bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Book Clubs as a Pedagogical Tool for Developing Critical Thinking: Evidence from an English Education Program in Indonesia
Authors: Rusiana Rusiana , Nuraeningsih Nuraeningsih , Sulistyowati Titis , Syafei Muh , Romadlon Farid Noor , Nurcahyo Agung Dwi , Agulan Loreen P. , Thongmark Natthanan , Anna Sibhekinkosi , Kurt-Taşpınar Havva , Milad Abdurahman Ahmed
Published: December 2024

In higher education, critical thinking skills are essential for students to develop their ability to explore problems, questions, or situations, find a solution, and justify their positions. Such skills can be cultivated through sustained, authentic dialogue with peers or in groups. To provide a supportive environment for dialogue and interaction among students, a book club was utilized as an alternative and extension activity of Extensive Reading course within the English Education Study Program at a private university in Indonesia. The book club enables students to connect with others, expressing and exchanging ideas and thoughts, thereby sharpening their critical thinking skills. This mixed-method study investigated the students’ reading and critical thinking skills after participating in the book club, the effectiveness of book club in developing these skills, and the ways in which the book club fostered critical thinking skills. Twenty-three freshmen from one class participated in the study. The instruments used were a reading test, a survey of critical thinking skills, and students’ work. The reading test and  critical thinking survey were administered sequentially after the treatment, while  students’ work was qualitatively analyzed. The findings reveal that book club is effective in developing student’s critical thinking skills,  particularly  in terms of creating alternative t endings to a given story.
Transformative Practices: Integrating Automated Writing Evaluation in Higher Education Writing Classrooms - A Systematic Review
Authors: Astutik Indri , Widiati Utami , Ratri Devinta Puspita , Jonathans Peggy Magdalena , Nurkamilah Nurkamilah , Devanti Yeni Mardiyana , Harfal Zaldi
Published: December 2024

This systematic literature review explores the utilization of Automated Writing Evaluation (AWE) as a writing scoring tool over a five-year period from 2016 to 2020, focusing on its role in the transformation and integration of learning tools for pedagogical purposes. Transformation refers to the significant changes and advancements in teaching methods, particularly in adapting to new educational technologies and approaches, while integration involves the seamless incorporation of AWE systems into these evolving instructional practices to enhance the effectiveness of writing instruction. The study aims to analyze the various types of AWE employed in academic research, track trends in AWE technology strategies, and investigate students’ perceptions of AWE in both scoring and instructional contexts. Additionally, it aims to uncover the benefits and limitations associated with AWE implementation in writing instruction. Examining 19 journal articles, this review identifies fourteen types of AWE utilized by researchers and tracks advancements in machine learning within the field. The findings reveal positive student perceptions of AWE, citing its usefulness, efficiency, and linguistic accuracy in scoring and instruction. Benefits of AWE implementation include improved linguistic accuracy, enhanced writing performance, increased student engagement, and the provision of reliable and valid feedback. Moreover, AWE demonstrates effectiveness in scoring and feedback provision, with potential short- and long-term effects on student learning. However, limitations of AWE are also noted, including student distrust of feedback and a preference for human raters over AWE-generated scores. This review provides valuable insights into the multifaceted role of AWE in writing instruction, highlighting its potential benefits and areas for improvement.
Leveraging Technology to Improve Learning Independence in Chemistry: A Study on Moodle Integration
Authors: Abidin Nur Lailatul Fitriyah , Dwiningsih Kusumawati , Jehwae Phaosan , Sari Christina Kartika
Published: December 2024

This study addresses the issues of the low level of learning independence of students, especially in understanding abstract chemical materials such as chemical bonds, as well as limited learning time, which often results in suboptimal comprehension and the omission of some sub-materials. In addition, the use of media in the learning process rarely incorporates technological advancements. This study aims to determine if a website integrated with Moodle can enhance the learning independence of students in chemical bonding material. This study employed the research and development method using the 4D model, which comprises four stages. However, this study only included three stages, namely define, design, and develop. The target population consisted of 29 eleventh-grade high school students. The instruments used to collect data were validation sheets, an independence questionnaire, and pretest-posttest assessments. The feasibility of the integrated chemistry learning website with Moodle was evaluated through validity and effectiveness tests. The validity test involved three validators, consisting of two lecturers and one teacher. Meanwhile, the effectiveness was analyzed using the n-gain from the results of the independence questionnaire and pretest-posttest assessments. The results of this study indicated that the chemistry learning website integrated with Moodle significantly enhanced the learning independence of students with the validation results of 5 for content validity and 4 for construct validity, while the n-gain results from the independence questionnaire and pretest-posttest assessments fall into the high category. In conclusion, this media effectively promoted independence across five indicators of learning independence.
Analysis of students' problem-solving abilities in solving contextual problems of Linear Equations with Three Variables in terms of Habits of Mind
Authors: Nurmeidina Rahmatya , Zaqiyah Nafisa Nur , Nugroho Arif Ganda , Andini Andini , Faiziyah Nuqthy , Adnan Mazlini Binti , Syar’i Ahmad
Published: December 2024

Students' problem-solving abilities and habits of mind need to be developed in mathematics learning. This research aims to describe the problem-solving abilities and habits of mind of class X MA Muhammadiyah 2 Al-Furqan students in solving contextual problems in online learning. This research is qualitative research with descriptive methods. The subjects of this research were 3 students of class X Science MA Muhammadiyah 2 Al-Furqan who came from ability groups: high, medium, and low. These students take part in mathematics learning using blended learning. The research results show that problem-solving abilities and habits of mind are interrelated and support each other. Students with high Habits of mind have high problem-solving abilities, students with medium Habits of mind have medium problem-solving abilities, and students with low Habits of mind have low problem-solving abilities. Students' problem-solving abilities are classified as high on the indicator of understanding the problem and low on the indicators of making plans and implementing plans. Students' habits of mind are classified as medium to high on the indicator of persisting or never giving up medium to low on the indicator of being enthusiastic in responding, and the indicator of being brave enough to take responsibility and face risks.
Steinbuch’s Epistemological Model and the Reality of Particles: A Philosophical Perspective for Chemistry Education
Authors: Almubarak Almubarak , Nahadi Nahadi , Yuliani Galuh , Talib Corrienna Abdul , Arini Dini Noor
Published: December 2024

Atoms are considered entities that independently originate from human thought and perception based on a materialist perspective. In terms of the scientific model concept, Steinbuch (1977) created a scheme to indicate the epistemological process in science called “thinking in model terms.” This scheme is the basis for understanding matter as reality. The purpose of the study is to explain the philosophical review of the study of the concept of particles as matter. This review can make students and teachers aware of the importance of a thinking model for understanding science. The implementation of the study used “reviewing the literature” with theoretical interventions from various literatures through five stages, namely identifying vital terms, locating literature, critically evaluating and selecting the literature for your review, organizing the literature, and writing a literature review. The study results show that a philosophical review of the understanding of particles as matter that is real is an essential component of holistically understanding science. Understanding based on Steinbuch's scheme, “thinking in model terms,” significantly impacts civilization, including chemistry education. The scheme's application also trains participants' representational abilities, especially at the particulate level, so that the chemistry knowledge obtained is meaningful to participants.
Pilot Study of Digital Competency Mapping of Indonesian Preservice Teachers: Rasch Model Analysis
Authors: Hidayat Muhammad Luthfi , Abdurrahman Shemsu Gupta , Astuti Dwi Setyo , Prabawati Ratna , Anif Sofyan , Hariyatmi Hariyatmi , Zannah Fathul
Published: December 2024

Typically, biology students pursue natural sciences. As the world becomes increasingly interconnected and reliant on digital technologies and platforms, it is essential to evaluate their technological preparedness. This study aims to validate a mapping instrument of the digital competence of pre-service Biology teachers in a leading private university in Indonesia. The analysis used the Rasch model to measure the validity and reliability of questionnaire instrument utilizing the Logit Value of Item (LVI). The Digital competency (Digcom) questionnaire contains 36 statements in the Indonesian language (Bahasa). This questionnaire aims to record respondents' answers to digital skills for preservice teachers. The statement is adapted from the digital competence area for EU citizens combined with the Digital Literacy guidelines of the Indonesian Ministry of Communication and Information. The result of the retranslation has been validated to remove the ambiguity of each item of the statement by English language experts. The pilot research was conducted on preservice teachers from different backgrounds (gender, department, and year of study) in a private University (n=261). The findings indicated that all the items were deemed acceptable as they met the criteria for the PTMEA-CORR range, MNSQ outfit, and ZSTD outfit. This study is among the few that have explored the digital competency framework of preservice teacher students in Indonesia, specifically in relation to the difficulty level of each competency area.
Educational Impact and Challenges of Online Return Demonstrations in Nursing Education: A Descriptive-Correlational Study
Authors: Coronel Marjorie D. , Conde Riena D. , Cagandahan Hezil M. , Datumama Fatma D. , Gallego Randy Ian Ferenal
Published: December 2024

Traditionally, return demonstrations of clinical procedures in nursing education were conducted face-to-face, providing students with hands-on experience crucial for clinical practice. However, due to COVID-19 restrictions, these demonstrations have been shifted to an online or virtual mode. This study explores nursing students' perceptions of performing online return demonstrations, focusing on their educational impact and the challenges encountered. Using a descriptive-correlational design, the study involved 94 purposively selected level three and four students from Mindanao State University – Buug Campus. Data were collected through validity and reliability-tested questionnaires and analyzed using Pearson correlation. Results indicate that while students viewed online return demonstrations positively in terms of content comprehension, they faced significant challenges, including lack of equipment, environmental distractions, suboptimal devices, and time-consuming resource searches. Additionally, insufficient student-teacher interaction and individual assessment further impeded students' performance. A significant correlation (p-value 0.05) between educational impact and the student’s year level was identified, highlighting that the student’s academic standing influenced perceptions of educational effectiveness. While return demonstrations are now resuming on a face-to-face basis, future crises may necessitate a return to online methods. Therefore, it is crucial to strengthen online teaching-learning approaches to ensure better transfer of learning in similar situations.
Understanding High School Students’ Errors in solving Mathematics Problems: A Phenomenological Research
Authors: Aljura Ahmad Naufal , Retnawati Heri , Zulnaidi Hutkemri , Mbazumutima Vianney
Published: December 2024

This research aims to understand a phenomenon regarding high school students’ errors in solving mathematics problems using a qualitative approach with phenomenology as the analysis framework. Data were collected through tests, classroom observations, documentation (students’ answer sheets, list of attendees, and students’ score lists), and unstructured phenomenological interviews with four purposively selected participants who met the selection criteria. The researchers used the mathematical problem-solving (MPS) model by Rott-Specht-Knipping and Aguas’ phenomenological data analysis steps using the NVIVO 12 software to analyze the students’ MPS process and identify their errors and the factors contributing to these errors. Errors were predominantly found in problems solved without engaging in the exploration phase. Analysis errors were the most common, while errors due to carelessness were the rarest. Factors contributing to these errors were identified across five domains: MPS Ability (MPSA), cognition, affection, motivation, and self-awareness. This research provides valuable insights into student errors in MPS for researchers and educators, particularly teachers, and provides recommendations for mathematics education policies and future research.
Triumph or Just Victory? Current Status of Sodium-Glucose Cotransporter-2 Inhibitors across Heart Failure Spectrum
Authors: Ito Shigenori
Published: December 2024

In this review, I comment on the recently published review which focuses on sodium-glucose cotransporter-2 Inhibitor (SGLT2i) across the heart failure spectrum with chronic heart failure with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF) and heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF). Furthermore, it examines the usefulness of SGLT2i in various cardiac diseases such as acute heart failure, acute myocardial infarction, and arrhythmia (sudden cardiac death). This is promising for HFpEF, which has no available effective drugs to date. Many of the studies reported significantly superior primary and secondary endpoints in the SGLT2i group compared with the control group. SGLT2i is indicated for HFrEF and HFpEF as a class 1A recommendation, regardless of the presence of diabetes mellitus or left ventricular ejection fraction. Its effect on cardiovascular outcomes can be viewed as a victory in cardiac disease treatment. However, evidence supporting its use in elderly patients with chronic heart failure, who typically have reduced multiorgan reserves, remains scarce. SGLT2i may achieve a true “triumph” if it demonstrates benefit and safety that outweigh potential harm even in elderly patients with frailty, multimorbidity, and polypharmacy.
Characteristics and Risk of Incident Diabetic Nephropathy between Early-onset versus Late-onset Type 2 Diabetics of Nigerian Origin
Authors: Amadi Collins , Okafor Johnbosco Chidozie , Otokunefor Ochuko , Agbo Ezra
Published: December 2024

Background: Diabetic nephropathy (DN), the most common complication of type 2 diabetes (T2DM), has been reported to occur more often among the early-onset type 2 diabetes (ET2DM) compared to the late-onset type 2 diabetes (LT2DM) in the Western populations with no previous data on this subject in Nigeria. Hence, the current study evaluated the incidence and risk of DN between ET2DM versus LT2DM.
Methods: This was a retrospectively designed cross-sectional observational study conducted at the Rivers State University Teaching Hospital, Southern Nigeria. Socio-demographic, anthropometric, clinical, and laboratory data for 10 years (2014–2023) were obtained from medical records of T2DM patients with similar DM duration and analyzed using descriptive/inferential statistics.
Results: During the studied period, 3,111 adults were diagnosed with T2DM of which 352 (11.3%) presented with incident DN. T2DM cohorts with incident DN were mostly those with ET2DM diagnosis (n = 218; 61.9%) compared to the LT2DM. The ET2DM cohorts were relatively younger with higher proportions of positive DM family history, overweight/obesity status, blood pressure, plasma creatinine/glucose, urine albumin-to-creatinine ratio, and HbA1c but lower eGFR at presentation than the LT2DM cohorts. The ET2DM was significantly associated with incident DN following crude (HR: 6.986; 95%CI: 3.476–9.518; p < 0.001) and confounder-adjusted (HR: 4.684; 95%CI: 2.270–7.114; p < 0.001) Cox proportional regression models compared to the LT2DM cohorts.
Conclusion: DN is common among patients with T2DM and more particularly prevalent among younger patients with metabolic condition. Hence, aggressive exploration of renal status should be made mandatory during the initial evaluation of T2DM among younger patients.
The Qur'anic Vision Towards Minorities in a Plural Society: A Case Study in Kudus Regency, Indonesia
Authors: Fatah Abdul , Imam Sadili  , Arif Friyadi  , Aufa Abdillah
Published: December 2024

This paper explores the Qura'nic vision of fostering harmony for minorities in a pluralistic society, using Karangrowo village in Kudus City, Indonesia, as a case study. Karangrowo, Kudus is a village with a long history of religious diversity and coexistence, where Muslims, Christians, and samin (local native faith) live together peacefully. The qualitative research method employed in this study involves collecting data related to the theme and conducting interviews with key informants considered to have expertise in the relevant topic. The paper analyzes the Qura'nic verses that promote tolerance, respect, dialogue, and cooperation among religious groups and how they are implemented in Kudus regency people's social and cultural practices. The paper also examines the challenges and opportunities for enhancing the Qura'nic vision of minority protection in the context of contemporary Indonesia, which faces various issues such as radicalism, extremism, and intolerance. The Qura'nic values of minorities are relevant and essential for creating harmony for minorities in a pluralistic society. Kudus can serve as a model and inspiration for other regions in Indonesia to create harmony and develop an inclusive society.
Genotypic and phenotypic characteristics of pediatric patients with familial Mediterranean fever (a periodic disease) in one of the Russia regions
Authors:   Morozov Children’s City Clinical Hospital, Moscow, Russia, Valiyeva S.I. , Kurbanova S.Kh. ,   Morozov Children’s City Clinical Hospital, Moscow, Russia, Gaziyev I.R. ,   Morozov Children’s City Clinical Hospital, Moscow, Russia, Ovsyannikov D.Yu. ,   Morozov Children’s City Clinical Hospital, Moscow, Russia,   Patrice Émery Lumumba People’s Friendship University of Russia, Moscow, Russia
Published: December 2024

Familial Mediterranean fever (FMF) is the most common monogenic autoinflammatory disease (AID) caused by mutations in the MEFV gene. The purpose of this research was to investigate clinical variability and potential genotypic and phenotypic correlations in children with clinically verified FMF and MEFV gene mutations in the City of Moscow, Russia. Materials and methods used: among 188 pediatric patients with suspected monogenic AIDs, MEFV gene mutations were identified in 9 through sequencing. In order to confirm the FMF diagnosis, patients were evaluated according to the modified Tel-Hashomer criteria and the Eurofever/PRINTO classification criteria. Results: clinical picture of FMF was characterized by the presence of periodic attacks of the disease lasting from 1 to 7 days accompanied by fever and increased acute phase reactants (observed in all patients), abdominal pain (in 8 children), peritonitis requiring diagnostic laparotomy (in a single child), chest pain (in 2 patients), pleurisy (in a single child), arthritis (in 7 children) and erysipeloid-like rash (in a single child). The pathogenic mutation M694V was identified in the MEFV gene in 8 out of 9 patients, this mutation was homozygous in 5 patients and heterozygous in 1, M680I mutation was detected on another allele in 2 children (compound heterozygous), and a mutation of unknown significance K695R was detected in a single child. No obvious clinical differences were found between homozygotes and heterozygotes as well as compound heterozygotes. Clinical response was achieved in 5 patients with colchicine monotherapy while canakinumab was prescribed to 4 patients due to ongoing attacks. Conclusion: the diagnosis involving the identification of MEFV gene mutations may allow the assessment of genotype-phenotype correlations in patients with FMF.
Neurofibromatosis type 1 and associated diseases - pediatric aspects of diagnosis, monitoring and therapy: a bibliographical review
Authors:   V.A. Almazov National Medical Research Center of the Ministry of Healthcare of Russia, Saint Petersburg, Russia, Dinikina Yu.V.
Published: December 2024

Neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1) is a genetically determined disease characterized by damage to all organs and systems with dominant involvement of the skin and peripheral nervous system. One of the main NF1 features is the age-dependent representation of its clinical symptoms, which is the reason for untimely diagnosis verification and inadequate medical care which in its turn entails the risks for severe disability and reduced life expectancy. Obviously, the key factors in improving the prognosis for life and its quality are the improvement of screening, diagnostics, therapy and rehabilitation programs, both in childhood and in adult patients. The issues of social and psychological adaptation of patients and their families are highly relevant, this therefore requires the availability of information sources and the involvement of a multidisciplinary team of medical specialists at all stages of medical care. The purpose for publication of this bibliographical review was to highlight the features of diagnosis and observation of children with NF1 as well as existing treatment options for associated diseases.
Features of the hemostasis system in polycythemia vera in children
Authors:   National Scientific and Practical Center for Pediatric Hematology, Oncology and Immunology named after Dmitry Rogachev, Moscow, Russia, Pshonkin A.V. , Bogdanov A.V. ,   National Scientific and Practical Center for Pediatric Hematology, Oncology and Immunology named after Dmitry Rogachev, Moscow, Russia, Poletayev A.V. ,   National Scientific and Practical Center for Pediatric Hematology, Oncology and Immunology named after Dmitry Rogachev, Moscow, Russia, Sveshnikova A.N. ,   National Scientific and Practical Center for Pediatric Hematology, Oncology and Immunology named after Dmitry Rogachev, Moscow, Russia,   M.V. Lomonosov Moscow State University, Moscow, Russia, Smetanina N.S. ,   National Scientific and Practical Center for Pediatric Hematology, Oncology and Immunology named after Dmitry Rogachev, Moscow, Russia, Zharkov P.A. ,   National Scientific and Practical Center for Pediatric Hematology, Oncology and Immunology named after Dmitry Rogachev, Moscow, Russia
Published: December 2024

Patients with polycythemia vera (PV) are at an increased risk for thrombosis. Abnormalities in coagulation parameters and global hemostasis tests can help with hypercoagulation recognition in PV. The purpose of this research was to analyze the features of changes in laboratory parameters of the hemostasis system in pediatric patients with PV. Materials and methods used: a single-center retrospective cohort study of clinical records of 32 (11 (35%) girls/21 (65%) boys aged 11.5 [0.8; 17.5] y/o) pediatric (all under the age of 18 y/o) PV patients who were admitted at the National Scientific and Practical Center for Pediatric Hematology, Oncology and Immunology named after Dmitry Rogachev (Moscow, Russia) in Jan. 2012-June 2024 was conducted. Laboratory parameters were determined prior to the beginning of the antiplatelet and cytoreductive therapy. Results: in 20 (62.5%) and 4 (12.5%) patients, mutations in the JAK2V617F and JAK2 ex 12 genes were detected, respectively, the remaining 8 (25%) children were JAK2-negative. In total, there were 8 (72%) JAK2-positive girls and 15 (71%) boys; gender did not statistically significantly affect the presence of a driver mutation (p=0.939). Both the median and the mean values of the main parameters of the blood coagulation system were within the reference values. The thromboelastography parameters did not deviate from the reference values for the parameters. According to the results of the thrombodynamics study, the average value of the initial clot growth rate among all patients was increased and amounted to 58.3±5.07 μm/min, the steady-state velocity also increased among all patients to 29.5±4.3 μm/min, the median and the mean values of the remaining parameters were within the reference intervals. Conclusion: the parameters of standard coagulogram and thromboelastography tests in pediatric PV patients had no deviations. The average values of thrombodynamics (initial and steady-state clot growth rate) were increased, which potentially indicates the hypercoagulation.
Variability of 2q37 deletion syndrome features as exemplified by several clinical case reports
Authors:   Academician N.P. Bochkov Research Center of Medical Genetics (RCMG) of the Ministry of Science and Higher Education of the Russian Federation, Moscow, Russia, Sharova M.V. , Markova Zh.G. ,   Academician N.P. Bochkov Research Center of Medical Genetics (RCMG) of the Ministry of Science and Higher Education of the Russian Federation, Moscow, Russia, Yurchenko D.A. ,   Academician N.P. Bochkov Research Center of Medical Genetics (RCMG) of the Ministry of Science and Higher Education of the Russian Federation, Moscow, Russia, Shilova N.V. ,   Academician N.P. Bochkov Research Center of Medical Genetics (RCMG) of the Ministry of Science and Higher Education of the Russian Federation, Moscow, Russia, Markova T.V. ,   Academician N.P. Bochkov Research Center of Medical Genetics (RCMG) of the Ministry of Science and Higher Education of the Russian Federation, Moscow, Russia, Dumova S.V. ,   Pirogov Russian National Research Medical University, Moscow, Russia, Chugunova O.L. ,   Pirogov Russian National Research Medical University, Moscow, Russia
Published: December 2024

2q37 deletion syndrome is characterized by terminal deletions of the long arm of chromosome 2 and a variable clinical picture that includes type E brachydactyly, obesity, delayed motor and psychomotor development, congenital malformations of internal organs and the facial phenotype particular qualities. Authors present the two clinical case reports of patients with 2q37 deletions demonstrating different clinical manifestations. Proband 1 complained exclusively of brachydactyly while proband 2 had almost the full spectrum of clinical symptoms characterizing the syndrome. The Face2Gene AI-Powered Diagnosis & Care Management Tool suggested the correct diagnosis in both cases based on the features of the facial phenotype that in its turn became the key factors in choosing the tactics for further molecular genetic diagnostics. Conclusion: careful collection of anamnesis data, description of the facial phenotype and the use of artificial intelligence-based tools can become the key factors in choosing the tactics for the molecular genetic diagnostics available for practitioners of various specialties.
Connection between myokines and sarcopenic obesity with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease in constitutional-exogenous obesity in children
Authors:   National Medical Research Center for Endocrinology of the Ministry of Healthcare of Russia, Moscow, Russia, Burmitskaya Yu.V. , Vasyukova O.V. ,   National Medical Research Center for Endocrinology of the Ministry of Healthcare of Russia, Moscow, Russia, Elfimova A.R. ,   National Medical Research Center for Endocrinology of the Ministry of Healthcare of Russia, Moscow, Russia
Published: December 2024

Obesity in children is associated with high risk for development and progression of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). NAFLD has common pathogenetic mechanisms with sarcopenic obesity (SO), in the development of which such myokines as fibroblast growth factor 21 (FGF-21) and irisin play an important role. The study of their secretion peculiarities is relevant to the prospects of using myokines as diagnostic markers or indicators for drug therapy and physical activity control as well as in the development of target therapy for NAFLD. The connection between NAFLD and SO and changes in myokine profile in children is an understudied issue. The purpose of this research was to determine differences between groups of pediatric patients with the presence v. those with the absence of NAFLD in constitutional-exogenous obesity in myokine and SO levels. Methods used: a single-stage comparative single-center uncontrolled study of 95 children aged 12 to 18 y/o with constitutional-exogenous obesity: body mass index (BMI) standard deviation score (SDS)≥+2.0. Results: NAFLD was detected in 48% (n=50/95) [95% CI (42; 63)] of whom steatohepatitis was detected in 40% (n=20/50) [95% CI (26; 55)]. SO was detected in 96% (n=48/50) [95% CI (86; 99)] with NAFLD including children with steatohepatitis (n=20). The combination of SO with elevated FRF-21 levels and decreased irisin was associated with NAFLD (AUC=0.761, [95% CI (0.65; 0.87)]). The SO frequency was statistically significantly higher in NAFLD than in the SO absence (p<0.001). The predictive ability of the SO presence in relation to the detection of NAFLD was found to be high (PCPR=96%, [95% CI (88; 99)]). FRF-21 values above 60 pg/mL (AUC=0.689, [95% CI (0.57; 0.81)]) and irisin values below 7.86 μg/mL (AUC=0.703, 95% CI (0.58; 0.82)]) were associated with the presence of NAFLD. When comparing operational characteristics, no differences were found for AUC value while the best performance was demonstrated by regression model and cut-off point of irisin equal to 7.86 μg/mL. Conclusion: SO combined with changes in myokine profile is associated with NAFLD. Identification of the main factors influencing the NAFLD development in childhood is crucial in preventing the progression of liver damage.
The Meaning of Kant’s Attitude Towards the Technical Instruments of Science in the Atmosphere of Enlightenment
Authors: BAZAC Ana
Published: December 2024

I mention the main, technophile and technophobe, positions towards technology in the Western 18th century, as the criterion of this paper. Then I show that, however unexpected would this be, the concept of technics – opening the problem of technics – was explicitly present within the transcendental philosophy. From its multiple meanings outlined in the logic of this philosophy, I focus on the technical instruments of science. Kant considered them optimistically, but insisted that they are only means subordinated to the capability of reason that alone is able to give knowledge. And the vault key of knowledge is the moral law (the moral telos) given by the human reason. Thus, answering to Rousseau, Kant indicates that the progress of knowledge is ultimately determined by this moral, and not by the enrichment of cognisance as a result of technical instruments. If we consider them as a model for the treatment of the technical objects in the broad sense of this term, Kant introduced the criticism of the technophile reductionism, while creating the frame of the positivist science and the humanistic philosophy of the 19th century.
Empathy and Semiotic Narrative Practices concerning Art: A Cognitive Semiotic Approach to Aesthetic Experience and Emotion
Authors:   Faculty of History and Philosophy, Babes-Bolyai University, Cluj-Napoca, Romania. Email: codruta.hainic@ubbcluj.ro., HAINIC Codruța
Published: December 2024

This paper proposes a cognitive-semiotic approach to aesthetics to understand aesthetic emotion and its relation to the process of producing and valorizing art. The core argument presented is that the emotional aspects of aesthetic experience are integral to the processes of evaluation and meaning-making and that this interplay significantly influences individuals’ engagement with art, highlighting the importance of these dimensions in the overall experience.
Therefore, the initial step in my approach is to illustrate that the process of meaning-making is significantly influenced by our active participation, as well as our interpretation and understanding of our own emotions and those of others. I intend to demonstrate that throughout this process, empathy is a vital component of the reciprocal interaction between the viewer and the artwork. In this regard, I will explore various concepts related to empathy, focusing on aesthetic empathy. Additionally, I will emphasize the correlation between aesthetic experiences and everyday life, explaining how a work of art can effectively mirror the core of daily life through a semiotic narrative practice. I believe that by exploring these narratives more thoroughly, we can achieve a deeper, empathetic understanding of both the artist and the artwork and that this understanding can lead to explicit and implicit responses to the artwork, ultimately shaping our overall attitude toward it. Hence, I will conclude that our aesthetic experiences provide us with opportunities to actively explore aspects of our narrative selves, which might help us understand how these experiences significantly change our relationship with ourselves and the social context we are a part of.
Keywords: cognitive semiotics, meaning-making, simulation theory, empathy, narratives
Identitatea metafizică umană și funcțiile identitare ale memoriei senzitive în antropologia tomistă
Authors:   Preot greco-catolic, doctor în teologie fundamentală. Email: balaneancrstn@yahoo.com., BĂLĂNEAN Cristian
Published: December 2024

The Human Metaphysical Identity and the Identitary Functions of Sensitive Memory in the Thomistic Anthropology. The article aims to recover – in the context in which the concepts of memory and identity are approached, most often, in the Eastern European cultural space, in terms of their collective dimension – their original anthropological meanings, through the prism of Aquinas's thought. In this thematic direction, the ontological identity of the human being is analyzed with priority, starting from the Aristotelian solutions to the problem of identity, after which the Thomistic conception of sensitive and intellectual memory is effectively debated, including the subsistence of the latter in the separate soul post mortem.
Keywords: identity, memory, individuality, soul, sensitive, intellective, personal, psychological, being
La trata de seres humanos en la legislación española e internacional, la doctrina y la jurisprudencia
Authors:   Doctor în teologie, preot greco-catolic al Arhidiecezei de Madrid. Activează pentru credincioșii români din Madrid și aparține Ordinariatului pentru catolicii Orientali din Spania., BUDA Bogdan Vasile
Published: December 2024

The Human Trafficking in the Spanish and International Legislation - Doctrine and Jurisprudence. The present research is a meditation on the human trafficking, a serious infringement and a flagrant breach of the human rights. The European Directive and the Spanish legislative framework provide unifom common rules for the establishment of the infringement of huan trafficking and for the punishment of their authors. The human trafficking is an international billion dollar industry and the second most profitable undistry after the drug industry. In Europe, over a half of the victims of human trafficking are exploited for sexual purposes.
Keywords: human trafficking, human rights, legislation, exploitation, abuse, dignity, protection, freedom
Mircea Braga – izvor de hermeneutică
Authors:   Doctor în filosofie, Universitatea Babeș-Bolyai, Cluj-Napoca, România. Email: eldiana1202@yahoo.com., KORPOS Diana
Published: December 2024

Mircea Braga – Source of Hermeneutics. The main purpose of the present paper is to shed some light on the importance of Mircea Braga’s work: Ecce Nietzsche. Exercițiu de lectură hermeneutică, for the Romanian philosophy. Therefore, the structure of this paper will be the following: first of all we will provide information about the author and his attempts for a better understanding of Nietzsche’s universe as a totality, then we will develop some considerations about the possible main purpose of this very successful hermeneutical exercise. Next, we focused on the critical analysis of Ecce Nietzsche: Docuficțiuni critice, Critica criticii, I, made by Petre Isachi. In the end we will notice how important is the hermeneutical exercise for the culture and for any kind of progress.
Keywords: Mircea Braga, Ecce Nietzsche, Petre Isachi, hermeneutics, overman
Caracterul pneumatologic al Liturghiei Sfântului Ioan Gură de Aur
Authors:   Masterand în teologie morală al Pontificia Università della Santa Croce din Roma; absolvent al masteratului Fundamente creștine ale identității europene al Departamentului de Teologie Greco-Catolică, Oradea, din cadrul Universității Babeş-Bolyai, Cluj-Napoca, România. Email: sergiuchiriloaei@yahoo.com., CHIRILOAEI Sergiu-Bogdan
Published: December 2024

The Pneumatological Character of the Liturgy of Saint John Chrysostom. This article presents itself as a brief deepening of the pneumatological discourse, in or-der to understand and penetrate through the eyes of faith, the mystery and the work of the Holy Spirit in the life of the liturgical man. The discourse starts from man's per-sonal experience in the life of faith, so that later, guided by the Holy Spirit, he reaches the true encounter with God in the Holy Liturgy, receiving a new existence in a new time, a new life lived in the Spirit God's. The experience of faith and the spiritual life of the believer mark man's path to the fulfillment of the times, when the Kingdom of God will receive man deified by the grace of the Holy Spirit. This perfect dynamism of the spiritual life finds its fulfillment in the Holy and Divine Liturgy, where heaven and earth unite, so that the love of God may flood all mankind. The Holy Spirit is present throughout the Holy Mass, as it is mysteriously present throughout history, from Cre-ation to the present days.
Keywords: Holy Spirit, Liturgy, Eucharist, experience, faith, spiritual life, Kingdom of God
Etica transcendentală și „critica rațiunii practice” - studiu critic
Authors:   Doctorand în domeniul Inovație în Științele Sociale la Universitatea Pontificală din Salamanca, Spania. Email: caius.c5rg.sem@gmail.com., STEPANESCU Caius Ștefan
Published: December 2024

Transcendental Ethics and the “Critique of Practical Reason” – Critique and Evaluation. One of the most prominent ethical system is Kant’s deontological ethics, exposed in his “Critique of practical reason”. The basis off all this ethical system relies on the categorical imperative, that is, obedience of the will by the will of obedi-ence in itself. We consider such an ethics first of all as deceitful, because it lacks an ob-jective basis. Kant’s only basis is his "moral faith", which lacks objectivity. On the other hand, we propose a realistic ethics based on the objective criteria of right reason. Kant’s ethics, based on the blind fulfillment of the act itself is also contrary to human nature, the latter being actually moved by a different purpose in all it’s actions. There-fore, lacking an objective basis and a purpose Kant’s ethics lacks any true obligation, therefore making the subjective intention of law obedience the only criteria in order to consider human actions as morally good. On the other hand, we consider the real hu-man being, naturally moved by purposes in it’s actions, and who’s moral goodness de-pends on the object, intention and circumstances of any human action. The postula-tion of practical reason also presents many problems, first of all cause they are not the result of rational speculation, but an act of blind faith in one’s own will. Human liberty according to Kant presents no particular interest, cause it’s all about the noumenal human and not the real human revealed to us by our conscience. Kant’s proof of the existence of God and of the immortal nature of human soul are just a pure and abso-lute adherence of our faith to what our will wishes to be, therefore none is a true proof, just blind faith. We, on the other hand, speak about the true liberty, of the real human being, as we actually experience it. Also, we consider God and the immortal nature of human soul as truths of natural reason, proven so after applying the principle of cau-sality to the empirical evidence.
Keywords: Kant, practical reason, ethics, categorical imperative, deontology
Despre pictorul Niculiță (Nicolae) Pop (1907-1995) – amintiri
Authors:   Profesor universitar pensionar, MIHOC Blaga
Published: December 2024

Memories of the Painter Niculiță Pop from Beiuș. The creation of the painter Niculiță Pop is located in the so-called "idiomatic" area, an area of creators who are circumscribed to a certain ethnological space that is limited, in this case, to the rustic world of the "Stone Land" ("Țara Moților"). Although it belongs to history, this land is revived in our imagination by the paintings of an artist who embraces lovingly and joy-fully everything that surrounds him.
Keywords: Niculiţă Pop, Beiuş, painter, Ţara Moţilor
Premise ale gândirii critice
Authors:   Profesor învățământ primar, Școala Gimnazială Silvania, Șimleu Silvaniei, România. Email: floricalupau@yahoo.it., BODEA Florica
Published: December 2024

Prerequisites for Teaching Critical Thinking. Our contemporary society is characterised by increasingly rapid, complex and intense change that require a reshap-ing of the educational vision. Globalization, cultural diversity, the impossibility of stay-ing locked up in their own ideas, attract the need to accept different opinions, ideals, innovative future projects. We need to educate young people to be able to assess differ-ences, in respect for their own vision in order to develop interpersonal skills that ena-ble them to communicate effectively through the spectrum of ethnicity, nationality, language, culture, values and political ideology. It is necessary to overcome the simple joining in the diversity, the cold tolerance of the other and to discover diversity as a mutual wealth.
Keywords: critical thinking, habits of mind, solving problems, questions, creativity, inventivity
Viaţa socială a Bisericii primare în conformitate cu cartea Faptele Apostolilor
Authors:   Frate conventual, doctor  în teologie, profesor asociat, Facultatea de Teologie Greco-Catolică, Dep Oradea, Universitatea Babeş-Bolyai, Cluj-Napoca, România. Email: bisociosif68@yahoo.it., BESOC Iosif
Published: December 2024

The Social Life of the Primary Church According to the Acts of the Apostle. In the narrative from the Acts of the Apostles 20,7-12, it can be inferred that the believers gathered in their homes to listen to the teaching of the apostles and to break bread. However, in the community of Jerusalem, the Eucharistic liturgy was not a separate moment, detached from the concrete life of the community, but rather an expression of it. Two elements suggest this: on the one hand, the emphasis on „sharing of goods” (cf. Acts 2,44-45) which demonstrates the willingness of the believers to be united not only in worship, but also in charitable life; on the other hand, the reference to a common meal, different from the „breaking of bread” (cf. Acts 2,46), which was meant to deepen the fraternal relationships among believers, thus preparing a better atmosphere for the celebration of the Eucharist. Therefore, through the entire social-pastoral activity of the early Christian communities, the Christian Church was involved in developing a system of coexistence and harmony among the members of the community and the concrete aspects of life.
Keywords: Jesus Christ, Acts of the Apostles, apostles, Eucharist, charity, breaking of bread, community, social life
Reflecție identitar-liturgică asupra construcției Cortului Întâlnirii. Critică textuală a capitolelor 25-40 din Exod I
Authors:   Licenţiat în teologie,  al Facultăţii de Teologie Greco-catolică, Universitatea Babeş-Bolyai, Cluj-Napoca, Departamentul Oradea, România. Email: antoniu.suciu@gmail.com., SUCIU Iulian Antoniu
Published: December 2024

Liturgical-Identitary Reflection Regarding the Building of The Tent of Meeting. Textual Criticism of Exodus 25-40. The pursuit of God's presence stands as a paramount objective in the observance of sacred rituals. The Tent of Meeting, meticulously crafted at the behest of divine command, serves as the locus where the Almighty dwells amidst His people. The conclusion of the Book of Exodus lays the foundational stones of divine worship and liturgical tradition. Chapters 35-40 of Exodus offer a vivid portrayal of the construction of the sanctuary, ordained by YHWH to signify His abiding presence amidst the children of Israel. Even a superficial perusal of these concluding chapters reveals notable disparities between the Masoretic Text and the Septuagint. Thus, what becomes of the assertion, “they did everything just as the Lord had commanded”? The allure of Holy Scripture lies precisely in its myriad versions and translations, which have flourished across diverse historical and cultural landscapes. However, the existence of one rendition does not preclude another. The Hebrew original does not nullify the Septuagint, for instance, in the pursuit of a standardized, singular version. The pristine manuscript is now a relic of antiquity. Instead, we are bestowed with copies, translations, interpretations, and textual divergences. This inquiry aims to scrutinize these various sources, discerning and dissecting their similarities and disparities. We cannot focus solely on one textual variant and disregard all others to formulate our overarching conclusions regarding the sacred text.
Keywords: Exodus, Textual criticism, Septuagint, Masoretic Text, Tent of Meeting, Sanctuary, Tabernacle, Curtain