The road to learning “who am I” is digitized: A study on consumer self-discovery through augmented reality tools

Today, digital tools offer multiple avenues for consumers to learn about themselves. Self-discovery or knowing “who am I” is fundamental to our everyday experience. However, there is a paucity of research that investigates the “how and why” of self-discovery, made possible by technological advancements. Adopting the theoretical tenets of extended self, possible selves, storied selves, and the twin metaphors of self and identity, we follow a multimethod qualitative approach to explore consumer self-discovery in the context of AR-based makeup and grooming apps and filters. We establish a framework for AR-facilitated self-discovery by analyzing the data obtained via Netnography and 22 in-depth interviews. The findings suggest that digital tools enable the discovery of previously unknown facets of the consumers' self-concept. Theoretically, this study demystifies the process of technology-enabled self-discovery, which is related to better life decisions and consumer well-being. Brands may apply these insights to inculcate the discovery components into the AR design, which can facilitate the adoption of new products. Finally, this study highlights the possible challenges to be avoided to ensure consumer well-being while using AR-enabled digital tools.     

The Five‐factor Model of Personality and Knowledge Transfer in the United Arab Emirates

Knowledge transfer has emerged as an important criterion in organizations for achieving a sustainable competitive advantage. While research has examined contextual determinants of knowledge transfer, very little research has considered the role of individual differences. In the present study, we addressed this issue by testing the relationship between the five‐factor model of personality and supervisory ratings of knowledge transfer in a sample of employees from the United Arab Emirates (N = 294). Our findings indicated that the extraversion (r = .22), conscientiousness (r = .18), and openness (r = .14) were significant predictors of knowledge transfer. Implications for knowledge management practices are discussed.     

Determination of glass-forming ability of Ge1− x Sn x Se2.5 (0 ≤ x ≤ 0.5) alloys using differential scanning calorimetry

The glass-forming ability of Ge_{1? x} Sn _x Se_2.5 (0 ≤ x ≤ 0.5) alloys was studied using differential scanning calorimetry. Samples were scanned at different heating rates under non-isothermal conditions. Various simple quantitative methods were employed to assess the stability of the glassy materials in the above-mentioned system. All of these methods are based on characteristic temperatures, such as the glass-transition temperature, T _g, the onset-of-crystallization temperature, T _c, and the peak crystallization temperature, T _p. A crystallization rate factor, K, has also been used as a measure of the thermal stability of the glasses. It was found that Ge_0.7Sn_0.3Se_2.5 was the least stable among all the samples.     

Factors Affecting Mental Health of North Indian Adolescents

The study explored the different factors that affect mental health of adolescents. A total of 1209 adolescents participated of which 591 adolescents responded in English and 618 adolescents responded in Hindi. The participants were given a language choice. About 1089 adolescents were attending school and 120 adolescents were school dropouts. In the current study, original tripartite structure of Hindi-translated Mental Health Continuum Short Form was confirmed. The measurement invariance results indicated that Mental Health Continuum Short Form is a valid scale in English and Hindi languages. Multivariate results indicated age group (early vs. middle vs. late), type of school (government vs. private), place of residence (urban vs. rural), ability to express thoughts and opinion in front of parents, presence of relaxed environment at home and satisfaction with dressing style affected adolescent’s mental health. Adolescents attending school displayed better mental health functioning than drop outs.     

The Unity and Diversity of Inattention and Hyperactivity/Impulsivity in ADHD: Evidence for a General Factor with Separable Dimensions

To examine the unity and diversity of inattention and hyperactivity/impulsivity symptom domains of Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) in a clinical sample of adolescents with ADHD. Parents and adolescents were administered a semi-structured diagnostic interview, the Schedule for Affective Disorders and Schizophrenia for School-Age Children — Present and Lifetime Version (K-SADS-PL), to assess adolescent ADHD. Data from 201 parent interviews and 189 adolescent interviews were examined. Four potential factor structures for the 18 ADHD symptoms were tested using confirmatory factor analysis: two models with correlated factors and two bifactor models. A bifactor model with two specific factors best accounted for adolescent symptoms, according to both parent and adolescents’ reports. Replication of these findings from behavioral rating scales completed for this sample by parents and teachers indicates that the findings are not method– or informant-specific. The results suggest that there is an important unitary component to ADHD symptoms and separable dimensional traits of Inattention and Hyperactivity/Impulsivity.     

Autokinesis and some conditions of fatigue

Effects of physical, mental, and vigilance fatigue on the autokinetic reports of 48 undergraduate students are described. Eight response measures were taken of the subjects with an apparatus that permitted recording of the apparent motion of the autokinetic stimulus in the same plane as the light source. Presence of the fatigue states was verified by independent measurements. Fatigue conditions facilitated quick and continuous perception of the autokinetic movements. The most perceptual complexity in the patterns of apparent motion was observed under mental fatigue followed by physical and vigilance fatigue, with least in the neutral condition.     

Evolution and process of spiritual awakening: A grounded theory study

The present study used a constructivist grounded theory (CGT) approach to explore, examine and develop a grounded theory (GT) of spiritual awakening conceptualisation and process. The authors used the interview data of 34 eminent spiritual teachers who have written books on spirituality, led spiritual retreats and conducted lectures and trainings on spiritual quest. These participants come from diverse backgrounds (e.g., American, Asian, European and Mexican), trainings (e.g., Buddhism, Yoga, Hinduism, Taoism, Christianity and other mindfulness traditions) and professional experiences. The data analysis of the interviews led to the development of the spiritual awakening evolution (SAE) model, explaining the process and evolution of spiritual awakening. According to this model, spiritual awakening evolves through four phases: an initial transient shift in perception, further practice to support spiritual development, surrendering and a continuous journey of spiritual development. As spiritual awakening experiences are transcultural, the SAE model can inform counsellors' understanding of clients' spiritual needs and the meanings of those experiences. Implications for counsellor practitioners, counsellor preparation programmes and research are discussed.     

Extended energy-loss fine structure analysis of 3d transition metals using L ionization edges

The extended energy-loss fine structure (EXELFS) in electron-energy-loss spectroscopy has been compared experimentally with the extended X-ray absorption fine structure (EXAFS), for determining local structure around 3d transition metals. Since the EXELFS spectrum is acquired in an analytical transmission electron microscope, the probing beam can be focused to offer a lateral spatial resolution in the nanometre range, which is several orders of magnitude better than that of X-rays. Also, the microscope allows the area of interest to be imaged and analysed by other methods. However, difficulties in the analysis of EXELFS of 3d transition metals arise from the overlap of the edges in the accessible L series. EXELFS of L ionization edges of crystalline Ni and Cu were examined as test specimens. The overlapped L₁,L₂ and L₃ edges were separated and compared with the K-edge EXAFS of the same samples. The first- and second-nearest-neighbour distances from EXELFS are in agreement with those measured from EXAFS and X-ray diffraction. As a structural probe, however, the accuracy of quantitative analysis of EXAFS is still superior since the L-edge EXELFS decays more rapidly than K-edge EXAFS.     

Erotic Motherhood and the Ideal Son: Mythology as Psychotherapy in the Krishna-Bhakti Tradition

Through the lenses of D.W. Winnicott’s theory of development and Sudhir Kakar’s theory that the flux between fusion with and separation from Krishna in the Krishna-bhakti tradition is a reflection of the early childhood relational dynamics of mother and son, I will argue that the mythology of Krishna found in the Bhagavata Purana Book X implements the traditional Hindu notion of moksha but reshapes it in a uniquely psychologically adaptive way. In an attempt to meet the psychological needs of sons and mothers, the mythology of this text maintains a theme of fluctuation between fusion and separation between the gopis who function as mother figures and Krishna, the ideal son. Through the thematic focus on the flux between the gopis’ fusion with and separation from Krishna, the text embodies the Hindu soteriological concept of moksha as well as plays out the cultural relationship between mother and son.