bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Philosophers, Scribes, Rhetors … and Paul? The Educational Background of the New Testament
Authors: Estep James Riley
Published: March 2018

Of increasing interest to New Testament scholars is the educational background of Paul and the early Christians. As evangelical educators, such studies also engage our understanding of the Biblical and historical basis of Christian education. This article endeavors to ascertain the early Christian community's, and particularly Paul's, assessment of education in first-century A.D. Greco-Roman culture as one dimension of the interactions between the early Christian community and its culture. It will (1) provide a brief review of passages in the New Testament that reflect or interact with the educational community of the first-century A.D., (2) Conjecture Paul's assessment of education in Greco-Roman culture, with which early Christians interacted, (3) Itemize implications of Paul's opinion on Greco-Roman education for our understanding on the formation and history of Christian education, and finally (4) Address the need for further study of the subject.
Learning Truth from the Sages
Authors: Curtis Edward M.
Published: March 2018

The Old Testament sages regularly taught in ways that involved ambiguity and created tension in the minds of their students. Such teaching methods were intended to stimulate thought and reflection on the part of their students as they sought to answer the questions raised by these dilemmas. These intellectual and applicational struggles played a significant role in moving students toward the goal of developing skill in living according to Yahweh's order. An understanding of this methodology may be useful in understanding a difficult book like Ecclesiastes. at the same time the use of such teaching strategies may have relevance for teaching in various educational contexts today.
Understanding Korean-American Children's God-Concept in Relation to their Self-Concept Development
Authors: Hwang Mariana
Published: March 2018

This study addresses the effect of a positive God-concept on the development of a positive self-concept. Twenty-four Korean American children (12 girls and 12 boys) from age nine to eleven, who had been attending church during the last five years, were interviewed. The results of the study show that one of the critical roles in Christian Education is to help children develop a positive God-concept in order for them to develop a positive self-concept, which in turn, can influence their spiritual development.
Bringing the Generations Together: Support from Learning Theory
Authors: Allen Holly Catterton
Published: March 2018

In addition to briefly examining biblical and empirical support for intentional intergenerationl ministry, Dr. Allen [the article?] primarily addresses the question: Why might intergenerational Christian experiences contribute significantly to faith and spiritual development? She integrates concepts from situated learning theory [e.g., fully participating with more experienced practitioners] with some of Vygotsaky's sociocultural ideas [e.g., learning in complex, authentic environments, zone of proximal development] to forge a learning macrotheory that explicates the basic learning principles at work in intergenerational Christian community. Dr. Allen also offers practical ideas for those who desire to cultivate a more intergenerational outlook as well as some specific ways to bring the generations together.
Turning Points in Christian Education: Some Initial Perspectives
Authors: Setran David , Wilhoit James
Published: March 2018

Preliminary results of a recent interview project with veteran professors of Christian education regarding key transitions in the field over the last several decades. Four main areas of change are addressed, including issues of professional identity, the role of social sciences, the role of Scripture and theology, and cultural changes impacting educational ministry.
James Michael Lee's Crusade for Empiricism
Authors: Newell Edward J.
Published: March 2018

James Michael Lee advocated a social scientific “macrotheory” for religious and Christian education from the late 1960s until his death in 2004. Lee said that theology should no longer direct methods of education. Social scientific empirical results would provide firm ground for the teaching of faith and make a way past confessional educational expressions.

However, empirical data are now recognized to arise from philosophical pre-commitments, especially since Thomas Kuhn. Lee's social scientific macrotheory is not neutral but comes from his understanding of “fact,” based in turn on a commitment to immanentism and a theology of faith. The article traces stated and unstated philosophical and theological commitments that give rise to Lee's macrotheory.
Vulnerable Authority: A Theological Approach to Leadership and Teamwork
Authors: Shaw Perry W. H.
Published: March 2018

A salvation history approach to the theology of leadership suggests an ideal of theocratic leadership, the heart of which is the servant leader model of Jesus. Such an ideal can be attained only in as much as leaders are able to find significance in their relationship to God rather than through their status and position as leaders. Such confidence in God empowers a leader to move towards the eschatological imperative of vulnerable authority.
Re-examining and Refining Perry: Epistemological Development from a Christian Perspective
Authors: Henze Mark E.
Published: March 2018

William G. Perry, Jr. was a pioneer in pointing out the importance and effect of a student's epistemological worldview in matters of education and learning. Over the years, his work has been both criticized and refined, leading to a new burgeoning field known as personal epistemology Yet, Perry's introduction of the concept of epistemic “commitment” remains both relevant and informative. This article investigates the current state of personal epistemology and Perry's concept of “commitment,” while providing both a critique and a discussion of implications for educators from an evangelical Christian point of view.
Teaching Psychology of Jewish-Christian Dialogue in Poland: Towards Development of Cross-Cultural Empathy
Authors: Yangarber-Hicks Natalia , Hicks Mitchell
Published: March 2018

The article describes the experience of teaching a course on Psychology of Jewish-Christian Dialogue to Polish Christians using principles of intercultural pedagogy (Irizarry, 2003). These principles center on the bidirectional nature of learning between teachers and students. The article highlights the importance of instructors' awareness of their cultural selves and willingness to experience personal growth as a result of cross-cultural teaching opportunities. We emphasize the need for teachers to learn from their students. We also suggest how to use the classroom as a microcosm for developing empathy toward the “other” and facilitating cross-cultural dialogue.
“Converted to the Kingdom:” Social Action among College Students Today
Authors: Hunter Evan
Published: March 2018

A renewed interest in social action has captured this generation of Christian college students. This movement represents a change from previous generations, in which those committed to the truth and evangelism kept a distance from social justice issues. Conversely, those who embraced action often did so at the expense of scriptural authority or the exclusivity of Christ. A new generation of students does not see the divide, but for the most part cannot articulate why the two should be linked. By teaching a holistic gospel that proclaims the Kingdom of God, Christian educators have the opportunity to help these students ground their action in their faith. Students can move beyond simply doing something that makes them “feel good” to embracing the Kingdom of God in a way that gives meaning to their actions, develops an integrated life, and demonstrates the power of the gospel as a witness to the world.
Creating Learning Environments for Mature Adults that Foster Creativity and Faith Formation
Authors: Vogel Linda J.
Published: March 2018

Fostering creativity and faith formation with mature adults in church settings is a crucial task facing congregations across denominations. Our task is to create learning environments that invite participants to participate in transformative teaching and learning that leads to more faithful living. Such emancipatory education involves open and dialogical experiences where deep listening, on-going reflection and mutual respect are practiced. Being free to raise hard questions and to explore “what if” possibilities can help older adults grow in faith and in discipleship that offers compassion and works for justice.
All the Rage: How Small Groups Are Really Educating Christian Adults Part 2: Augmenting Small Group Ministry Practice—Developing Small Group Leadership Skills through Insights from Cognate Theoretical Disciplines
Authors: Lamport Mark A. , Rynsburger Mary
Published: March 2018

This three-part series considers the current and widespread trend of church-based small groups for adult spiritual formation. It is proposed that a focus on relationships must be kept in balance with learning and application of biblical truth in order for greater spiritual growth to result. The mini-series appears in three parts: The first article (Spring 2008) assesses small group ministries for an understanding of the current state of its sometimes blemished practice. In addition, a review of Christian-oriented small group literature is included, as well as an annotated bibliography of non-Christian-oriented small group literature. The second article (Fall 2008) is intended to augment small group practice by adapting key educational insights from the academic disciplines of group dynamics, communication theory, and educational psychology. The third article (Spring 2009) anchors small group practice by delving into the unique spiritual aspects of learning and addresses the biblical/theological apologetic for the centrality of Scripture. Finally, suggested applications are given for small group leaders and trainers of leaders as to how adults may be more effectively stimulated to learn and grow through such group involvement.
Leading Ministry Teams, Part II: Research on Effective Teams with Implications for Ministry Team Leadership
Authors: Lawson Kevin E. , Eguizabal Orbelina
Published: March 2018

To date, the major research efforts on teams and teamwork are found solely in the publicatications of Larson and LaFasto (1989, 2001) as well as those of Katzenbach and Smith (1993, 2001). This article reviews their major findings and continued research in the last 20 years. Research on effective ministry teams in Christian ministry contexts shows a number of common elements that affirmed both Larson and LaFasto's eight characteristics of effective teams and Katzenbach and Smith's description of effective group fundamentals. Implications for church and parachurch ministries are considered in light of the biblical and theological review in part I, as well as the two major research efforts reviewed in this part II.
Firewall: Health Essentials for Ministers and Their Families
Authors: Flynn James T.
Published: March 2018

Ministerial formation is an essential function of Christian education. Its goal is for ministers and their families to experience a lifetime of fruitful service. When formation does not take into account forces of deformation commonly experienced in ministry, the result is malformation that leads to failure under stress with devastating consequences. Statistics suggest that ministers are not adequately prepared to handle common stressors encountered in ministry environments. At least four common stressors in ministry should be addressed in curricular design for ministerial formation to build a “firewall” of protection for ministers and their families to ensure better long-term outcomes.
Situated Learning: Optimizing Experiential Learning through God-given Learning Community
Authors: Kemp Stephen
Published: March 2018

This article explores the educational concept of experiential learning, particularly in terms of service learning and situated learning. It proposes an alternative definition of an academic learning community, namely the role of primary social relationships as God-given contexts for learning It concludes with practical application of the enormous potential for accomplishment of educational objectives through situated learning.
Spiritual Formation in Online Higher Education Communities: Nurturing Spirituality in Christian Higher Education Online Degree Programs
Authors: Maddix Mark A. , Estep James R.
Published: March 2018

Spiritual formation is one of the recognized benchmarks of higher education that is Christian. A communal commitment to spiritual formation is indeed part of the Christian higher education community's DNA, and is in fact reflected in the criteria for accreditation in both the Association of Biblical Higher Education (ABHE) and the Association of Theological Schools (ATS). However, as many Christian institutions of higher education begin to engage in online instruction, even offering entire degree programs online, how can they affirm their campus's commitment to the spiritual formation of students?

This article addresses the question of providing intentional Christian nurture toward spiritual formation in online degree programs. The aim of the article is to inform participants of the challenges and opportunities for student spiritual formation in online degree programs so as to better equip participants to develop Christian nurture initiatives for online students from an informed perspective. To do so the article includes two parts: (a) the development of a theoretical matrix for online spiritual formation, based principally on precedent literature and the experience of the two authors; and (b) a survey of actual Christian nurture and spiritual formation models specifically designed for online programs.
Education as Sacrament
Authors: Downs Perry G.
Published: March 2018

The conversation between theology and education is the missing ingredient for shaping a distinctly Christian process of education. This article calls for a productive conversation between the social sciences and theology to establish an educational process that is redemptive in nature. As a corrective to disintegrated education, biblical theology can inform educational process to help it become a means of grace for the learner, and in that sense it can be understood as sacramental.
“Your Kingdom Come”: Practical Theology as Living out Three Great Pillars of Christianity
Authors: Kang S. Steve
Published: March 2018

This is to be a reflection on how to understand the discipline of theology, and practical theology in particular. The reflection entails what it means to engage in practical theology in the educational ministry of the church. In the process, a modest proposal will develop for the trajectory of practical theology that is characterized as a lifelong habitus that every Christian of all ages is engaged in as a part of God's kingdom. This habitus is propelled by what I propose as the Three Pillars of Christianity: the Great Commandment, the Great Commission, and the Great Communion. These biblical maxims reveal the identity of and calling for the people of God within the very ministry of the triune God in his kingdom on earth.
Intergenerationality: Biblical and Theological Foundations
Authors: Harkness Allan G.
Published: March 2018

This article provides a brief overview of key biblical and theological foundations for intergenerational processes in Christian faith communities. On the strength of these perspectives, it advocates that intergenerational interaction is imperative for personal Christian growth and for corporate church life if the practices of both are going to be consistent with their ecclesiology.
Generating and Facilitating Effective Online Learning through Discussion
Authors: Maddix Mark A.
Published: March 2018

In Christian higher education, most teaching and learning has been confined to the traditional classroom. However, with the advent of computer technology many universities and seminaries are offering online courses and programs. These online courses provide facilitators and teachers with a different learning context. One of the most important social learning components of online learning is discussion forums. These forums provide a context for faculty-student and student-student interaction. For teachers facilitating discussion, this can become an overwhelming task, especially when there is too much or not enough student interaction. This article addresses such questions as: How can teachers ensure that discussion is contributing to learning. How much interaction is necessary and what constitutes effective interaction? How can we ensure that students engage in thoughtful discussion?

This article explores how teachers can facilitate effective online learning through discussion. The article also presents a framework for effective online discussion called the Community Inquiry Model (Garrison & Anderson, 2011). The article provides guidelines for teachers to develop discussion board rubrics and effective faculty-student and student-student interaction in online courses. The article concludes by providing best practices of online discussion based on current research and personal experience in teaching online courses.
Adjunct Faculty Embraced: The Institution's Responsibility
Authors: Morton Dawn R.
Published: March 2018

Adjuncts are a vital part of the academic institution. The institution has a responsibility to provide training, resources, and development for adjuncts. This article considers five general areas regarding adjuncts identified by Richard E. Lyons. Consideration of these areas is needed by institutions in order to provide quality training and development for adjuncts. Practical ideas are shared that are incorporated into each general area.
The Ministry of … Grading?
Authors: Ramsey Richard
Published: March 2018

The teaching vocation in Christian higher education has many challenges and benefits. Most careers have a “necessary evil” attached to them. Among those who teach, grading is at the top of the list for many. Yet, particularly in the information era, grading is one of the teacher's most strategic ministries. This article highlights the teacher's unique ministry role in spiritual formation by framing the grading task in light of the formational calling of the teacher.
Book Review: Children's ministry that fits: Beyond one-sized-fits-all.
Authors: Carr Jane , Sanders Thomas L.
Published: March 2018

In this section 10 books are reviewed, presented in the following general order: children/family ministry, youth ministry, adult ministry, foundations, teaching-learning process, spirituality/spiritual formation, and leadership/administration—although reviews may not appear for each area. A list of each area and responsible editors appears after the last review in this section. We invite readers to consider reviewing a book for CEJ. Guidelines are available in downloadable documents at www.biola.edu/cej under Publications Policy on the drop down menu.
Modeling Spiritual Formation from a Distance: Paul's Formation Transactions with the Roman Christians
Authors: Forrest Benjamin K. , Lamport Mark A.
Published: March 2018

This article proposes that Paul's letter to the church in Rome can identify processes involved in offering a spiritually formative education from a distance. When Paul wrote the letter to Rome, he wrote to a church he had never visited. We argue that his relationship with the recipients is analogically similar to the relationship between professor and student in an online, educational paradigm. Paul modeled how to offer this spiritually formative relationship by emphasizing the gospel message, grounding his scriptural authority, personalizing his message, anticipating questions, enlisting the community, encouraging the recipients, praying for needs, and explaining the marks of true Christianity.
Developing Online Learning Communities1
Authors: Maddix Mark A.
Published: March 2018

The Christian higher education landscape is changing with the development of online courses and programs. Faculty and administrators are struggling with developing effective learning in an online format. One of the ways effective learning and social interaction can be developed is through online learning communities. The article provides a definition and rationale for online learning communities and best practices gained from the precedent literature and experience in teaching and developing online programs.
Puritan Conference: “A Kinde of Paradise”
Authors: Jung Joanne J.
Published: March 2018

The spirituality of the 16th- and 17th-century English Puritans was nurtured by a number of both private and public means of grace. Puritan Conferences were the types of conversations that focused on growing biblical knowledge and caring for the souls of others. Whether these occurred in private meetings of individuals, serendipitous encounters along the road, or through written communication, there was wide acceptance of this exercise as a common Puritan practice of piety. Primary sources affirm the benefits enjoyed by the participants. A relevant and practical application of this exercise is proposed for contemporary small groups.
Factors that Fuel Small Group Growth
Authors: Egli Jim , Wang Wei
Published: March 2018

In order to improve congregational growth, thousands of churches in the United States have implemented small group ministries over the last several decades, but almost no statistical research has been done to determine what factors in small groups and churches foster group growth. This study involved surveying 1,140 small group leaders in 47 churches using factor analysis and multiple regression analysis to determine the factors that drive small group growth. Four small group factors showed a causal relationship to group growth: the prayer life of the group leader, an outreach focus, caring relationships between group members, and the empowering of group members in leadership and ministry. On the church level, three factors—an atmosphere of intercession, the active coaching of group leaders, and the equipping of members and leaders—promoted group growth by improving the four small group factors.
Schools for the Lord's Service: The Rule of St. Benedict for Christian Camping
Authors: Miller Craig
Published: March 2018

The aim of this essay is to explore the connections between Benedictine monasticism and contemporary Christian camping. It examines the history and philosophy of Christian camping and offers a description of Benedictine spirituality as envisioned in The Rule of St. Benedict. Finally it articulates an understanding of Christian camping as a “new monastic” community whose purpose is a lasting spiritual formation through the rhythms and practices native to its context.
Culturally Responsive Pedagogy: A Transformative Tool for CCCU Educators in Multicultural Classrooms
Authors: Baldwin Timothy A.
Published: March 2018

The vast majority of the institutions that comprise the Council of Christian Colleges and Universities (CCCU) fall short of their stated diversity objectives. In view of this gap in practice, the author argues that CCCU educators should explore Culturally Responsive Pedagogy's (CRP) transformative potential for the teaching and learning that takes place in their multicultural classrooms. This article examines several ways in which this approach challenges common majority-culture educators' assumptions about culture, power, and teacher-student roles and discusses suggestions for CCCU educators' professional development and personal transformation in light of CRP.
“Conquering the ‘Tyrranical Commander:’” Richard Baxter on the Perils of Pride in Christian Ministry
Authors: Setran David
Published: March 2018

Pride continues to be a prevalent vice among those who serve as professional ministers and Christian leaders. English Puritan Richard Baxter (1615–1691) was attentive to this concern and wrote a great deal on ministerial pride in his various publications. He explored the ways in which pride infected ministers both through an elevated personal assessment and through a heightened desire for human praise. This article examines his diagnosis of the diverse manifestations of ministerial pride and looks carefully at his recommendations for addressing its corrosive influence, providing insights and suggestions for contemporary Christian ministers.
Special Needs Goes to Church: A Special Education Primer for Ministry
Authors: Wright Peter L. , Owiny Ruby L.
Published: March 2018

Before church ministry practitioners can fully implement ministries to meet the needs of those with disabilities and their families, it is important for them to have a basic understanding of special education. This article provides information to help readers understand foundational concepts and vocabulary related to disabilities in order to allow them to understand those that are, or could be, part of their congregation. The article concludes with ideas for churches to consider in developing ministries that serve those with disabilities and their families.
Being Present versus Having a Presence: Dimensions of Belonging for young People with Disabilities and their Families
Authors: Carter Erik W. , Biggs Elizabeth E. , Boehm Thomas L.
Published: March 2018

Faith communities aspire to be places of healing, hope, and healthy relationships that bring life to every member. For individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) and their families, finding a place of belonging within such a community can have great importance. In this qualitative study, we explored the experiences of belonging among 25 parents who were involved in a local church and had a son or daughter with IDD. We present 10 dimensions of belonging that reflect a trajectory of deepening relationship—beginning with being present and culminating in being loved. We discuss implications of this framework for cultivating inclusive communities and offer recommendations for future research at the intersection of faith and disability.
A Theology of Accommodation as a Resource for Integrating Youth and Children into Intergenerational Church
Authors: Crispin Gareth
Published: March 2018

This paper argues that a theology of accommodation can provide help to those wishing to integrate youth and children into an intergenerational local church. It will be demonstrated that God's accommodation to humanity is not only communicative, but behavioral, and that in the New Testament we see that this behavioral accommodation principle is normative for relationships within the church. Through an examination of 1 Corinthians 8–11:1, this paper demonstrates that those with authority and knowledge in the church are to accommodate those without, which almost invariably implies youth and children. Christians are to imitate Christ, and so as God accommodates in Christ, those with authority and knowledge follow suit.
Strengthening Ministry Teams: Facilitating Unity and Cohesiveness
Authors: Krispin Keith R.
Published: March 2018

The use of teams is common in churches and ministry organizations. This article examines one aspect of team development: the nature of and facilitation of unity within a team. By reviewing both the biblical foundations of unity and the social science research on the related concept of cohesion, implications for ministry leadership are identified.
OH Father, where ART Thou?
Authors: Kiesling Chris
Published: March 2018

Sociological research has often evidenced significant outcomes associated with the experiences a child has of fatherhood. This article considers the importance of fatherhood from a Biblical/theological perspective. This importance is contrasted with the diminished and ambiguous valuation given to fathers in contemporary culture by examining what has happened with four predominant father roles. Implications for Christian educators are offered related to the shaping of young men in rites of passage, roles played by fathers today, and the meanings infused into rituals of the church.
Intercessory Prayer across Generations: A Case Study
Authors: Embree Christina
Published: March 2018

The American church, much like the surrounding society, has become more age segregated with age-specific ministry defining the landscape of the church. However, Scripture indicates that generational discipleship, the passing of faith from one generation to another, is the normative practice of a community of faith, which requires the interaction and engagement of multiple generations. Intercessory prayer has been shown to have positive effects on a variety of social relationships and is a spiritual discipline available to all, regardless of age or spiritual maturity. This article explores the possibility of intercessory prayer being used as a vehicle to connect generations and create space for increased generational interactions within a local church context.
Equipping Members for Ministry through Small Groups
Authors: Rose Joshua
Published: March 2018

There are many questions that are still yet to be explored regarding small group ministry among these questions this article addresses how small groups equip group members for ministry. This article argues that ultimately it is through the learning process in small groups, with the goal of attaining Christlikeness, that group members are equipped for ministry. This article will examine how various learning constructs support the equipping of small group members, and then recommend two propositions for improving small group ministry efforts to equip group members for ministry.
Overcoming Digital Distance: The Challenge of Developing Relational Disciples in the Internet Age
Authors: Shirley Chris
Published: March 2018

Jesus' model for discipleship (John 15:1–16) is grounded within a context of human and divine relationships: abiding in Christ, fellowshipping with other disciples, and ministering to needs of others in the world and in the church. As the Christian community becomes increasingly reliant on digital technology and the Internet to provide an environment and resources for disciple-making we must also be familiar with the available options and understand the benefits and limitations of using these methods as we seek to establish and enhance these essential spiritual relationships.
The 4D-R Method of Imagining the Future, Part 1: Implications for Vocational Discipleship
Authors: Herr Meryl
Published: March 2018

Commonly prescribed vocational discipleship strategies have been devoid of teaching methods specifically designed for engaging the imagination. To fill this methodological gap, the author developed the 4D-R method for imagining the future and conducted a qualitative study to understand adult evangelical Christians' experience of the method. The findings indicate that the 4D-R method for imagining the future could be a useful strategy for vocational discipleship, particularly in the area of vocational discernment. The findings further suggest a relationship between common vocational discipleship strategies and the 4D-R method for imagining the future.
Measurement Reliability, Validity, and Quality of Slider Versus Radio Button Scales in an Online Probability-Based Panel in Norway
Authors: Bosch Oriol J. , Revilla Melanie , DeCastellarnau Anna , Weber Wiebke
Published: March 2018

Little is known about the reliability and validity in web surveys, although this is crucial information to evaluate how accurate the results might be and/or to correct for measurement errors. In particular, there are few studies based on probability-based samples for web surveys, looking at web-specific response scales and considering the impact of having smartphone respondents. In this article, we start filling these gaps by estimating the measurement quality of sliders compared to radio button scales controlling for the device respondents used. We conducted therefore two multitrait–multimethod (MTMM) experiments in the Norwegian Citizen Panel (NCP), a probability-based online panel. Overall, we find that if smartphone respondents represent a nonnegligible part of the whole sample, offering the response options in form of a slider or a radio button scale leads to a quite similar measurement quality. This means that sliders could be used more often without harming the data quality. Besides, if there are no smartphone respondents, we find that sliders can also be used, but that the marker should be placed initially in the middle rather than on the left side. However, in practice, there is no need to shift from radio buttons to sliders since the quality is not highly improved by providing sliders.
Board Effectiveness in Nonprofit Organizations: Do Interactions in the Boardroom Matter?
Authors: Van Puyvelde Stijn , Brown William A. , Walker Vernetta , Tenuta Rosemary
Published: March 2018

This study explores how perceived interactions in the boardroom are associated with perceptions of board effectiveness in nonprofit organizations. The relationships between board chair leadership, board meeting practices, board group dynamics, and the perceived effectiveness of the board in several governance roles and responsibilities are investigated. The results show that interactions in the boardroom matter: they are generally positively associated with both board chairs’ and chief executives’ perceptions of board effectiveness. Based on these results, several practical implications are formulated for boards seeking to improve their effectiveness.
Boundless
Authors: Williams Lyneise
Published: March 2018

This essay explores the visual articulation of protection, family care, nurturing, and freedom through the lens of two cloth ancestral figures from early 1920s Edgefield, South Carolina. The doll-like reliquaries, made by healer Ellen Weaver, embody materials from the graves of relatives and engage practices rooted in African American rootworking and conjure traditions. The figures are distinct in that they are small doll forms made to travel with their owners. Created after the accidental death of Ellen’s 2-year-old granddaughter, Rose, the dolls have moved with her sister Lillie Mae from Edgefield to Greens Cut, Georgia, to Queens, New York, and Cleveland, Ohio, where they reside with Lillie Mae’s granddaughter Nancy Stroman. Nearly eighty-five years old, the figures reveal Ellen’s deep commitment in her ability to artistically manipulate supernatural powers and harness the power of the family’s ancestral spirits to protect, heal, and inspire her descendants.
Queer potentialities and queering home in Shani Mootoo’s Cereus Blooms at Night
Authors: Wallace Belinda Deneen
Published: March 2018

This article employs queer potentiality as a reading strategy to unpack the ways in which Shani Mootoo’s Cereus Blooms at Night adroitly brings forth queer voices and visions on home and belonging that have been rejected, erased, or ignored. More precisely, through the juxtaposition of Gully Queen, a real-life transgender Jamaican woman, and Tyler and Otoh, Mootoo’s transgender protagonists, I demonstrate how these gender non-conforming bodies use queer potentiality to create a necessary disruption to conventional ideas of home; such a disruption educes a re-articulation of belonging. Here, queer potentiality is understood to be a specific kind of resistance that functions as an adjuvant for envisioning and inventing home. By interjecting queer voices and experiences into various Caribbean spaces and discourses, the non-conforming bodies explored here produce “queer moments of significance” that signal not only how non-conforming bodies will exist in the nation but also the manner in which they demand legitimacy and a place to call home.
On the development of a new flexible drill for orthopedic surgery and the forces experienced on drilling bovine bone
Authors: Ahmad Fuad Ahmad Nazmi Bin , Deep Kamal , Yao Wei , Rowe Philip
Published: March 2018

This article presents the construction of a flexible drill which is designed to cut a curved canal in the bone or remove bone materials, to improve the outcome of orthopedic surgery and to facilitate minimally invasive. This article reports the design of the flexible drill and uses it in an experimental rig to evaluate the drilling force generated when cutting bovine bone. The experiments facilitate the measurement of action forces between the mill bits when moving the tip toward or across a bone sample in various configurations caused by bending the flexible drill sheath to enable cutting of a curved path of variable radius in the bone. The reaction force represents the force trying to deflect the mill bit tip away from the bone sample surface and must be resisted in order to continue cutting without deflection or buckling of the tip during the drilling of curved pathways. The experiment shows the flexible drill can cut bones in both configurations and experienced a maximal force of 3.4N in the vertical configuration and 0.54N in lateral configuration. The experimental results show that the flexible drill designed is able to produce sufficient force at variable bending angles to perform the required tasks for bone cutting.
Sex Differences in School Safety and Bullying Experiences Among Sexual Minority Youth
Authors: Rose India D. , Sheremenko Ganna , Rasberry Catherine N. , Lesesne Catherine A. , Adkins Susan N. Hocevar
Published: March 2018

Schools play an integral role in creating safe, supportive environments for students, especially for sexual minority youth (SMY). Using 2016 questionnaire data from seven high schools in a Florida school district, we obtained a sample of 1,364 SMY. Logistic regressions controlling for sex (as applicable), age, grade, race/ethnicity, and school explored differences between SMY and nonsexual minority youth (non-SMY). Sex differences related to school environment perceptions and experiences related to safety, bullying, and hearing homophobic remarks were also explored. SMY were more likely than non-SMY to report several negative school environment perceptions and experiences. Where differences existed within SMY, male SMY were more likely than female SMY to have missed school in the past 30 days (odds ratio [ OR] = 1.66, p = .03), report avoiding spaces at school due to safety concerns ( OR = 1.38, p = .02), and report hearing homophobic remarks from teachers ( OR = 2.00, p = .01). Implications for school nursing are discussed.
Tibiotalocalcaneal Arthrodesis With Bulk Talar Allograft for Treatment of Talar Osteonecrosis
Authors: DeFontes Kenneth W. , Vaughn Joshua , Smith Jeremy , Bluman Eric M.
Published: March 2018

Talar body osteonecrosis can be a devastating, painful condition that is difficult to manage surgically when conservative treatments have failed. With early disease, nonoperative treatments can prolong the need for operative correction in the young patient. Later stage disease with extensive involvement may require a tibiotalocalcaneal (TTC) arthrodesis to retain functionality of the limb. This situation frequently requires a structural bone graft. Using the technique described in this article, the void resulting from collapse of the talar body is filled with talar allograft, which offers a more anatomic and structurally rigid construct than previously described methods using an allograft femoral head. We have found this technique to be more resilient and successful than other methods.

Level of Evidence: Level V, expert opinion.
Reflections on Jackson Katz and the MVP Program
Authors: Wilmerding Elizabeth , Knuth-Bouracee Mari , Edleson Jeffrey L.
Published: March 2018

This article offers reflections on the article “Bystander Training as Leadership Training: Notes on the Origins, Philosophy and Pedagogy of the Mentors in Violence Prevention Model” by Jackson Katz in this issue of Violence Against Women. The authors rely on their unique perspectives in varying roles at the University of California (UC) Berkeley, as well as on relevant social science and social justice research. The article explores five themes of violence prevention and anti-oppression work: leadership, social justice, gender identity, issues of identity and status, and diffusion of innovation. Through these five themes, the authors acknowledge Mentors for Violence Prevention’s (MVP) successes while critically analyzing opportunities for a more comprehensive approach to violence prevention.
Furbish or perish: Italian social cooperatives at a crossroads
Authors: Pansera Mario , Rizzi Francesco
Published: March 2018

Although the public debate tends to privilege investor-owned organisations, alternative forms of organisation are mushrooming at the borders of the capitalist economy. In this work, we contribute to the debate on alternative economies by analysing a specific form of worker-owned organisations which originated in Italy in the 1970s and was recognised by Italian legislation in the 1990s: the social cooperative. By drawing on data gathered over 3 years of participant observation, this article explores the tensions and contradictions generated by the rapid growth of an Italian social cooperative focused on waste recovery and its preparation for reuse. We show how social cooperatives might be able to reconcile their commercial success with their founding principles of equality and democratic management. This article contributes to the debate on the ‘regeneration thesis’ by providing new insights into the factors and drivers that force social cooperatives to scale up and to engage in competition with mainstream competitors, the internal conflicts and solutions that emerge in this process and the external alliances that social cooperatives can leverage to prosper and flourish.
Serum neurofilament light chain is a biomarker of acute and chronic neuronal damage in early multiple sclerosis
Authors: Siller Nelly , Kuhle Jens , Muthuraman Muthuraman , Barro Christian , Uphaus Timo , Groppa Sergiu , Kappos Ludwig , Zipp Frauke , Bittner Stefan
Published: March 2018

Background:

Monitoring neuronal injury remains one key challenge in early relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis (RRMS) patients. Upon axonal damage, neurofilament – a major component of the neuro-axonal cytoskeleton – is released into the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) and subsequently peripheral blood.

Objective:

To investigate the relevance of serum neurofilament light chain (sNfL) for acute and chronic axonal damage in early RRMS.

Methods:

sNfL levels were determined in 74 patients (63 therapy-naive) with recently diagnosed clinically isolated syndrome (CIS) or RRMS using Single Molecule Array technology. Standardized 3 T magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) was performed at baseline and 1–3 consecutive follow-ups (42 patients; range: 6–37 months).

Results:

Baseline sNfL correlated significantly with T2 lesion volume ( r = 0.555, p < 0.0001). There was no correlation between baseline sNfL and age, Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS) score or other calculated MRI measures. However, T2 lesion volume increased ( r = 0.67, p < 0.0001) and brain parenchymal volume decreased more rapidly in patients with higher baseline sNfL ( r = −0.623, p = 0.0004). Gd-enhancing lesions correlated positively with sNfL levels. Initiation of disease-modifying treatment led to a significant decrease in sNfL levels.

Conclusion:

sNfL indicates acute inflammation as demonstrated by correlation with Gd+ lesions. It is a promising biomarker for neuro-axonal damage in early multiple sclerosis (MS) patients, since higher baseline sNfL levels predicted future brain atrophy within 2 years.
Seismic failure mode identification and multi-objective optimization for steel frame structure
Authors: Xu Long-He , Xiao Shui-Jing , Wu Yao-Wei , Li Zhong-Xian
Published: March 2018

In this study, a combined performance-based seismic failure mode identification and multi-objective optimization method is proposed, in which the failure probability function is introduced to identify the primary structural failure mode with a certain probability level, and the structural damage and hysteretic energy are taken as indices in the objective function to improve the structure’s seismic performance. Taking a 20-story steel frame structure as an example, seismic failure modes are identified and optimized using this method. Results indicate that global damage to the optimized structure is reduced under 62% earthquake excitations, while the hysteretic energy dissipation capacity of the optimized structure is improved under 48.3% earthquake excitations. Furthermore, the distribution of the optimized structure’s inter-story drift ratio is more uniform than in the original structure, leading to a significant improvement of the structural seismic performance.
A multimodal approach to visual thinking: the scientific sketchnote
Authors: Fernández-Fontecha Almudena , O’Halloran Kay L , Tan Sabine , Wignell Peter
Published: March 2018

There is a growing interest in the use of visual thinking techniques for promoting conceptual thinking in problem solving tasks as well as for reducing the complexity of ideas expressed in scientific and technical formats. The products of visual thinking, such as sketchnotes, graphics and diagrams, consist of ‘multimodal complexes’ that combine language, images, mathematical symbolism and various other semiotic resources. This article adopts a social semiotic perspective, more specifically a Systemic Functional Multimodal Discourse Analysis approach, to study the underlying semiotic mechanisms through which visual thinking makes complex scientific content accessible. To illustrate the approach, the authors analyse the roles of language, images, and mathematical graphs and symbolism in four sketchnotes based on scientific literature in physics. The analysis reveals that through the process of resemiotization, where meanings are transformed from one semiotic system to another, the abstractness of specialized discourses such as physics and mathematics is reduced by multimodal strategies which include reformulating the content in terms of entities which participate in observable (i.e. tangible) processes and enhancing the reader/viewer’s engagement with the text. Moreover, the compositional arrangement creates clear stages in the development of the ideas and arguments that are presented. In this regard, visual thinking is a form of cultural communication through which abstract ideas are translated and explained using a multimodal outline or summary of essential parts by adapting resources (e.g. linguistic resources and mathematical graphs), using new resources (e.g. stick figures and other simple schematic drawings) and maintaining others from the original text (e.g. mathematical symbolic notation), resulting in a congruent (or concrete) depiction of abstract concepts and ideas for a non-specialist audience.
Reasons for relating representations when reading digital multimodal science information
Authors: Sivle Anders D , Uppstad Per H
Published: March 2018

This exploratory study examined 16 participants’ reasons for relating representations when reading online information that presented weather forecasts comprising a variety of representations. They were told to advise a friend, who was planning to paint the exterior of his house, based on the online information. The participants’ multimodal reading was tracked with a SMI RED (50 Hz) eye-tracker, and their reasons for relating representations were investigated through a retrospective think-aloud protocol cued by the recording of the individual’s reading behaviour and a stand-alone interview. In line with expected behaviour, results suggest that decision-making processes influenced the construction of reading paths. More interestingly, results showed that the participants’ reasons for making transitions between representations were to control and compare information. The discussion focuses on this study’s unique contribution in terms of new conjectures for future research.