scholarly journals A Critical Inquiry into the Value of Systems Thinking in the Time of COVID-19 Crisis

Systems ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 9 (1) ◽  
pp. 13
Author(s):  
David Haley ◽  
Alberto Paucar-Caceres ◽  
Sandro Schlindwein
Keyword(s):  
Systems Thinking ◽  
Potential Role ◽  
Systems Approach ◽  
Belief Systems ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Natural World ◽  
Critical Systems ◽  
Global Pandemic ◽  
Climate Disasters

The COVID-19 pandemic offers an historic precedent to review and challenge the values of social, economic, environmental, and cultural belief systems. The concept of the “New Normal” and the experience of the global pandemic provide points of transition in thinking about our relationship to our planet and to each other. These include the fragility of contemporary economics, dependency on industrialized urban infrastructures, and reliance on top-down governance, vulnerability to climate disasters, dislocation from the natural world, societal inequalities, and the loss of cultural memory. The paper considers the potential role of systems thinking in attempting to manage societies’ responses to the pandemic. To provide the methodological context in which some systems thinking can be applied to alleviate the pandemic, we conduct a focused literature review of systemic frameworks, and using examples from Brazil and England, the paper questions the validity of existing disaster management systems and proposes an integrated critical systems approach. Reflecting on these experiences, questions of systems criticality are further developed and considered in relation to critical recovery from disasters and as integral critical systems (ICS) to interrogate the intention of systems. Finally, the paper reflects upon the value of systems and the values embedded in systems that may or may not promote equitable well-being in recovery from disasters such as COVID-19.

University students and study habits

2021 ◽  
pp. 1-10
Author(s):  
C. Clarke ◽  
M. Mullin ◽  
D. McGrath ◽  
N. Farrelly
Keyword(s):  
Online Survey ◽  
Potential Role ◽  
Trinity College ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Study Habits ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Postgraduate Students ◽  
Trinity College Dublin ◽  
Global Pandemic

Abstract Objectives: The objective of this study was to understand the variables or study habits that inform study in undergraduate and postgraduate students attending Trinity College Dublin. Methods: A descriptive, cross-sectional anonymous online survey was used to gather data to explore student study habits. Survey 1 was completed by participants in April 2019 and survey 2 was completed by participants in April 2020, during the COVID-19 restrictions. Results: A total of 1557 participants completed survey 1 in 2019, and 1793 participants completed survey 2 in 2020. In both surveys a majority reported using caffeine, library study, sleep pattern adjustment and excercise to aid academic performance. Survey 2 participants reported COVID-19 resulted in increased difficulty studying (91%). In particular loss of structure and routine was negatively impacted by the pandemic (92%), and increased feelings of stress were reported (75%). Conclusions: Our study suggests a potential role of the college environment as a target for the implementation of interventions to promote student learning, healthy study habits and well-being. The global pandemic has resulted in additional challenging demands for universities to serve an essential role in supporting college students study habits.

scholarly journals Examining the connection between nature connectedness and dark personality

2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Dean Fido ◽  
Alice Rees ◽  
Philip Clarke ◽  
Dominic Petronzi ◽  
Miles Richardson
Keyword(s):  
Inner City ◽  
Potential Role ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Natural World ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Rural Living ◽  
Nature Connectedness ◽  
Mental Well Being ◽  
Explicit Measures

The psychological construct of nature connectedness - the depth of an individual’s relationship with the natural world - has not only been associated with benefits for mental well-being but has also shown relationships with personality traits relevant to the dark personality literature. These include agreeableness, cognitive and affective empathy, and callous and uncaring traits. Across two independently-sampled studies we delineate relationships between explicit and implicit indices of nature connectedness and dark personality. In Study 1 (N = 304), psychopathy (and Machiavellianism) was associated with self-reported, but not implicitly-measured, nature connectedness. Moreover, individuals scoring high on dark personality exhibited a preference for inner-city, relative to suburban or rural living. In Study 2 (N = 209), we replicated the findings of Study 1 in relation to explicit measures of nature connectedness but did not find further relationships between dark personality and the population densities of where participants had previously lived. Limitations of implicit and pseudo indices of nature connectedness are outlined, and the results are discussed in relation to future research and the potential role of nature connectedness interventions in forensic populations. Pre-registration information: [https://osf.io/2bpwy]. Data, syntax, and manuscript pre-print: [https://osf.io/3mg5d/?view_only=b5c7749d4a7945c5a161f0915a2d0259].

scholarly journals The Potential Role of Bacteriophages in the Treatment of Recalcitrant Chronic Rhinosinusitis

Antibiotics ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 10 (6) ◽  
pp. 675
Author(s):  
Saartje Uyttebroek ◽  
Jolien Onsea ◽  
Willem-Jan Metsemakers ◽  
Lieven Dupont ◽  
David Devolder ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Chronic Rhinosinusitis ◽  
Biofilm Formation ◽  
Potential Role ◽  
Phage Therapy ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Treatment Alternative ◽  
Surgical Interventions ◽  
Social And Emotional ◽  
Promising Treatment

Chronic rhinosinusitis is a common condition affecting 5–12% of the general population worldwide. In a limited number of cases, the disease is recalcitrant to medical and surgical interventions, causing a major impact on physical, social and emotional well-being and increasing pressure on healthcare systems. Biofilm formation and dysbiosis caused by Staphylococcus aureus and Pseudomonas aeruginosa play a role in the pathogenesis of recalcitrant chronic rhinosinusitis. In these cases, a promising treatment alternative is the application of bacteriophages, which are viruses that infect and lyse bacteria. In this review, we appraise the evidence for the use of bacteriophages in the treatment of recalcitrant chronic rhinosinusitis. Additionally, (dis)advantages of bacteriophages and considerations for implementation of phage therapy in otorhinolaryngology practice will be discussed.

scholarly journals Immunity against COVID-19: Potential role of Ayurveda: A Review

2021 ◽  
Vol 8 (3) ◽  
pp. 989-992
Author(s):  
Mula Ram Suthar ◽  
◽  
Manjry Anshumala Barla ◽  
Rakesh Roushan ◽  
◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Infectious Disease ◽  
Potential Role ◽  
Defense Mechanism ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Communicable Diseases ◽  
The Body ◽  
Disease Concept ◽  
First Case ◽  
Modern Perspective

The Severe acute respiratory syndrome corona virus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) is an infectious disease caused by coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) and has affected people's lives globally, since first case was detected in Wuhan, China in December 2019. The coronavirus pandemic has turned the world’s attention to the immune system, the body’s defense mechanism against disease. Concept of Ojas is well explained in all ayurvedic classics, in modern perspective it is considered as immunity (Vyadhikshamatava). Ojas is necessary for well-being of the body, and mind. In Ayurveda textbook, the epidemics and along with their management are discussed under the term of Janapadodhvansa. The preventive and curative treatments for communicable diseases of the Janapadodhvansa (epidemics) are Panchkarma (five bio-purification therapies), Rasayana Chikitsa (rejuvenation treatment), Achara Rasayana (good conducts), and migrate to the place, free from communicable diseases. The intake of all types Rasayanas leads to increase of Ojas and reduce all psychological (mainly stress and emotional) disorder, thereby causes increase immunity responses and help to fight against covid-19. Key Words: Ayurveda, Covid-19, Immunity, Janapadodhvansa, Ojas, Rasayana Chikitsa.

Reflections on the Role of Control in Meditation

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Deane H. Shapiro
Keyword(s):  
Belief Systems ◽  
Self Regulation ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Negative Consequences ◽  
Western Psychology ◽  
Wide Range ◽  
Being There ◽  
And Behavior ◽  
Instrumental Control

Spiritual, religious, and secular traditions emphasize the importance of control over one’s thoughts, feelings and behavior, and the relevance of meditation in achieving this control. Meditation practices, in particular, can be understood as one strategy amongst others for achieving self-regulation. While the main focus in Western psychology has been on active instrumental control, other traditions have emphasized the importance of a more accepting/yielding mode of control. This chapter distinguishes between different forms of control and how some of these may be enhanced by meditation practices. While over-control and passive resignation can have negative consequences for a person’s well-being, there is evidence for the beneficial role of the active/assertive and positive accepting/yielding modes of control. Selecting the most appropriate meditation strategy for a particular person is dependent upon a wide range of factors, including the person’s control profile, their sensory orientation, and their belief systems. The chapter concludes with the description of the author’s personal journey in exploring meditation and theories and practices of control—and a note of gratitude.

scholarly journals Clinical Evaluation of Percutaneous Vertebroplasty in a Patient with Paraplegia and Immobilization Syndrome: A Case Report

2013 ◽  
Vol 2013 ◽  
pp. 1-4
Author(s):  
Salvatore Masala ◽  
Eros Calabria ◽  
Marco Nezzo ◽  
Dominique De Vivo ◽  
Luca Neroni ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Potential Role ◽  
Percutaneous Vertebroplasty ◽  
Life Quality ◽  
Osteoporotic Fractures ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Vertebral Compression Fractures ◽  
Decubitus Ulcers ◽  
Compression Fractures ◽  
Vertebral Stabilization

We will discuss a potential role of percutaneous vertebroplasty (PVP) in the management of a patient with immobilization syndrome due to paraplegia and vertebral osteoporotic fractures. While PVP is commonly used for the treatment of osteoporotic thoracolumbar vertebral compression fractures, its role in vertebral stabilization in patient with immobilization syndrome has not been reported in the literature. A 73-year-old woman affected by immobilization syndrome due to paraplegia and vertebral osteoporotic fractures was treated with PVP of vertebrae D12, L1, and L4. After PVP, the patient did not need any antalgic therapy, and there was a significant improvement regarding mobilization, performance of physiological functions, daily management of personal care, and treatment of decubitus ulcers, increasing life quality and psychological well-being.

scholarly journals The Well-Being Gap during the Great Recession: The Role of Growth and Institutions

2020 ◽  
Vol 12 (2) ◽  
pp. 24
Author(s):  
Marco Ciziceno ◽  
Pietro Pizzuto
Keyword(s):  
Low Income ◽  
Great Recession ◽  
Potential Role ◽  
Well Being ◽  
European Countries ◽  
Economic Downturn ◽  
Subjective Well Being ◽  
Negative Effects ◽  
The Great Recession

The purpose of this paper is to examine the well-being dynamics across European countries during the Great Recession and to investigate the potential role of the quality of formal institutions in mitigating the negative effect of the economic downturn. This study uses the club convergence methodology by Phillips and Sul (2007; 2009) to group EU-28 countries that present similar features in terms of well-being during the period 2005-2017. The study also applies probit models to investigate the potential role of several social and institutional characteristics that are supposed to affect subjective well-being levels. The results show the existence of a “well-being gap” among European countries. The economic downturn started in 2008 has impacted the perceived well-being more in low-income and low-growth countries (less developed transition and Southern countries), than in high-income and more developed transition countries. The study also shows that countries that present well-functioning institutional systems and, more in general, good institutional performances show higher life satisfaction levels and tend to be more resilient to the negative effects generated by the economic shock.

scholarly journals THE ROLE OF GERONTOLOGICAL PSYCHOLOGY IN ACHIEVING THE UN’S SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT GOALS

2019 ◽  
Vol 3 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. S75-S76
Author(s):  
Toni C Antonucci
Keyword(s):  
Sustainable Development ◽  
Sustainable Development Goals ◽  
Potential Role ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Naturally Occurring ◽  
Poverty And Inequality ◽  
Development Goals ◽  
The Individual ◽  
Health And Well Being

Abstract The United Nations has identified 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) designed to improve the health and well-being of the world’s most vulnerable populations. This presentation will review the potential role psychology, in particular, illustrative theories and research, in achieving the SDGs of reducing poverty and achieving gender equality and empowerment. We consider life span (individual) developmental and life course (environmental structure) theories as useful for explaining how poverty and inequality influence the individual and community at one point in time and over time. Further, we use research evidence to illustrate how naturally occurring resources can be garnered to better explain, understand, identify and create successful intervention programs. We emphasize the importance psychology to achieving SDGs and emphasize that the application psychology to changing the behavior and expectations of individuals and societies to achieve sustainable development that contributes to a world that celebrates optimal and sustainable development for all.

scholarly journals The Relationship Between Gratitude and Loneliness: The Potential Benefits of Gratitude for Promoting Social Bonds

2015 ◽  
Vol 11 (2) ◽  
pp. 323-334 ◽  
Author(s):  
Andrea Caputo
Keyword(s):  
Potential Role ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Online Questionnaire ◽  
Convenience Sample ◽  
Web Based ◽  
Factors Affecting ◽  
Total Variability ◽  
Potential Benefits ◽  
The Relationship

This paper explores the potential role of gratitude on the reduction of loneliness feelings, even controlling for several variables related to social desirability, well-being (subjective happiness and life satisfaction) and socio-demographic characteristics. Through a web-based survey a convenience sample of 197 participants completed an online questionnaire including these measures. Correlation analyses and four-step hierarchical multiple regression analyses were conducted. The results show a negative correlation between gratitude and loneliness; specifically, gratitude succeeds in accounting for up to almost one-fifth of the total variability of loneliness even controlling for further variables. Being female, not having a stable and consolidated relationship and not participating in the labor force represent some risk factors affecting loneliness which should be taken into account in further research.

scholarly journals Demography and well-being

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Andrew E. Clark
Keyword(s):  
Potential Role ◽  
Social Comparisons ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Subjective Well Being ◽  
The Subject

Demography studies the characteristics of populations. One such characteristic is well-being: this was the subject of the 2019 Wittgenstein Conference. Here, I discuss how objective well-being domains can be summarised to produce an overall well-being score, and how taking self-reported (subjective) well-being into account may help in this effort. But given that there is more than one type of subjective well-being score, we would want to know which one is “best”. We would also need to decide whose well-being counts, or counts more than that of others. Finally, I briefly mention the potential role of adaptation and social comparisons in the calculation of societal well-being.

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