Catholic University Research Articles

Human Resource Information System of Monitoring Employee Attendance Using Microsoft Power BI at Catholic University of De La Salle Manado

Human Resource Information System of Monitoring Employee Attendance Using Microsoft Power BI at Catholic University of De La Salle Manado

The Ambiguity of Being: Lonergan and the Problems of the Supernatural. By Jonathan R.Heaps. Washington, D.C.: Catholic University of America Press, 2023. Pp. ix, 240. $85.00.

The Ambiguity of Being: Lonergan and the Problems of the Supernatural. By Jonathan R.Heaps. Washington, D.C.: Catholic University of America Press, 2023. Pp. ix, 240. $85.00.

The stagnation of leadership in Catholic religious universities in Indonesia

This study demonstrated the connection between leadership and the underdevelopment of the Catholic Pastoral College (Sekolah Tinggi Pastoral Katolik (STPK)). This qualitative study was conducted in five STPKs located in Malang, Semarang, Pontianak and Medan. It involved leaders of four parties: (a) the Bishop; (b) the Directors of Catholic Education representing the Government; (c) members of the Ministry of Religious Affairs representing the Indonesian Catholic Church; (d) representatives of the management of the Colleges alongside teachers. Data was collected via Google forms, focus group discussions, and in-depth interviews with the Bishop, government, chairperson and foundation of STPK. The research findings revealed that: the elements of leadership are ineffective and lack coordination and cooperation with bishops and the government; the cultural influence of the Catholic hierarchy is strong; an effective pattern of communication relations is not established; and human resources are not yet professional. This report advised that a higher education commission be established to facilitate the formation of a collaborative task force to address critical challenges and ensure that STPK remains adaptable to changing times. Thus, the efforts and aspirations to transform STPK into a high-quality and competitive educational institution take shape.

Optimization of PV benefits for Electric Vehicles Charging Station Using a Deterministic Method and Fuzzy Inference System Method

Utilizing renewable energy, specifically Photovoltaic (PV), for Electric Vehicle (EV) charging presents diverse technical and economic opportunities, reflecting a recent trend in innovation and research to address global transportation challenges while highlighting the value of renewable sources. In this context, this paper aims to devise an optimal power management strategy for an EV charging station powered by a PV-based microgrid (MG). The main purpose is to improve the benefits of PV production in recharging EVs to increase self-consumption, decrease dependency on the power grid, and reduce energy costs. Production data from a real-scale MG at the Catholic University in France were used as a case study. This MG comprises a heterogeneous fleet of EVs, PV sources, stationary storage, EV charging stations, and a connection to the power grid. The optimization of PV benefits relies on leveraging the knowledge of EV characteristics to modulate their charge profile. In this context, two methods are used and compared for the modulation of the EVs' charging profile: a deterministic method and a Fuzzy Inference System (FIS)-based method. For each method, different scenarios emerge based on the knowledge or lack thereof of the EVs' characteristics. This methodology permits the optimal distribution of energy among multiple EVs and regulates the necessary power to achieve the desired charge level upon departure. It encourages charging through PV production, resulting in reduced energy costs. The comparison of total costs reveals notable differences between the deterministic and FIS approaches for both slow and fast charging modes. In the case of slow charging, the deterministic approach achieves savings of -863.4 c€/day, whereas the FIS method delivers greater savings of -898.7 c€/day. For fast charging, the deterministic approach yields savings of -524.6 c€/day, while the FIS method results in even higher savings of -540.7 c€/day. These results highlight that the FIS approach enables better cost management, primarily due to more efficient utilization of PV energy. Additionally, simulation results from MATLAB/Simulink confirm the effectiveness of the FIS-based method, which improves PV energy utilization to 98.20%, compared to 81.60% with the deterministic approach. This highlights the superior efficiency of the proposed FIS.

News & Resources

U.S. News and World Report rankings are out Holy Cross Covers Tuition for Families Making $100K or Less Holy Cross, a Catholic college in Massachusetts, announced that it will cover the cost of tuition for families making $100,000 or less, with “reasonable assets.” The college had previously committed to covering tuition for families making $75,000 or less. California makes legacy admissions at private non‐profit schools illegal Loan repayment programs Fresh Start and the on‐ramp end Death toll rises and colleges close temporarily due to Hurricane Helene

La construcción del conocimiento a partir de los proyectos de investigación de cátedra

Research has always been a challenge and, in the social imaginary, it is a task carried out by expert professionals, with extensive mastery of theoretical and methodological issues. This means that research practice is presented as a utopia that is, sometimes, unachievable by those who do not have the aforementioned expertise, distancing it as an alternative for intervention and articulation between theory and the contributions provided by the context. In this work, it will be presented how, from the Career of Bachelor in Psychopedagogy of the Catholic University of Santiago del Estero and thanks to the proposal generated from the Prosecretariat of Research of the Faculty of Health Sciences, the research processes, tied to the chairs of the curriculum, made it possible for both teachers and advanced students to carry out processes of inquiry into reality, from a psychopedagogical position, and, at the same time, to develop complex competencies linked to the research.

Práctica reflexiva del profesorado en formación de la carrera de Historia, Geografía y Ciencias Sociales de la Pontificia Universidad Católica de Valparaíso

Introduction: The objective of the research is to identify what type of reflection the pre-services teachers in the History, Geography and Social Sciences program at the Pontifical Catholic University of Valparaíso develop at the end of their professional practice, in order to recognize challenges and training opportunities for the promotion of reflective practice. Methodology: Qualitative descriptive research that analyzed the performances of 33 pre-service teachers in their reflection protocol, identifying the type of reflection carried out: descriptive, comparative or critical. Results: The majority pre-service teachers, when evaluating the impact of their teaching, based on their students' learning and reflecting pedagogically, develop a descriptive reflection, to the detriment of a comparative and critical one. When it is requested to analyze the impact of pedagogical practice from the opinions of the students, this is of the comparative type. Discussions: Systematic reflection on educational practice constitutes a possibility for the formation of teaching identity. Conclusions: It is important to understand reflective practice as a key competence of teaching practice, which is consolidated as a space for continuous learning and reflection par excellence due to its approach and experience of teaching work.

Trayectorias educativas en una universidad jesuita

In this paper, we propose to share the way in which the academic trajectories of young people pursuing a career at the Catholic University of Cordoba are accompanied. These students, from the beginning of this stage, face the challenge of acquiring the necessary skills to succeed in their career, and, for this, it is necessary the construction of the university student's job.In it, we mention the difference between the practices of high-school students and the demands of university learning. We point out the characteristics of today's young people, and, taking into account their singularities, we describe strategies of orientation and psychopedagogical accompaniment, implemented at the university to support students in their trajectories. Finally, we situate our proposal from the humanistic approach to education in a Jesuit university, which seeks the integral growth of the person and his or her commitment to society.

Prácticas profesionalizantes: conocer y saber psicopedagógico

We understand that the constitution process Psychopedagogy occurs from a constant dialogic relationship between theoretical conceptions and professional interventions, from which a two-dimensional disciplinary field is formed in the sense that it is simultaneously constituted as an explanatory field of the problems it addresses and practical field of intervention. We understand that the training of future psychopedagogues requires the acquisition of knowledge, skills, attitudes, and dispositions, which make up the psychopedagogical knowledge, which enables professional intervention.This document presents the training proposal from two chairs of the Bachelor's Degree in Psychopedagogy at the Catholic University of Córdoba, articulated to a University Social Responsibility program. To this end, the document has three sections. The first one explains disciplinary issues and epistemological aspects that support the curricular proposals of the chairs. In a second section, an account is given of what is understood as professionalizing practice in the training of psychopedagogues. In the last one, the curricular proposal offered is presented.

Extensiveness of Teachers’ Workload in Determining the Acquisition of Kiswahili Reading Skills Among Pupils in Public Primary Schools in Tanga City Council, Tanzania

The study investigated the extensiveness of teachers’ workload in determining the acquisition of Kiswahili reading skills among public primary school pupils in Tanga City Council, Tanzania. The study employed a convergent design under mixed methods research approach to collect both quantitative and qualitative data simultaneously and compare the results to obtain a more complete understanding of the research problem. The study targeted 80 public primary schools, 80 head teachers, 264 Kiswahili subject teachers, 24 Ward Education Officer and 1 City Council Primary Education Officer. Both probability and non-probability sampling techniques were employed to obtain respondents who participated in this study. The study involved 8 public primary schools, 8 head teachers, 88 Kiswahili reading skills teachers, 8 WEO and 1 CCPEO. Data were collected using questionnaires, and interview guide. Data collection instruments were validated by Mwenge Catholic University research experts. A pilot study was conducted in two public secondary schools. The reliability of questionnaires for Likert scale items was determined using Cronbach's Alpha Coefficient where reliability coefficient r= 0.892 for Kiswahili subject teachers questionnaire was obtained. The reliability for qualitative data was established through peer debriefing and triangulation. The study adhered to research ethical principles throughout the research process. Quantitative data were analyzed using descriptive statistics particularly using frequencies, percentages and mean with the aid of SPSS Version 22. The study concludes that due to their overwhelming responsibilities, teachers find it challenging to give students timely and insightful feedback on their reading progress. Teachers find it challenging to plan and implement enjoyable reading activities that would greatly enhance their pupils Kiswahili reading skills. Teachers are unable to give each pupils the individualized support and attention they need to improve their reading skills in Kiswahili, leaving them with little time and energy. The study recommends that heads of public primary schools can support teachers in working less by making sure that teachers have enough time to plan, organize, assign reading tasks, and help pupils who are failing with learning. The administration of public primary school should make sure that the school has enough teaching and learning resources for Kiswahili reading instruction.

Sustainable Inventory Management: A Bibliometric study

This paper presents a bibliometric analysis on Sustainable inventory models. The methodology applied is review on previous research and the performance evaluation based on identified attributes, using MS Excel. The data set was obtained from Library Genesis (Libgen) using the search criteria Sustainable Inventory. A total of 78 papers became available based on the search criteria and were included for our analysis. Based on the analysis of the attributes, it has been observed that the most notable authors were Mr Umakanta Mishra, Mr Jei-Zheng Wu, and Biswajit Sarkar. The notable countries were USA, India and Taiwan. The most noted Universities were Vellore Institute of Technology, University of Tehran, Soochow University, Polytechnic University of Bari, Lund University, Hajee Mohammad Danesh Science and Technology University and Fu Jen Catholic University. Among the Journals, Journal of Cleaner Production, Sustainability and IEEE are the notable ones. Among the Publishers, Elsevier, Springer and MDPI are the best contributors. There has been an increase in number of the publications during the years 2016-2020. Many significant topics pertaining to Sustainable Supply Chain, Inventory Models, Life Cycle Analysis, Environmental issues, Carbon Cap and Trade, etc have been thoroughly analysed in these papers. Solutions and the way forward have been suggested. Data on some of the practical case studies have also been provided. Such type of Bibliometric Analysis helps us to review the present state of research on the chosen topic and identify the key areas in which further research can be made.

Consent and dissent in psychiatry. A study conference at the Catholic University on the political use of psychiatry

Not available.

Hubungan Waist Hip Ratio (WHR) dan A Body Shape Index (ABSI) dengan Tekanan Darah pada Mahasiswa Kedokteran

Prehypertension is a condition that can increase the risk of developing hypertension and lead to various diseases such as cerebrovascular disease, coronary artery disease, and chronic kidney disease. Lifestyle factors significantly influence blood pressure, with obesity being one of the key risk factors for prehypertension. Obesity can be assessed using anthropometric measurements such as Waist-Hip Ratio (WHR) and A Body Shape Index (ABSI). This study aimed to investigate the relationship between WHR and ABSI with prehypertension among male students at the School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Atma Jaya Catholic University of Indonesia. The study employed an analytic observational design with a cross-sectional approach. The respondents consisted of active male medical students from the class of 2019–2021, with data collected using random proportional-to-size sampling. Among the 74 respondents, 28.4% had normotensive blood pressure, while 71.6% exhibited elevated blood pressure. Regarding WHR, 28.4% of respondents had values indicating a risk of hypertension, and for ABSI, 25.7% of respondents had values indicating similar risks. Bivariate analysis revealed a significant relationship between WHR and ABSI with prehypertension (p = 0.024, p = 0.045). In conclusion, this study found a significant association between WHR and ABSI with prehypertension among male medical students at the School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Atma Jaya Catholic University of Indonesia.

Hepatitis B infection: Evaluation of demographics and treatment of chronic hepatitis B infection in Northern-western Tanzania.

Chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection is still a major public health problem. In response to the World Health Organization (WHO), Tanzania implemented immunization and treatment to achieve the eradication of HBV infection by 2030. To achieve this goal, frequent updates of demographic data, antiviral therapy eligibility, and uptake are essential. We therefore evaluated demographic data, antiviral therapy eligibility, and uptake among chronically HBV-infected patients attending at Bugando Medical Centre (BMC), Tanzania. A cross-sectional study enrolled 196 chronic HBV patients from April 23, 2023, to October 10, 2023, at BMC, where 100 and 96 patients were retrospectively and prospectively enrolled, respectively. Study's ethical clearance and permission were observed by the Catholic University of Health and Allied Sciences/Bugando Medical Centre research ethics and review committee and the Bugando Medical Centre management respectively. For all patients, socio-demographic data and whole blood samples were obtained. Full blood picture, alanine and aspartate amino transferases, and HBV viral load parameters were determined. Aspartate-Platelet Ratio Index (APRI) and Fibrosis Four (FIB-4) scores were calculated according to their respective formulas. Therapy eligibility and uptake were evaluated according to the 2015 WHO HBV prevention, treatment, and care guidelines. The data were summarized and analysed using STATA version 15. The median age for all patients was 39 [IQR: 32-47.5] years. Nearly all study patients, 99% (194/196), were older than 20 years old, with significant male dominance (73.5% [144/196] versus 26.5% [52/196]; p<0.0001). Anti-HBV antiviral therapy eligibility was 22.4%, while uptake was 6.8% (3/4), which was significantly lower than the WHO expectation of 80% (p <0.0001). Almost all chronically HBV-infected patients attending at BMC were older than 20 years old and were significantly dominated by males. Antiviral therapy uptake was remarkably lower than expected by the WHO towards combating HBV infection by 2030.

A Catholic safe haven: University students from Eastern Europe in Spain during Francoism

In 1946, Madrid became home to a Catholic university residence, the colegio mayor Santiago Apóstol, which catered specifically to refugee students from Eastern Europe who had fled the aftermath of the Second World War and the creation of Communist regimes in their home countries. This residence hall, which housed about 800 students from 20 nationalities between its opening in the postwar era and its rededication in 1969, was part of the anticommunist governmental strategy to overcome the political isolation that Francoist Spain found itself in. It was also part of the efforts of the Catholic church to support refugees from Eastern Europe in the early Cold War. This article aims to bring these strands together, focusing on the founding of the residence hall as a Catholic and governmental endeavor. In a second step, the article focuses on the residence hall itself, considering the agency of the residence’s officials and its students, and contemplating the residence’s academic and exile networks both in Spain and internationally.

Exploring the identity and spirituality through service learning in a select Catholic university

Exploring the identity and spirituality through service learning in a select Catholic university

Laparoscopic adrenalectomy performed with the Endo GIA™ Stapler as an easy and safe approach.

The purpose of this study was to determine whether the application of the Endo GIA™ Stapler (Medtronic, Dublin, Ireland) could be helpful in the dissection of adrenal tumors in complicated cases. We retrospectively reviewed the records of patients who underwent laparoscopic adrenalectomy between 2012 and 2022 at the College of Medicine, Yeouido St. Mary's Hospital, The Catholic University of Korea (Seoul, Republic of Korea). We adopted the Endo GIA™ Stapler (Medtronic) to seal vessels around adrenal gland and separate adrenal gland completely when it was difficult to perform meticulous dissection and isolation with laparoscopic instruments. Thirteen patients who underwent laparoscopic adrenalectomy with Endo GIA™ staplers were reviewed and compared with 45 other patients who underwent laparoscopic adrenalectomy without Endo GIA™ staplers. There were no statistical differences between the two groups in demographic, tumor-related, and diagnostic variables. Surgical outcomes such as margin involvement, bleeding, operation duration, rate of conversion to open surgery, blood transfusion, complications, and recurrence were not different between the two groups. In our experience, applying of the Endo GIA™ Stapler (Medtronic) in laparoscopic adrenalectomy is a feasible and acceptable approach.

EmmanuelDurand, Divine Speech in Humans Words: Thomistic Engagements with Scripture. Edited by Matthew K.Minerd. Washington, DC: The Catholic University of America Press, 2022, xv + 460pp. $65.00

EmmanuelDurand, Divine Speech in Humans Words: Thomistic Engagements with Scripture. Edited by Matthew K.Minerd. Washington, DC: The Catholic University of America Press, 2022, xv + 460pp. $65.00

ORGANIZATIONAL STRATEGIES OF EDUCATORS’ RESILIENCE DEVELOPMENT UNDER CONDITIONS OF MARTIAL LAW

The article provides an overview of organizational strategies and opportunities for developing educators’ resilience under martial law conditions. The aim of the study is to analyze organizational strategies for developing resilience that are relevant for education professionals working in an environment with a high level of stress.It was found out that under conditions of martial law the emphasis of developing teachers’ resilience has shifted from the adaptation of teachers in the profession, the emotional resilience of teachers working in schools with low socio-economic status or in inclusive classrooms, and the impact of professional relationships connected with educational activities, to the development of psycho-emotional stress resistance, creativity, healthy and active lifestyle, micro stress management, mindfulness as key components of personal resilience.The following organizational strategies realized in the particular resources and products were analyzed in the article: internships / advanced training courses offered by higher education institutions of Ukraine; free trainings from NGO “Confidence Psychological Assistance Center”; resilience summer schools from Ukrainian Educational Researchers Association; Instagram. Free psychological help and advice (Resilience Hub); professional development courses from “Na Urok” educational project; online courses from Prometeus, Coursera, EdEra, EdX, OUM (Open University of Maidan), Ukrainian Catholic University (UCU); LinkedIn Learning; webinars from portal Diia.In view of the above, it is constructive to actively use the strategies and resources analyzed in the article in order to develop resilience both in the process of future teachers’ professional training and in non-formal and informal education of teachers, as well as in their continuous professional development.

‘your brother’s blood cries out to me from the ground’ Ignacio Ellacuría, S.J. on the role of the Catholic university

‘your brother’s blood cries out to me from the ground’ Ignacio Ellacuría, S.J. on the role of the Catholic university