Earticle

This This paper explores the relationship between human beings and AI, building on the concept of human beings as the imago dei, that is, the “image and likeness of God”, and a concept of AI as imago hominis, created in the image and likeness of human beings. The two, human beings and AI are increasingly symbiotically interrelated. Moreover, human development, and human evolution are increasingly dependent, or interdependent, on AI development and evolution. This situation of interdependence and co-existence will only increase over time, giving rise to both great risks and great opportu-nities, a circumstance that has been part of human existence for millennia. The risks related to humanity’s relationship with technology have always been evident throughout human history, from the invention of fire to the invention of nuclear power. AI takes this relationship to a new and unprecedented level of complexity. As human beings strive to establish a world of peace and sustainable abundance, utilization of AI is imperative. At the same time, the alignment of AI with human values is imperative, as the same time that human engagement with and partnership with AI is existentially necessary. Insofar as hu-man purpose and destiny is related to a divine purpose and providence, technology in general, and AI in particular are nec-essary components that contribute to the fulfillment of that providence. With this in mind, it important to revisit the under-standing of the relationship between mind and matter, spirit and matter, and intelligence and matter, moving toward a more integrative, non-dualistic approach. In this way, theological anthropology and the theology of technology may complement one another.

Jesus taught that reconciliation with our enemies comes not through religious practices or appeal to courts of law, but through two steps. First, complete self-sacrifice for our enemy’s sake. Second, presenting a path forward together. Com-plete self-sacrifice leads to one’s enemies’ voluntary surrender. Examples are found in the courses of Jacob and Jesus. Jacob did not provide a path forward together. Even though Esau desired to stay together, they separated. Through the Holy Spirit, Jesus provided a path forward, and Christianity was born. Today, united with Dr. Hak-Ja Han, in relation to UCI and the governments of Japan and Korea, our movement can sacrifice everything and offer the “headwing” ideology as the path forward together. I propose that the essence of this ideology is sexual abstinence until marriage and lifelong fidelity in mar-riage. It is headwing because people of conscience on both the Left and Right, of all religions, races and nations, support it. Therefore, it is the common base for give and take among nations and religions, which is the key to world peace.

This paper aims to examine the evolution and current state of non-governmental organizations actively campaign-ing for the reunification of North and South Korea (hereinafter, “Unification NGOs”) in Korean society, and to explore the directions and alternatives of governance necessary for the future unification process. The peaceful unification of the Korean Peninsula is a constitutional task mandated to all presidents and administrations of South Korea. The "National Community Unification Plan," which has been the unification plan of successive South Korean governments, aims for gradual and phased unification based on the construction of a national community through expanded reconciliation and exchange cooperation between North and South Korea. It has been modified and supplemented to suit the changing times and continues to this day. Multi-level governance is a new form of governance brought about by the decentralization of government authority due to globalization and localization. It was proposed during the European integration process to establish permanent peace on the European continent after the First and Second World Wars, and successfully integrated the current European Union, which has significant implications for the Korean Peninsula. To summarize the characteristics of multi-level governance: First, it can increase the possibility of resolving two-dimensional issues that cannot be solved in bilateral relations between hostile states by transforming them into three-dimensional issues involving multilateral participation. Second, it allows regional issues that transcend central governments and borders to be addressed through cooperation between local governments in ways that suit regional characteristics. Third, it enables efficient response and management of international issues that were previously unforeseen, due to the rapid advancement of science and technology. Fourth, it can further expand the participation of citizens and the market.

This study aims to elucidate and systematize the concept of “unification” within Unification Thought, address-ing its semantic ambiguity and conceptual multiplicity. As a central term in the Unification Church and its theological dis-course, “unification” functions both grammatically and conceptually as a prefix and object, embodying direction, purpose, and identity. This paper seeks to propose a constructive framework by analyzing unification through the operative mecha-nisms of integration, inclusion/transcendence (po-wol, 包越), and holistic unity (tongjeon, 統全), ultimately offering meth-odological strategies such as Jeong-Boon-Hap, Hwa-jaeng, and heartistic hermeneutics.

This article explores interreligious dialogue as a key tool for peacebuilding in post-conflict African societies. It employs a hermeneutical-philosophical lens to advocate for an ethics of understanding as the basis for healing and reconcili-ation. Drawing on the philosophical perspectives of Hans-Georg Gadamer and African ethical traditions, the study highlights how dialogical engagement across religious and cultural lines can foster mutual recognition and restore dignity to affected communities. It emphasizes the importance of narrative, memory, and meaning in shaping interreligious ethics. By advancing a transformative approach to dialogue, the article challenges instrumental views of religion and calls for deeper epistemolog-ical shifts in peacebuilding practices on the continent.

This study analyzes Carl Rogers' theory of human nature based on the theory of original human nature from Unification Thought. It aims to clarify both the similarities and differences between these theories to propose an integrated approach to understanding human nature. Unification Thought regards humans as beings created in the image of God and explains human nature through four elements: Heart, Logos, Creativity and Positionality. Although human nature has been distorted by the Fall, it retains intrinsic goodness and the potential for restoration. In contrast, Carl Rogers defines humans as organismic beings striving for self-actualization, viewing human growth and self-actualization as processes driven by auton-omous internal tendencies. Both theories positively assess human nature and emphasize its potential for growth. However, they fundamentally differ in their perspectives on the origin of human nature, causes of its distortion, methods for restoration, and ultimate goals. While Rogers focuses on personal integration and individual growth, Unification Thought adopts a theological and teleological perspective that seeks both personal and communal integrated growth. Thus, Rogers’ theory requires complementary theo-logical approaches for practical application. This study suggests the integrated applicability of Unification Thought and Rog-ers’ theory in counseling, recommending further research to develop concrete models for counseling.

In an era of rapid socio-political transformation, Generation Z has emerged as a distinct force shaping activism and societal change. This study examines the attributes that define this generation’s approach to social engineering, highlight-ing characteristics such as fearless, tireless, leader-free, restless, selfless, speech-free, and tribe-free. These traits enable Gen Z to navigate contemporary socio-political landscapes with unprecedented influence, particularly in digital activism and grass-rootsements. Through a mixed-methods approach, this research seeks to observe, describe, explain, and predict the patterns that define this emerging phenomenon. Qualitative and quantitative methodologies will provide insight into how Gen Z’s collective action is reshaping traditional hierarchies, challenging societal norms, and influencing policy-making. The findings will contribute to discussions on generational identity and the future of social movements in the digital age.

This study evaluates the influence of Laudato Si’, the 2015 Papal Encyclical by Pope Francis, on environmental consciousness, attitudes, and sustainable behaviours among Catholics in urban Kenya. Using mixed methods—survey data from 200 Nairobi parishioners, interviews with Catholic clergy and environmental activists, and field observations—the study found moderate awareness of Laudato Si’. However, significant attitudinal and behavioural differences emerged between informed and uninformed respondents. Informed individuals were more likely to view environmental care as a Christian moral duty and actively engage in practices such as tree planting, waste reduction, and clean-up campaigns. Key challenges include resource constraints, socio-economic limitations, and uneven parish leadership capacity. The findings suggest that the encyclical can significantly foster ecological conversion through enhanced faith-based education, youth engagement, and church–government collaboration.

This research examines the extent to which Tunisia’s olive oil sector is advancing towards a gender-responsive just transition in the face of climate change and technological transformation. Drawing on a constructivist framework, the paper explores how gender norms and climate action are mutually constituted in policy and practice and assesses both per-sistent barriers and emerging opportunities for women’s participation. Through a mixed-methods approach – including na-tional statistics, policy reports, semi-structured interviews and a case study of the ‘Mind the Gap’ project – this research finds that, despite progress, women remain disadvantaged in land ownership, wages, access to training, and decision-making. The findings highlight the importance of addressing both structural inequalities and the social constructions that underlies, em-phasising that a just transition requires integrating gender equity at every stage of agricultural adaptation and reform.

The implementation of soil and water conservation is a countrywide timetable in Ethiopia due to the challenges of land degradation, especially in arid and semiarid areas. However, assessment of the effectiveness of the implemented soil and water conservation measures is frequently ignored because of the shortage of sincere appraisal techniques. This study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of the age of an area exclosure in reducing soil loss, using photogrammetric Uncrewed Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) as a way of appraisal. A field experiment was conducted in Northern Ethiopia, specifically in the Tigray region in a sub-watershed with area exclosure and trenches. To measure sediment storage, 37 sample trenches were manually assessed in the field and estimated using Digital Terrain Model (DTM) data over a two-year period. The measured and estimated sediment volumes were compared. The comparison revealed that the estimated sediment volume closely aligned with the sediment volume measured in the field. The Root Mean Square Error (RMSE) ranged from ± 0.001 to ± 0.1371 m3. Moreover, the implemented area exclosure successfully reduced sediment transportation and prolonged the lifespan of the trenches, explaining 97% of the measured sediment volume, with no significant difference (P < 0.05). This indicates that the use of Aerial photographs to evaluate changes in sediment quantity due to area exclosure shows promise as an assessment method.

Soil erosion and degradation are major concerns for sustainable agriculture in the highlands of Ethiopia, negatively af-fecting soil and crop productivity. To address this, efforts are being made to implement stone bunds. Stone bunds, widely used for conservation, are hypothesized to improve soil properties and enhance farming output over time. This study examines the impact of the stone bund age on certain soil properties and wheat yield in the croplands of the Adi Awulie, Adi Ginbot, and May Muk micro-watersheds in southern Tigray, northern Ethiopia. Soil and crop data were collected from eight croplands, including four that had been bunded with stone bunds for 6, 14, 15, and 25 years and four un-bunded plots. The results revealed that stone bunds reduced soil bulk density (Bd) and increased soil moisture, pH, total nitrogen (N), organic carbon (OC), potassium (K), available phosphorus (P), and cation exchange capacity (CEC), compared to plots that were left un-bunded. Wheat grain yields were significantly higher by 43.69%, 21.28%, 47.62%, and 67.42% for bunds aged 6, 14, 15, and 25 years, respectively. Overall, results show that selected wheat parameters were significantly correlated (p < 0.01) with selected soil properties. These findings highlight the importance of stone bund techniques in mitigating land degradation and addressing agricultural and environmental sustainability, offering valuable insights for future land management strategies and local farmers targeting to optimize crop harvests in the region.

Three-dimensional (3D) culture systems, such as stem cell-derived spheroids, offer promising platforms for more physiologically relevant in vitro tissue models. However, these constructs often face limitations including core hypoxia and restricted nutrient diffusion, which impair cell viability and differentiation. In this study, we engineered adipose spheroids using human adipose-derived stem cells (hADSCs) integrated with mesoporous silica nanoparticles (mSiO₂) to enhance struc-tural integrity and adipogenic function. mSiO₂ incorporation promoted spheroid compactness, reduced hypoxic stress, and improved metabolic activity over 14 days. Histological and gene expression analyses confirmed enhanced lipid accumulation and upregulation of adipogenic markers (PPARγ, adiponectin, FABP4) in the nanocomposite spheroids. This nanoengineered 3D model offers a biomimetic and stable platform for adipose tissue studies, providing an improved system for applications in metabolic disease modeling and regenerative research.

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the third most commonly diagnosed cancer worldwide and a leading cause of cancer-related deaths. Its progression and resistance to treatment are largely attributed to a subpopulation of cancer stem cells (CSCs), which play critical roles in tumor recurrence and metastasis. Emodin, a naturally occurring anthraquinone, has demonstrated anticancer potential in several malignancies. This study aimed to investigate the effects of emodin on CRC cell lines (HCT116 and SW480) and their stem-like populations. Luminescence-based viability assays showed IC₅₀ values of 14.58 μM for HCT116 and 15.92 μM for SW480. Cell cycle analysis revealed G0/G1 phase arrest at increasing concentrations, while apoptosis assays confirmed enhanced apoptotic cell death, especially at higher doses. Furthermore, emodin increased mitochondrial ROS levels and decreased mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP) in both cell lines. These findings suggest that emodin not only inhibits proliferation but also targets CSC characteristics in CRC, highlighting its potential as a promising therapeutic agent.

This study focuses on isolating and characterizing novel polyhydroxybutyrate (PHB) depolymerase-producing bacteria for the efficient biodegradation of PHB. PHB, a promising biodegradable alternative to petroleum-based plastics, requires specific microbial enzymes for complete degradation. We identified Janibacter terrae from contaminated soil, demonstrating high PHB degradation efficiency via clear zone formation and enzymatic activity. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) revealed increased surface roughness and porosity in degraded PHB films, while Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) confirmed the cleavage of ester bonds, indicating enzymatic breakdown. The PHB depolymerase gene was successfully cloned and expressed in E. coli, yielding a functional 58 kDa enzyme. Optimal degradation conditions were 40°C, pH 8.0, and 96 h incubation, with 0.15% PHB concentration. Glucose and yeast extract enhanced enzyme activity, whereas heavy metals like Zn²⁺ and Co²⁺ slightly stimulated depolymerase production. These findings highlight Janibacter terrae as a potent PHB degrader, offering potential for sustainable plastic waste management. Further research on degradation metabolites and enzyme engineering could enhance industrial applications

The gene encoding GH18 protein (WP_061577947.1) from lichen associated Bacillus sp.NP_108 was annotated from the CAZyme databases. Based on phylogenetic analysis and multiple sequence alignment, WP_061577947.1 was found to be the GH18 protein family. The gene (WP_061577947.1) was successfully cloned, overexpressed in Escherichia coli BL21 cells. WP_061577947.1 showed strong activity towards colloidal chitin and activity on β-1,4 galactose containing monomers however, there was no activity towards crystalline chitin and chitosan. Biochemical characterization revealed that the protein exhibited optimal activity at 50oC and a pH of 6.0. Molecular docking also highlighted the protein structure and key residue present in GH18 protein family. The catalytic activity of enzyme exhibited substrate assisted catalysis. These findings support the chitin degradation capability of Bacillus sp. NP_108 and highlight the biotechnological importance of GH18 enzyme towards production of chitooligomers.

This paper presents a novel IM3 (third-order intermodulation) cancellation technique using a structured auxiliary transistor array, implemented in 180nm CMOS technology, to enhance the linearity of array amplifiers. The proposed technique applies a selective transistor-capacitor array with gate voltages and switchable branches for accurate amplitude and phase tuning of generated IM3 components. With a 180° phase difference and amplitude balance between the main and auxiliary path IM3 signals, the design improves the third-order intercept point (IIP3) performance to +11 dBm, at 1.0 to 1.1 GHz. while maintaining a gain of 22 dB. With low noise figures (NF) of 4.9 to 4.2 dB in the band. Measurement results demonstrate linearity enhancement across a wide bandwidth without high bias current or additional feedback loops. In addition, the reconfigurable nature of the auxiliary array provides flexibility to different operating conditions and frequency bands. Compared to conventional IM3 techniques, the proposed technique offers high flexibility, low power and scalability, Improved Linearity, Wideband Operation, phase compensation, gain tuning, reconfigurability, for future advanced wireless communication systems. Simulation and measurement results verify substantial IM3 suppression without degrading the amplifier core performance.

The atmospheric CO2 level has been mostly at the lowest level of 180-300 ppm over the last 420 thousand years before mankind started to burn woods and utilize fossil energy in a large scale and thus increase the atmospheric CO2 level and temperature. Antarctica moved to the South Pole and started accumulating ice at around 35 million years ago to become the largest ice reservoir and a buffer to control the sea level by accumulating more ice at higher atmospheric temperatures. The Kikai-Akahoya eruption in 5250 BC forced Jomon people to migrate from the southwestern Japan to the northeastern Japan, Korean peninsula, Southeast Asian islands, and father into Eurasia. These events among others in the evolution of planet Earth appear to allow advanced human civilizations to spread and develop to higher levels. Especially, Jomon people could have reached as far as Middle East according to recent genetic studies and brought back Sumerian and Israeli cultures back to Japan. Preservation of such ancient cultures and genetic information may have become possible by people migrating to such isolated geographic locations as high mountains (Tibet) and islands (Japan). Changes in the climate and sea level of the planet Earth must have highly affected such migrations.

In Genesis 1:2, when God created the heaven and the earth, "the earth was formless and empty, and the Spirit of God was hovering over the waters." In modern science, waters are synthesized significantly later after the creation of the universe. The phrase "the water" in Genesis may symbolize life, which is the purpose of the creation: the waters are the key element that enables life on Earth. In the present presentation, we review the origin of oxygen, a constituent of chemical waters, synthesized in red giant stars, and discuss the recent results of the study on nuclear reactions, specifically radiative 𝛼 capture on carbon-12 at low energies, updated following the previous presentation in the first international conference of ICHJA.

Scientifically speaking, we know nothing about spiritual reality, as all our instruments are based on electromag-netism. There appears to be no way to apply the scientific method to explore the spiritual realm, so we are left with theorizing and constructing hypothetical models. The first and most fundamental assumption—one that can be taken as an axiom—is that the spiritual reality is non-material. This assumption alone opens some room for reflection. In this paper, I present a set of axioms, statements, and hypotheses that seem relevant within the current state of our understanding of spiritual reality. These statements are, for now, speculative and cannot be scientifically verified or falsified. Nevertheless, such work is worth-while as a starting point for discussion and for gradually improving the model. In particular, I argue about time and energy in both realms: while in physical world they play the main role, in spiritual one it might not have the same importance. In this paper I present a list of questions about spiritual reality that are to be answered primarily from my viewpoint.

According to Rev. Sun Myung Moon, “The body should follow the mind as its center. When the mind and the body become one, a person's character and actions naturally align with heaven.” For many patients, their first encounter with meditation occurs unexpectedly during an acupuncture session. According to research, both meditation and acupuncture stimulate the body's regulatory systems, particularly the neuroendocrine and musculoskeletal systems to promote balance and healing. Together, they create a therapeutic experience that supports both mental and physical well-being. Meditation is often spontaneously induced during acupuncture treatments particularly once the needles are inserted and the patient is left to rest in a quiet, undisturbed environment for approximately 20 to 30 minutes. This naturally occurring meditative state enhances the therapeutic impact of acupuncture by activating neurophysiological mechanisms associated with mindfulness. Meditation has been shown to increase neuroplasticity, regulate key neurotransmitters such as serotonin, dopamine, and GABA to create a shift towards autonomic balance toward parasympathetic dominance. These changes promote emotional stability, downregulate the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis, and foster greater coherence between the mind and body. Similarly, acupuncture modulates neurophysiology by stimulating afferent nerve fibers that transmit signals to the spinal cord and brain, activating regions involved in pain regulation, emotion, and autonomic control. This stimulation pro-motes the release of endogenous opioids, serotonin, dopamine, and GABA contributing to analgesia, mood stabilization, and parasympathetic activation. Additionally, acupuncture influences the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis and often overlaps with dermatomes and myotomes, supporting both neurological and endocrine regulation. Acupuncture naturally relaxes the body, and in this restful state, the mind is often guided back to its center where the virtues of one’s character and actions can naturally relax into the healing process. This paper articulates the therapeutic integration between meditation and acupuncture and how it supports neuroendocrine and musculoskeletal health. By recognizing the meditative potential inher-ent in acupuncture sessions, practitioners can more intentionally support this process and empower patients to extend these benefits beyond the treatment room by encouraging the adoption of simple mindfulness-based practices at home to reinforce nervous system regulation, emotional clarity, and overall well-being.

TDP-43-positive inclusions have also been reported to be associated with the hippocampal CA1 Lewy-body pa-thology of familial Parkinson’s disease patients bearing a Parkin mutant suggesting that there is likely a link between Parkin and TDP-43. Also, it is known that loss of the nuclear RNA binding protein TAR DNA binding protein-43 (TDP-43) into cytoplasmic inclusions is the strongest correlate to neurodegeneration in frontotemporal degeneration (FTD) and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). TDP-43, TAF15, and FUS are DNA/RNA binding proteins, and these lead to neurodegenerative disease when inducing cytoplasmic aggregates. Selective expression of TDP-43 in rat astrocytes also leads to non-cell autonomous neuronal toxicity. TDP-43 is ubiquitously expressed in many tissues and cell types, including glial cells of the central nervous system. Glycogen Synthase Kinase 3β (GSK3β) is a Serine/Threonine protein kinase that phosphorylate either threonine or serine and participates in a variety of cellular processes such glycogen metabolism, gene transcription, apoptosis and micro-tubule stability. To identify the mechanism of neuroinflammatory induction through over-expression GSK3β in astrocyte using Shaggy which is the homolog of GSKβ in Drosophila model. This experiment revealed that we were able to suppress astrocytes-induced neuroinflammation by regulating GSK3β activity in the TDP-43 ALS model.

This study is the background, research findings, and clinical implications of folic acid deficiency at a medical in-stitution. Folic acid is vital for DNA synthesis and critical for pregnant women, as deficiency causes megaloblastic anemia and neural tube defects. Long-term deficiency increases risks of cardiovascular disease, dementia, osteoporosis, chronic kid-ney disease, and macular degeneration. The study analyzed 955 blood samples from January 2022 to February 2025, identify-ing 52 confirmed folic acid deficiency cases (5%). Deficiencies were notably prevalent among elderly men living alone and women residing in care facilities. Other nutritional deficiencies, like zinc and Vitamin B12, were frequently observed but insufficiently assessed. Treatment strategies included folic acid supplements, yet only half of the cases received appropriate care. High ferritin levels, possibly due to inappropriate iron supplementation for anemia, were also highlighted. The research underscores the urgent need for better nutritional education, proactive monitoring in elderly populations, and careful man-agement to avoid complications, particularly when addressing concurrent deficiencies like Vitamin B12, which if inadequately treated, could exacerbate neurological symptoms.

According to Reverend Moon, "Humans pass through three stages of existence: the aquatic stage in the womb, the terrestrial stage on Earth, and the aerial stage in the heavens. The fetus in the womb receives nutrients through the navel. The navel is the mouth of the fetus." In this sense, the navel can be considered the mouth of the past. For humans who have left the womb, the navel is merely a trace of the past and is not considered to have any special role. However, in Oriental Medicine the navel is called Shenque and is regarded as the place where the divine resides. Through treatments using the navel, the uniqueness of the Shenque has been examined. Additionally, Reverend Moon is said to have stated, "When humans enter the spirit world, they begin to breathe through the fontanelle on top of their heads and through their cells. The air in the spirit world is not the air of the Earth but love." The fontanelle on top of the head refer to the Baihui. Through treatment using the Baihui, we have examined its special nature. From the perspective of Oriental Medicine, we have examined these two acu-points and compared them.