Abstract: In the following paper, I examine a psychological phenomenon called the crowding-out effect. Crowding-out sometimes occurs when a subject receives external rewards for performing an activity once executed for its intrinsic pleasure. The external rewards “crowd out” or undermine the innate pleasure the subject once experienced in engaging in the activity. The dominant explanation to account for this paradoxical and obviously deleterious psychological feeling is the overjustification thesis. In the following paper, I demonstrate there are two problems with this explanation and offer an ancient alternative. With the help of Joachim Aufderheide’s Anti-Delian reading of the Nicomachean Ethics, I disclose that Aristotle was not only well aware of this phenomenon but that his model of human flourishing predicated on practical wisdom presents us with a way to prevent subjects from experiencing the crowding-out effect. In short, my operationalization of Aufderheide’s reading of the Nicomachean Ethics provides researchers in psychology, education, and industrial management with new pathways and tools to understand and combat motivational diminishment.

Abstract: This paper examines the transformative potential of decolonizing global higher education to align with Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), emphasizing the integration of Indigenous African knowledge systems and China-Africa collaborations. Through a comprehensive review of decolonization frameworks, policy innovations, and cross-continental partnerships, the study highlights the necessity of dismantling colonial legacies in education to foster culturally relevant, equitable, and sustainable practices. Methodologically, it synthesizes case studies, participatory approaches, and systemic analyses to explore the synergies between Indigenous epistemologies (e.g., Ubuntu) and global metrics (e.g., China’s Coupling Coordination Degree model). Key findings reveal that localized SDG education models, digital infrastructure advancements, and inclusive pedagogies empower students to address socio-economic disparities, climate change, and inequality. The study concludes that a decolonized, "glocal" educational paradigm—rooted in relational ethics, technological innovation, and participatory governance—can bridge the gap between local contexts and global sustainability agendas. This approach not only reimagines education as a catalyst for planetary regeneration but also underscores the imperative of epistemic justice and intercultural collaboration in achieving the 2030 Agenda. The paper advocates for a radical shift toward education systems that prioritize communal well-being, ecological balance, and equitable development.

Abstract: This paper presents an investigation based on an agreement between the Polytechnic University of Bari and the Archaeological Park of Egnazia. The objectives of this collaboration are to define solutions for enhancing the accessibility of the archaeological park, including a protection and a covering system for the entrance to the ancient cryptoporticus and a removable, repositionable fencing system for excavation areas, integrated with lighting and information systems. The methodology involves framing the contemporary relationship between design and archaeology by analyzing existing theoretical literature and identifying recent case studies in Italy and broad. In a second phase, the paper will focus on the Archaeological Park of Egnazia, considering both as a part of a broader landscape system and as a specific site for experimentation. The findings contribute to the development of a methodological framework that categorizes interventions based on the key principles of temporariness, flexibility, adaptability, and sustainability. The ultimate goal is to define design strategies for archaeological parks that address the challenge of integrating visitor accessibility with the requirements of excavation, protection and conservation.

Abstract: This study explores the genesis, evolution, and contemporary relevance of the Ignatian Leadership as a transformative model that combines corporative management principles with the spirituality of Saint Ignatius of Loyola and the organisational tradition of the Jesuits. Using a qualitative approach, we carried out an exhaustive review of 54 documents and interviews with experts, thus incorporating different phenomenological perspectives. The results reveal that this leadership was founded to renew the apostolic mission of the Society of Jesus, modernise its educational management approach, and empower laypeople and Jesuits in managerial roles. The model is based on Ignatian spirituality, particular with regard to the principle of discernment, and focuses on serving others and contributing to the common good. Over time, it has transcended the Jesuit sphere, becoming a model that can be applied in various contexts, one that promotes counter-cultural practices, organisational transformation and contemporary forms of leadership. This shift of focus not only paves the way for institutional change but also guides individuals towards a more authentic and meaningful life.

Abstract: The increasing risks associated with global climate change and its impacts on historical buildings, as well as urban and rural environments, have become a significant concern. In this context, historical rural landscapes—defined as interaction zones between human activities and natural processes—face substantial challenges due to climate change. Identifying these risks and developing effective strategies to mitigate the adverse effects of climate change are of paramount importance. This study explores the application of ecological and sustainable approaches to protect historical rural landscapes, with a particular focus on permaculture—a design methodology that harmonizes with nature. The research aims to present a conservation framework tailored for the Barbaros Rural Settlement, situated in the Urla District of Izmir Province, and to propose a holistic restoration strategy to enhance its resilience to climate change.

Abstract: A series (n=22) of glasses from the site Kapucinski vrt (garden of the Capuchin monastery, 5th-17th c. CE) in Koper (Capodistria), a port town in northern Adriatic, was measured by a combined PIXE and PIGE method. Koper has been continuously populated since late Roman period with a rich medieval history, thus offering an opportunity to study Early Medieval glass. Stemmed goblet fragments, in the original publication dated between the 6th-9th c. CE, and several other vessel types (beakers, flasks or bottles, lamps) were selected for analysis. The measurements were expected to show the trends in glass production and consumption from Late Antiquity until the Middle Ages, notably the transition between the natron to plant ash glass and supply of fresh glass. Among the set of 22 glass vessel fragments both natron and plant ash glass were identified. For finer classification we relied on a newly developed method of Euclidean distances with respect to major concentrations. Natron glass was of the types of Foy 2.1 (9 examples), Magby (2 examples) and Levantine I (Apollonia; 2 examples). Two glasses remain undetermined but testify Egyptian origin. Most natron glasses show signs of recycling. Among the three unrecycled glasses (about 20% of the whole set) there are the two examples of Levantine glass and a Magby glass lamp; this may indicate a modest supply of fresh glass during the period. Plant ash glass may be attributed to the Early or High Middle Ages, exploiting purified alkalis of the Levantine coasts (known as alume catino in later Venetian glassmaking), while the admixture of impurities in the siliceous sands suggest circulation and consumption of glass that was produced and traded in the eastern Mediterranean since the 10th centuries onwards.

Abstract: The integration of emotional design principles with virtual reality exposure therapy (VRET) represents a significant advancement in mental health treatment modalities. Meta-analyses demonstrate the effectiveness of this approach, with considerable effect sizes for both anxiety (g = 0.79) and depression (g = 0.73) treatments. This research investigates the systematic incorporation of emotional design elements within virtual reality exposure therapy applications, examining their impact on therapeutic outcomes and user engagement. Through a comprehensive analysis of implementation strategies, technical requirements, and clinical integration factors, this study develops a structured framework for embedding emotional design in therapeutic VR environments. The findings indicate that Virtual Reality Exposure Therapy substantially improved treatment efficacy compared to traditional Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT). This research contributes to the evolving virtual reality exposure therapy field by providing evidence-based guidelines for emotional design integration and identifying promising directions for future development.

Abstract: Research on the locations and orientations of ring borgs in Denmark has yet to include “close mapped” land surveyed geometry that may have defined the group as a “system” – beyond ideas of road visibility and adjacency to water courses. Aside from accurate geometric elements and the possibility of random phenomena, revealed are more complex planning patterns of azimuths that locate seven sites, and orient the axes of four. The azimuth of the Jelling ship setting to Himmelbjerget, a key natural spiritual feature in the ring borg system, suggests political, territorial motivations, though this ritual alignment may have changed direction north to a point in a Yggdrasil-like earlier spiritual pattern of prominent natural features and largest memorial mounds in Norway and Sweden – not unlike Aggersborg’s meridian alignment to Snøhetta. Questions arise about a territorial, military interpretation of the Viking “fortresses”. Despite conversions to Christianity, the motivation of ring borg builders may have been less tied to new beliefs --- strikingly absent in the rings—than synchronic inclusion with and defense of a more ancient religious landscape based on ritual rather than textual forms of symbolic process.

Abstract: The protracted Anglophone crisis (2016–present) has severely disrupted education in Northwest Cameroon, disproportionately affecting children with disabilities who face compounded barriers to literacy due to conflict, infrastructural collapse, and societal stigma. This study, conducted between January 2023 and June 2024, examines the role of Digital Assistive Technologies (DATs) in fostering inclusive literacy for these marginalized learners, focusing on Bamenda, Kumbo, Ndop, and Jakiri.Using a human rights-based approach, we employed a mixed-methods design, integrating semi-structured interviews with 42 stakeholders (children, caregivers, teachers, and NGO staff), ethnographic observations in improvised learning spaces, and surveys from 150 households. The study specifically evaluated the usability, accessibility, and impact of DATs, including localized audiobooks in Lamnso and Meta, speech-to-text transcription software, tactile learning applications for visually impaired learners, and offline-capable mobile learning tools tailored for low-connectivity environments.Findings reveal that 78% of caregivers in Bui and Mezam Divisions reported heightened learner engagement due to DATs, which not only improved literacy but also restored agency and dignity among children with disabilities. However, erratic electricity supply, limited educator training, and entrenched cultural stigma toward assistive technologies particularly in rural areas such as Batibo and Fundong hinder widespread adoption.This research enhances the urgency of integrating DAT-focused teacher training into national curricula, expanding rural digital infrastructure, and implementing culturally responsive sensitization programs to counter misconceptions about disability. By situating its analysis within the realities of the Anglophone crisis, this study bridges critical gaps at the intersection of conflict, disability, and technology, offering actionable pathways to achieving Sustainable Development Goal 4 and the UNCRPD in fragile contexts.

Abstract: The Semantic Web and AI have revolutionized web-based storytelling, transforming it into a dynamic, interactive, and personalized experience. AI models and structured web technologies enhance narratives based on user inputs and real-time interactions. This study explores the integration of Semantic Web technologies with AI-powered storytelling models to create immersive digital narratives. It highlights how these technologies enhance narrative generation, user interaction, and engagement, and gauges public engagement with these stories, enabling them to evolve over time. The article explores the potential benefits, challenges, and ethical dilemmas of AI-enhanced storytelling systems, including content bias, data privacy concerns, and Semantic Web principles. It suggests future research to enhance customization, narrative coherence, and expand AI-driven storytelling into virtual reality experiences.

Abstract: The visual quality assessment of rural landscapes is vital for quantifying ecological ser-vice functions and cultural heritage, yet traditional ecological indicators fail to capture emotional and cognitive experiences. Therefore, this study introduces a meth-od for assessing rural landscape visual quality that integrates a multi-modal emotion classification model to enhance the quantitative drive towards sustainability. The experiment selected four types of landscapes from three representative villages in Dalian, China, collecting physiological data (EOG, EEG) and subjective evaluations (beauty assessment and SAM scale) from participants. Binary, ternary, and five-element classification models were constructed. The results indicate that the bi-nary and ternary classification models yielded the highest accuracy in emotion valence and arousal, while the five-element model demonstrated the lowest performance. Additionally, ensemble learning models outperformed single classifiers in binary and ternary tasks, with an average accuracy improvement of 7.59%. Moreover, the collaborative fusion of subjective and objective data enhanced the accuracy of the ternary classification by 7.7% compared to existing research, confirming the efficacy of multisource features. The findings suggest that the framework based on multi-source affective computing can serve as a quantitative tool for assessing the emotional quality of rural landscapes and promoting the sustainable development of rural areas.

Abstract: This study examines four block-printed Indic-script Mahāpratisarā Dhāraṇī amulets from the late Tang to early Song periods, revealing a more complex history of dhāraṇī practices in China than previously understood. By analysing seed syllables and Indic scripts on the Xu Yin, Li Zhi-Shun, Ruiguang Si, and Hangzhou amulets, it highlights their ritual, symbolic, and textual significance. The findings challenge assumptions that these texts were static, showing instead their evolution across time and space. This research opens new directions for understanding Chinese Buddhist practice through dhāraṇī materiality, language, and visual culture.

Abstract: This study presents a bibliometric analysis of scientific production on women performers in music, employing coauthorship network techniques and altmetric indicators to assess their impact and dissemination. Through the analysis of data extracted from the Scopus and Web of Science databases from 1995 to the present, the study examines the evolution of research in this field, identifying collaboration patterns, thematic trends, and the influence of these studies within the academic community. Traditional bibliometric principles and tools such as VOSviewer were applied for data and metadata processing. The results reveal a progressive increase in the number of publications on this topic, although they remain concentrated in a limited number of specialised journals. Additionally, certain countries and authors dominate coauthorship networks, and the focus of studies has evolved from historical and descriptive analyses to integration with digital methodologies and gender approaches. Finally, altmetric data show a rise in the dissemination of these studies through social networks and academic platforms, suggesting a growing interest in highlighting the role of women in the history of music.

Abstract: The classic account of the quantification of semantic information is that of Bar Hillel and Carnap. However, their approach assigns the maximum informativeness to a contradiction. This situation is what Floridi refers to as the Bar Hillel-Carnap paradox, and he developed a novel theory designed to remove this paradox. Unfortunately his approach does not succeed in that aim. In this paper I critique Floridi’s theory of strongly semantic information on its own terms and show where it succeeds and fails. I then present a novel approach based on methods from communication theory and quantum probability that meets all the requirements stipulated by Floridi and removes the paradox.

Abstract: Many publications on early house and techno music have the character of documentation and include (auto-)biographical statements from contemporaries of the scene. This literature has led to many statements, hypotheses, and conclusions. Weaknesses of such sources are their selective and subjective nature, and the danger of unclear memories, romanticization and constructive memory. Consequently, a validation through content-based, quantitative music analyses is desirable. For this purpose, the HOuse and Techno music from Germany and AMErica (HOTGAME) corpus was built. Metrics from the field of data quality control show that the corpus is representative and explanatory for house and techno music from Germany and the United States of America between 1984 and 1994. HOTGAME can serve as a reliable source for the analysis of early house and techno music using big data methods, like inferential statistics and machine learning.

Abstract: In the Spanish Empire, the term mestizo/mestiza denoted overwhelmingly people of so-called “mixed” European and indigenous ancestry, but there existed also some regional adaptations with differing genealogies such as the mestizos de sangley in the Philippines. The article traces some developments of the application and racialization of the term mestizo shortly after the end of the Spanish Empire in the Philippines under US-rule. It will look at photographs which were taken in by Dean Worcester, Secretary of the Interior and his staff in order to apply and develop theories of the biologist racism which in the early twentieth century which was en vogue all over the globe. Worcester and his crew took the photographs during their expeditions and fieldwork and used them to illustrate their hypotheses about racialized taxonomies, adapting and further developing Spanish colonial ideas. I will contrast them with a photograph from a local studio in Mindanao. The photographs stem from the photographic collection of the Rautenstrauch-Joest-Museum in Cologne, Germany.

Abstract: Rapid digitalization has dramatically altered many ways in which educational resources are accessed, shared, and consumed. This paper reports on the design and implementation of a new Educational Resource Sharing Platform that aims at collaboration and equitable access to educational materials. By taking its cues from the Vite.js build tool that is optimized for efficiency, the platform is developed to provide a friendly and intuitive User- Interface. The architectural design capitalizes on the dynamic functionalities of JavaScript to facilitate modular scalability and the smooth incorporation of interactive elements. This platform empowers users to efficiently share, discover, and utilize a wide array of educational resources, thereby fostering a community-oriented approach to learning. Notable characteristics encompass a lightweight, rapid-loading interface, as well as the prospective integration of machine learning models that could provide personalized content recommendations aligned with user preferences and behaviors. Preliminary study results show that the platform possesses capacity for reducing redundancy in resources, opportunities for collaborative learning, and an inclusive environment for sharing knowledge. Thus, this study contributes to closing educational disparities by responding to growing demand for accessible educational resources. Follow-up studies are going to be able to integrate advanced analytics and machine learning techniques in order to better optimize what content is delivered and experienced by the user.

Abstract: This study explores the publication and dissemination of the Pilu Canon 毗卢藏, engraved by followers of Bao'en Wanshou Hall in Houshan Village, Fujian, during the Yanyou reign of the Yuan Dynasty. Funded through donations, this canon was part of a broader initiative to republish the four major Buddhist canons. Its engraving style blends influences from Yan Zhenqing, Ouyang Xun, and Zhao Mengfu, with rounder characters and more spacious layouts compared to earlier Song editions. The project, supported by the White Lotus Society, involved various engravers and resulted in diverse transcription practices. Although no complete set survives, scattered volumes are housed in different institutions. The Pilu Canon provides valuable insights into the evolution of Buddhist scripture layout, the White Lotus Society's influence, and the interaction between Buddhist texts and secular society in medieval China.

Abstract: This article examines the interaction between European and pre-Hispanic urban traditions in shaping colonial urbanism in the Americas, with a particular focus on the transformation of the city of México over the remnants of ancient México-Tenochtitlan. It argues that the development of the viceregal city was not merely an imposition of the Castilian urban model but was significantly influenced by the pre-existing spatial organization of the Mexica capital. The study explores the extent to which the original urban layout of México-Tenochtitlan affected the planning of the colonial city, the similarities, and differences between Castilian and pre-Hispanic urban models, and the ways in which both traditions merged in the new metropolis. The methodology follows a historical-analytical approach, including documentary review, comparative analysis of urban models, and case studies of early colonial cities. The findings suggest that the city of México became a paradigm of hybrid urbanism, blending European planning principles with indigenous spatial configurations, which influenced later urban development in Spanish America.

Abstract: Ecological ethics is gaining traction. Can this new attitude towards our ecosystems help to motivate a change in our relationship with land and nature? Can we move towards a legal system that supports the legal personality of land, devoid of human ownership? There are substantial amounts of international environmental law that have been hovering on the fringes of defining and then redefining our relationship with land, with more emphasis on respecting the land as itself, rather than as a vehicle with which humanity can gain wealth. This article briefly explores the conjunction of international environmental law history and ecological ethics in the hope that it will encourage a segue in our approach to conservation, ecology and being.