Abstract: Background: This study examines the impact of problematic internet use, or internet addiction, on adolescent mental health, focusing on key psychological variables, assessing the strength of these associations, and identifying potential moderating factors. Methods: A search of the Web of Science databases over the past five years identified 830 articles. Of these, 33 met the inclusion criteria, involving 303,243 participants (average age 14.57; 49.44% female). The selection process was verified by two researchers. Results: Nine psychological variables were analysed: depression, anxiety, stress, suicidal behaviour, psychological well-being, self-esteem, externalising problems, aggressiveness, and impulsiveness. Internet addiction showed positive correlations with aggressiveness (r+ = 0.391), depression (r+ = 0.318), anxiety (r+ = 0.252), and suicidal behaviour (r+ = 0.264). Negative correlations were observed with psychological well-being (r+ = -0.312) and self-esteem (r+ = -0.306). No significant associations were found for externalising problems, impulsiveness, or stress. None of the moderators showed a significant correlation with internet addiction and depression. Conclusions: Although limited by small sample sizes for some variables and the cross-sectional design of most studies, the findings confirm that internet addiction negatively affects adolescents' mental health, being linked to poorer self-perceived health, greater psychological distress, and increased aggression.

Abstract:

With an emphasis on how social media influencers affect travelers' views, preferences, and travel decisions, this research investigates the impact of these individuals on tourism decision-making. Using a combination of quantitative and qualitative methods, the research evaluates the influence of key influencer characteristics- such as authenticity, trustworthiness, expertise, and engagement on the attitudes and decisions of potential travelers. The findings aim to provide tourism marketers with actionable insights on effective influencer collaboration strategies to enhance engagement and promote destinations. A sample of 108 respondents was surveyed, and the data was analyzed using Chi-Square tests and simple percentage analysis to draw meaningful conclusions. The results offer valuable guidance for crafting targeted marketing campaigns that appeal to today’s digitally engaged and travel-savvy audience.

Abstract: This research paper investigates the impact of psychological interventions on student performance, specifically within the MIT Integration Bee, a prestigious mathematics competition that challenges students with advanced calculus problems. Conducted across multiple high schools in Texas, the study explores how different motivational techniques, including intrinsic and extrinsic rewards, influence test scores and overall student engagement. The research design includes a comprehensive analysis of motivational strategies, encompassing both baseline and reward-based conditions to assess their effectiveness in enhancing student performance. By examining a diverse sample of high schools from urban and suburban areas, this study aims to provide a holistic understanding of the factors that drive academic achievement in competitive settings. The results have significant implications for educational strategies, particularly in the realm of mathematics education, and highlight the potential for tailored motivational interventions to optimize student engagement and achievement. These findings contribute to the broader discourse on educational psychology, offering insights that could inform the development of more effective teaching practices and policies aimed at fostering a conducive learning environment for students across different educational contexts. In addition, this can potentially be applied to universities as well, breaking way through an exciting part of academics.

Abstract: Living beings as open systems depend on climate and weather to survive. However, changes in Earth's climatology, which have been increasing since the industrial period, have affected different territories of the planet, limiting access to ecosystem services and causing imbalances in health and well-being. The first purpose of this study is to conduct a literature review on academic production regarding Climate Change and its impact on health, in the context of education, using international academic production condensed in the Web of Science (WOS) database over the last 10 years as a reference. The second purpose focuses on identifying the environmental attitudes of science teachers in initial training regarding aspects related to climate change. The study results show three categories emerging from the literature review: Climate Change and Health, Nature and Risks, Environment and Energy. For the analysis of environmental attitudes, a survey was con-ducted with 51 pre-service teachers, consisting of 59 items distributed in 5 categories: a) envi-ronment, b) climate change, c) health, d) education, e) lifestyle. Although the results reveal a positive attitude towards all analysed categories, it is important to advance effective mitigation and adaptation strategies from the teacher training processes themselves.

Abstract:

In the field of music education, the incorporation of technology originally designed for professionals presents both significant opportunities and challenges. These technologies, although advanced and powerful, are often not adapted to meet the specific needs of the educational environment. Therefore, this study details the design and implementation process of a system consisting of a hardware device called "Play Box" an associated software, "Imaginary Play Box". The Design Sciences Research Methodology (DSRM) specifically adapted to software development was used to structure the project. The three phases shown in this study ranged from the conception of an initial prototype to the realisation of a working software.

During the design phase, a questionnaire was developed to evaluate various aspects of the software, such as the visual interface, the programming of components and the sound interactivity provided by the Play Box. The technique of panels of experts in music pedagogy and programming in MAX-MSP was used to obtain critical feedback. This expert evaluation was crucial to iterate and polish the process of iteration and refining the software, culminating in a beta version optimised for the creation of electroacoustic music for music education.

Abstract:

With the acceleration of urbanization around the world, city dwellers face increasing levels of work stress and mental health issues, which negatively impact their happiness. The purpose of this study was to explore the impact of natural environment on residents' mental health and well-being in urban forest parks, and to analyze the relationship between natural environment perception, psychological recovery, restorative environment perception and subjective well-being. Through a questionnaire survey conducted in a botanical garden in Hunan Province, 504 valid samples were collected. Through structural equation model (SEM) analysis, the results show that: (1) natural environment perception has significant positive effects on psychological recovery and restorative environment perception. (2) Psychological recovery as an intermediary variable significantly improved residents' subjective well-being. In addition, the characteristics of an individual's social background, such as gender, education level, occupation, and frequency of visits, are closely related to the perception and well-being of the natural environment. Among them, the increase of the frequency of visit has a significant positive effect on the improvement of individual's natural environment perception, restorative environment perception, subjective well-being and psychological recovery. The results show that: (1) Urban planners should improve the accessibility of urban forest parks and integrate restorative elements into the design. (2) Encourage residents to visit frequently to improve mental health and well-being. The results of this study provide empirical support for the value of urban forest parks in promoting public mental health and well-being, and provide scientific basis for urban planning and green space management.

Abstract:

This study investigates user experiences of interaction with two types of robots: Pepper, a social humanoid robot, and Double 3, a self-driving telepresence robot. Conducted in a controlled setting with a specific participant group, this research aims to understand how different robot embodiments affect user perception, interaction patterns, and emotional responses. The findings underscore the role of adaptability, effective communication, autonomy, and perceived credibility in user-centered robot design. Despite limitations in sample size, the study provides insights into the ethical and social considerations of integrating AI in public and professional spaces, highlighting implications for enhancing user-centered design and expanding applications for Social and Telepresence robots in society.

Abstract:

The present paper outlines a pathway for the study of higher cognition. In the forward, the classical model of higher cognition is first introduced. The following contents are divided into five sections. Section 1 emphasizes the mutual dependence between empirical research and normative theory in three major subdomains of cognitive science, namely, reasoning, decision-making, and competition. A unified approach towards integrating reasoning with decision-making and competition is explained. Section 2 describes the modeling of hesitation within cognitive processes, which can be formulated in terms of cognitive fluctuations and permits a dynamical description. Specifically, the notion of logical charge is introduced to explain reasoning dynamics. What may be termed as the motion of logical charge is shown to be associated with a logical current and cognitive field, which in turn draws decision-making towards one of two poles, that being either commitment or refusal. Section 3 extends the powerful tools of dynamic analysis, previously applied for cognitive dynamics, to the domain of economics. It is shown how an interpretation of the Standard Model in the context of economic dynamics lends itself to a comprehensive framework that describes market dynamics, sub-economic dynamics, economic externality dynamics, the model of ordinary rationality, and the inequality mechanism in political economics. Section 4 details a stochastic statistical model relevant to quantum yes-no experiments. Finally, Section 5 provides a general discussion for the future of higher cognition research.

Abstract: Since the publication of Volume III of Capital, the law of the tendential fall in the rate of profit (LTFRP) has been the subject of theoretical and empirical debate within the Marxian political economy. Many controversial literature on such subject has been conditioned by the absence for years of a comprehensive econometric analysis. In addition, many results refer to specific areas of production, such as USA or EU area, loosing of a possible generality, as on the contrary, the tendential law was enounced by Marx. In turn, the historically prevalent mode of production in each era can be considered as complex adaptive systems, as they exhibit self-organization, interdependence, space of possibilities, co-evolution and self-replication, all typical features of a complex system as highlighted in the last 50 years by the natural sciences. The question then is how to combine these concepts with Marx's statement of the tendency law of the falling rate of profit? In this paper, we exploit the concept of complexity and open systems for human society as a whole and economic setup as given by capitalism way of production. Based on such assumptions, we will analyse the LTFRP in a statual context like USA economy, here considered as the system of interest, coupled to the rest of world, with which the system of interest is coupled and continuously exchanges material goods and with which it organizes production and financial chains. In the picture that provides an economical system of interest, like in our case, the U.S. economy, coupled to the rest of the world, the countertendencies introduced about the falling rate of profit can be considered as dynamical corrections being the coupling between the two system (a system of interest and the larger world) as a manifestation of typical non-equilibrium systems, in a special way, as a self-replicating and self-reproducing system. In turn, in this paper, we address this issue by testing the Marx’s LTFRP with an econometric model that accounts the counter-tendencies and hence, we cross validate such model by investigating the profit rates time series for U.S. economy in the period 1945-2016. We find evidence for the period under investigation of a downward trend of approximately 3-4.5%.

Abstract: The study aimed to explore the self-conception of foresters in relation to forest recreational management in the Czech Republic. Using qualitative research methods, specifically semi-structured in-depth interviews, the study gathered data to uncover the positive and negative factors influencing the work of foresters as recreational managers. Fifteen respondents from across the country, all involved in the development and management of forest recreation, participated in the study. Content analysis and grounded theory were applied to analyze the interviews, with the aid of ATLAS.ti software. The findings highlight foresters' self-conception from two perspectives: as forest users and as professionals. The professional perspective also revealed challenges, benefits, and obstacles in managing recreational activities. A key theme that emerged was the relationship and communication with the public. The study found that foresters' views on recreation management are complex, encompassing both positive and negative aspects. While they value contributing to the public good, they face issues such as environmental pollution, conflicts with visitors, rule enforcement, and a lack of recognition for their efforts. These challenges shape their professional outlook. The insights gained could guide future research and inform strategies to enhance forest recreation management.