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In a workforce characterized by constant disruption across social, economic, and environmental domains, as well as widespread employee suffering in the form of stress, burnout, and disengagement, both scholars and leaders have called for business to undergo transformative change in an effort to bring about collective flourishing. Drawing inspiration from Buddhist philosophy and research on the communicative constitution of organizations, we present a new theory that explains how organizations can foster a positive form of organizing—what we term humanistic organizing—through a tripartite framework of mindful organizational communication. Our theory demonstrates that transforming organizations to become more humanistic is a matter of rethinking an organization's underlying ethos, grounding that new ethos in humanistic principles, and then: (a) embedding the wisdom of this new ethos in organizational communication, (b) intentionally drawing on this wisdom in everyday talk and text, and (c) ethically enacting this wisdom in the form of ongoing organizing practices, which may include revising the preexisting organizing practices. We illustrate our theory through two case illustrations: one that reflects an organization that has demonstrated humanistic organizing from its inception, and another that reflects an organization that underwent a transformative process to become more humanistic. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Al-Adab / Al-ādāb is the property of Republic of Iraq Ministry of Higher Education & Scientific Research (MOHESR) and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Body composition assessment helps conducting a healthy life or tracking the effectiveness of a weight management therapy. Ultrasound (US)-based body composition research has gained momentum because of the emergence of portable and inexpensive instruments bundled with user-friendly software. Previously, US-based assessment of body fat percentage (% BF) was found precise, but inaccurate in certain populations. Therefore, this study sought to compute % BF from subcutaneous fat thicknesses (SFs) given by US converting an anthropometric formula that involves skinfold thicknesses (SKFs) measured at the same sites. The symmetry of the body with respect to the central sagittal plane is an underlying assumption in both anthropometry and US-based body composition assessment, so measurements were taken on the right side of the body. Relying on experimental data on skinfold compressibility, we adapted 33 SKF formulas for US use and tested their validity against air displacement plethysmography on a study group of 97 women (BMI = 25.4 ± 6.4 kg/m2, mean ± SD) and 107 men (BMI = 26.7 ± 5.7 kg/m2). For both sexes, the best proprietary formula had Lin's concordance correlation coefficient (CCC) between 0.7 and 0.73, standard error of estimate (SEE) < 3% BF and total error (TE) > 6% BF—mainly because of the underestimation of % BF in overweight and obese subjects. For women (men) the best adapted formula had CCC = 0.85 (0.80), SEE = 3.2% (2.4%) BF, and TE = 4.6% (5.4%) BF. Remarkably, certain adapted formulas were more accurate for overweight and obese people than the proprietary equations. In conclusion, anthropometric equations provide useful starting points in the quest for novel formulas to estimate body fat content from ultrasound measurements. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This research aims to understand current patterns, trends, and gaps in personal finance by conducting a systematic literature review of 20 years. The study collected and analyzed the articles published between 2004 to 2024. The research articles were collected from the Scopus database using the PRISMA framework. The review shows changes in the research area, including behavioural finance, digital financial planning tools, and its impact on individuals' financial literacy and planning. The major limitation of this study is that the literature search for personal financial planning might not have incorporated all publications in this area. Furthermore, there is a possibility of bias in this review concerning the papers selected for review and how the researchers interpreted the results. The findings of this systematic literature review can assist policymakers, financial planners, and practitioners in making more informed financial planning decisions and regulations. Thus, by identifying the trends and gaps in personal financial planning, strategies can be defined to provide individuals and society with the necessary level of support. The research is helpful to existing knowledge in that it presents a critical discussion of the personal financial planning literature evident in the last twenty years. The research is original and provides valuable information for upcoming research and practical application in personal financial planning. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Zhuangzi is often regarded as an authority in the realm of spiritual cultivation. This article explores Zhuangzi's theory of self-cultivation and identifies two distinct approaches: one focuses on the transformation of consciousness, known as the "Inner Chamber" practice, while the other centers on the transformation of materials, referred to as the "Craftsmanship" practice. Both methods can achieve a state of transformation where the boundaries between the self and the external world blur, leading to a sense of unity. Zhuangzi's state of unity transcends cognitive boundaries and erases the distinction between the self and the external world, creating a realm of spiritual emptiness. However, the concept of "nothingness" in this realm is a linguistic expression of consciousness, rather than a denial of existence. On the contrary, it elevates and preserves the essence of all things, including the innate essence of material substances, often referred to as the "primordial essence of things." The "primordial essence" is a paradoxical concept, simultaneously devoid of substance and possessing substance, while the "Inner Chamber" of the mind represents "knowledge in ignorance." When this state is realized, there exists an intrinsic coexistence between the self and all things, returning both to their original essence. In Zhuangzi's worldview, the other, or external entities, receive affirmation within the framework of existence, leading to harmony between the self and the material world. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Although the occurrences of the word dream throughout Marcus Aurelius' Meditations are few and brief, its function, pointed out in I, 17 as being a means from which we can receive some type of divine help, suggests that this subject is of fundamental importance for the conduct of human life. Thus, this paper aims, firstly, to analyze the occurrences of the term dream throughout the aforementioned work, and then to compare the possible meanings of these occurrences with the famous dream experienced by Marcus Aurelius as a young man, described in both the Historia Augusta and the Historia Romana. At the end of this journey, the aim is to consider how the emperor conceived the relationship between dreams and human life. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article discusses the significance of unearthed documents in advancing the study of early Chinese philosophy. These documents, which were previously unknown or thought to be lost, supplement our understanding of the evolution of Chinese philosophy and allow us to rewrite its history. The interpretation of these documents is crucial in reshaping our knowledge and confirming or contradicting existing beliefs. The article also highlights specific examples of unearthed texts and their philosophical content, such as the role of yi in early Daoist thought and the influence of Huang-Lao thought on governance. Additionally, it explores the physical characteristics of these documents and how they affect writing styles. The article concludes by emphasizing the need for further research on the incorporation of unearthed documents into the broader understanding of early Chinese thought. [Extracted from the article]

This article provides a summary of a larger work on constitutivism about structural rationality. The author discusses the main points covered in the previous sections, including the introduction of constitutivism, its attractions, and objections such as modal escapability and underdetermination. The author concludes that the shmagency worries pose significant challenges for constitutivism and suggests that incorporating sophisticated shmagents into normative practices and reevaluating the intuition of universality may be necessary. However, further exploration is needed to determine the defensibility of such a view. [Extracted from the article]

This article reports on the rigour of a selection process for master's degree programmes in clinical and counselling psychology at an undisclosed university in South Africa over a six-year period (n=81). This was achieved by completing correlation and regression analyses between the six selection activities, the six course modules, and the course average in the student's M1 year. Results showed significant positive regressions between the metaphors activity, child psychopathology, and theory of psychological interventions modules, between the research task and neuropsychology, between the psychopharmacology and psychopathology modules, and between the problem-solving activity and the course average. The case study activity negatively predicted the ethics and practical work and applied and community psychology modules. The conclusion was that the selection process can be considered valid, as the skills assessed for most of the selection activities positively correlated and predicted the skills required to succeed both academically in the M1 year and as a practising psychologist. However, the case study activity required further investigation, as the skills that are purportedly assessed should correlate and positively predict the ethics and practical work module, which was not the case. Future studies should also investigate the usefulness of interviews during this process. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Journal of Educational Sciences (2706-6711) is the property of Qatar University and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Copyright of Marketing (0354-3471) is the property of SEMA - Srpsko udruzenje za Marketing i Ekonomski fakultet Beograd and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Copyright of Environmental & Social Management Journal / Revista de Gestão Social e Ambiental is the property of Environmental & Social Management Journal and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Personal calibration is a process of obtaining personal gaze-related information by focusing on some calibration benchmarks when the user initially uses a gaze tracking system. It not only provides conditions for gaze estimation, but also improves gaze tracking performance. Existing eye-tracking products often require users to conduct explicit personal calibration first, thereby tracking and interacting based on their gaze. This calibration mode has certain limitations, and there is still a significant gap between theoretical personal calibration methods and their practicality. Therefore, this paper reviews the issues of personal calibration for video-oculographic-based gaze tracking. The personal calibration information in typical gaze tracking methods is first summarized, and then some main settings in existing personal calibration processes are analyzed. Several personal calibration modes are discussed and compared subsequently. The performance of typical personal calibration methods for 2D and 3D gaze tracking is quantitatively compared through simulation experiments, highlighting the characteristics of diffent personal calibration settings. On this basis, we discuss several key issues in designing personal calibration. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first review on personal calibration issues for video-oculographic-based gaze tracking. It aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the research status of personal calibration, explore its main directions for further studies, and provide guidance for seeking personal calibrationmodes that conformto natural human-computer interaction and promoting the widespread application of eye-movement interaction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: Promoting sustainability in food production has become essential to meet market demands, mainly due to its tendency to expand throughout the world. Life cycle assessment is a methodology recognized for providing quantitative information on the environmental impacts caused throughout the production cycle in different categories. The objective of this study was to carry out an assessment of the life cycle, from the cradle to the farm gate, following ISO 14040 and 14044 standards, for the battery cage egg production systems and associated products in Brazil. The results showed that interventions focused on feed formulation, manure management, and the welfare of laying hens play a fundamental role in promoting sustainability in battery cage egg production systems. Brazil stands as one of the world's leading producers of animal protein, ranking sixth in global egg production. However, estimated growth in production demand, along with environmental impacts, represents a potential threat to the sustainability of the food system. Methods for assessing and quantifying the environmental impacts generated by Brazilian egg production remain scarce, lacking current reports on comparative effects or guiding standards. The objective of this study was to conduct a life cycle assessment from cradle to farm gate, adhering to ISO 14040 and 14044 standards, for the battery cage egg production systems and associated products in Brazil, with the aim of supporting and promoting sustainability improvements in the Brazilian egg industry. The entire life cycle modeling and process sustainability analysis were executed using the openLCA software, integrated with the Ecoinvent database. Emissions related to egg production yielded results of 65.06 kg SO2 eq., 27.74 kg N eq., 3086.71 kg CO2 eq., 75,152.66 CTUe, 2.75 × 10−5 CFC-11 eq., and 10,044.68 kg MJ eq. per ton of eggs produced. These findings can serve as comparative benchmarks for future studies and for analyzing data across different egg production systems in Brazil. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sturgeons are a unique group of species that were historically widespread across the northern hemisphere. According to the latest IUCN Red list assessment, more than 80% of the species globally are threatened with extinction, making it essential to identify the life stages at which they are suffering from impacts the most, while at the same time to compare among river systems and populations based on standardized assessment techniques. All sturgeon have similar but not identical, life-history strategies. Therefore, monitoring techniques developed for one sturgeon species would be applicable to most other species. Monitoring can be conducted at each life stage. However, while each life stage will provide different information about the population, not all will necessarily help to assess population trend or status. Life stages that are highly variable prove to be less quantifiable even after expending very high effort. Collectively, these assessments could be very informative on population status, limitations, and trends. However, monitoring at each stage is time-consuming and expensive. Clearly defined objectives are therefore required when embarking on an assessment program. The objective of this study was to review the assessment techniques used for the different life stages including eggs, drifting larvae, age-0, juveniles, subadults, and adults to provide a common basis for population assessments that can be standardized to some extent and thus facilitate comparisons between the results obtained. For this purpose, this review presented the most common assessment techniques for each life stage, assessed the pros and cons of assessing each life stage, and examined if the methodology was qualitative or quantitative to assist in establishing long-term monitoring initiatives. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: The effects of religiousness, forgiveness, and psychological resilience in patients with fibromyalgia have been investigated with regard to various aspects in the literature. However, there is no study investigating the effects of these concepts collectively in patients with fibromyalgia symptoms. The aim of this study was to investigate whether religious belief, forgiving nature and psychological resilience had any relationship with fibromyalgia symptom burden. Material and Method: This descriptive study included 49 patients aged between 18-65 years with a diagnosis of fibromyalgia syndrome (FMS) who had applied to the out-patient clinic of the Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation Department of a University Hospital between 15 December 2019 and 15 April 2020. Results: There were a total of 49 female patients in this study. The mean age of the patients participating in the study was 45.04 ± 9.25 years. Religiousness was found to be significantly associated with some subscales of psychological resilience. Additionally, most subscales of psychological resilience were significantly related with the severity of fibromyalgia. The level of religious belief influenced the relationship between psychological resilience and the severity of fibromyalgia. Conclusion: In this study, it has been found that religious belief and forgiveness levels did not have a direct effect on fibromyalgia symptoms. Most of the subscales of psychological resilience were found to be associated with the severity of fibromyalgia symptoms. It is clear that psychological resilience has an effect on the severity of fibromyalgia symptoms, but further research is needed to assess mechanisms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The accelerated degradation testing (ADT) Bayesian evaluation method comprehensively utilizes product degradation data under accelerated stress levels collected over a short period of time and multiple sources of prior information, such as historical information, similar product information, simulation information, etc., to conduct life and reliability evaluation. Through the prior distribution, prior information affects the ADT Bayesian evaluation results ultimately. However, different evaluators may obtain different prior distributions based on the same prior information due to varying experiences or rules, which may lead to differences in the ADT Bayesian evaluation results. Therefore, it is necessary to analyze and study the impact of prior distribution uncertainty on the ADT Bayesian evaluation results while also finding criteria to judge the quality of prior distributions. This paper focuses on the ADT Bayesian evaluation method based on the Wiener process and the Arrhenius relation, studying the influence of different prior distributions on the robustness of ADT Bayesian evaluation results. Additionally, based on the deviance information criterion (DIC), a criterion for selecting prior distributions in the ADT Bayesian evaluation method is proposed. Through carrying out uncertainty analysis of prior distribution in the ADT Bayesian evaluation method, a theoretical system and framework for analyzing prior uncertainty in ADT Bayesian evaluation based on DIC are established, providing a better foundation for the practical application of the ADT Bayesian evaluation method in engineering. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In reliability engineering studies, the accelerated life tests with optimal test design that balances cost constraints is particularly important since the lifetimes of electro-mechanical, electronic, and mechanical goods are typically modelled with this characteristic. Comparative optimal test plans for accelerated life tests are developed in a variety of applications, including engineering, biological, medical, and other related fields. In this study, we compare, under cost restriction with a specified budget, optimum multiple constant stress and step stress accelerated life tests based on progressive-type-I censoring. The goal is to assess the advantage provided by step-stress testing over constant-stress testing. In order to conduct an accelerated life test effectively, stress durations need to be carefully specified during the design stage due to limited resources in engineering practice. The estimated accuracy of the parameters of interest and the expense of the experiment are directly impacted by the stress durations. Under a prespecified budget and cost constraints, this article examines the optimal stress durations based on D-, E-, T-, C-, R-, and P-optimal criteria. These criteria are also contrasted together. We illustrate the application of the optimal durations using numerical and simulation examples. A study is conducted to determine how sensitive the optimal duration is to model parameter misspecification. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This work examines the peculiarities of the stress factors influence on the human psyche, describes the concept of distress according to H. Selye in the context of traumatic events, in particular war, as well as the possible negative consequences of the distress impact on the human psyche. Possible mechanisms of productive human interaction with stress are resilience and post-traumatic growth, the expediency of distinguishing these two concepts is substantiated, despite their common features. Resilience is considered as a characteristic of a person that helps him/her to act effectively in difficult conditions, and post-traumatic growth is a process that is activated afterwards and as a result of excessive stress and is subjectively experienced as a significant change in such areas of the life as the perception of oneself and life path, life philosophy, communication with others. As the empirical study shows, there is some difference between the manifestations of these phenomena within male and female. This issue needs further development. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In an existential-phenomenological approach, the world is not narrowed down to external things and events but is understood as a context of meaning that includes everything that people experience and 'in which' they conduct their lives. This paper undertakes an analysis of how digital technology is transforming the world in an existential-phenomenological sense and why such a digitally transformed world diminishes the human capacity for religious experience. In accord with Husserl's characterisation of science as a mathematical project of nature and with Heidegger's critique of technology as the will to power, digital technology represents a further step in subjugating the world and life. Such a mastering stance, however, not only closes man off from the possibility of experiencing the transcendent 'otherness' that forms the basis for religious experience, but also closes him off from authentic life, which is inconceivable without elements of uncontrollability and contingency. Overcoming our digital entrapment requires a recognition of the role of the 'lifeworld', which, through its passive elements, enables us to experience gratitude and makes us receptive to religious experience. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The concept of «scandal» played a crucial role in the administration of justice and the maintenance of social order. Scandal, understood as more than just public disorder, included any act that destabilized social harmony and went against collective morality or religious beliefs. Sexual crimes, for example, were prosecuted not only for the individual harm caused but also for their social impact, turning them into a matter of public interest. This approach reflects how scandal was not merely a matter of personal conduct, but a public order concern, affecting the social perception of authority and social stability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Nueva Revista de Filología Hispánica is the property of El Colegio de Mexico AC and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Copyright of Ricoeur Studies / Etudes Ricoeuriennes is the property of University of Pittsburgh, University Library System and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

The article discusses Stéphane Madelrieux's book "Expériences radicales et expériences enracinées," which explores the concept of radical experiences and rooted experiences. The author argues that these experiences have both physical-empirical and metaphysical value, and distinguishes between ordinary experiences, pure experiences, and limit experiences. The text examines the influence of philosophers like Nietzsche, William James, Bataille, and Foucault on the understanding of radical experiences, and questions whether Nietzsche was the first to identify their traits in Dionysian ecstasy. It also explores the relationship between the Dionysian and the Apollonian, and raises questions about the role of philosophy in understanding these experiences. The text concludes by proposing a pragmatic approach that views exceptional experiences as natural and embedded within ordinary experiences. [Extracted from the article]

Human beings are faced with numerous behavioral options in different situations, but they can only choose a limited number of them. Ethical beliefs, values, and principles guide individuals in decision-makings. This study focuses on medical residents' perspectives towards four ethical principles (Deontology, Utilitarianism, Virtue, and Principlism) in various clinical situations. This descriptive-analytical study was performed cross-sectional basis among a population of medical residents of Shiraz University of Medical Sciences. Data were gathered by multi-stage cluster sampling method using a researcher-made questionnaire including demographic information and five different clinical scenarios. The data were analyzed using the Chi-square test and descriptive and inferential statistics in SPSS22. The results of this study showed that there was no significant relationship between gender, specialty, year of study, and the four ethical principles mentioned in the participants. However, a significant correlation was observed between the types of scenarios and their alignment with a particular type of decision or ethical theory. The ethical philosophy of medical residents has been evolving gradually over time, even before entering the residency period. Therefore, focusing on practical ethics training and the commitment of residents to implementing the principles and values of professional ethics can shape the ethical philosophy of residents towards professional ethics and humanity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A key question in the theory of migration and in public debates on immigration policies is when migration can be said to be voluntary and when, conversely, it should be seen as nonvoluntary. In a previous article, we tried to answer this crucial question by providing a list of conditions we view as sufficient for migration to be considered nonvoluntary. According to our account, one condition that makes migration nonvoluntary is when people migrate because they lack acceptable alternatives to doing so. In this article, we take the opportunity to further explore and clarify this crucial condition. More specifically, we focus on two main sets of questions. First, we ask whether migration is always voluntary when it serves goals that are voluntarily chosen, and whether those who decide to migrate voluntarily but only have the option of choosing among a limited set of dangerous, harmful, or illegal means for doing so, can be said to be forced to choose those means. Second, we ask whether what counts as "nonacceptable" alternatives should also include cases in which people could have their needs and fundamental rights met, but at the cost of betraying their moral principles or conceptions of the good. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Hispanic construction workforce's contribution to the construction industry is significant. However, this significant contribution is threatened due to higher injury rates among Hispanic workers. One contributing factor to the higher rates of injuries is that occupational safety and health (OSH) research studies have not been sensitive to their working conditions and unique challenges. Social equity in construction-related research helps identify and address the inequalities and barriers that certain groups of workers (e.g., Hispanic construction workers) may face in terms of accessing adequate training, resources, and support to ensure their safety on the job. This study aims to demonstrate how social inequity in OSH research impacts research findings and recommendations. Accordingly, this study replicates a recent study conducted on personal protective equipment (PPE) noncompliance. The findings suggested several statistically significant and practical differences in perceptions between Mexican and non-Hispanic workers. These differences may lead to an insufficient understanding of PPE noncompliance factors if unaccounted for. It is concluded that inclusive research studies are essential for producing reliable findings and practical recommendations. The results of this study can help scholars create better OSH research designs sensitive to workforce components. This will produce high-quality training materials and strategies to reduce the higher probability of injuries among workforce minorities, particularly Hispanic workers in the United States. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Absurdity is a crucial philosophical problem that has widespread social consequences. In this paper, I discuss three accounts of absurdity: Purposelessness of the world, lack of reasonability and seriousness, and failure and boredom. I suggest that, to discuss absurdity, one should look at the question of meaning in life as the question of narrative of life. Narratives are the way to make life intelligible and understandable. However, contradictory narratives of meaningful life necessitate criteria for evaluating different narratives. I take a step toward such criteria that covers both subjective and objective aspects of truth to evaluate narratives. To do so, I try to make a connection between Narrative and Understanding. Moreover, the theoretical and practical reasoning establish a ground to evaluate narratives. I argue that based on the criteria, one can prefer a meaningful narrative of life. One of the important resources for meaningful narrative is religious faith. Faith can introduce new realities as well as new interpretations of different aspects of life and hence help to develop a meaningful narrative of life. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In his comprehensive work Fayḍ al-wahhāb, ʿAbd Rabbihī ibn Sulaymān al-Qaliyūbī (d. 1968) extensively explores the Prophet Muhammad's role in theology and argues against interpretations influenced by Wahhābī thought. He emphasizes the prophetic realm, or prophecy and its traces, particularly the means by which believers can establish a connection with it. This article pays special attention to al-Qaliyūbī's understanding of mediation (tawassul); that is, how the Prophet—by virtue of his elevated status, ordained by God—can serve as a means; similar to how a ritual prayer or any good deed ultimately serves as a means to draw closer to God. For al-Qaliyūbī, following the Prophet means not only regarding him as the founder of the religion, but also incorporating his spirit and character into one's own life. This article proceeds in four steps: (1) It addresses the systematics of prophecy concerning practical ethics and how this realm can be entered; (2) It introduces the three-layered paradigm of later theology and al-Qaliyūbī's work; (3) It explores the topic of what constitutes a means (wasīla) and the theological implications of using a means in prayer (tawassul); (4) It zooms in on the aspect of what qualifies a means to be used in an individual prayer. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]