Frege and prior on tense and sense

Contemporary philosophical debate in the philosophy of time draws on two, fairly distinct, sources: physics and philosophical logic. This paper focuses on the latter, and, in particular, on representatives of the dominant views: ‘tenseless’ (Frege) and ‘tensed’ (Prior). Their rival accounts of the sense of differently tensed talk are compared. It is argued that while they share preconceptions that might be questioned, Prior's appeal to relief that a pain is over may, properly understood, contribute to a philosophical understanding of time in a way that is largely precluded by widespread, and challengeable, ideas about the character of language and logic: ideas that fail properly to acknowledge the sense in which talk is in time

A Study of Open Innovation in Small and Medium Enterprises in Hong Kong

The concept of open innovation (OI) has gained significant attention in recent years as a means to accelerate innovation, reduce costs, and enhance competitiveness, particularly for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). However, the adoption and implementation of OI practices among SMEs in Hong Kong remain understudied and underdeveloped. This thesis aims to investigate the OI ecosystem of SMEs in Hong Kong by identifying key players and their roles, analysing SMEs’ participation in OI activities, examining the factors that encourage SMEs to engage in OI, and providing recommendations for establishing a support mesh to facilitate their participation. An explanatory sequential design was employed, combining both quantitative and qualitative methods. The quantitative part of the study comprised survey responses from 144 people working separately in 144 SMEs in Hong Kong, while the qualitative part involved 21 interviews with 19 participants. The findings revealed that Hong Kong SMEs have strong relationships with customers and suppliers, indicating the importance of these partnerships in driving innovation. However, there is room for improvement in relationships with large enterprises, government organisations, industry consultants, and other stakeholders. The relationships between SMEs and OI partners are associated with their motives for participating in OI, particularly in technology acquisition, cost reduction, knowledge transfer, and performance improvement (financial and non-financial). The study found that more SMEs participate in inbound rather than outbound OI, and as a consequence, they are naturally less involved in technology spin-off and technology out-licensing but are more inclined to adopt rather than create new technologies. The study uncovered the roles of previously overlooked OI players, such as financial institutions, agencies, and media, thereby enriching the existing literature on OI ecosystems. Incubators/accelerators provide physical spaces, resources, and networking opportunities to support SMEs in scaling up their operations, while facilitators facilitate collaborations between SMEs, industries, and government departments. Financial institutions provide funding support and guidance to evaluate market prospects, manage risks, and promote and package enterprises. The study also identified media’s crucial role in enhancing visibility and awareness, fostering collaboration and networking, advocating for supportive policies, building a sense of community, and disseminating knowledge. Broadening sales and marketing channels and cost reduction are the primary motivations for Hong Kong SMEs to engage in OI. Additionally, technology acquisition, talent acquisition, and improving corporate performance are also significant drivers. The research revealed that gaps in not participating in OI activities in Hong Kong include difficulties in finding suitable partners, accessing talents, and securing capital. To further enhance the OI atmosphere in Hong Kong, efforts should be made to address these obstacles and develop targeted strategies to enhance OI adoption and collaboration among SMEs in the region. The findings of this study not only deepen our understanding of the OI mechanism in the OI ecosystem but also carry practical implications for policymakers, industry stakeholders, and SMEs themselves to devise targeted strategies for enhancing OI adoption among SMEs in Hong Kong

The Mediating Effect of Trust on Factors Influencing the Intention to use FinTech Applications Among Urban Working Professionals in Malaysia

The integration of financial technology (“FinTech”) applications has transformed the financial services landscape, significantly influencing consumer behaviour and business models worldwide. Despite robust digital economy growth in Malaysia, FinTech adoption among urban working professionals remains slower than in developed nations, hindered by concerns over data security and privacy. This study investigates the factors influencing FinTech adoption in this context, focusing on the mediating role of trust. Grounded in the Technology Acceptance Model (“TAM”) and extended to include trust as a mediator, the research examines the effects of convenience, perceived usefulness, social influence, and promotions on adoption intention. Trust is conceptualised as users’ confidence in the security, reliability, and data protection of FinTech applications. A self-administered survey of 313 urban working professionals was conducted using a structured questionnaire and analysed with multiple regression and structural equation modelling. The results reveal that convenience and social influence directly and positively affect FinTech adoption, while the impacts of usefulness and promotions become significant only when mediated by trust. Trust thus emerges as a pivotal factor, bridging the gap between perceived benefits and concerns over security and operational reliability. Demographic analysis further indicates that younger and male users are generally more receptive to FinTech services. The study recommends that FinTech providers prioritise building trust through enhanced security measures, transparent privacy policies, and responsive customer service. Policymakers are encouraged to strengthen data protection frameworks and invest in digital literacy initiatives to foster a secure and inclusive FinTech ecosystem. Limitations include the focus on urban working professionals in Malaysia. Future research should explore FinTech adoption across diverse populations and examine additional mediators such as financial literacy and cultural factors. This research contributes to a deeper understanding of FinTech adoption in Malaysia and reinforces the central role of trust in advancing financial inclusion and digital transformation

Chinese Web Fiction: A Critical Analysis of Customer Engagement and Value Co-Creation From the Perspective of S-D Login in the Age of Digitization

This study explores customer engagement (CE) and value co-creation within Chinese web fiction communities, a rapidly growing cultural phenomenon that has attracted millions of readers both in China and globally. Using S-D logic-informed customer engagement as a theoretical framework, the research examines how these digital communities, characterized by high interactivity and strong customer-producer relationships, foster engagement and co-creation. Adopting a constructivist research paradigm and utilizing abductive reasoning, the study employs an embedded case study strategy. Data were collected through purposive sampling, involving 21 participants, including 8 in-depth interviews and 2 focus groups, and analysed using thematic analysis. Ethical considerations ensured participant confidentiality and methodological rigor. The research reveals CE's dynamic nature. Three key drivers of customer engagement are identified: self - motivated labour, co - creation infrastructure, and brand - centric interpretive communities. The outcomes of CE are categorized into three dimensions: Positive Transformation Value (PTV), Emotional Resonance Value (ERV), and Constituent Co - Creative Value (CCV), highlighting the platform's roles in personal growth, community engagement, and cultural expression. A customer typology (Transformation Seekers, Emotional Connectors, Co - creators, and Integrated Value Seekers) is developed, and cultural factors like ‘Collective Participation’, ‘Striving Spirit’, and ‘the Pursuit of Moral and Educational Enrichment’ significantly shape engagement. Theoretically, this study enriches S - D logic by integrating cultural elements into the CE framework, offering a multi - dimensional view that challenges unidimensional models. Practically, it provides actionable strategies for platform managers. They can enhance user participation by leveraging key themes and understanding cultural factors, tailoring content to boost platform performance. However, limitations include a focus on educated participants and lack of cross - cultural exploration. The model emphasizes positive value, overlooking potential negatives. Future research should address these aspects. Overall, this study offers valuable insights for digital community management and engagement strategies

Exploring Classroom Grouping Practices in Wales

Grouping practices in classrooms are under-researched within the Welsh context. This exploratory research aimed to provide information about grouping practices for those with additional learning needs (ALN) and educators' decision-making concerning these. In addition, the study sought to gain insight into changes to grouping practices during the COVID-19 pandemic and priorities for the future. Data was gathered using an online survey of primary and secondary school ALNCos (n=102) based in Wales. Findings revealed that mixed ability was the most frequently used grouping practice for general subjects across primary and secondary schools. Similar to figures found elsewhere in the UK, the grouping of core subjects in both age phases was attainment-based. A wide range of grouping practices were selected, which offered support for academic learning, with less focus on learner choice or socially-based groups. This was the case for learners with and without ALN, and figures also show an increase in attainment grouping for younger children. ALNCos highlighted concerns over the standard of ALN provision during the pandemic and the need to move towards more child-centred, socially-focused interventions. Implications of the study and recommendations for the future are discussed

Demonic possession and the holy spirit: insights into the contested debate of ecstatic religious experiences in Brazil

‘Demonic possession’ is an ambivalent topic. While the belief in the power of spirits – including the Holy Spirit, spirits of the dead, angels, African deities, Satan and demons – is widespread, Christian theologians including Pentecostals argue that Christian cannot be demonized, and demonology is therefore irrelevant for the theological practice. However, deliverance from demons is core practice of many neo-Pentecostal churches in Brazil today. This article focuses on the experience of ‘demonic possession’ which is seen as an increasingly popular sub-category of religious ecstasy. In addition to the experience itself, the article discusses the impact of a diagnose of demonic possession, in particular when healing does not happen. While an improvement of the exorcised person is regarded as a successful exorcism, a failed improvement is interpreted as the ongoing presence of the demons. Everyone who is not healed is seen as either still under the influence of the demons or having insufficient faith. This leads to a wider discussion of the term possessão (spirit possession) and its usefulness in the ethnographic context of Brazil. The paper argues that while the term ‘spirit possession’ is an accepted academic category it has limited usefulness in the field. Inspired by fieldwork carried out in Brazil among communities of African derived religions, Spiritism, and Charismatic Christianity, the author reflects on criticism against the term possessão among religious practitioners

Opportunities and Barriers with Vocational Education in a Secondary School in Wales: Teachers’ Perspectives.

This study explores the opportunities and barriers encountered by teachers in establishing vocational education within a secondary school context in Wales, aiming to generate actionable solutions for educational practice. Grounded in the evolving discourse on educational relevance (Hartas, 2010), the research adopts an interpretivist paradigm and employs a mixed-methods case study approach to capture the lived experiences of educators. Through the integration of quantitative data from exam entry statistics, qualitative insights from a questionnaire and semi-structured interviews with key stakeholders, the investigation delves into the complexities surrounding vocational education, highlighting the significance of social interactions and context (Thomas, 2022). Key findings reveal both the potential benefits such as enhanced student engagement and employability and substantial challenges, including entrenched stigma and inadequate institutional support. The study emphasizes the need for professional development and community engagement to foster an inclusive educational environment, ultimately aiming to inform policy and practice in Welsh vocational education. By addressing these critical aspects, the research aspires to contribute to a more equitable educational landscape, ensuring that all students can access high-quality vocational pathways and reach their full potential

Innovative insole to reduce focal plantar pressure

Introduction Focal excessive pressure is a risk factor in forming hyperkeratosis, and inducing lesions of the foot, such as corns and calluses [1], which are common foot problems and can cause pain and impact quality of life [2]. A podiatrist may provide treatment that includes specially made soft pads or insoles to take pressure off the painful area. ZeroSole insoles were designed with a modular cell structure allowing cells to be removed to create a cavity to offload the customized areas, before the hard corns or calluses get to the wound stage. Is such innovation effective to offload plantar pressure for users who have not developed with any lesions? Methods Fifteen healthy participants performed the tests. Ultra-thin, in-shoe F-Scan sensors were put between the foot and the ZeroSole to capture the plantar pressure distribution and temporal gait parameters. Participants walked on a 9-m walkway under 4 ordered conditions – C1: No ZeroSole, C2: ZeroSole No Cavity, C3: ZeroSole One Cavity, C4: ZeroSole Two Cavities. The cavity was created around the second metatarsal-phalangeal joint (MPTJ) area by removing three modular cells from the insole in a triangle shape, which was covered by a target zone of the F-Scan pressure measurement system. After the walking test, user experience data were collected about insole fitting, comfort rating and balance feeling. Gait parameters were examined in the middle gait cycles, with mean and peak pressure of the target zone, plantar forces and pressure heatmaps. Results No significant difference existed between conditions for all gait parameters (stance time, swing time, gait cycle and Robison symmetry index [3]). The mean pressure of the target zone showed a decreasing trend from C1 to C4, similar as the peak pressure (example pressure distribution at averaged peak stance shown in Figure 1), as well as force changes in the metartarsal, heel and the whole foot regions. Compared to normal footwear walking (C1), using the ZeroSole with one cavity (C3) decreased the mean pressure about 28% in the target zone for the same side of the foot and 23% for the other side, and using insoles with both cavities (C4) decreased by 29% and 27%, respectively. User experience data showed users’ satisfaction in comfort, no imbalance feeling and provided insights for future design development. Discussion Wearing the ZeroSole insoles could effectively take pressure off the target area, redistribute the pressure under the feet without affecting gait. The insoles offered cushioning effects, evidenced by reduced plantar forces. In a similar study, using another two types of pixelated insoles had the percentage reduction over 40% when pixels were removed [4], which might be due to extra pad added under the MPTJ for elevated focal pressure. Both objective and subjective responses suggest the ZeroSole is promising to benefit people as an over-the-counter product. More clinical research would further test their effects in a long term