bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Driving Sustainability: Analyzing the Influence of Road Transportation Infrastructure on Green Economic Growth in Malaysia
Authors: Zulkefli Nurul Aini Izzati , Muda Ruhaini , Mokhtar Imani , Viverita V.
Published: March 2024

Road infrastructure is an important aspect of the green economy. It integrates environmental, social, and economic factors with the aim of generating a positive net environmental balance. The green Solow growth model proposes that road infrastructure can enhance economic growth while improving environmental quality. This paper examines the relationship between transportation infrastructure and green economic growth in Malaysia, with the aim of ascertaining whether road transportation infrastructure has a role in sustaining economic growth. The study makes use of time series data over the period 1970-2021. This study employs the autoregressive distributed lag (ARDL) model and the error correction model (ECM). The study analyses three models of the total road network and segregates them into federal roads and state roads. The findings show that there are negative long-run relationships between transportation infrastructure and green economic growth. The results also showed that Federal Road had a more negative impact on green economic growth. However, in the short run, only Federal Road shows a significant and negative impact on green economic growth. In Malaysia, the federal road is classified as a primary road extensively utilised by the populace for their routine activities. Thus, federal roads have the potential to generate a more immediate and substantial influence on sustained economic development in comparison to state roads. Nevertheless, road transportation infrastructure can also have adverse effects on the sustainability of long-term economic growth. This study sheds light on the importance of sustainable road development that balances economic growth and the preservation of the environment.
The Role of Justice in Fin-Tech Performance: The analysis of Maqasid al-Syariah Index
Authors: Osman Adibah Alawiah , Abdullah Azwan , Ab Rahman Siti Maziah , Safian Sharul Shahida Shakrein , Ibrahim Nor Zawani Mamat , Shaharuddin Norhasimah
Published: March 2024

The essence of justice is how well a person harmonizes with what is right. It is clear that justice is one of the principles of exalted ethics, especially in terms of Shariah compliance, since the Quran and Sunnah provide a solid basis for justice. Integrating Islamic Finance knowledge with Islamic Ethics is crucial for holistically assessing Shariah compliance in the world of Finance Technology (FIN-TECH). In terms of justice, numerous prior researchers have done most of the work. In this study, secondary data was gathered from Islamic financial institutions of specified sectors regarding the Maqasid al-Syariah Index on justice. The partial least squares structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM) method was the main statistical technique employed in this study. This study aimed to offer a precise mode in which justice may influence the performance Fin-Tech in Islamic Finance's success. The study of justice plays a significant role in guiding the direction of Fin-Tech in Islamic Finance applications.
The Role of Transformational Leadership and Psychological Empowerment Toward Employee Creativity
Authors: Alshawabkeh Ibrahim , Ahmad Nursaadatun Nisak , Rashid Ana Haziqah A , Panatik Siti Aisyah , Al-Rusa Adolf , Liyana Aina
Published: March 2024

Employee creativity is a fundamental cognitive skill; according to the latest statistics, employee creativity is the most crucial factor for future success and is integrated into the bottom line in all organisations. Previous research reported a significant relationship between transformational leadership and employee creativity; however, the mechanism of this relationship is still unfolding, and the mediatory role of these variables is largely unexplored. Thus, this study aims to examine the mediating effect of psychological empowerment between transformational leadership and employee creativity within Malaysia's customer service industry due to its crucial role in meeting changing demands through excellent service in a socio-cultural context. A total of 429 responses were collected through questionnaires consist of four main parts including demographic information, transformational leadership, employee creativity and psychological empowerment. The data were analysed using measurement and structural models through smart-PLS using structural equation modelling with bootstrapping. The findings revealed that transformational leadership does not have a significant positive relationship with employee creativity. Meanwhile, the result demonstrates that there is a significant relationship between transformational leadership and psychological empowerment as well as between psychological empowerment and employee creativity. Interestingly, the findings revealed that psychological empowerment mediates the relationship between transformational leadership and employee creativity. This study contributes to the theoretical perspective in terms of the mediating role of psychological empowerment in the relationship between transformational leadership and employee creativity. As for the practical implications, this study provides empirical evidence for the organisation to design interventions that enhance creativity by empowering psychology among the employees.
A Conceptual Analysis of Green Human Resource Management, Green Organizational Culture, and Employee Green Behavior towards Environmental Performance
Authors: Annisa Sofina Tri , Abdul Rahim Ramita , Salleh Sazimah Mohamed , Zainal Noor Zalina , Sari Nor Afni Md
Published: March 2024

This research addresses a critical gap in the existing literature on green human resource management (GHRM) practices and their influence on a firm's environmental performance. While scholars have demonstrated the positive correlation between GHRM practices and environmental outcomes, there remains a dearth of studies explicating the mediating roles played by green organizational culture and employee green behavior in this relationship. By proposing a comprehensive conceptualization of environmental performance, this study aims to unravel the intricate mechanisms through which GHRM practices exert their impact. The framework introduced not only bridges the existing gap in GHRM literature but also serves as a foundation for understanding the interconnected dynamics between GHRM, green organizational culture, employee behavior, and environmental performance. This conceptual research offers valuable insights that extend beyond theoretical considerations, providing practical implications for fostering sustainable practices, particularly in the context of emerging economies. It aligns economic goals with environmental objectives, thereby contributing to a holistic understanding of the interplay between human resource practices and environmental sustainability.
mTORC1 hyperactivation and resultant suppression of macroautophagy contribute to the induction of cardiomyocyte necroptosis by catecholamine surges
Authors: Cai Mingqi , Wu Penglong , Ni Wei , Huang Dong , Wang Xuejun
Published: March 2024

Previous studies revealed a controversial role of mechanistic target of rapamycin complex 1 (mTORC1) and mTORC1‐regulated macroautophagy in isoproterenol (ISO)‐induced cardiac injury. Here we investigated the role of mTORC1 and potential underlying mechanisms in ISO‐induced cardiomyocyte necrosis. Two consecutive daily injections of ISO (85 mg/kg, s.c.) or vehicle control (CTL) were administered to C57BL/6J mice with or without rapamycin (RAP, 5 mg/kg, i.p.) pretreatment. Western blot analyses showed that myocardial mTORC1 signaling and the RIPK1–RIPK3–MLKL necroptotic pathway were activated, mRNA expression analyses revealed downregulation of representative TFEB target genes, and Evan's blue dye uptake assays detected increased cardiomyocyte necrosis in ISO‐treated mice. However, RAP pretreatment prevented or significantly attenuated the ISO‐induced cardiomyocyte necrosis, myocardial inflammation, downregulation of TFEB target genes, and activation of the RIPK1–RIPK3–MLKL pathway. LC3‐II flux assays confirmed the impairment of myocardial autophagic flux in the ISO‐treated mice. In cultured neonatal rat cardiomyocytes, mTORC1 signaling was also activated by ISO, and inhibition of mTORC1 by RAP attenuated ISO‐induced cytotoxicity. These findings suggest that mTORC1 hyperactivation and resultant suppression of macroautophagy play a major role in the induction of cardiomyocyte necroptosis by catecholamine surges, identifying mTORC1 inhibition as a potential strategy to treat heart diseases with catecholamine surges.
Evaluation of influence ofButea monospermafloral extract on inflammatory biomarkers
Authors: Zahra Nureen , Mazhar Aansa , Zahid Beenish , Naeem Muhammad Ahsan , Sarwar Abid , Aziz Tariq , Alharbi Metab , Albekairi Thamer H. , Alasmari Abdullah F.
Published: March 2024

Butea monospermais a deciduous tree, widely distributed throughout India, Burma, and Ceylon. The present study was intended to investigate the anti-inflammatory effects ofButea monospermaon the induced inflammatory model by evaluating pro-inflammatory biomarkers and their computational analysis. The anti-inflammatory activity may be attributed to the phyto-constituents for inhibitory effects on the two pro-inflammatory mediators (IL-8 and TNF-α). For this purpose, rats (n= 48) were equally divided in each group, i.e., 8 each in the negative and positive control and 32 in the experimental group with 8 rats for each dose, i.e., 50, 100, 200, and 400 mg/kg. TNF-α and IL-8 were tested by serum enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The ELISA results showed 400 mg/kg dose as the potent anti-inflammatory. The binding sites of target proteins (TNF-α and IL-8) were docked with the active compounds (butrin and butein) ofButea monosperma. The butrin (target: TNF-α) and butein (target: IL-8) showed −8.4 and −6.0 kcal/mol binding energies, respectively, compared to the (diclofenac) standard drug with −6.8 kcal/mol binding energy. Hence, we concluded thatButea monospermacan be subjected to as a useful anti-inflammatory drug.
Performance evaluation of grouted porous asphalt concrete
Authors: Abdulsahib Iftikhar , Hilal Miami M. , Fattah Mohammed Y. , Dulaimi Anmar
Published: March 2024

Semiflexible pavement (SFP) is considered a composite mixture, as it consists mainly of a porous asphalt mixture with high air voids grouted with highly flowed cementitious grout. Numerous benefits have been attributed to this technology, including exceptional slip resistance, a high static bearing capacity, and rutting resistance. In this study, two different types of semiflexible paving mix were produced by using two different types of grouting materials (GMs). There is a discrepancy between the compressive strengths of the two GMs used, as the compressive strength of the first mixture, which consisted of 96% cement and 4% silica fume (SF), was approximately twice the compressive strength of the second mixture, which consisted of 75% cement and 25% sand. The mechanical and durable properties of the two SFPs were studied, in addition to the effect of variation in the compressive strengths of the two GMs and their effect on the final performance of the pavement. The results of Marshall and rutting tests show that the SFP material exhibits good high-temperature stability. The effect of the variation in the compressive strength of the two mixtures was evident in the results of the tests compared with the sand mixture at a strength of 20.8 MPa, the SF at a strength of 48.1 MPa witnessed a 39.54% increase in the Marshall stability at 28-day curing age. Also, the composite material (CM) showed better rutting performance than traditional asphalt mixtures, which did not exceed 2 mm. The results of the indirect tensile strength (ITS) test showed a discrepancy between the two types of CM, as the ITS value of the grouting material of SF (GMSF) mixture increased by 14.91% compared with the grouting material of sand (GMSN) for the curing age of 28 days for unconditioned samples and by 20.22% for the conditioned samples for the same curing age, while the durability of two types of CM was measured by Cantabro abrasion loss and tensile strength ratio. The results were acceptable and within the specification limits. With a variation for the two types of CM, the GMSF mixture showed an increase in the value of Cantabro loss by 11.52% over the GMSN mixture for ageing samples and 6.59% for non-aging samples of 28 days of curing age.
Appraisal of current technologies for the study of genetic alterations in hematologic malignancies with a focus on chromosome analysis and structural variants
Authors: Salaverria Itziar , Siebert Reiner , Mrózek Krzysztof
Published: March 2024

During the last five decades, chromosome analysis identified recurring translocations and inversions in leukemias and lymphomas, which led to cloning of genes at the breakpoints that contribute to oncogenesis. Such molecular cytogenetic methods as fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH), copy number (CN) arrays or optical genome mapping (OGM) have augmented standard chromosome analysis. The use of both cytogenetic and molecular methods, such as reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) and next generation sequencing (NGS), including whole-genome sequencing (WGS), discloses alterations that not only delineate separate WHO disease entities but also constitute independent prognostic factors, whose use in the clinic improves management of patients with hematologic neoplasms.
Genetic alterations in chronic lymphocytic leukemia and plasma cell neoplasms – a practical guide to WHO HAEM5
Authors: Tausch Eugen , López Cristina , Stilgenbauer Stephan , Siebert Reiner
Published: March 2024

The 5th edition of the World Health Organization Classification of Haematolymphoid Tumours (WHO-HAEM5) provides a revised classification of lymphoid malignancies including chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) and plasma cell myeloma/multiple myeloma (PCM/MM). For both diseases the descriptions of precursor states such as monoclonal B-cell lymphocytosis and monoclonal gammopathy of uncertain significance (MGUS) have been updated including a better risk stratification model. New insights on mutational landscapes and branching evolutionary pattern were embedded as diagnostic and prognostic factors, accompanied by a revised structure for the chapter of plasma cell neoplasms. Thus, the WHO-HAEM5 leads to practical improvements of biological and clinical relevance for pathologists, clinicians, geneticists and scientists in the field of lymphoid malignancies. The present review gives an overview on the landscape of genetic alterations in CLL and plasma cell neoplasms with a focus on their impact on classification and treatment.
Overview on WHO-HAEM5 and the diagnostic relevance of genetic alterations for the classification
Authors: Haferlach Claudia , Ott German , Hörst Katharina , Kühn Constanze , Haferlach Torsten , Siebert Reiner
Published: March 2024

The landscape of haematological malignancies is constantly evolving, driven by advances in our understanding of their genetic basis. This has cumulated within the 5th Edition of the World Health Organization (WHO) Classification of Haematolymphoid Tumours published in short form in 2022 [1, 2] and being available in full length both as “Blue Book” (in print expected early 2024) as well as web-based classification (see: https://tumourclassification.iarc.who.int/welcome/). Similarly, the importance of genetic alterations for the classification is highlighted in other classification systems related to haematologic neoplasms [3–5]. In this special issue of the Medizinische Genetik, we present a comprehensive overview of the genetic alterations contributing to the classification of haematolymphoid neoplasms in the 5th Edition of the WHO classification (WHO-HAEM5) and its diagnostic relevance in the context of various haematological malignancies.
Multifunctional all-dielectric quarter-wave plate metasurfaces for generating focused vector beams of Bell-like states
Authors: Cui Guosen , Gu Manna , Cheng Chen , Zhang Ziheng , Zhou Yuxiang , Dong Qingrui , Gao Song , Choi Duk-Yong , Cheng Chuanfu , Liu Chunxiang
Published: March 2024

The generation of vector beams using metasurfaces is crucial for the manipulation of light fields and has significant application potential, ranging from classical physics to quantum science. This paper introduces a novel dielectric metasurface composed of quarter-wave plate (QWP) meta-atoms, known as a QWP metasurface, designed to generate focused vector beams (VBs) of Bell-like states under right circularly polarized illumination. The propagation phase imparted on both the co- and cross-polarized components of the output field constructs hyperbolic and helical phase profiles with topological charge l

p
, whereas the Pancharatnam–Berry (PB) phase acts only on the cross-polarized component to construct another helical phase profile with topological charge l

g
. Thus, the co- and cross-polarized components form two orthogonal vector vortex (VV) modes with topological charges l

p
and l

p
+ l

g
, respectively. When the parameter conditions are satisfied by matching the incident polarization chirality σ and topological charges l

p
and l

g
, the focused VBs of Bell-like states are generated by simultaneously manipulating the two VV modes, in contrast to existing QWP metasurfaces. The polarization states of the generated VBs are manipulated using the initial orientation angle θ
0 of the meta-atom. Overall, this research provides an innovative strategy for metasurface design, enhancing the functionality of metasurface devices for a broader range of application scenarios.
Agensdemotion und gesprochene Wissenschaftssprache: Eine Studie zu (un-)persönlicher Selbstreferenz in erstsprachigen und fremdsprachigen Fachvorträgen
Authors: Matthies Jochen
Published: March 2024

This quantitative study examines self-reference in conference presentations by L1 and Polish L2 speakers of German. It analyses which linguistic structures are used to express different types of self-reference. Usage of the first person is shown to be lower than in spontaneous oral conversation, but considerably higher than in written academic texts. Moreover, speakers use a variety of types of agent demotion (such as the passive voice) that are also common in written academic language. The data shows that the L1 speakers use more first person pronouns than the L2 speakers. This may be due to cultural differences between German and Polish academia. An alternative explanation is that L2 speakers have a stronger tendency to rely on written manuscripts for their presentations. Distinguishing between discourse comments, methodical comments and eristic comments, the study also shows that different types of self-reference correlate with different linguistic structures.
Investigations on the enhanced anti-microbial activity of one step synthesized ZnO, WO3, and rGO nano particles and fabrication of rGO nano electrode for EMG biomedical application
Authors: Subramaniam Kavitha , Mohan Konganapuram S. , Bhoopesh Rajappan K. , Gunavathy Kugalur V.
Published: March 2024

The proposed study aims to synthesize ZnO, WO3, and rGO nano particles (NPs) using simple and effective chemical reduction technique and to investigate its biomedical applications. According to the XRD results, synthesized NPs had hexagonal, monoclinic, and cubic crystal forms. The FESEM micro image shows sheet-like structure for rGO NPs, an algal crystal structure for ZnO, and a bulk cluster formation for WO3 NPs. The value of band gap was found to be 5.75, 5.37 and 3.01 eV for ZnO, WO3, and rGO NPs respectively. The presence of diverse functional groups in the produced NPs was verified using Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy. Investigations against different microorganisms indicated an augmentation in the antibacterial activity for ZnO and WO3 NPs. Electrodes coated with rGO NP were made and discovered to be effective in collecting human biomedical data more effectively. The performance of rGO NP coated electrodes was compared using a development board for electromyography analysis along with an android application for monitoring purposes. The quality of the signal, the ratio between the signal and the background noise, as well as the level of impedance between the electrode and the skin was observed to be better than conventional electrodes.
Interactive AI Virtual Teaching Resource Intelligent Recommendation Algorithm Based on Similarity Measurement on the Internet of Things Platform
Authors: Fan Ying
Published: March 2024

To tackle the issues of low recommender system correctness and the long time of recommendation in the traditional intelligent recommendation algorithm of interactive artificial intelligence (AI) virtual teaching resources, a similarity measurement-based intelligent recommendation algorithm of interactive AI virtual teaching resources is proposed. According to the contact frequency of adjacent learners, the behavior patterns of learners are mined, and the user characteristics are selected on the basis of the mutual information feature selection method. In the context of the category attribute matrix and learner category attribute scoring matrix of interactive AI virtual teaching resources, the user interest matrix is constructed by the Relevance Feedback based on Inverse Learning Function (RF-ILF) method. The user similarity is calculated and the neighbor set is found in the similar user clusters after clustering. According to the results of the simulation, the suggested algorithm is more efficient and provides more accurate recommendations when recommending interactive AI virtual teaching resources.
Exosomal circRNA-0008302 from Adipose-derived Stem Cells Protects Against Myocardial Injury
Authors: Hu Chengyan , Wang Shuai , Wang Yanling , Fan Zhenxing , Sun Xipeng , Liu Zhi
Published: March 2024

Objective: This study was aimed at investigating the expression and therapeutic potential of circRNAs from adipose-derived stem cell (ADSC) exosomes (ADSC-Exos) for cardiomyocyte injury.

Methods: We screened differentially expressed circRNAs between ADSCs and ADSC-Exos with a circRNA microarray. A differential circRNA-0008302 siRNA plasmid was constructed to obtain ADSC-Exo and ADSC Exommu-circ-0008302 siRNA, respectively; subsequently, M6200 cells were divided into a control group, hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) induced group, H2O2 + ADSC-Exo group, and H2O2 + ADSC-Exommu-circ-0008302 siRNA group, and cell viability was evaluated. Apoptosis and intracellular reactive oxygen species were measured. The expression levels of miR-466i-5p were evaluated, and western blotting was performed to detect the expression of methionine sulfoxide reductase A (MsrA) protein.

Results: Expression of circ-0008302 was significantly more elevated in the ADSC-Exo group than the ADSCs group. The treatment protected cardiomyocytes against H2O2-induced oxidative injury. Mechanistically, circ-0008302 downregulated miR-466i-5p levels, thus promoting expression of the miR-466i-5p target gene MsrA in cardiomyocytes.

Conclusions: ADSC-Exos play protective roles in mitigating myocardial injury by delivering circ-0008302 to cardiomyocytes; this circRNA targets miR-466i-5p and subsequently enhances the expression of MsrA.
Amphibian and reptile diversity in natural landscapes and human-modified habitats of the Sahara Desert of Algeria: A better understanding of biodiversity to improve conservation
Authors: Mouane Aicha , Harrouchi Abdel’karim , Ghennoum Ismail , Sekour Makhlouf , Chenchouni Haroun
Published: March 2024

The spatial and seasonal variations in amphibian and reptile diversity were studied in different biotopes (lowlands, desert pavements “Reg,” Sabkhas “salt lakes,” date palm groves, wadis, and urban sites) at the Algerian Sahara Desert. No prior research has explored the connection between the distribution of reptiles and amphibians in Algeria’s Sahara and the environmental diversity of biotopes and landscapes. This study aimed to address this significant knowledge gap by investigating the relationships between Saharan habitats and landscapes and their impact on herpetofaunal presence, abundance, and diversity. The diversity of amphibians and reptiles was assessed based on quantitative data of species captures using nonparametric diversity indices, species richness accumulation curves, and similarity analysis. At the Region of Oued Righ (Northern Sahara Desert), we identified 3 amphibians, 19 lizards, and 10 ophidian species. These 32 species (approximately 30% of the Algerian herpetofauna) were classified into 2 orders (Anura and Squamata), 15 families, and 23 different genera. The study area included 8 protected species in Algeria and 9 endemic species to the Mediterranean region, including 1 amphibian and 7 species of reptiles. Acanthodactylus dumerilii was the most abundant species (20.5% of the total), whereas Chalcides ocellatus occurred in 32.9% of specimens. The highest values of species richness were recorded in palm groves with 22 species and Shannon’s diversity index (H’) was 3.5, whereas the lowest values were obtained in Sabkhas (5 species) and urban sites (7 species). The number of individuals experienced significant variations between study biotopes and seasons. Overall, species richness estimators (Chao2 and Jackknife1) revealed that the current survey achieved 90% of inventory completeness. Estimates and interpolations of species richness showed higher values in urban sites, palm groves, desert pavements, and wadis compared to Sabkhas and lowlands where completeness ranged between 90% and 100%. The analysis of similarity indicated low similarity values (<50%) between biotopes studied. The highest similarities were noted between the mesic biotopes (Sabkhas, wadis, and palm groves), the xeric and undisturbed biotopes (desert pavements and lowlands), whereas urban sites showed a distinct herpetofaunal community that was completely different of that recorded in Sabkhas, wadis, and lowlands.
Musical Sociability, Atlantic Slavery, and the Portraiture of Carmontelle
Authors: Doe Julia
Published: March 2024

This article addresses the transatlantic financing of pre-revolutionary French salons and the amateur music-making that featured within them. It does so by reconstructing the context of a paradigmatic image of enlightened leisure: a portrait by Louis Carrogis (known as Carmontelle) inscribed “Mlle Desgots, from Saint-Domingue, with her Black servant Laurent, 1766.” The likeness is representative of Carmontelle’s style in subject and setting. It features a fashionable noblewoman—the French-Caribbean heiress Charlotte Louise-Desgots—who plays a gilded harpsichord. What is unusual about the scene is the identity of Desgots’s interlocutor; the aristocrat poses with a teenaged valet de chambre, Laurent, whom her family had enslaved. The soundscape evoked in the drawing—the domestic repertoire of the midcentury galant—is often described as a sonorous analogue to conventions of salon politesse. And yet, Laurent’s forcible participation in the artistic exchange destabilizes this “sociable” analytic framework. Tracing Laurent’s experiences in the decades before and after the portrait was made underscores how the dynamics of Caribbean slavery were inflected in the most prestigious of Parisian cultural spaces, and through the most anodyne and “convivial” of eighteenth-century sound worlds. Like Desgots, the musical engagement Laurent demonstrated was the result of an education attained in the metropole. Unlike Desgots, this training was not gifted for the pursuit of leisure but imposed in the formation of labor, as adornment to the artistic habits of his repatriated colonial enslavers.
Apophatic Character of Christian Creatology According to Vladimir N. Lossky
Authors:   Jan Dlugosz University in Czestochowa, Płóciennik Michał
Published: March 2024

According to Vladimir N. Lossky, one of the most eminent Orthodox theologians of the twentieth century, the Christian doctrine of creation does not constitute something like a philosophical preambula fidei, but is a dogma of faith, since its subject is the God-Trinity, and the difference between the Creator and the creation is in its essence inaccessible outside the Revelation accepted in faith. This truth has a radically apophatic character, founded on the apophatic mystery of Trinitatis, presentation of which is the purpose of the present text. Therefore, issues such as creatio ex nihilo, the absolute freedom of the creative act, the Trinitarian character of creation, creation in the perspective of theosis will be examined in turn. The whole will be crowned with a synthetic recapitulation of the most relevant issues, exposing the profound apophatic nature of the Lossky’s creatology.
Cooperation of the Family, Parish and School in the Eucharistic Formation of the Child on the Example of the Church in Poland
Authors:   Cardinal Stefan Wyszyński University in Warsaw, Rayzacher-Majewska Aneta
Published: March 2024

The article discusses preparation for First Holy Communion as a joint work of all three catechetical environments – family, parish and school, highlighting the diverse tasks current on each of them. The necessity of a coherent effort for children who are preparing for full participation in the Eucharist is presented as a prerequisite for effective religious formation, which will not end with the day of the celebration of receiving Jesus the Eucharist for the first time, but will usher in a new quality of life for the child and his loved ones and enable the formation of the Eucharistic attitudes lived out in everyday life. After showing the program assumptions of initiation catechesis in Poland and outlining the tasks of the family, parish and school in preparing children for the First Holy Communion, he points out the practical possibilities of their implementation. The sources for the reflection will be the documents of the universal Church and in Poland, with particular emphasis on the teaching relating to Eucharistic formation and the program assumptions of parish catechesis and school teaching of Roman Catholic religion. After presenting the issue, conclusions Will also be offered for the effective implementation of the theoretical assumptions.
Contemporary Conditions of Pastoral Conversation in Poland
Authors:   John Paul II Catholic University of Lublin, Lipiec Dariusz
Published: March 2024

The article presents the most important contemporary conditions of pastoral conversation which is a form of individual pastoral care in Poland. Because of the fast ongoing social, cultural and religious changes in the Polish society, more and more faithful ask priests for pastoral conversation because they cannot find satisfying answers to their existential and religious questions in universal pastoral care. The first part of the article is meant to define pastoral conversation as a form of pastoral ministry in the Catholic Church in Poland. The next part describes new religious conditions of pastoral conversation as well as the current existential conditions of this form of pastoral care. The final part indicates the weak points of the preparation for pastoral ministry and of pastoral ministry itself which significantly impede the effectiveness of pastoral conversation and limit its support to those who need it.
Religiosity and Secularisation of Polish Youth in the 21st Century. Quantitative Research Analysis
Authors:   Academy of Social and Medical Sciences in Lublin, Mariański Janusz , Słotwińska Helena ,   John Paul II Catholic University of Lublin, Mąkosa Paweł ,   John Paul II Catholic University of Lublin, Buk-Cegiełka Marta ,   John Paul II Catholic University of Lublin
Published: March 2024

In this article, we analyse the religiosity and secularisation processes of secondary school youth on several selected levels: religious affiliation, changes in religiosity, belief in a personal God, compulsory and non-compulsory religious practices, i.e. personal prayer. These analyses are based on the results of a sociological survey as part of the research project ‘Religious education of Polish youth – current state, opportunities and challenges’, conducted in November and December 2022 and January 2023. The study involved 1,672 male and female students from secondary schools across Poland. The results of the study confirm the increasingly dynamic secularisation processes.
The Social Message of John Paul II’s Encyclicals in the Implementation of Horizontal Principles in EU Projects
Authors:   University of Białystok, Proniewski Marek , Proniewski Andrzej ,   University of Białystok, Niedźwiecki Arkadiusz ,   University of Białystok
Published: March 2024

As it is indicated by the analysis of source documents and literature of the subject, John Paul II can be considered a proponent of human rights, which has been expressed in particular in his numerous works. During his pontificate, Pope John Paul II issued many encyclicals and other documents in which he discussed the issues ad naturam of human rights in many aspects (not only in the context of the teaching of the Catholic Church), including pointing to the essential social and individual value of human dignity, freedom and social justice for a particular man. The issue of social values is at the same time the essence of horizontal principles, which should be implemented for the benefit of society in connection with the implementation of projects co-financed from European Union funds. Although the strategic documents of the EU, which specify the concept of “horizontal principles”, do not directly indicate the inspiration of the achievements of John Paul II’s social thought, in the opinion of the authors, the requirement to implement horizontal principles in EU projects is part of the essence of the message of papal encyclicals.
The Study of The Impact of Onshore Harbor Layout on Coastal Sedimentation and Erosion at Pekalongan Beach
Authors: Fattah Zihad Al , Sangkawati Sri , Suharyanto Suharyanto
Published: March 2024

Pekalongan City is an area that frequently experiences floods. In response, the government has launched a flood management program for the Pekalongan area, which includes the relocation of the National Fishery Harbor Pekalongan. The construction of the Pekalongan Onshore Harbor will change marine hydrodynamics, current, waves and sediments. To address these issues, it is necessary to conduct a study of these changes. According to the modeling results, the maximum current speed in the harbor pool ranges from 0 to 0.28 m/s, while the maximum wave height in the harbor pool falls within the range of 0 to 0.40 meters. The bed level change at the end of modeling in the harbor pool is 0.108 mm. Notably,  the construction of the Pekalongan Onshore Harbor, as per the planned layout, induces hydrodynamic changes. An indicator of a hydrodynamics change is the alteration in currents at T4 and T5 in each model. In the proposed harbor layout, T4 and T5 exhibit a decrease in current speed, while the wave height remains relatively consistent. This change reduces erosion at T5 and even leads to sedimentation at T4 within the planned harbor layout.
Project Cost Estimation Using a Stepwise Approach: a Case Study of an Infrastructure Project in Gresik Regency, East Java
Authors: Siswoyo Siswoyo , Soepriyono Soepriyono , Suharso Akbar Bayu Kresno , Saurina Nia , Retnawati Lestari
Published: March 2024

There are many studies related to cost estimation applied in a project, but only a few employ using “stepwise” method. This approach is expected to assist in solving complex problems by establishing a criteria hierarchy, subjectively assessed by interested parties, and incorporating various considerations to develop weights or priorities. The foundation of the stepwise approach relies on well-documented findings, which assert that 80% of the total project cost corresponds to the 20% most expensive components of the work. The research systematically collected data for project development estimates based on the bill of quantities from each year, as well as the HSPK (activity main unit price) in Gresik Regency from 2016 to 2018.  This research aims to develop a conceptualized estimation model that provides clear, rapid, and relatively accurate initial project cost information. The results of this research include analysis of stepwise approach on cost realization, analysis of accuracy of the cost estimation model for buildings using the stepwise method, and an analysis of the cost of road and bridge infrastructure projects to facilitate completion in Gresik Regency. The research concludes that the analysis of the Cost Significant Model's impact on cost realization in the Public Works and Spatial Office's Highways Division in Gresik Regency has resulted in a cost estimation model for road development with an accuracy range from -12.7% to 16.0%, with an average accuracy rate of 0.59%. Additionally, there is a very strong correlation (R) of the independent variable (work in Division 2) and the total development cost, indicating that fluctuations in the cost of significant components are closely linked to changes in the overall development cost. The analysis of infrastructure project costs related to roads and bridges for project completion revealed that the highest value among independent variables is associated with Division 7, at Rp. 4,403,054 per m2. This suggests that the cost of Division 7 work is the most influential, while Division 1 (X1) has the lowest cost, at Rp. 35,589 per m2. Furthermore, there is a work component with zero cost, namely, Division 4 works.
Comparison of Field Ultimate Capacity (Static and Dynamic Load Test) with the Analytic Design of Bored Pile in Granular Soil, Batam, Indonesia
Authors: Kurniadhi Rizki , Hardiyatmo Hary Christady , Faris Fikri
Published: March 2024

A bored pile provides a large capacity obtained to toe and friction pile to support some loads such as axial, lateral, and tensile due to hydrostatic pressure or overturning moment. Static and dynamic load tests are often carried out to validate pile design before pile production in a project. This study aims to compare the ultimate capacity of the pile based on the result of static load test, dynamic load test, and pile design in granular soil of Batam, Indonesia, in which Chin-Kondner, Mazurkiewicz, Davisson, and Hansen 80% methods are utilized to obtain ultimate capacity (Qu) of static load test and dynamic test analysis apply Case Pile Wave Analysis Program (CAPWAP) method to gain ultimate capacity. The result analysis of the static load test of ultimate capacity using Chin-Kondner, Mazurkiewicz, Davisson, and Hansen 80% methods obtained results of 1379, 1300, 1375, and 1182 tons, respectively, with a Qu average of 1309 tons. A bearing capacity (RMX) of 1204 tons was obtained through a dynamic load test. Using the CAPWAP method based on the dynamic test, the ultimate bearing capacity (Ru) of 1248 tons was obtained. Analysis of pile design shows that the ultimate capacity of the bored pile in the granular soil of Batam, Indonesia, was 1157 tons. The Qu examination between field loading testing (1278.5 tons) and design pile foundation (1158 tons) was 9.4%.
Effect of B2O3 addition to Magnesium, Zirconium, Hafnium fluorides on the parameters of thin films formed from them
Authors: Zinchenko V.F. , Mozkova O.V. , Magunov I.R. , Volchak G.V. , Ieriomin O.G. , Babenko A.V.
Published: March 2024

For the first time, the influence of a B2O3 additive on Magnesium, Zirconium, and Hafnium fluorides, encompassing their structural and optical properties, was subjected to investigation. The phase composition of the MgF2–B2O3 system was ascertained through the utilization of X-ray phase analysis and infrared (IR) transmission spectroscopy. Notably, a discernible presence of a newly formed phase, characterized as a complex compound of Magnesium fluoroborate (Mg3(BO3)F3), was unveiled. In the instances of the ZrF4–B2O3 and HfF4–B2O3 systems, the modification in the characteristics of IR spectra was attributed to the α → β phase transitions occurring within the respective metal tetrafluorides. Subsequently, thin-film coatings of metal fluorides treated with the B2O3 additive were fabricated employing thermal evaporation under vacuum conditions. It was determined that the refractive index of MgF2 experienced a slight reduction (from 1.42 to 1.41) following the incorporation of the additive, while the mechanical strength exhibited a marginal augmentation. Conversely, the refractive index of coatings derived from Zirconium and Hafnium tetrafluorides, subsequent to heat treatment with B2O3, remained nearly constant at 1.53 across all samples. Additionally, an evaluation of the volatility of the samples was carried out, revealing a slight increase in volatility following treatment with the B2O3 additive, with the exception of the MgF2–B2O3 system. A plausible mechanism elucidating the influence of B2O3 on oxygen-containing impurities present in metal fluorides is proposed.
Porosity of Swollen Pulp Fibers Evaluated by Polymer Adsorption
Authors:   Paprican and Department of Chemistry Pulp and Paper Research Centre, McGill University Montreal, Canada, Alinee B. , van de Yen T.G.M. ,   Paprican and Department of Chemistry Pulp and Paper Research Centre, McGill University Montreal, Canada
Published: March 2024

Adsorption of polyethylenimine (PEI) of different sizes on swollen delignified pulp fibers indicates that for PEI molecules of diameter smaller than 25 nm, the accessible internal surface area within the pores in the cell wall is independent of the size of the PEI molecule. This suggests that a minimum pore radius R. exists in the fiber wall (with the possible exception of very small pores of about 1 nm) through which all PEI molecules in the range 2-25 nn can pass freely. Since the molecules must be able to pass through pores with walls fully coated by PEI and since the thickness of an adsorbed PEI layer is comparable to the size of PEI in solution,the pore size must be at least 3 times the size of PEI, implying that R40 mn. A value of the pore radius in the range 45-50 nm is found from estimates of the area of pores accessible to PEI and the corresponding pore volume. No pores are found in the range 3-40 nm. These findings differ from the pore radii obtained by the solute exclusion technique which usually are around 10 nm. The difference might be due to the ease with which the pores contract and expand under different conditions. Non-adsorbing molecules could cause the pores to contract due to depletion effects, while adsorbing molecules might cause pores to expand.
Depth Proﬁle of Paper Additives within a Pulp Fibre
Authors:   Div. of Forest and Biomaterials Science, Graduate School of Agriculture, Kyoto University, Tatsumi Daisuke , Yamauchi Tatsuo ,   Div. of Forest and Biomaterials Science, Graduate School of Agriculture, Kyoto University
Published: March 2024

Paper sheets containing polyacrylamide(PAM)as a paper chemical additive have been analysed by attenuated total reflectance Fourier transform infrared (ATR/FT-IRS spectroscopy. Absorbance ratios of the selected band of PAM to that of cellulose were used to determine PAM content. In order to determine the distribution of the additive in the radial direction of pulp fibre, ATR/FT-IR analysis was carried out after successive etching of the paper sheet. From the relationship between etching time and the thickness of removed surface layer it is possible to follow the partial concentration profiles of the additive as a function of distance from the original surface. The obtained profiles are found to be consistent with those of variable-angle ATR/FT-IR depth profiling method qualitatively. Being distributed from fibre surface toward the centre of fibre wall, PAM exists, on the whole, close to fibre surface. Addition level does not affect the distribution curve, i.e. the concentration at every depth level is roughly proportional to the addition level. In the case of a paper sheet from heavily beaten pulp, this tendency is not so clear i.e. PAM shows broad distribution at near surface layer. PAM whose molecular weight is low is distributed widely toward the inner side of the fibre wall.
МАТЕМАТИЧНЕ МОДЕЛЮВАННЯ ПЕРЕХІДНИХ ПРОЦЕСІВ У СИСТЕМІ ЖИВЛЕННЯ МАРШОВОЇ РІДИННОЇ ДВИГУННОЇ УСТАНОВКИ ВЕРХНЬОГО СТУПЕНЯ РАКЕТИ-НОСІЯ «ЦИКЛОН-4М»
Authors: Пилипенко О. , Долгополов С. , Ніколаєв О. , Хоряк Н.
Published: March 2024

Вступ. Розробка ДП «КБ «Південне» космічної ракети-носія (РН) «Циклон-4М» є важливим напрямом роботи космічної галузі України. Одним з інноваційних способів живлення є живлення рідинної реактивної системи (РРС) з паливних магістралей маршового двигуна (МД).Проблематика. Для реалізації зазначеного способу живлення РРС необхідно забезпечити стійкість роботи РРС при гідравлічних ударах та провалах тиску компонентів палива під час запуску й зупинки МД. Для цього виконують математичне моделювання перехідних процесів у маршовій двигунній установці при її запуску та зупинці.Мета. Розрахункове визначення параметрів перехідних процесів у паливних магістралях маршового двигуна верхнього ступеня РН «Циклон-4М» з урахуванням впливу МД на роботу РРС внаслідок об’єднання магістралей їх живлення.Матеріали й методи. Використано методи теорії автоматичного регулювання, імпедансний метод та методи чисельного моделювання неусталеного руху газонасичених рідин.Результати. Проведено математичне моделювання перехідних процесів у спільній системі живлення МД та РРС верхнього ступеня РН «Циклон-4М» при запуску та зупинці МД. При розробці математичної моделі систем живлення двигунної установки були використані їхні частотні характеристики як систем із розподіленими та зосередженими параметрами, узгоджені у визначеному частотному діапазоні. Проведено розрахунки запуску та зупинки МД. Показано задовільне узгодження експериментальних та розрахункових значень власних частот коливань рідини, піків тиску при гідравлічних ударах і особливостей гідравлічного удару (горизонтальні полиці тиску при розриві суцільності рідини).Висновки. Розроблено і протестовано нелінійну математичну модель низькочастотної динаміки двигунної установки верхнього ступеня РН «Циклон-4М», яку може бути використано для прогнозу залежностей тисків компонентів палива на вході в РРС від часу при запуску та зупинці МД, коли у спільній системі живлення МД та РРС реалізуютьсяекстремальні для РРС режими роботи.
National Quality Indicators in Pediatric Sickle Cell Anemia
Authors: Anderson Ashaunta T. , Mack Wendy J. , Horiuchi Sophia S. , Paulukonis Susan , Zhou Mei , Snyder Angela B. , Doctor Jason N. , Kipke Michele , Coates Thomas , Freed Gary
Published: March 2024

OBJECTIVE

To assess nationally endorsed claims-based quality measures in pediatric sickle cell anemia (SCA).

METHODS

Using data from the Sickle Cell Data Collection programs in California and Georgia from 2010 to 2019, we evaluated 2 quality measures in individuals with hemoglobin S/S or S/β-zero thalassemia: (1) the proportion of patients aged 3 months to 5 years who were dispensed antibiotic prophylaxis for at least 300 days within each measurement year and (2) the proportion of patients aged 2 to 15 years who received at least 1 transcranial Doppler ultrasound (TCD) within each measurement year. We then evaluated differences by year and tested whether performance on quality measures differed according to demographic and clinical factors.

RESULTS

Only 22.2% of those in California and 15.5% in Georgia met or exceeded the quality measure for antibiotic prophylaxis, with increased odds associated with rural residence in Georgia (odds ratio 1.61; 95% confidence interval 1.21–2.14) compared with urban residence and a trend toward increased odds associated with a pediatric hematologist prescriber (odds ratio 1.28; 95% confidence interval 0.97, 1.69) compared with a general pediatrician. Approximately one-half of the sample received an annual assessment of stroke risk using TCD (47.4% in California and 52.7% in Georgia), with increased odds each additional year in both states and among younger children.

CONCLUSIONS

The rates of receipt of recommended antibiotic prophylaxis and annual TCD were low in this sample of children with SCA. These evidence-based quality measures can be tracked over time to help identify policies and practices that maximize survival in SCA.