Direct Relation Research Articles

Substitution Effects in Aryl Halides and Amides into the Reaction Mechanism of Ullmann-Type Coupling Reactions

In this article, we present a comprehensive computational investigation into the reaction mechanism of N-arylation of substituted aryl halides through Ullmann-type coupling reactions. Our computational findings, obtained through DFT ωB97X-D/6-311G(d,p) and ωB97X-D/LanL2DZ calculations, reveal a direct relation between the previously reported experimental reaction yields and the activation energy of haloarene activation, which constitutes the rate-limiting step in the overall coupling process. A detailed analysis of the reaction mechanism employing the Activation Strain Model indicates that the strain in the substituted iodoanilines is the primary contributor to the energy barrier, representing an average of 80% of the total strain energy. Additional analysis based on conceptual Density Functional Theory (DFT) suggests that the nucleophilicity of the nitrogen in the lactam is directly linked to the activation energies. These results provide valuable insights into the factors influencing energetic barriers and, consequently, reaction yields. These insights enable the rational modification of reactants to optimize the N-arylation process.

THE CHEMICAL ORIGIN AND GEOTHERMOMETERY OF HOT SPRINGS WATERS IN THE REGION OF KHENCHELA, ALGERIA

Our study is carried out on the trio of thermomineral waters in the region of Khenchela - Hammam Salhin, Hammam Knif, and Hammam Djaarir - Northeast of Algeria. The purpose of this study is to determine the physicochemical and geothermal origin of the thermal spring (temperature, pH, and electrical conductivity). The temperatures of the thermal water samples which were being studied varied from 38 to 72°C; therefore, this variation has a direct relation to the climatic conditions and/or the combination of the water which is derived from various sources in the formation of the thermal spring. Additionally, the pH value of the spring under study is of a neutral to slightly alkaline quality, while its electric conductivities are high, ranging from 3059 μS/Cm to 5007 μS/Cm. The Piper diagrams presented the domination of sodium chloride (Na-Cl) and sodium sulfate (Na-SO4) facies as two types of water in the hydrochemical facies. These facies indicate the mineral composition of the thermal waters, a product from the reservoir by way of geological formations in the subsurface. This is a plausible reason from the chemical changes observed in the fluids and can well be associated with the high influence of water-rock interaction, that is, the formation of sodium bicarbonate water to sodium-chlorinated water formation, where it is linked with the effects of dissolution and salinity in the formation of saliva found in regions with semi-arid climatic conditions. Evaporation would play a major role in increasing the sodium content, while the IIRG plots closer to the industry "α" standard than the other plots. These are the characteristic features of an evaporation-based system. The crucial parameter C serves as a strong indicator of circulation in carbonate reservoirs subject to evaporation.

The Impacts of Ethical Sales Behaviour on Customer Loyalty in the Life Insurance Industry in Pakistan

The life insurance industry in Pakistan is highly competitive, with customer loyalty playing a crucial role in long-term success. Ethical sales behaviour emerges as a key differentiator, potentially fostering trust and driving positive customer experiences. This research investigates the relationship among ethical sales behaviour, customer trust in company and trust in sales agent, which directly affect customer loyalty in the life insurance industry. The quantitative survey targets customers of five major life insurance companies, ensuring a representative sample across diverse demographics. The questionnaires were sent to all companies customer on a random basis. The questionnaires are distributed with the help of office employee of the companies.The finding of the study shows that there is a direct and positive relation between sales agent ethical sales behaviour and customer loyalty. Furthermore, the trust of the customer in the sales agent and trust of the customer in a company has direct positive mutual relation and customer trust both affect customer loyalty. By demonstrating the tangible benefits of ethical sales behaviour, the study can encourage companies to implement and prioritize ethical practices. The identified key drivers of customer loyalty can guide training programs and performance evaluations for insurance agents, ultimately fostering a culture of ethical conduct within the industry.

Biogeochemical prospecting of metallic critical raw materials: soil to plant transfer in SW Ciudad Real Province, Spain.

The soil-plant transfer of trace elements is a complex system in which many factors are involved such as the availability and bioavailability of elements in the soil, climate, pedological parameters, and the essential or toxic character of the elements. The present study proposes the evaluation of the use of multielement contents in vascular plants for prospecting ore deposits of trace elements of strategic interest for Europe. To accomplish this general goal, a study of the soil-plant transfer of major and trace elements using Quercus ilex as a study plant has been developed in the context of two geological domains with very different characteristics in geological terms and in the presence of ore deposits: the Almadén syncline for Hg and the Guadalmez syncline for Sb. The results have made it possible to differentiate geological domains not only in terms of individual elements, but also as a combination of major and trace elements using Factor Analysis. The bioconcentration factors have demonstrated the uptake of macronutrients and micronutrients in very high concentrations but these were barely dependent, or even independent of the concentrations in the soil, in addition to high values of this factor for Sb. The Factor Analysis allowed for the differentiation of geogenic elements from other linked to stibnite ore deposits (Sb, S, and Cu). This element (Sb) can be uptake by Quercus ilex via the root and from there translocating it to the leaves, showing a direct relation between concentrations in soil and plants. This finding opens the possibility of using Quercus ilex leaves for biogeochemical prospecting of geological domains or lithological types of interest to prospect for Sb deposits.

Do Isokinetic Strength and Shoulder Mobility Influence Ball Velocity? A Study of Female Badminton Players

The working group of the current study which aims at investigating the relation of isokinetic strength, shoulder mobility and ball velocity at elite female badminton players was made up of 28 female badminton players having the age, body weight and height means; 21,17±3,42 years, 62,47±8,60 kg, 164.31±5.88 cm and volunteering in the study. The data obtained in the study was analysed in the package program of SPSS (Statistical Package for Social Sciences) for Windows 22.0. For all variables in the study, Pearson correlation test was applied. In the research, 60˚/sec. dominant and non-dominant, internal and external isokinetic strength values (nm) were found as 37.05 ± 7.12, 36.95 ± 6.72, 26.87 ± 7.63, 22.27 ± 7.60 respectively. Dominant internal rotation values of the players were found as 57.37 ± 7.20, dominant external rotation values were found as 103.00 ± 8.08, non-dominant internal rotation values were found as 52.00 ± 4.92, non-dominant external rotation values were found as 97.35 ± 7.88. Shuttlecock velocity (km/h) was 238.45 ± 3.20. As a conclusion, upon the investigation of the correlation values between isokinetic strength, shoulder joint mobility and Shuttlecock velocity at elite female badminton players, a statistically direct re-lation was not found between them at the level of significance. 

Grey water footprint for evaluating Zefta wastewater treatment plant: a case study

ABSTRACT The numbers of wastewater treatment plants (WWTP) in Egypt are increasing, yet the general level of pollution associated with wastewater discharge after treatment has not been evaluated. Grey water footprint (GWF) was used to assess the effluent discharges from Zefta WWTP. GWF, before and after treatment, was calculated and followed up to determine its impact on the receiving freshwater body. 150 samples were collected and analysed for BOD5 to determine the optimum operating conditions. Averages values were DO = 2.2, SV30 = 500, SVI  = 167, SA = 9.3 d, MLVSS = 2392 mg/L, f/m = 0.16, MLSS in RAS = 7922 mg/L, WAS = 140 m3/d and the HRT = 12 h. The removal efficiency of COD and TSS in the primary settling tank reached 39% and 69%, respectively. Average calculations of removal efficiency percentile reached 90-93%. Average freshwater quantities required to reduce pollutants in the receiving body stream were seasonally determined for Zefta WWTP as 5.3 × 107 m3/year. The average influent BOD5 was 376 mg/L, it was reduced to 47 mg/L in the effluent, wherever the Cmin is 6 mg/L and Cnat is 10 mg/L. Statistical analysis has shown a significant direct relation between ΔWFG,mef and WFG,ref reached 0.952 and a significant inverse relation with Cef −0.982. WFG,T has shown a significant direct relation with Cr 0.974. WFG,T– ref has shown a significant direct relation with Cr as 0.971 and WFG,T as 0.803. It can be concluded that ΔWF is effective in evaluating the efficiency of wastewater treatment and its effect on the quality of receiving water bodies.

Development of a Reduced Mechanism for Methane Combustion in OpenFOAM: A Computational Approach for Efficient and Accurate Simulations

The primary aim of this study is to develop a more efficient reaction mechanism for accurately simulating methane combustion, with a specific focus on ignition delay, laminar flame speed, and 2-D simulated flames, while also reducing computational time. Ten reduced reaction mechanisms for methane combustion were evaluated, with only one, "SK30," meeting the required accuracy standards. However, SK30 proved to be computationally intensive when simulating a 2-D premixed flame at a microscale. To address this challenge, a two-step reduction process was implemented. Firstly, an automated algorithm utilized direct relation graphs and sensitivity analysis with ignition delays as a reference to streamline the mechanism while maintaining accuracy. Subsequently, the second step involved identifying key reactions that had a more significant impact on flame speed than ignition delay through sensitivity analysis. Any missing reactions were then added judiciously, prioritizing the retrieval of the missing but important reactions to overall accuracy while minimizing computational cost. This process resulted in a novel mechanism comprising 25 species and 132 reactions for methane-air combustion. The validity of this mechanism was confirmed through comparison with a benchmark model, demonstrating satisfactory agreement in 1-D flame speed and 2-D premixed flame modeling. Most notably, the new mechanism substantially reduced processing time, achieving a 50% speedup compared to SK30.

Neuroentrepreneurship: state of the art and future lines of work

AbstractThis study aims to conduct a literature review and examine key research topics within the field of neuroentrepreneurship, categorizing works based on this classification and specifying different directions of research lines. Additionally, it seeks to compile definitions and their evolution regarding the concept of neuroentrepreneurship, contributing a new proposal. The methodology involves identifying keywords related to main themes and their direct relation to all research works encompassed in the entrepreneurship spectrum. Research articles matching the query are extracted from the Web of Science (WoS) and Scopus databases, as they provide a comprehensive citation search and access to multidisciplinary research, adhering to established inclusion-exclusion criteria. Findings allow the classification of contributions to the literature into four themes: Neuroscience and entrepreneurship, the use of neurotechnologies in entrepreneurship research, the neurological profile of the entrepreneur, and ethics in neuroentrepreneurship. Lastly, this study emphasizes its originality by presenting a set of works directly related to neuroentrepreneurship, establishing a classification based on four thematic research lines in neuroentrepreneurship. This allows extracting a limited set of definitions for the concept, classifying them based on themes incorporated in the definition. Finally, the authors provide a comprehensive definition of neuroentrepreneurship, tailored to the four major research blocks in this discipline.

An Assessment of the Weather and Technological Change on Agriculture Revenue of Maize Crop in Karnataka

Presently the agriculture economy influenced by the weather and technological implication. In state maize has occupied top fourth place (10.79%) in total area of cultivation, is highly sowing in rainfed area (65.94%). Study estimates the revenues over a period form 2002-2018 and estimated moving average of revenue to the capital-intensive technology and labor- intensive technology based on the market arrivals data. The implication of capital-intensive technology in agriculture production brings higher output than labor intensive technology even a change in weather, but not more than 2010. The study found that changes in production to the weather and technology has direct relation, but weather negatively impacts on maize crop. Due to the weather extreme events, the prices have positive relation with drought and inverse relation to quantity arrival and rainfall helps to maintain economic stability by the consumer and producer surplus with higher income. To fulfill the loss of agriculture output and to reduce the risks from weather extreme events Maize was converting commercially as a food crop, it greatly caused to increase the amount of cultivation and revenue to the farmers across the State.

Determinants of Risk Factors Associated with Aortic Atherosclerosis: A Quantitative Study in Forensic Autopsies

ABSTRACT: Background: Cardiovascular diseases have become a major burden in the whole world and the top of it is atherosclerosis causing deaths. It is characterized as the thickening of the arterial walls with the fatty material which includes cholesterol, cellular wastes, and fibrin. The atherosclerosis can be hereditary, due to aging, any autoimmune disease causing inflammation of endothelial or because of the sedentary lifestyle. Atherosclerosis is a consequence of dysfunction of endothelial done by low-density lipoprotein and changes in it by the internal wall of arteries. Smoking increases the oxidation stress and decreases the accessibility of nitric oxide to the endothelial wall which leads to vasodilatory response. These changes are irreversible. Pre-mature aging also contributes to the destruction of the epithelial wall of arteries eventually leading to hypertension, which if left untreated can cause atherosclerosis. Method: This is a cross-sectional study conducted for a period of one year and the sample size of 110 was taken of which 65.5% were male and the rest were females. This study includes all those patients` bodies who can go through autopsy and excludes patients whose bodies are mutilated or decomposed or those patients` bodies whose history is not properly available. Consents were taken from the relatives of the victims. The autopsy was done after the proper identification and examination of the patient`s body. The thoracic cavity was cut and opened. The aorta was cut from its origin to the diaphragm. The operational criterion was determined by grading from 1 to 5 based on the severity and thickness of aortic atherosclerosis. The data was statistically analyzed by applying the student`s t-test. The significant value of p<0.01 was considered. Result: Mostly males were affected. Out of 110 deceased more than 50% were from rural areas. 58% of the population have grade 1 and grade 2 atheromatous plaques. Most affected males were in the age of 50 years to 59 years and females were most affected in 60years to 69 years in their lifetime. This study also reveals that out of 110 dead bodies 64 patients died due to cardiac issues the rest died due to non-cardiac causes. The study also tells about the direct relation of atherosclerosis with hypertension, hyperlipidemia, hyperglycemia, and smoking habits with a significance level of p<0.001. Conclusion: The present study shows that it is more common in males than females and victims belonged to the age group of 5th to 8th decade. This reveals that aging is the dominating factor of residence. Rural people have it more than urban due to lack of awareness and diagnostic facilities Also a direct correlation between atherosclerosis and hypertension, hyperlipidemia, hyperglycemia, and smoking has been seen and confirmed through statistical significant.

Multi-level and Metrics Evaluation Approach for Data-Driven Based Sensor Models

AbstractNowadays, with increased sensor perception performance for Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS), scenario-based simulation is becoming more frequent to manage the complexity of reality in terms of cost and time. The perception system provides the basis for the vehicle guidance algorithms calculation, but the simulation of ADAS sensors is a challenging task in virtual testing. Literature reports the magnitude of relevant modelling approaches and data-driven models becoming increasingly important. A basic method is to fit the sensor output in the virtual environment with high-fidelity measurements of real-world scenarios, thus a direct relation can be established between real and synthetic sensor data. To prove the suitability of a method, it is necessary to quantify the gap between simulation and reality to determine the performance of different models. In this work, authors address this problem and visualize the gap by introducing a multi-level evaluation approach that combines Model Generalization Ability Evaluation and Case Implicit Performance Evaluation. The former directly evaluates the model’s overall performance, while the latter is used for specific cases in simulation. The study shows that this combined evaluation approach provides an in-depth framework for evaluating sensor models to make the differences apparent.

Network Analysis of Internet Addiction, Online Social Anxiety, Fear of Missing Out, and Interpersonal Sensitivity among Chinese University Students

Background. Despite the growing prevalence of internet usage among young people, the relationships between internet addiction, online social anxiety, fear of missing out (FoMO), and interpersonal sensitivity remain uncertain, intricate, and multifaceted. To gain insight into the underlying psychological mechanisms, we employed network analysis to explore the interconnections between them. This endeavor may provide fresh opportunities for intervention and treatment. Methods. In this study, 470 participants were assessed at age from 18 to 22 (M=20.18 years, SD=1.861) years. Network analysis was used to examine the connections between symptoms, and statistical measures were applied to assess the stability of the network model. Results. Online social anxiety and interpersonal sensitivity had the strongest associations with other symptoms in the network, with “Evaluation anxiety” having the highest expected influence centrality, followed by “Privacy concern anxiety,” “Need for approval,” “Suspicion,” and “vulnerability.” The FoMO symptom, “Fear of missing information,” had the strongest direct relation to internet addiction. “Evaluation anxiety” and “Fear of missing information” played a key role in bridging internet addiction and interpersonal sensitivity. Additionally, the structure distribution of edge weights had a significant difference between gender. Conclusions. Our findings indicated that FoMO, interpersonal sensitivity, and online social anxiety likely play a significant role in the development and continuation of internet addiction. Interpersonal sensitivity seems to contribute to increased online social anxiety, FoMO, and the development of internet addiction, indicating that targeting these symptoms may help reduce negative online behavior and psychological burden.

Numerical solution of steady nonlinear differential equations for compressible flow through a spinning convergent divergent nozzle

Many projectiles tend to spin about their longitudinal axis while progressing in the forward direction. It helps in providing stability and a reference direction for guidance during their run. Many different projectiles employ a supersonic convergent-divergent nozzle to produce thrust for their forward motion; hence, the nozzle and overall whole propulsion system tend to spin about its axis of rotation. The main aim of this study is to observe the effect of spin on the nozzle. In this research, a converging bell-shaped diverging nozzle is numerically designed using a method of characteristics (MOC) for exit Mach number 3.21. Viscous simulations are performed for both two- and three-dimensional cases. The analysis is then performed with nozzle spinning about its axis of symmetry with a constant angular velocity of 10 revolutions per second. The analysis is repeated for the value of constant angular velocities to be 15 and 20 revolutions per second, and the behavior of flow with increasing angular velocity is examined. It has been observed that the exit Mach number and velocity decrease due to the radial protrusion of the boundary layer, and it has a negative impact on the performance of the nozzle. Moreover, the decrease of exit Mach number is in direct relation to increasing angular velocity.

A comparative study between serum lactate level versus change in end tidal carbon dioxide level regarding assessment of hemodynamic instability in intensive care unit patients after cardiac surgeries

ABSTRACT Background After cardiac surgeries, elevated lactate level is used as a marker of tissue hypoperfusion. Still, there is a search for other helpful markers of hemodynamic instability. Exhaled carbon dioxide has been recently studied as marker of cardiac output and tissue perfusion and may be considered a reliable alternative which is more convenient and real time. Objectives The main aim is to correlate between end tidal carbon dioxide (ETCO2) and serum lactate level as indicators of hemodynamic instability in intensive care unit (ICU) patients after cardiac surgeries. The secondary objective is to correlate the measured parameters to the changes in the vital data and the resuscitation efforts. Methods A prospective cohort study that enrolled 51 adult patients admitted to ICU after cardiac surgeries. The serum lactate and ETCO2 values as well as vital data and vasopressor doses were recorded on admission to ICU, after 2 hours and after 6 hours. Results The study shows insignificant weak positive correlation between Lactate and ETCO2 levels at admission (r = 0.172, p value = 0.229), and insignificant negative weak correlation after 2 hours (r = -0.148, p value = 0.300) and after 6 hours (r = -0.235, p value = 0.096). Moreover, lactate level showed significant direct relation with the doses of vasopressors at admission, after 2 hours and after 6 hours postoperative (p value < 0.001 at all intervals). Whereas there was insignificant relation between ETCO2 and doses of vasopressors at all intervals (p value = 0.23, 0.4 and 0.18 respectively). Conclusion In post-cardiac surgery ICU patients we detected no statistically significant relation between serum lactate and ETCO2 as indicators of hemodynamic instability. The change in ETCO2 over a period of time has failed so far to be of a beneficial value as a non-invasive real-time cardiac output monitoring parameter. In addition, serum lactate had strong correlation with changes in vital signs and resuscitation efforts.

Mobility, site maintenance and archaeological formation processes: An ethnoarchaeological perspective

Mobility is considered to play an important role in the way people use their habitual space. Highly mobile societies present a particular challenge to archaeologists as a direct relation is assumed between the duration of occupation and the intensity of its archaeological signature. Here, we present a cross-cultural, ethnoarchaeological study carried out among three contemporary societies that, while showing different patterns of mobility, all live in humid tropical forests—in Thailand, the Congo Basin, and India—and share many social notions and values. The aim of this study was to observe how differences in patterns of mobility affect the formation of archaeological signatures. Our study demonstrates that when a site is occupied for only a few days to a couple of weeks, activity residues tend to be deposited in situ. This could potentially preserve the original spatial pattern of material distribution that directly reflects the activity areas and people’s use of space. However, when a site is occupied for more than a week or two, maintenance practices such as sweeping begin to take place, which result in almost complete removal of activity residues from their primary location and the formation of waste areas at the edge of the dwelling sites.

Impact of Social Media Use on Depression

This paper tries to examine the influence test social media use(SMU) and teenagers depression. First, this paper looks into the direct relation between SMU and depression, finding a strong positive correlation that is backed by previous studies on different types of samples. Second, the paper explores mediating roles such as self-esteem, feelings of self-worth, and experiences of social support, revealing how these influencing factors impact the mechanism between SMU and depression. Finally, the present study discusses the duplicity of the impact of SMU. This expands the study's understanding of SMU and emphasises the stress-relieving effects of social media use to some extent. This study proposes to conduct more in-depth studies on the influence mechanism of social media in future studies. Longitudinal studies and laboratory studies can be used to try to detect the causal relationship between SMU and psychological well-being.

Strong Correlation Between SUVmax on PSMA PET/CT and Numeric Drop-In γ-Probe Signal for Intraoperative Identification of Prostate Cancer Lesions.

Prostate-specific membrane antigen (PSMA) PET is used to select patients with recurrent prostate cancer for metastasis-directed therapy. A surgical approach can be achieved through radioguided surgery (RGS), using a Drop-In γ-probe that traces lesions that accumulate the radioactive signal. With the aim of guiding patient selection for salvage surgery, we studied the correlation between the SUVmax of lesions on preoperative PSMA PET/CT and their intraoperative counts/s measured using the Drop-In γ-probe. Methods: A secondary analysis based on the prospective, single-arm, and single-center feasibility study was conducted (NCT03857113). Patients (n = 29) with biochemical recurrence after previous curative-intent therapy and a maximum of 3 suggestive lesions within the pelvis on preoperative PSMA PET/CT were included. Patients treated with androgen deprivation therapy within 6 mo before surgery were excluded. All patients received an intravenous injection of 99mTc-PSMA-I&S 1 d before surgery. Radioguidance was achieved using a Drop-In γ-probe. Correlation was determined using the Spearman rank correlation coefficient (ρs). Subgroup analysis was based on the median SUVmax Results: In total, 33 lesions were visible on the PSMA PET/CT images, with a median overall SUVmax of 6.2 (interquartile range [IQR], 4.2-9.7). RGS facilitated removal of 31 lesions. The median Drop-In counts/s were 134 (IQR, 81-220) invivo and 109 (IQR, 72-219) ex vivo. The intensity of the values correlated with SUVmax (ρs = 0.728 and 0.763, respectively; P < 0.001). Subgroup analysis based on median SUVmax in the group with an SUVmax of less than 6 showed no statistically significant correlation with the numeric signal invivo (ρs = 0.382; P = 0.221) or the signal-to-background-ratio (ρs = 0.245; P = 0.442), whereas the group with an SUVmax of 6 or more showed respective statistically significant positive correlations (ρs = 0.774 [P < 0.001] and ρs = 0.647 [P = 0.007]). Conclusion: Our findings indicate that there is a direct relation between SUVmax on PSMA PET/CT and the readout recorded by the surgical Drop-In probe, thereby indicating that SUVmax can be used to select patients for PSMA RGS. For more definitive subgroup definitions for treatment recommendations, further studies are necessary to validate the present findings.

Absolute delay calibration by analytical fitting of attosecond streaking measurements

An accurate temporal characterization of both pump and probe pulses is essential for the correct interpretation of any pump-probe experiment. This is particularly true for attosecond spectroscopy, where the pulses are too short to be directly measured with electronic devices. However, when measuring the absolute timing between a light waveform and the related photoinduced physical phenomenon, such characterization does not suffice. Here, we introduce a new method called rACE (refined Analytical Chirp Evaluation), which retrieves both pump and probe pulses while establishing a direct relation between the reconstructed time axis and the experimental delay. This feature is particularly relevant for the extraction of absolute time delays, a growing field in attosecond spectroscopy. In this work, we prove the robustness of rACE with simulated datasets involving the effect of pulse chirp, distinctive target attributes, and non-isolated attosecond pulses, which normally constitute challenging situations for standard methods. For all the cases reported here, rACE achieves a precise absolute delay calibration with an accuracy better than the atomic unit of time. Its successful application to attosecond experimental measurements makes it a fundamental tool for attaining sub-cycle absolute temporal resolution, enabling new investigations of lightwave-driven ultrafast phenomena.

Flourishing through Prayer by Singing in a Liturgical Choir

Prayer in human life enables directing attention to God and a transcendent goal beyond Earthly life. Singing has been present in the life of Israel since the oldest times, which is proved on the pages of the Holy Scriptures, in the Books of Exodus and Psalms. In the New Testament, there is a lot of encouragement to sing the glory of God in psalms and songs, as well as praising God Most High in Revelation. The Catholic Church is concerned with the quality of liturgical music through a number of recommendations and requirements defining the pieces that may become a part of the liturgy. Liturgical choir singing is a special form of common prayer. The aim of the present paper is to examine the effect of prayer by choral singing on human flourishing. The aim was achieved by analyzing recommendations of the Church on liturgical music, presenting the assumptions of the theoretical model investigating the effect of art on human flourishing, and then conducting empirical studies. Sixteen in-depth interviews were carried out with members of fourteen choirs. There were four groups of respondents according to their gender and family status. All obtained codes were organized into five main themes with four subcategories. They confirmed the assumptions of the model presented in the theoretical part and made it possible to identify the effect of choral singing on the performers’ health and the improvement of their skills. In addition, they showed a direct relation between prayer and spiritual well-being when singing in a choir, a coherence of activities with values as well as the striving for happiness.

Examining ethnic identity, school climate, and academic futility among minoritized students

The present causal-comparative study examined the relation between school climate, ethnic identity, and academic futility among racially and ethnically minoritized students. The sample included 1721 racially and ethnically minoritized students identifying as Black, Asian, Latine, and Multiracial from 11 schools in the northeastern region of the United States. Regression models indicated a direct relation between the school climate subscales including School Connectedness, Safety, Character, Peer Support, Adult Support, Cultural Acceptance, Physical Environment, and Order and Discipline and academic futility for all groups in the study. Ethnic identity moderated the relation between school climate subscales and academic futility, although the impact differed across racial and ethnic groups. The present study's results highlight the similarities and differences in the educational experiences of minoritized students. The discussion provides recommendations for cultivating educational environments that are culturally affirming and informed to meet the needs of an increasingly diverse student population. Limitations and future directions are discussed.