Perception Of Reality Research Articles

The Use of Ascorbic Acid in Adjunctive Treatment for Schizophrenia-Current State of Knowledge.

Schizophrenia is a mental illness characterized by disturbances in the perception of reality, thinking, emotions, and social functioning. This significantly impacts the quality of life of patients and leads to long-term disability. Despite advances in understanding its pathogenesis and treatment, schizophrenia remains a clinical challenge, especially due to the diversity of its symptoms and the complexity of its mechanisms. Schizophrenia is associated with abnormal functioning of the dopaminergic system, disturbances in glutamatergic neurotransmission, and oxidative stress in the brain. In recent years, there has been increasing interest in optimizing the treatment of mental disorders. The potential use of ascorbic acid, or vitamin C, in the therapy of schizophrenia could bring substantial benefits to patients. Ascorbic acid exhibits antioxidant and neuroprotective properties, suggesting its potential efficacy in reducing brain oxidative stress and improving neurotransmission. Additionally, there have been reports of its positive effects on psychotic symptoms and its potential in reducing the side effects of antipsychotic drugs. In this review article, we present the current state of knowledge on the potential use of ascorbic acid in the treatment of schizophrenia as an adjunct to standard pharmacological therapy. We analyze existing clinical studies and the mechanisms of action of vitamin C, suggesting its promising role as an adjunctive therapy in the treatment of schizophrenia. These insights, though not yet widely disseminated, may be significant for the further development of therapeutic strategies for this mental illness.

Жертвенность как психологический феномен (на примере жизни и деятельности Фридриха Иосифа Гааза)

The article attempts to study the phenomenon of sacrifice within the framework of psychological science. The theoretical and methodological foundations of the analysis were the ideas of the founder of analytical psychology Carl Gustav Jung. He considered an important component of psychological work on the harmonization of the inner world to be the willingness of a person to come into contact with a variety of mental material, including those related to negative, unpleasant characteristics of his own personality in order to analyze them. Sacrifice in the context of analytical psychology involves systematic reflection, self-deepening, increasing awareness and, as a result, enriching the personality with meanings that are not subjective, but universal. In the article Jung's ideas are considered regarding the life and charitable activities of a man of high spiritual life, an outstanding silverless physician of the XIX century Friedrich-Joseph Haase. It is shown that his prosocial activity is the result of personal transformations under the influence of deep religious faith, orientation to Christian symbols and dogmas, introspection and subtle psychological reflection. Haaz endowed a person's life path with a sacred meaning, trusted the natural flow of life, considered the circumstances of life, turns of fate, meetings as tasks set for him from Above. The doctor's high degree of awareness expanded the boundaries of perception of reality and contributed to the fact that public interests and concerns became deeply personal for him.

Notes On Artificial Intelligence And The Rise Of New Images

Pamela Breda’s (Digital Arts) contribution "Notes On Artificial Intelligence And The Rise Of New Images" explores how hyper-realistic computer-generated images (CGI) reshape our perception of reality and its implications for human creativity. Her considerations stem from an ongoing interdisciplinary artistic research project that combines positions from visual cultural studies, cognitive psychology, and perceptual theory with historical perspectives. Breda’s contribution reflects on the historical background of CGI, its influence on various domains of individual and collective life, and its philosophical implications, her contribution provides current viewpoints on the position of AI and its past implications.

Facial expression recognition, a predictive tool for perceiving urban open space environments under audio-visual interaction

The quality of soundscape in urban open spaces is important to wellbeing. An AI-based facial expression recognition method has the potential to be a useful tool for predicting urban sound perception since it can correctly and in real time gather human perception data from facial photos. The purpose of this study is to provide classification criteria, time dimension data processing and indicator screening methods for facial expression recognition-based soundscape prediction. The study captured typical urban audiovisual environments and recorded facial expression data from subjects in a laboratory setting. The results of the study showed that there were significant differences in the effects of the three types of visual environments and the three types of acoustic environments on the subjects’ facial expressions, and that the effect of acoustic environments on visual perception (η2 0.067 on average) was generally greater than the effect of visual environments on acoustic perception (η2 0.035 on average). A linear regression model for predicting acoustic perception was developed based on audiovisual interactions, dynamic change patterns, and indicator selection. The results of this paper help to realize another perceptual dimension in the establishment of smart city and help achieve sustainability.

Transformations of Western Sociology: Mainstream and Public Agenda

The article examines several mutually constitutive turns over the past half century in contemporary sociology and in academic debate regarding social inequalities: the constructivist turn and the struggle against essentialism, the concept and theories of identity, identity politics, the “death of class”, the new left agenda and the new oppressed. In critical way, I discuss the link between the current left mainstream in sociology, and the replacement of class politics with non-class, so-called identity politics. The turn was discursively formed in connection with the ideological agenda in the western societies and politics. The role of academic activism in strengthening this connection is quite decisive. Ultimately, it leads to a discussing the ‘old’ question – whether the conceptualizations that represent the sociological mainstream today have crucial and universal significance due to their objective historical or everyday connotations of a certain time, or whether they serve as intellectual guides in the current agenda and ideological narratives that mediate the perception of reality.

Should Scientists Sit on the Fence regarding their Metaphysical Understanding of Reality?

As a child, I lived in an interrelated world where I could communicate with plants, trees, and animals. However, I, influenced by others' perceptions of reality, eventually rejected my experiential reality. Later, I also initially cast aside my belief in a soul as I did not find it reflected while studying psychology. To understand more about the repudiation of my own experiences, I explore the mechanisms we use to influence the reality of others when children are young and later in the academic environment. I also refer to research that backs up or reflects some of my experiences. As society is seen here as a "collection of minds", this author contends it is impossible to understand unconscious psychological biases without considering the biases in the prevailing group or subgroup of society that reflect the collective thought of its members. Psychology and its various branches constitute a subgroup where the prevailing understandings of psychology and its branches change depending on the unconscious metaphysical biases and preferences in vogue among their members. To understand these biases, I share some metaphysical understandings of reality according to the three principal schools of Indian Spirituality (Advaita, Dvaita and Vishishadvaita), Theravada Buddhism and the three Abrahamic religions (Judaism, Christianity and Islam). To overcome these biases, educators should be aware of and openly declare their metaphysical position so others can assess their teachings according to the shared framework. It is also recommended that the metaphysical positions, including those not mentioned here, be taught in Psychology and Transpersonal Psychology. Through accepting differences, we can show respect for each other's understanding, yet at the same time, we can be true to our position, as it affects all we think, say and do. However, in the end, only knowledge based on our lived experiences can finally put a stop to our questions.

Exercise4Psychosis: A randomised control trial assessing the effect of moderate-to-vigorous exercise on inflammatory biomarkers and negative symptom profiles in men with first-episode psychosis

IntroductionFirst-Episode Psychosis (FEP) is a devastating mental health condition that commonly emerges during early adulthood, and is characterised by a disconnect in perceptions of reality. Current evidence suggests that inflammation and perturbed immune responses are involved in the pathology of FEP and may be associated specifically with negative symptoms. Exercise training is a potent anti-inflammatory stimulus that can reduce persistent inflammation, and can improve mood profiles in general populations. Therefore, exercise may represent a novel adjunct therapy for FEP. The aim of this study was to assess the effect of exercise on biomarkers of inflammation, negative symptoms of psychosis, and physiological health markers in FEP. MethodsSeventeen young males (26.67 ± 6.64 years) were recruited from Birmingham Early Intervention in Psychosis Services and randomised to a 6-week exercise programme consisting of two-to-three sessions per week that targeted 60–70 % heart-rate max (HRMax), or a treatment as usual (TAU) condition. Immune T-helper (Th-) cell phenotypes and cytokines, symptom severity, functional wellbeing, and cognition were assessed before and after 6-weeks of regular exercise. ResultsParticipants in the exercise group (n = 10) achieved 81.11 % attendance to the intervention, with an average exercise intensity of 67.54 % ± 7.75 % HRMax. This led to favourable changes in immune cell phenotypes, and a significant reduction in the Th1:Th2 ratio (−3.86 %) compared to the TAU group (p = 0.014). After the exercise intervention, there was also a significant reduction in plasma IL-6 concentration (–22.17 %) when compared to the TAU group (p = 0.006). IL-8, and IL-10 did not show statistically significant differences between the groups after exercise. Symptomatically, there was a significant reduction in negative symptoms after exercise (−13.54 %, Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale, (PANSS) Negative) when compared to the TAU group (p = 0.008). There were no significant change in positive or general symptoms, functional outcomes, or cognition (all p > 0.05). DiscussionRegular moderate-to-vigorous physical activity is feasible and attainable in clinical populations. Exercise represents a physiological tool that is capable of causing significant inflammatory biomarker change and concomitant symptom improvements in FEP cohorts, and may be useful for treatment of symptom profiles that are not targeted by currently prescribed antipsychotic medication.

Symbolic Politics: The Main Problems in Armenia

Armenia has entered the information age, and whether we embrace it or not, Armenian society has evolved into an information-based society. This shift has brought significant changes to Armenia's political landscape. Currently, there is a robust movement of political symbols and meanings in Armenia’s digital information sphere. This movement significantly amplifies the role and significance of symbolic politics in the country’s political arena. It's important to note that symbolic politics plays a pivotal role in shaping public perceptions of social reality. Moreover, in the information era, the relationship between authorities and society in Armenia is increasingly defined by symbols and images. The growing importance of symbolic politics in Armenia's information age presents novel challenges for political scientists. Although classical political science traditionally focuses on political processes and institutions, there is now a pressing need to study the symbolic dimension of politics. As a result, there is a demand for comprehensive research into the characteristics of symbolic politics in Armenia.

Social disconnectedness in psychosis: a qualitative perspective

ABSTRACT Research increasingly highlights the importance of social disconnectedness for the development of psychosis. However, the perspective of individuals with psychosis remains largely underexplored. At present, there is also no comprehensive view of the role of social processes throughout different phases of psychosis development. The current study aims to investigate 1) how individuals with a psychotic disorder experience social disconnection and 2) the role of social disconnection We conducted two focus groups, with individuals diagnosed with a psychotic disorder (N = 8). The data were analyzed using interpretative phenomenological analysis. We structured the data according to three phases: pre-psychotic early life, development of psychotic symptoms and recovery. The first phase included following themes: “developing distrustful views of others through childhood interpersonal adversity” and “growing up socially isolated”. The second phase had three themes: “increasing separation between common and individual reality perception”, “struggling to share psychotic experiences due to stigma” and “losing relationships due to feeling misunderstood and decreased social functioning”. The final phase encompassed: “accepting psychosis diagnosis through social support”, “grounding influence of others” and “finding purpose through social integration”. In general, individuals with psychosis viewed social disconnectedness as a highly important factor for understanding and treating psychosis.

How the Space-Time as A Field of Mass Reconciles Quantum and Classical Mechanics

The invariance of the speed of light in RFs in relative motion between them is a clear indication of the nature of space-time. Lorenz's transformation equations were obtained by analysing the propagation of a single ray of light in a single direction and therefore are valid only for that single case. A set of general transformation equations can be obtained by analysing the propagation of an omnidirectional flash of light emitted by a source in motion with respect to a stationary observer. According to these equations, motion generates a spatial component normal to the velocity v and to the coordinates (x, y, z) of the source’s RF, displacing it into an “imaginary” fourth dimension for a value v/c, thus reducing its "density" by a ratio. The density of a RF plays a major role in the perception of physical reality. In fact, two observers in motion between them, watching the same phenomenon, would measure different spaces and times, same velocities, but different acceleration and therefore different forces acting on the same object. The transformation equations show that motion modifies only the RF, i.e the space-time, of objects, but as we cannot separate them from their space, they too are modified by a component transverse to the motion, and their “density” is also reduced. If the object is an electric charge, the transverse component of its field is identified with the magnetic field, which induces attractive or repulsive (or nil) forces only on other charges in motion, depending on the angle between their velocities. The same happens for the motion of a mass, with the fundamental difference that a rotating mass, in addition to a gravito-magnetic field, produces a transverse field which lines of flux are parallel to the axis of rotation, and therefore it propagates indefinitely, without attenuation, inside a cylinder with the same diameter of the mass. This field has a critical importance if we assume that the space-time is a field of the mass, coinciding with its gravitational field. The space-time of the Earth-bound observer would be made by the sum of the gravitational fields of the surrounding atomic masses, plus that of the transverse fields generated by the motion of those same masses; the main part of it would be produced by a sort of “ether” formed by “quanta” of space-time generated by the rotation around themselves of the atomic components of the whole universe. This would imply that the space-time at the atomic level is extremely "denser" than that at macroscopic level, therefore the Earth-bound observer would measure forces interacting amongst the atomic masses extremely higher than those calculated with Newton’s law. He will then be forced to postulate the existence of a mysterious agent, the electric charge, capable of developing those forces. With this assumption, instead, the atomic world would be populated only by masses subject, at their level, to gravitational and gravito-magnetic forces. It will become similar to the macroscopic world.

Thrilling Encounters in Social Settings: A Retelling of The Eyes of Darkness by Dean Koontz

This study analyzes the social situations depicted in the novel "The Eyes of Darkness" by Dean Koontz, focusing on themes such as abuse, thriller elements, tragedy, mental health, and the virus. Using a descriptive-qualitative approach, we delve into the novel's narrative to uncover how these themes are portrayed and their implications on the characters and broader societal reflections. The analysis reveals that the novel intricately weaves these social situations to create a compelling story that resonates with real-world issues. Abuse is depicted through the misuse of power and its devastating consequences, while thriller elements introduce suspense and supernatural occurrences that challenge characters' perceptions of reality. Tragedies highlight the unpredictability of life and the resilience needed to overcome adversity. The exploration of mental health, particularly through the character of Tina, emphasizes the impact of grief and trauma and the journey towards healing. Lastly, the portrayal of the virus, notably the Wuhan-400, offers a chillingly prescient reflection of global pandemics, underscoring the ethical considerations in scientific research. This study highlights the novel's relevance in addressing complex human experiences and societal issues, offering valuable insights into the interplay between fiction and reality.

From Narratives to Monuments: Symbolic Transformation of the Cultural Landscape of the Kaliningrad Region

The article is based on the materials of field research conducted in the Kaliningrad region in 2022–2023. The authors proceed from the idea of this region as a frontier emerged due to redefinition of jurisdiction of the territories of East Prussia after World War II and geopolitical transformations after 1991. Currently, the region is surrounded by EU countries, and this predetermines its perception as a civilizational frontier – a space of comparison between Russian and European ways of life, and intensified the politicization of local historical memory. The aim of the article is to examine the narratives underlying visual transformation of the cultural landscape of the Kaliningrad region since 1945, their relation to the tasks of de-actualization of the region’s past, appropriation of German heritage and its integration into the Russian cultural space. Cultural landscape is defined both as a product and environment of human activity saturated with a variety of artifacts, and as a sign system that forms, preserves, and controls a certain vision of the world. The use of the semiotic paradigm allowed us to consider monuments as its long-term semantic accents. We also took into account the multiplicity of actors influencing the organization and reorganization of the cultural landscape, the variability of the correlation of political forces and opportunities, and the participation in the transformation processes of both power institutions that limit the possibility of alternative perception of reality, and society that resists ideological programming. The evolution of semantic dominants of the cultural landscape we analyzed in the context of shifts in the ideology and attitudes of regional society. We conclude that the compromise tactics of appropriation of the region’s past, developed over time, are based on countering the challenges of the time and solving practical problems, rather than on political attitudes.

Addressing anti-Gypsyism with context-dependent psychological tools: Research review, meta-analysis and secondary analysis of prejudice against the Roma

ABSTRACT Anti-Gypsyism is a deeply entrenched form of ethnic bias in Europe, characterised by realistic conflict perceptions, social norms approving bias, unacknowledged historical victimisation, and denial of cultural autonomy. Mainstream prejudice reduction interventions may have limited applicability to anti-Gypsyism, because prejudice is normative, hence people are not motivated to change their views; interventions focusing on increased liking, but not competence perception consolidate status differences; stereotypes are resistant to change because of the overlap with low SES stereotypes and assimilation of counter-stereotypical members. With the help of a meta-analysis with 169 effect sizes from 18 countries in 14 languages we showed that contact frequency was indeed only associated with affective (liking), but not cognitive and behavioural prejudice. However, we found the expected negative association between positive contact and prejudice. Eurobarometer data also showed the salience of counter-normative experiences, as friendships had a stronger impact in countries with higher overall means of anti-Gypsyism.

The Role of Ghana’s Planting for Food and Jobs Policy in Local Economic Development

This study investigates the role of Planting for Food and Jobs in local economic development. Specifically, it assessed challenges faced by planting for food and jobs in local economic development, and how planting for food and jobs has affected Ghana's local economic development. The study adopted the interpretive paradigm and the case study approach to emphasize how Planting for Food and Jobs affects local economic development from the participant's point of view and perception of reality. The study employed both qualitative and quantitative methods and was conducted in Ghana. The study found that the program's challenges with service delivery can be attributed to a lack of government financing, which has also led to other issues including the failure of various programs that were intended to promote development. Findings revealed that the creation of jobs through Planting for Food and Jobs has increased the number of farmers, which has a direct impact on the pace of output. The introduction of the program has helped farmers improve their businesses and provided opportunities for individuals to engage in farming, which led to a minor improvement in the status of the local economy. It is then recommended that the Government should support the program with enough funds to increase the program’s local economic development potential.

Postmodernism in Photography: Deconstruction and Reinterpretation of Visual Norms

This paper investigates the impact of postmodernism on contemporary photography, emphasizing its role in redefining visual norms and perceptions of reality. By analyzing the works of prominent postmodern photographers, the study focuses on three main themes: the deconstruction of the photographic subject, the application of intertextuality, and the creation of hyperreal environments. It suggests that postmodern photography, by questioning traditional concepts and methods, prompts a reassessment of visual authenticity. The deconstruction of the photographic subject challenges the notion of authenticity, intertextuality enriches interpretations by referencing other art forms, and hyperreality blurs the distinction between reality and simulation, influencing how media shapes our perceptions. These themes collectively show how postmodernism not only alters photography’s aesthetic and technical facets but also engages with broader cultural and philosophical questions of the digital era.

The use of Simulated Observations in Medical Simulation and its effect on perceived realism: A pilot project

Introduction Simulation is an effective teaching method with increasing growth and recognition and refers to the artificial representation of a real-life scenario. The aim of this study was to compare simulation with and without the use of a simulated observations monitor and to investigate differences in students’ impression of realism, engagement, learning, and enjoyment. Methods Simulation sessions were delivered to second and third-year Swansea University Medical Students, and a total of 15 students were included. Students carried out 2–3 scenarios each with and without the use of a simulated observations monitor. Data collection was conducted via student surveys and a joint interview. Results All students had an increased sense of realism with the use of the simulated observations monitor, feeling a closer resemblance to what would be experienced in clinical practice. They felt this improved their learning, making them more prepared for the real-life scenario. The monitor was more dynamic, responding to their interventions, helping them maintain focus and engagement throughout. A key theme was the reduction of interruptions or deviations from the scenario to communicate with the examiner or ask for observations. The visual and audible affects provided additional stimuli, adding to the realistic nature of the simulation. Discussion Simulation has been shown to be a useful education tool, but there is less evidence to support the use of higher fidelity over lower fidelity simulation. The terms are often used inconsistently, and many factors affect the students’ perceived sense of realism. This study shows that the addition of a simple device such as the simulated observations monitor can produce a higher level of fidelity, particularly in terms of the stimuli provided and student perceptions of realism, which may be effective in improving engagement with the simulation, learning, and aid recall when presented with similar scenarios in a real-life situation.

Is Seeing Believing? Hallmark Movie Viewership and Relationship Beliefs.

The Hallmark Channel, a highly watched cable network, is known for its consistently idealistic portrayals of romantic relationships. Despite its popularity, no research has examined whether increased viewership of Hallmark movies covaries with endorsement of relationship beliefs. According to cultivation theory, what we watch impacts our beliefs and perceptions of reality. Additionally, the Differential Susceptibility to Media Effects Model (DSMM) proposes that certain variables, such as developmental (i.e., age, relationship length) and dispositional factors (e.g., attachment style, gender), may make certain viewers more or less susceptible to the effects of media viewership. Based on this grounding, the main purpose of this study was to determine if watching more Hallmark movies is associated with endorsing certain beliefs about romantic relationships and opposite-sex friendships when controlling for several susceptibility factors. A nationwide sample of heterosexual, married participants (N = 279) completed measures of Romantic Beliefs, Implicit Theories of Relationships, and beliefs about opposite-sex friendships and reported on their media consumption. More frequent Hallmark movie viewership was associated with increased endorsement of several relationship beliefs, above and beyond susceptibility factors (e.g., attachment, relationship length) and daily television consumption. Specifically, greater Hallmark movie viewership was positively associated with greater endorsement of multiple unrealistic relationship beliefs, destiny beliefs, and believing that opposite-sex friendships are problematic. The findings of the current study provide further support for cultivation theory and DSMM.

PROBLEMS OF PROFESSIONAL TRAINING OF FUTURE EDUCATORS FOR THE DEVELOPMENT OF THE CREATIVE POTENTIAL OF CHILDREN IN THE CONDITIONS OF AN INCLUSIVE EDUCATIONAL ENVIRONMENT

The article raises the issue of professional training of future educators for the development of children's creative potential in the conditions of an inclusive educational environment. The key object of the educational process in the modern educational paradigm is the personality of the child, who is able to critically perceive reality, analyse, propose ideas for solving tasks, realize his/her own uniqueness, the need for the development of individual abilities. The development of creative potential of a preschool child is aimed at forming the foundation for revealing the potential of each child in accordance with his needs, abilities, etc. The problem of the development of children's creative potential is intensified by the integration of inclusive education into the educational space of regular preschool education institutions, which puts forward new requirements for the professional training of educators who ensure the comprehensive development of all children in a single inclusive educational environment, adaptation and socialization of children with special educational needs in interaction with peers. Based on the analysis of scientific, pedagogical and methodological literature, the author highlights contemporary problems related to the research topic: the integration of inclusive education in Ukraine continues and has both positive developments and unresolved problems at the state and regional levels that slow down the achievement of the goal; the involvement of children with special educational needs in regular preschool education institutions requires in-depth improvement in order to expand opportunities for all children; lack of a model for the development of children's creative potential under the conditions of an inclusive educational environment; insufficient number of necessary specialists to work in the conditions of an inclusive educational environment; the need to modernize the variable component of professional training of future educators. The author comes to the conclusion that solving the above-mentioned problems requires targeted, thorough and long-term practical research in order to improve the quality of education, the productive development of the creative potential of each child in the conditions of an inclusive educational environment.

Understanding Consumer Perceptions And Attitudes Towards The Implementation Of Augmented Reality Marketing For High Involvement Products

Augmented Reality (AR) enhances an individual's perception of reality by adding digital elements to the physical world. Augmented Reality Marketing (ARM) occurs when AR is used to support branding or sales. This research aims to bridge the gap in the literature regarding ARM, particularly in the context of High Involvement Products (HIP). Through interviews and observations, this study highlights consumer views on ARM in the context of HIP. The results show that consumers see ARM as a valuable tool that provides informative and emotional benefits, increasing their interest in purchasing HIP. However, ARM is not seen as a replacement for other sources of information but rather as a complement. Despite being perceived as time-consuming and difficult to use, ARM has great potential as a standard practice in the future. Consumers find ARM especially useful when product design is a primary focus in the purchase decision. Therefore, the application of ARM may not be essential for all companies, as its main advantage lies in its ability to visualize products in real-life situations before purchase.

Ethnocultural and Ethnopsychological Principles of Working with Foreign Students

Ethnocultural and ethnopsychological features of interaction with foreign students require the creation of certain educational technologies and creative trajectories of communication in the learning process. In this case, cognition is based on understanding as a result of cognitive operations, and education is based on “confirmation” of reality as a condition for the formation of a professional’s personality. These are two wings for mastering independent creative flight. The purpose of the work is to demonstrate the principles of information modeling in the educational process with the cooperation of representatives of different ethnic cultures. The teaching of professional disciplines involves, depending on the subject, creative modeling of the structure, the actual algorithm and the compositional solution of effective knowledge transfer. The game principle in such modeling is expressed in the elements of the training that remove linguistic barriers. Each component of such a model is largely correlated with the content of the ethnocultural space and the ethnopsychological field of foreign students at the group and individual levels. The teacher becomes a kind of “guide” not only to the profession, but also to the culture and traditions of the country in which students receive their education. In the classroom, an intellectual atmosphere is created through the disclosure of various cultural codes that manifest themselves in the process of communication and reflect the original perception of reality. The professional worldview is formed as a result of the synthesis of ethnocultural ideas about the world, that is, monocultural concepts are fused into multicultural systems that define the individual author’s handwriting of a professional.