bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Congrats: a Configurable Granular Trust Scheme for Effective Seller Selection in an E-marketplace
Authors:   ,   Andrews University, Akpa Ogbonnaya
Published: June 2023

Problem. The e-marketplace of today, with millions of buyers and sellers who never get to meet face to face, is susceptible to the presence of dishonest and fraudulent participants, prowling on unsuspecting trading partners to cheat in transactions, thereby increasing their profit to the detriment of their victims. There is also the multiplicity of goods and services with varying prices and quality, offered by a mix of honest and dishonest vendors. In order to participate in trade without incurring substantial loss, participants rely on intelligent agents using a trust evaluation scheme for partner selection. Making good deals thus depends on the ability of the intelligent agents to evaluate trading partners and picking only trustworthy ones. However, the existing trust evaluation schemes do not adequately protect buyers in the e-marketplace; hence, this study focused on designing a new trust evaluation scheme for buyer agents to use to effectively select sellers. -- Method. To increase the overall performance of intelligent agents and to limit loss for buyers in an e-marketplace, I propose CONGRATS—a configurable granular trust estimation scheme for effective seller selection. The proposed model used historical feedback ratings from multiple sources to estimate trust along multiple dimensions. I simulated a mini e-marketplace to generate the data needed for performance evaluation of the proposed model alongside two existing trust estimation schemes—FIRE and MDT. -- Results. At the peak of performance of CONGRATS, T1 sellers with the highest trust level accounted for about 45% of the total sales as against less than 10% recorded by the least trustworthy (T5) sellers. Compared to FIRE and MDT, CONGRATS had a performance gain of 15% and 30%, respectively, as well as an average earning of 0.89 (out of 1.0) per transaction in contrast to 0.70 and 0.62 per transaction respectively. Cumulative utility gain among buyer groups stood at 612.35 as contrasted to 518.96 and 421.28 for the FIRE and MDT models respectively. -- Conclusions. Modeling trust along multiple dimensions and gathering trust information from many different sources can significantly enhance the trust estimation scheme used by intelligent agents in an e-marketplace. This means that more transactions will occur between buyers and sellers that are more trustworthy. Inarguably, this will reduce loss to an infinitesimal level and consequently boost buyer confidence
Resistance and Accommodation to Racism Among Early Seventh-day Adventist Missionaries in the American South: a Case Study on Relating to Oppressive Cultural Practices in Missions
Authors:   ,   Andrews University, Bennett Kessia
Published: June 2023

Topic and Method. A basic task of the missionary is to negotiate the complex social codes of the foreign territory; for early Seventh-day Adventist missionaries in the American South this meant negotiating a culture of racism which oppressed the Black population. The present study investigated how early Adventist missionaries to the South related to the racism they encountered. Using data drawn from books, periodical literature, personal letters, and denominational minutes, the expressions and recorded actions of the missionaries were analyzed to determine how the missionaries’ attitudes and behaviors were related to the cultural racism. Three categories of relationship were utilized for analysis: resistance, accommodation, and institutionalization. -- Conclusions. This analysis provided a picture of the race relations of the missionaries as it changed over time. Early Adventist missionaries first resisted the racist beliefs and practices of the South. Then, pressured by custom and escalating violence, they began to accommodate the racism by racially segregating, yet continuing to resist the oppression of Blacks. Over time, however, the segregation which began as accommodation was normalized and institutionalized. In effect, it became part of the Adventist culture in America. This history has been instructive for understanding how to relate to oppressive cultural practices in missions, and two recommendations are made for preventing the adoption of the oppression in the larger culture when some accommodation is necessary. First, the accommodation must be accompanied with regular internal communication of right principles. Second, the accommodation must be regularly and intentionally re-examined. These strategies are designed to resist the internalization of the wrong principles which underlie the oppressive practices which are being accommodated.
An Investigation to Determine Ellen White's Concepts of Revelation, Inspiration, "the Spirit of Prophecy," and Her Claims About the Origin, Production and Authority of Her Writings
Authors:   ,   Andrews University, Burry James
Published: June 2023

Problem Questions persist about the authority and role of the writings of Ellen White in the Seventh-day Adventist Church. Since the church accepts her as a prophet, this study seeks to determine Ellen White's concepts involving the processes of revelation, inspiration and the usage of the phrase "spirit of prophecy." Her claims about the origin and authority of her writings then help to determine a more consistent usage for the spirit of prophecy. Method A descriptive systematic approach begins with computer CD-ROM word studies on Ellen White's concepts of revelation, inspiration and the phrase "spirit of prophecy." After determining these concepts, they serve as presuppositions for investigating her claims about the origin and resultant authority for her writings. Results Ellen White's basic concepts of revelation, inspiration and "spirit of prophecy" differ slightly from current definitions held by many Adventists. These answer almost every question that has come up about her writings. The origin and authority she claims for her writings are consistent with her presuppositions about the basic concepts. However, the authority claimed for Ellen White's work is more extensive than what is generally supposed. Several recommendations are made for adjusting the SDA Church position regarding her writings. Conclusion An internally consistent position about the writings of Ellen White is possible if her understanding about the revelation-inspiration process and the origin of the spirit of prophecy are considered. The authority of her writings in the church and the proper role for them in biblical interpretation should be determined in this light.
Yom YHWH as a Biblical-Theological Theme
Authors:   ,   Andrews University, Czarnitzki Robert
Published: June 2023

Problem. Although it has been shown in recent studies on the topic that the "Day of YHWH" is to be understood not only as a collocation or concept, but as a motif-complex (a theme), the single theological motifs comprising the motif-complex have seemingly never been outlined in a systematic text-oriented study. -- Method. This thesis investigates which main theological motifs comprise the motif-complex of the "Day of YHWH" by means of a text-oriented study of the final text as existent today. It shall be asked whether the "Day of YHWH" is a true biblical-theological theme, that is, whether it is deeply rooted within biblical tradition. This will include an analysis of whether there is a biblical background and a biblical eschatological outlook linked with the "Day of YHWH." To accomplish this aim of investigating whether the "Day of YHWH" is an ongoing biblical-theological theme, the biblical data will be investigated in three steps: First of all the biblical text is to be studied. This includes a survey of all the texts using the exact expression "Day of YHWH," all the texts using the exact expression "Day of YHWH" with an insertion of one word (like revenge, salvation, or wrath) and lastly all the texts using the word "day" with YHWH as a subject and developing a significant day theology. Second, the main theological motifs are to be detected by a detailed study of catchwords, word clusters, and syntactic connections. Third, a biblical intertextual study is to outline the theme‘s inner-biblical linkages, its origin and outlook. -- Results. The main theological motifs linked to the "Day of YHWH" are the motif of cataclysm, divine wrath, judgment, salvation and war, with the motif of judgment being the most dominant among these. The most dominant metaphors used are metaphors of cataclysm, fear, judgment, pride, and war. The most dominant microstructure is the expression "for the day is at hand." The biblical intertextual study shows most linkages with the Egyptian plagues (Exod 7–11), Miriam‘s song (Exod 15), the blessings and curses lists (Deut 28–29), the Song of Moses (Deut 31–32) and Wisdom Literature. -- Conclusions. In the light of the main theological motifs, metaphors, and microstructures it may be stated that the "Day of YHWH" is indeed a biblical-theological theme with its motifs recurring again and again throughout biblical literature. The inner-biblical origin of the "Day of YHWH" is most likely to be traced back to the blessings and curses lists and the Song of Moses (Deut 28–29; 31–32), even more so if one sees the Song of Moses as originally being YHWH‘s own song. The eschatological outlook of the "Day of YHWH" is manifest in several texts looking ahead to its last, ultimate eschatological occurrence. The uniqueness of the "Day of YHWH" lies in its essence of being an event impacting time, even eschatological time, leading to the installment of transcendence.
Protology and Eschatology in the Writings of John C. Polkinghorne: a Study of Contrastive Roles of Scripture
Authors:   ,   Andrews University, De Lima H. Nicholas
Published: June 2023

Problem The focus of this thesis is to address the problem of the contrastive roles of Scripture in protology and eschatology in the writings of John C. Polkinghorne. On the one hand, Polkinghorne rejects a univocal understanding of Gen 1-2, by invoking symbolic/analogical language for Gen 1-2, so that he can accept scientific protology. On the other hand, Polkinghorne introduces an apparent, relative univocity of biblical language in order to obtain his eschatology, contrary to the claims of pure scientific eschatology. This seems to suggest a dimension of internal methodological and theological incoherence in his system. Methodology This thesis provides a descriptive systematic and evaluative analysis of the contrastive usage of Scripture in Polkinghorne’s protology and eschatology. Chapter 1 provides a brief introduction, outlines the objective and describes the research methodology and delimitations of the study. In chapter 2, Polkinghorne’s scientific and theological methodology is analytically described. Chapters 3 and 4 present two case studies: protology and eschatology. Chapter 5 critically compares and contrasts the two case studies and presents the conclusion to this thesis and recommendations for further study. Conclusions The thesis concludes that Polkinghorne’s symbolic interpretation of biblical protology and his relatively univocal interpretation of biblical eschatology suggests a problem in his hermeneutics, which affects his theological understanding of protology and eschatology. Polkinghorne does not clearly state his criteria for maintaining this distinction between his theological understanding of protology and eschatology. If theological language in protology is interpreted as symbolical rather than univocal, then eschatological language could be interpreted as symbolic as well in order to maintain consistency.
The Relationship of the Self-esteem Variable to Specific Christian Doctrines
Authors:   ,   Andrews University, Fisher Paul
Published: June 2023

Problem The self-esteem variable is often used as an evaluative criterion in the assessment of the functionality of particular Christian doctrines. High self-esteem is assumed to be the optimal level of selffunctioning, and specific doctrines are evaluated according to this standard. Purpose It was the purpose of this study to examine the relationship between specific Christian doctrines and the self-esteem variable. Method The self-esteem variable was defined from selected psychological and theological literature. The literature was selected on the basis of two main criteria; a phenomenological approach and an identification of the self-esteem variable in terms of self-love, self-acceptance, and self-esteem. The selfesteem variable is examined in relationship to four major Christian doctrines: human nature, God, Christ, and the Holy Spirit. Conclusions The assumption that high self-esteem is the optimal level of self-functioning is largely unsupported and highly tenuous. The major Christian doctrines examined provide a significant resource base for healthy self-esteem. These doctrines also provide a framework in which the cognitive-emotive inaccuracies of high and low self-esteem can be remediated.
Phrasing and Articulation in Henry Purcell's Harpsichord Suites
Authors:   ,   Andrews University, Bozovich Carey
Published: June 2023

Problem Little is known about Henry Purcell's application of phrasing and articulation in his harpsichord works, therefore an investigation of the original performance practices of his harpsichord suites is needed. This study purposed to establish how best to phrase and articulate the harpsichord music of Henry Purcell, especially his eight harpsichord suites. Method Detailed study of Purcell's harpsichord suites and a review of the literature directly related to them and the matter of fingering, articulation, and phrasing in Baroque performance provided the basis for conclusions on how to phrase and articulate Purcell's harpsichord suites. Application of Purcell's fingering practices, as well as of rhythmic inequality and authentic ornamentation at the keyboard was also made. Results Purcell's fingering practices, evidenced by his fingered prelude and scale, yielded frequent paired articulation and rhythmic inequality. Analysis of articulation patterns of Purcell's time also indicate articulation of ornaments and articulation over the barline and at midbar. Conclusions English Baroque performance can be best understood and is attainable through articulation and certain rules of fingering, the apparent key to the use of rhythmic inequality and proper articulation.
New Early Eighth-century B.C. Earthquake Evidence at Tel Gezer: Archaeological, Geological, and Literary Indications and Correlations
Authors:   ,   Andrews University, Hasel Michael
Published: June 2023

The 1990 season of excavation at Tel Gezer, Israel yielded for the first time evidence for an earthquake during the middle of the eighth century B.C. This new evidence is described and correlated with other archaeological sites in Israel of the same time period as well as larger geological contexts of past and present seismic activity in that region. This correlation provides prime new data about the potential timing of the earthquake, its extent, and significance. Literary support for a major earthquake is also investigated which indicates an earthquake during this general time period. A textual study of pertinent passages from the Hebrew Bible and chronological data from biblical and extrabiblical sources are brought into relation with the archaeoseismic evidence. These archaeological, geological, and literary evidences are correlates for a suggested earthquake paradigm.
The Ethical Viability of Church Support of Moral Legislation
Authors:   ,   Andrews University, Hines Jason
Published: June 2023

When a political question comes to the forefront about which Christians would have an opinion, the religio-political discussion of the issue often turns to the debatable issues within the political question at hand. However, the thesis posits that instead of addressing the particulars of a political question as a rationale for action, Christians should instead be asking questions about the best way to represent our beliefs in secular society, and whether the use of the coercive tool of secular legislation is the ethically proper way to go in light of our beliefs as Christians. This thesis attempts to address this question both historically and biblically by citing the lineage of Luther’s and Calvin’s thoughts on church-state relations as a window into modern thought on the issue. It seems that Calvin is the ideological progenitor of those who would argue that churches should be heavily involved in establishing their particular form of morality in secular society. Luther, on the other hand, seems to be the progenitor of those who would argue that the use of coercive power is not for the church. This thesis examines Luther’s and Calvin’s theories, as well as those in the modern age who would likely align themselves with each of their theories. Going further, the thesis then examines relevant biblical evidence in order to determine which course of action is more ethically proper. Based on the relevant verses on the freedom of conscience, the negative consequences of church-state integration, and the non-imposition of morality, this thesis takes the stance that churches should not be involved in using legislation in order to create a more Christian society.
The History of the Adventist Interpretation of the "Daily" in the Book of Daniel from 1831 to 2008
Authors:   ,   Andrews University, Kaiser Denis
Published: June 2023

During the more than 160 years since Adventism's inception, the interpretation of the tamid or "daily" in the book of Daniel underwent several changes with respect to the argumentation, as well as the way differing views are handled. This study analyzes various Millerite and Adventist interpretations of the tamid in Dan 8 between 1831 and 2008 focusing especially on the approach to the biblical text, the argumentation, and the atmosphere during the time of conflict (1900 - 1930), as well as on Ellen White's counsels during the period, puzzling statement, and possible explanations. This documentary study was based primarily on published primary sources produced by Millerites and Seventh-day Adventists from 1831 to 2008. Both primary and secondary sources were used to provide background, historical context, and perspective for the present study. While Seventh-day Adventists first adhered to the Millerite interpretation of the "daily" as Roman paganism, beginning around the turn of the nineteenth century they identified it as Christ's heavenly ministration. The proponents of the Millerite interpretation eventually relied more on traditino and their understanding of the statement on the "daily" written by Ellen White in 1850. The proponents of the new interpretation drew their reasons rather from exegetical studies. This change did not happen without controversy, and both groups were responsible for the intensity of the conflict. Ellen White's statment referred to the prophetic dates and the supplying of the word "sacrifice" in the text of Dan 8 rather than to a specific identification of the "dailty."
The Doctrine of Sin in the Thought of George R. Knight: Its Context and Implications
Authors:   ,   Andrews University, Kiley Jamie
Published: June 2023

George R. Knight attempts to chart a middle course between various historical extremes on the doctrine of sin. His view of the Fall and of the consequent effects on human nature is not as pessimistic as that of theologians in the Augustinian tradition (including Martin Luther and John Calvin), who stress the complete corruption of human nature and the loss of free will. On the other hand, Knight’s view is not as optimistic as the views of such theologians as Pelagius or M. L. Andreasen, who tend not to see the Fall as having affected human nature itself, and believe as a result that humans have full potential for overcoming sin. Knight’s view falls in the middle, in that he holds to the corruption of human nature, yet continues to espouse human free will. Knight’s moderate position on sin leads him to a moderate view of salvation and perfection: He stresses the utter helplessness of humanity in the face of sin and human beings’ complete incapacity to contribute anything to their own salvation. Simultaneously, however, he maintains that a necessary part of the process of salvation is the responsive cooperation of individuals with God. As a corollary, he also maintains that perfection is, in a sense, both possible and necessary. Unlike Andreasen, to whose writings he is most directly responding, Knight denies that human beings can ever achieve absolute sinlessness on this earth; Knight does believe, however, that they can develop an attitude of perfect willingness to do God’s will. It is the divergences in the doctrine of sin that lead directly to the differences in the theologies of salvation and perfection of Knight and Andreasen.
Josiah Litch: His Life, Work, and Use of His Writings, on Selected Topics, by Seventh-day Adventist Writers
Authors:   ,   Andrews University, Royo Daniel
Published: June 2023

Problem: Josiah Litch was a leading figure in the Millerite movement from 1838-1844. During this time he developed ideas that would appear again as part of the Seventh-day Adventist understanding of prophecy and end-time events. This present study sought to determine how Litch's ideas developed throughout his life, and how his understanding of the Bible, specifically during the Millerite time period, affected Seventh-day Adventist doctrines. Method: This thesis is divided into five chapters. The first chapter is an introduction. The second is a biographical overview of Litch's life. The third deals with Litch's historical and theological research, and how three Seventh-day Adventist writers used his works. The fourth examines the events surrounding Litch's interpretation of the time periods of Rev 9, and how it affected the year-day principle. The fifth chapter examines Litch's understanding of the pre-advent judgment, and the anticipated fulfillment of elements of prophecy he considered to be yet future. Results: Litch's work influenced the Millerite movement through his research and extensive prophetic writing. His interpretation of the time periods of Rev 9 provided an example of the validity of the year-day principle of prophetic interpretation, and his understanding of the pre-advent judgment developed independently of the Seventh-day Adventist understanding of the pre-advent judgment. Conclusions: Josiah Litch helped the Millerite movement to have the extensive impact that it did through his writing, preaching, and pioneering towards the South. In the years following 1844, he abandoned his commitment to Scripture alone, followed tradition with the Albany Adventists, and eventually lost all distinctiveness in his understanding of the Bible, from the emerging dispensationalists. His interpretations generally did not directly affect the development of Seventh-day Adventist doctrine, apart from the teachings that had been accepted by the Millerite movement, but subsequent Seventh-day Adventist writers considered his earlier writings authoritative on prophecy.
The Order and Significance of the Sealed Tribes of Revelation 7:4-8
Authors:   ,   Andrews University, Troxell Michael
Published: June 2023

Problem. John’s list of twelve tribes of Israel in Rev 7, representing those who are sealed in the last days, has been the source of much debate through the years. This present study was to determine if there is any theological significance to the composition of the names in John’s list. Of particular interest to this study is the meaning of the inclusion of Levi and Manasseh and the exclusion of Dan and Ephraim. -- Methodology. Intertextual comparisons between John’s list and the many Old Testament lists of Israelite tribes were used to identify any theological significance to the composition of the list in Revelation. In addition, two Old Testament stories (the Passover in Exod 12 and the sealing in Ezek 9), which provide the historical background for John’s sealing passage in Rev 7, were compared for the purpose of ascertaining the meaning of the sealing and the composition and nature of the twelve tribes as presented by John. -- Conclusions. Of the nearly twenty Old Testament listings of the twelve tribes, there are not even two lists that are the same. There are various names excluded from these lists without any explicit significance attached to their exclusion. However, John places his list of the twelve tribes and their sealing in the context of the coming of Christ and the outpouring of His wrath, apparently supporting his theological intent of answering chapter 6’s question, “Who shall be able to stand?” John’s list of the twelve tribes presents an end-time remnant of the church, spiritual Israel, who overcome by the Lamb’s blood, and who are thus sealed in preparation to go through the final crisis of the mark of the beast. The exclusion of Dan and Ephraim, which are in the Old Testament associated with the idolatrous apostasy of the northern tribes of Israel, seems to indicate that God’s last-day servants will be cleansed from all idolatry and compromise to stand as a pure army for earth’s final battle.
The Television Viewing, Dating, and Academics of Young Adults
Authors:   ,   Andrews University, Milmine Michael
Published: June 2023

Purpose of the Study More than ever before, young adults have access to television content. Television programs are no longer relegated to the television set, but can be accessed on desktops, laptops, tablets, and even smartphones. The accessibility of television has increasingly allowed young adults to spend a significant portion of their day viewing these programs. Gathering information on how this viewing is related to their dating and academic habits is important to better understand the decision-making and outcomes for young adults in these two central areas of their lives. The purpose of this study was to measure the relationship between television viewing, dating behavior, dating expectations, dating well-being, academic achievement, and academic behavior of young adults. Method The current research was designed as a quantitative non-experimental descriptive study utilizing survey methodology. The instrument, called the Milmine Social Interaction, Academic, and Media Instrument (MSIAAMI), was used to gather information on participants television viewing habits, dating behaviors, dating expectations, dating relationship well-being, academic achievement, and academic behaviors. The data was gathered from 202 graduate and undergraduate students attending Andrews University in the Spring 2015 semester. Canonical correlational analyses were used to determine the existence of relationships between television viewing, dating, and academics. ANOVAs, zero-order correlations, and t-tests were used to provide additional descriptive information on the sample. Results There was no significant relationship found between television viewing and dating, as well as between dating and academics. A significant relationship was found between television viewing and academics. In particular, it was found that total viewing and entertainment viewing were positively related to skipping class and procrastinating. Participants watched television for an average of about 79 minutes, spent 201 minutes doing homework, 192 minutes studying, and 154 minutes with their dating partner each day. Physical attractiveness was more important for men while women reported that receiving kind acts and compliments was more important. Conclusions Although most of the results turned out to be non-significant, there were still many interesting findings. Further research is needed in order to clarify and provide support for these results. This study helped grow the understanding of how one of the most influential media impacts the young adult’s dating and academics as well as how dating influences academics.
Ranking Interesting Changes in Correlation Coefficient Matrix Results from Varying Data Partitions in Causal Graphic Modeling
Authors:   ,   Andrews University, Bravo Gonzalez Yesica
Published: June 2023

Problem In life we need to compare situations in order to select the best solution. The study in this paper is about analyzing data (variables), which is also called data mining. There are situations where it is not enough to compare variables among themselves at one specific moment. Sometimes it is necessary to compare the behavior of variables at different periods of time and know how they behave at different times in order to select the best arrangements for any situation. Method To find correlation among variables, traffic intersections were simulated so they could be compared, since the correlation coefficient matrix is normalized. This type of matrix was used to compare intersections in different time variances to find the most interesting information. By comparing each point from the first matrix with each point to the second matrix one can find the intersections that are busier and have a larger difference from the others. Also, two formulas were found to help find the most interesting correlations; in one of those I modified the harmonic mean formula to obtain a balance between two important details. Results By using these two new formulas the most interesting information between variables may be found, such as those that are the most popular or least popular (average value) and those that are very different from or very similar to each other (difference value) at different times. “Rank 1” is the value of the balance between the average and the difference, with values ranging between 0 and 0.6. A 0 means that those intersections have very low values in averages and differences, and 0.6 means the opposite. The formula “Rank 2” is based on assigning weight into the average and the difference categories. Once the formula is applied, the values would be between 0 and 1, where 0 will mean that their average or their difference is low, depending on which one was assigned more weight. A value of 1 would mean the opposite. The weight depends on what is needed for a specific situation. Conclusions By comparing two correlation coefficient matrices from any type of data in different time periods (since this type of matrix is already normalized) anybody can find out very interesting information for any situations where we need to know how different and popular any types of variables may be. Finally, the most interesting information may be identified by calculating the average or the difference between variables. As an example, these formulas were used to compare traffic intersections, and the result obtained was a rank with the most popular intersections to the less important intersections, which confirmed previously observed traffic patterns.
Selective Processing by the L3 Auditory Interneuron in Acheta Domesticus : Juvenile Hormone III and Protein Kinase C
Authors:   ,   Andrews University, Lynch Ashley
Published: June 2023

Juvenile Hormone III (JHIII) is a prolific and essential hormone in insects, controlling many aspects of insect physiology such as egg development, nymphal and larval maturation, diapause and metamorphosis. In female crickets, Acheta domesticus, JHIII increases selectivity in phonotactic behavior, narrowing phonotactic choices for Syllable Periods (SPs) of the Calling Songs (CSs) that most closely resemble the natural call of the male. JHIII has been suggested to work through a pathway that activates the protein kinase C (PKC) molecule. Chelerythrine Chloride (CC) is a potent inhibitor of PKC action. This study analyzes the responses of the L3 auditory interneuron, which has been suggested as an important neuron in the prothoracic ganglion for filtering CSs and inducing phonotaxis, in response to JHIII and CC. We recorded neuronal responses extracellularly before and after nanoinjection with JHIII and CC in order to analyze the molecular effects of the two substances on the selective processing of the L3 neuron. JHIII increases SP-selective decrement in a subgroup of our crickets by significantly reducing decrement at the shortest SPs (30 and 40 ms) and centering the response around the SPs most similar to the natural call. It has no effect on a smaller, subgroup of crickets. CC decreases the selectiveness of decrement in L3. It is suggested that both the mechanism for sharpening the females’ phonotactic behavior is expressed through molecular pathways in the L3 neuron, and that JHIII carries out at least part of its effects on the L3 neurons through a PKC mediated pathway, the effects of which can be reversed or blocked following treatment with CC.
Effective Methods of Communicating Organizational Values: A Case Study
Authors:   ,   Andrews University, McHan Caralin
Published: June 2023

Organizational values affect business success, and employee satisfaction and commitment. Value training begins during socialization. This qualitative case study of Adventist Frontier Missions explored effective methods the organization’s trainers used to communicate and motivate newcomers to assimilate organizational values during the2015 short-term missions training. Through observation, surveys, focus groups and interviews, I found that newcomers were motivated by seeing a connection between the organization’s values and its mission, and by seeing the values enacted by the trainers. I also found that newcomers perceived nonverbal communication of organizational values to be integral to their value-assimilation process. These findings should be useful for organizations interested in values or culture-based onboarding.
The Presbyter: Jewish Elder to Christian Priest
Authors:   ,   Andrews University, Reeve John
Published: June 2023

Problem In the NT the elder functioned as a local church leader roughly equivalent to the bishop. The priesthood was comprised of all believers, with Christ as the High Priest. The Christian sacrifices were the believers giving themselves completely to God and sharing with each other. However, sometime between the time of the NT and the end of the fourth century A.D. the presbyter (elder) became a priest, subordinate to the bishop, offering to God the eucharist as a sacrifice for sin. As a minister in the one true church, he helped the laity do penance when they had sinned in order to appease God and receive salvation. The stark difference between these two pictures of the presbyter invites investigation into how and when the office of presbyter developed from a Jewish elder into a Christian priest. Method Through bibliographic research and computer searches of priest terminology in early Latin and Greek works, the relevant primary source material was located and analyzed to understand what changes developed. The time when these changes occurred and how the change factors enhanced the development of a Christian priesthood were considered. Results A crooked path leading from elder to priest was discovered and synthesized into five stages of development toward the presbyter as Christian priest. Conclusions The Christian ministry remained dynamic for centuries after the NT. By the early third century the bishop became the priest and then shared his priestly authority and functions progressively with the presbyters.
Courtship and Copulation in Glaucous-Winged Gulls, Larus Glaucescens
Authors:   ,   Andrews University, McWilliams Kelly
Published: June 2023

Using video recordings and scan counts, I examined the occurrence, sequences, and durations of behavior and environmental factors associated with courtship and copulation in glaucous-winged gulls, Larus glaucescens. Males and females in a pair had equivalent pre- and post-Mount behavior occurrences and durations. The main courtship sequence was Head Toss -- Courtship Beg/Respond -- Mounted/Mount, and felames appeared to initiate transitions between these pre-Mount behaviors. More Mounts occurred during the egg-laying stage of the breeding season, but copulation duration, wing-flag duration, and cloacal contacts per copulation showed no significant differences across sampling periods. Poisson analysis showed no significant grouping of Mounts in time during the days sampled. Bald eagle (Haliaeetus leucocephalus) disturbance was correlated with increased courtship and copulation frequency. Other environmental factors affecting courtship and copulation included day of year, tide height, and solar elevation. Peak Mounts and Courtship Begs per territory occurred two days before the Courtship Feeds and 10 days before peack clutch initiations.
Representing the Government of God: Christ as the Hilasterion in Romans 3:25
Authors:   ,   Andrews University, Zywietz Valentin
Published: June 2023

Problem In Romans 3:25, Paul describes how the public display of Christ as the i``lasthrion demonstrates the righteousness of God. However, it is unclear what exactly Paul means by the term i``lasthrion, and how it is connected to the cover of the Ark of the Covenant for which it is usually used in the LXX. Method The first chapter of this paper consists of an exegetical investigation of Romans 3:25-26 paying consideration also to systematical implications for Paul’s understanding of atonement and the character of God. The second chapter is an analysis of the meaning and the function of the i``lasthrion in the LXX. In the third chapter, an attempt is made to fill the Old Testament content of i``lasthrion into Paul’s argument about the demonstration of the righteousness of God. -- Results Paul probably viewed the i``lasthrion as a type of Christ, and this typological connection gives insight into the role of Christ until and in the antitypical Day of Atonement as understood by leading scholars within the Seventh-day Adventist Church. Conclusion Christ’s role in the atonement may include the bearing of the judicial responsibilities that God voluntarily took upon himself when he granted pardon to sinners prior to the investigation at the Day of Atonement.
An Historicist Perspective on Daniel 11
Authors:   ,   Andrews University, Hardy Frank
Published: June 2023

Problem The objective of the present study was to establish a rigorous exegetical basis for a historicist interpretation of Dan 11. Method In chapter I the various claims and presuppositions of preterism, futurism, and historicism were contrasted. In chapter II the structure of Dan 11 was examined in terms of both chiastic and linear outline formats, applying the historicist principles discussed in chapter I to the text. In chapter III comparisons were made, with regard to both form and content, between Dan 11 and Dan 8-9. 2 Results It was shown that the narrative of Dan 11 is oriented toward Christ at two points in particular— 11:22 and 12:1. The fact that there are two such historical goals in Dan 11 makes possible certain parallels with Dan 8-9, such that the end of the 70 weeks prophecy (Dan 9) corresponds to the middle of Dan 11 and the end of the 2300 day3 (Dan 8) corresponds to the end of Dan 11. The one pair of references brings us to the first coming of Christ, the other brings us to the second. Conclusions A major finding of the study was that the separate and distinct eras of history associated with the two comings of Christ at 11:22 and 12:1, respectively, provide the framework around which ou. -irrative is organized. What the first coming and the second have in common is the One who comes. Thus, the primary basis for doing the suggested type of historicist interpretation in Dan li is a recognition of the crucially important role that Christ plays in the chapter.
The Effect of Functional Exercise Along With Online Nutritional Education on Inflammatory Biomarkers in Children With Autism Spectrum Disorder During Covid-19 Pandemic: A Randomized Clinical Trial
Authors:   Department of Physical Education and Sports Science, Faculty of Literature, Humanities and Social Sciences, Science and Research Branch, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran., Moiniafshari kimia , Gholami Mandana ,   Department of Physical Education and Sports Science, Faculty of Literature, Humanities and Social Sciences, Science and Research Branch, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran., Dalvand Hamid ,   Department of Occupational Therapy, Faculty of Rehabilitation, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran, Effatpanah Mohammad ,   Department of Pediatric Diseases, Faculty of Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran, Rezaei Saeed ,   Department of Psychology, Faculty of Psychology and Educational Science, Allameh Tabataba'i University, Tehran, Iran
Published: June 2023

Background and Objectives Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a neuro-developmental disorder which is mostly caused by deficits in social interactions. Lack of physical activity and poor nutritional habits are common problems in these patients which may be exaggerated by the Covid-19 pandemic. The study aims to assess the effect of functional training along with online nutrition education on inflammatory biomarkers in children with ASD. Subjects and Methods In this randomized controlled clinical trial, 80 children with ASD (age=9.73±1.29 years, weight=49.94±2.08 kg, height=146.08±40 cm, body mass index=24.71 ±1.48 kg/m2) were randomly divided into four groups of training, education, training+ education, and control. The interventions lasted for 8 weeks. The inflammatory biomarkers including white blood cell (WBC) count, C-reactive protein (CRP) level, neutrophil count, eosinophil count, and basophil count were assessed (using blood samples collected from antecubital vein) before and after the interventions. Results There was no significant difference between the groups before the interventions (P˃0.05). After the intervention, the results showed a significant decrease in WBC (P˂0.001), CRP (P=0.001), neutrophils (sig.=0.009), and eosinophil (P=0.003) in all groups. Basophil count decreased in all groups (P=0.01) except in the education group. Conclusion Functional training and online nutrition education are beneficial interventions for management of inflammatory biomarkers in children with ASD which can be used during the Covid-19 pandemic.
Effect of Alpha and Beta Adrenergic Receptors on the Expression of Stk4, Caspase-3, and Sox2 Genes in Neural Stem Cells Derived From the Hippocampus and Treated With Norepinephrine in Rats
Authors:   Department of Anatomy, School of Medicine, Zanjan University of Medical Sciences, Zanjan, Iran, Davar Zakiye , Jafari Anarkooli Iraj ,   Department of Anatomy, School of Medicine, Zanjan University of Medical Sciences, Zanjan, Iran, Fridoni Mohammad Javad ,   Department of Anatomy, School of Medicine, Zanjan University of Medical Sciences, Zanjan, Iran, Abdanipour Alireza ,   Department of Anatomy, School of Medicine, Zanjan University of Medical Sciences, Zanjan, Iran
Published: June 2023

Background and Objectives Uncontrolled stress affects hippocampal-dependent memory through altering the morphology and the proliferation rate of hippocampal progenitor cells. Subjects and Methods In this experimental study, neural stem cells (NSCs) were isolated from the hippocampus of newborn rats and cultivated in a serum-free medium to generate neurosphere. To confirm the induced NSCs, immunocytochemistry and antibody nestin were used. The rate of cell proliferation and cytotoxicity caused by norepinephrine were measured by the MTT assay. NSCs were assigned in the following groups: Control (untreated NSCs), norepinephrine (NSCs treated with norepinephrine), propranolol (NSCs treated with beta receptor blocker propranolol plus norepinephrine), prazosin (NSCs treated with Alfa receptor blocker prazosin plus norepinephrine), and propranolol/ prazosin (NSCs treated with both propranolol and prazosin plus norepinephrine). Real-time PCR was conducted to measure the expression levels of Stk4, Caspase-3 and Sox2 genes. Results The flow cytometry study revealed that NSCs were nestin positive. Real-time PCR results showed that the expression level of Sox2 gene increased by norepinephrine. In addition, the expression level of Stk4 and Caspase-3 genes increased in the groups treated with prazosin. Conclusion The effect of norepinephrine on hippocampus-derived NSCs is receptor-dependent. The increase of norepinephrine under chronic stress can lead to either cell proliferation or apoptosis in NSCs; it acts as a double-edged sword.
Effective Strategies for the Use o Contraceptive Methods in the Postpartum Period by Adolescent Mothers in Iran Using Nominal Group Technique
Authors:   Department of Midwifery, Student Research Committee, Faculty of Nursing and Midwifery, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran., Bozorgi Nasim , Shahhosseini Zohreh ,   Department of Reproductive Health and Midwifery, Sexual and Reproductive Health Research, Faculty of Nursing and Midwifery, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran., Khani Soghra ,   Associated Professor, sexual and Reproductive Health Research, Nasibeh Faculty of Nursing and Midwifery Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran
Published: June 2023

Background and Objectives Unplanned pregnancy in the first year after delivery in high-risk and adolescent mothers can have numerous complications. This study aims to investigate the effective strategies for the use of contraceptive methods in the postpartum period by adolescent mothers in Iran. Subjects and Methods This qualitative study, using the nominal group technique (NGT), was conducted in 2019 during a journal club with the presence of professors and students in midwifery and reproductive health. The NGT included five steps: Recording of ideas during 5 minutes of silence, clarifying ideas, prioritizing important ideas, voting, and selecting the first five priorities. Results Five priorities were education, counseling, providing the contraceptive methods, modification of population policies, and correct identification of the vulnerable groups. Accordingly, strategies were categorized as (a) evidence-based education and counseling on appropriate use of contraceptive methods during pregnancy, after delivery, and during postnatal visits, (b) providing contraceptive methods to the high-risk group of women for free in health centers, and (c) modification of population policies. Conclusion There are appropriate strategies for the contraceptive use such as education, counseling, providing the contraceptive methods, and modification of population policies that can temporarily prevent pregnancy in high-risk adolescent women in Iran.
Effect of 4 Weeks of Progressive Resistance Training on Plasma Levels of Omentin-1 and Metabolic Factors in Diabetic Male Rats
Authors:   Department of Exercise Physiology, Faculty of Physical Education and Sports Sciences, University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran, Yousefzadeh Haniyeh , Fathi Rozita ,   Department of Exercise Physiology, Faculty of Physical Education and Sports Sciences, University of Mazandaran, Babolsar, Iran, Talebi Gorkani Ellahe ,   Department of Exercise Physiology, Faculty of Physical Education and Sports Sciences, University of Mazandaran, Babolsar, Iran, Hosseini Abbas ,   Department of Exercise Physiology, Faculty of Physical Education and Sports Sciences, University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran
Published: June 2023

Background and Objectives Omentin-1 is a new adipokine with a potential to increase insulin sensitivity, and is associated with lipid profile. There are limited studies on the effect of exercise on the serum level of Omentin-1. The present study aims to investigate the effect of progressive resistance training (PRT) on plasma level of omentin-1 and glycemic control in diabetic male rats. Subjects and Methods In this study, 24 male Wistar rats were randomly divided into three groups: Control, diabetic, and diabetic+PRT. The training group performed a PRT program using a ladder (three days a week, for 4 weeks). Body weight, glucose level, amentin-1 level, insulin level, and lipid profile were measured. Results The PRT significantly increased plasma levels of omentin-1 and triglycerides in the diabetic + PRT group compared to the diabetic group (P=0.017). There was no significant difference in high-density lipoprotein (F=0.318, P>0.05), low-density lipoprotein (F=0.612, P>0.05) and cholesterol (F=0.049, P>0.05) levels between the study groups. Conclusion The PRT improves omentin-1 and insulin resistance in diabetic rats.