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Our best current science seems to suggest the laws of physics and the initial conditions of our universe are fine-tuned for the possibility of life. A significant number of scientists and philosophers believe that the fine-tuning is evidence for the multiverse hypothesis. This paper will focus on a much-discussed objection to the inference from the fine-tuning to the multiverse: the charge that this line of reasoning commits the inverse gambler's fallacy. Despite the existence of a literature going back decades, this philosophical debate has made little contact with scientific discussion of fine-tuning and the multiverse, which mainly revolves around a specific form of the multiverse hypothesis rooted in eternal inflation combined with string theory. Because of this, potentially important implications from science to philosophy, and vice versa, have been left underexplored. In this paper, I will take a first step at joining up these two discussions, by arguing that attention to the eternal inflation + string theory conception of the multiverse supports the inverse gambler's fallacy charge. It does this by supporting the idea that our universe is contingently fine-tuned, thus addressing the concern that proponents of the inverse gambler's fallacy charge have assumed this without argument.
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Synthetic biology has immense potential to ameliorate widespread environmental damage. The promise of such technology could, however, be argued to potentially risk the public, industry or governments not curtailing their environmentally damaging behavior or even worse exploit the possibility of this technology to do further damage. In such cases, there is the risk of a worse outcome than if the technology was not deployed. This risk is often couched as an objection to new technologies, that the technology produces a moral hazard. This paper describes how to navigate a moral hazard argument and mitigate the possibility of a moral hazard. Navigating moral hazard arguments and mitigating the possibility of a moral hazard will improve the public and environmental impact of synthetic biology.
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In recent decades, scholars and practitioners alike have devoted increased attention to the psychological well-being of student-athletes. However, to date, far less research has examined the role of virtues, religion, and spirituality in contributing to well-being in student-athlete populations. In this study, we attempt to address these gaps by (a) assessing the association between trait courage, an understudied virtue in the sporting realm, and mental well-being, and then (b) considering how student-athletes' attachment to God might moderate the association between trait courage and depressive symptoms. Drawing on a sample of 415 student-athletes from the USA, regression results illustrate that courage was not significantly associated with lower depressive symptoms among student-athletes. However, a secure attachment to God appeared to function as a compensatory resource for student-athletes lacking in courage. On the contrary, athletes with low trait courage but who reported greater avoidant attachment to God reported greater depressive symptoms. Taken together, a more positive relationship with God could help provide athletes with lower trait courage a way to find meaning and strength that helps them with emotion-regulation strategies to deal with the pressures within and beyond their sport. This study clearly shows that greater attention should be paid to the religious and spiritual development of student-athletes.
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Atletas , Religião e Psicologia , Estudantes , Humanos , Masculino , Atletas/psicologia , Atletas/estatística & dados numéricos , Estudantes/psicologia , Estudantes/estatística & dados numéricos , Feminino , Adulto Jovem , Universidades , Estados Unidos , Depressão/psicologia , Adulto , Espiritualidade , Saúde Mental/estatística & dados numéricos , Adolescente , Inquéritos e Questionários , Apego ao ObjetoRESUMO
This investigation aimed to explore a theoretical model that examines the relationship between patterns of insecure attachment to God (i.e., anxious, avoidant), God-focused religious coping (i.e., divine struggles, positive religious coping), and mental health and well-being (i.e., happiness, depressive symptoms). The study's participants were 340 Israeli Jewish and Muslim individuals who completed electronic self-report questionnaires to assess the main variables of the study. The theoretical model was tested using Structural Equation Modeling. The analysis' findings indicated that there were no direct links between both patterns of insecure attachment to God and both happiness and depressive symptoms. Additionally, both anxious and avoidant attachment to God were found to be positively associated with divine struggles, and the latter mediated the relationship between both anxious and avoidant attachment to God and depressive symptoms. Furthermore, there were no significant associations between positive religious coping and any of the other variables in the study. Moreover, a comparative analysis revealed that the pattern of associations between the variables in the study was not dependent on gender or religious affiliation. Theoretical and practical implications of the findings are discussed.
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Adaptação Psicológica , Depressão , Islamismo , Judeus , Religião e Psicologia , Humanos , Feminino , Israel , Masculino , Adulto , Judeus/psicologia , Judeus/estatística & dados numéricos , Depressão/psicologia , Depressão/etnologia , Islamismo/psicologia , Adulto Jovem , Felicidade , Apego ao Objeto , Inquéritos e Questionários , Pessoa de Meia-Idade , AdolescenteRESUMO
To measure α-glucosidase activity, rat intestinal acetone powder is commonly used as a source of α-glucosidase, and the mutarotase-glucose oxidase (GOD) methods commonly used to quantitate glucose produced by enzymatic hydrolysis of the substrates. In this study, we compared human Caco-2 cell extracts with rat intestinal acetone powder extracts. We also compared high-performance anion-exchange chromatography with pulsed amperometric detection (HPAE-PAD) with the mutarotase-GOD method. The sensitivity of HPAE-PAD was higher than that of mutarotase-GOD. The glucose concentration quantified by HPAE-PAD was similar to that quantified using the mutarotase-GOD method. In the maltase reaction, 1-deoxynojirimycin (1-DNJ) exerted a more potent inhibitory effect on human enzymes than on rat enzymes. This order was reversed during the sucrase reaction. These results suggested that the combined use of Caco-2 cell extracts and HPAE-PAD is advantageous for use in α-glucosidase-related basic research.
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Inibidores de Glicosídeo Hidrolases , alfa-Glucosidases , Células CACO-2 , Humanos , alfa-Glucosidases/metabolismo , Animais , Ratos , Inibidores de Glicosídeo Hidrolases/farmacologia , 1-Desoxinojirimicina/farmacologia , Cromatografia por Troca Iônica/métodos , Glucose/metabolismo , Glucose/análise , Acetona/química , Masculino , Intestinos/enzimologia , Cromatografia Líquida de Alta Pressão/métodos , Ensaios Enzimáticos/métodosRESUMO
The present study aimed to evaluate the psychometric properties of the Greek version of the Jefferson Scale of Empathy-Student version (JSE-S) and its association with potential predictors among Greek-speaking undergraduate medical students. This study adopted a cross-sectional, comparative-descriptive research design. The study was conducted during October and November 2023. Cronbach's α values for the JSE-S and the factors "perspective taking", "compassionate care", and "standing in the patient's shoes" showed internal consistency. The intraclass correlation coefficient for the JSE-S score in the test-retest study indicated a high level of reliability. The participants showed moderate empathy levels. Females scored higher than males in the Greek version of the JSE-S. Moreover, students enrolled in the fourth academic year showed higher empathy mean scores than those enrolled in the first year. Statistically significant empathy differences by specialty preferences or faith in God/supreme power were not found. The present study provided satisfactory evidence that the Greek JSE-S is a psychometrically sound measurement instrument. Empathy differences by gender were found in line with prior literature.
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Seeking divine forgiveness (forgiveness by a Supreme Being or Higher Power) is important because the perception of such forgiveness is associated with psychological well-being This paper is the first to examine a process model of divine forgiveness in which the decision to pursue such forgiveness initiates the process of seeking it. Two studies investigate the likelihood of seeking divine forgiveness. Study 1 (N = 190) introduces and provides discriminant validity for a unidimensional measure divine forgiveness seeking. Convergent validity is provided by demonstrating that seeking divine forgiveness correlates with reported experiences of divine forgiveness both concurrently and six weeks later. Study 2 (N = 390) provides a confirmatory factor analysis of seeking divine forgiveness scale items identified in Study 1 and replicates the concurrent and temporal association with reported experiences of divine forgiveness using a longer time interval (12 weeks). It also documents associations between a person's image of God, attachment and closeness to God and the likelihood of seeking divine forgiveness. Both studies control for religiosity and Study 2 introduces an additional control for impression management. Together, they provide support for the idea that the decision to pursue divine forgiveness begins the process of seeking such forgiveness. We discuss limitations of the research and outline several paths for additional studies.
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The rapid advancement and uncertainty of societal changes have not only accelerated social risks, but also plunged individuals into anxiety and restlessness in group interactions. In this context, using in-depth interview method, this study collects data from 10 Christian members to interpret their understanding of their sacred selves that are constructed in their fellowship interactions. The study reveals that Christians eventually develop the group interaction order based on their faith in God. Incorporating both care for individual lives and the importance of establishing interaction standards, this group interaction order is crucial in advancing collaboration. Moreover, the group interaction order is also constructed with the "Self-God" as the core belief mindset. The findings not only present characteristics of Christians' individual faith, but also reveal the profound significance of group interaction norms in reality.
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In modern psychiatry, drug addiction is considered as mainly a mental disorder and a brain disease problem, of complex aetiology. In addition, drug addiction has been characterized as a loss of willpower or akrasia, and even a sin. In this essay, I analyse Maimonides' (Rambam's) treatises More Ha-Nevuchim (Guide for the Perplexed) and Shemona Perakim (The Eight Chapters). He asserts that the soul is one, but has many different faculties (functions) and is intrinsically linked to the body. I argue that drug addiction is a psychological, social-moral deviance, as well as straying from God's path. Addiction is a disorder of the soul and body. Consequently, healing should include social-moral guidelines as well as physical/bodily health.
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Transtornos Relacionados ao Uso de Substâncias , Humanos , Transtornos Relacionados ao Uso de Substâncias/história , História do Século XX , Saúde Mental/história , Filosofia/históriaRESUMO
Scholars have long speculated that experiencing awe-an emotional state where people believe they are in the presence of something grand-might be beneficial for well-being. We explore a manifestation of awe that is unique to religion-awe of God. Drawing on a national sample from the United States, being in awe of God was associated with lower depression, higher life satisfaction, and better self-rated health, associations partially mediated by the sense of meaning in life. Awe of God may bolster well-being by allowing people to view their life according to the vastness and complexity of a divine plan.
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Scholars and practitioners have recently devoted increased attention to the psychological well-being of student-athletes. However, sparse research has examined the role of religion/spirituality in well-being in athletic populations. In a sample of U.S. collegiate athletes (N = 415), the present study assessed how the divine relationship, measured by attachment style to God, associates with depressive and anxiety symptoms in a sample of collegiate student-athletes, as well as the mediating role of contingent self-worth based on the approval of others in this process. Results show that secure attachment to God is associated with fewer mental illness symptoms, whereas avoidant and anxious attachment to God are associated with greater mental illness symptoms. Contingent self-worth based on others' approval partially mediates each of these associations. Implications for the religion and health literature and sport practitioners are discussed.
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Transtornos Mentais , Saúde Mental , Humanos , Religião , Atletas/psicologia , Avaliação de Resultados em Cuidados de Saúde , Apego ao ObjetoRESUMO
This study was conducted to examine the association of various personal, affective, and cognitive factors with suicide risk. The study group consisted of a total of 423 individuals, including 341 (74%) females and 82 (26%) males, who lived in Turkey and declared that they were Muslims. The data of the study, in which a cross-sectional design was employed, were collected between October and December 2022. The mean age of the participants was 26.84 years (SD = 9.88, min-max = 18-64). The data collection measures included the Psychological Distress Scale, the Perception of God Scale, the Two-Dimensional Self-Esteem Scale, the Suicide Probability Scale, and a personal information form. Pearson correlation analysis and Hierarchical Multiple Linear Regression analysis were employed in the analysis of the data obtained from the research. In the study, it was found that gender, age, suicide attempt, communication with the mother, communication with the father, psychological distress, self-esteem, and perception of God explained 58% of the variance in suicide risk. Psychological distress had the strongest positive association with suicide risk (ß = 0.136, p < 0.001), while self-esteem had the strongest negative relation (ß = - 0.454, p < 0.001). In conclusion, it was determined that the female gender, suicide attempt, and psychological distress increased the risk of suicide, but that age, positive communication with parents, self-esteem, and positive perception of God decreased it. The findings of the research were discussed in light of the literature.
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Islamismo , Autoimagem , Adulto , Feminino , Humanos , Masculino , Cognição , Estudos Transversais , Fatores de Risco , Tentativa de Suicídio , Turquia/epidemiologia , Adolescente , Adulto Jovem , Pessoa de Meia-IdadeRESUMO
Background: Graduate Tracer Studies plays a key role in informing higher education institutions worldwide about the effectiveness of their programs and preparing graduates for the job market. The study aimed to trace its psychosocial counselling graduates working in different healthcare facilities across Malawi. Methods: The tracer study employed a descriptive cross-sectional research design where the quantitative research method, specifically a survey was used. Data was gathered from Psychosocial counselling graduates of Saint John of God College of Health Sciences using a questionnaire. The data were analyzed using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS). Results: Out of 123 participants, 72 responded, yielding a response rate of 59%. Of these, there were 40 (55.6%) females and 32 (44.4%) males. Results indicated strong belief among participants that the program provided them with valuable skills. The majority of graduates reported successful employment outcomes, with an impressive 62 (86.1%) securing jobs, often within a short period. Many participants effectively utilized the knowledge and skills acquired during the program within their workplace settings. However, a subset of graduates faced challenges in applying their training. Recommendations for program improvement included the addition of courses such as Project Management and Monitoring and Evaluation. The identified key challenges encompassed low staffing levels and limited resources. Conclusion: The study confirms program effectiveness based on positive outcomes reported by graduates in job relevance, skill development, and knowledge use. Addressing identified gaps and implementing recommended improvements can enhance graduates' employability, meet market demands, and improve the psychosocial counselling health sector in Malawi. The study recommends that the College should consider collaborating with industry partners, monitoring employment outcomes, and proactively adapting the curriculum is vital for program success and professional development.
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The last several decades have witnessed the topic of wisdom gaining momentum in the field of positive psychology. In this study, we focus on the potentially important role of religion/spirituality, specifically beliefs about God, as a mediating mechanism underlying the relationship between practical wisdom and depression among older adults. Drawing on a nationally representative sample of older adults from the 2013 wave of the Religion, Aging, and Health Survey (n = 1,497), our results show that practical wisdom is associated with lower depressive symptoms. We also document that three God-related constructs, God-mediated control, trust in God, and gratitude towards God each partially explained the relationship between wisdom and well-being. Taken together, Christian conceptions of God as a personal, divine being, the ultimate attachment figure who is an unconditional source of love and support for believers, may be a target of older adults who have cultivated practical wisdom.
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Religiosity and spirituality (R/S) are often regarded as being relatively stable over time. The present exploratory experience sampling method (ESM) study aims to assess the variability of three R/S parameters concerning affective representations of God and spiritual experiences in a psychiatric population. Depressed in- and outpatients self-identifying as being spiritual or religious participated, from two Dutch mental health care institutions. The twenty-eight participants rated momentary affective R/S-variables up to 10 times per day over a 6-day period when prompted by a mobile application. All three examined R/S parameters varied significantly within the day. ESM examination of R/S showed good compliance and little reactivity. This indicates that ESM offers a feasible, usable, and valid way to explore R/S in a psychiatric population.
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Avaliação Momentânea Ecológica , Espiritualidade , Humanos , Religião , EmoçõesRESUMO
This study investigated 216 individual transcripts of faith healing experiences drawn from the healing ministries of 2 Catholic priests in the Philippines. The accounts of these healing narratives were generously provided to the researcher in hard copies for analysis by the 2 Catholic priests. The narratives were individual stories of healing experiences and written voluntarily by the healees themselves. Five themes were extracted from the narratives, namely, sensation of warmth, feeling of lightness, electrifying sensation, feeling of heaviness, and a weeping episode. Further, the study was able to unfold four themes on spiritual coping, namely, empowering faith, letting God be in control, acceptance leading to renewal, and connectedness with God. Faith healing experience begins with multisensory-physiological changes (e.g., sensation of warmth, electrifying sensation, feeling of heaviness) leading to affective/emotional, changes (e.g., weeping moment and feeling of lightness) that occur simultaneously, or in succession as antecedent conditions that awaken or activate inner adaptive spiritual coping responses with illness such as empowering faith, God being in control, acceptance leading to renewal, and connectedness with God.
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Cura pela Fé , Espiritualidade , Humanos , Catolicismo , Emoções , FilipinasRESUMO
As a revolutionary biological science and technology, synthetic biology has already spread its influence from natural sciences to humanities and social sciences by introducing biosafety, biosecurity, and ethical issues to society. The current study aims to elaborate the intellectual bases and research front of the synthetic biology field in the sphere of philosophy, ethics, and social sciences, with knowledge mapping and bibliometric methods. The literature records from the Social Sciences Citation Index and Arts & Humanities Citation Index in the Web of Science Core Collection from 1982 to 2021 were collected and analyzed to illustrate the intellectual structure of philosophical, ethical, and social research of synthetic biology. This study profiled the hotspots of research focus on its governance, philosophical and ethical concerns, and relevant technologies. This study offers clues and enlightenment for the stakeholders and researchers to follow the progress of this emerging discipline and technology and to understand the cutting-edge ideas and future form of this field, which takes on greater significance in the post-COVID-19 era.
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This data article describes a dataset of images of common Chinese deities. The dataset is divided into five categories according to the types of deities, and a total of 1314 original images were captured by smart phones from Chinese temples and through Google search engine. Each category were split into training, validation and test subsets in a ratio of 70:20:10. We rotated the pictures by 30°, 60°, 90°, 120°, 150°, and 180°; and zoomed in and out to augment the images for training and validation sets. After data enhancement, the total number of images reaches 10,786. Two models, EfficientNet-B0 and MobileNetV2, are used to identify five kinds of god images. After data augmentation, the accuracy, precision, recall, specificity and F1-score of EfficientNet-B0 were 96.15%, 96.44%, 96.18%, 96.16% and 97.60%, respectively; the accuracy, precision recall, specificity and F1-score of MobileNetV2 were 92.31%, 92.89%, 92.37%, 92.33% and 95.19%, respectively. This dataset can be used as a reference for traditional Chinese god statue images, and can also be used for object detection and image classification through machine learning and deep learning methods.