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Situational awareness detection and characterization of mental states have a vital role in medicine and many other fields. An electroencephalogram (EEG) is one of the most effective tools for identifying and analyzing cognitive stress. Yet, the measurement, interpretation, and classification of EEG sensors is a challenging task. This study introduces a novel machine learning-based approach to assist in evaluating situational awareness detection using EEG signals and spiking neural networks (SNNs) based on a unique spike continuous-time neuron (SCTN). The implemented biologically inspired SNN architecture is used for effective EEG feature extraction by applying time–frequency analysis techniques and allows adept detection and analysis of the various frequency components embedded in the different EEG sub-bands. The EEG signal undergoes encoding into spikes and is then fed into an SNN model which is well suited to the serial sequence order of the EEG data. We utilize the SCTN-based resonator for EEG feature extraction in the frequency domain which demonstrates high correlation with the classical FFT features. A new SCTN-based 2D neural network is introduced for efficient EEG feature mapping, aiming to achieve a spatial representation of each EEG sub-band. To validate and evaluate the performance of the proposed approach, a common, publicly available EEG dataset is used. The experimental results show that by using the extracted EEG frequencies features and the SCTN-based SNN classifier, the mental state can be accurately classified with an average accuracy of 96.8% for the common EEG dataset. Our proposed method outperforms existing machine learning-based methods and demonstrates the advantages of using SNNs for situational awareness detection and mental state classifications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Many studies discuss the impact of music programs on prison inmates. However, few studies have investigated the impact of music programs on formerly incarcerated individuals (FIIs), and none of them have focused on the programs' characteristics. This phenomenological study explores the characteristics of a music-based rehabilitation program for FIIs. Five FIIs and three staff members who participated in a group music program were interviewed. The following four themes emerged: Continuity —the importance of the FIIs' previous positive acquaintance with the program while still being in prison. Egalitarian approach —the importance of the staff treating the FIIs with understanding, tolerance, non-judgmentalism, and the use of an eye-level approach. Cultural sensitivity —the staff members' sensitivity to the FIIs' different backgrounds to form a connection. Playfulness —the program's ability to break free from a "fight-or-flight" mode and experience a counter mode of playfulness. The findings are discussed through the perspective of positive criminology. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The relationship of individuals to their image as reflected in the mirror raises a range of thoughts and emotions. Adolescence is a period of rapid change in self- and body image and therefore it may be assumed that the mirror scene may be charged with intense thoughts and emotions about oneself. The aim of this study was to explore what motivates adolescents to approach the mirror and the meaning of this experience. Recalled thoughts and emotions while being in front of a mirror were collected from 30 healthy adolescents to study this phenomenon. Qualitative analysis and coding of interview transcripts were conducted and as a result, three themes were identified: motives for approaching the mirror; adolescents' experiences of 'gaps' and their attempts to cope with them; and processing identity issues. A model that describes the motivation and the meanings of adolescents' going to and away from the mirror is proposed and discussed., Author(s): Eliane Sommerfeld [sup.1] , Moshe Bensimon [sup.2] , Mira Lutzman [sup.1] Author Affiliations: (1) 0000 0000 9824 6981grid.411434.7Department of Psychology, Ariel University, Ariel, Israel (2) 0000 0004 1937 0503grid.22098.31Department [...]

Musical presentation (MP) is a diagnostic and therapeutic music therapy tool which focuses on the participant's emotional exploration and awareness-insight development. Using this tool people present themselves through music of their choice and subsequently receive feedback from their peers. This study investigates MP as a tool for enhancing self-awareness in the context of a voluntary activity that was integrated in courses for undergraduate students in order to demonstrate its possible uses. Open-ended in-depth interviews with 15 MP presenters and focus-group interviews with 41 MP peers who listened to the presentations were conducted. The Johari Window, which is a cognitive psychological model used to help people better understand their interpersonal communication and relationships, served as a conceptual framework for this study. Qualitative analysis of the data showed that presenters' self-awareness was enhanced through the use of both music and words. As an accessible and creative tool, the MP can be used as a way for people in both therapeutic and non-therapeutic settings to present themselves via their music to a group and increase their self-awareness. (Contains 3 figures.)

Whereas many research studies have discussed the impact of music programmes in a prison setting, few studies have investigated the impact of music programmes that take place outside the prison and are intended for formerly incarcerated individuals. The current study aims to fill this void by examining the experience of formerly incarcerated individuals who participated in a group music programme intended to assist them on their journey towards rehabilitation. Five formerly incarcerated individuals who participated in the Sounding Out Programme (SOP), a group music programme funded by the Irene Taylor Trust in London, were interviewed for this research. In addition, three programme staff members were interviewed in order to gain further perspective on the process. Content analysis of the interviews indicated the emergence of four central themes: improved social bonding, a sense of hope and life purpose, a sense of achievement, and transformation. These findings are discussed in light of the Good Lives Model (GLM). Accordingly, the SOP assisted both formerly incarcerated individuals and programme staff members in attaining the following GLM primary goods in life: community, relatedness, knowledge, spirituality, excellence in work and play, excellence in agency, and creativity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Although group drumming has been found to help improve well-being among marginalized populations, including incarcerated individuals, additional study into the possible benefits of drumming within maximum-security facilities is still required. This phenomenological study examines the experiences of fifteen maximum-security-incarcerated individuals who participated in a twelve-session group drumming and the meaning of this group for them. An analysis of interviews that took place after the sessions revealed three main categories: (1) perceptions regarding the djembe – describing how participants initially perceived the djembe as insufficiently masculine, but then changed their minds about this; (2) benevolent relationships – relating to the facilitators' non-judgemental, non-patronizing and egalitarian approach within a joyful atmosphere, and how this filtered into the mutual relationships among group members; (3) revealing new possibilities – describing how participants were able to unmask themselves and discover new aspects of their peers, express emotions within a pleasurable and safe space and release aggression. This study suggests that the use of drumming groups as a rehabilitative tool may enable incarcerated individuals to shift from a hegemonic masculinity, that fosters aggression, toughness, boldness, violence and control of others, towards an alternative masculinity that encourages openness, respect, support and the expression of emotions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This pilot study examines the perceptions of Arabs living in Israel (ALI) regarding violent national-political protests (VNPP). ALI, exposed to VNPP by organizations of their own ethnic minority, are trapped in a political and cultural conflict between their state and their nation. Qualitative analysis of semi-structured interviews with 15 Muslim ALI identified four possible groups presenting four types of VNPP perceptions: (a) justifiers, who regard VNPP as a legitimate means of protecting the Palestinians and who profess Palestinian identity; (b) opponents, who strongly condemn VNPP and who profess Israeli identity; (c) those understanding but disagreeing with VNPP, professing a dual Palestinian-Israeli identity; and (d) the ambivalents, representing people with internal conflicts and mixed feelings regarding the Palestinian VNPP and their own identity. The study contributes to the understanding of how a group of ALI perceives the Palestinian VNPP, and implies that this population consists of different groups, each with its own unique identity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The presented study examined dynamics and perceptions among family members of ideologues lawbreaking animal rights activists. In the course of the study, parents and spouses of activists were interviewed, and its findings highlighted a number of key themes: glorification of the activist, an envy directed toward elements of the activism; personal gain acquired by virtue of the relationship, as well as self-discovery which family members experienced by their exposure to activism. By using Maruna's "redemption script" (2001), the study presents the manner by which perception of an activist as an idealist, leads his family members to construct a new narrative that qualifies transgressions based on ideology. The redemption script turns out to be bidirectional. Thus, while Maruna presented it as an aid for desisting delinquency, the study indicates that as far as it concerns breaking the law in favor of animals, it can mobilize family members to support all shades of activism. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]