bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Institutional family support in early socialization. Selected kindergarten celebrations from the perspective of social rituals
Authors: Curzytek Anna
Published: May 2024

The family is an institution found in all contemporary societies, and at the same time the most important primary group where the initial socialization. In today's world, cultural heritage is too rich to entrust socialization only to the family, hence other organized institutions are becoming the second, next to the family, agenda supporting this process. One of them is kindergarten, which purposefully transmits values and shapes children's identity. Kindergarten celebrations are moments of special relationship between the family and kindergarten. In the preschool community, these celebrations are understood as suspending the normal, established order of everyday life and entering a festive time, saturated with symbols and emotions. The content of the paper focuses on selected pre-school holidays and celebrations analyzed as rituals. The presented outcomes are the result of 47 interviews conducted with children, parents and teachers, in five selected kindergartens in the city of Rzeszow. The conclusion is that preschool rituals are an indispensable element in the ongoing socialization and an important mechanism to construct and recreate society both on a microscale and strengthening ties with macrostructures. Keywords: socialization, kindergarten, ritual, parents, child, teacher, celebration, symbols, emotions.
Saint Joseph as a model of fatherhood in the apostolic letter of Pope Francis Patris Corde
Authors: Kwiatkowski Dariusz
Published: May 2024

This article presents St. Joseph as a model of real fatherhood for every man-father. The source of the study is the apostolic letter of Pope Francis Patriscorde, which was issued in connection with the proclamation of the Extraordinary Year of Saint Joseph. To understand the paternity of St. Joseph, it is necessary to see the fatherhood of God in him. Pope Francis is the first of all popes to say directly that Joseph was the true father of Jesus. It is based on the statement that no one is born a father, but becomes a father. Joseph was not the biological father of Jesus, but he became so through his actions and attitudes. Joseph gives his paternal heart to Jesus and is therefore a father who is loved, tender, accepting and with creative courage. His fatherhood appears as selfless service in the process of upbringing. Therefore, remaining a father in the shadow, he fulfills all fatherly tasks. Keywords: Father, fatherhood, example, love, tenderness, obedience, creative courage, father in shadow, upbringing
Parish education in the premises of the Archdiaconate of Płock in the Płock Deanate, in the years 1725-1890 on the basis of church visits
Authors: Kuźniewska Zofia
Published: May 2024

Parish education is one of the least studied problems in the history of education in Poland. The literature on this issue is primarily church visitations, found only in diocesan archives. Unfortunately, it is not always possible to reach the news we are interested in, this is due to various reasons. Many documents of interest to us have been lost in the past under various circumstances. Those that have survived to this day are incomplete. Also, the inspectors themselves did not always record all the information about schools, teachers or the learning program that was conducted during classes at that time. Looking through church visitations in this respect, it can be seen that the subject of education has not always been seriously taken into account by them, hence, in some parishes there is longer and more interesting information, and in some only a mention of an existing school. In order to present the state of parish education in the Archdeaconry of Płock in the Płock deanery, it was to be expected that it would not be a comprehensive report. Despite some shorcomings, the following article presents the best history of parochial schools located in this area in the years 1725-1890. Keywords: parish education, education, archdeaconate, deanery, parish visitations, Płock, archive.
The parish as a space of women's activity in the context of environmental conditions
Authors: Dworakowska Joanna
Published: May 2024

The article presents the results of own research on the environmental determinants of women's activity for the parish community. They were carried out on a representative sample of 400 inhabitants of rural areas of Podkarpacie and were aimed at obtaining answers to the question about the relationship between specific environmental variables and activities undertaken by respondents in the parish. The research used a quantitative strategy, a type of verification study. The method of diagnostic survey was used, using the survey technique. The hypotheses were subjected to empirical verification using statistical tools. It was found that the respondents were involved in activities for the benefit of the parish, especially in the dimension of material support for the parish (financial support). To a lesser extent, the respondents were active in other areas of parish life, e.g.: through individual work for it. It has also been shown that the independent variables (environmental features) taken into account differentiate selected aspects of activity for the benefit of the parish. Keywords: woman, parish, village, activity, locality
A lonely person in social assistance
Authors: Gazda Agnieszka
Published: May 2024

The aim of the article is to present and explain the problem of a single person in the social welfare system. The statutory definition of a single person indicates that there must be three conditions in total: living alone, not being married and not having ascendants or descendants to be considered a single person. In the article, I analyze whether the state and the local community are obliged to help single people. I answer the question whether the policy implemented for the needs of the community of lonely people can make them not feel this loneliness? I present various forms of assistance provided by organizational units of social assistance to single people so that they do not feel isolated or excluded. Key words: lonely person, law, assistance, social welfare
About motherhood and growing up to it in the opinion of women
Authors: Pietruszka Lidia
Published: May 2024

Family issues, including the various faces of motherhood, are of particular interest to sociological, pedagogical and psychological sciences. This fact is confirmed by the observation of new, contemporary behaviors and attitudes appearing more and more often in this sphere of life. The author set herself the goal of examining the perception of motherhood and learning how women assess the role of the family of origin in the process of growing up/maturing to motherhood. To do this, a group of female respondents was surveyed in terms of expressed declarative indicators: felt emotions, fears of motherhood, plans for shaping a family or decisions made in the area of marital and family life. The implementation of the assumed goal and the answer to the formulated problem questions are included in the process of reasoning, which consists of an introduction to the issue through the analysis of motherhood, the process of maturing to it and the conditions affecting this process, and then the analysis of own research indicating the importance of the family of origin on the formation of attitudes towards motherhood. Their results are in line with the trends emerging from nationwide research indicating that it is the family as the basic educational environment that is decisive for shaping women's attitudes towards motherhood. Keywords: woman, family; marriage, motherhood.
Determinants of intellectual capital development and the challenges of Industry 5.0
Authors: Balcerzyk Robert
Published: May 2024

The main goal of the research presented in the article was to diagnose the main determinants in the process of intellectual capital management in the context of self-management. To achieve the intended goal, the first part of the article explains the meaning of the term „intellectual capital" based on scientific literature in the field of management, and then, on the basis of the conducted research, an attempt was made to answer the questions: which factors favor the development of the process of „intellectual capital management", and which constitute its barrier and what benefits the implementation of this concept brings to companies. A critical analysis of the literature and surveys were carried out. The research was conducted in small and medium-sized companies in the Lower Silesian Voivodeship. In the course of the research, determinants affecting the potential of intellectual capital were determined and factors affecting employee turnover were diagnosed in the opinion of respondents. Opinions on „self-management" and employees' awareness of continuous „learning" were learned. Keywords: intellectual capital, human capital, self-management, Industry 5.0
Scouting – passion that teaches, how to live
Authors: Popowska Hanna
Published: May 2024

The following article was created from the passion that raised and shaped its author. He, like many Polish pedagogs, grew up in scouting. This movement, known for generations, is unique because it uses the satisfaction of the natural needs of young people (such as playing with contemporaries, move, exploring the world), to earn specific educational goals. The scientific aim of that article is try to systematize the positive results, which are achieved during the scouting development. To see them, was made the analysis of texts containing statements of contemporary instructors and Professor Bogusław Śliwerski, who are graduate of scouting organizations. From the comparison of the quoted reports, it was possible to identify common areas for both of these perspectives. The results was: shaping civic competences, social and moral development, building a set of social relations, guidance in life choices, including these proffesional. The author notes the need for further research in this area, because the cited sources were created for a different purpose and do not present the full spectrum of this issue. Kayword: scouting, upbringing, educational movement, skills, civic education
Parents as guides of preschool children towards christian values
Authors: Jakubowicz-Bryx Anna
Published: May 2024

A child perceives parents as an authority in the process of their upbringing. It is from them that the child learns respect, love and kindness towards others. The child is trusting, open and absorbs knowledge. Their whole life and the world are their parents, grandparents, siblings. The first years of a child's life are very important. Over this time the child feels more than they understand. They learn by examples they see in their family home - learning how to pray, participate in the liturgy, and by imitating people with whom they spend every day in specific situations. The question of how to transfer values so that this process is a form of learning about values, determining action for specific values, which means at the same time developing and perfecting the sphere responsible for the way of understanding values, has become a contribution to the empirical research presented in this article. The surveys prepared and conducted among parents of preschool children covered the issue of which Christian values have the highest rank in the upbringing of a child and what is the role of the family environment in the upbringing and transmission of Christian values to the child. Keywords: upbringing for values, Christian values, preschool children, teaching, upbringing, spiritual life, Christian upbringing, character formation
Youtube – youpray? - catechesis for children on youtube
Authors: Michniuk Anna
Published: May 2024

Now, media are used in almost every human activity. This was intensified by the COVID-19 pandemic when we had lockdowns nearly all over the world. The result of that was that our lives have moved to the Internet. On the Internet, we organize social lives, and we also learn. The potential of information and communication technologies was also noticed by priests and catechists, thanks to which we can practice our faith via the Internet. Religious channels available on YouTube perfectly complement and, at the same time, significantly expand the offer of public television, both for adults and the youngest Catholics. The aim of the article is to analyze selected amateur Catholic YouTube channels for children of preschool and early school age. In the qualitative analysis, attention was paid to such areas as: the number of subscriptions, the most popular material, the leading target group, the type of published content, the regularity of publishing materials, language, form, the personality of the host, meetings with viewers, product sales, format, multichannel, video quality, and audio. The channels Ksiądz Skaut and Katecheza przedszkolaka were selected for the analysis. These channels have a similar number of subscribers (around 3,000). We can notice differences between them, e.g., form, type of prepared content, and the regularity of publishing. They are a perfect example that catechesis can be carried out via the Internet and support the work of catechists and priests. The article, in addition to the analysis, also presents a brief introduction to the media and the functions they can perform. The oldest Catholic children's program broadcast on Polish public television – Ziarno, was also characterized. The part immediately preceding the analysis describes the educational potential of YouTube. At the end of the article, it was noted that the subject requires extensive quantitative research. Keywords: child, catechesis, YouTube, media, education,
The approach of Mother Elżbieta Czacka and contemporary theoretical and research trends in the field of visual impairment
Authors: Czerwińska Kornelia
Published: May 2024

Visual impairment is currently presented in special education as a tendency to experience a number of problems in implementing developmental tasks characteristic of specific life phase. Some of the main goals of typhlopedagogy is to develop optimum rehabilitation solutions and to implement procedures which prevent marginalization of persons with blindness. The accomplishments of Mother Elżbieta Czacka are particularly significant in Polish typhlopedagogy. She was the founder of the Society for the Blind and of the Institute for the Blind at Laski. Based on the descriptive and critical analysis of the available sources the article presents selected typhlopedagogical views of Mother Czacka and refers them to contemporary research trends. The timeliness of her pedagogical views is emphasized – she had a holistic approach to typhlopedagogical support and she focused on such ideas as independence, self-determination, autonomy, personal development, social utility. Key words: visual impairment, blindness, education , rehabilitation, typhlopedagogy
ANALISIS PENGAMBILAN KEPUTUSAN MENGGUNAKAN TEORI MODEL RASIONAL MENGENAI KEBIJAKAN PEMBENTUKAN LABAN CENTRAL PARK OLEH PEMERINTAH KABUPATEN GRESIK
Authors: Natasya Salsabila Pramudita  , Safina Rahma Isro’in Maftukha  , Muhammad Noer Falaq Al-Amin
Published: May 2024

Dalam penelitian ini peneliti menggunakan jenis penelitian deskriptif melalui pendekatan kualitatif. Fokus penelitian dalam penelitian ini adalah pada proses pengambilan keputusan terkait kebijakan didirikannya Laban Central Park dengan menggunakan teori model rasional. Hasil dalam penelitian ini menunjukkan bahwa pengambilan keputusan mengenai pembentukan Laban Central Park sudah hampir memenuhi kriteria yang semestinya dalam model teori pengambilan keputusan rasional. Hal tersebut dapat dilihat dari empat langkah dan substansi sebagai indikator pengambilan keputusan menggunakan model rasional yaitu identifikasi masalah, memastikan masalah yang ditetapkan tidak memiliki makna ganda, pembuatan sejumlah alternatif  kebijakan, dan pemilihan satu alternatif yang terbaik sudah berjalan optimal. Dalam pengambilan keputusan program Laban Central park ini diharapkan dapat meningkatkan aktivitas perekonomian warga Desa Laban dan menjadi sentra perekonomian Desa Laban yang tertata dan mandiri dengan meningkatnya Pendapatan asli desa yang berasal dari usaha UMKM lokal warga desanya melalui ekonomi kreatif.
Assessment on doing business at the Bureau of Internal Revenue-Jolo: Taxpayers’ perspective
Authors: Johan Akmed , Asiri Masnona
Published: May 2024

Republic Act No. 11032, known as The Ease of Doing Business and Efficient Government Service Delivery aims to streamline the current systems and procedures of the government services. The law prescribes administrative and criminal liability to the officials and employees who may act inappropriately making it a critical factor affecting the overall business climate and economic growth of a region in the Philippines. Tapping 100 taxpayers from different economic sectors in Jolo, Sulu, this quantitative study aims to assess the ease of doing business at the Bureau of Internal Revenue in the said municipality for Fiscal Year 2023 using purposive sampling method. Taxpayers in Jolo view the registration process with the Bureau of Internal Revenue positively, averaging a score of 4.5060. However, their perceptions of tax collection and law enforcement are more neutral, with mean scores of 4.3850 and 4.4430 respectively. This study shows that government employees are the most positive across sectors. Strong positive correlations exist between taxpayer registration, tax collection, and compliance. The study suggests that the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) in Jolo should continue improving its registration process and enhance tax collection and compliance, possibly through digital solutions tailored for its diverse demographic. Targeted training for different age groups and sectors could ensure efficient navigation of the tax system. Economic sectors should collaborate with the BIR for sector-specific guidelines and foster a culture of compliance through educational initiatives. Taxpayers are encouraged to utilize BIR’s educational resources, participate in feedback systems, and understand the interconnectedness of BIR processes to aid in creating a more effective tax system.
Tuberculose multifocale révélée par un syndrome de détresse respiratoire aigue
Authors: Rakotoson JL , Ravahatra K , Andrianasolo RL , Rakotomizao JR , Razafindramaro N , Rajaoarifetra J , Andrianarisoa ACF
Published: May 2024

Tuberculosis always prevails under an endemic mode in developing country like Madagascar. The multifocal form usually occurs in immuno- deficient patient. It can also occur in immunocompetent patient. Its multiple features are often misleading and are being able to mislay the diagnosis. The authors reported a case of a 17 year old female immunocompetent patient, which presented with multifocal tuberculosis asso- ciating tuberculosis scrofuloderma and miliary in an acute respiratory distress context, evolving favorably under treatment. This serious form of tuberculosis requires an early diagnosis and an urgent management.
Un cas de tuberculose naso-sinusienne primaire: une entité clinique rare
Authors: Razafindrakoto RMJ , Rakotoarisoa AHN , Ramarozatovo NP , Rakotomananjo AH , Rakotonirina T , Randrianandraina MP
Published: May 2024

Primary naso-sinusal tuberculosis is very rare disease. We reported the case of a 77-year-old female patient who presented a left nasal ob- struction, headache and epistaxis. This patient was seen in Antananarivo University Hospital Center, Madagascar. Anterior rhinoscopy re- vealed a pseudo-tumor that obstructed the lumen of the nose. Computed tomography scan detected a large soft-tissue mass that fill the left nasal cavity and the left maxillary sinus. The diagnosis of nasal tuberculosis was established after the results of histopathology of a nasal biopsy which revealed granulomas with caseous necrosis. Follow-up was favourable under treatment. Nasosinusal tuberculosis has to be evoked in case of a chronic rhinitis resisting to habitual treatment. Diagnosis is based on histopathology and a mycobacteriologic examination of the biopsy of the lesion.
Evaluation of the use of extract from the plant Pereskia culeata Miller in the inflammatory control of scalp psoriasis
Authors: De Oliveira Claudia Alaune , Guimarães Silvia Cristina Dias , Machado Ana Carolina Henriques Ribeiro
Published: May 2024

Introduction: Pereskia aculeata Miller, popularly known as Ora pro Nobis, is a non-conventional food plant (PANC) which is known in folk medicine for its healing and anti-inflammatory powers. The difficulty in controlling scaling and itching and the lack of studies using natural products to provide a soothing action on the scalp of those suffering from psoriasis, affecting even serious emotional issues such as depression and anxiety, lead us to seek alternatives that can be used by them, causing less health damage and being practical for daily and continuous use. In order to improve the symptoms of psoriasis in people suffering from this scalp dysfunction, a natural alternative was sought with the use of a hair tonic using the extract of the Pereskia aculeata Miller plant as the active ingredient.  
Case Report: This case report involved a participant, female, 25 years old, with a diagnosis of psoriasis confirmed by a dermatologist, who presented with an acute episode of the dysfunction on her scalp. After 2 months of using a hair tonic with Pereskia aculeata Miller extract as a therapeutic strategy, the participant was re-evaluated, showing a reduction in erythema and scaling plaques.
Award to David Wuolu
Authors:   Sigma Gamma Epsilon
Published: May 2024

The Society of Sigma Gamma Epsilon recognized the contributions made by Mr. David Wuolu in support of The Compass. Mr. Wuolu is the Collections Development Librarian for the Clemens and Alcuin Libraries at the College of St. Benedict and St. John’s University in Minnesota. Mr. Wuolu was instrumental in converting The Compass from a paper journal to an e-journal on the Digital Commons electronic platform and submits each issue to the Digital Commons. The Society of Sigma Gamma Epsilon deeply appreciates Mr. Wuolu’s continued support of The Society and publication of The Compass.
INCLUSION OF FLOW EXPERIENCE ACTIVITY IN TREATMENT PORTFOLIO FOR DEPRESSIVE SYMPTOMS- PRELIMINARY FINDINGS
Authors: Khan Amra , Zehra Ali Amena
Published: May 2024

Objective
Flow experience is an intensely engrossing pleasurable mental experience that comes from being completely absorbed in the activity the person is performing. The present study was conducted to develop flow experience as a supplementary psychological treatment intervention and to examine its efficacy when added to treatment portfolio for depressive symptoms.
Design
A 2x2 longitudinal quasi experimental design was used to test the efficacy of flow experience as intervention.
Place and Duration
 Study was conducted in Karachi and Lahore from March 2018 to December 2019.
Methods and Patients
Participants were recruited in the research on the basis of volunteer sampling from mental health set ups of Karachi and Lahore. Twenty four (24) individuals meeting the sampling criteria consented and completed the research participation. Flow experience intervention was added in two treatment as usual (TAU) groups: TAU 1 where treatment as usual was psychiatric medication and TAU2 where treatment as usual was psychiatric medication and psychotherapy.
Result
Result shows a significant decline (t=12.12, df = 4, p<.05) in depressive symptoms when flow experience activity was added in TAU2 for a duration of four weeks.
Conclusion
The preliminary finding shows flow experience is a promising supplementary intervention for depressive symptoms when used in addition to psychiatric medication and psychotherapy. A more generalizable application of intervention is recommended.
Ảnh hưởng tương tác giữa độ mở thương mại và bất định tỷ giá hối đoái đến đầu tư trực tiếp nước ngoài
Authors: Lê Thông Tiến
Published: May 2024

Bài nghiên cứu sử dụng mô hình dữ liệu bảng, bao gồm 99 quốc gia để nghiên cứu về ảnh hưởng tương tác của độ mở thương mại (ĐMTM) và bất định tỷ giá hối đoái đến đầu tư trực tiếp nước ngoài (FDI) trong giai đoạn 2008–2020. Kết quả nghiên cứu dựa trên việc phân loại các quốc gia theo thu nhập. Để đảm bảo tính vững cho các suy diễn thống kê, bài nghiên cứu sử dụng đồng thời mô hình hiệu ứng ngẫu nhiên (REM), mô hình hiệu ứng cố định (FEM) và mô hình bình phương bé nhất tổng quát (GLS). Kết quả nghiên cứu cho rằng, ảnh hưởng tương tác làm gia tăng tác động ngược chiều của bất định tỷ giá hối đoái; đồng thời làm suy yếu tác động cùng chiều của ĐMTM ở nhóm các quốc gia có thu nhập trung bình thấp. Ở cả nhóm quốc gia có thu nhập trung bình cao và nhóm các quốc gia có thu nhập cao, ảnh hưởng tương tác lại có tác động tích cực của ĐMTM đối với FDI. Hơn nữa, ảnh hưởng ngược chiều của bất định tỷ giá hối đoái ở nhóm quốc gia có thu nhập cao có thể bị triệt tiêu và đảo chiều nếu quốc gia tiếp tục duy trì ĐMTM ở mức cao.
An Alternative Prototype for Improving Windows’ Method of Data Transmission for Copying and Moving Files
Authors:   College of Computer Studies, University of Antique, Sibalom, Antique, Philippines, Sermeno Jason , Sermeno Kaiser Lou ,   Pascual M. Osuyos Memorial High School, Tobias Fornier, Antique, Philippines
Published: May 2024

Empirical studies comparing the speed or rate of data transmission of various file transfer software versus Windows default file transfer utility have rarely been attempted. Here we describe an implementation of the file transfer utility (prototype) integrating the concepts of multi-threading, dynamic buffer partitioning, and Tel’s knapsack algorithm and conducting an experiment against Windows 7 default file transfer utility (commercial) with regards to their transmission rate. Presented here is our motivation, experimental approach, issues in attempting this type of empirical study, and a summary of the experimental results and insights gained.
A Review of WSN Technologies for the Design of u-Healthcare Systems
Authors:   Management Information System, University of Antique, Sibalom, Antique, Philippines, Vera Cruz Roy , Caytiles Ronnie ,   Multimedia Engineering Department, Hannam University, Daejeon, South Korea
Published: May 2024

Wireless Sensor Networks (WSNs) refer to a network of intelligent sensor nodes that are capable of monitoring physical and environmental conditions and can be deployed anywhere and anytime. The technological advancement in the integration of low-power electronic devices in the area of sensing, networking, and processing is rapidly increasing thus it pervasively changes the trends in healthcare systems. Efficient utilization of this emerging technology simplifies the monitoring and treatment of patients and enables high-quality, reliable, and emergent medical services. This study presents a review of WSNs capable of uplifting the design of u-Healthcare Systems enabling remote and continuous monitoring and thus providing immediate and effective medical services for patients.
Experiential Learning Outside the Classroom: A Dynamic Model for Business and Leadership Education Using Short-Term Missions
Authors: Tibbetts William , Leeper Greg
Published: May 2024

This three-year project demonstrates an effective, dynamic model of experiential learning for business students that is informed by 1) David Kolb’s Experiential Learning Model, 2) a comprehensive set of desired student learning outcomes, and 3) core values for cross-cultural partnerships. It is accomplished through multiple student led business and leadership conferences held in under-resourced communities in Uganda, working in partnership with local non-government organizations. A supporting highlight distinguishes between this program and commonly used practices in short-term mission trips.
Case Study: Ocean Beach Animal Shelter
Authors: Redmer Timothy A. O.
Published: May 2024

Ocean Beach Animal Shelter is a nonprofit decision case featuring a 501(c)(3) tax exempt organization experiencing serious board and CEO leadership problems that are endangering the organization’s mission achievement effectiveness and long-term viability. The main protagonists in the case are the Executive Director Corella McGill, recently appointed Board President Kitty Sitter, community volunteer Mary Ann White and her husband Max White.
What's Done is Donne: Great Books Programs and the Business Student
Authors: Smith Yvonne S. , Chun Douglas , Chandler Timothy
Published: May 2024

Students who graduate from contemporary business schools, including faith-based schools, are increasingly found to have low ethical standards, inadequate soft skills, and a decreasing ability to integrate. For universities where ethics and Biblical integration are central to the mission, this is very disturbing. This paper describes an unusual program-level model that could reduce these problems: a modified Great Books pedagogy. Is such a program suitable for a business school? The article describes Great Books programs and illustrates with one located at a Christian university. Arguments for and against using this pedagogy in the business school are discussed. The paper ends with the personal impressions of a business professor and business student who participated in a Great Books program.
Teaching Personal Finance as a General Education Course in a Liberal Arts Institution
Authors: Poucher David R.
Published: May 2024

Personal Finance (PF) is one of the largest societal problems affecting the broader United States marketplace. Academic business departments can minister to the general student population by developing PF instruction as a general education (GE) course, even at a Christian liberal arts college. This paper will discuss the need for PF, the current approaches of higher education institutions, the path for adaptation as a GE offering, the integration of Christian faith topics and pedagogical approaches and resources for a semester-long class. Program your graduates for success in life via PF education.
Integrating Salt & Light in Online Courses
Authors: Cassell Sandra K. , Merkel Brenda
Published: May 2024

The distinctiveness of Christian higher education and the positive outcomes of integrating faith and learning has been a continuous publication topic. With recent technology advances and increasing demand for distance learning, Christian professors are now searching for effective ways to integrate salt and light into their online courses. This article will address two topics. First, it reviews scholarship to discern whether professors not only have a spiritual calling but also a professional obligation to educate in a manner that is broader than discipline alone. Second, it offers best practices for integrating salt and light into online higher education business courses.
The Evolution of a Christian Business School’s Mission - Bringing “Business As Mission” to a Business School’s Mission
Authors: Capps Chuck , Touchstone Rob , Eldridge Ray , Smith Leanne , Borchers Andrew
Published: May 2024

Colleges of business typically seek accreditation to achieve legitimacy and raise their reputations. Major business school accreditors (AACSB, ACBSP, and IACBE) all base their accreditation standards on college-created mission statements. This paper describes how one Christian business school developed a unique mission statement in response to both accreditation standards and as a spiritual transformation catalyst. This statement calls for the college to “develop business leaders who embrace the values and virtues of Jesus,” and it is now being inculcated through curricular and co-curricular activities. This paper details how three programs in particular: Business as Mission, Servant Leadership, and Service Learning—manifest and lend credence to the mission.
The Integration of Family Stability into Income Distribution Measures: A Teaching Methodology
Authors: Ritchey Barry
Published: May 2024

Many of our students have experienced the internal cost of family instability. Out of wedlock births, divorce and separations have imposed substantial psychic cost upon them. The purpose of this paper is to expose them to the more macroeconomic external cost of family instability. The teaching method illustrated here provides a visual lesson on the external cost created by family dissolutions.
Book Review: Leadership Can Be Taught
Authors: Edgell Margaret
Published: May 2024

Book Review: Leadership Can Be Taught
Microeconomic Applications to the Bible: An extension to Stamm’s arguments in 2001
Authors: Chan Alan
Published: May 2024

Stamm (2001) suggests examples of how we can draw economic applications from the Bible. The present paper follows Stamm’s idea and suggests additional examples that Christian instructors can use in an introductory microeconomics classroom.
Introducing C.S. Lewis to the Business Ethics Student
Authors: Shelton James G.
Published: May 2024

There is a tendency to compartmentalize morality which prevents consistent application of moral principles in business and personal life. To effectively teach business ethics from a Christian perspective, a morality informed by a Christian worldview must be integrated into all facets of the students’ lives. The idea that there are morals for business and morals for the rest of life must be shown to be false. One way to do this is to introduce students to C.S. Lewis’ writings on the “Law of Right and Wrong” to show the students that morality is real and is not relative. The purpose is not to turn a business ethics class into a class on Lewis but to introduce Lewis’ simple, but profound, ideas to the students in order to lay a foundation regarding the “Law of Right and Wrong” as students begin a discussion of business and morality.
Engaging Business Practitioners to Develop Students’ Faith and Talents
Authors: Wallace Richard C.
Published: May 2024

Bringing business practitioners into our classrooms provides unique opportunities to develop our student’s faith and talents. We discuss the benefits of guest experts in terms of informing and inspiring our students as well as broadening our networks for internships, jobs, and philanthropy. We confront two challenges: 1) persuading the experts to come to offer advice, and 2) convincing the students to take it. We offer ten suggestions to maximize the benefits of engaging business experts in our classes.
Just Pay It? Bribery and Higher Education in the Czech Republic
Authors: Mays Kathleen W.
Published: May 2024

The fall of communism in the Czech Republic brought great opportunity in higher education. New legislation allowed for legally recognized private colleges and universities. However, the legal changes did not erase the entrenched structures of political corruption and bribery. What does it “cost” to pay a bribe? On the other hand, what does it cost not to pay the bribe? That was the question facing Richard Smith. As a Christian administrator of a secular college in post-communist Czech Republic, Smith had to decide whether to pay the relatively small bribe to the judge for the much-needed accreditation.
Case Study: Truth Soul Armor
Authors: Redmer Timothy A. O.
Published: May 2024

Truth Soul Armor is a new start-up company in need of an influx of additional venture capital up to $750,000 from an “angel” investor. Jeff Ray, the president of Truth Soul Armor, has already invested more than $500,000 of his own funds into the company over the last two years and needs resources from other investors to move to a full-time operational phase in anticipation of increased demand for their product. Truth Soul Armor, headquartered in San Clemente, Calif., is in the surfer and skater apparel business, which in the last 20 years has grown from insignificant to a $5 billion per year industry, serving a target market of youth from 15 to 24 that is more than 40 million strong. The surfer and skater apparel business is dominated by a few major players like Quicksilver and Billabong, with a lot of other companies from existing clothing companies wanting to expand and diversify to brand new start-ups like Truth hoping to gain a share of the market. A potential investor, John Martin (name is changed for confidentiality), is considering Truth Soul Armor as a potential venture capital investment of up to $750,000. After visiting with the company and its president, John is reviewing the business plan, sales forecasts, and financial condition of the company prior to making his decision. There are a multitude of both quantitative and qualitative issues that could play a role in the decision process.
Entrepreneurship and The Meaning of Life
Authors: Goossen Richard J.
Published: May 2024

Goossen describes three models of entrepreneurship — the Standard Model, Spirituality Model, and Christian Model — and discusses what gave rise to these models. He contrasts the three and reviews how an individual’s search for meaning in life fits into each one.
Simplicity for Simplicity and Complexity for Complexity: A Response to “Middle Management as a Calling”
Authors: Smith Virgil O.
Published: May 2024

For the young believer seeking God’s vocational calling in the world of business, Klay, Lunn, and TenHaken’s article provides an admirable starting point. The authors provide a very real service, and the discussion in this response is not intended to dispute their points. However, Klay and colleagues did skim over one important point. The economic changes that have occurred since Luther and Calvin’s day make the task of seeking a vocational calling more difficult than the article suggests. Middle managers in many industries face ethical dilemmas that Luther never dreamed of.
Economic Applications to the Bible or “Dad, My Bible has some Economics in It”
Authors: Stamm Brad
Published: May 2024

I recall one summer day when my daughter Sara and I were on the back porch of the house I was renting at Nyack College outside of New York City. The house resembled a small chalet and had a beautiful view overlooking the Hudson River. I was reading Essays on Economics and Economists by R.H. Coase (1994) and she was reading My First Bible. She looked at me and said, “Dad, what are you reading?” I said, “I’m reading economics. What are you reading, Sara?” She replied, “I’m reading the Bible, Dad, and it has some economics in it.”
Integrating Economics and Christianity
Authors: Elder Eric
Published: May 2024

I feel fortunate to teach at a college where we are required to integrate Christianity and our fields. A major portion of our evaluations includes how well we undertake this integration. For a person who did not come through a Christian college and who is an adult convert, this integration has been a pleasant challenge. I am looking forward to reading what has worked for others facing the same challenge.
How Christian Character Education Can Help Overcome the Failure of Secular Ethics Education
Authors: Lantos Geoffrey P.
Published: May 2024

Lantos gives an historical overview of ethics education, discusses the current renewed emphasis on character education and virtues, and offers suggestions for how Christian educators can integrate this renewed emphasis with a Christian worldview in both Christian and non-Christian institutions.
Teaching Strategic Management from A Christian Perspective
Authors: Martinez Richard J.
Published: May 2024

Martinez presents ideas for integrating Christian principles into the teaching of strategic management. He does so in an attempt to spark discussion in the pursuit of developing a Christian framework for analyzing business principles.
The prevalence of malaria in the five districts of Limpopo Province, South Africa, 2015 - 2017
Authors: Lamola M T , Musekiwa A , De Voux A , Reddy C , Morifi M , Mutevedzi P C
Published: May 2024

Background. In South Africa (SA), malaria is endemic in three of nine provinces – KwaZulu-Natal, Mpumalanga and Limpopo. During 2010 - 2014, SA reported that ~47.6% of all malaria cases were imported. Contemporary estimates for the prevalence of malaria in the five districts of Limpopo Province are limited, with unknown proportions of imported malaria cases. We estimated the prevalence of malaria, and the proportion of imported malaria cases in the five districts of Limpopo, from January 2015 to December 2017.
Objective. To measure the prevalence of malaria in Limpopo Province, the proportion of malaria cases that are imported and to determine factors associated with malaria from January 2015 to December 2017.Methods. We retrospectively reviewed data routinely collected through the Malaria Information System and Laboratory Information System of the National Health Laboratory Services, and assessed associations with age, sex and district, using a multivariable logistic regression model.
Results. From 2015 to 2017, a total of 43 199 malaria cases were reported, of which 3.5% (n=1 532) were imported. The prevalence of malaria in Limpopo Province was the highest in 2017, at 331.0 per 100 000 population. The highest malaria prevalence district was Vhembe, with 647.9 in 2015, 220.3 in 2016 and 659.4 in 2017 per 100 000 population. However, Waterberg had the highest proportion of imported malaria cases 28.5% (437/1 532). In adjusted analyses, ages 15 - 49 years (adjusted odds ratio (aOR) 1.58, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.48 - 1.68, p<0.001) and <1 year (aOR 1.55, 95% CI 1.37 - 0.74, p<0.001) were at higher odds of having malaria compared with ages ≥65 years.
Conclusion. These findings highlight the significant burden of imported malaria in Limpopo Province. There is a need for strengthened surveillance and control programmes in neighboring countries (such as Mozambique, Zimbabwe and Botswana) to reduce the importation and spread of malaria in this region.
509 nm high power wide-tuned external cavity surface emitting laser
Authors: Wang Tao , Peng Xue-Fang , He Liang , Shen Xiao-Yu , Zhu Ren-Jiang , Jiang Li-Dan , Tong Cun-Zhu , Song Yan-Rong , Zhang Peng ,   College of Physics and Electronic Engineering, Chongqing Normal University, Chongqing 401331, China,   Changchun Institute of Optics, Fine Mechanics and Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences,Changchun 130033, China,   Faculty of Sciences, Beijing University of Technology, Beijing 100124, China,   National Center for Applied Mathematics in Chongqing, Chongqing Normal University, Chongqing 401331, China
Published: May 2024

High power widely tunable green lasers have potential applications in many fields such as biomedicine, lidar, laser spectroscopy, laser display, underwater wireless optical communication, and fine processing of nonferrous metals. Vertical-external-cavity surface-emitting lasers, also known as semiconductor disk lasers, have the advantages of high power, good beam quality, and wide bandwidth of gain medium. In this work, a gain chip with a reverse-growth epitaxy structure and an emitting wavelength of 1018 nm is designed. In the DBR reflection spectrum, a bandwidth of 74 nm is achieved above a reflectivity of greater than 99.1%, laying a solid foundation for achieving high-power widely tunable output. The laser cavity combines a 1018 nm semiconductor gain chip, a folded mirror, and a plane mirror to construct a compact V-type resonant cavity. A class-I phase-matched LBO nonlinear crystal with a length of 10 mm is placed at the beam waist of the cavity to realize an efficient frequency doubling process to produce a 509 nm green laser. To meet the requirement for the polarization during frequency conversion and to tune the oscillating wavelength of the laser, a birefringent filter (BRF) is employed in the laser resonant cavity. When the thickness of the used BRF is 1 mm, the obtained wavelength tuning range of the fundamental laser and the frequency doubled green laser are 47.1 nm and 20.1 nm, respectively, showing a good tuning capability of the laser. The laser’s performance varies with the thickness of the BRF. When using a 2 mm BRF, a maximum power output of the frequency-doubled green laser reaches 8.23 W during continuous tuning, indicating an ideal compatibility of wide tuning characteristics with a high power output. Meanwhile, its beam quality M 2 factors are 1.00 and 1.03 in the x- and y-direction, respectively, demonstrating a near diffraction-limited excellent beam quality. This green laser also possesses a frequency doubling conversion efficiency of up to 68.2%, which can efficiently converse the fundamental laser into the frequency doubled green laser. The optical-to-optical conversion efficiency from the absorbed pump light to the frequency-doubled green light also reaches 16.6%. Meanwhile, from the spectral linewidths of the green lasers under different thickness values of BRFs it is found that the thicker the BRF, the narrower the laser line width is, which is consistent with the theoretical result.
Action sequence learning, habits, and automaticity in obsessive-compulsive disorder
Authors: Banca Paula , Herrojo Ruiz Maria , Gonzalez-Zalba Miguel Fernando , Biria Marjan , Marzuki Aleya A , Piercy Thomas , Sule Akeem , Fineberg Naomi A , Robbins Trevor W
Published: May 2024

This study investigates the goal/habit imbalance theory of compulsion in obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), which postulates enhanced habit formation, increased automaticity, and impaired goal/habit arbitration. It directly tests these hypotheses using newly developed behavioral tasks. First, OCD patients and healthy participants were trained daily for a month using a smartphone app to perform chunked action sequences. Despite similar procedural learning and attainment of habitual performance (measured by an objective automaticity criterion) by both groups, OCD patients self-reported higher subjective habitual tendencies via a recently developed questionnaire. Subsequently, in a re-evaluation task assessing choices between established automatic and novel goal-directed actions, both groups were sensitive to re-evaluation based on monetary feedback. However, OCD patients, especially those with higher compulsive symptoms and habitual tendencies, showed a clear preference for trained/habitual sequences when choices were based on physical effort, possibly due to their higher attributed intrinsic value. These patients also used the habit-training app more extensively and reported symptom relief post-study. The tendency to attribute higher intrinsic value to familiar actions may be a potential mechanism leading to compulsions and an important addition to the goal/habit imbalance hypothesis in OCD. We also highlight the potential of smartphone app training as a habit reversal therapeutic tool.
Cholinergic input to mouse visual cortex signals a movement state and acutely enhances layer 5 responsiveness
Authors: Yogesh Baba , Keller Georg B.
Published: May 2024

Acetylcholine is released in visual cortex by axonal projections from the basal forebrain. The signals conveyed by these projections and their computational significance are still unclear. Using two-photon calcium imaging in behaving mice, we show that basal forebrain cholinergic axons in the mouse visual cortex provide a binary locomotion state signal. In these axons, we found no evidence of responses to visual stimuli or visuomotor prediction errors. While optogenetic activation of cholinergic axons in visual cortex in isolation did not drive local neuronal activity, when paired with visuomotor stimuli, it resulted in layer-specific increases of neuronal activity. Responses in layer 5 neurons to both top-down and bottom-up inputs were increased in amplitude and decreased in latency, whereas those in layer 2/3 neurons remained unchanged. Using opto- and chemogenetic manipulations of cholinergic activity, we found acetylcholine to underlie the locomotion-associated decorrelation of activity between neurons in both layer 2/3 and layer 5. Based on this we speculate that acetylcholine augments the responsiveness of layer 5 neurons to inputs from outside of the local network, possibly enabling faster switching between internal representations during locomotion.