bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Electrifying Obstacle Avoidance: Enhancing Teleoperation of Robots with EMS-Assisted Obstacle Avoidance
Authors: Shahu Ambika , Kassem Khaled , Zehetgruber Leonhard , Wintersberger Philipp , Michahelles Florian
Published: June 2023

We investigate how the use of haptic feedback through electrical muscle stimulation (EMS) can improve collision-avoidance in a robot teleoperation scenario. Background: Collision-free robot teleoperation requires extensive situation awareness by the operator. This is difficult to achieve purely visually when obstacles can exist outside of the robot’s field of view. Therefore, feedback from other sensory channels can be beneficial. Method: We compare feedback modalities in the form of auditory, haptic and bi-modal feedback, notifying users about incoming obstacles outside their field of view, and moving their arms in the direction to avoid the obstacle. We evaluate the different feedback modalities alongside a unimodal visual feedback baseline in a user study (N=9), where participants are controlling a robotic arm in a virtual reality environment. We measure objective performance metrics in terms of the number of collisions and errors, as well as subjective user feedback using the NASA-TLX and the short version of the User Experience Questionnaire. Findings: Unimodal EMS and bi-modal feedback outperformed the baseline and unimodal auditory feedback when it comes to hedonic user experience (p<.001). EMS outperformed the baseline with regards to pragmatic user experience (p=.018). We did not detect significant differences in the performance metrics (collisions and errors). We measured a strong learning effect when investigating the collision count and time. Key insights: The use of EMS is promising for this task. Two of the nine participants reported to experience some level of discomfort. The modality is best utilized for nudging rather than extended movement.
Design of a Human-in-the-Loop Centered AI-Based Clinical Decision Support System for Professional Care Planning
Authors: Steffny Laura , Dahlem Nanna , Reichl Lea , Gisa Kevin , Greff Tobias , Werth Dirk
Published: June 2023

In the healthcare sector in particular, the shortage of skilled workers is a major problem that will become even more acute in the future as a result of demographic change. One way to counteract this trend is to use intelligent systems to reduce the workload of healthcare professionals. AI-based clinical decision support systems (AICDSS) have already proven their worth in this area, while simultaneously improving medical care. More recently, AICDSS have also been characterized by their ability to leverage the increasing availability of clinical data to assist healthcare professionals and patients in a variety of situations based on structured and unstructured data. However, the need to access large amounts of data while adhering to strict privacy regulations and the dependence on user adoption have highlighted the need to further adapt the implementation of AICDSS to integrate with existing healthcare routines. A subproject of the ViKI pro research project investigates how AICDSS can be successfully integrated into professional care planning practice using a user-centered design thinking approach. This paper presents the design of the ViKI pro AICDSS and the challenges related to privacy, user acceptance, and the data base. It also describes the development of an AI-based cloud technology for data processing and exchange using federated learning, and the development of an explicable AI algorithm for recommending care interventions. The core of the AICDSS is a human-in-the-loop system for data validation, in which the output of the AI model is continuously verified by skilled personnel to ensure continuous improvement in accuracy and transparent interaction between AI and humans.
Reinforcement Learning Requires Human-in-the-Loop Framing and Approaches
Authors: Taylor Matthew E.
Published: June 2023

Reinforcement learning (RL) is typically framed as a machine learning paradigm where agents learn to act autonomously in complex environments. This paper argues instead that RL is fundamentally human in the loop (HitL). The reward functions (and other components) of a Markov decision process are defined by humans. The decisions to tackle a certain problem, and deploy a learned solution, are taken by humans. Humans can also play a critical role in providing information to the agent throughout its life cycle to better succeed at the problem in question. We end by highlighting a set of critical HitL research questions, which, if ignored, could cause RL to fail to live up to its full potential.
Towards Robots That Meet Users’ Need for Explanation
Authors: Stange Sonja , Kopp Stefan
Published: June 2023

While humans are used to reason about other humans’ behavior, they are not readily able to understand the decision processes of artificial agents. This can be harmful in human-robot interaction (HRI) settings where a user may suspect erroneous or, even worse, intentionally non-cooperative behavior, resulting in reduced acceptance of the robot. In order to mitigate such negative effects, autonomous robots may be equipped with the ability to adequately explain their behavior. To that end, a robot is required to have the ability to (1) robustly detect a user’s need for explanation and (2) identify the situation-specific nature of the explanation need. Further it needs to be endowed with (3) communicative capabilities in order to deliver suitable explanations and ensure sufficient understanding. This extended abstract presents recent work towards endowing a social robot with such qualities and discusses how robots can meet users’ explanation needs more adequately.
Towards Simple Hybrid Language Model Reasoning Through Human Explanations Enhanced Prompts
Authors: Clavié Benjamin , Soulié Guillaume , Naylor Frederick , Brightwell Thomas
Published: June 2023

Large Pre-Trained Models (LLMs) have reached state-of-the-art performance in various Ntural Language Processing (NLP) application tasks. However, an issue remains these models may confidently output incorrect answers, flawed reasoning, or even entirely hallucinate answers. Truly integrating human feedback and corrections is difficult for LLMs, as the traditional approach of fine-tuning is challenging and compute-intensive for LLMs, and the weights for the best models are often not publicly available. However, the ability to interact with these models in natural language opens up new possibilities for Hybrid AI. In this work, we present a very early exploration of Human-Explanations-Enhanced Prompting (HEEP), an approach that aims to help LLMs learn from human annotators’ input by storing corrected reasonings and retrieving them on the fly to integrate them into prompts given to the model. Our preliminary results support the idea that HEEP could represent an initial step towards cheap alternatives to fine-tuning and developing human-in-the-loop classification methods at scale, encouraging more efficient interactions between human annotators and LLMs.
ResumeTailor: Improving Resume Quality Through Co-Creative Tools
Authors: Delobelle Pieter , Wang Sonja Mei , Berendt Bettina
Published: June 2023

Clear and well-written resumes can help jobseekers find better and better-suited jobs. However, many people struggle with writing their resumes, especially if they just entered the job market. Although many tools have been created to help write resumes, an analysis we conducted showed us that these tools focus mainly on layout and only give very limited content-related support. This paper presents a co-creative resume building tool that provides tailored advice to jobseekers. It is based on a comprehensive computational analysis of 444k resumes and the development of a Dutch language model, ResumeRobBERT, to provide contextual suggestions. Through the analysis of the resumes, we found that some expected sections, such as language proficiency, are often missing entirely, while conversely some resumes contain unexpected content, such as negative personality traits. This implies that jobseekers could benefit from more guidance when writing resumes. We aim to support them in the resume-writing process through our tool ResumeTailor, a co-creative resume building tool that gives textual suggestions and provides a template for important resume sections.
Quantifying Cooperation Between Rule-Based Hanabi Agents Using Information Theory
Authors: Wollstadt Patricia , Krüger Matti , Wiebel-Herboth Christiane B.
Published: June 2023

With increasing abilities of artificial systems and agents, it has been proposed to design those systems to behave cooperatively towards human users. However, it is often unclear how to evaluate whether a cooperation in human-machine interaction takes place or how to even quantitatively describe such a cooperation. We have previously proposed a framework to quantify the degree of cooperation in an interaction between two agents, using novel measures from information theory. We here extend the initial evaluation of this framework by applying the proposed measure to rule-based artificial agents playing Hanabi. We show that the measure correlates with the number of points scored by the agents and that the framework allows to describe uni-directional interactions between stronger and weaker players. The proposed framework may be used to evaluate and guide HMI design towards more cooperative interactions, which is believed to lead to a more pleasant user experience.
Functional Requirements for Interactive Bias-Audit Tools
Authors: Lenders Daphne , Calders Toon
Published: June 2023

Interactive toolkits can be used to audit automated decision-making models for discriminatory biases. In this paper, we present a rubric listing the functional requirements such toolkits need to fulfil to make them usable in practice. The rubric was based on a literature review of interview studies with industry practitioners, and other possible auditors.
Representation Learning for Semantic Scene Understanding
Authors: Farshad Azade
Published: June 2023

Recent advances in semantic scene understanding have underscored its growing significance in the field of computer vision. Enhanced representations can be achieved by incorporating semantic information derived from textual data and applying it to generative models for scene modeling. Nevertheless, the features extracted from text prompts may not seamlessly model a scene. Scene graphs offer a robust solution to address this challenge, serving as a powerful representation for semantic image generation and manipulation. In this study, we delve into the utilization of scene graphs for this purpose and propose novel methodologies to augment both the representation and learning processes involved in image generation and manipulation. For image generation, we examine meta-learning for producing images in unprecedented scenes and refine the generated images using an autoregressive scene graph generation model. In terms of image manipulation, we put forth a novel self-supervised method that eliminates the need for paired before-and-after data. Additionally, we boost image manipulation performance by disentangling latent and graph representations in a self-supervised manner. By evaluating the efficacy of our proposed approaches on a diverse range of publicly available benchmarks, we demonstrate their superiority, ultimately achieving state-of-the-art performance in the domain of semantic image generation and manipulation.
Main Directions of Corrective and Developmental Work to Overcome Specific and Permanent Violations of Writing Skills in Dysgraphia of Younger School Age Children
Authors:   V. O. Sukhomlynskyi Mykolaiv National University PhD in Philology, Associate Professor, Mykolaiv, Ukraine, Kaleniuk Svitlana , Oleksyuk Oksana ,   V.O. Sukhomlynsky Mykolaiv National University Mykolayiv, Ukraine
Published: June 2023

The article examines the main directions of corrective and developmental work to overcome violations of writing skills in dysgraphia in children of primary school age. It has been proven that the organization of corrective work to overcome writing and reading disorders of primary school age children in logopoint is based on the implementation of general didactic and special principles. It is emphasized that the method proposed in the study is effective and can be successfully used in the practice of corrective and developmental work among elementary school children.
On the rheology of thixotropic and rheopexic suspensions: accounting for the formation of trimmers
Authors: Levinsky Alexander
Published: June 2023

Semi-empirical equations are derived that describe the dependence of shear stress on shear rate during the flow of a one-component suspension. The suspension is considered as consisting of three fractions: single grains of the solid phase, their dimers and trimers, between which reversible di- and trimerization reactions occur. Wherein, dimerization and trimerization are considered as reactions with invariable rate constants, and the dissociation of dimers and trimers – as reverse reactions with rate constants that increase linearly with the shear rate. The equations are based on the Krieger-Doherty formula generalized to the case of a multicomponent suspension. The equations describe well pseudoplasticity, dilatancy, thixotropy, and rheopexy, as well as suspensions with variable behaviour (when pseudoplastic behaviour is replaced by dilatant one, and thixotropic behaviour is replaced by rheopexic one, and vice versa).
Contentious Biometric Voters Registration and Democratic Politics under COVID-19: The Myth of ‘Social Distance’ in an African State?
Authors: Appiah-Thompson Christopher
Published: June 2023

According to scholars of electoral governance, the compilation of an accurate, reliable, and transparent voters’ register constitutes a fundamental task for the conduct of peaceful, fair, and fair democratic elections. However, the generation of the final voter roll for the Ghanaian presidential election on December 7, 2020, was clouded with many controversies under the uncertain and restrictive health environment. Especially, considering the existing restrictive health regulations and requirements of the wearing of protective facemasks and the observation of social distance as dictated by the COVID-19 pandemic due to the absence of protective vaccines at that time. Based on the available primary and secondary evidence, this paper contends that the outright disregard for the observation (1 metre) social distance and the practice of other health precautions at the polling stations during this biometric voter registration exercise affected health security in terms of the containment of this global health pandemic in Ghana and the West African sub-region.
FAKTOR YANG MEMPENGARUHI KEPUASAN KERJA ERA NEW NORMAL
Authors: Hustia Anggreany , Kholilah Kholilah , Permana Arradytia , Anjani Anissa Winda , Rahmawati Desi
Published: June 2023

Purpose – This research was aim at determined the factors that had affect the job satisfaction of PT WPG employees. The satisfaction factors studied in this study are financial factors, psychological factors and social factors that occur in companies.  Design/methodology – The sample used in this study was 83 respondents used cluster sampling techniques. The research carried out was the F test to test the factors that affect employee job satisfaction, financial factors on employee job satisfaction, psychological factors for employee job satisfaction and social factors for job satisfaction of employees PT. WPG.  Findings - The results showed that there was a significant influenced of financial factors, psychological factors and social factors on the job satisfaction of PT employees. WPG. There was a significant influenced of financial factors on the job satisfaction of PT. WPG, there was a significant influenced of psychological factors on the job satisfaction of PT employees. WPG, but for social factors did not affect the job satisfaction of PT. WPG. The three factors studied in this study obtained the results that contributed to employee job satisfaction by 83.6%.
Improving the creative abilities of teachers in the education system at the present stage
Authors:   Akdeniz University, Zaimoglu O. , Chelgechen Sh. ,   Akdeniz University
Published: June 2023

In the modern world, one of the main tasks of the education system is the development of creativity. Creativity - (English, create - to create, creative - creative, creative) - creative abilities characterized by a willingness to create fundamentally new ideas that deviate from traditional or accepted patterns of thinking, and are included in the structure of giftedness as an independent factor, as well as the ability to solve problems that arise within static systems. Creativity has many advantages. Creativity allows you to solve tasks, a good idea can help you find a way out of a difficult situation. Creative thinking helps a person to find the most unusual ways of development. Creativity makes life infinitely diverse. Creativity allows you to realize a creative idea. Creativity helps to find ways for self-realization. The article reveals the relevance of the development of creative thinking of students. The most significant characteristics of a person's creative thinking are determined. It is emphasized that the level of development of students' creative abilities can be increased if special methods and exercises are purposefully applied, and creative methods are actively used. The pedagogical conditions that ensure the formation of the experience of creative thinking of students and the methods of pedagogical interaction are highlighted.
Microbiological Quality and Sanitation of Food Stalls and Drinking Water Vending Machines
Authors:   Faculty of Public Health, Kasetsart University Chalermphrakiat Sakon Nakhon Campus, Sakon Nakhon, Thailand, Yongyod Rapeepan , Phusomya Phatcharaporn ,   Faculty of Public Health, Kasetsart University Chalermphrakiat Sakon Nakhon Campus, Sakon Nakhon, Thailand, Chopjitt Peechanika ,   Faculty of Public Health, Kasetsart University Chalermphrakiat Sakon Nakhon Campus, Sakon Nakhon, Thailand
Published: June 2023

Consumption of food from food stalls and water from vending machines has recently increased in Sakon Nakon Province, Thailand. This study investigated the microbial quality of food stalls and the sanitation of drinking water distributed through water vending machines. Escherichia coli, Salmonella spp., Staphylococcus aureus, and Vibrio cholerae were detected using polymerase chain reaction. In total, 33 food samples were collected from food stalls and 63 drinking water samples were collected from water vending machines. The results identified E. coli in 6.06% of the food and 11.11% of the drinking water samples. Salmonella spp., S. aureus, and V. cholerae were not detected in any of the food or drinking water samples. Food sanitation assessment indicated 21 (63.64%) of the food stalls did not meet the standards for drinking water as it was not stored in clean and closed containers equipped with a tap or nozzle. Regarding the sanitation of the water vending machines, the businesses failed to inspect the physical, chemical and biological aspects of water quality and never used a simple bacterial test kit to check water quality. It is concluded that the relevant government officials should educate the vender on food safety and hygiene as well as enforcing regular monitoring of the quality of food stall and drinking water vending machines.
A Strategic Model of Short-term Missions for the Andrews Korean Seventh-day Adventist Church
Authors:   ,   Andrews University, Bong Won Young
Published: June 2023

Problem. The Andrews Korean Seventh-day Adventist Church has played its missional role in Berrien Springs, Michigan, since 1977. In the current situation, more than 70 percent of the church members are students and their families and most Koreans in the Berrien Springs area are Adventists. There are hardly any non-Adventist Koreans in the local community. It makes it tough to do adequate and effective evangelistic training for each member. As a result, very few members have had the experience of sharing the gospel or their personal spiritual testimony with those outside the church. Method. A biblical and theological analysis, literature review, contextual analysis of the Andrews Korean Seventh-day Adventist Church, and its in-field experiences related to short-term mission programs of the church were pursued to design a strategic model of short-term missions for the Andrews Korean Seventh-day Adventist Church. Results. A model of short-term mission for the Andrews Korean Seventh-day Adventist church will be set up for training participants strategically. All participants of short-term missions will be exposed to a missional environment and they will experience the joy of sharing the gospel. A home mission will be developed in order to provide experienced church members with the opportunity to do short-term mission for continuous missional experience. All church members will be trained to be active christians. Conclusion. Short-term mission is a good method to provide church members with missional experience. Through this experience, participants can become contagious Christians. Accordingly, the church should utilize this program, design a strategic development curriculum for the training of participants, and apply it to them successfully. In this project, I suggest a strategic model of short-term mission for the Andrews Korean Seventh-day Adventist Church. If the local church adopts it, considering its present situation and resources, it will be a helpful element for the growth and revival of the church.
Holistic Approach to Preaching: A Training Program for Lay Speakers of Manhattan Seventh-day Adventist Church
Authors:   ,   Andrews University, Dyman Victor
Published: June 2023

Problem Many congregations that are part of multi-church districts are presented with the challenge of motivating and equipping lay people with the skills they need for effective preaching in the postmodern world. This project sought to develop a compact and user-friendly preaching workshop, and preaching laboratory to train lay preachers to preach effectively. Method A Scripture and literature search was conducted on preaching. Principles were used to develop Holistic Preaching Workshop and Preaching Laboratory which were given to lay preachers of Manhattan Seventh-day Adventist Church in Manhattan, New York City. After the six-hour weekend workshop lay preachers delivered public presentations at the Wings Theatre in which they used seminar principles. Their preaching was videotaped. Participant and audience responses were solicited in order to evaluate and revise the workshop. Results Research revealed that lay preaching is an effective and legitimate plan prepared by God for spreading of the Gospel. Three principal factors of holistic postmodern preaching were suggested: authenticity of the speaker, Scriptural accuracy, audience adaptation. Lay preachers appreciated the workshop, but some felt that they did not have enough time to assimilate new material. Audience responses to lay sermons increased as more holistic principles were incarnated in preaching. Conclusions Suggested principles of holistic preaching seem valid, and there appears to be a strong receptivity for lay preaching training. The workshop may also be effective with professional clergy. Applications of the workshop to other audiences than lay speakers require adaptation and more testing. Practical sermon-building skills should be added and follow the introductory stage of the workshop. Training has to be more gradual.
Preparing Pastors To Train Laity For Church Growth In The Seventh-Day Adventist Church In Japan
Authors:   ,   Andrews University, Suzuki Akeri
Published: June 2023

Problem The annual number of baptisms in the Seventh-day Adventist (SDA) Church in Japan has decreased from 426 in 1986 to 334 in 1995 despite increases in both the total membership and number of churches. During the same period of time, the number of pastors has declined from 118 in 1986 to 112 in 1995. Thus, the average annual baptisms per pastor has decreased from 3.61 in 1986 to 2.98 in 1995. Method Current literature was reviewed. This included books and articles on the principles, strategies, and programs which help pastors develop their abilities to equip the laity and to reach the community. Data of the SDA church in Japan were collected from the Japan Union Conference. Data about the current growth and decline of Protestant churches in Japan were obtained for comparison and in the search for solutions. A strategic training seminar was developed to equip pastors to train the laity for church growth and to help lay leaders and other members become efficient volunteers. Conclusions This program is expected to help pastors improve their abilities to train the laity for effective church growth in Japan. It also should help improve the quality of lay leadership and the missionary efforts of every member in the church. Some of the principles outlined in this dissertation could be adapted to meet similar needs in other parts of the world.
Leadership Development In Albania: Equipping Young Pastors For Apostolic Leadership
Authors:   ,   Andrews University, Rice Leigh
Published: June 2023

Problem Albania opened to Christian missions in 1992. The church is new and the pastors are young and with limited experience. Initial rapid growth has been followed by slow decline. Leadership and leadership development is in the hands of foreign missionaries with limited experience in Albania. There is a need to develop culturally-appropriate, apostolic leadership for a country with a predominately Muslim population. Method Library research, questionnaires, interviews, and observations were conducted to develop an understanding of the Project Director, the Albanian culture, a theology of leadership and church, and methods in leadership development. An appreciative inquiry approach was used to create and implement a plan for developing apostolic leadership. Results Apostolic leadership was chosen as the preferred leadership model to plant the church in this recently-entered country. An appreciative inquiry summit was conducted that successfully partnered young Albanians with experienced foreign missionaries in creating a preferred pattern for leadership. A plan was partially developed and implemented. There is greater confidence and enthusiasm in leadership but the process is at an early stage of implementation. If proven to be effective, this approach will help develop apostolic leadership in the current pastors of the Albanian Church and provide for future generations of leaders. Conclusion An apostolic leadership approach created through appreciative inquiry will increase the effectiveness of the leadership of the Albanian Church. It affirms the skills and experience of the Albanian pastors and creates ownership through participation. Apostolic leadership will increase the health and growth of the church.
A Strategy To Strengthen The Role And Function Of The District Pastor For Effective Leadership And Guidance Of Local Churches In Ghana
Authors:   ,   Andrews University, Sampah Paul
Published: June 2023

Problem Ever since the General Conference introduced Union and Conferences to run local churches, progress of the gospel work in Ghana has been slow. Before their introduction, churches were grouped into districts and run by district pastors. Due to their high administrative expenditure, local churches have become poor with no proper pastoral care. When church administration is given back to the districts and district pastor’s role is strengthened, conference expenditure will be reduced, more pastors will be sent to the churches, and local churches will be saved from financial collapse. Method Studies were carried out by reviewing current literature on church structures. Interviews with conference leaders, departmental directors, retired ministers, district pastors, church pastors, church elders, and all interest groups were conducted. A ministerial manual for district pastors has been developed for future training needs. Result A new administrative model that includes districts has been developed. A ministerial manual for the district pastors has also been developed. In order to strengthen the new church structure, a curriculum for training church leaders has been outlined with evaluation and monitoring tools. The restructuring of the church organization will hopefully free more pastors for the work in the districts that will lead more churches in holistic ministries and rapid church growth in Ghana. Conclusion A new administrative structure including districts has been designed to be implemented throughout Ghana. A program to strengthen the roles and functions of district pastors has also been developed that will strengthen church members who offer voluntary services in the spreading of the gospel. The new leadership manual for district pastors will be used by pastors to guide them in their ministerial duties. Finally, with expenditures reduced and a new conference administration in place, local churches will be saved from financial collapse.
Equipping The Seventh-Day Adventist Pastors In Zimbabwe For Grief Ministry: A Culturally Sensitive Approach
Authors:   ,   Andrews University, Musvosvi Simbarashe
Published: June 2023

The Problem Zimbabwe faces a predicament in which the mortality rate is rising while support for grieving people is declining. At the same time the Zimbabwean culture is rapidly changing because o f the impact of Christianity, urbanization, Western influences, and HIV/AIDS. Church leaders are not always in agreement on what rites are appropriate for Christians. These factors often result in inadequate support from the extended family, the community, and the church. Method This dissertation discusses the challenges that confront the Seventh-day Adventist church in Zimbabwe in ministering to the bereaved. My purpose was to design a training program for pastors in Zimbabwe to deal with grieving members in a culturally appropriate manner. G rief is normal, and the Bible recognizes it as a legitimate reaction to bereavement. In writing this dissertation I consulted literature on grief as well as on the culture o f Zimbabwe. I also relied on my knowledge of the culture of Zimbabwe, which I corroborated by interviewing other Zimbabweans. I has designed a pastoral training program for grief ministry in Zimbabwe. Conclusions Grief ministry in Zimbabwe is a priority for the Seventh-day Adventist Church. An effective grief ministry will recognize the value of modem research as well as the traditional support systems. It is necessary to study the findings of social sciences and to apply them in ways that are culturally appropriate. It is also necessary to avoid the temptation to condemn cultural rites without studying their significance and possible benefits to the adherents. Because cultural changes cannot be held back, it is necessary to adopt new ways to minister to people when traditional practices are discarded. Because o f the enormity of the task, grief ministry in Zimbabwe will need to be the responsibility o f the congregation, rather than the pastor’s alone. I, therefore, see the adoption o f support groups as a viable approach to grief ministry. This approach is not only efficient to bring comfort to the newly bereaved people, but it also provides an appropriate opportunity for ministry to those who have resolved their grief.
A Strategy to Improve the Health of the Ciba Church According to Principles of Natural Church Development in the Context of the Seventh-day Adventist Denomination and Culture
Authors:   ,   Andrews University, Jiao Wang Xin
Published: June 2023

Problem. Adventist churches in China do not operate under a denominational structure. As the government continues to open more churches, an increasing number of people become Adventists every day. Because of the fast growing pace of many churches in the past three decades, not much attention has been given to the health and quality aspect of church life. Therefore, the question of how to help the church to grow and to become healthy has become an urgent matter. Purpose. The purpose of this project is to develop and implement a strategy to improve the health of the Ciba Seventh-day Adventist Church in Southwest China by applying Christian Schwarz’s Natural Church Development (NCD) principles in the context of Chinese Seventh-day Adventism and the local culture. Method. The methodology was to use NCD to profile the Ciba church in southwest China and to identify its minimum factor, the lowest score among the eight quality characteristics of NCD. Attention would be given to the special context of the Chinese Adventist Church and Chinese culture in regard to NCD principles. One year after Ciba has worked on its minimum factor, a second profile would be done to compare with the first, and the result would be documented in this project. Result. Holistic Small Groups was found to be the minimum factor as the result of the first profile. Strategies were developed to increase this quality characteristic. However, the result of the second church profile showed little improvement of the minimum factor. Conclusions. Looking back at the results of the two church profiles and development and implementation of the strategies, it is still too early to tell if NCD principles can be useful in China. But I do believe NCD is a good measuring tool to help the Ciba church to identify its weaknesses. The potential that this experience may have a bigger impact in China lies in the fact that the Ciba church members were willing to put themselves to the test. As they share what they learned with Adventists in other parts of China, the possibility of raising awareness of the importance of a healthy church is very promising.
La Crisis De La Vida Media: Elaboracion e Implementacion ce un Seminario Para la Iglesia Adventista Hispana de Ontario, California
Authors:   ,   Andrews University, Alvarez Daniel
Published: June 2023

The literature related with the family clearly identifies the problem of the midlife crisis. The expert on family relationships and midlife crisis, Jim Conway, says: “Our studies, along with those of other researchers, show that al least 75% of people between ages thirty five to fifty five will go through a moderate to severe crisis.” 1 My experience as Pastor at the Ontario Hispanic Church, California, has shown me that the members of the congregation are not the exception, and I had the opportunity to advice and counsel persons that suffer emotional crisis during this stage of their lives. The purpose of this project was to identify the causes of emotional crisis amongst members and visitors of the church, between ages thirty five to fifty five, and prepare and implement a seminar, to teach the participants how to cope with midlife crisis. As part of this study, midlife crisis was defined, its causes were identified, and solutions to the problem where recommended. During the process of investigation, cases of biblical characters that suffered through midlife crisis were studied, with the intention to find principles that could be related to the crisis. The literature about midlife was reviewed, books, magazines, and the internet was consulted. A survey was used with the objective to identify the causes of emotional crisis of the persons from the congregation between ages thirty five to fifty five. The results of the survey revealed severe problems amongst the participants, demonstrating the need to study the midlife crisis with the congregation. According to their own testimony, the implementation of the seminar became a valuable contribution for the lives of the participants. As a result of the seminar they have improved as individuals, have strengthened their personal relationships, have taken better decisions an also have a higher quality of life. The conclusions and recommendations related with this project will be presented on chapter VI.
A Training Seminar for Preaching: Developing Effective Preaching Skills
Authors:   ,   Andrews University, Ottati Frank
Published: June 2023

Problem. Preaching in general is weak and the results can be seen in poor church attendance. The future of the Christian Church depends in great measure on the quality and power o f the preaching from our pulpits. This study was to research, prepare, present, and evaluate a seminar for pastors that will help them develop effective preaching skills. Method. Based on research on the preaching style and characteristics o f the Lord Jesus, the Apostle Paul, and six successful preachers, the seminar “Feeding the Flock” was produced. This seminar was presented in five different places, covering seven Conferences of the Columbia Union Conference of Seventh-day Adventists with an attendance o f 164 pastors. Results. This seminar was very well received by the pastors. Out o f 106 pastors who evaluated the seminar, using a Likert scale, from 1 to 5 (poor to excellent respectively), 73.1% rated it a 5, 23.2% a 4 (very good), and 3.7% a 3 (good), with a total average grade o f 4.69. Conclusions. This research has discovered some of the main preaching characteristics of Jesus, Paul, and six successful preachers that have made them very powerful in the pulpit. The research has also demonstrated that the preacher, the message, and the delivery have power only as these three components are closely connected to God and to each other. In order for the preacher to be effective he or she has to have a deep relationship with God, practice what he or she preaches, be authentic, and be vulnerable. In order to be effective the message has to be Bible- and Christ-centered, and has to be directed to the needs and the hearts o f the congregation. This study has found also that in order to persuade people, successful preachers preach to the heart—to the intellect, emotions, and will.
ІНТЕГРАЛЬНА ОЦІНКА ФІНАНСОВОГО СТАНУ ПІДПРИЄМСТВ ІЗ ВИКОРИСТАННЯМ ІНФОРМАЦІЙНИХ ТЕХНОЛОГІЙ
Authors: Андренко Олена , Краївська Інна , Мордовцев Сергій
Published: June 2023

Мета статті полягає в розробці методичного підходу до інтегральної оцінки фінансового стану підприємств з використанням методу багатомірного статистичного аналізу. У статті надано класифікація існуючих методів інтегральної оцінки фінансово-господарської діяльності підприємств, що ґрунтуються на застосуванні експертних методів, багатовимірного статистичного та інтелектуального аналізу даних. Здійснено оцінку рівня кредитоспроможності та фінансового стану підприємств теплопостачання з використанням існуючих моделей НБУ та Мінфіну України. Запропоновано науково-методичний підхід до інтегрального оцінювання фінансового стану підприємств за допомогою методу головних компонент, що дозволило визначити позицію кожного комунального підприємства теплопостачання за рівнем фінансового стану у галузевому рейтингу.
ЦИФРОВА ТРАНСФОРМАЦІЯ ВІТЧИЗНЯНОГО БІЗНЕСУ: СУЧАСНІ ВИКЛИКИ В УМОВАХ РОСІЙСЬКО-УКРАЇНСЬКОЇ ВІЙНИ
Authors: Дюгованець О.М. , Білоусько Т.Ю.
Published: June 2023

Метою статті передбачено висвітлити особливості цифрової трансформації вітчизняного бізнесу з позиції сучасних викликів, зумовлених російсько-українською війною. Розкрито інноваційні можливості для розвитку бізнесу, які надає цифрова трансформація. З’ясовано, що цифрова трансформація бізнесу за допомогою передових технологій, таких як Big Data або штучний інтелект дає можливість обробляти інформаційні потоки для оперативного прийняття управлінських рішень, застосовувати пропозиції для конкретних клієнтів і прогнозувати поведінку підприємства на ринку. Проаналізовано динаміку цифрової трансформації вітчизняного бізнесу в Україні. Встановлено, що для покращення цифрової трансформації вітчизняного бізнесу в умовах російсько-української війни передбачена допомога від Європейської інноваційної ради у розмірі 20 млн євро на розвиток інновацій в Україні. Виділено переваги цифрової трансформації вітчизняного бізнесу.
Leer y escribir. Ideas para redactar economía
Authors: Peniche y Pasos José M. S.
Published: June 2023

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Agroempresas: estrategia de desarrollo rural en el municipio de Tuxcacuesco, Jalisco
Authors:   Universidad de Guadalajara, Cih Dzul Imelda Rosana , Aréchiga Adán Michel ,   Universidad de Guadalajara
Published: June 2023

En este artículo se discuten los problemas del desarrollo rural, tomando como base el desarrollo agroindustrial en el municipio de Tuxcacuesco, Jalisco. Se observó que los resultados de los empleos generados por las agroempresas no se han visto reflejados en un mejor nivel de vida para la población, y además, a pesar que la agroempresa genera una gran demanda de mano de obra, las empresas se ven forzadas a traerla de otros municipios o estados, esto debido a los bajos salarios y a las deficientes condiciones laborales. A pesar de que el municipio se dedica en 68% al sector primario, y que es una de las regiones más importantes en la producción estatal de jitomate, no se ha convertido en un motor económico regional, y existe un significativo abandono de tierras productivas por parte de los campesinos.
México ante la crisis: reformar para salir adelante
Authors: Ruiz Albarguen Orlando Salazar
Published: June 2023

En tiempos difíciles, una de las estrategias más utilizadas para salir adelante es hacer reformas relacionadas con los negocios, desde los procesos para abrir una empresa, pagar impuestos, hasta contratar trabajadores. México no es ningún extraño a las reformas y ha dado pasos importantes recientemente, pero está muy lejos de los líderes mundiales en estas categorías. Diversos países se han encontrado en situaciones similares a la de México y han efectuado reformas que han traído beneficios sustanciales. Este trabajo compara a México, con los líderes mundiales y reformadores excepcionales en facilidad para abrir un negocio, facilidad y bajo coste de los impuestos y facilidad para contratar un trabajador.
Globalización, ciclos económicos y crisis global, 2007-2010
Authors:   Universidad de Guadalajara, Ruiz Porras Antonio
Published: June 2023

En este ensayo analizamos la crisis financiera global del periodo 2007-2010. Particularmente, evaluamos sus orígenes, características, y las respuestas dadas para manejarla desde una perspectiva teórica e histórica. Concluimos que es muy probable que la crisis global no tenga solución en el corto plazo debido a la falta de sincronización de los ciclos económicos entre las economías desarrolladas y aquéllas en desarrollo. Asimismo incluimos una cronología de eventos.
Las exportaciones manufactureras y la recuperación de la economía mexicana
Authors:   Universidad Autónoma Metropolitana, Gutiérrez R. Roberto
Published: June 2023

El presente trabajo aborda el tema de la crisis que afectó a la economía de los Estados Unidos de 2007 a 2009 afectó severamente la demanda de bienes de origen extranjero.
Políticas de control y regulación ambiental
Authors:   Universidad de Guadalajara, Sandoval Bravo Salvador
Published: June 2023

En el presente trabajo se analiza la literatura referente a la aplicación de políticas ambientales específicas por parte del gobierno que empaten armónicamente el progreso económico y la sustentabilidad en el largo plazo. En este contexto, se revisan los fundamentos teóricos de cada instrumento, al mismo tiempo que se contrastan sus fortalezas y debilidades, tanto en el plano económico como en el ambiental. Finalmente, se examinan también las implicaciones de tales instrumentos de control ambiental en modelos teóricos contemporáneos, por ejemplo en economía internacional, inversión extranjera directa y economía institucional.
Crecimiento económico y empleo en México. Una estimación econométrica de la elasticidad del empleo respecto al PIB en el periodo 2000-2009
Authors:   Universidad de Guadalajara, Cuevas Rodríguez Enrique , Ruano Carranza Ana Lucía ,   Universidad de Guadalajara
Published: June 2023

En este trabajo se analiza el impacto del crecimiento económico en la generación de empleos en México. Para ello se construyó un modelo econométrico doble logarítmico con la finalidad de medir la elasticidad del empleo respecto al PIB. Se encontró que el empleo es inelástico respecto al producto, lo cual significa que la economía mexicana enfrenta severas deficiencias y altos costos para generar empleos, situación que se agrava aún más en periodos de crisis económica y financiera como los que en estos momentos enfrenta nuestro país.
Empresas globales y terciarización de las actividades económicas de la zona metropolitana de Guadalajara
Authors:   Universidad de Guadalajara, Rodríguez B. Juan Jorge , Cota Yañez Rosario ,   Universidad de Guadalajara
Published: June 2023

En el contexto de la globalización, adquieren mayor relevancia los servicios al productor, aunados a las respuestas que manifiestan las empresas ante el proceso de reestructuración productiva en el que se ven inmersas. La ciudad de Guadalajara no es la excepción y es por ello que dicho fenómeno se ve influenciado actualmente a nivel económico y espacial.
Especialización económica de Tonalá en el contexto de la zona metropolitana de Guadalajara
Authors:   Universidad de Guadalajara, Medina Ortega Marco Antonio
Published: June 2023

En el presente trabajo se analiza la especialización de la base económica del municipio de Tonalá en el contexto del mismo proceso que está siguiendo la zona metropolitana de Guadalajara (ZMG). Lo anterior permite captar no sólo las actividades que muestran señales de especialización, sino que además se puede observar su potencial de crecimiento considerando la dinámica económica que a su vez manifiesta la ZMG en su conjunto; en ese escenario se abren ventanas de oportunidad para que el municipio de Tonalá diseñe políticas públicas en el área de promoción económica que permitan potenciar y propiciar cambios en la especialización de su base económica. Para realizar el análisis utilizamos una perspectiva basada en la dimensión ocupacional en el municipio;2 esto nos permite considerar que la concentración de trabajos no está sólo en función de las decisiones de ubicación de empleadores, sino también de residentes y trabajadores. Lo anterior se sustenta en gran medida en que el análisis ocupacional es un factor clave en los estudios recientes de la estructura productiva regional, de acuerdo con Markusen y Schrock (2006).
La tercera edad y las políticas públicas. El caso de la zona metropolitana de Guadalajara
Authors:   Universidad de Guadalajara, Cruz Barba Evangelina , Reyes Uribe Ana Cecilia ,   Universidad de Guadalajara
Published: June 2023

Presentamos los resultados de una encuesta aplicada a personas de la tercera edad en la ZMG. Se utilizan la teoría de la actividad y el modelo “selección optimización compensación” (SOC) como marco teórico para ubicar el proceso de envejecimiento. La preferencia de actividades se identifica económicamente como una función de utilidad para entender las relaciones entre recursos físicos y económicos en personas de este sector de población. Los hallazgos constituyen características sociodemográficas y preferencias de actividades dentro y fuera de casa, sin presentar diferencias significativas entre quienes acuden y quienes no lo hacen a alguno de los instrumentos de política pública, como los talleres del DIF Jalisco y Comude Zapopan.