bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A novel approach to employment quality evaluation of college graduates with probabilistic linguistic MAGDM
Authors: Mao Bingbo , Feng Tao , Su Hang , Ma Xicheng
Published: June 2023

With the continuous extension and deepening of college education reform, the research on the future employment of college students and the evaluation of employment quality has become a major focus topic. The traditional evaluation system for the employment quality of college graduates is relatively outdated and unitary, lacking a vision of the future development status of college graduates, as well as an effective understanding and mastery of the overall feedback and evaluation of the entire employment market for college graduates. Moreover, most colleges and universities mainly focus on the level of competence that college graduates should achieve five years after graduation from college in terms of talent cultivation goals, The lack of specific evaluation work for long-term employment tracking of graduates has resulted in universities being unable to grasp and understand the degree of fit and matching between the comprehensive abilities of university graduates and the future employment market, and thus unable to provide effective feedback and summary of talent cultivation and innovation strategies. Therefore, it is imperative to comprehensively innovate the employment quality evaluation system and methods for college graduates. The employment quality evaluation of college graduates is a classical multiple attribute group decision making (MAGDM) problems. Recently, the TODIM and VIKOR method has been used to cope with MAGDM issues. The probabilistic linguistic term sets (PLTSs) are used as a tool for characterizing uncertain information during the employment quality evaluation of college graduates. In this manuscript, the probabilistic linguistic TODIM-VIKOR (PL-TODIM-VIKOR) method is built to solve the MAGDM under PLTSs. In the end, a numerical case study for employment quality evaluation of college graduates is given to validate the proposed method.
The Role of Endophilin A1 in Lipopolysaccharide-Induced Parkinson’s Disease Model Mice
Authors: Han Junhui , Liu Mengqing , Ling Yi , Ren Yubo , Qiu Yue , Liu Yi , Yin Yanyan
Published: June 2023

Background:

Endophilin A1 (EPA1) is encoded by the SH3GL2 gene, and SH3GL2 was designated as a Parkinson’s disease (PD) risk locus by genome-wide association analysis, suggesting that EPA1 may be involved in the occurrence and development of PD.

Objective:

To investigate the role of EPA1 in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced PD model mice.

Methods:

The mice PD model was prepared by injecting LPS into the substantia nigra (SN), and the changes in the behavioral data of mice in each group were observed. The damage of dopaminergic neurons, activation of microglia, and reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation were detected by immunofluorescence method; calcium ion concentration was detected by calcium content detection kit; EPA1 and inflammation and its related indicators were detected by western blot method. EPA1 knockdown was performed by an adeno-associated virus vector containing EPA1-shRNA-eGFP infusion.

Results:

LPS-induced PD model mice developed behavioral dysfunction, SN dopaminergic nerve damage, significantly increased calcium ion, calpain 1, and ROS production, activated NLRP1 inflammasome and promoted pro-inflammatory cell release, and SN EPA1 knockdown improves behavioral disorders, alleviates dopaminergic neuron damage, reduces calcium, calpain 1, ROS generation, and blocks NLRP1 inflammasome-driven inflammatory responses.

Conclusion:

The expression of EPA1 in the SN of LPS-induced PD model mice was increased, and it played a role in promoting the occurrence and development of PD. EPA1 knockdown inhibited the NLRP1 inflammasome activation, decreased the release of inflammatory factors and ROS generation, and alleviated dopaminergic neuron damage. This indicated that EPA1 may participating in the occurrence and development of PD.
Parkinson’s Disease Case Ascertainment in the Sister Study: A Cohort for Environmental Health Research
Authors: Cao Zichun , Song Shengfang , Huang Xuemei , Li Chenxi , Luo Zhehui , D’Aloisio Aimee A. , Suarez Lourdes , Hernandez Dena G. , Singleton Andrew B. , Sandler Dale P. , Chen Honglei
Published: June 2023

Background:

Large prospective studies are essential for investigating the environmental causes of Parkinson’s disease (PD), but PD diagnosis via clinical exams is often infeasible in such studies.

Objective:

To present case ascertainment strategy and data collection in a US cohort of women.

Methods:

In the Sister Study ( n = 50,884, baseline ages 55.6±9.0), physician-made PD diagnoses were first reported by participants or their proxies. Cohort-wide follow-up surveys collected data on subsequent diagnoses, medication usage and PD-relevant motor and nonmotor symptoms. We contacted self-reported PD cases and their treating physicians to obtain relevant diagnostic and treatment history. Diagnostic adjudication was made via expert review of all available data, except nonmotor symptoms. We examined associations of nonmotor symptoms with incident PD, using multivariable logistic regression models and reported odds ratio (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI).

Results:

Of the 371 potential PD cases identified, 242 diagnoses were confirmed. Compared with unconfirmed cases, confirmed cases were more likely to report PD diagnosis from multiple sources, medication usage, and motor and nonmotor features consistently during the follow-up. PD polygenic risk score was associated with confirmed PD (ORinter-quartile range = 1.74, 95% CI: 1.45–2.10), but not with unconfirmed cases (corresponding OR = 1.05). Hyposmia, dream-enacting behaviors, constipation, depression, unexplained weight loss, dry eyes, dry mouth, and fatigue were significantly related to PD risk, with ORs from 1.71 to 4.88. Only one of the eight negative control symptoms was associated with incident PD.

Conclusion:

Findings support our PD case ascertainment approach in this large cohort of women. PD prodromal presentation is likely beyond its well-documented profile.
Serum Vitamin D status in full term neonates with severe perinatal depression
Authors: Batra P. , Singh P. , Ahmed R.S. , Harit D.
Published: June 2023

BACKGROUND: Severe perinatal depression is a significant cause of mortality and morbidity in neonates. Vitamin D levels were observed to be low in mothers and their neonates with hypoxic ischemic encephalopathy in some studies, owing to its neuroprotective properties. OBJECTIVE: Primary objective was to compare vitamin D deficiency state in full term neonates with severe perinatal depression and healthy term controls. Secondary objectives were to determine sensitivity and specificity of serum 25(OH)D<12 ng/mL in predicting mortality, development of hypoxic ischemic encephalopathy, abnormal neurological examination at discharge, and developmental outcome at 12 weeks of age. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Serum 25(OH)D levels in full term neonates with severe perinatal depression and healthy controls were compared. RESULTS: Serum 25(OH)D levels in severe perinatal depression and controls (n = 55 each group) were significantly different (7.50 ± 3.53 ng/mL vs 20.23 ± 12.70 ng/mL). At cut-off of < 12 ng/mL, serum 25(OH)D could predict mortality with 100% sensitivity and 17% specificity and poor developmental outcomes with sensitivity of 100% and specificity of 50%. CONCLUSION: Vitamin D deficiency status at birth can serve as an effective screening tool and poor prognostic markers in term neonates with severe perinatal depression.
Data journeys: Explaining AI workflows through abstraction
Authors: Daga Enrico , Groth Paul
Published: June 2023

Artificial intelligence systems are not simply built on a single dataset or trained model. Instead, they are made by complex data science workflows involving multiple datasets, models, preparation scripts, and algorithms. Given this complexity, in order to understand these AI systems, we need to provide explanations of their functioning at higher levels of abstraction. To tackle this problem, we focus on the extraction and representation of data journeys from these workflows. A data journey is a multi-layered semantic representation of data processing activity linked to data science code and assets. We propose an ontology to capture the essential elements of a data journey and an approach to extract such data journeys. Using a corpus of Python notebooks from Kaggle, we show that we are able to capture high-level semantic data flow that is more compact than using the code structure itself. Furthermore, we show that introducing an intermediate knowledge graph representation outperforms models that rely only on the code itself. Finally, we report on a user survey to reflect on the challenges and opportunities presented by computational data journeys for explainable AI.
Determining When Schrödinger's Cats Die
Authors: Krechmer Ken
Published: June 2023

E. Schrödinger proposed a thought experiment to illustrate the discontinuity, not fully understood, that appears in quantum mechanics when a measurement process occurs. The cats in his thought experiment appear to be both alive and dead. This unreasonable appearance has not been satisfactorily explained before. Calibration, which is required in metrology, is not treated in physics theory. This paper illustrates how calibration to a non-local time standard explains the alive and dead appearance of Schrödinger's cats.
The Development and Implementation of a Community-Based Evangelism Model in the Word of Life Seventh-day Adventist Church in Memphis, TN
Authors:   ,   Andrews University, Batten Fred
Published: June 2023

Problem Studies (Arn, 1988) reported that over 80% of churches in America are in a period of stagnation or decline relative to growth. Despite the mega-church trend in America, most churches will not add one person to the membership rolls in a given year (Sylvia, 2004). A safe conclusion is that attendance is also on a downward trend. Research (Burrill, 2007) suggests that from historical bases the Seventh-day Adventist church does a good job in the area of evangelism. In 2006 the statistical report of the world Adventist church highlighted that over 3,000 people joined the church through baptism on a daily bases (Bediako, 2010). The average attendance in the Adventist church in America is approximately 50 people each week. The annual baptisms at Word of Life Seventh-day Adventist Church in Memphis, TN are around six with the attendance around 85 people. The specific problem is the low evangelism that impacts the low growth in baptisms and attendance at Word of Life. Method The purpose of this project was to, (a) examine the reasons or barriers for low growth; (b) establish biblical and spirit of prophecy foundations for relational strategies to reach the community; (c) develop and implement an evangelism model that activates the members of Word of Life Seventh-day Adventist Church in a blessing approach of evangelism, increase baptism and attendance. In order to arrive at the development and implementation of the project, I made several steps of progression. I examined the church’s history of evangelism and outreach. I collected data relative to church attendance and baptisms. I ordered an independent assessment of the church and examined the results. I administered and examined the Styles Questionnaire to 75 members of the church. I developed the model and training seminar pertaining to evangelism. -- Results The church did increase its outreach into the community of Frayser. This increase revealed more outreach ministry activities in and for the community as well. Eight people joined the church through baptism as a result of the iBlessMemphis model of friendship evangelism. Conclusion This research document represents the development and implementation of the iBlessMemphis evangelistic model at the Word of Life Seventh-day Adventist Church. This model successfully utilized the small group, friendship, community outreach and proclamation approaches in evangelism by increasing the church baptisms, attendance and community presence. Other churches can adapt and use this model or approach for positive outcomes.
Developing The Educating For Discipleship Model To Be Used in Sabbath School in South Korea
Authors:   ,   Andrews University, Kim Sun Il
Published: June 2023

Problem Sabbath School is designed to be a system in which people are engaged in the process of becoming disciples, however, the church tends to operate in a formal and mechanical manner. As a result, the Sabbath School cannot be an agency to produce Christ’s disciples and the church cannot be a community of discipleship. Both of these conditions can be addressed by attending to the health of the faith community which allows the process of discipleship to accomplish transformation of the members of the community. The Seventh-day Adventist Church has Sabbath School, which is a great system for the purpose of encouraging discipleship. This study will develop an Educating for Discipleship model to ignite the spirit of discipleship. Sabbath School will be an active time of inspiring discipleship and working to achieve Sabbath School’s original goal, that of education for soul-winning and mission. Method This study applies research, Bible analysis, a review of literature, an analysis of Counsels on Sabbath School (White, 2002a) and the combined aims of Sabbath School to the process of discipleship. Results This study develops the Educating for Discipleship model, a Bible study centered model which leads children, youth and new believers to become Christ’s disciples and His missionaries. The Educating for Discipleship model is operated in Sabbath School because Sabbath School is a place of Bible study for believers and its expressed goals are matched with the discipleship process. Conclusion The Educating for Discipleship model will establish discipleship through purposeful studying of the Bible. Bible study in Sabbath School creates cooperation between teachers and members, with influence extending to families and the entire churches. It utilizes inductive and deductive reasoning simultaneously. The Educating for Discipleship model restores the function of Sabbath School, which is to help believers to apply and practice the word of God in their lives. The restored Sabbath School plays a pivotal role in the church, fostering the growth of a discipleship community. Sabbath School operated via the Educating for Discipleship model will provide a practical educational environment for participants to live as Jesus’ disciples especially as missionaries and servants in many different fields.
Training The Members Of The Hacienda Heights Seventh-day Adventist Church To Create Missional Communities
Authors:   ,   Andrews University, Poynter Brett
Published: June 2023

Problem A 2011 analysis of the Hacienda Heights Seventh-day Adventist Church revealed it had poor missional health in it, was not outreach focused, small group oriented, or a discipling community. This attributed to plateaued church growth with a congregation consisting largely of boomers and a significantly low percentage of GenX’ers and millennials. Method An intervention to train the members of the Hacienda Heights church to create missional communities was developed and applied as a means to improve the church’s missional health and growth. The intervention was developed by studying missional church literature and assessing the church and community. The resulting intervention included these modules: personal transformation, creating a sense of urgency, developing a guiding coalition, fostering passionate and authentic spirituality, mentoring disciples of Jesus, and developing missional communities. A follow-up assessment was conducted after the application of the intervention in order to determine its effectiveness. Results The intervention trained the church to create multiple missional communities. Missional health also increased as a result of the intervention, which led to improvements in spiritual development, mission and vision casting, organizational methods, outreach methods, leadership development, and discipleship. An increase in church growth was also observed among the millennia generation with eight baptisms, two recommitments, six new interests, and an increase in attendance of 21. Conclusions The conclusion of this project is the intervention effectively trained the Hacienda Heights Seventh-day Adventist Church to create missional communities. Secondly, it should be applied indefinitely to foster continued missional community growth and counteract the innate challenges of living missionally in the Los Angeles Metropolitan area. Lastly, without an intentional effort to create missional communities, a church inwardly focused will not reach outwardly on its own without a committed and equipped team of missional leaders to apply the intervention.
Developing, Implementing And Evaluating A Leader Development Process For Stone Mountain Seventh-Day Adventist Church
Authors:   ,   Andrews University, Honore Joel
Published: June 2023

Problem Stone Mountain Seventh-day Adventist Church’s vision calls for a reiterative process of growing the worship attendance to 2,000 worshipers, then initiating a new church plant every four years. At the initiation of this project, Stone Mountain Church did not have the capacity to achieve its vision. Its facility could not accommodate 2,000 worshipers. There were insufficient leaders to minister to 2,000 people, neither was there adequate leadership to take the congregation through a facilities expansion process. The shortage of leaders precluded the vision of Stone Mountain Seventh-day Adventist Church. Method Bolman and Deal (2008) provide four approaches for engaging in leader development. Their structural, human resource, political and symbolic organizational lenses, recommended for understanding organizations, provided a multifaceted process. A structural intervention was attempted by changes in the leadership structure. Human resource activities engaged personal relationship building combined with coaching. Political improvements were sought by employing Lencioni’s (2000) model of developing a cohesive leadership team around seven points of organizational alignment. Symbolic shifts were tried through changes in the worship format, facilities renovation and theological clarity. Results Because of implemented leader development process, Stone Mountain Seventh-day Adventist Church has made observable moves toward its vision. Leader development has been successful in bringing the church to the threshold of a major expansion. The leader development process of this project has demonstrated its effectiveness as a means of moving the church forward. Conclusion The leader development process works. Further investment in leader development may help the church achieve its vision of planting a congregation of 500 worshipers every four years. Additional fulltime personnel will likely be required in order to further that task. Should an anticipated church merger be successful, leader development will be critical for the alignment of the two churches into a new congregation
Relational Health Through The Communion Service At The Lighthouse Seventh-Day Adventist Church In Fort Lauderdale, Fl
Authors:   ,   Andrews University, Powell M. Curtis
Published: June 2023

Problem The history of conflict at the Lighthouse Seventh-day Adventist Church can be traced to the different attitudes and approaches toward the corporate worship experience held by the membership. One view of worship is more akin to traditional liturgy and style. One segment of the congregation, composed mainly of older members, prefers the use of hymns, emphasizes reverence in the sanctuary, and is skeptical of drums. Their posture could be considered reflective rather than overtly expressive. The other view of worship is more akin to contemporary elements and style. They prefer more contemporary genres of music, a more contemporary liturgy, and seek greater inclusivity of instruments. Their posture could be considered more expressive than reflective. These competing views created tension within the congregation, which grew into relational strain, unChristlike attitudes, and disengagement from some of the youth. The presence of unresolved conflict, along with the strain caused to relationships, continue to jeopardize the mission and integrity of the church. Method To address the issues of relational conflict a qualitative methods approach using focus groups sought to implement a new communion service that addressed the relational conflict within the church. This qualitative method will be used to assess the congregation’s attitudes and interactions during one of the most sacred services of the Christian church, namely the communion service. This has been chosen due to its unique ability to bring people together in commemoration of God’s salvation for mankind through Jesus Christ. With new features added to this service it is hoped that healing and reconciliation can take place, and originating issues of conflict can be addressed. It will seek to move the congregation toward relational health as outlined throughout Scripture. Results Over 90% of the members of the second focus group believed that the newly implemented elements of the communion service moved the congregation toward greater relational health. It also produced the following results: (a) the creation of a blended worship experience that incorporated cultural diversity and liturgical preferences. (b) Greater appreciation of cultural differences and reflecting these cultural differences in the communion service, (c) greater membership engagement in solution based dialogue, (d) increased attendance during our preparatory services before the communion service. (e) Improved attitudes toward servant leadership. Conclusions The communion service may provide the following: (a) A theological platform for healing conflicted churches in a similar context. (b) Encourages church leaders be proactive and intentional in leading a congregation toward biblically based solutions for conflict. (c) Contributes to the emerging field of Black pastoral theology and Black practical theology within a Seventh-day Adventist Caribbean context
Reviving Family Worship In The Rocky Mountain Indonesian Seventh-day Adventist Church
Authors:   ,   Andrews University, Marpaung Purasa
Published: June 2023

Problem Seventh-day Adventist immigrants struggle to maintain Indonesian Adventist family worship practices in the process of assimilating to the United States culture. In particular, the family worship practices of the Rocky Mountain Indonesian Seventh-day Adventist Church have been adapted to fit the American environment and lifestyle. The practical family worship activities that were an essential component of the culture and identity of the people of Indonesian heritage are disappearing through exposure to new ideas and methods of worship. This lack of family worship in immigrant families must be addressed through cultural as well as theological perspectives. Method Couples, with at least one partner being an Indonesian immigrant, were invited to attend the pilot family worship seminars. Questionnaires on worship satisfaction were distributed before and after the seminars to members who were at least 16 years old. Analysis of the data allowed the researcher to determine the effectiveness of the seminars on encouraging the practice of family worship. Results Practical and theological reflections on family worship were formed based on biblical themes. Family worship was defined and examined, specifically in spiritual, historical, and cultural contexts. The topic of family worship was discussed in part through the lens of Indonesian Adventists who have immigrated to the United States. An oral evaluation survey was given to the 75 participants, The majority of comments were positive regarding the effectiveness of the .the presentations in strengthening their family worship activities and perspective on family worship. Sixty-five of the 75 participants also indicated that they have done, have started, and/or will continue conducting family worship services at home. Conclusion The goal of the seminar presentations was to assist attendees in making family worship more valuable and vibrant, even in their transition to a new life and culture. The presentation of family worship through the seminars motivated attendees to accept the holistic concept of family worship that transcends cultural boundaries. The seminar also led them to make family worship an important part of their children’s spiritual life and allowed them to use the practical methods for having family worship.
A Biblical Training Model To Improve The Financial Literacy Of The Members Of The Roundup-Lewistown District Of The Seventh-day Adventist Church
Authors:   ,   Andrews University, Raduly Andrew
Published: June 2023

Problem Pastoral observation suggested that one third of the Roundup-Lewistown Seventh-day Adventist district membership struggled with personal financial management issues. It was suggested that the root causes for the inability to manage financial resources was a lack of financial literacy and education and a lack of understanding of basic financial concepts, including misunderstandings about biblical concepts about wealth, borrowing, and stewardship of resources. Method In order to assess, improve, and observe the basic knowledge of the financial literacy and education of the Roundup-Lewistown Seventh-day Adventist church membership, a pre-financial literacy seminar assessment survey (PREFLAS) was administered. The PREFLAS was followed by a seven-part financial literacy seminar (FLS) based in large part on Christian principles. A post-financial literacy seminar assessment survey (POSTFLAS) was also administered to assess the potential changes (if any) in perception and behavior as it related to improving the financial literacy of the Roundup-Lewistown Seventh-day Adventist church membership. Results The data from the PREFLAS and POSTFLAS indicated that only 6% of the questions (six questions) in the survey had a statistically significant difference. The vast majority of the questions did not have a perception or behavior change in the respondents due to the FLS information. Conclusion In this research, based on a conservative statistical analysis, 94% of the intervention proved to be ineffective. It is encouraging that nearly half of the respondents gave answers that suggested a positive upwards trajectory in financial literacy perception changes. This research suggests that cognitive information alone is not enough for perception and behavior change as it relates to finance. Other factors such as adequate time, clarity of the assessing instruments, personal motivation, and environmental factors that are, for example, economic, political, and socio-cultural, all affect a basic understanding of financial literacy concepts.
Training Selected Churches in the Iowa-Missouri Conference of Seventh-day Adventists to Minister to Cohabiting Couples
Authors:   ,   Andrews University, Miller Jared
Published: June 2023

Problem The number of cohabiting couples has dramatically risen over the last several decades. Even a significant amount of Seventh-day Adventist Church members, both young and old, have chosen to live together apart from a committed marriage. Living together without the covenant of marriage comes with many risks and many negative effects on both adults and children. With the prevalence of cohabitation increasing, the church is faced with a new ministry challenge and opportunity. Churches need to be educated about the biblical theology of sexual intimacy and the dangers and damage that come with cohabitation. Furthermore, churches need biblical strategies to minister faithfully to cohabiting couples. Method A three-part seminar and accompanying workbook were developed to train churches to minister to cohabiting couples. Two churches in the Iowa-Missouri Conference of Seventh-day Adventists were selected and agreed to individually participate in the seminar on two separate Sabbaths in August of 2017, respectively. In addition to sharing the biblical and scholarly research, three biblical and practical ministry suggestions were given so that ministry could be implemented. The effectiveness of the training seminar to educate and equip churches was measured by a pre-seminar and post-seminar survey. A combined total of 41 pre-seminar and 31 postseminar surveys were completed. This cross-sectional quantitative quasi experimental research provided valuable data from both churches which was carefully analyzed and evaluated. Results The study revealed participants’ improvement in three key areas that were measured: (a) knowledge of cohabitation, (b) comfort in ministering to cohabiting couples, and (c) willingness to minister to cohabiting couples. Additionally, 1/3 of participants in Iowa, and nearly 2/3 from Missouri, reported a change in view about cohabitation as a result of the seminar. Furthermore, a large majority of participants indicated the seminar helped them understand more clearly that sexual immorality and cohabitation are prohibited by the Bible and the writings of Ellen G. White. Conclusions Based upon the participants’ survey data, the training seminar did appear to have success in improving knowledge of cohabitation, as well as improving participants’ comfort level and willingness to minister to cohabiting couples. The biblical ideal for sexual intimacy to occur only within a committed marriage, which is supported by much current research regarding the negative effects of cohabitation on adults and children, led many participants to more strongly disapprove of cohabitation. At the same time, the post-seminar survey revealed an increased number of participants believed that the church should intentionally minister to cohabiting couples. The apparent benefit of this seminar indicates the need for further research and continued training of churches.
Men of Valor: A Study of Following Christ's Example of Discipleship with Five Key Men in the Local Church
Authors:   ,   Andrews University, Cassell Bradley
Published: June 2023

Problem The Tampa First Seventh-day Adventist Church is a diverse congregation with over 40 countries represented in its membership of nearly 600. There had been a steady increase of attendance and membership through transfers and conversion for several years. One of the biggest challenges that we faced at Tampa First was the discipleship of men. I have perceived in my 23 years of ministry that when the father is growing spiritually, the family unit had a greater tendency to grow with him, and the children were much more likely to stay connected to God and the church. It was imperative for me to find a way to break through the barriers of spiritual stagnation with the men at Tampa First. This project has led the way to spiritual growth and an intentional disciple-making process for these men in my congregation. Task The task of this project was to develop and implement a process of discipleship for a small group the men of the Tampa First Church where I poured myself into five key male leaders over a twelve-month period and empowered them to be disciple-makers for other men in our local congregation and in their spheres of influence. Results After the twelve-month period of discipleship, three of the five key leaders remained active in the group while others moved on for various reasons. I created a spiritual growth measuring tool I called a Life Thermometer consisting of ten questions that was given to the participants at the end of the twelve months. The results of all five participants from the Life Thermometer showed overall increases ranging from 15% up to a 48% increase with an average growth among the five men of 28%. Conclusion There was spiritual growth among all the participants and in me as the group leader over the twelve-month period. We all grew as leaders, men of God, priests in our homes, and witnesses in our spheres of influence. The principles fleshed out in this study will have a significant impact in men’s discipleship at the Tampa First Church as well as possibly impacting other churches in our region and local conference.
A Dialogical Encounter Between Young Black Men and the Police in Dougherty County: Towards a More Effective Community Trust
Authors:   ,   Andrews University, Nelson Joshua
Published: June 2023

Problem Disproportionate police shootings of unarmed Black men have been a controversial topic of discussion in recent years. While Black men are 6% of the United States population, they make up almost half of the fatal police shootings each year. These figures indicate that policing tactics are depriving certain citizens of their right to live in peaceful societies where everyone experiences justice. Method The focus of this study was to develop, test and employ a training intervention model that facilitated a community of trust between law enforcement officers and Black American youth. This was done through the development of an intervention manual that focused on facilitating restorative justice and initiating community policing tactics with participants. This project brought 24 young Black men and 14 police officers together for a three-week, four-part intervention. A pre- and post-survey was administered to the participants to measure significant changes in perception. Result The data revealed that the young Black men did show significant changes in perceptions of trust towards police. The police mostly shared positive initial and final perceptions of the young men. Thus, the police officers’, pre- and post-data, did not show significant changes in perception towards the youth. However, their written and verbal comments indicated increased concern for the young men and enthusiasm for implementing continued community policing. Conclusions Perhaps if a group of police officers who initially admitted to having negative perceptions towards young Black males participated in this project, more significant changes would have been revealed in their perceptions post-survey. More research could have been done in this area. Implementing the intervention for a longer period of time would have rendered even better results.
A Pediatric Spiritual Care Training Model Utilizing Volunteers at Children's Hospital in New Orleans, Louisiana
Authors:   ,   Andrews University, Mitchell Allen
Published: June 2023

Problem Children's Hospital—New Orleans is a regional medical center for children with a 247-bed capacity. The hospital is growing in size and scope. However, the number of quality spiritual care providers has not kept up with the growing needs of the institution. As a medical center continues to grow, more spiritual care providers are needed to meet the demand of our increasing patient population. Financial resources are limited and budgets do not favor hiring additional full-time staff chaplains. Method A spiritual care training manual was developed to increase the number of trained volunteers to provide spiritual care coverage. A 12-hour orientation training course was developed and utilized at Children’s Hospital—New Orleans in the fall of 2017. The course provided basic pastoral care visitation skills to volunteers. The 14 participants were asked to answer pre- and post-test surveys and also to complete an evaluation at the conclusion of the course. Data was extracted from the surveys using a qualitative case study research methodology. Results The study reflected the attitudes of the participants and their understanding of spiritual care in a pediatric setting. Out of 14 participants, nine completed all the course work. A certificate of achievement was given to those who completed the course and they were encouraged to complete the process to become spiritual care volunteers. One of the participants was a nurse on staff at the hospital. She was informed by administration that she could not volunteer to provide spiritual care and also work as a nurse in the same hospital. Five of them now actively serve as spiritual care volunteers at Children's Hospital. In addition, there is now a manual to guide the training of volunteer spiritual care providers. Conclusions Based on the participants' learning as expressed in their evaluations and comments, the course was well received. As a pilot program, this model of spiritual care will serve as the foundation to further develop the spiritual care program at Children's Hospital—New Orleans. This model will be explored, revised and further developed to promote the growth of spiritual care in this pediatric setting.
A Two-Year Grief Support Program for Atlanta Boulevard Seventh-day Adventist Church
Authors:   ,   Andrews University, Thomas Harold
Published: June 2023

Problem The Atlanta Boulevard Seventh-day Adventist Church members experienced grief due to over 20 deaths of loved ones from 2012-2014. During that time, the church provided an annual 12-week GriefShare program during the first quarter and an annual one-day Surviving the Holidays program during the last quarter. While participants appreciated the programs, some, including those who provided grief support, expressed concern that there was too little follow-up after the GriefShare and Surviving the Holidays programs. Pastoral observation suggested that the church needed an expanded bereavement support structure over a longer period of time. Methodology A two-year plan was developed to enhance the existing grief support ministry. In addition to the first-quarter GriefShare and fourth-quarter Surviving the Holidays programming, a Grief Relief Spa and a follow-up meeting were added during the second and third quarters respectively. Additional team members were recruited and trained in order to sufficiently host the added activities. Surveys, focus groups for participants and team members, and the evaluation of notes from debriefing meetings after each program were used as methods of evaluation. Results Eleven participants agreed to join the project during the first year and three additional people joined during the second year. Eight church members volunteered to join the grief support team for the project. Over 90 % of the participants were females and most participants were over 60 years old. The average time since their experience of loss and the first support group session was seven years. There were many others who participated in the grief support activities, but chose not to participate in the project. Participants and team members were not concerned with the longevity of the grief support, but with the continuous presence and availability of grief support ministry as part of the church’s ministry to its members and to the community. Hosting quarterly activities was the maximum workload the ministry team could handle, even though they desired to do more for the participants. They also wanted more training in the various areas of grief support. Conclusion The study revealed that participants and team members acknowledged the constant need for grief support ministry at Atlanta Boulevard Seventh-day Adventist Church. Though the goal was to provide a timed grief support program for individuals navigating grief recovery, the time factor was not the main issue for participants and team members. Rather, the availability of a grief support ministry that was integrated into the life of the church and included multiple and varied activities to assist them throughout the grief journey. Additionally, the grief support team members highlighted the need for continuous training on how to tackle the various issues that arise during grief recovery.
A Strategy To Increase Cross-Cultural Preaching Ministry among Seventh-day Adventist Pastors in Southern Alabama
Authors:   ,   Andrews University, Knight Dejuan
Published: June 2023

Problem Southern Alabama's Seventh-day Adventist churches are mostly segregated across ethnic lines. Furthermore, most of the church pastors are of the same ethnic group as their members. One of the main reasons for the continued fears among laity, pastors, and conference administrators towards pastoral leadership from other cultures stems from the widespread idea that cross-cultural pastors cannot present their sermons in the cultural preaching style and with the content desired by the congregation. Method A project was designed and instituted in Dothan, AL between the two Seventh-day Adventist churches in the city. The Dothan First Seventh-day Adventist Church is a part of Gulf States Conference, while the Mount Olive Seventh-day Adventist Church is part of the South Central Conference. Over a period of three months the project was implemented in which a pastor and (an elder in the absence of a pastor at the other church) switched pulpits once each month over the total period of three months. There were also survey participants from each church that gave their initial answers about cross-cultural preachers, and then their final evaluations after the pulpit switches had been completed. The data from their surveys was then evaluated and a mental sketch was developed of how effective cross-cultural preachers can actually be. Results The project revealed that there was a varied opinion on the effectiveness of cross-cultural ministers in preaching to congregation with a majority population that was different from their own culture. However, the majority of survey participants believed that the cross-cultural ministers were quite capable of preaching to cultures different from their own. In addition, it was suggested by at least one that the most important part of preaching was not so much culture but simply preaching the Bible, and as long as the Bible was preached diligently and truthfully than everything else was not as important. Conclusions Based on the responses of some of the survey participants, this project was effective though it could have been longer and more in depth. From some of their statements, the project had a positive spiritual impact on at least some of the listeners, and there is a great need for this area of ministry to be probed, researched, and studied more deeply. As the demographics of America continue to change, perhaps this is something that will have to be faced and considered more frequently to effectively reach our ever-changing populous.
Development and Implementation of a Ministry Program To Reconnect Former Adventists within the Waitara Seventh-day Adventist Church
Authors:   ,   Andrews University, Govender Roger
Published: June 2023

Problem The membership data from the Waitara Church revealed a gain of 1.33% in baptisms and professions of faith. However, attendance data collected indicated that the weekly attendance numbers in the Waitara Church, within the Greater Sydney on any given Sabbath; did not add up to the numbers found on the local church membership roll. This disparity in membership numbers raised questions regarding the whereabouts of those who do not attend church any longer but continue to claim to be Seventh-day Adventists, this is a member retention problem that needs attention. Method Reconnecting ministry strategy was developed in order to reconnect with former and missing Adventists in the Waitara Church within the Greater Sydney Conference. After a 14-month preparatory period, a Home Coming Event was held on May 6, 2017; at the Waitara Seventh-day Adventist Church. The efficacy of the project was evaluated by the attendance of former members. Results The implementation of the reconnecting ministry program resulted in a first for the Waitara Church with 15 former members in attendance. While churches in Greater Sydney Conference were encouraged to hold a Home Coming Event, according to reports, the Waitara Church was most successful because of its intentional strategy. The outcomes were very encouraging with members suggesting that a similar initiative be held every alternate year. The testimonies from former members who attended the Home Coming Event were appreciative of the fact that the church had not forgotten them. There were requests from other churches to hold a similar program in their churches. Conclusions Based on the results of the implementation of this strategy, to reconnect with former and missing members in the church at Waitara, it does seem to be an effective way to establish relationships with those who no longer attend church. This strategy also appears to have had a very positive impact on the spiritual climate of the church in Waitara; therefore, to implement this strategy biannually is recommended. Studying the possibility of implementing this strategy in other churches both in the Greater Sydney and other Conferences within the Australian Conferences is also merited.
СТАБІЛІЗАЦІЙНО-ТРАНЗИТИВНА СТРАТЕГІЯ ПРОТИДІЇЗЛОЧИННОСТІ НА ДЕОКУПОВАНИХ ТЕРИТОРІЯХ УКРАЇНИ
Authors: СОКУРЕНКО В. В.
Published: June 2023

The article is devoted to the study of a strategic approachto solving the problem of combating crime in the de-occupied territories of Ukraine. Based on the specification of general doctrinal provisions on the nature, content of criminological strategies to the results of the analysis of a typical criminologicalsituation in the de-occupied territories of Ukraine, a theoretical model of a stabilization-transitive strategy is proposed. As its main components, the following are distinguished:value-worldview, phase-target (with phases of stabilization and post-stabilization transit), transphase and functional. Within the latter, it is proposed to single out 16 main integrated directions for the deployment of criminal and preventive activities.
ЩОДО ПИТАННЯ ПРО СУТНІСТЬ СУДИМОСТІ ТА ЇЇЗАСТОСУВАННЯ В МЕХАНІЗМІ РЕАЛІЗАЦІЇКРИМІНАЛЬНОЇ ВІДПОВІДАЛЬНОСТІ
Authors: ГУСАРОВ С. М. , ЯЩЕНКО А. М.
Published: June 2023

The article is devoted to clarifying the issue of the essence of a criminal record, its concept and signs, criteria for systematization of legal restrictions,burdens or prohibitions of a criminal record, as well as the concept and features of the application of norms about a criminal record in the mechanism of implementation of criminal responsibility and drawing up on this basis its own generalized conclusions that would contributed to the expansion of the scientific understanding of the criminal record as a type of other measures of a criminal legal nature.By its legal nature, a criminal record, being another measure of a criminal-legal nature, is a means of criminal responsibility. A criminal record should be understood as a complex of general and criminal law restrictions, burdens and prohibitions defined by law, which are imposed on a person convicted of a criminal offense simultaneously with the imposition of a punishment or without such an imposition and (or) his release from serving a sentence with probation on the basis of Art. 75, 79 of the Criminal Code.