A Cognitive Study on Politeness Intention Processing and Its Association with Pragmatic Failure in Cross-Cultural Communication

Although a large number of studies have focused on various aspects of politeness,very little is known about how politeness intention is activated cognitively during verbal communication.The present study aims to explore the cognitive mechanism of politeness intention processing,and how it is related to pragmatic failure during cross-cultural communication.Using 30 Chinese EFL university students who were instructed to finish a probe word judgment task with 96 virtual scenarios,the results indicate that within both mono-and cross-cultural contexts,the response time in the experimental scenarios was significantly slower than that of the filler scenarios.This suggests that politeness intention was activated while understanding the surface meaning of the conversation;however,the EFL learners could not completely avoid the negative transfer of their native politeness conventions when they were comprehending the conversational intention of the target language.Furthermore,no significant differences in response time were found between the groups with high and low English pragmatic competence,illustrating that transferring the pragmatic rules and principles into cross-cultural communication skills was more cognitively demanding.Overall,this study adds to the literature on politeness research and provides some implications for foreign language pragmatic instructions.

The Transmission,Establishment and Cross-cultural Integration of Chinese Medicine in the Mainstream Healthcare,through the Eyes of a Generation of Visionaries and Pioneers

It has historically been very difficult to trace the history of the westward transmission of Chinese medicine through the accounts of its protagonists. Many of the early scholars such as Jack Worsley, Dick Van Buren, and Joe Goodman were reluctant to divulge information about the source of their knowledge, or their professional qualifications. Others, such as John Shen and Hong Yuan-bain were early 20th century immigrants who transmitted highly personalized versions of acupuncture and Chinese medicine to select disciples. Eventually, a new class of scholars appeared, including names such as Ted Kaptchuk, Peter Deadman, Nigel Wiseman, William Morris, Peter Eckman, John Mc Donald, Charles Buck, and the late Giovanni Maciocia who looked for answers back in China, developed translation methodologies and terminology, compiled the main textbooks currently in use at TCM colleges, overcame enormous scholastic adversity, developed courses and pursued the regulation and accreditation of TCM in various countries. This special issue synopsizes the path towards the global acculturation of TCM over the last 50 years, the main protagonists, the enormous accomplishments they have achieved for the profession, their philosophy, their clinical perspectives and visions for the future.

Understanding the Global Identification with China’s Stories: A Cross-Cultural Perspective

Cross-cultural storytelling is a primary way for humankind to seek mutual recognition of value orientations between cultures,which facilitates the ability to jointly address the problems of human existence in the context of globalization.In this study,we conducted an interview survey of 6,130 respondents who were college students or graduates from 107 countries.The results show that there were a number of cross-cultural values embodied in China’s stories seen by the respondents as part of a common vision for the future of humankind and widely identified guidance on collaborative responses to global challenges.These cross-cultural values are common prosperity,ecological harmony,individual-collective integration,the urgency of global peace,as well as respect for multicultural and indigenous development paths.

Current Situation and Cross-Cultural Influence of Live Houses in China

Live houses emerged in China during the 1990s as the country’s rock music scene began to flourish.Today,live houses can be found in almost every major city in China and have become an essential part of the country’s music culture.The growth of live houses in China has been driven by changing consumer tastes,the expansion of the music industry,and a desire for new and innovative forms of entertainment.These venues offer a unique and intimate setting for music lovers to experience live performances,fostering a sense of community and connection between artists and audiences.The cross-cultural influence of live houses in China has been substantial,with international musicians and audiences increasingly drawn to the country’s vibrant music scene.Chinese live houses have hosted a diverse range of international artists,providing opportunities for cross-cultural exchange and collaboration.As a result,live houses have become a hub for promoting Chinese culture and soft power,enhancing global cultural diversity,and increasing the visibility of Chinese artists on the international stage.

Translation Studies from a Cross-Cultural Perspective:Reinventing Subjectivity-A Case Study of English Translation of A Dream of Red Mansions

The integration of cross-cultural inquiries into the realm of translation has given rise to a distinct subfield known as cross-cultural translation studies.This approach emphasizes the importance of delving into the cultural subtleties and the awareness of cultural subjectivity within the translation process.Central to this framework is the concept of reshaping cultural nuances and the subjectivity of culture.This paper introduces three principal translation strategies that emerge from a cross-cultural standpoint:the alienation translation strategy,the‘cannibalism’translation strategy,and the destructive translation strategy.Utilizing the English translation of“Dream of the Red Chamber”as a case study,the paper examines how cultural nuances and cultural subjectivity influence the selection of translation strategies and demonstrates the practical application of cross-cultural research within the translation sphere.Hence,the significance of cross-cultural translation studies lies in its capacity to offer a novel lens through which to view translation studies.It encourages a reevaluation of cultural nuances and subjectivity in translation,which is of profound practical importance for advancing the field of translation studies,enhancing cross-cultural communication,and facilitating the spread of Chinese discourse on the global stage.

Cross-Cultural Adjustment and Coping:U.S.Students in Taiwan Residents Higher Education

The aim of this study was to investigate the adjustment problems of students from the United States enrolled in universities in the East,specifically in Taiwan,their problems related to cultural adaptation,and the process of adjustment to student life in Taiwan.Under investigation were cultural adjustment and coping skills as these students transitioned from West to East.Qualitative data were collected from interviews with participants and faculty members as well as participant observations.Results indicated that U.S.students found their own ways to acclimate to their new academic setting as well as to social relations,cross-cultural issues,and the linguistic environment in Taiwan to achieve effective adaptation.They made changes in themselves to cope with all situations they encountered.This study provides suggestions for international students abroad in Taiwan,for the Taiwan Residents government,and for universities or colleges in terms of what they should offer to current and future international students.

The Research on Cross-Cultural Critical Thinking in English Teaching: A Pedagogical Paradigm Within the Ideological and Political Course Framework

The conflation of linguistic competencies with ideological and political educational paradigms presents unique opportunities and challenges for English language teaching(ELT)in our increasingly interconnected world.This research seeks to address the role of cross-cultural critical thinking within the landscape of English pedagogy,framed by the imperatives of ideological and political education.Employing a multi-method approach,including thematic content analysis and action research,the study proposes a pedagogical model designed to integrate transcultural discourse and ideologically reflective practices into the conventional ELT curriculum.This paper argues for a reimagined approach to teaching English that encourages students to engage with diverse cultural perspectives and develop a nuanced understanding of global issues.

Innovation Analysis of College English Teaching from the Perspective of Cross-Cultural Communication

With the increasingly integrated international communication and cooperation,cross-cultural communication can enable talents to understand the cultural concepts and backgrounds of different countries,and thus form positive values.Language is the key carrier of communication and its role is also evident.Colleges are gathering places for cultural collisions,and in the context of cross-cultural communication,colleges need to play their role in optimizing English teaching and improving teachers’teaching levels,in order to cultivate more high-quality talents.This article mainly analyzes the strategies for innovative English teaching in colleges from the perspective of cross-cultural communication,hoping to provide references and inspiration for the research of cultivating cross-cultural communication talents.

The Claimed Revolution to Understand Consciousness:Information Plays the Driving/Essential Role for the Structuration and Behavior of the Living Organisms

A prestigious conference claimed recently a revolution in neuroscience to understand consciousness.In this paper it is shown that this revolution already came,revealing the determinant role of information for human and living structures,both for their structuration and behavior,explaining consciousness at human as the result of the activity of the Informational System of Human and Living Structures.For this,it is emphasized and discussed the informational structure of the eukaryotic cell,the basic/representative composing unit of the multicellular body of human,animals,and plants,showing that the composition and functions of the informational system are basically similar with that of human.To reveal the driving role of informational mechanisms in human and subhuman organisms,it is introduced the concept of matter-related information,showing that information can be hidden/“embodied”or released/“disembodied”in or from the elemental micro/macro components of the body,during the multiple chain/cascade interactions including transduction processes.It is shown that such interactions are initiated from two main categories of informational sources:implicit(genetic)and explicit(external/internal)sources,the first category leading to structuration of the body and the second the reactive behavior.Consciousness in human and subhuman organisms,expressed by two corresponding informational relations,is the result of the release of information by the mind,acting as an informational operator/device,the development degree of mind and consciousness depending on the complexity degree and adaptation.An analogy of this Informational Model of Human and Living Structures(IMHLS)with the ancient model of chakras is highlighted,showing that these models support each other,applied with beneficial effects in Reiki technique and music-based cognitive multi-task therapy for neuro-rehabilitation.

Online International Peer Interaction:An Exploration of Impacts on Comprehensive Competencies,Global Perspectives,and Cross-Cultural Communication Skills

With the increasing trend of globalization and the rapid advancement of information technology,online learning platforms such as Zoom are becoming increasingly influential in the field of education.The focus of this study was the online international peer interaction based on the Zoom platform,detailing how such interaction programs are conducted and exploring in depth the specific impacts of this interaction mode on students’comprehensive competencies,global perspectives,and cross-cultural communication skills.This research not only provides new practical references for online learning and international education but also offers new research perspectives and directions for educators and researchers.

The Axiology of Consciousness in Mocombeian Consciousness Field Theory

This work explores the axiology of consciousness in Mocombe’s consciousness field in the material world.The paper critically assesses Mocombe’s consciousness field theory(CFT)within the larger body of contemporary ontological debates regarding the nature,origin,and constitution of consciousness in the universe.The work goes on to highlight the manifestation of Mocombe’s consciousness field in the material resource framework that is the earth,and the nature and origins of ethics and values.

Analysis of Commuting Modal Shift in Consideration of Social Interaction of Consciousness for Environment

It is the matter for achievement of the low carbon transport system that the excessive use of private vehicles can be controlled appropriately.Not only improvement of service level of modes except private vehicle,but also consciousness for environmental problem of individual trip maker is important for eco-commuting promotion.On the other hand,consciousness for environment would be changed by influence of other person.Accordingly,it is aimed in the study that the structure of decision-making process for modal shift to the eco-commuting mode in the local city is described considering environmental consciousness and social interaction.For the purpose,the consciousness for the environment problem and the travel behavior of the commuter at the suburban area in the local city are investigated by the questionnaire survey.The covariance structure about the eco-consciousness is analyzed with the database of the questionnaire survey by structural equation modeling.As the result,it can be confirmed with the structural equation model that the individual environmental consciousness is strongly related with the intention of self-sacrifice and is influenced with the local interaction of the individual connections.On the other hand,the intention of modal shift for the commuting mode is analyzed with the database of the questionnaire survey.It can be found out that the environmental consciousness is not statistically significant for commuting mode choice with the present poor level of service of public transport.However,the intention of self-sacrifice for the prevention of the global warming is statistically confirmed as the factor of modal shift with the operation of eco-commuting bus service with the RP/SP integrated estimation method.As the result,the multi-agent simulation system with social interaction model for eco consciousness is developed to measure the effect of the eco-commuting promotion.For the purpose,the carbon dioxide emission is estimated based on traffic demand and road network condition in the traffic environment model.On the other hand,the relation between agents is defined based on the small world network.The proposed multi-agent simulation is applied to measure the effect of the eco-commuting promotion such as improvement of level of service on the public transport or education of eco-consciousness.The effect of the promotion plan can be observed with the proposed multi-agent system.Finally,it can be concluded that the proposed multi-agent simulation with social interaction for eco-consciousness is useful for planning of eco-commuting promotion.

Efficacy of acupuncture to regain consciousness in patients with traumatic brain injury: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Background:Traumatic brain injury(TBI)is a leading cause of death and disability worldwide,and consciousness disorder is a common problem in TBI patients.Acupuncture has been used to improve neurological deficits in patients with TBI.This meta-analysis aims to evaluate the effects and safety of acupuncture in improving consciousness in patients with TBI when compared with other therapies.Methods:A systematic search was conducted in electronic databases PubMed,EMBASE,Web of Science,the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials,Allied and Complementary Medicine Database,WHO International Clinical Trials Registry Platform,ClinicalTrials.gov,and Google Scholar for randomized controlled trials that investigated the effect of acupuncture on patients with TBI.From the inception of databases to March 2023.Results:A total of 653 participants were included in nine trials.We found that acupuncture adjunct to routine treatment significantly improved the wakeup rate of patients in TBI when compared with routine treatment alone(relative risk=1.36,95%confidence interval:1.16 to 1.59,I2=4.78%,P=0).Additionally,we found that acupuncture is significantly associated with reduced impaired consciousness after TBI when adjunct to medicine therapy.As a safe intervention,acupuncture can also improve the activities of daily living for people with TBI(mean difference=15.71,95%confidence interval:9.19 to 22.22,I2=0%,P=0).Conclusion:Acupuncture can improve consciousness and braise wakeup of patients with TBI when adjunct to conventional treatment compared with routine treatment alone.Further high-quality studies are needed to confirm these findings and to determine the optimal acupuncture treatment parameter for TBI.

Hero Hua Mulan With a Thousand Faces:Why Chinese Stories Can Move the World?Evidence From a Global Cross-Cultural Interview Survey

While people from Western countries do not always understand of the underlying cultural values of most Chinese stories,the Hua Mulan story has gained significant recognition from Western audiences.Therefore,it would be quite beneficial if we could understand the key elements that have contributed to the success of the Hua Mulan story so that we can employ similar elements in other intercultural communication programs and promote the communication and dissemination of cultures between China and the rest of the world.According to the findings from the interviews of 6,130 respondents from 107 countries,we found that the Hua Mulan story gains global acceptance because it represents a story of“a hero with a thousand faces,”which embodies the integration of Chinese traditions and contemporary spirit through sharing a global meaning while responding to various culturally common challenges.Five key cultural value dimensions are responsible for this Chinese story’s cross-cultural affinity and influence,which helped it win recognition and empathy worldwide.The five key cultural value dimensions are loyalty and patriotism,the courage to take responsibility,compatibility of individualism and collectivism,respondence to the multicultural appeal,and hero growth.These dimensions are then generalized as the value identity orientation grounded in a Global Shared Meaning(GSM)in this study.

Correlations between the Global Earth Healing and Global Consciousness Projects—Brain-Mind-Matter-Interactions through Physical Noise Generators

Inspired by Roger Nelson’s Global Consciousness Project (GCP), the Global Earth Healing Project (GEHP) uses a network of several hundred physical noise generators to amplify the combined intentions of their users in order to infuse positive affirmations into the global consciousness. As mentioned in the original study design, it was intended to use the GCP as a reference for the effectiveness of its activities. The data of the GEHP consisting of 21 events from 2013 to 2020 is analyzed and statistically compared to the data of the GCP. An astonishing synchronicity was observed, which suggests an interaction between the brain states of the observers and the physical noise generators of the GCP.

The Great Cholesterol Quandary and Global Consciousness Awakening

Ancestors of human species have been living on the planet earth for about six million years while the modern form of humans only evolved about 200,000 years ago. Civilization is only about 6000 years old, and industrialization started in the 1800s. World population interconnectedness is enhanced with love and mercy but disrupted with dishonest, lies and wars. Human species has been feeding on animal fat as the finest and prime source of energy for all human history. In 1953 Ancel Keys and collaborates illusionized human kind that their historical source of energy is toxic. Massive health, behavioral as well as economic consequences followed. Human hearts known historically to be the seat of spirit, soul and emotions is proven by our group to orchestrate with global energetic fields. Global consciousness as represented by the planetary electromagnetic fields is in critical need to be feed with awakening merciful information. Documents refuting Ancek Keys dogma and reverting humanity to the truth in their energy source is presented in this review. The harmony we expect is not only physiological but will affect our global planetary environment for the wellbeing of human species in earth.

Survey study of the etiology of non-traumatic altered consciousness in the Emergency Department at Suez Canal University Hospital in Egypt

BACKGROUND Disorders of consciousness including coma in non-trauma patients can be caused by a wide variety of pathologies affecting the central nervous system.They represent a frequent challenge in emergency medicine and are combined with a very high in-hospital mortality.Hence,early treatment of these patients is vital and increases the likelihood of a good outcome.AIM To identify the causes of altered consciousness presentation to the Emergency Department at Suez Canal University Hospital.METHODS This was a descriptive cross-sectional study conducted on 87 patients with acute non-traumatic disturbed level of consciousness(DLOC)at the Emergency Department.RESULTS The mean age of the studied patients was 60.5±13.6 years.Among them,60%were males and 40%were females.The most common cause of acute non-traumatic DLOC was systemic infection,such as sepsis and septic shock(25.3%),followed by respiratory causes(24.1%)and neurological causes(18.4%).CONCLUSION The most common cause of acute non-traumatic DLOC was systemic infections followed by respiratory and neurological causes.

Quantum Theory of Consciousness

Both consciousness and quantum phenomenon are subjective and indeterministic. In this paper, we propose consciousness is a quantum phenomenon. A quantum theory of consciousness (QTOC) is presented based on a new interpretation of quantum physics. We show that this QTOC can address the mind and body problem, the hard problem of consciousness. It also provides a physics foundation and mathematical formulation to study consciousness and neural network. We demonstrate how to apply it to develop and extend various models of consciousness. We show the predictions from this theory about the existence of a universal quantum vibrational field and the large-scale, nearly instantaneous synchrony of brainwaves among different parts of brain, body, people, and objects. The correlation between Schumann Resonances and some brainwaves is explained. Recent progress in quantum information theory, especially regarding quantum entanglement and quantum error correction code, is applied to study memory and shed new light in neuroscience.