Search Results (415)

Nitridation of different materials using ion implantation is of considerable interest for many applications. As electronic components, oxynitride (SiO_xN_y) layers exhibit beneficial properties such as precise compositional variability, refractive index tunability, oxidation resistance, and low mechanical stress. In the present study we investigate nanoscale SiO_xN_y synthesized using ion implantation methods. To introduce N⁺ ions into a shallow Si subsurface region, both conventional ion beam implantation and plasma immersion ion implantation with subsequent high-temperature treatment in dry O₂ are used. The optical and morphological properties and chemical bonding of formed SiO_xN_y layers were studied by applying spectroscopic ellipsometry in the range of VIS-Near IR (SE) and IR (IR-SE), Raman spectroscopy and Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM). Monte Carlo modeling of implant profiles contributed to understanding physical and chemical processes and predicted different influences of the incorporated N⁺ ions on the oxidation mechanism, confirmed by the thickness dependence of SiO_xN_y/Si layers obtained from the SE data analysis. IR-SE spectral analysis established the formation of Si-O, Si-N, Si-N-O and Si-Si chemical bonds in the grown layers. The occurrence of amorphization of the Si crystal lattice due to incorporation of high-energy N⁺ ions into the Si lattice is confirmed by the Raman and ellipsometry results. The free Si atoms can congregate, forming nanocrystalline clusters. AFM imaging revealed that both implantation methods left the surface of the resulting SiO_xN_y layers considerably smooth with similar roughness parameter values. The results of the studies imply that the technological approaches used allow the production of high-quality nanoscale silicon oxynitride films with appropriate tunable composition and properties for possible application in advanced electronic devices for nanoelectronics, optoelectronics and sensor applications. Full article

Background: Nursing homes are congregate settings for elderly individuals where infectious diseases can easily spread. The elderly are at high risk of contracting and dying from influenza, and the most effective way to prevent this is to receive the influenza vaccine. Methods: This study conducted a cross-sectional survey of elderly people in nursing homes to investigate the occurrence of influenza symptoms during the 2024–2025 flu season, as well as vaccination status and reasons for receiving or not receiving the vaccine. Bivariate logistic regression was used to determine the factors influencing the vaccination rate. Results: Of the 1024 elderly people who participated in the survey, 25.39% reported experiencing flu-related symptoms in the previous flu season. While 16.21% of the elderly expressed willingness to receive vaccination, only 5.57% actually received it. Influenza vaccination was positively correlated with educational attainment (aOR 3.800, 95% CI 1.480–9.758 for middle school; aOR 5.138, 95% CI 1.738–15.191 for high school), monthly household income (aOR 0.216, 95% CI 0.072–0.644 for >8000), ability for self-care (aOR 0.269, 95% CI 0.123–0.591), and the scale of the nursing home (aOR 9.033, 95% CI 1.531–53.305 for 151–299; aOR 2.629, 95% CI 1.359–5.084 for ≥300). Willingness to receive the influenza vaccination was positively correlated with an unhealthy health status (aOR 0.398, 95% CI 0.204–0.779), symptoms of influenza (aOR 2.730, 95% CI 1.861–4.007), nursing home location (aOR 1.537, 95% CI 1.099–2.941 for outer suburbs), and the scale of the nursing home (aOR 1.991, 95% CI 1.154–3.435 for 151–299; aOR 2.158, 95% CI 1.374–3.390 for ≥300). Most elderly people who received the vaccine believed that vaccination could effectively prevent flu and that it could reduce the risk of complications, the rest were not vaccinated due to concerns about adverse reactions, mobility issues, or the distance to vaccination sites. Conclusions: Low awareness of flu vaccines and physical inability to travel to vaccination sites may be potential barriers to receiving the flu vaccine. It is worrying that the influenza vaccination rate is low among the elderly in nursing homes in Shanghai. As a result, it is crucial to prioritize targeted monitoring and intervention strategies for vulnerable populations living in collective institutions. Full article

This paper provides experimental and numerical evidence supporting the occurrence of liposome congregation at the floors of meteor craters on Early Earth. This work builds on our earlier research, which demonstrated that liposomes submerged in a shallow Archean pond are protected from harmful UV radiation. This protection enables them to survive sufficiently long for autocatalytic amphiphile replication and for the mutation and selection of assemblies that enhance membrane stability. For liposomes to fuse, grow, exchange contents and membrane components, and divide, they must establish a population, i.e., form a dense conglomerate that enables close physical contact. The study demonstrates that such a congregation is feasible in bowl-shaped meteor craters on Early Earth, especially under periodic seismic disturbances. Full article

This study challenges familiar readings of John Calvin’s theology of worship by reframing it through the lens of contemporary liturgical theology. Rather than offering a purely historical account, it probes Calvin’s intentions, achievements, and limitations, with particular attention to the formative interplay between lex orandi and lex credendi. Drawing on Calvin’s writings, liturgical texts, and patristic sources, the analysis highlights his Christological and pneumatological grounding, his integration of Word and Sacrament, his pastoral flexibility in applying the regulative principle, and his creative retrieval of ancient liturgical practices to encourage active congregational participation. At the same time, the article identifies tensions within Calvin’s approach, including the risk that doctrinal oversight may constrain liturgical vitality and contribute to an overly intellectualized understanding of worship. By juxtaposing Calvin’s historical context with contemporary ecclesial realities, the study offers both a critical reassessment and a constructive proposal: to reclaim God-centered, Scripture-shaped worship while cultivating the adaptive balance that Calvin himself sought to model. In this way, the article rearticulates the significance of Calvin’s legacy for the theological integrity and missional vitality of worship in the twenty-first century. Full article

Background: Tuberculosis (TB) remains a major global health challenge, with Mycobacterium tuberculosis (M. tuberculosis) causing significant morbidity and mortality mainly in high-burden countries. Following exposure to M. tuberculosis, individuals may become infected, developing TB infection (TBI) through inhalation of the bacillus: this affects approximately one-fourth of the global population and serves as a critical reservoir for potential disease reactivation and transmission. The risk of being infected with M. tuberculosis is shaped by bacterial load of people with TB, contact patterns, environmental factors, and host susceptibility, particularly in high-risk congregate settings. Elucidating these determinants is instrumental for optimising TB prevention and control strategies. Methods: A preliminary PubMed search was conducted on 25 August 2024, using the keywords “latent tuberculosis infection,” “risk factors,” and “systematic review.” Targeted reviews were then performed in November 2024 to examine factors influencing progression from exposure to M. tuberculosis to TBI. Systematic reviews published between January 2000 and November 2024 were included. Results: The scoping review analysed eight systematic reviews, grouping findings into three key themes: (1) proximity and behavioural risk factors; (2) environmental risk factors; and (3) host immune vulnerabilities. Close contact with people with TB in crowded settings, such as dormitories, healthcare facilities, and prisons, was strongly associated with an elevated risk of TBI. Healthcare workers travelling from low- to high-incidence regions faced the highest risk due to frequent exposure to M. tuberculosis, while military personnel and general travellers had lower risks. Environmental exposures, including second-hand smoke and inadequate ventilation, further heightened susceptibility among children and adults. Host immune risk factors, such as advanced age, low body mass index, lack of BCG vaccination, and metabolic disorders such as diabetes, markedly increase susceptibility to TBI. The interplay between proximity, behavioural and environmental risk factors, and host immune vulnerabilities highlights the multifactorial nature of TBI risk. Conclusion: Effective TBI control demands a multifaceted approach, combining robust infection prevention and control measures, comorbidity management, and mitigation of behavioural risk factors like smoking. Tailored strategies are crucial for high-risk settings such as healthcare facilities and prisons. Multisectoral collaboration is essential to address key risk factors and protect vulnerable populations from progressing to TBI. Full article

This article examines a decisive yet relatively understudied stage in the canonization process of Francis Borgia, third superior general of the Society of Jesus, by focusing on the remission phase carried out between 1649 and 1655. Although Borgia had been beatified in 1624, the path toward his canonization extended over several decades, shaped by a combination of institutional, political, and procedural factors that slowed its progress. The pontificate of Innocent X marked a turning point, creating favorable conditions for renewed momentum within the Roman Curia. Following authorization by the Congregation of Rites, the remission phase formally commenced in 1649, leading to a series of witness examinations conducted in key Iberian centers—Toledo, Madrid, and Valencia—beginning in 1650. By analyzing the selection of witnesses in each location and the substance of their testimonies, the article sheds light on the strategies employed to consolidate Borgia’s reputation for sanctity and to address juridical expectations in Rome. Particular attention is given to the coordination between local ecclesiastical authorities and the central institutions of the Holy See. The study argues that the efficiency and coherence of this phase, culminating in the issuance of the remission briefs in 1655, played a crucial role in advancing the cause toward its successful conclusion in 1670. Full article

Founded in 1703, St. Petersburg was the capital of the Russian Empire. Its historic center and associated monuments are inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Its components are classified as cultural rather than natural or mixed. We hypothesized that a part of them has an additional ecotourism value. We carried out field observations along with a review of the literature. Our results confirmed the hypothesis: many of these sites retain important elements of biodiversity that can be used for environmental education. Large congregations of birds can be observed in close proximity to Heritage monuments. Wintering bats occupy the interiors of historic fortifications, and in summer, concentrations of feeding bats can be found nearby. Seal haul-out sites have been documented on small islands near the city. The ecotourism and nature-conservation value of these Heritage landscapes is usually linked to the original logic of their selection. The best locations were chosen for palace construction—dry, scenic areas with fertile soils suitable for park creation. Proximity to bodies of water was equally important, both for aesthetic reasons and for sanitation. These same qualities also make such areas highly favorable for biodiversity. Even after centuries of development, many natural features have persisted. Full article

Over the past few decades, conversions to Islam in Colombia have increased significantly, with Latin American “indigenous” Muslims (converts or direct descendants of converts) now forming the majority in most mosques, congregations and Islamic centers. These conversions arise from various motivations, including spiritual exploration, intellectual curiosity, and relational or emotional factors, often intertwined. A distinction can be drawn between “collective conversions,” where dozens of individuals in a given area embrace Islam together, and “individual conversions,” which are more dispersed and numerous. This article goes beyond examining the motivations and conditions of these conversions to explore the emergence of an “indigenous Islam” in Colombia and the dynamics surrounding the development and assertion of local Muslim communities, primarily composed of converts. Key challenges for these communities include negotiating knowledge and legitimacy within mixed groups of migrants and “indigenous” Muslims, constructing a plural identity that blends local (Latin American) social and cultural elements with Islamic references, including a sense of belonging to the universal Ummah, and contextualizing religious norms and discourses in light of the local social realities. Furthermore, this study delves into the critical issue of sustaining these small, often fragile communities over time. Drawing on fieldwork and qualitative analysis, this paper aims to provide insights into how Islam is being understood, lived, and rooted in a predominantly Catholic and secular Colombian society, contributing to broader discussions on religion, identity, and social change in Latin America. Full article

Introduction: Religious practices can shape lifestyles, influence health choices, and help individuals cope with illness and suffering. Understanding which aspects of religiosity support health-promoting attitudes is particularly important. This study explores how belonging to a religious community affects health and well-being among religious sisters. Materials and Methods: An anonymous survey was conducted among 463 women from international, apostolic Catholic congregations in Poland and 33 other countries. The questionnaire included questions on lifestyle, physical health (including diet, physical activity, sleep, chronic conditions, and medication use), and perceptions of how community life influences health and encourages health-conscious behaviors. Results: Overall, 57% of participants reported following a healthy lifestyle, most commonly sisters aged 65 and older (73%). Non-Polish sisters and those living outside Poland were more likely to report healthy habits. Among sisters who saw their community as beneficial for health, 69% led a healthy lifestyle. Retreats, a sense of belonging, communal prayers, and vacations were consistently rated as having the most positive impact on well-being, particularly among older sisters and missionaries. Conclusions: Life in a religious community appears to support health both directly, through structured daily routines and shared responsibilities, and indirectly, by providing social support and fostering a sense of purpose. Spiritual practices, rest, and close interpersonal relationships emerge as the most influential factors for well-being, while formal obligations such as wearing religious attire or attending formation meetings were rated as less impactful. These findings highlight the important role of communal life in promoting both physical and spiritual health among religious sisters. Full article

Transect surveys and distance sampling are widely used to estimate wildlife population densities, but these methods can be biased when animals aggregate near features such as waterholes or other resources that occur along survey routes. Using empirical data from the NamibRand Nature Reserve in Namibia, we developed spatial simulations to examine how clumping of oryx (Oryx gazella) near water sources affects density and population estimates. We simulated surveys along a 50 km transect and varied the proportion of the population concentrated at waterholes (5–20%). Our analyses from the simulated surveys show that such aggregation can cause substantial positive bias, as population estimates were inflated by 67% to 967% relative to the known population size. We evaluated two correction approaches: censoring observations and transect segments near waterholes and redistributing animals from waterholes across the landscape. Both methods reduced bias when applied to our simulated survey data, but censoring was simpler and consistently produced more accurate estimates. These findings demonstrate that nonrandom animal distributions near linear survey features can severely compromise distance sampling assumptions. Accounting for such biases is essential for producing reliable population estimates, particularly in arid and semi-arid systems where wildlife strongly congregates around limited water sources. Full article

Religious buildings such as synagogues, churches, and mosques, which are central to religious, cultural, and social life, have served important purposes throughout history as sacred spaces where art, architecture and performance converge. Although these sacred spaces offer unique spatial contexts that deepen individuals’ spiritual experiences through their physical, symbolic, and atmospheric qualities, empirical studies examining this relationship remain limited. This study aims to investigate the impact of biophilic design features within the Yivli Minaret Mosque, one of the oldest Islamic monuments in Antalya, constructed during the 13th-century Anatolian Seljuk Period, on the spiritual experiences of congregation members, and to identify the key psychological mechanisms shaping this relationship. The methodology of the study is based on a mixed-methods approach that combines expert assessments conducted using the Biophilic Interior Design Matrix (BID-M), which integrates proven scientific data with artistic perspective within a historical and symbolic religious structure, with survey data obtained from 359 mosque congregation members. The findings indicate that the mosque exhibits medium-to-high levels of biophilic design characteristics and that the relationship with nature is established indirectly through historical, cultural, and ecological contexts and symbolic representations rather than directly through natural elements. In this respect, the biophilic characteristics of sacred spaces are not merely an artistic and aesthetic approach, but an element that supports individuals’ relationship with nature and their restorative and spiritual experience. Overall, the study reveals that spiritual experience cannot be considered independently of its spatial context and that sacred spaces related to nature support spiritual experience. Full article

This study examines worship perceptions in conservative Korean Presbyterian churches through a liturgical-theological interpretation of nationwide survey data collected from pastors, lay congregants, and the next generation within a major conservative Presbyterian context in Korea. Analyzing programmatic priorities, preaching emphases, expected outcomes of worship, and patterns of participation, the study identifies both enduring strengths and structural tensions in contemporary worship practice. While worship remains strongly Word-centered and oriented toward personal faith formation, items related to liturgy and sacrament are largely absent, reflecting a sermon-centered and programmatic understanding of worship. Interpreted within their historical and cultural formation, these patterns are examined as liturgical-theological structures rather than merely empirical trends. In response, the article proposes five future directions for worship renewal, emphasizing a more integrated relationship between Word and sacrament, participatory engagement, worship education, and generational and multicultural inclusivity. Full article

In this paper, I explore the complex relationship between Christianity and secularisation in Britain through the small, but illuminating, window of contemporary Christian worship songs. My focus is on Christian worship songs that utilise battle imagery. To explore changes in British Christianity over the last 30–40 years, I compare Songs of Fellowship with the most popular songs sung in British churches in May 2025. My findings reveal resonance between the shifts observed and key aspects of Charles Taylor’s analysis of secularisation. Therefore, my analysis suggests an ongoing impact of secularisation on Christianity in Britain, specifically evangelical charismatic churches, while also highlighting churches’ resistance to secularising trends. I also consider the roots of secularisation in Christianity and contend that the philosophical and phenomenological limitations of secularisation may be contributing to an increased interest in Christianity, particularly amongst young adults. There is, therefore, a paradoxical relationship between Christianity and secularisation in Britain, with each influencing (and, in some regards, inextricable from) the other. I conclude by considering theological and contextual dilemmas for churches using songs that utilise military metaphors, including how such lyrics may be perceived in a postcolonial context and at a time when concerns about violent expressions of Christian nationalism are a key topic in public debate. Full article

This study explores the feasibility of introducing Gregorian chant into contemporary Chinese Methodist worship in Malaysia. Using ethnographic methods including participant observation, interviews, and focus groups, this article documents a pilot study conducted at Sing Ang Tong Methodist Church in Sibu, Sarawak, where seven singers learned and performed the communion chant Gustate et videte. Three different transcription editions were created to bridge the gap between medieval square notation and modern Western notation, which is more familiar to the participants. The chant was translated into Chinese alongside the original Latin text. The majority preferred the quaver-crotchet notation edition and supported performing the chant in both Latin and Chinese to balance authenticity with accessibility. Participants found the modal melodic structure and free rhythm challenging initially but developed appreciation for the chant’s meditative qualities. The performance during Holy Communion services in October 2022 received mixed congregational responses, with many describing it as creating a “calm and prayerful atmosphere” while some expressed discomfort with the unfamiliar musical style. The study demonstrates that Gregorian chant can be successfully integrated into Chinese Methodist worship contexts, particularly during solemn liturgical occasions, when approached with appropriate liturgical sensitivity and cultural adaptation. Full article

This article focuses on the choice of the religious life for women during the early modern period, following a Rule that ensured harmony within the cloister. We trace the emergence of codes of life for female communities across time, with particular attention to the Rule of St. Benedict and its adoption by Cistercian communities, where silence assumed a particular significance. Silence, sounds, and monastic daily life as governed by the Rule, by the Tridentine decrees and, in the case of Portuguese Cistercian communities, obedience to the Autonomous Congregation of Alcobaça and to its supervisory mechanism of Visitations, were elements that shaped both the discourse presented here and its interpretive framework. While the Council of Trent emphasized the importance of vocation and simultaneously imposed upon women the so-called “fourth vow” (enclosure), documentary evidence allows us to observe to what extent the conventual milieu, composed of women from diverse social origins, remained engaged with the wider world outside cloister; nunneries became both a mode of existence and a space of affirmation for women, one that fostered creativity (in music, writing, painting) and upheld authority and power, embodied in the figure of the abbess and in the acts, rituals, and ceremonies associated with her. Full article