Although performance pressure has desirable consequences, there is evidence that it can produce unintended outcomes as employees tend to engage in dysfunctional and unethical behaviors to meet performance goals. Thus, the process through which employees think and behave unethically under performance pressure deserves more research attention. This study goes beyond the stress-appraisal perspective and investigates whether and when performance pressure influences individual work mindsets and behaviors from a moral reasoning perspective. Specifically, we contend that performance pressure is related to employee (...) expediency through moral decoupling. We further hypothesize dialectical thinking and moral identity to be the boundary conditions of the proposed relationships. Analyses of data from a field study in three waves provide support for most of the hypotheses. In particular, we find that moral decoupling accounts for additional variance after we control for the stress-appraisal effect of performance pressure on employee expediency. The study offers several contributions to the literature on performance pressure and unethical behavior. (shrink)

One of the most significant challenges in the application of brain-computer interfaces is the large performance variation, which often occurs over time or across users. Recent evidence suggests that the physiological states may explain this performance variation in BCI, however, the underlying neurophysiological mechanism is unclear. In this study, we conducted a seven-session motor-imagery experiment on 20 healthy subjects to investigate the neurophysiological mechanism on the performance variation. The classification accuracy was calculated offline by common spatial pattern and support vector (...) machine algorithms to measure the MI performance of each subject and session. Relative Power values from different rhythms and task stages were used to reflect the physiological states and their correlation with the BCI performance was investigated. Results showed that the alpha band RP from the supplementary motor area within a few seconds before MI was positively correlated with performance. Besides, the changes of RP between task and pre-task stage from theta, alpha, and gamma band were also found to be correlated with performance both across time and subjects. These findings reveal a neurophysiological manifestation of the performance variations, and would further provide a way to improve the BCI performance. (shrink)

Evidence suggests that participation in plaza dancing may affect mental health. This study for the first time quantified the relationships between plaza dancing and psychological well-being and ill-being. We systematically searched PubMed, Web of Science, CNKI, Wanfang, and VIP to identify relevant studies published from the databases since their inception to July 25, 2021. The standardized mean differences of pre-to-post intervention data were calculated in the meta-analysis. Subgroup and meta-regression analyses were performed to test the potential moderating effects of age, (...) outcome classification, measurement instruments, district, publication year, total sample size, and the duration, frequency, and length of the square dance intervention. A total of 25 original articles met all the eligibility criteria and were included in the review, and 17 studies were included in the meta-analysis. The meta-analysis revealed that plaza dancing improved psychological well-being and reduced psychological ill-being. The study participants’ age and district did not seem to affect the effectiveness of the plaza dancing intervention. The duration and frequency of plaza dancing affected the association between square dance and psychological well-being and psychological ill-being. Plaza dancing has a significant positive effect on psychological well-being and psychological ill-being, and the effects are moderated by intervention modality. Generalizing plaza dancing interventions to promote psychological well-being and prevent or treat psychological ill-being is needed.Systematic Review Registration[www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero], identifier [CRD42021272016]. (shrink)

A self-designed questionnaire was given to 634 health professionals in a large teaching hospital in Hubei Province in mainland China, to clarify the participants’ attitude towards information disclosure to cancer patients. Statistic description was used to analyze the data. The item ‘inappropriate information about cancer easily leads to medical disputes’ scored highest at 3.86, while the scores of such items as ‘advantages of fully informing patients outweigh disadvantages’, ‘if their family members demand nondisclosure, you will find it difficult to cooperate (...) in good faith with patients’, and ‘telling white lies to patients disturbs you a lot’ were less than 3. The health care staff placed a high value on both the desire and priority of patients to know the truth, though most of them did not think that patients had received enough information about their disease. In order to improve cancer patients’ current state of knowledge, health professionals should learn more about informed consent, and special methods and guidelines compatible with Chinese culture are urgently required in China. (shrink)

This article investigates an adaptive neural network control algorithm for marine surface vessels with time-varying output constraints and unknown external disturbances. The nonlinear state-dependent transformation is introduced to eliminate the feasibility conditions of virtual controller. Moreover, the barrier Lyapunov function is used to achieve time-varying output constraints. As an important approximation tool, the NN is employed to approximate uncertain and continuous functions. Subsequently, the disturbance observer is structured to observe time-varying constraints and unknown external disturbances. The novel strategy can guarantee (...) that all signals in the closed-loop system are semiglobally uniformly ultimately bounded. Finally, the simulation results verify the benefit of the proposed method. (shrink)

Backpacker travel has become an imperative trend in modern tourism. Previous research, however, has not discussed in-depth the intentions and motivations of accommodation selection, in particular, the religious organization e.g. church, mosque, synagogue, and temple affiliated pilgrim hostel. To fill the gap of previous studies, this study provides a new research direction involving the pilgrim hostel playing an essential role as more than mere pilgrim accommodation; pilgrim hostels in Taiwan have surprisingly included a certain percentage of backpacker tourists. A survey (...) addressed the primary identity and service content perceptions of lodgers. Two historical temple-affiliated pilgrim hostels generated 287 valid responses; 112 backpackers, composing 39 % of the sample units, participated in person. Study findings indicated many significant differences between pilgrims and backpackers regarding self-recognised identity on journeys and perceptions of pilgrim hostel service content (for example, religious identification, reason for lodging, total travel expense, number of nights stayed, customer satisfaction, and service value). Implications of these findings provide suggestions and practical applications for the tourism stakeholder and for future research. (shrink)

The application of algorithms in organizations is becoming more widespread. Previous research has aimed to enhance employees’ perceptions of algorithmic fairness by focusing on technical features. However, individuals often struggle to observe and comprehend these features, hindering their ability to form rational fairness judgments. Drawing upon fairness heuristic theory, this study explores how individuals perceive algorithmic fairness when technical features are invisible because of algorithmic opacity. Research conducted with food delivery riders in China suggests that, in the absence of transparent (...) algorithmic information, riders heuristically form perceptions of algorithmic fairness based on more salient and accessible distributive fairness information. These heuristic perceptions of algorithmic fairness further predict outcomes such as task performance and helping behavior. We also found that different distributive fairness information holds varying importance in the process of shaping heuristic perceptions of algorithmic fairness and that algorithmic transparency perceptions and tenure moderate this process. The findings extend fairness heuristic theory and have practical implications. (shrink)

We employ topos quantum theory as a mathematical framework for quantum logic, combining the strengths of two distinct intuitionistic quantum logics proposed by Döring and Coecke respectively. This results in a novel intuitionistic quantum logic that can capture contextuality, express the physical meaning of superposition phenomenon in quantum systems, and handle both measurement and evolution as dynamic operations. We emphasize that superposition is a relative concept dependent on contextuality. Our intention is to find a model from the perspective of quantum (...) theory that accommodates semantic paradoxes. We refine Aerts et al.’s interpretation of the liar paradox using models from quantum mechanics and present a model based on quantum theory, incorporating contextuality and superposition to interpret semantic paradoxes. We associate the truth values of statements in semantic paradoxes with quantum states in a given context, interpreting statements with unclear truth value assignments as superposition states within the current context. Dynamic operations are employed to distinguish the truth value assignments of statements among different times. Unlike the classic interpretation of paradoxes, we accept the reasonable existence of semantic paradoxes and point out the difference between paradoxes and contradictions. (shrink)

As a universal language, English is pivotal across various domains, yet it often encounters challenges like improper wording and grammatical inaccuracies. Addressing these, English discourse repair has emerged as a crucial educational endeavour, enhancing linguistic accuracy and students' linguistic awareness and literacy—qualities that significantly uplift their comprehensive intellectual development. This paper delves into the philosophical underpinnings of English discourse repair within educational frameworks, seeking to articulate its theoretical foundations, practical applications, and intrinsic educational value. Employing a blend of literature review, (...) case studies, and empirical research, this study first unpacks the theoretical landscape of discourse repair through extensive literature analysis, establishing a comprehensive understanding of current research and methodologies. Subsequent case analyses apply these theoretical insights to real-world educational scenarios, proposing innovative teaching strategies. Finally, experimental research tests these strategies to validate their effectiveness and reliability. Findings underscore that English discourse repair is not merely a linguistic tool but a profound educational technique that significantly enhances students' communicative competences and language awareness. Rooted in educational philosophy, this approach emphasizes the cultivation of critical thinking and learning agility. Moreover, the study reveals an essential need for ongoing refinement of teaching strategies to heighten their impact and adaptability. In synthesizing these insights, the paper asserts that English discourse repair serves as a powerful pedagogical method, bridging educational philosophy and practical application. Future research should further dissect its theoretical bases and refine practical approaches, aiming to optimize its utility and extend its benefits to students' broader educational experiences. Through this exploration, the paper contributes to a more profound understanding of the intersection between language education and philosophical inquiry, advocating for a curriculum that is as intellectually enriching as it is linguistically precise. (shrink)

The National Cancer Institute thesaurus is an important knowledge resource that should ideally be error-free. We investigated the occurrence of errors in the Neoplasm subhierarchy, which is a part...

The present study is a cross-sectional survey that investigates ethical practices among Chinese psychotherapists from the perspective of a large representative sample of Chinese clients (N?=?1,100). In reports from clients, we found that psychotherapists did poorly in providing informed consent and had other ethical difficulties in the therapeutic setting and with dual relationships. We conclude that Chinese culture, especially Confucianism, had significant impact on the attitudes toward the psychotherapists' ethical practices, which complicated ethical dilemmas. It is important for cross-cultural psychotherapists (...) to become sensitive to the influences of traditional Chinese culture when counseling Chinese clients. (shrink)

This study was to explore the potential moderating effect of trait forgiveness and its facets on the relationship between perceived work stress and psychological distress among Chinese nursing students in clinical practice. A total of 182 Chinese nursing students who had been receiving final-year clinical training completed self-report measures of nursing work stress, trait forgiveness and psychological distress. Correlation analysis and hierarchical multiple regressions were mainly applied for data analysis. Results showed that trait forgiveness was negatively associated with psychological distress, (...) even after controlling for the effects of perceived work stress and demographic/workplace related variables. Further analyses indicated that the ability to forgiveness of situations was particularly crucial in reducing the negative effects of perceived work stress on psychological well-being, especially when students perceived higher level of stress. These results demonstrated that alternative interventions targeting on trait forgiveness, especially those programs which can improve one’s ability to acceptance uncontrollable bad circumstances, may be beneficial for the well-being of nursing students in clinical practice. (shrink)

Physarum polycephalum, a unicellular and multiheaded slime mould, can form highly efficient networks connecting separated food sources during the process of foraging. These adaptive networks exhibit a unique characteristic in that they are optimized without the control of a central consciousness. Inspired by this phenomenon, we present an efficient exploration and navigation strategy for a swarm of robots, which exploits cooperation and self-organisation to overcome the limited abilities of the individual robots. The task faced by the robots consists in the (...) exploration of an unknown environment in order to find a path between two distant target areas. For the proposed algorithm, we experimentally present robustness tests and obstacle tests conducted to analyse the performance of our algorithm and compare the proposed algorithm with other swarm robot foraging algorithms that also focus on the path formation task. This work has certain significance for the research of swarm robots and Physarum polycephalum. For the research of swarm robotics, our algorithm not only can lead multirobot as a whole to overcome the limitations of very simple individual agents but also can offer better performance in terms of search efficiency and success rate. For the research of Physarum polycephalum, this work is the first one combining swarm robots and Physarum polycephalum. It also reveals the potential of the Physarum polycephalum foraging principle in multirobot systems. (shrink)

This study aimed to explore the psychological mechanisms behind the relationship between kindergarten parental satisfaction and parental loyalty. This study used the parental satisfaction scale, parental trust scale, parental relationship commitment scale, and parental loyalty scale on 923 kindergarten parents. The test was conducted on 923 kindergarten parents. The results of this study showed that parental satisfaction significantly and positively affected parental loyalty. Parental trust was partially mediated between parental satisfaction and parental loyalty. Parental relationship commitment was also partially mediated (...) between parental satisfaction and parental loyalty. Regarding to parental satisfaction and parental loyalty, parental trust and parental relationship commitment had chain mediation effect between parental satisfaction and parental loyalty. The findings of this study provided valuable insights into the effect of parental satisfaction on parental loyalty and offer concrete practical suggestions for kindergarten operators to improve the loyalty of kindergarten parents. (shrink)

China apparel customization brands have been recently growing in massive quantities despite being in their infancy stages of brand value building. Although scholars have proven brand value’s importance in sustainable brand growth, studies on the specific context of CACBs are still limited. This research proposes a conceptual framework of CACBs’ brand value measured dimension based on previous studies and divides brand value into both general and specific dimensions. Accordingly, qualitative and quantitative studies were conducted from the perspectives of practitioners and (...) consumers. Ultimately, a scale of 30 items with nine dimensions was generated. Results reveal that brand association in the general dimensions and brand service in the special dimensions were the largest promoters of CACB brand value. Hence, practitioners should pay more attention to dimensions of cognitive conflicts. Practical suggestions for apparel customization marketers are proposed to build and enhance brand value. (shrink)

BackgroundProblem-Based Learning is an instructional method of hands-on, active learning centered on investigating and resolving messy, real-world problems. This study aims to systematically analyze the current status and hotspots of PBL research and provide insights for research in the field.MethodsProblem-based learning-related publications were retrieved from the Web of Science Core Collection using “Problem-Based Learning”. Annual publications, countries, institutions, authors, journals, references, and keywords in the field were visually analyzed using the R, VOSviewer, and Microsoft Excel 2019 software.ResultsA total of 2,790 (...) articles and reviews were analyzed, with a steady increase in publications in the field of PBL. Overall, the United States was the major contributor to the study of PBL. Van Der Vleuten CPM was the key researcher in this field. Moreover, most of the publications were published in Medical Education. Keyword analysis showed that current research hotspots focus on the extensions of PBL teaching mode, application of PBL teaching method, and reform of PBL.ConclusionResearch on PBL is flourishing. Cooperation and exchange between countries and institutions should be strengthened in the future. These findings will provide a better understanding of the state of PBL research and inform future research ideas. (shrink)

As coronavirus disease 2019 swept the world in early 2020, all the Chinese universities and colleges adopted online learning to fulfill the directive saying “classes suspended but learning continues.” Understanding the impact of this large-scale online learning experience on the future online learning intention of Chinese university students can help design better blended-learning activities. This study applies flow experience and theory of planned behavior to construct a theoretical framework for assumption making and the assumptions made are validated by data gained (...) from questionnaires. A total of 6,933 students from 54 institutions in China participated in the investigation, with 5,456 valid questionnaires returned. This study employs partial least squares regression and confirmative factor analysis to analyze and estimate the measurement model and the structural model. The results indicate that the experience of home-based learning significantly influenced the attitudes of Chinese university students, which in turn had a positive influence on their intention to continue online learning. The research findings provide a theoretical framework and practical guidelines on building a scientific online learning platform with appropriate online learning environments and tasks for a post-COVID-19 era blended-learning in Chinese universities. (shrink)

There have been a number of publications in recent years on generalising the AGM paradigm to the Horn fragment of propositional logic. Most of them focused on adapting AGM contraction and revision to the Horn setting. It remains an open question whether the adapted Horn contraction and Horn revision are inter-definable as in the AGM case through the Levi and Harper identities. In this paper, we give a positive answer by providing methods for generating contraction and revision from their dual (...) operations. Noticeably, we cannot apply the Levi and Harper identities directly in such methods as the Horn fragment does not fully support negation. To overcome this difficulty, a Horn approximation technique called Horn strengthening is used. We show that Horn contraction generated from Horn revision is always plausible whereas Horn revision generated from Horn contraction is, in general, implausible and, to regain plausibility, the generating contraction has to be properly restricted. (shrink)

Is gender-emotion stereotype a “one-hundred percent” top-down processing phenomenon, or are there additional contributions to cognitive processing from background clues when they are related to stereotypes? In the present study, we measured the gender-emotion stereotypes of 57 undergraduates with a face recall task and found that, regardless of whether the emotional expressions of distractors were congruent or incongruent with targets, people tended to misperceive the fearful faces of men as angry and the angry faces of women as fearful. In particular, (...) there was a significantly larger effect in the distractor-incongruent condition. The revised process-dissociation procedure analysis confirmed that both automatic and controlled processing have their own independent effects on gender-emotion stereotypes. This finding supports a dual-processing perspective on stereotypes and contributes to future research in both theory and methodology. (shrink)