar values. Similarly, personalization caters to individual preferences, allowing consumers to feel seen and valued, thereby strengthening loyalty and increasing purchase intentions. This study employs a mixed-method approach, combining quantitative data from extensive surveys and qualitative insights from indepth interviews. This dual approach captures not only the broad trends in consumer responses but also the nuanced ways in which emotional marketing influences individual purchasing decisions. The quantitative analysis provides statistical insights into the correlation between emotional marketing and brand loyalty, while qualitative interviews shed light on personal consumer experiences and emotional connections with specific brands. Together, these methods form a holistic view of emotional marketing’s impact, particularly its role in shaping purchasing behaviors and brand preferences among female consumers in the cosmetics industry. Findings from this study reveal that emotional marketing significantly shapes purchasing decisions by enhancing consumer perceptions of brand authenticity, trustworthiness, and alignment with personal values. Female consumers, in particular, are drawn to brands that promote messages of self-love, empowerment, and ethical responsibility. The emotional connection fostered through such marketing initiatives translates to higher brand loyalty and preference, as consumers are more likely to remain loyal to brands that reflect their values and resonate with their self-image. Furthermore, these findings highlight the effectiveness of emotional marketing strategies, providing cosmetics brands with actionable insights into building consumer loyalty and strategically positioning themselves within a saturated market. This approach, focused on aligning with consumer emotions3 and values, offers a sustainable competitive advantage that promotes brand loyalty and encourages positive consumerbrand relationships.

Unleashing cultural diversity knowledge for improved knowledge sharing and integration: an in-depth qualitative analysis

Purpose This study aims to investigate international students’ experiences through a lens of knowledge management perspective, emphasizing their strategies for knowledge management in tandem with cultural adaptation. The primary objective is to elucidate how international students navigate cultural differences and use knowledge management strategies to augment their learning and integration, thereby supporting their academic progress in a new academic environment. Design/methodology/approach An in-depth qualitative research strategy was used, using semistructured interviews with Pakistani doctoral students who were studying in Australia. A thematic analysis was conducted to identify recurring themes and patterns in the data. Findings The findings reveal that international students adeptly adopt various knowledge management strategies to facilitate cultural adaptation. These strategies encompass embracing otherness through a sense of belonging, engaging in both personal and shared learning experiences, achieving individual success, and using critical inquiry as a guiding framework for observations. Notably, this study underscores the pivotal role played by cultural competence in conjunction with social networks, influencing cultural intelligence and, subsequently, impacting knowledge sharing and integration for academic progress. Practical implications This study’s findings provide practical insights for higher education institutions and policymakers, emphasizing the importance of supporting international students in their cultural adaptation and knowledge management endeavors. These practical implications encompass fostering a welcoming and inclusive environment, supporting intercultural engagement, using technology for enhanced learning and communication and promoting the development of cultural intelligence among international students. Originality/value This study contributes to the literature on international student experiences and knowledge management by providing insights into the strategies used by international students to navigate knowledge of cultural differences to enhance their learning experiences and advance academic progress. These findings contribute to a deeper understanding of the intersection between cultural adaptation and core knowledge management concepts of knowledge sharing and integration in the context of higher education.

The Resilience and Lived Experiences of the Parents of Children With Autism in India: A Mixed-method Study

Background and Objectives: Families dealing with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) children try to adapt with different strategies. 1) To assess the resilience of parents dealing with children having ASD and its associated factors. 2) To explore the perspective and strategies of families dealing with children having ASD Methods: This was a mixed-methods study done over a period of 3 months among parents having children diagnosed with ASD; undergoing institutional therapy for more than 6 months in duration. Data collection was done using the PREQ questionnaire and key informant interviews (KII). Informed consent was taken prior to each interview and audio recordings. Relevant tests of significance and deductive analysis followed. Results: There was an equal divide observed between the low (50%) and high resilience (50%) groups. Binary logistic regression showed that the upper socio-economic class showed higher odds of better resilience (OR=4.038, 95% CI, 2.857%, 4.894%) as compared to the lower socio-economic class, and those with higher levels of education showed better resilience (OR=9.903, 95% CI, 2.502%, 3.483% than the lesser educated. KII explored different perspectives on personal experiences, concerns, challenges, attitudes, etc. where both perspectives such as benefits and hardships were addressed on an individual as well as a family basis, respectively Conclusion: Education and socio-economic backgrounds played a role in mending the resilience and other active measures such as peer support mechanisms and self-coping strategies also influenced the attitude and improved determination of parents dealing with children having ASD.

From cops & robbers to death and dying: sociologist George E. Dickinson reflects on his career

ABSTRACT This interview describes Dr. George E. Dickinson’s career and research in the field of death and dying. He discusses how he first became interested in the topic through his students and how he has conducted extensive longitudinal studies on death and dying education in medical schools over the past 50 years. He talks about the changes he has seen in the field, with more courses and programmes being offered, and how the sociological perspective he brings is important in understanding death and dying. Dickinson also shares his personal experiences and views on death, including how his work has influenced his own acceptance of mortality. He describes plans for continuing his research, such as studying children’s perceptions of death and animals’ reactions to death. Additionally, Dickinson discusses the challenges he has faced in the field, such as colleagues who are uncomfortable with the topic and how he has managed his own mental health while examining difficult subjects. Overall, the transcription provides a detailed account of Dickinson’s influential career in the field of death and dying, his research contributions, and his personal reflections on the topic.

“We’re a Disease to Someone”: Embodying Safety and Freedom in a State Motorcyclists’ Rights Organization

ABSTRACT Public health and safety experts have advocated mandatory helmet laws as an important means to increase motorcyclists’ safety and public health for over 50 years. Despite these recommendations, some motorcyclists have successfully organized to challenge such laws. This is an ethnographic study of the largest state motorcyclists’ rights organization (SMRO) in the United States and its institutionalized opposition to mandatory helmet laws. I argue that in addition to its focus on individual freedom, the motorcyclists’ rights movement has characteristics of an embodied health movement in the sense that activists challenge expert understandings of health issues based on their personal experiences. Motorcyclists’ rights activists oppose mandatory helmet laws advocated by experts because they interfere with their understanding of freedom but also do not work to increase safety as they understand it. Exploring the embodied health characteristics of the motorcyclists’ rights movement helps us understand how the movement has been able to grow and maintain itself and the boundaries of embodied health movements. Other movements that combine a focus on both freedom and health and safety may exist and provide fruitful opportunities for future research.

Voters’ Perspectives on Elections (2011-2021): A Hermeneutic Study in Chadiza Constituency, Eastern Province, Zambia

The study explored voters’ experience during elections from 2011 to 2021 in Chadiza District of Eastern Province, Zambia. The objectives of the study were: to establish causes of electoral violence, to describe effects of electoral violence and to establish mitigation measures to ameliorating electoral violence in Chadiza Constituency. This was a thematic analysis and used qualitative research method with 35 participants. In using the Hermeneutic phenomenology, the authors desired not to depart from personal opinions, experiences and value as aid to analyse and interpret collected data. Data was collected through interviews and Focus Group Discussion using purposive sampling. The results of the study were discussed in referential to thematic areas that emerged during data analysis and they established that voting experiences in Chadiza were characterised by electoral violence. The factors that caused electoral violence and effects of electoral violence were revealed by the study. The collected data helped in formulation of sustainable electoral violence prevention measures. The study recommended that the Electoral Commission of Zambia ought to bridge the gap between Ideal and real elections by applying appropriate measures that would lead to cost effective elections that over rides or reduce elections nullifications.

The Integrative Single-Case Design as a Biosemiotic-Systemic Research Tool in Psychoneuroimmunology.

Psychoneuroimmunology (PNI) is a field of research that deals with the interactions between psyche, nervous, endocrine, and immune systems. Investigating these complex PNI relationships under asecologically validas possible conditions ("life as it is lived") necessitates a paradigm change in research. This shift placesfactors such as "time" and "subjective meaning" of personal experiences at the center of the research methodology. For this purpose, the biosemiotic-systemic research design "Integrative Single-Case Study" was developed. Initial results from healthy individuals as well as patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), breast cancer, and rheumatoid arthritis(RA) support the validity of the research approach. Specifically, in connection with the occurrence ofemotionally meaningful everyday incidents, we repeatedlyobserved stress system reactions, which were(1) delayed over several days, (2) cyclically patterned, (3) anticipatory, and (4) opposing, depending on a)whether participants experienced emotionally positive or negative everyday incidents, b)whether they were healthy or ill, and c)which stress system parameter was investigated. In this chapter, the Integrative Single-Case Study design is introduced as a holistic research option, presented in detail in its methodology, and critically discussed in terms of its limitations.

Predecisional information search adaptively reduces three types of uncertainty

How do people search for information when they are given the opportunity to freely explore their options? Previous research has suggested that people focus on reducing uncertainty before making a decision, but it remains unclear how exactly they do so and whether they do so consistently. We present an analysis of over 1,000,000 information-search decisions made by over 2,500 individuals in a decisions-from-experience setting that cleanly separates information search from choice. Using a data-driven approach supported by a formal measurement framework, we examine how people allocate samples to options and how they decide to terminate search. Three major insights emerge. First, predecisional information search has at least three drivers that can be interpreted as reducing three types of uncertainty: structural, estimation, and computational. Second, the selection of these drivers of information search is adaptive, sequential, and guided by environmental knowledge that integrates prior expectations, task instructions, and personal experiences. Third, predecisional information search exhibits substantial interindividual heterogeneity, with individuals recruiting different drivers of information search. Together, these insights suggest that human information search is complex in ways that cannot be fully explained by monolithic accounts of information search, including proposals focused on estimation uncertainty or cost-benefit analysis. We conclude that broader theories of human information-search behavior are necessary.

Parenting, family guidance and spiritual education: Proverbs 1:8–9 and its wisdom ethos for children’s moral development

This article seeks to provide a wisdom domain moral analysis of Proverbs 1:8–9 on the role of parents in conveying the significance of parental instruction and the development of wisdom in children. As a process through which young individuals acquire and cultivate essential qualities and values that shape their behavior and moral outlook, children character development encompasses various aspects, including moral, social, emotional, and cognitive dimensions, and it is influenced by a range of factors, including familial upbringing, social interactions, cultural influences, education, and personal experiences. Whilst the origin of parents as agents of moral guardian is not explicitly stated in the Hebrew Bible/Old Testament (HB/OT), Proverbs 1:8–9 is one of those key passages whose themes underscore the profound significance of family structure and system, and parental responsibility. The verses highlight the spiritual and moral dimensions of family life, promoting a sense of dignity, submission, and personal development within the context of a supportive family structure. The incisive prescriptions of the text offer a journey into self-understanding, self-development, and self-actualization, by reaffirming the family as a pivotal social institution while balancing the roles and responsibilities of parents and children.Intradisciplinary and/or interdisciplinary implications: This article brings together biblical and theological insights from the parental rhetoric of Proverbs 1:8–9 to bear on and help shape the oversight function of parents as agents of children moral development and healthy family life. The verses bridge spiritual wisdom with scientific understanding, presenting a holistic view of how a child grows intellectually, emotionally, and morally.

Toward a better understanding of barriers to wayfinding technology use for people with disabilities

ABSTRACT Wayfinding is the process of navigating from one’s present location to their desired location. While wayfinding technologies are increasingly used by people with disabilities, there is little understanding of the barriers specific to wayfinding technology. The objective of this study was to understand the wayfinding technology barriers experienced by Canadians with disabilities. A total of 213 participants with varying disabilities (i.e. mobility, visual, hearing, memory and learning disabilities) completed a survey of open-ended questions about their personal experiences with different types of technologies. Technologies were categorized into public (i.e. digital and tactile interfaces) and personalized (i.e. mobile/website applications, wearable devices, smart assistive devices), and qualitative content analysis was used. Main themes were identified and either common across both groups (i.e. compatibility, demands on personal resources, information provision, interactability) or specific to one technology type (i.e. stigma, specific to personalized technology). Detailed subthemes provided greater specificity on the types of barriers encountered. For example, infection risk was noted as a barrier to public technology and high costs was a barrier for personalized technology. Results support the inclusion of wayfinding technology within accessibility standards and provide insights to clinicians on how to best support people with disabilities and their use of technology.

"Going Beyond Darkness"-Lingering Images and Ideation of Self-Destruction.

This paper is a personal reflection on the persistence of self-destructive thoughts and ideations in individuals with a history of self-destructiveness. Personal narratives are essential for understanding mental health and illness, particularly for those with a history of self-destructive behaviour. I, a researcher with lived experience of mental illness and self-destructiveness, highlight the importance of presenting them in their raw and unmediated form. This paper is a first-person narrative where I use my own personal experiences to illustrate and analyse the persistence of self-destructive thoughts.

Voluntary Work for Children in the Republic of Croatia

In today's uncertain world events, it is necessary to promote volunteering from early education. Therefore, it is important and necessary to introduce such extracurricular activities from the first grade of primary school. In the Republic of Croatia, there are various humanitarian organizations that gladly accept any kind of help. Therefore, we need to find teachers who will use their influence to motivate children for humanitarian action and make them aware of the importance of empathy and helping others on a daily basis. This study shows the activities of first-graders to fourth-graders of primary school in the Republic of Croatia. The school curricula in 21 Croatian counties were randomly analysed, and the results are represented in this study. The results show that teachers who organize volunteer activities for their students have a greater level of agreement with the statements that a positive attitude of teachers about volunteering encourages volunteer activities in school. It also helps to enrich the school prevention program by establishing a volunteer club within the school, where volunteering should be encouraged in the classroom class. Volunteering should be encouraged at the school's Student Council, and volunteering should be planned in the school curriculum for participants who do not organize volunteer activities for their students. It can be concluded that teachers have positive attitudes about volunteering within the school. However, participants show significant differences in attitudes regarding gender and personal experience of volunteering.

Filozoficzny zapis dramatu wojny w dziennikach Karola Ludwika Konińskiego

The article presents Karol Ludwik Koniński (1891–1943) as a chronicler of war events, describing the physical and moral effects of the war in his immediate surroundings, as well as referring to the war taking place in a broader sense. The aim is to show how the attitude of this thinker and publicist was shaped under the influence of these events. It is also about relating his reactions to current events and deep personal experiences related to them to the religious reflections and views he formulates on the pages of his diaries, pointing out that the tragic wartime everyday life was reflected in Koniński’s philosophical views on God, evil, and suffering. The analysis refers to parts of Koniński’s diaries entitled War and Notes.

In-between borders: mapping belonging and citizenship in the Bengal Borderland

ABSTRACT Recent academic discourses highlight borders as dynamic forces influencing life beyond territorial demarcations. This paper examines belonging and citizenship by looking at the case of Bengali-speaking Muslim women who married across the India-Bangladesh border. Initially, clandestine visits helped to sustain kinship ties, but increasing border enforcement and emphasis on documentation have resulted in regulated journeys with the help of passports. Building on the politics of belonging and translocational positionality framework, this paper emphasises the fluidity of their belonging, reflecting the border’s nature, and addresses the ambivalence in navigating citizenship and belonging. Ethnographically looking at West Bengal’s border villages, the paper analyses how the sense of belonging in a borderland is complex, ambivalent and shaped by personal experiences and not solely contingent upon the possession of legal-bureaucratic documentation. This study enriches discourses on borders and belonging by looking at the layers of negotiation in borderlands, challenging straightforward notions of belonging.

Management of venous aneurysms and the vascular surgical treatment options : Selection of representative case constellations illustrating experiences at acenter for vascular surgery

Venous aneurysms are arare entity in vascular surgery, which are mostly described in individual case series and meta-analyses generated from them. The treatment concepts are diverse and surgical treatment is highlighted due to the risk of thrombosis and pulmonary embolism. There is still an ongoing debate regarding the postoperative necessity and duration of anticoagulation. Case series of aconsecutive patient cohort with venous aneurysms from the last 18years in acenter of (highly specialized care) vascular surgery including i)own experiences obtained in daily vascular surgical practice and ii)aselected and current literature search of relevant references on possible and, in particular, established diagnosis-specific therapeutic concepts. Between 2005 and 2023, atotal of 11cases of venous aneurysms were reported in patients aged 30-84years (mean: 52.5, median: 50), with 1 patient requiring surgery for a recurrence after 2years. The gender ratio was 7:3 (m:f) and the popliteal vein was the most frequently affected anatomical region with 36.4%, followed by the internal jugular vein and axillary/subclavian vein each with 18.2%. Aneurysms of the inferior vena cava, the common iliac vein and the cubital vein occurred only once. Surgical treatment of the aneurysms was performed in 9cases. The surgical methods used were i)tangential resection of the aneurysm wall and continuous purse-string suture, ii)resection of the aneurysm and interposition of an 8‑mm GORE-TEX® vascular graft prosthesis (Gore, Putzbrunn, Germany), iii)ligation of the aneurysm and iv)ligation with subsequent resection of the aneurysm. The rarity of venous aneurysms should be a reason to register these cases centrally (possibly, nationwide diagnosis-related register). Surgical treatment is usually unproblematic and associated with few complications. The risk of pulmonary embolism appears to be significantly increased in venous aneurysms of the extremities, pelvic veins and inferior vena cava, while venous aneurysms of the head and neck are significantly less prone to this. Perioperative and postoperative anticoagulation has been adapted to the development of specific anticoagulants and novel drugs, in favor of treatment with direct oral anticoagulants (DOAC). In personal experience, immediate postoperative heparin perfusion (low dose) and subsequent therapeutic bridging with low-molecular-weight heparin before switching to an anticoagulant for outpatient clinic-based care appears to safeguard the perioperative phase with respect to keeping the surgery-related complication rate (e.g., thrombosis, bleeding) low.