bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A SEMIOSIS-BASED APPROACH TO DISCOURSE INTERPRETATION
Authors: Andreichuk Nadiia I.
Published: June 2023

AbstractThe article seeks to examine the largely unexplored potential of the dimensions of semiosis for discourse studies.The proposed argumentation refers to the process by which semiosic theoretical principles were selected andrefined into a model of discourse analysis. The propounded methodology is exemplified by the genre of epitaphsand provides the platform for examining interactions among code, informational and cultural componentsof semiotic entity.RésuméSupporting Eco's attempt to make semiotics a scientific discipline the author suggests thatthe interpretant of sign should be the basis for the differentiation between three dimensions of semiosis.The latter is defined as the action of signs that organizes the very structure of the interpretation process.It is propounded that three types of interpretant – primary, notional and cultural – are responsiblefor the existence of three dimensions of semiosis: code, informational and cultural. Discourseis considered to be a sign and it is suggested that its interpretation is a complex semiosis-basedprocedure involving three levels of decoding: perceptive, referential and evaluative. Thus, discoursecan be decoded within: a) the enabling and justifying code; b) the knowledge which we have with regardto objects; c) the social-cultural realm. Scholars-interpreters can apply three approaches to describean explain discourse as a category of communication. The first deals with signification systems thatare exploited in order to physically produce components of discourse and is termed codosemiosicapproach. The second – with judgements on discourse intermediary agency within the semiotic universewhich allow us to grasp the reference to the processes of cognition and knowledge patterns. This oneis suggested to be called infosemiosic approach. And finally, sociosemiosic approach can be identifiedwith the study of how discourse communicates something graspable within a particular social andcultural community with all implications concerning identity.The case-study provides the description of the semiosic analysis of a tombstone as a multimodaldiscoursive sign in the space of culture which contains epitaphs as a separate genre of funeral discourse.The potential of three approaches for the tombstone interpretation is considered and three dimensionsof its semiosis are discussed. It is suggested that codo-, info-, and sociosemiosic approaches elaboratedin the article may provide a new tool for discourse studies.
AGE-RELATED CONVERSATIONS IN ANGLO-AMERICAN LITERARY DISCOURSE: A LINGUOPRAGMATIC ASPECT
Authors: Pozhar Anastasiia B.
Published: June 2023

AbstractThe paper focuses on the problem of age-related conversations which are analyzed from the point of viewof their speech acts characteristics. Such types of speech acts as expressives, direct and indirect representatives,directives and commissives have been specified from the viewpoint of their illocutionary subtypes on the criteriaof "hedged-unhedged", "direct-indirect", "idiomatic-inferential", "actual-pseudo". The paper reveals and describesthe most and less frequently used types of speech acts.RésuméThe paper focuses on the problem of age-related conversations specified from the viewpoint of theirillocutionary properties. The research aims at the identification of speech acts regularly used to describeand characterize age; such acts specification according to multifaceted criteria: "hedged / unhedged","direct / indirect", "idiomatic / inferential", as well as introducing the category of pseudo-speech act.Based on in-depth analysis of age-related dialogues collected from English-based literary discourseand applying the integrative method of research, which involves speech acts explanatory tools, form /function pragmatics and face and politeness approach, the paper has three major findings.Age meanings and age-related situations in the dialogues of the characters are most regularlyspecified by speech acts of direct representatives (both simple and complex) with assertive illocutionof statements about the age and age-associated behavioural stereotypes. Direct and indirect expressivesrepresent the second type of age-associated speech acts in the characters' conversations. Expressiveillocutionary force conveys emotional and evaluative attitudes of speakers regarding their own and other'sage, the processes of aging and adulthood, as well as the difference in age. Less frequent are directiveswith the illocutionary force of advice, suggestion or prohibition related the age-associated behaviourof the addressee. The least frequent group includes indirect commissives and pseudo-commissives.The identified direct directives differ in their formal-structural markers of illocutionary force,correlating with unhedged face threatening acts, appropriate in close relationships, and with hedgednegative politeness strategies to lessen the damaged effect of age-related matters. Indirect directivesare differentiated into idiomatic and inferentional subtypes, which correlate with degree of theirimplicitness and context-boundness. The paper coins and justifies the term "pseudo-commissives",designating the acts with illocution of promise that the speaker is not able to fulfill.
A Comparison of the Television Viewing Habits of Religiously Oriented and Non-Religiously Oriented Children
Authors:   ,   Andrews University, Detres Hector
Published: June 2023

Problem Television plays an important role in the lives of children. The objective of this study was to compare religiously oriented and non- religiously oriented children and the patterns of television viewing habits between these two groups. Method The analysis of variance was used to measure the hypotheses. A questionnaire completed by 378 subjects in grades 3, 6, 9, and 12 in private and public schools was used to gather the data for this study. Results Significant differences were found between religiously oriented and non-religiously oriented children in the average number of hours of television viewing, and in preference for crime-action and educational- altruistic programs by grade levels. No significant differences were found between grade level and the number of hours of television viewing and preference towards crime-action and educational-altruistic programs between the two groups. Conclusions This study has provided some information about trends in television habits between religiously oriented and non-religiously oriented children.
A Study of Deuteronomic and Priestly Legislation With Particular Reference to Clean and Unclean Foods
Authors:   ,   Andrews University, Fletcher-Watts Vivienne
Published: June 2023

Problem The laws of clean and unclean foods in Lev 11 and Deut 14: 3:21 have fascinated and perplexed generations of biblical scholars. A great variety of suggestions have been proposed as reasons for the distinction between the clean and unclean animals. Modern biblical scholars claim, however, that the Levitical and Deuteronomic codes are internally inconsistent. These claims are of sufficient magnitude that if true might call into question the assumption that both were given by God at one time. Therefore, it is the purpose of this study to re-examine the Old Testament sources and from the application of acritical hermeneutic to the text discover the possible reasons for the existence of, and the differences in, the codes in the cultures in which they were given and used. Method The classical hermeneutical approach was employed whereby a hypothesis was formulated regarding the date, authorship, intention, and function of the codes. The unit was then observed as a whole and the internal order and structure noted. Also, the fluid state of the text was considered. That is, it was recognized that the work of editing, compiling, and updating was ongoing. Conclusion Although the two codes probably derived from a common ancient source during the monarchical period, independent crystallizations occurred during the division of Israel and Judah. The individual historical and ideological contexts precipitated metamorphoses in the codes which resulted in the differences. After 721 B.C. some compromise measures were attempted in an effort to re-amalgamate the two traditions. The Deuteronomic and Priestly codes functioned uniquely in the irrespective environments as did the food laws in succeeding communities which observed the animal classifications. Although the ordinances themselves remained relatively unchanged, each community attributed a d iffe re n t rationale to the clean/unclean d istin c tio n . Five rationales have been proposed. Each were o rig in a lly emphasized by a d iffe re n t community in accordance with its presuppositions, needs, and resources.
The Lifestyle and Prevalence of Vegetarianism in Seventh-day Adventist Hispanics
Authors:   ,   Andrews University, Hidalgo Maribel
Published: June 2023

Problem. Hispanics are disproportionately affected by chronic diseases and are a growing and significant population. There is minimal research regarding the lifestyle of the Seventh-day Adventists (SDA) among the Hispanic community. The purpose of this cross-sectional descriptive study was to ascertain the lifestyle, health status, eating and physical activity habits of the SDA Hispanics from part of the Midwest. -- Method. An anonymous survey was distributed in person to a convenience sample of 150 participants 18 years or older in the SDA Hispanic churches of Berrien Springs, Grand Rapids, Chicago, and Indianapolis. The survey was divided into five sections: demographics, eating patterns, physical activity habits, quality-of-life (QoL) questions, and a Food Frequency Questionnaire (FFQ). -- Results. Most of the Hispanics came from Mexico, Puerto Rico, and Dominican Republic. About 56% of the participants were female and 44% were males. Only 57% of the participants carried health insurance. This study identified 56% as non-vegetarian, 19% as lacto-ovo vegetarian, 13% as pesco-vegetarian, and 12% as vegan. The mean Body Mass Index (BMI) was 27.0±4.3 for males and 27.3±5.1 for females, putting them in the overweight category. The mean Total Energy Expenditure (TEE) for males was 25.7±22.7 metabolic equivalents (METS)/week and 18.5±16.0 METS/week for females. On average, both genders slept 7 hours per day. The main reason given for adopting a vegetarian lifestyle was health concerns; the average span of those following a vegetarian lifestyle was 24.4±16.5 years (range 1-69). -- Conclusions. The majority of the Hispanics come from Mexico, Puerto Rico, and Dominican Republic. Less than half of SDA Hispanic participants follow a vegetarian diet, mostly for health concerns. More than half carry health insurance. Most of the participants are in the normal and overweight category. Males are more physically active than are females. In this study, SDA Hispanic vegetarians consume more fruits, vegetables, nuts and seeds than SDA Hispanic non-vegetarians. SDA Hispanics report significantly better vitality than national norms in most age groups and significantly better in the bodily pain scale than the U.S. norms in all age groups. SDA Hispanics report worse in the physical component summary (PCS) than national norms, though the PCS declines with age in both groups. Males report significantly better than females in the vitality and the general health scales/domains. However, when compared to the SDA Hispanic omnivores, SDA Hispanic vegetarians report significantly better in the mental component summary (MCS) and in the physical functioning, role-physical, vitality, social functioning, role-emotional, and mental health scales/domains.
Comparative Study of the Physiological Effects of Three Passive Relaxation Techniques Administered to Mentally Retarded Children
Authors:   ,   Andrews University, Holford Karen
Published: June 2023

Problem Passive relaxation techniques require no intellectual or physical effort from the receiver. This study examined effects of three passive relaxation techniques on galvanic skin resistance (GSR), pulse rate (PR), and peripheral skin temperature (PST) of 3 profoundly (PMR) and severely (SMR) mentally retarded children. Method Twenty-four PMR and SMR children under twelve years were randomly assigned among four groups. The first group received slow stroking of the midline back; the second slow rocking; the third lay quietly; and the fourth was a control group. At the beginning and end of twelve ten-minute sessions, the subjects' GSR, PR, and PST were measured. Results Ancova and anova analyses showed significant differences among groups on several days. Stroking and rocking produced similar relaxation levels ; lying quietly was less effective; lack of treatment was ineffective. Conclusions Passive relaxation techniques with this population seem plausible. Techniques applied directly to the body appear most effective.
The Effects of Formal Mentoring on First-Time Freshman GPA, Course Completion, and Retention Rates
Authors:   ,   Andrews University, Denney Carolyn
Published: June 2023

Problem The purpose of this study is to evaluate the effect of one quarter of a formal mentoring program on the academic success and retention of first-year university students. Method Prior to the beginning of fall quarter 2007, a randomly selected group of 75 first time freshmen students at Walla Walla University (WWU) were invited to participate in an experimental mentoring program. Similarly, a silent control group of 75 first-time freshmen students were randomly selected. Non-student mentors were interviewed and hired to carry out the mentoring project. The retention rate, grade point average (GPA), and credit drop/failure rate of the students in the experimental group were compared to the retention rate, GPA, and credit drop/failure rate of the control group. Results The results indicated that though there was not a significant difference in the overall mean university GPA between the two groups, fewer students in the mentored group ended the quarter with a university GPA below 2.0 than did students in the control group. Additionally, mentored students who entered the university with low high-school performance indicators showed stronger academic success than did control group students. And students in the mentored group dropped and/or failed fewer credits than did those in the control group. There were no differences in retention rate. Conclusions A longitudinal study is needed to give closer study to the extended impact of mentoring on student success and retention.
Perceptions of Psychology Among Seminary and Biology Students at Andrews University
Authors:   ,   Andrews University, Moraes Sandro
Published: June 2023

Problem. Both pastors and biologists frequently interact with individuals. These contacts often involve conversations that deal with an individual’s feelings, behaviors, and the relationship between mind and body. Thus, how seminarians and biologists perceive psychology will greatly affect such interactions. Therefore it is important to know how both professionals perceive psychology. This is not all that different from the research biologists perform as they learn about the brain. Because of the interrelatedness between these two professions, what are the perceptions of psychology among seminary and biology students at Andrews University? -- Method. The data gathered from the responses of biology and seminary students at Andrews University to the Perceptions of Psychology Questionnaire were analyzed through the SPSS statistical procedures. Descriptive statistics tables are provided to show measures of central tendency and variability of perceptions of psychology. -- Results. The results showed that the participants’ educational background and demographics played a role in their perceptions of psychology. Seminary students were older, and had a much higher exposure to the writings of Ellen G. White and church teachings on psychology. Biology students, as a group, were much younger, and lacked the background in these areas. Answers given reflected these differences. -- Conclusions. The results showed that there are significant differences among those two groups in their: positive beliefs about psychology, positive affect about psychology, exposure to the writings of Ellen G. White on psychology, knowledge about the writings of Ellen G. White on psychology, knowledge about the writings of Adventist writers on psychology, and in how comfortable they felt seeking psychological services. Respondents in both groups also tended to have similar answers to the questions relating to: understanding the mind using psychology, using psychology to help understand mankind, and explaining human behavior using theories of psychology.
Portrayal of Women in Kenya's Print Media: a Study of Daily Nation, the Standard, and Kenya Times, June 2002 to June 2003
Authors:   ,   Andrews University, Omari Beatrice
Published: June 2023

Problem Portrayal of women in Kenya‟s print media is replete with stereotype images that portray women only in their domestic roles at the expense of their roles in national development. This study is aimed at determining the extent o f this negative portrayal and the likely explanatory reasons. Method Content analysis of newspaper articles of a sample of three major dailies—Daily Nation, The Standard, and Kenya Times—was carried out for issues between June 2002 and June 2003. A total of 144 issues were identified, coded, and analyzed. Results Women and women‟s issues are allocated less space and portrayed more negatively compared to their male counterparts in all the three dailies. However, women journalists tend to portray women more positively. Conclusions Factors contributing towards marginalization of women and women‟s issues include the patriarchal values in Kenyan society, a small number of women professionals in the media industry, and the fact that media industry is largely male owned and dominated. The situation can be corrected only by conscious efforts by all stakeholders.
The Effect of BMI on the Age of Menarche in Adolescent Girls
Authors:   ,   Andrews University, Sterling Samara
Published: June 2023

Problem. Over the past century, the age of menarche has consistently declined in the United States and globally. Obesity has also increased by 82% globally over the past 20 years. Obesity, as measured by BMI percentiles in children, may contribute to the declining age of menarche. -- Method. Adolescent girls ages 12-19 were examined in California and Michigan. Physical development and the age of menarche were assessed through an online questionnaire. Height and weight measurements were taken at a clinic and converted to BMI percentile values. -- Results. A negative correlation was observed between BMI percentile values and the age of menarche in the participants. For every increase in BMI percentile, menarche was attained 3 days earlier. -- Conclusion. Obesity may play a role in the early attainment of menarche, as measured by BMI percentile values. Females with higher percentile values may attain menarche earlier than females with lower values.
The Seventh-day Adventist Church in Malawi, 1900-1980
Authors:   ,   Andrews University, Bilima Jaspine
Published: June 2023

Problem The purposes of this study are (1 to trace the historical beginning and developmetn of the Seventh-day Adventist Church in Malawi from 1900 to 1980, (2 to give analytical appraisal of the missionary methodsa and approaches employed by the church in advancing the gospel, (3) to show the role played by both foreign and national workers in the early development of the work, and (4) to stimulate ideas for creative strategies or plans for future progress of the church. Method The sources have been articles written by pioneer missionaries although other relevant books have been useful. The research, begins with a brief study of of the country and its peoples, followed by a historical survey of missions of other societies that provided the context for Adventist missions. Finally, the study suggests methods of doing missions for future cons ideration. Results The establishment of schools proved to be the most effective way of church planting. The growth of the church from a single school in 1902 to a network of schools, medical clinics, and churches with a growing membership of over 65,000 in 1985 is the result of mutual cooperation between the foreign and national workers in the work of the church.
An Analysis of MSKN and 'HL MW'D in the Masoretic Text of Exod 25-40
Authors:   ,   Andrews University, Hendrix Ralph
Published: June 2023

Purpose Sequential listing of and HDIO from the Masoretic Text of Exod 25-40 reveals discrete and unique use patterns. Historical and contemporary analyses of the terms and their contexts reveal inadequate explanation. This study seeks within the text for an explanation of these use patterns. Methodology Terms are limited, history of analysis is considered, and the etymologies of and SilX are determined from lexical, Ugaritic, and Septuagintal sources. Literary structural analysis is used to analyze the context of the terms. Conclusions The term appears in constructional contexts (manufacture and assembly of the physical Mosaic Structure) where it has the meaning dwelling place with connotations of impermanence and immanence. The phrase “ipiO appears in cult-functional contexts (the cultic function of the Mosaic Structure) where it has the meaning of tent of assembly with the connotation of relationship.
The Architecture of Tell Jalul
Authors:   ,   Andrews University, Prestes Carina
Published: June 2023

The Problem. Buildings excavated in Tell Jalul have been studied separately for the last twenty years. However, until the present moment, no comprehensive study has been conducted. Therefore, this thesis will discuss the architecture of the main edifications found in Tell Jalul from 1992 to 2012. -- The Method. For this project, the ruins found in fields A, B, C, D, G and W were considered. First, a literature review was done to find similar structures in Jordan and the neighboring areas and their basic features. Then, a three-dimensional reconstruction of the ruins was suggested. The reconstruction was made in AutoCad 2013, software widely used for engineering, based on the two-dimensional drawings previously prepared. -- The Results. Parallels to the majority of the constructions were found, making it possible to compare them and suggest a reconstruction and possible implications. In addition, a three-dimensional model was made of each individual building and also of the entire tell with the studied constructions. -- Conclusions. It was possible to conclude that Jalul was a significant site in different periods of history. The size and complexity of the constructions point to a centralized power. However, the tell does not have large enough structures to be a royal city, nor is it small enough to fit in the village description.
Theodicy and Execution for Expiation in 2 Samuel 21:1-14
Authors:   ,   Andrews University, Rhodes Carrie
Published: June 2023

Problem The execution of Saul’s descendants in 2 Sam 21:1-14 has long been interpreted as resulting from David’s succession motives, and may appear to be posthumous ruler punishment, expiation on Saul’s behalf, or an error in judgment on David’s part in whom to turn to in order to know what to do in this case. In addition, the delay in justice until David’s reign for something that Saul had done is puzzling. Method Analysis of the Hebrew text, comparison between ANE and biblical homicide law, examination of the sociological structure of the ANE family, examination of the characters of Saul and David, and intertextual analysis of Scripture contribute to a clearer understanding of the roles of the characters and how justice was achieved. Conclusions Close examination of the text and its cultural background reveals that Saul’s descendants died for inheritable corporate culpability that polluted the land as a result of his mass murder that violated an oath taken in YHWH’s name. The narrative begins with a famine and ends with the phrase God “was moved by prayer for the land,” which appears to give approval to the actions that precede it. This narrative demonstrates that restoration of justice is necessary for healing of the land. By delaying the famine until the reign of David, who enjoyed a positive relationship with God himself, God facilitated the limitation of retributive justice to a few responsible individuals.
From Clear Fulfillment to Complex Prophecy: the History of the Adventist Interpretation of Revelation 9, from 1833 to 1957
Authors:   ,   Andrews University, Stefansson Jon
Published: June 2023

Seventh-day Adventists originally agreed on the meaning of Rev 9 and regarded it as a very important prophecy, whereas today there is no consensus on this prophecy, which is regarded as both complex and non-vital. This thesis seeks to explain why this change occurred by tracing the history of the development of the interpretation of the fifth and sixth trumpets from 1833 to 1957, both in published and unpublished primary sources. Critics of the traditional interpretation found fault with its exegesis and historical application. Traditionalists never answered their questions comprehensively and this is the main reason why consensus was lost. It seems that there are answers to all of the critiques raised.
The Effects of "Stress Inoculation" on Anxiety-related Behaviors in a Rodent Model
Authors:   ,   Andrews University, Clouse Rebecca
Published: June 2023

Problem. Humans may face psychological stressors in their everyday life due to their ability to contemplate future events. While long-term stress exposure may be detrimental to health, this study examines the possibility that exposure to unpredictable/controllable, moderate stress may cause resilience against future stressors. This is referred to as the "stress inoculation hypothesis." The effects of unpredictable/controllable stress can be illustrated as a rightward shift in an inverted U-shaped curve, where optimal performance (the top of the curve) can be maintained at higher stress levels. -- Method. Thirty-three male Sprague-Dawley rats were tested on the elevated-plus maze (EPM) for trait anxiety. Rats were then placed in housing platforms; 15 rats were exposed to unpredictable/controllable stress (UST) in the housing platform, and 18 rats were used as a control group (CT). After 21 days in the UST or CT housing, spatial memory and anxiety-related behaviors were tested under aversive conditions on the Barnes maze. -- Results. Spatial memory: UST rats took less time to reach the goal box on the Barnes maze (p<0.05), and made fewer errors (p<0.05). General locomotor activity: No significant effect was seen for mobility, which is a measure of general locomotor behavior, on the Barnes maze (p=0.100). The UST rats took less time to approach the first hole on the Barnes maze (p<0.05). There was no significant effect for the number of holes jumped over in the Barnes maze (p=0.599). There was no significant effect for the number of times the rats looked over the edge (p=0.431). No correlations were seen between Barnes maze data and EPM behaviors (all p>0.05). -- Conclusion. These data are consistent with the "stress inoculation hypothesis." As humans, exposure to stress is unavoidable and unpredictable. The results of this study, however, indicate that stress does not always lead to negative consequences, but can be helpful. By causing a rightward shift in the inverted U-shaped curve, stress can better prepare us to face stressful situations in the future and reduce our anxiety about facing those stressors.
Multi-directional Warning Message Dissemination Protocol Based on Motion Vector Clustering for VANETs
Authors:   ,   Andrews University, Wang Hung-Chou
Published: June 2023

Problem. Most broadcast suppression protocols in vehicular ad hoc networks (VANET) mainly focus on one-dimensional message dissemination model for both highway and urban scenarios. Due to the non-line-of-sight (NLOS) problem occuring frequently in urban scenario, protocols mostly rely on either infrastructure or the vehicle that is passing through the intersection to forward the message in multiple directions manner. However, these one-dimensional message dissemination models fail to take into account realistic road topologies and traffic distribution. As a result, they tend to miss some possible dissemination directions. Method. Vehicles travelling on the same road share similar motion pattern due to the constraint of road topology. Each motion pattern represents a road topology as well as a potential dissemination direction. By identifying motion pattern of one-hop neighbors, the proposed motion vector protocol (MVP) enables a vehicle not only to identify potential dissemination directions without the support from infrastructure or a road map but also to make suppression decisions without any additional information from periodic beacons. Results. The total number of transmissions for simple flooding (each node broadcasts once) compared with MVP ranges respectively as follows: 90.2-269.7 and 40.6-72.3. Also, the number of saved rebroadcasts for simple flooding compared with MVP ranges respectively as follows: 0%-0% and 57%-73%. In the case of reachability, the simple flooding compared with MVP ranges 100%-100% and 100%-100% respectively. Finally, the average latency of the entire dissemination for simple flooding and MVP ranges 0.01446-0.01286s and 0.1127-0.1565s respectively. Conclusions. The experimental results show that MVP achieves high reachability, while still significantly reducing rebroadcast redundancy. One distinctive feature of MVP is that it is capable of operating on complex road topology such as a roundabout, curve road, branch road, etc., with multi-directional traffic in it.
A Mathematical Approach for Predicting Harbor Seal Haul-out
Authors:   ,   Andrews University, Cowles Jonathan
Published: June 2023

Harbor seals haul out in response to various environmental factors such as tide, current, time of day, wind, and surf. Mathematical modeling techniques can be used to determine which of these variables are important and to predict the number of seals that will haul-out in a given set of environmental circumstances. Haul-out counts were recorded every hour for 16 hrs per day over two 14-d tidal cycles at a site in Washington State. Deterministic environmental variables (tide height, current velocity, solar elevation, and time of day) were used to create 37 alternative models, which were then compared to the haul-out data using information theoretic model selection techniques. The best model contained the environmental variables tide, current, and time of day and explained >45% of the observed variability. It revealed, in the morning, that maximal seal haul-out occurs several hours before low tide, and seals begin returning to the water at low tide. Higher haul-out numbers are observed in the afternoon and evening, and fewer seals reenter the water at low tides that occur in the afternoon. The results of this study are site-specific, but the methods used are portable and useful for researchers and wildlife managers interested in monitoring haul-out or population trends over time.
Rita Nakashima Brock, Rebecca Ann Parker, and Governmental Atonement Theology
Authors:   ,   Andrews University, Blosser Andrew
Published: June 2023

The writings of Rita Nakashima Brock and Rebecca Parker have perspicaciously highlighted challenges that atonement theology faces in its interface with the experiences of abused women and children. These thinkers have alerted the theological community to the fact that an atonement model which commends or valorizes the divinely-mandated suffering of an innocent victim (Jesus) can nefariously encourage domestic abuse victims to accept their own abuse, as if it were God’s will. Brock and Parker therefore recommend abandoning language which attaches any salvific significance to the Cross in atonement. This thesis explores and recommends an alternative form of theological language—called “governmental atonement theology”—which may ameliorate the problems noted by Brock and Parker. This study briefly examines the history and evolution of the governmental view from its early moorings in the theology of Hugo Grotius, up to its contemporary adaptation by René Girard. The focus then shifts to selected biblical expressions of the governmental view. Finally, this thesis demonstrates ways in which the governmental view can present the Cross as a saving event for abuse victims, while not implicating God in abuse.
Figurines from Tell Balatah/Shechem
Authors:   ,   Andrews University, Moody Jacob
Published: June 2023

Problem The Drew-­McCormick Expedition conducted six seasons of excavation at the site of Tell Balâtah/Shechem between 1957-­‐1968. During those campaigns they uncovered several anthropomorphic and zoomorphic (clay and stone) figurines. This study represents the initial research for those figurines and their eventual publication and will briefly review the pertinent research done on figurines from the Levant and provide a detailed catalogue of the available figurines from Tell Balâtah/Shechem. Method The 38 available figurines were studied and detailed drawings were provided for each. The known data associated with every figurine are specified (provenance, registration number, size, condition, physical description, etc.) and, where possible, parallels from other published figurines are given, based on typology and iconography. Results A detailed catalogue for the 38 figurines was established and can be used to easily reference and compare the available terracotta and stone figurine corpus from Tell Balâtah/Shechem. Conclusions Due to the lack of readily available data on the original context of each figurine, no major conclusions about them, specifically, can be drawn at this time. This paper has laid the foundation for the further study of these figurines when all their contextual data have been made available.
A Percepcao Sobre A Influencia Que O Lider Exerce Nais Igrejas Adventistas De Vitoria Da Conquista
Authors:   ,   Andrews University, Marques Helio
Published: June 2023

Proposal This study addressed the perception of the influence that leaders exerts in Vitória da Conquista`s Adventist churches, located in the southwestern region of the state of Bahia, Brazil. It encompasses concepts, theories, styles, and reflections of leadership pertaining to this population, in order to know the profile of the leaders that followers admire, thereby providing information so that leaders can become increasingly more influential and admired by their subordinates. Method The methodology used in this research is qualitative, being guided in a semi-structured interview, on authors dealing with this topic, and on analysis of the historical context of servant leadership, which has provided an overview of the problem researched. In accordance with its purposes and objectives, it is predominantly qualitative. The research tool used was an interview with previously prepared questions. Results This study identified that there is a positive perception of the influence that a leader has on the elders and ministry directors of the Adventist churches in Vitória da Conquista and this influence is very positive. It is noteworthy to mention that it was observed as a significant servant leadership, and some of the characteristics they admire in their leader’s profile are: authenticity, communication, reliability, dedication, commitment, balance, and motivation among others. Conclusion At the end of this research, the importance of positive influence was discovered. Everyone yearns for leaders who have a sense of mission, who really want to grow in relationships, and who want to combine efforts for a complete growth. Complete growth means: I grow, you grow, we grow together.
Prevalence of Primary Immunodeficiency Diseases and Related Risk Factors Among Children Attending a Hospital in Ahvaz, Iran
Authors:   Department of Pediatrics, Faculty of Medicine, Abuzar Hospital, Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences and Health Services, Ahvaz, Iran, Abolnezhadian Farhad , Iranparast Sara ,   Student of Research Committee, Faculty of Medicine, Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz, Iran, Vojouhi Bahareh ,   Department of Pediatrics, Faculty of Medicine, Abuzar Hospital, Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences and Health Services, Ahvaz, Iran
Published: June 2023

Background and Objectives Primary immunodeficiency (PI) diseases are those occur because of a primary disorder in the immune system. Subjects and Methods This retrospective study was conducted on 70 children with PI diseases referred to the allergy and immunology department of Abuzar Children Hospital in Ahvaz, Iran from 2015 to 2018. Results The most common PI diseases in the majority of male children (56.92%) were severe combined immunodeficiency disease (21.42%) and chronic granulomatous disease (8.57%). Parents in most of patients (83%) were blood relatives. About 66.67% of all death cases (9.23%) was due to severe combined immunodeficiency disease; hypogammaglobulinemia and Griscelli syndrome accounted for about 16.67% of deaths. The most common manifestations were pneumonia, fever, diarrhea, and sepsis. Based on the family history, 33 children had allergies, 9 had malignancy, one had autoimmune disease, and 39 had mothers with a history of abortion. Most of children were under treatment with intravenous immunoglobulin and prophylactic antibiotics, (99.88% and 88.99%, respectively), while 2.81% were under interferon-gamma therapy and transplantation, and 1.40% were receiving corticosteroids and granulocyte colony-stimulating factor therapy. Conclusion The severe combined immunodeficiency disease, chronic granulomatous disease, and Bruton disease are the most common PI diseases in children living in Ahvaz.
The Effect Of Crocin and Safranal Components of Saffron on Skin Wound Healing in Streptozotocin-Induced Diabetic Rat
Authors:   Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, Payame Noor University, Tehran, Iran., Goli Maliha , Mousavi Saeede Samare ,   Department of Biology, Kavian Higher Education Institute, Mashhad, Iran, Rahbarian Raheleh ,   Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, Payame Noor University, Tehran, Iran, Rajabiyan Majid ,   Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, Payame Noor University, Tehran, Iran
Published: June 2023

Background and Objectives Herbal medicines have fewer side effects than chemical drugs. In this regard, researchers are looking to find herbal ingredients to heal diabetic wounds. Saffron is a powerful antioxidant that can be effective in treating diabetic wounds. This study aims to evaluate the effect of saffron’s main ingredients (crocin and safranal) on skin wound healing in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats. Subjects and Methods In this experimental study, 30 rats were divided into six groups. One control group, one diabetic group, two diabetic groups treated with crocin (300 and 600 mg/kg body weight), and two diabetic groups treated with safranal (300 and 600 mg/kg body weight). The diabetes was induced by intraperitoneal injection of streptozotocin (55 mg/kg body weight). Sampling was performed for histological studies to measure the number of neutrophils, macrophages, blood vessels, and epithelium thickness on days 3, 7, 15 and 20 after wound creation. Results The collected data were analyzed by one-way analysis of variance and the least significant difference test, considering the significance level of P<0.05. Conclusion Crocin and safranal components of saffron can accelerate the wound healing process in diabetic rats by affecting the number of neutrophils, macrophages, blood vessels, and epithelial thickness.
Microbiological and Chemical Properties of Falafel Samples Collected From Street Food Market in Ahvaz, Iran
Authors:   Food and drug Laboratory Research Center, Iran Food and Drug Administration, Ministry of Health and Medical Education, Tehran, Iran, Zadeh-Dabbagh Reza , Hashemi Mohammad ,   Medical Toxicology Research Center, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran, Massah Marzieh ,   Food and Drug Administration, Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz, Iran, Taherian Elham ,   Food and Drug Administration, Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz, Iran, Sayyahi Naji ,   Food and Drug Administration, Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz, Iran, Haghparasti Farkhondeh ,   Food and Drug Administration, Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz, Iran, Marhamati Masoumeh ,   Food and Drug Administration, Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz, Iran, Alavi Leila ,   Food and Drug Administration, Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz, Iran, Bahrami Nikoo ,   Food and Drug Administration, Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz, Iran, Karami Maliheh ,   Department of Food Hygiene, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Shahid Chamran University, Ahvaz, Iran, Noori Seyyed Mohammad Ali ,   Department of Nutrition, School of Allied Medical Sciences, Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz, Iran
Published: June 2023

Background and Objectives Falafel is one of the most popular artisanal foods in Iran, especially in Khouzestan province. However, no comprehensive study has been performed to evaluate its microbiological and chemical properties. This study aims to evaluate microbiological and chemical properties of falafel samples collected from street food market in Ahvaz, Iran. Subjects and Methods Microbiological tests including total viable count (TVC), psychrophilic count, Escherichia coli test, staphylococcus aureus test, coliform count, bacillus cereus test, Salmonella test, and mold count were performed to evaluate microbiological properties of falafel samples (cooked and uncooked). The chemical properties were assessed by performing protein test, ash, carbohydrate, lipid, salt, peroxide, and acidity tests. All tests were done according to the methods described by the Institute of Standards & Industrial Research of Iran (ISIRI). Results Microbiological tests revealed that TVC (108 cfu/g), coliform count (3.7×103 cfu/g) and mold count (1.3×103 cfu/g) were significantly higher than the amounts set by the ISIRI (P<0.05), indicating high contamination of uncooked falafel samples. The major problems observed by chemical tests was the high content of lipid (20.11%) and peroxide value (47.85 meq/kg) which were significantly higher than the values set by the ISIRI (P<0.05). Conclusion Microbiological and chemical properties of falafel are poor, indicating the poor hygienic conditions of its preparation in street food market. We recommend more attention to and supervision on the preparation of artisanal foods such as falafel in Iran.
Effect of Detraining Type on Telomere Length and TRF1& TRF2 Gene Expression of Skeletal Muscle in C57BL/6 Male Mice
Authors:   Department of Exercise Physiology, Faculty of Sport Sciences, Shahid Chamran University of Ahvaz, Ahvaz, Iran., Khodadoost Mostafa , Shakerian Saeid ,   Department of Exercise Physiology, Faculty of Sport Sciences, Shahid Chamran University of Ahvaz, Ahvaz, Iran, Arjmand Sareh ,   Protein Research Center, Shahid Beheshti University, Tehran, Iran, Nikbakht Masood ,   Department of Exercise Physiology, Faculty of Sport Sciences, Shahid Chamran University of Ahvaz, Ahvaz, Iran.
Published: June 2023

Background and Objective: The aim this study was to investigate the effect of sedentary lifestyle on Telomere system of mice skeletal muscle. Methods: The subjects were C57BL/6 mice (n=24) that were randomly divided into four groups: Base control (n=6), control (n=6), LIIT (n=6), and HIIT (n=6) groups. The exercise includes 5 days a week for 8 weeks and then kept inactive for 4 weeks. The factors were measured after DNA and RNA extraction using Real time-PCR method. The data were evaluated using two-way ANOVA test. Results: The results of this study showed that there wasn’t a significant difference between the expression of TRF1 gene in ST and FT muscles (P=0.825), sedentary lifestyle type (P=0.062) and the interaction between muscle type and sedentary lifestyle type (P=0.408). There was no significant difference between the expression of TRF2 gene in ST and FT muscles (P=0.073), sedentary lifestyle type (P=0.309) and the interaction between muscle type and sedentary lifestyle type (P=0.093). In general, There was no significant difference between the telomere length in ST and FT muscles (P=0.763), sedentary lifestyle type (P=0.053) and the interaction between muscle type and sedentary lifestyle type (P=0.651). Conclusion: Applying sedentary lifestyle types, including inactivity after High and low-intensity exercise, affects the telomere system in skeletal muscle in both muscles the same. It seems that the effect of inactivity in people with an experience of exercise with different intensities does not have a different effect on the type of skeletal muscle tissue.
A Review of Bioinformatics Studies on the Function of Structural and Nonstructural Proteins and the Level of Glycoprotein Inhibiting Heme Metabolism by SARS-CoV-2 Virus
Authors:   Department of Biotechnology, Faculty of basic science, Shahrekord Branch, Islamic Azad University, Shahrekord, Iran., Piri Gharaghie Tohid , Beiranvand Sheida ,   Department of Biotechnology, Faculty of basic science, Shahrekord Branch, Islamic Azad University, Shahrekord, Iran, Ghadiri Amirhossein ,   Department of Biology, Faculty of Basic Sciences, Rasht Branch, Islamic Azad University, Rasht, Iran, Hajimohammadi Sameh ,   Department of Biomedical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, University of Eyvanakey, Eyvanakey, Iran
Published: June 2023

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is an acute respiratory infection. Its virus called SARS-COV-2 which is an RNA virus with high homology to the bat coronavirus. In this review study, first the molecular and cellular characteristics and the proliferation and replication of SARS-COV-2 are investigated. Then, by reviewing bioinformatics studies regarding protected domain analysis, homology modeling, and molecular docking, the biological role of some specific SARS-COV-2 proteins are examined. The results showed that the open reading frame 8 (ORF8) and surface glycoprotein could bind to porphyrin. At the same time, ORF1ab, ORF10, and ORF3a can attack the heme part of hemoglobin to dissociate iron and form porphyrin. This attack reduces hemoglobin ability to carry oxygen and carbon dioxide. As a result, lung cells become severely inflamed due to their inability to exchange carbon dioxide and oxygen, which leads to large ground-glass opacities on CT scan images. Based on the bioinformatics results, chloroquine can prevent ORF1ab, ORF3a, and ORF10 from attacking hemoglobin to form porphyrin and avoid the binding of ORF8 and surface glycoprotein to porphyrin, which effectively relieves the symptoms of acute respiratory syndrome. In the current pandemic, bioinformatics studies are of great importance for preventing the spread of COVID-19, developing drugs and vaccines, and clinical practice.