bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Nutritional components of fresh and frozen fruits of highbush blueberries (Vaccinium corymbosum L.)
Authors: Shevchuk Liudmyla , Vintskovska Yuliia , Babenko Svitlana , Mazur Borys , Havryliuk Oleksandr
Published: April 2023

The relevance of the study is due to the considerable popularity of tall blueberries among consumers, which they have gained due to their balanced taste and content of nutrients and biologically active substances useful for the human body. Therefore, the aim of the study was to determine the suitability of the fruits of the varieties 'Duke', 'Patriot', 'Chanticleer' for freezing and storage in a frozen state. To achieve this goal, biometric, laboratory, analytical and statistical research methods were used. As a result of the studies, it was found that the frozen fruits of tall blueberries of the studied varieties 'Duke', 'Patriot', 'Chantilly' meet the requirements of the highest commercial grade according to DSTU 4837:2007. The thawed berries of the Duke variety had a better appearance than those of the other two studied varieties, thawed with a waxy coating inherent in this type of fruit, their weight loss during freezing was 0.20%, and the loss of juice after thawing was 0.71%. In the berries of tall blueberries of varieties Duke, Patriot, Chanticleer in the conditions of the Forest-Steppe of Ukraine, from 17.6 to 19.0 mg/100 g of vitamin C, 378-545 mg/100 g of polyphenolic substances, 127.2-176.8 mg/100 g of flavonoids, 59.4-162.9 mg/100 g of anthocyanins, 15.6-32.5 mg/100 g of chalcones were accumulated. The largest amount of nutrients was contained in the thawed berries of the Duke variety, while the losses during freezing and thawing were: vitamin C - 2.7 mg/100 g, total polyphenols - 102 mg/100 g, anthocyanins - 41.8 mg/100 g. The data obtained are of practical value for gardeners when choosing a variety for creating plantations of tall blueberries, the fruits of which can be used both for fresh consumption and for freezing
Predictors of Nonadherence to Planned Coronary Angiography: A Retrospective Analysis
Authors: Petsuwan Sutida , Maneewat Khomapak , Sae-Sia Wipa , Chittithavorn Voravit
Published: April 2023

Objective: This study aimed to determine the predictive power of patient-related factors, socio-economic factors, condition-related factors, treatment-related factors, and health care system-related factors for nonadherence to planned coronary angiography (CAG). Material and Methods: A retrospective analysis was conducted on electronic medical records (EMR) of 665 patients appointed for elective CAG at Naradhiwas Rajanagarindra Heart Center from January 2018 to December 2019. One hundred and thirty-three patients with nonadherence to planned CAG were assigned to the study group; the control group consisted of 532 patients with adherence to planned CAG. Results: The retrospective data analysis revealed that divorced or widowed status (OR=3.07; 95% CI 1.54, 6.12), cerebrovascular disease comorbidity (OR=4.37; 95% CI 1.74, 10.96), prescribed diuretics (OR=2.24; 95% CI 1.26, 3.97), CAG wait time three months or longer (OR=3.34; 95% CI 1.46, 7.64) and history of parental cardiovascular disease or death from heart disease (OR=0.12; 95% CI 0.01, 0.95) were co-predictors of nonadherence to planned CAG. Socioeconomic- related factors had no predictive power for planned CAG nonadherence. Conclusion: The findings of this study may contribute to the improvement of nursing service by screening groups at high risk of nonadherence and developing appropriate interventions aimed at increasing adherence to planned CAG as well the rate of positive health outcomes.
Relación de la distorsión de entrepiso en edificios de acero con un nuevo índice del potencial de daño de los sismos
Authors:   Universidad Juárez Autónoma de Tabasco, Cunduacán, Tabasco, México, Cornelio Gutiérrez Luis Eduardo , Díaz Alvarado Sergio Alberto ,   Universidad Juárez Autónoma de Tabasco, Cunduacán, Tabasco, México, Mora Ortiz René Sebastián ,   Universidad Juárez Autónoma de Tabasco, Cunduacán, Tabasco, México, Vásquez Martínez Alberto
Published: April 2023

El daño esperado en las edificaciones por los sismos se puede determinar con la máxima distorsión de entrepiso (max) y depende del tipo de edificio y de las características del sismo. En esta investigación se presenta un nuevo índice del potencial del daño (IPDSaT1-IA-ΔIA) de los sismos, basado en su intensidad de Arias (IA), la duración significativa (ΔIA) y la aceleración espectral del periodo fundamental del edificio (SaT1). Además, se desarrollan ecuaciones predictivas para determinar la max en función del nuevo índice. Son usados dos edificios 2D, de 3 y 7 pisos y es considerada como zona de estudio la ciudad de Oaxaca, México. Se utilizaron 46 acelero-gramas de componentes horizontales de sismos reales. Para este conjunto de acelerogramas con base en una técnica de un ajuste espectral, se generaron acelerogramas con respuesta espectral compatible con el espectro de diseño de la norma sísmica mexicana para la ciudad estudiada. La respuesta sísmica de los edificios es obtenida mediante análisis dinámico no lineal incremen-tales. Los resultados muestran una buena correlación entre max con la SAT1e IA en los análisis con el conjunto de acelerogramas compatibles. El IPDSaT1-IA-ΔIA propuesto tiene una mejor correlación con la max que la SAT1 e IA para acelerogramas reales y compatibles en los dos edificios estudiados. Por lo cual puede ser una mejor alternativa para medir el potencial destructivo de una acción sísmica. Finalmente, las ecuaciones predictivas desarrolladas permiten relacionar correctamente el nuevo índice con el max para acciones sísmicas compatibles en edificios de acero.
Fitotoxicidad de extractos vegetales en la germinación de semillas y desarrollo inicial de plantas mono y dicotiledóneas
Authors:   Universidad Autónoma de Chiapas, Villaflores, Chiapas, México, Anza Cruz Héctor Guillermo , Ramírez Gonzále Sandra Isabel ,   Universidad Autónoma de Chiapas, Tuxtla Gutiérrez, Chiapas, México, López Báez Orlando ,   Universidad Autónoma de Chiapas, Tuxtla Gutiérrez, Chiapas, México, Espinoza Zaragoz Saul ,   Universidad Autónoma de Chiapas, Tuxtla Gutiérrez, Chiapas, México
Published: April 2023

El control de malezas es un factor importante en la producción de cultivos, pero se hace necesario generar alternativas menos contaminantes y más sostenibles, por lo que se planteó una investigación exploratoria para deter-minar la actividad fitotóxica de extractos vegetales de Rosmarinus officinalis, Raphanus sativus, Origanum vulgare, Capsicum annuum y Allium sativum en la germinación de semillas y plantas de especies monocotiledóneas (Zea mays) y dicoltiledoneas (Phaseolus vulgaris); se utilizaron con cada planta dos formas de extracción (licuado y presurización). En la primera etapa se evaluaron todos los extractos a concentraciones de 100% y 50% v/v, en Z. mays y P. vulgaris, y se cuantificó: porcentaje de germinación, semillas sanas y crecimiento de plántula. Los mejores tratamientos se evaluaron en una segunda etapa sobre plantas y se cuantificó: grado de fitotoxicidad (escala de Rochecouste), el peso fresco y seco y crecimiento radicular y foliar. El diseño fue completamente al azar y en las dos etapas se incluyó un testigo (agua), se realizó análisis de varianza y comparaciones de medias de Tukey (P≤0,05). Los resultados indican que el extracto de R. officinalis licuado al 100% logró 9 en la escala de fitotoxicidad Rochecouste, así como el valor más bajo de peso seco en Z. mays, y R. officinalis presurizado al 100% y 50%, C. annuum licuado y presurizado al 100% y O. vulgare presurizado al 100%, también tuvieron un efecto fitotóxico superior al 4.8 y reducción en el peso seco de plantas en más del 50%, siendo potenciales productos herbicidas en plantas monocotiledóneas. El extracto de A. sativum licuado al 100%, logró 10 en la escala de Rochecouste, y el peso más bajo en plantas de P. vulgare, siendo al igual que A. sativum presurizado al 100 y 50% y O. vulgare licuado al 100%, extractos con potencial herbicida en plantas dicotiledóneas.
Methodological Aspects Of Assessing The Economic Sustainability Of Industrial Enterprises
Authors: Kadirov Abdumalik
Published: April 2023

In the article, a theoretical analysis of some aspects of the methodology for assessing the economic sustainability of industrial enterprises is proposed; the approaches of various authors to the subject are analyzed, and a new interpretation of this concept is offered. The author has developed an innovative model for assessing the economic sustainability of industrial enterprises based on the method of integrated differential equations with the transformation of individual factors in relation to their sum, using coefficient methods for the financial indicators of an industrial enterprise, taking into account the constituent factors that show the level of influence on the economic sustainability of an industrial enterprise. The model has been tested on the basis of industrial enterprises of the Republic of Uzbekistan and can be used for calculating the economic efficiency of industrial enterprises.
Functional potential of colonization defense of buccal epitheliocytes as an indicator of the clinical course of respiratory tract diseases
Authors:   Kazan State Medical University of the Ministry of Health of the Russian Federation, PIKUZA O. I. , ZAKIROVA A. M. ,   Kazan State Medical University of the Ministry of Health of the Russian Federation, VOLYANYUK E. V. ,   Kazan State Medical Academy — Branch Campus of the FSBEI FPE RMACPE MOH Russia, FILATOV V. S. ,   Kazan State Medical Academy — Branch Campus of the FSBEI FPE RMACPE MOH Russia, PIKUZA A. V. ,   Kazan State Medical University of the Ministry of Health of the Russian Federation, ZAKIROV A. M. ,   City Hospital No. 7
Published: April 2023

In the structure of children’s morbidity, one of the leading places is occupied by a class of respiratory diseases, which in quantitative terms is formed mainly by acute respiratory infections. The purpose — to investigate and evaluate the indicator significance of the functional potential of colonization defense in respiratory tract diseases.The paper presents the results of a study of colonization resistance indicators using modern research methods (colonization index, artificial colonization of the buccal epithelium and antiadhesive activity of saliva) in 184 patients aged 5 to 18 years with acute bronchitis, recurrent bronchitis and community-acquired pneumonia.Results. In a comparative aspect, the heterogeneity of the colonization level on buccal epitheliocytes of indigenous microflora (oral streptococci) was clearly traced, depending on the topic of the respiratory tract inflammatory lesion. Colonization resistance suffered the most in patients with community-acquired pneumonia. In patients of this group, the colonization index was within 0.89 (0.07) standard units (p < 0.01), which was combined with a pronounced adhesion of Candida albicans on buccal epitheliocytes (r = -0.72). In patients with acute bronchitis, the colonization index was 1.86 (0.21) standard units; with recurrent course of bronchitis – 1.27 (0.19) units (p < 0.01), while the indicators of the control group were 2.03 (0,18). The presence of less typical microorganisms in the oropharynx reflects the weakening of colonization resistance, signaling destabilization processes focused on the mucous membranes level.Conclusion. The deficiency of the mucosal protection functional reserve should be regarded as an unfavorable diagnostic marker of the course of a respiratory infection and the initiation of a bacterial inflammatory process in the respiratory system.
Connected domination in a signed graph and its complement
Authors: Jeyalakshmi P. , Karuppasamy K.
Published: April 2023

A signed graph Σ = (G, σ) is a graph with a sign attached to each arc. A subset S of V (Σ) is called a dominating set of Σ if |N+ (v)  ∩ S| > |N- (v)  ∩ S| for all v ∈ V - S . A dominating set S ⊆ V is a connected dominating set of Σ if  is connected. The minimum cardinality of a connected dominating set of Σ denoted by γsc, is called the connected domination number of Σ . In this paper, we introduce the connected domination number in a signed graph Σ and study different bounds and characterization of the connected domination number in a signed graph Σ . Furthermore, we find the best possible upper and lower bounds for γ sc ( Σ ) + γ sc ( Σ α c ) where Σ is connected.
A new regularized and robust LSTM learning algorithm for industrial soft sensors
Authors: Zhao Lei , Guo Junmei , Sun Kai
Published: April 2023

Modern industrial processes often have nonlinearity, multivariate, time-delay, and measurement outliers, which make accurate data-driven modeling of key performance indicators difficult. To address these issues, a robust and regularized long short-term memory (LSTM) neural network for soft sensors in complex industrial processes was proposed. First, a conventional LSTM architecture was used as the basic model to deal with nonlinearity and time delay. Thereafter, a novel LSTM loss function that combines the excellent resistance to outliers of Huber M-Loss with the superior model reduction capability of ℓ1 regularization was designed. Subsequently, a backpropagation through time training algorithm for the proposed LSTM was developed, including the chain derivative calculation and updating formulas. The adaptive moment estimation was applied to perform the gradient update, while the grid search and moving window cross-validation were used to find the optimal hyperparameters. Finally, nonlinear artificial datasets with time series and outliers, as well as an industrial dataset of a desulfurization process, were applied to investigate the performance of the proposed soft sensor. Simulation results show that the proposed algorithm outperforms other state-of-the-art soft sensors in terms of predictive accuracy and training time. The causal relationship of the data-driven soft sensor trained by the proposed algorithm is consistent with the field operation and chemical reactions of the desulfurization process.
Possible Description of the J/Ψ Ξ (S = -2) Structure in Terms of a First-Order Pentaquark Mass Formula
Authors: Bevelacqua Joseph
Published: April 2023

A recently proposed PΞΨss pentaquark structure is investigated using a first-order mass formula incorporating weakly interacting J/Ψ meson and Ξ baryon clusters. The results are compared to the theoretical predictions of Marsé-Valera , Magas , and Ramos. 

     The first-order-mass formula predicts the J/Ψ Ξ pentaquark has a mass of 4567 MeV/c2. This prediction lies between the values predicted by Marsé-Valera, Magas , and Ramos (i.e., 4493 MeV/c2 (PB interaction) and 4633 MeV/c2 (VB interaction)).

     The first-order mass formula also predicts Jπ values of 1/2¯ and 3/2¯ for the proposed J/Ψ Ξ pentaquark. This is consistent with the predictions of the PB (VB) interaction assumption of Jπ = 1/2¯ (1/2¯ and 3/2¯).
The relationship between ghg emissions and economic growth in Vietnam
Authors:   Nha Trang University, Pham Manh Hong , Nguyen Anh Tuan ,   University of Economics and Law, Viet Nam National University, Ho Chi Minh City, Viet Nam, Le Phuong Thanh ,   Provincial Party Committee
Published: April 2023

This research aims to evaluate the relationship between greenhouse gas emissions and economic growth [measured by GDP (gross domestics product) and GDP per capital] in Vietnam. The authors used the data compiled from the WB (word bank) database and time series estimation method. The results from models show that the factors affecting the intensity of CO2 emissions in Vietnam are statistically significant, at 1%, 5% and 10%, with the impact level of emission intensity (with a lag of 2 ) at -0.48; economic growth rate at 29180.49 (with a lag of 1); and the square of economic growth rate at - 14588.66 (with a lag of 1), with the model's explanatory level of 56.54%. In addition, the coefficient of the quadratic function is negative, illustrated by a downward curve in the graph representing the relationship between economic growth and emissions, reflecting correctly the environmental Kuznet curve. At the same time, the figures of Granger Causality Tests reveal that there is a causal relationship between the economic growth rate and the intensity of CO2 greenhouse gas emissions in Vietnam during the research period, with a significance level of 5. %. Economic growth exacerbates the intensity of greenhouse gas (CO2) emissions, and this increase has a return effect on growth (positive effect). However, with the square of economic growth rate doubling, this relationship will tend to be negative. On the basis of the analysis results, the study also proposes some policy implications which reduce the intensity of greenhouse gas emissions and aim to promote green growth in Vietnam: (1) reducing emission sources in economic fields: industry, agriculture, services; (2) reducing the use of fossil energy which should be replaced by Renewable energy (energy from wind and solar); (3) applying modern science and technology in production and economic activities; (4) completing the legal framework to encourage economic sectors and businesses to use natural resources effectively; (5) The Government should enact policies to encourage all economic sectors to apply modern technology in production.
Population aging issue in Vietnam and experiences of dealing with population aging in some countries
Authors:   University of Economics and Law, VNU-HCM, Viet Nam, Nguyen Thanh Huyen , Nguyen Hoa Kim Thai ,   University of Economics and Law, VNU-HCM, Viet Nam
Published: April 2023

Population is one of the most important factors in the cause of national construction and defense. Population work is a strategic task, an urgent and long-term cause of the entire Party and people. In particular, determining the current state of population aging is an important matter that needs fully studying. Thereby, making appropriate and timely decisions to cope with population aging, as well as effective solutions to this problem. Within the scope article, authors will systematize some definitions and indicators of population aging that are widely used in the world today. The article uses qualitative research methods to clarify the research content, specifically: the article uses the current popular population aging measurement indicators to analyze the current situation of population aging in Vietnam and study the experiences in dealing with population aging of some countries to draw lessons for Vietnam. Findings population aging problem in Vietnam showed that: (i) according to "The percentage of people in the retirement age," Vietnam has exceeded population aging from 2019; (ii) according to the “Elderly dependency ratio”, the proportion of the population aged 65 and over compared to the working age population in 2009 and 2019 has not reached the alarming threshold of the aging population; (iii) according to the “Aging Index”, Vietnam is still in the period of “golden population structure”. However, results of population projections also show "The percentage of people in retirement age" of Vietnam is on the rise, to 2049 reached 18% and exceeded "was aging" from 2039; "Dependency ratio Elderly" shows that Vietnam also exceeded aging (22%) from 2039; "Aging index" also showed that Vietnam's population aging exceeded since 2049.
The Central Bank Digital Currency – Lessons learned from Bahamas
Authors:   University of Economics and Law, VNU-HCM, Vietnam, Ly Thi Ngoc Huynh
Published: April 2023

The Fourth Industrial Revolution has impacted positively on the financial system. Digitalisation in various aspects is one of the greatest advances in finance. Thanks to transformation, financial requirements are proceeding rapidly, safely, and conveniently. Nations aim at cashless society in tandem with financial inclusion as well as enhancing the opportunity for growing up microfinance and peer-to-peer payments. Besides existing currencies, there is an essential demand for a stable and secure currency which performs clearing and settlement payments. Central Bank Digital Currency (CBDC) has an appropriate nature to satisfy the requirements for an up-to-date and optimal currency issued by the Central Bank. In Vietnam, recently, the process of digitization has taken place dynamically; moreover, the attention to CBDC has also increased. In line with several monetary benefits, CBDC also assists SBV to consolidate its role in monetary activities. Therefore, conducting CBDC studies is significant. The journey from research to circulation of CBDC requires thoughtful consideration and lessons learned from a pioneer such as the Bahamas which is the only country still exchanging CBDC. Therefore, the purpose of this article is to study the experience from the Bahamas, an important premise for Vietnam, to prepare and modify efficiently before CBDC officially circulates in Vietnam.
The effect of the legal tradition on the law about public corporate governance - recommendations for Vietnam
Authors:   University of Economics and Law, VNU-HCM, Vietnam, Chau Quoc An
Published: April 2023

Along with the process of integration and attracting international capital, the law about public corporate governance of Vietnam also includes the need to receive high standards of the regulations of other countries. However, to ensure the process of completing and exercising law enforcement effectively, helping to reduce enforcement costs for the corporation, the legal tradition of countries is a factor that needs to be considered adequately by the legal origin. The legal tradition has a profound influence on the reform and improvement of the country's modern legal system and is the source of the differences among countries' corporate governance legal systems. Legal traditions have a strong impact on investor protection mechanisms and corporate governance models. Within the scope of this article, the author generalizes the effects of legal traditions on the construction and consolidation of corporate governance laws of legal families in different countries. Simultaneously, the paper focuses on analyzing the case of Vietnam where there is a Civil legal tradition, but the corporate governance model is hybrid with the corporate governance model in countries with a Common law tradition. Consequently, the analysis shows the need to establish new values on the basis of legal traditions to modernize the law on public corporate governance in Vietnam. In addition, propose directions to improve the adjustment efficiency of Vietnam's public company governance law.
The meaning and origin of the name Saikal in the Turkic languages
Authors:   International Turkic Academy, Mayemerova Ainur
Published: April 2023

The proper name of a person among the Turkic peoples has a special meaning. There is a belief that the name directly affects the future of a person. Therefore, choosing a name for a newborn baby is a big responsibility for the family. Each onymic unit in the language is a reflection of the national consciousness. Onymic units play an important role in intercultural communication. The meaning of anthroponyms in one language may be different in another related language. This article defines the meaning of the name ‘Saikal’ in the Turkic languages, identifies and compares the anthroponymic and appellative meanings underlying this name. The peculiarities of the use, meaning and origin of the anthroponym «Saykal» in other Turkic languages are differentiated. On the basis of modern and historical linguistic data, the transformation of the word «Saikal» into an anthroponym and its use in positive and negative meanings is determined. The word ‘Saikal’ in the modern Kazakh language has a negative meaning. In the Kyrgyz language, the name Saikal is one of the most common names for girls, because Saikal is a heroine who was a fighting girlfriend of Manas Batyr, who was revered by the Kyrgyz people. In the literary heritage of the Kyrgyz people, the image of a woman named Saikal is a symbol of an intelligent, prudent, brave and courageous woman. Various historical and cultural factors may influence the use of the same word in Turkic languages with opposite meanings. Comparing the use of anthroponyms of one language in other related languages, it is possible to to restore new data on the system of common Turkic anthroponyms, their history and the function of individual words as anthroponyms. The data presented in the article will make it possible to understand the peculiarities of the appellative vocabulary underlying anthroponyms, and can also be used in the etymological dictionary of personal names of the Turkic peoples.
A vallási szekuritizáció és a sebzett kollektív identitás modellje a magyar társadalomban empirikus adatok alapján
Authors: Balassa Bernadett , Gyorgyovich Miklós , Máté-Tóth András
Published: April 2023

Tanulmányunkban amellett érvelünk, hogy a vallásosság alakulásának értelmezése Magyarországon a sebzett kollektív identitás és a szekuritizáció elméletei alapján új és eredeti módon végezhető el. Első lépésben az elméleti megközelítést tisztázzuk, összefoglalva a kelet-közép-európai régióra és benne a magyar társadalomra is jellemző traumatizált identitást és ennek következményeit a vallásosság értelmezésére nézve. Az elméleti megközelítés bemutatásánál egyrészt támaszkodunk Anthony Giddens ontológiai biztonság (ontological security) elméletére, valamint Máté-Tóth András sebzett kollektív identitással kapcsolatos elméletére. Második lépésben pedig a TÁRKI által 2022-ben reprezentatív mintán gyűjtött adatokat elemezzük az elmélet tesztelésére, a vallásosság, valamint a sebzettség érzete és a biztonság vágya közötti kölcsönös hatásokat bemutatva.Úgy véljük, hogy a korábbi tanulmányaink eredményeivel összhangban, az itt bemutatott adatelemzésekre támaszkodva sikerült meggyőzően igazolni a kidolgozott elmélet legalapvetőbb összefüggéseit, amely serkentőleg hathat a privát vallásosság és a közvallás a kelet-közép-európai kollektív identitás szempontjait erőteljesebben figyelembe vevő kutatására.
Exploring French Short Stories: Guy de Maupassant's Writing Style and Social Justice
Authors:   ,   Andrews University, Kuhn Gielle
Published: April 2023

This project explores the connection between French author Guy de Maupassant’s pessimist writing style and his observations of 19th century French social classes. A literary analysis of two of Maupassant’s short stories, La Parure and Le Gueux, determines key elements of pessimism, naturalism, realism and an unequal class structure, which discriminates between the peasantry, the working class, and the rich bourgeois. My research aims to demonstrate evidence that Maupassant uses a pessimistic writing style to advocate for social justice.
An Investigation of the Relationship Between Community Connectedness and Congregational Spiritual Vitality
Authors:   ,   Andrews University, Whitney Rhonda
Published: April 2023

Problem. Discussion over how to achieve church growth has been prominent over the first decade of this century and the last half of the 1900s as membership growth in mainline Christian denominations faltered to flat or negative growth. Membership growth in the Oregon Conference of Seventh-day Adventists over the past 10 years has also flattened. Church leaders have responded by putting increased resources and emphasis on evangelism. At the same time, some megachurches that have developed multiple connections with their communities have seen spectacular growth. Method. This study was conducted to determine if there is a relationship between levels of connectedness in the community to the spiritual vitality, growth, and giving levels of the congregations in the Oregon Conference of Seventh-day Adventists. Previous research and literature is scarce on this topic, therefore a survey was developed, administered, and tested for content validity, external validity, and reliability. This ex-post-facto study encompassed 121 English-speaking churches. The sample consisted of 7,840 church members, of which 3,408 responded, representing 116 churches. Multiple regression and correlational analyses were conducted using the aggregate scores of individuals to form church scores. Of the 25 hypotheses tested, 11 were found to be significant and 6 approached significance. Results. Results confirm that higher levels of community connectedness predict heightened church vibrancy through increased spiritual vitality. Higher levels of community connectedness also predicted increased church growth when controlled for commute time, congregational spiritual vitality, and volunteerism; and higher levels of community connectedness predicted higher giving levels when controlled for length of denominational membership and congregational spiritual vitality. Conclusions. This study informs church administrators, pastors, and members that encouraging members to be more involved with their communities may result in higher levels of congregational spiritual vitality, some aspects of membership growth, and some aspects of giving levels. It is recommended that the church give more study to this concept; consider demographic impacts; educate members of all ages and leaders at all levels; adopt intentional church-growth strategies; and practice holistic evangelism. Practicing holistic evangelism is suggested particularly in the Pacific Northwest, where a substantial portion of the population claims to be spiritual but not religious.
Cosmic Conflict as a Hermeneutical Framework for Mission Theology in the Old Testament
Authors:   ,   Andrews University, Dumitrescu Cristian
Published: April 2023

This research aims to rediscover mission as taught by the Old Testament and to show how that mission is consistent with God's loving and just character as reflected in the whole Bible. Toward this end, the research surveys assumptions that influence Old Testament mission theology and evaluates ways in which current theologies of mission and theological currents relate to the unity and continuity of the Bible. With this background, the study then proposes a comprehensive theological framework that preserves the unity of God's character and his mission. Chapter 1 shows how the traditional understanding of centrifugal and centripetal mission is often based on uneven assumptions and indicates the need for a balanced approach to God's character and to his mission. Chapter 2 reviews the main mission theology works of the twentieth and twenty-first centuries that deal primarily with the Old Testament. The chapter shows that the development of mission theology was influenced by an array of events and extra-biblical assumptions that affected God's mission by assigning a different type of mission to each Testament, thereby missing the unity of Scripture. Chapter 3 analyzes the basic assumptions of theological currents such as dispensationalism and covenant theology and shows how belief in the superiority of the New Testament over the Old affects the understanding of mission in the Bible. The chapter also shows how the outward focus of ecumenical mission leads to a distortion of the biblical text. Chapter 4 looks first at basic biblical assumptions that should inform the reading of the text and uses these assumptions in an attempt to discover a comprehensive framework for building a mission theology. The second part of the chapter proposes the cosmic conflict as an all-encompassing framework that preserves the unity and continuity of Scripture. It addresses main thematic concerns of previous mission theologies and restores mission's rightful motivation and purpose. Chapter 5 concludes the study by summarizing correctives to the popular understanding of God and mission (missio Dei ) in the Bible that come from recognition of the universal dimension of the cosmic conflict framework. This chapter also suggests some further missiological implications of that framework.
Haima in Hebrews
Authors:   ,   Andrews University, Kuma Hermann
Published: April 2023

Problem. The focus of the dissertation is the significance of the term αἷμα (“blood”) in the Epistle to the Hebrews and how the author of Hebrews uses the term to formulate the argument and message of the Epistle. The dissertation traces the scholarly blood debate involving blood as life or death which began in the last decade of the nineteenth century and eventually fizzled out in the mid-1950s. Recognition of the ambivalence of blood, symbolizing both life and death, is necessary to understand the message of Hebrews. Method. The dissertation provides a discussion of the concept of blood in the OT and ANE environments, demonstrating that in the OT the role of blood in the context of the cult as a means of atonement is unique. Results. References to blood are also classified and assessed from the works of both Philo and Josephus, Rabbinic literature, the Apocrypha, Pseudepigrapha, the Qumran community, and the NT. The final chapter of the dissertation deals with the meaning of blood in the Epistle itself, where the author of Hebrews uses his rhetorical skill to present blood as a most powerful medium of approach to God. Conclusions. According to the Epistle, blood sanctifies, purifies/cleanses, consecrates/inaugurates, effects perfection, seals covenants, and brings about decisive purgation. When it is despised, it destroys by death. Blood, when used with the term σάρζ (“flesh”), confirms the true humanity of Christ. Blood constitutes a Leitmotif in the Epistle to encompass the atoning work of Christ, who as High Priest shed His blood vicariously to eradicate sin, cleanse the conscience, and save humankind.
Theology of Blindness in the Hebrew Scriptures
Authors:   ,   Andrews University, McAllister Ray
Published: April 2023

Problem: A number of passages in the Hebrew Scriptures discuss blindness. Scholars have studied them individually, but not with a view to developing a theology of blindness. The purpose of the present dissertation, then, is to analyze theological implications of blindness in the Hebrew Scriptures systematically. Methodology: This dissertation systematically analyzes blindness in the Hebrew Scriptures against their ancient Near Eastern background. The study looks at cultic implications, causation, social justice, healing, and social and religious meanings of blindness. Both physical and metaphorical aspects of blindness are examined. First, blindness in the ancient Near East is considered, with emphasis on Egypt, Mesopotamia, and Hittite Anatolia. Next, Hebrew words associated with blindness are investigated. Then, in the next three chapters, respectively, each passage discussing blindness in the three portions of the Hebrew Bible (Torah, Prophets, and Writings) is examined. The focus is on translation and exegesis of each passage, with synthesis of the findings at the end of the chapter. The final chapter presents a general synthesis of thetopic, setting forth theological conclusions regarding blindness in the Hebrew Scriptures. Results and Conclusions: In the Hebrew Scriptures, blindness is described as a most devastating condition, especially when compared with other physical disabilities. In relation to the ritual system, blindness could be a blemish, disqualifying a priest from officiating and an animal from serving as an offering. Whether caused by old age or an act of divine or human agencies, blindness was an undesirable deviation from God's original design at creation. Concerning social justice, the Hebrew Bible places right treatment of the blind in the context of true holiness. Other ancient Near Eastern cultures, if addressing the topic at all, simply mention right treatment of the blind in wisdom literature as an act of good conduct. In the Hebrew Bible, physical blindness carries meanings of weakness and imperfection. Metaphorically, blindness could represent lack of mental or spiritual insight. Nearly all types of blindness could be associated with the consequences ofrebellion. It is recognized that complete reversal of blindness would never be fully realized until the Messianic era.
Plague in Rome in 1656 and the benedictine nuns from the monastery of Saint Cecilia in Trastevere
Authors:   United European Research Society, Lim Donghyun
Published: April 2023

In the late 17th and the early 18th centuries, the Monastery of Saint Cecilia in Trastevere, founded on the site of the birthplace of a Roman martyr Saint Cecilia, was a representitive site of Roman Baroque culture. The plague in Rome in 1656 was one of main factors that enhanced the monastery’s prestige. The chronicler of the Chronicle of Saint Cecilia intentionally connected the its success in tackling the plague to the “cloisters of nuns”, one of the precepts of the Counter-Reformation. This study utilizes the Chronicle of Saint Cecilia as a primary source and aims to investigate how the benedictine nuns of the monastery of Santa Cecilia responded to the plague on a personal and institutional level and, in doing so, tries to reconsider the chronicler’s intention.
The relations between Europe and Africa: the European integration and the colonial legacy
Authors:   United European Research Society, Kim Yoo-Joung
Published: April 2023

In 1957, the six ECSC(European Coal ans Steel Community) members agreed to include the “Black Africa” in the European Economic Community (EEC) through the Treaty of Rome. The Article 131 of the Treaty of Rome identified the “Association of Overseas Countries and Territories (OCT)”. The Treaty of Rome first institutionalized the issue of European-African cooperation at the European Community level. The problem of including the overseas colonial territories in the European Integration Organization clearly shows the contradictions and uncertainties left by European colonial history. The colonial problem in the European integration has created ‘Europeans’ far away from geographical Europe, and extended the boundary of Europe to the Africa. As a result, this made Europe an ambiguous and fluid geopolitical entity with uncertain borders. It can be seen that the shadow of the past colonial era was still hanging in the process of European integration in the 1950s. Relations between Europe and Africa were often glorified by modifiers such as solidarity, complementarity, or interdependence, but the reality of the relationship has been constantly disproportionate. This study deals with the theme of European integration and colonization, which has been neglected in research on the history of European integration. This topic will reveal a side of the uncomfortable truth of European integration, which has not abandoned colonialism while talking about European integration.
Social Market Economy and Sustainability: Focusing on German Energy Transition Policy
Authors:   United European Research Society, PARK Chae Bok
Published: April 2023

German energy transition policy has developed on the basis of social market economy with acceptance of sustainable development ideology in which economy and society and environment are harmonized. In order to discuss the sustainability of the social market economy, this paper examines the idea and foundation of the social market economy from the perspective of a sustainable paradigm, and the value of the social market economy, which considers economic, social, and environmental factors as equal values at the same time. and how the principles were implemented in energy transition policy in Germany. To this end, this paper first tries to shed light on whether the social market economy is sustainable and justice, and the social market economy from the perspective of sustainable development paradigm. Furthermore, energy transition from unsustainable energy system with fossil energy and nuclear energy to sustainable energy system with renewable energy and the ecologization of the social market economy will be discussed as part of harmonizing environment, economic growth, and social justice. Also this paper will examine whether the social market economy provides a sustainable paradigm, focusing on the background and current status of German energy transition policy. Through this, this paper will attempt to evaluate and forecast the sustainability of the social market economy, whether it can be an alternative model for coping with climate change and solving environmental and ecological problems.
Estudo de caso para avaliação de um imóvel urbano
Authors: Silveira Ulysses Castro da
Published: April 2023

A avaliação de bens é um ramo que apresenta diversos métodos para determinar o valor de mercado de um bem, logo, cada método deve ser empregado para cada situação. Este artigo compreende um estudo de caso para avaliar um imóvel urbano, localizado na cidade de Manaus, no bairro de Petrópolis, usando duas metodologias sobre imóveis urbanos, abordando o método comparativo direto e o método evolutivo, presentes em normativas regulamentadoras. O propósito é determinar o valor de mercado para esse imóvel, e, em paralelo, demonstrar qual o método mais indicado para avaliar essa edificação, sendo necessário, para isso, reunir o conhecimento em algumas áreas, como: estatística básica, estatística inferencial, matemática aplicada, micro e macroeconomia, econometria e engenharia econômica. Sendo assim, o objetivo geral deste artigo é demonstrar qual dos dois métodos é mais indicado para a avaliação deste bem.
Construíndo a Igrexa galega. O cura Barreiro na longa década dos sesenta
Authors: Rodríguez Lago Xosé Ramón
Published: April 2023

Seminarista brillante, medalla de ouro en dereito canónico pola Universidade Gregoriana na Roma do Concilio, capelán obreiro na Galicia do desenvolvemento industrial, promotor inicial do Concilio Pastoral de Galicia e presidente da Asemblea Rexional do clero galego. A singular travesía de Xosé Ramón Barreiro Fernández no seo dunha Igrexa galega liderada entón polo cardeal Quiroga Palacios permite interpretar mellor non só a súa vida e obra, senón tamén a da historia de Galicia entre os anos 50 e 70 do pasado século.
Yield evaluation of rocoto pepper (Capsicum pubescens R and P) with application of calcium carbonate in greenhouses
Authors: Piña Ramírez Francisco Javier , García-Muñoz Silvia A. , Ponce-García Omar C. , Soto-Parra Juan M. , Leyva-Chávez Arwell N. , Ortega-Rodríguez Anabel
Published: April 2023

Objective: To evaluate if the application of calcium carbonate on the soil and to the leaf influences the weight and number of fruits in rocoto pepper grown under greenhouse conditions.
Design/Methodology/Approach: The study was carried out in the greenhouse of the Facultad de Ciencias Agrotecnológicas, of the Universidad Autónoma de Chihuahua. The Taguchi method was used to develop the 13 treatments, with two factors, five levels per factor, and five repetitions per treatment, using 65 plants under study. Data was analyzed using the quadratic response surface technique, fitting the surface to determine factor levels for optimal response.
Results: Reducing soil CaCO3 by 9% and increasing leaf CaCO3 by 100% was necessary to obtain the highest weight in the three harvests (234.8 g).
Findings/Conclusions: A rise in the number of rocoto peppers (from 59 to 70, in the three harvest periods) required an increase in the soil and foliar CaCO3 by 8.5% and 100%, respectively.
Interaction between nitrogen doses and alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.) incorporation in lettuce (Lactuca sativa L.) production
Authors: Pérez Gómez Juan Manuel , Hernández Pérez Armando , Zermeño González Alejandro , Villareal Quintanilla José Ángel , Ramírez Rodríguez Homero
Published: April 2023

Objective: To determine the optimal nitrogen dose combined with alfalfa in the growth, yield, and ion concentration in the sap of the lettuce leaf.
Design/Methodology/Approach: We used a completely randomized experimental design, with a 2×5 factorial arrangement and nine repetitions in each treatment. The treatments consisted of five nitrogen doses (200, 250, 300, 350, and 400 kg ha-1) and two soil conditions (with and without alfalfa).
Results: Aerial fresh weight (AFW), aerial dry weight (ADW), end-to-end diameter of the shoot (EDS), maximum diameter of the shoot (MDS), shoot weight (SW), and yield were higher when a 200-300 kg ha-1dose of N was applied along with alfalfa. This application had a similar effect to the 300 kg dose of N ha-1, applied without the addition of alfalfa. The concentration of nitrates (NO3-) in the sap decreased with the addition of alfalfa and 200 kg of N ha-1. The concentration of potassium (K+) was higher with or without the addition of alfalfa and 250 kg of N ha- 1. The concentration of calcium (Ca2+) was higher in the plants that received a 400-kg dose of N ha-1, whether alfalfa was included or not.
Study Limitations/Implications: The lack of equipment prevented the determination of the nitrogen available in the soil.
Findings/Conclusions: The incorporation of alfalfa into the soil is a good alternative to improve lettuce production and reduce the use of nitrogen fertilizers.
Applied Aspects of Progressive Taxation of Personal Income
Authors: Pitelin Anatoliy K.
Published: April 2023

In 2018 and 2019, the author published a number of articles on progressive taxation of personal income. The concept of fair taxation, formulated using the utility function, was introduced and put into mathematical form, illustrative examples of such taxation were built. In this article, this topic is updated, but with an emphasis on the possible practical use of the results obtained. All calculations were carried out on the basis of a detailed distribution of taxable income by groups of taxpayers, built on the reporting data of 2020. This made it possible to compare the results obtained with the real taxation of personal income. Specific variants of the progressive tax function were built and analyzed, providing a reduction in tax payments for 90% of taxpayers with low incomes, subject to the condition of acceptability of tax rates applied to high and ultra-high incomes. An important conclusion was made about the possibility of applying a specific five-step scale of tax rates at the initial stage of transition to progressive taxation of personal income.
Role of Entrepreneurship in the Development of Russia
Authors: Kossov Vladimir V.
Published: April 2023

With the collapse of the USSR, the total fertility rate per woman in Russia fell below the critical value of 2.1 children. Under these conditions, the increase in mortality threatens the country with accelerated extinction. The conclusions of the article are based on an analysis of the dynamics of birth and death rates for 1950–2021. When analyzing data for Russia, its indicators are compared with the arithmetic averages for the leading countries: Israel, the Netherlands and Switzerland. The greatest differences between Russia and the leading countries are observed in terms of mortality. In 2021, in Russia, it was twice the level of leading countries, while in 1959–1962 it was, on the contrary, lower. The sharp decline in mortality in Russia in 1950–1960 was achieved thanks to a combination of the suppression of infections with antibiotics (as in the leading countries) with the passionate breakthrough of front-line soldiers who seized on civilian life. The outpacing growth in mortality in Russia compared to the leading countries since the early 1960s is caused by social stress that destroys work motivation – ​the opportunity to provide for oneself and one's family by honest work (B. T. Velichkovsky's definition) or an unknown X-factor (Gundarov's definition) Maximum violations labor motivation fell on 2003. Since 2004, the restoration of work motivation began and the resulting decrease in mortality, which continued until 2019. In 2020–2021, a new increase in mortality began. To stop the increase in mortality, it is necessary to strengthen labor motivation. The development of entrepreneurship will solve this problem by developing a work ethic, the violation of which causes social stress. A comparison of Russia with the leading countries shows that for this it is necessary to double the number of entrepreneurs and, in connection with this, the proportion of the electorate living on income from business and property. The necessary conditions are: the institutional exclusion of the possibility for the security forces to ruin businesses and a significant reduction in the share of state-owned banks in the capital.