Search

The inconsistent findings about learning outcomes in VR (virtual reality) learning necessitate further robustness of empirical data. This article addressed this gap by comparing the learning outcomes across VR, phone, and mobile learning on two dimensions: recall accuracy and recall speed, as well as learners' attitudes. Additionally, this paper attempted to investigate the differences between 5 and 10 min time duration. By inviting a total of 28 participants to the lab experiments on English vocabulary acquisition, this study yielded no statistically significant difference in vocabulary recall accuracy between VR, computer, and mobile learning. Nonetheless, the significant difference in vocabulary recall speed was generated. Besides, the time spent on vocabulary acquisition was significantly shorter in VR than in computer and mobile learning. Additionally, pairwise comparisons revealed that learners' perceptions and attitudes toward SUS resulted in significantly lower scores in VR than in computer- and mobile-based learning. Further, merely two of the nine items on the VR sickness scale demonstrated a significant raise in visual fatigue as well as significant decline in headache between 5 and 10 min learning duration. Future research should anticipate a larger sample size to ensure the validity of research findings and further construct a 3D modeling for the same language learning settings for non-college, primary, as well as secondary school students. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background/Objectives: This study explores the characteristics of different perception types in middle-aged female breast cancer patients and proposes psychological counselling interventions tailored to each type. Methods: The study used the Q methodology, starting with the construction of 40 Q samples and 39 P samples. Results: We categorised middle-aged female patients' subjective perceptions of battling breast cancer into five types along a spectrum: Type 1, 'Embracing a New Life'; Type 2, 'Finally Focusing on Myself'; Type 3, 'Struggling Amidst Confusion'; Type 4, 'Withdrawing in Despair'; and Type 5, 'Pushed to the Edge of Fear'. Conclusions: This study revealed that the subjective experiences of middle-aged female breast cancer patients range on a spectrum from post-traumatic growth to post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Based on these findings, this study discusses the characteristics and significance of each subjectivity type and suggests implications and directions for future research. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: gustatory ability is a marker of health not routinely tested in the medical practice. The current study wants to assess whether taste strips can be useful to monitor taste function from home. Methods: we performed simple sensory tests in lab setting vs. unassisted testing at home, and compared the results with self-reports ability to taste and smell. Using paper strips impregnated with sweet, bitter, salty, or sour tastants, and with two trigeminal stimuli (capsaicin, tannins) in high and low concentrations, we assessed gustatory and trigeminal function in 74 participants (47 women) in the lab, where paper strips were administered by an experimenter, and in 77 participants (59 women) at home, where they self-administered the test. Results: we found that high (but not low) concentration taste strips are correctly identified by vast majority of participants. On average, taste identification, intensity and pleasantness scores did not differ for the 8 taste strips, while identification of capsaicin was significantly better in the lab. Taste identification scores correlated with intensity ratings in both settings (r = 0.56, in the lab, r = 0.48, at home, p < 0.005). Self-rated taste ability correlated with self-rated smell ability (r = 0.68, and r = 0.39, p ≤ 0.005), but not with scores in the strips test. Conclusion: home testing with impregnated taste strips is feasible, and can be used for telemedical purposes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study seeks to investigate demographics of patients with Madelung deformity in a large, geographically diverse sample and understand patient and caregiver perceptions of the impact of this condition. We hypothesized that patients with untreated Madelung deformity have greater pain and lower function compared to the normal population but are less affected than the chosen control group, namely, patients with proximal radioulnar synostosis (PRUS). This retrospective study queried the Congenital Upper Limb Differences (CoULD) Registry, a multicenter registry of patients treated in tertiary care pediatric hospitals. We searched patients enrolled as of July 2022 and identified 3,980 total patients and 66 (1.7%) with a diagnosis of Madelung deformity. We reviewed demographics and Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System (PROMIS; peer relations, depressive symptoms, pain interference, and upper extremity function domains) scores at time of enrollment. We used a matched cohort comparison with propensity scoring for 50 patients with Madelung deformity and 50 patients with PRUS (control cohort). Patients with Madelung deformity presented at an average age of 13.1 years (± 2.1 years). Ninety-eight percent were female, and 82% were White. Seventy-four percent had distal radius-only deformity. Upper extremity PROMIS scores in both the Madelung deformity and the PRUS groups were significantly "worse" than normal, confirming our hypothesis. The Madelung deformity and PRUS cohort scores were not consistently different from one another. PROMIS scores from all other domains, including pain interference, were similar to, or better than normal for both groups, disproving the second part of our hypothesis. Patients with Madelung deformity averaged 13 years of age and were nearly all female, and the majority had only distal involvement of the radius. Patients with Madelung deformity had lower function based on PROMIS scores, similar to the control cohort, whereas all other PROMIS measures were similar to or better when compared to normal values. Pain interference scores in both cohorts were lower than normal values. Patients with Madelung deformity have decreased function, similar to the comparative cohort of patients with PRUS, but do not present with increased pain. Symptom Prevalence III. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purpose of this study was to confirm subjective perceptions of cardiovascular disease risk among professional male drivers. Using the Q-methodology, we systematically analyzed and classified subjective perceptions of cardiovascular disease risk among professional drivers, thus identifying characteristics of each type. Q methodology, which is a research method to study people’s subjective points of views, was used. 34 Q-statements (Q-sample) were derived from the Q population (Concourse) and were arranged in rank order by each of 35 participants into a normal distribution grid (from −4 to +4). A QUANL program was used to analyze the collected data. The subjective perceptions of cardiovascular disease risk among professional male drivers were classified into four types: first, the risk detection type; second, the prevention effort type; third, the symptom recognition type; and finally, the risk neglect type. Efforts should be made to maintain the physical and mental health promotion of the subjects, including education on symptoms related to cardiovascular disease, awareness and prevention of high-risk factors and severity, and various efforts. Furthermore, it is necessary to develop and implement tailored health promotion programs for preventing cardiovascular disease, considering the diverse characteristics of professional drivers.

Youth with functional neurological symptom disorder (FNSD) often perceive themselves as having limited capabilities, which may not align with clinical evaluations. This study assessed the disparities between clinician evaluations and patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) regarding pain, motor function, and learning difficulties in youth with FNSD. Sixty-two youths with FNSD participated in this study, all of whom reported experiencing pain, motor problems, and/or learning difficulties. Clinicians also assessed these domains, resulting in a two-by-two categorization matrix: (1) agreement: child and clinician report ''problems''; (2) agreement: child and clinician report ''no problems''; (3) disagreement: child reports ''problems'' while the clinician does not; and (4) disagreement: clinician reports ''problems'' while the child does not. Agreement/disagreement differences were analyzed. No significant differences in prevalence were observed between the evaluators regarding pain (clinician-85%, child-88%), motor (clinician-98%, child-95%), or learning problems (clinician-69%, child-61%). More than 80% of the children and clinicians report pain and motor disorders. Instances in which children and clinicians reported learning problems (40.3%) exceeded cases in which both reported no problems (9.6%) or only the child reported problems (20.9%). Overall, the agreement between pain and motor function assessments was high (>90%), whereas that concerning learning difficulties was moderate (49.9%). Disagreement in pain/motor assessments was minimal (20%). In conclusion, a significant concordance exists between PROMs and clinician assessments of pain and motor problems. However, the higher frequency of disagreements regarding learning difficulties emphasizes the importance of incorporating patient and clinician evaluations in pediatric FNSD treatment.

Schizophrenia spectrum disorders involve disturbances in the experience of the self, which are related to limited metacognitive ability. The aim of metacognition-based therapies is to improve metacognitive ability and, subsequently, self-management and recovery. Adding to the quantitative findings from a trial on the effectiveness of Metacognition Reflection and Insight Therapy (MERIT), in the current study, we report on a qualitative assessment of MERIT's subjective perceived contribution. Twenty-seven patients with schizophrenia were interviewed after completing MERIT. Content analysis based on grounded theory was conducted by two independent raters. Most participants were satisfied with the therapy and reported improvement mainly in self-experience domains. The main contributors to perceived improvement pertained to the intervention process (e.g., therapeutic alliance and therapist interventions) as well as to the patient being an active agent of change. Perceived outcomes are particularly important among this cohort, as they often cope with limited metacognitive abilities, expressed by challenges in reflecting on themselves and others. The current study supports MERIT as a treatment that enhances positive outcomes for people with schizophrenia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) is emerging as a promising non-invasive intervention for tinnitus by aiming to modulate abnormal brain activity. This study investigated the efficacy of dual-session tDCS for the relief of perception, distress, and loudness in patients with severe chronic subjective tinnitus and assessed the duration of tinnitus suppression effects compared to single-session and control groups over a 2-month follow-up. In a prospective, randomized, single-blind, placebo-controlled trial, 30 participants with severe chronic subjective tinnitus underwent bifrontal tDCS. The control group (n = 9), single-session group (n = 10), and dual-session group (n = 11) received 2 mA stimulation for 20 min per session, twice a week for one month. The treatment response was monitored weekly using the Visual Analogue Scale (VAS), with additional assessments using the Tinnitus Handicap Inventory (THI) and Beck Depression Inventory (BDI) at the fourth and eighth weeks. The single- and dual-session groups showed statistically significant improvements in VAS, THI, and BDI scores compared to the control group. THI and BDI scores showed a significant difference between the single- and dual-session groups. The dual-session group demonstrated a more sustained tinnitus suppression effect than the single-session group. tDCS has been validated as an effective intervention for the suppression of tinnitus, with the dual-session protocol showing longer-term benefits. These findings support the potential of tDCS as a treatment for tinnitus, particularly in dual-session applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

There are significant limitations to current methods for eliciting the prior beliefs of experts. To combat some of these limitations, this paper proposes an alternative approach that infers an expert's prior beliefs about an uncertain event, A, from the expert's past decisions. We show that an analyst can use past information on an expert's decision-making task, contingent on an expert's prior of A, to model the decision-making process and infer an approximation of the prior for A. This concept is illustrated by an application to recidivism. We conclude this work by highlighting important directions for future research. Funding: J. R. Falconer's research is funded through the University of Waikato Doctoral Scholarship. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The literature suggests that the medical community needs musicians to provide an insider’s perspective to understand the physical and psychological dimensions of playing an instrument, and healthcare providers need to understand musicians’ experiences in order to develop coping strategies. Compared with professional pianists, student pianists are a neglected group. However, student and professional pianists both want to maintain their playing careers and have the experience of giving up playing because of playing-related musculoskeletal disorder (PRMD). There are a few studies conducted on student pianists’ experiences with PRMD, but none have been conducted in the Chinese context. Given the distinctive characteristics of higher music education in China and Chinese piano students, this study aims to investigate the lived experiences of tertiary student pianists with PRMD. Methods: Phenomenology is the most suitable qualitative method for investigating lived experiences. This study employed a transcendental phenomenological approach to investigate the experiences of student pianists, collecting data through one-on-one interviews and focus group discussions. Since phenomenological research emphasizes the homogeneity of research subjects, all 25 participants in this study are tertiary student pianists from seven Chinese higher education institutions. Results: Four themes and ten sub-themes were identified in this study. They are as follows: Theme one, Perceptions of PRMD, with sub-themes of body perceptions, negative thought, and emotional changes; Theme two, Complex Identity, with sub-themes of future pianists’ identity, nuanced identity of student pianists, and the dual identity between student pianist and patient; Theme three, Coping Strategies, with sub-themes of self-regulation and actively seek help from social relations; Theme four, Influences and Meanings, with sub-themes of negative influences of PRMD and positive meanings of PRMD. Conclusion: This study explores the experiences of tertiary student pianists with PRMD, including their subjective thoughts and feelings. It also highlights the importance of understanding tertiary student pianists’ experiences in developing health education and healthcare measures tailored to them. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: to compare the refractive error measurements achieved through three distinct techniques: retinoscopy, subjective method, and the subjective fogging method. Methods: Participants included 223 young adults aged 18 to 36 years (mean age: 25.63±5.31). The refractive error of one eye was measured under three different accommodation control conditions: subjective refraction, fogging subjective refraction and retinoscopy.Results: Data were collected for 223 young adults. The average Spherical value obtained by the retinoscopy method was 0.21 and the average cylinder was -0.76. These values were -0.01 and -0.75, respectively, in the subjective with fog method: The Spherical value and cylinder obtained by the regular subjective method were -0.13 and -0.74 D, respectively; The mean spherical equivalent with subjective refraction method was more minus than fogging subjective refraction and retinoscopy provided the most plus results. the difference in spherical and spherical equivalent value between three methods was significant (p- value< 0.001) but the difference in cylindrical value between three groups was not significant (p- value> 0.05). According to the Intraclass Correlation Coefficient analysis, the agreement between three methods for measuring sphere (ICC= 0.99), cylinder (ICC= 0.95) and spherical equivalent (ICC= 0.99) was good.Conclusions: The results showed that retinoscopy and fogging subjective refraction were the most similar methods, with a small mean difference. However, the comparison between retinoscopy and subjective refraction had wider limits of agreement than retinoscopy and fogging subjective refraction. Key words: Retinoscopy, subjective, refraction, fogging

Perceived age-based discrimination has negative effects on health and wellbeing. Although its consequences are well acknowledged, less is known about the environmental context in which perceived age-based discrimination occurs and whether it affects people's perceptions of their nearby environment. This study aimed to disentangle the bi-directional temporal associations between perceived age-based discrimination and perceived neighborhood characteristics. The Health and Retirement Study is a representative panel study of US residents over the age of 50. The present study relied on three waves of the leave behind psychosocial questionnaire administered in 2010 (N = 8332), 2014 (N = 7.541), and 2018 (N = 5738). A cross-lagged analysis was conducted using Mplus. The study found a temporal bi-directional association between perceived neighborhood positive characteristics and perceived age discrimination, so that those who hold more positive perceptions of their own environment also are less likely to report perceived age-based discrimination four years later. The opposite direction of effects also was supported. There were no differences between the younger age group (50–65 years old) and the older age group (65+years) in these cross-lagged associations. The findings highlight the subjective nature of both perceived age-based discrimination and perceived neighborhood characteristics by possibly pointing to a shared worldview, which contributes to both.

While behavioral tasks like the Alternate Use task (AUT) quantify creative potential levels, clarifying how they relate to subjective self-report ratings would contribute to the creativity assessment field. Valid and reliable single-item measures to efficiently assess one's creativity level could allow researchers and educators with limited time and resources to use the simpler and shorter self-report item. This study's primary objective was to evaluate the construct validity of a single-item creative self-belief (CSB) measure by comparing it with AUT fluency, flexibility, elaboration, and originality scores that were scored using manual and automated methods. It also aimed to assess the single-item CSB's convergent validity and test-retest reliability. In addition, the relationship between the manual and automated AUT scoring methods was evaluated. Data from 1,179 adult participants collected in a more extensive parent study were used for these analyses. CSB was weakly correlated to manual fluency (rho = 0.13, p = 0.004, n-505) and manual originality (rho = 0.11, p = 0.01) but no other AUT measures. CSB was correlated with the personality indices of openness to experience (rho = 0.49, p < 0.001), extraversion (rho = 0.20, p < 0.001), neuroticism (rho = -0.20, p < 0.001), agreeableness (rho = 0.14, p < 0.001), and conscientiousness (rho = 0.14, p < 0.001). CSB test-retest reliability, assessed using entries from participants who completed two sessions, was high (Intraclass Correlation 78.6). The manual elaboration score was strongly correlated with the automated Open Creativity Scoring with Artificial Intelligence (OCSAI) elaboration score (rho = 0.76, p < 0.001), and manual originality scores were correlated with OCSAI originality scores but less strongly (rho = 0.21, p < 0.001). These findings support using multiple measures to assess aspects of the creative process, not relying solely on this single-item CSB measure. However, the single-item CSB item may be helpful in limited-time situations and has demonstrated positive content validity, test-retest reliability, and a significant, albeit weak, correlation to AUT fluency and originality. This study also supports the continued use of OCSAI to score elaboration and originality in AUT.

Introduction: To compare the refractive error measurements achieved through three distinct techniques: retinoscopy, subjective method, and the subjective fogging method. Methods: Participants included 223 young adults aged 18 to 36 years (mean age: 25.63±5.31). The refractive error of one eye was measured under three different accommodation control conditions: subjective refraction, fogging subjective refraction and retinoscopy. Results: Data were collected for 223 young adults. The average spherical value obtained by the retinoscopy method was 0.21 D, and the average cylinder was -0.76 D. These values were -0.01 D and -0.75 D, respectively, in the subjective with fog method. The spherical value and cylinder obtained by the regular subjective method were -0.13 D and -0.74 D, respectively. The mean spherical equivalent with subjective refraction method was more minus than fogging subjective refraction, and retinoscopy provided the most plus results. The difference in spherical and spherical equivalent value between three methods was significant (p < 0.001), but the difference in cylindrical value between three groups was not significant (p > 0.05). According to the Intraclass Correlation Coefficient analysis, the agreement between the three methods for measuring sphere (ICC= 0.99), cylinder (ICC= 0.95), and spherical equivalent (ICC= 0.99) was good. Conclusion: The results showed that retinoscopy and fogging subjective refraction were the most similar methods, with a small mean difference. However, the comparison between retinoscopy and subjective refraction had wider limits of agreement than retinoscopy and fogging subjective refraction. Therefore, combining different methods may lead to more accurate results in determining refractive errors in young people. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

When watching a negative emotional movie, we differ from person to person in the ease with which we engage and the difficulty with which we disengage throughout a temporally evolving narrative. We investigated neural responses of emotional processing, by considering inter‐individual synchronization in subjective emotional engagement and disengagement. The neural underpinnings of these shared responses are ideally studied in naturalistic scenarios like movie viewing, wherein individuals emotionally engage and disengage at their own time and pace throughout the course of a narrative. Despite the rich data that naturalistic designs can bring to the study, there is a challenge in determining time‐resolved behavioral markers of subjective engagement and disengagement and their underlying neural responses. We used a within‐subject cross‐over design instructing 22 subjects to watch clips of either neutral or sad content while undergoing functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI). Participants watched the same movies a second time while continuously annotating the perceived emotional intensity, thus enabling the mapping of brain activity and emotional experience. Our analyses revealed that between‐participant similarity in waxing (engagement) and waning (disengagement) of emotional intensity was directly related to the between‐participant similarity in spatiotemporal patterns of brain activation during the movie(s). Similar patterns of engagement reflected common activation in the bilateral ventromedial prefrontal cortex, regions often involved in self‐referenced evaluation and generation of negative emotions. Similar patterns of disengagement reflected common activation in central executive and default mode network regions often involved in top‐down emotion regulation. Together this work helps to better understand cognitive and neural mechanisms underpinning engagement and disengagement from emotionally evocative narratives. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Felsefelogos is the property of Felsefelogos and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

The purpose of this research is to discuss the subjective interpretation of "monastic" by Imam Zamakhsyari regarding the recommendation of marriage in the Quran. This study falls under the category of qualitative research; hence, the researcher solely conducts a literature review. The research employs an interpretative approach and a historical approach. The primary data source for this research is the book "Tafsir al-Kasysyaf," supplemented by secondary data from literary sources. The discussion and findings of this research reveal that when faced with verses that emphasize the recommendation of marriage, such as Surah Al-Rum/30 verse 21, Surah Al-Nisa/4 verse 3, and Surah An-Nur/24 verse 32, both implicitly and explicitly, there are influences on his position as a scholar who chooses to live as a "monk." There is a specific stance that represents his life choice of not marrying, influenced by affective history. There exists a pre-understanding that constitutes Imam Zamakhsyari's initial position, which he engages in dialogue with the Quranic text and can be criticized for not aligning with the intended meaning of the interpreted text. The influence of affective history and the position of hermeneutical pre-understanding can be observed in his verses, expressing a profound reflection on his decision not to marry.

Background/Objectives: This study explores the characteristics of different perception types in middle-aged female breast cancer patients and proposes psychological counselling interventions tailored to each type. Methods: The study used the Q methodology, starting with the construction of 40 Q samples and 39 P samples. Results: We categorised middle-aged female patients’ subjective perceptions of battling breast cancer into five types along a spectrum: Type 1, ‘Embracing a New Life’; Type 2, ‘Finally Focusing on Myself’; Type 3, ‘Struggling Amidst Confusion’; Type 4, ‘Withdrawing in Despair’; and Type 5, ‘Pushed to the Edge of Fear’. Conclusions: This study revealed that the subjective experiences of middle-aged female breast cancer patients range on a spectrum from post-traumatic growth to post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Based on these findings, this study discusses the characteristics and significance of each subjectivity type and suggests implications and directions for future research.

Copyright of Revue Electronique Internationale Pour la Publication de Recherches Juridiques is the property of Revue Electronique Internationale Pour la Publication de Recherches Juridiques and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

The nature of consciousness in the context of artificial intelligence (AI) presents a problem that necessitates analysis and further exploration. This study seeks to redefine human-technology relationships by examining the intersection of consciousness and AI, including metaphysical implications and considerations. The primary objectives are to define consciousness within the context of AI, assess the potential for AI to exhibit consciousness, investigate the metaphysical implications for human experiences, and explore the ethical dimensions. The research findings indicate that consciousness involves self-awareness, perception, intentionality, and subjective experiences. While AI can achieve advanced cognitive abilities, the existence of higher-order consciousness remains uncertain, raising metaphysical questions about the nature of subjective awareness. The hard problem of consciousness highlights the challenge of bridging physical processes and subjective experiences, underscoring the need for metaphysical considerations. Ethical implications of AI integration and its impact on human experiences are also examined. Recommendations include further research on consciousness in AI, the development of ethical frameworks that account for metaphysical dimensions, and the exploration of the extended mind hypothesis to integrate AI as an augmentation of human consciousness. By addressing metaphysical implications and considerations, we can navigate the evolving landscape of AI and redefine human-technology relationships in a responsible, inclusive, and metaphysically informed manner. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The recovery of auto skin graft is a dynamic and complex process that requires a suitable environment for vascularization as nutrition delivery to cells and donor skin reception. Aims: This research aimed to determine the effect of Tilapia skin dressing on the recovery of auto skin graft treatment on domestic cats through subjective and objective observation. Methods: Six male Indonesian local cats aged 1-2 years old weighing 3-4 kg were separated into two groups. The surgical procedure was performed in a sterile and aseptic environment. The first surgery created wound defects on the forelimb area 2 × 2 cm in size to whole groups. The wounds were left for 4 days and then treated with the following treatments; Group I (G-I) was treated with Tilapia skin dressing, and Group II (G-II) was treated with moist dressing Sofra-tulle®. The dressing of the two groups was replaced every 3 days and evaluated subjectively and objectively. Results: Subjective observation showed that skin was reddish (day 3), the bleeding test showed bleeding immediately occurred after incision, and pain response was observed on day 6 post-surgery on both treatment groups showed significantly differences with 95% confidence level (p < 0.05). Objective observation in the form of NaCl 0.9% absorption and medicine effect on auto skin graft did not show a significant difference between the two treatment groups (p > 0.05). Conclusion: Auto skin graft treatment by moist dressing showed better healing, but Tilapia skin dressing can be an alternative choice during auto skin graft treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Although living openly with psychosis or other serious mental illness (SMI) can be important for recovery, people often conceal this identity. Social-cognitive models of diagnostic concealment/disclosure posit that perception of symptoms (e.g. perceived neurocognitive symptoms), rather than objective symptoms, evokes concern regarding disclosure. The study aims to: 1) highlight fear of diagnostic disclosure (DD) as a recovery barrier; 2) examine whether perceived symptoms or subjective neurocognitive complaints (SNCS) are associated with greater fear of DD; and 3) determine whether fear of DD is a mechanism (mediator) through which SNCS impact recovery. Fifty people experiencing SMI completed measures of recovery, fear of DD, SNCS and objective neurocognition. Three participants were excluded due to incomplete testing. To address Aim 1, correlations revealed negative associations for recovery with SNCS and fear of DD. SNCS and fear of DD were positively correlated. Better objective neurocognition was positively associated with SNCS, but not recovery. Consistent with Aims 2 and 3, SNCS were negatively associated with recovery via association with fear of DD. Results suggest fear of DD is associated with perceived difficulties, independent of actual functioning. Treatments targeting disclosure may hold promise for facilitating recovery. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This systematic review investigated the alignment of objective and subjective driving impairment following alcohol and cannabis administration. Under PRISMA guidelines, a literature search was conducted on various research databases. Studies (N = 20) were included if they were within‐subjects designs, included acute alcohol or cannabis administration, and implemented both objective and subjective measures of driving performance. The review revealed that although the current evidence was limited, there was an apparent (albeit inconsistent) alignment between subjective and objective measures of driving impairment for both alcohol and cannabis conditions. Notably, preliminary evidence suggested that heavier alcohol users may be inclined to underestimate their impairment, whilst cannabis users may overestimate the level of their impairment. However, the current literature was considered limited due to the absence of adequate analytical support, the simplistic (and potentially misleading) approaches to measuring impairment, and the lack of inquiry into how interpersonal differences mediate the subjective‐objective relationship. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and Objectives Ageism is defined as stereotypes, prejudice, and discrimination based on age. Perceived age discrimination (e.g. the behavioral component of ageism) is highly prevalent in society, as reported by 1 in 3 people in Europe. The present study examined variations in perceived age discrimination in the second half of life. We adopt a comprehensive approach that examines whether perceived age discrimination varies by age (chronological time from birth), period (the context when data were collected), or cohort (a group of people with shared life events experienced at a similar age) across gender and ethnic origin. Research Design and Methods We relied on psychosocial data from the Health and Retirement Survey between 2006 and 2018. We ran a set of age–period–cohort models to determine the separate effects of aging (age) factors, contextual (period) factors, and generational (cohort) factors on perceived age discrimination. Results Our findings show that perceived age discrimination increases with age but reaches a plateau around the age of 75. There also were some cohort effects, but they appeared minimal and inconsistent. No period effects were found. Discussion and Implications The findings attest to the consistent nature of perceived age discrimination, which is less likely to be affected by external contextual events. It also is less likely to be affected by gender or ethnicity. The findings also suggest that it is older persons who are more likely to report age discrimination, thus, interventions should address ageism in this age group. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

AIM: To compare the subjective refraction data with non-cycloplegic auto-refraction findings in the geriatric population above 60 years of age according to the different crystalline lens conditions. METHODS: This report is a part of the Tehran Geriatric Eye Study (TGES) that was conducted from January 2019 to January 2020 on elderly population 60 years of age and above in Tehran. The samples were selected by multi-stage stratified random cluster sampling. Of 3791 individual invitees, 3310 (response rate: 87.3%) participated in this study. All study participants underwent non-cycloplegic auto-refraction (auto-refractometer/keratometer Nidek ARK-510) and subjective refraction. RESULTS: Regarding the sphere, eyes with mixed cataract had the worst limits of agreement (LoA: -1.24 to 0.87) and the best agreement was related to the pseudophakic eyes (LoA: -0.83 to 0.54). The highest (0.27±0.31 D) and lowest (0.21±0.27 D) differences between the two methods regarding the cylinder power were observed in eyes with cortical cataract and normal eyes, respectively. The worst LoA between the two methods in measuring the cylinder power was related to the eyes with mixed cataract (LoA: -0.44 to 0.96). Regarding the J0 (horizontal/vertical components of astigmatism), the mean values of J0 obtained by auto-refraction were tended more toward against the rule direction in all crystalline lens conditions, and the two methods had the greatest difference in cortical cataract cases (0.05±0.17 D). Regarding the J45 (oblique components of astigmatism), the lowest (0±0.11 D) and highest (-0.01±0.12 D) differences were observed in normal eyes and eyes with cortical cataract, respectively. CONCLUSION: The auto-refractometer/keratometer Nidek ARK-510 results in the elderly with different phakic and pseudophakic conditions do not correspond well with subjective refraction findings. This discrepancy in spherical findings is more pronounced in individuals with mixed cataract than in other cases.

Schizophrenia spectrum disorders involve disturbances in the experience of the self, which are related to limited metacognitive ability. The aim of metacognition-based therapies is to improve metacognitive ability and, subsequently, self-management and recovery. Adding to the quantitative findings from a trial on the effectiveness of Metacognition Reflection and Insight Therapy (MERIT), in the current study, we report on a qualitative assessment of MERIT’s subjective perceived contribution. Twenty-seven patients with schizophrenia were interviewed after completing MERIT. Content analysis based on grounded theory was conducted by two independent raters. Most participants were satisfied with the therapy and reported improvement mainly in self-experience domains. The main contributors to perceived improvement pertained to the intervention process (e.g., therapeutic alliance and therapist interventions) as well as to the patient being an active agent of change. Perceived outcomes are particularly important among this cohort, as they often cope with limited metacognitive abilities, expressed by challenges in reflecting on themselves and others. The current study supports MERIT as a treatment that enhances positive outcomes for people with schizophrenia.

The interpretation of happiness and the method to attain it may vary from one individual to another. Happiness by itself is subjective, which entails the individual’s perception on happiness to change according to the respective situation. Literature on happiness is vast and often updated as it is enticing to explore multiple guidance in attaining true happiness. Abū Ḥāmid al-Ghazālī was a classical scholar who initiated the thought of spiritual happiness in Islam, in which he discusses methods to attain happiness for Muslims. On the other hand, Bertrand Russell is a European scholar from the modern era who discusses the factors of happiness and unhappiness in individuals. This study aims to descriptively discuss the happiness approach according to both scholars. The data collection method used was content analyses of the scholars’ works to decipher their perspectives on happiness. Comparative method was also applied to identify the similarities and differences in their thoughts on happiness. The finding reveals that the differences in thoughts between them are inevitable as both scholars hailed from different eras and their assumptions were based on contrasting epistemologies. However, similarities are also observed as it is human nature to share common characteristics of happiness. Moreover, the differences and the similarities in their eventful background have provided significant revelations in their thoughts about happiness.

The genetic basis of horn fly abundance remains largely unknown and only few heritability estimates are available based on small scale studies. In this study, one subjective and two image-based fly abundance phenotypes were analyzed. Each animal was assessed subjectively for fly abundance by at least one trained agent (SUB). Additionally, several digital images were taken and the best image for each animal was used to assess fly abundance. A box that runs roughly from the withers to the hook and from the chest floor to the fore of the udder was established and all horn flies (PA) and sampling-based estimated number of flies (PR) within the box were calculated. Horn fly counts (SUB, PA, and PR) were discretized into 4 classes based on the quartiles of their respective distributions. Heritability estimates ranged between 0.10 and 0.15 and between 0.14 and 0.16 for the continuous and discrete cases, respectively. The genetic correlation was 0.66 between PA and PR and decreased significantly between the image-based (PA and PR) and the subjective (SUB) assessments for the continuous case. For the discrete case, the genetic correlations between the three traits were very similar, indicating a high concordance between traits.

Equivalence scales are policy parameters for inequality measurement, tax deductions and subsidies. Thus, their accuracy is relevant both for budgets and social cohesion; however, their measurement is subject to debate regarding the underlying measure of welfare. Self-assessed insecurities in terms of clothing, housing and food—or basic needs—imply that at least some households are at lower levels of welfare than those that are meeting their needs. We use this to determine the increase in total expenditure required to meet their needs, on average, and thus we are able to calculate the implied equivalence scales. We compare these subjective scales to ones that arise from objective measures, such as expenditure shares on the same items. Our subjective scales are more consistent and plausible across all goods, and are similar to those arising from food expenditure shares. While scales arising from either housing or clothing expenditure shares are neither similar to those arising from food shares or basic needs adequacy nor are they plausible, given the plausibility rules we apply. Furthermore, the subjective equivalence scales are smaller than those proposed in the OECD-modified scale. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Some facts are objective. Some facts are subjective. Subjective facts are personal facts about individuals. It is the purpose of this short note to suggest that subjective facts are in fact objective facts about us. This applies not just to facts involving relations to entities that are independent of us, but to our tastes. It is an objective fact about us that we have the tastes that we do though there may be no objective matter of fact that our tastes reflect or fail to reflect. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Major depressive disorder (MDD) is associated with both self-reported (subjective) cognitive complaints and deficits in neurocognitive (objective) measures, but the correspondence between subjective and objective measures of cognition is low. This cross-sectional study aimed to (1) assess the association between subjective and objective measures of executive functions (EFs), and (2) explore factors associated with the discrepancy between subjective and objective EFs in MDD. Sixty-two participants with current or previous mild to moderate MDD and subjective EF complaints completed a clinical trial baseline assessment. An objective EF composite score was drawn from six neurocognitive measures, while the Behavior Rating Inventory of Executive Function-Adult version was applied as a measure of subjective EF. The association between the subjective and objective composites was evaluated using Spearman's rank order correlation. A discrepancy score was calculated to quantify the difference between subjective and objective EF. Factors associated with the discrepancy score were analyzed using regression analysis (p <.05). Participants reported extensive EF difficulties, but most performed in the normal range on objective EF measures. A weak correlation was detected between the subjective and objective measures (rs =.015). More rumination (β = −.364) and higher IQ (β = −.420) were associated with reporting more subjective complaints than was evident from objective measures of EF (i.e., underestimation). Subjective and objective EF measures are weakly overlapping in MDD. Findings underscore recommendations to include both subjective and objective measures when assessing EFs in depression. In addition, findings suggest that targeting ruminative processes could help correct underestimation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The current study aimed to measure the level of social self-efficacy among the students of the University of Basra, and to measure the difference in the level according to the variables of gender, academic specialization, and marital status, and the relationship of these variables with the areas of social self-efficacy. The researcher used the measure of social self-efficacy, which was translated by the researcher (Youssef Al-Saud 2016), which consists of (16) items with five alternatives and paragraphs with a positive and negative direction, and after conducting psychometric steps on it. The results showed that there is an average level of social self-efficacy among university students, and there are no differences Statistically significant at a level of significance (0.05) with the variables of gender, academic specialization, and marital status. At the end of the research, the results were discussed and interpreted in light of the objectives of the current research, compared to the results of previous studies, and a number of conclusions, recommendations, and proposals to benefit from the current research and its future development by other researchers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Little is known about the neural basis of subjective cancer-related cognitive changes. The purpose of this study was to explore salience network connectivity in relation to subjective executive and memory dysfunction in breast cancer survivors compared to controls. Methods: A retrospective cross-sectional analysis of neuroimaging, subjective cognitive, clinical, and demographic data in chemotherapy-treated primary breast cancer survivors compared to frequency matched controls was used. Functional connectivity within salience network hubs (anterior cingulate, bilateral insula) was determined using resting state functional MRI. Mann–Whitney U tests were used to evaluate group differences and Spearman's rho correlations were examined among the behavioral measures and salience network connectivity. Results: We included 65 breast cancer survivors and 71 controls. Survivors demonstrated greater subjective executive dysfunction and memory complaints (p <.001) and lower salience network connectivity (p <.05) than controls. Executive functioning correlated with bilateral insula and left anterior cingulate connectivity (rho > − 0.29, p <.05). Distress did not correlate with salience network connectivity. Conclusion: These findings suggest that salience network connectivity may represent a biomarker of subjective cancer-related cognitive changes. Implications for Cancer Survivors: Subjective cancer-related cognitive changes are common following treatment and associated with objective changes in brain connectivity [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sufferers of nephrotic syndrome can be found in both developed and developing countries. All individuals afflicted with nephrotic syndrome, including both children and adults, often experience a loss of hope and find it challenging to attain subjective well-being in their lives. Therefore, this research aims to determine the portrait of subjective well-being in people with nephrotic syndrome by examining the components and factors that influence subjective well-being. The method employed in this research is descriptive qualitative phenomenology. The data collection process in this study utilizes data triangulation, including observation, interviews, and document analysis. Data analysis was conducted using interactive data analysis methods. The findings of this study indicate that, in general, individuals suffering from nephrotic syndrome tend to have low subjective well-being or face difficulties in achieving it in their lives. This is primarily due to individuals being unable to fulfill the components and factors of subjective well-being, often experiencing higher negative affect than positive affect. Additionally, researchers have identified new factors that influence subjective well-being, namely lifestyle and self-confidence.

Background: Commuting has become an integral part of modern life, impacting individuals’ daily routines and overall wellbeing. The duration of commuting has been recognized as important determinants of subjective wellbeing, with potential implications for public health.Aim: To examine the association between commuting time and subjective wellbeing across the seven emirates of the UAE.Methods: A cross-sectional survey was conducted on adults aged 18 years and above, encompassing both officially employed and self-employed individuals in the UAE. The sample of 5,476 participants was randomly selected from the population across the seven Emirates. To assess subjective wellbeing, the WHO-5 instrument, available in 31 languages and known for its ease of completion, scoring, and interpretation, was employed. Both Arabic and English versions of the tool were provided to the participants. Logistic regression analysis was conducted to investigate the relationship between commuting time and wellbeing, while controlling for individual, social, economic, and environmental factors. The adjusted odds ratios (aORs) were calculated to determine the association with poor wellbeing.Results: The commuting time was associated with a higher odds ratio (OR) of experiencing poor subjective wellbeing. This association remained consistent even after accounting for individual, social, economic, and environmental factors in the analysis models. Among employees with commuting times greater than 60 min, the adjusted OR of poor subjective wellbeing was 2.24 (95% CI, 1.82–2.77) times higher compared to individuals with less than 15 min of commuting time. Similarly, for employees with commuting times between 31 and 60 min, the adjusted OR of poor subjective wellbeing was 1.7 (95% CI, 1.39–2.09) times higher, while for those with commuting times between 15 and 30 min, the adjusted OR was 1.26 (95% CI, 1.04–1.53) times higher, both compared to individuals with less than 15 min of commuting time.Conclusion: The findings of this study indicate that commuting time plays a crucial role in determining the subjective wellbeing of employees in the UAE. Specifically, employees with longer commuting times tend to report lower levels of subjective wellbeing. This suggests a potential opportunity to implement policies aimed at reducing commuting durations, which could ultimately enhance the wellbeing of the employed workforce. Such measures have the potential to positively impact the mental wellbeing of employees in the United Arab Emirates.

Multimedia item characteristics are used in domains, such as recommender systems and information retrieval. In this work we distinguish two main groups of item characteristics: (i) item-centric item characteristic (ICIC) and (ii) user-centric item characteristic (UCIC). With the term ICIC we denote a characteristic of an item that (a) has roots in the item and (b) has the same value for all users, for example, the duration of a song. With the term UCIC, we denote a characteristic of an item that (a) has roots in the perception of the user from an item characteristic and (b) exhibits some variance across different users, for example, the perceived emotion of a song. We survey recent work that covers various types of UCIC, acquisition methods of UCIC, and domain usage of UCIC. We identify gaps in the research and provide guidelines for future work. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purpose of this article is to examine the notion of values presented by Risieri Frondizi in the text "What are values?" In his dissertation he asks a fundamental question related to the subject: do things have value because we desire them or do we desire them because they have value? Before this, he makes a brief historical reflective journey, where we can appreciate the different ways, it has been conceived, while he points out the approaches of the subjectivist and objectivist doctrines, and then offers his own conception of values. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Annals of Philosophy / Roczniki Filozoficzne is the property of John Paul II Catholic University of Lublin, Faculty of Philosophy and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Introduction: A positive childbirth experience promotes women's health, both during and beyond the perinatal period. Understanding what constitutes a positive childbirth experience is thus critical to providing high‐quality maternity care. Currently, there is no clear, inclusive, woman‐centered definition of a positive childbirth experience to guide practice, education, and research. Aim: To formulate an inclusive woman‐centered definition of a positive childbirth experience. Methods: A six‐step process was undertaken: (a) Key concepts associated with a positive childbirth were derived from a rapid literature review; (b) The key concepts were used by interdisciplinary experts in the author group to create a draft definition; (c) The draft definition was presented to clinicians and researchers during a European research meeting on perinatal mental health; (d) The authors integrated the expert feedback to refine the working definition; (e) A revised definition was shared with women from consumer groups in six countries to confirm its face validity; and (f) A final definition was formulated based on the women's feedback (n = 42). Results: The following definition was formulated: "A positive childbirth experience refers to a woman's experience of interactions and events directly related to childbirth that made her feel supported, in control, safe, and respected; a positive childbirth can make women feel joy, confident, and/or accomplished and may have short and/or long‐term positive impacts on a woman's psychosocial well‐being." Conclusions: This inclusive, woman‐centered definition highlights the importance of provider interactions for facilitating a positive childbirth experience. Feeling supported and having a sense of control, safety, and respect are central tenets. This definition could help to identify and validate positive childbirth experience(s), and to inform practice, education, research, advocacy, and policy‐making. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Insanity as a defence against criminal conduct has been known since antiquity. Going through significant reformulations across centuries, different jurisdictions across the globe, including Nigeria, have come to adopt various strains of the insanity defence, with the presence of mental disorder being the causative mechanism of the crime as their central theme. A critical ingredient in the Nigerian insanity plea is the presence of 'mental disease' or 'natural mental infirmity' as the basis for the lack of capacity in certain cognitive and behavioural domains resulting in the offence. Mental disorders, which are the biomedical formulations of this critical legal constituent are primarily subjective experiences with variable objective features. Using illustrative cases based on psycho-legal formulation as well as reform-oriented and fundamental legal research, it is shown that Nigerian courts have held that claims of insanity based on the accused person's evidence alone should be regarded as "suspect" and not to be "taken seriously." Thus, Nigerian judicial opinions rely on non-expert accounts of defendants' apparent behavioural abnormalities and reported familial vulnerability to mental illness, amongst other facts while conventionally discountenancing the defendants' plausible phenomenological experiences validated by expert psychiatric opinion in reaching a conclusion of legal insanity. While legal positivism would be supportive of the prevailing judicial attitude in entrenching the validity of the disposition in its tenuous precedential utility, legal realism invites the proponents of justice and fairness to interrogate the merit of such preferential views which are not supported by scientific evidence or philosophical reasoning. This paper argues that disregarding the subjective experience of the defendant, particularly in the presence of sustainable expert opinion when it stands unrebutted is not in the interest of justice. This judicial posturing towards mentally abnormal offenders should be reformed on the basis of current multidisciplinary knowledge. Learning from the South African legislation, formalising the involvement of mental health professionals in insanity plea cases, ensures that courts are guided by professional opinion and offers a model for reform. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The relationship between leisure and wellbeing is of great interest in the field of leisure studies. Keyes (2002) developed a typology of flourishing vs. languishing that encompasses subjective, psychological, and social wellbeing and is linked with physical health and functioning. However, little research has been done to show how participation in various forms of leisure might be associated with this flourishing typology. Drawing on data from community data with over 5,000 adult participants, we assessed how leisure is associated with a flourishing typology. For the present analyses, we focus on scales that assessed social leisure (e.g., socializing with friends), cultural leisure (e.g., festival attendance), home-based leisure (e.g., reading books for pleasure), physically active leisure (e.g., moderate or vigorous), and media-based leisure (e.g., time spent playing computer games or watching TV). A flourishing typology was constructed from single-item ratings on life satisfaction (subjective wellbeing), psychological well-being (self-perceptions that one's life activities are worthwhile), and social wellbeing (sense of belonging). Flourishing was linked to greater participation in cultural, social, home-based, and physically active leisure. Greater time spent playing computer games and watching TV was associated with languishing. Thus, certain forms of leisure reflect flourishing and others are linked with languishing. The nature of these associations remains to be explored, in particular, whether leisure contributes to flourishing or if flourishing facilitates certain forms of leisure participation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Background Research on gustatory dysfunction among older adults has been scarce relative to research on olfactory dysfunction, and the relationship between subjective and objective gustatory dysfunction has not been studied in detail. We aimed to evaluate whether subjective recognition of gustatory dysfunction correlates with objective diagnosis of gustatory dysfunction among older adults. Methods In this retrospective, cross-sectional study, we reviewed the medical records of 138 patients of ages ≥ 60 years for whom data were available on self-reported and objectively measured gustatory and olfactory function from January 2018 through April 2021 at a specialized smell/taste center of a single institution. We reviewed self-reported and measured outcomes of gustatory and olfactory function using patient data including clinical characteristics, including age, sex, smoking history, and medical history. Results We found that the subjective recognition of gustatory dysfunction does not correlate with the objective diagnosis of gustatory dysfunction based on the measured results of gustatory function tests. Subjective gustatory dysfunction, however, was correlated with subjective olfactory dysfunction. Among clinical and demographic characteristics, age and sex were significantly associated with measured gustatory function outcomes. Conclusion We suggest that subjective gustatory dysfunction underestimates objective dysfunction and recommend that older men with diminished olfactory function undergo gustatory function testing regardless of their self-reported gustatory function status.