Regent College

Abstract There is a growing feeling in the statistical community that significant changes must be made in statistical education. Statistical education has traditionally focused on developing knowledge and skills and assumed that students would create value for the subject in the process. This approach hasn't worked. It is argued that we can help students better learn statistical thinking and methods and create value for its use by focusing both the content and delivery of statistical education on how people use statistical thinking and methods to learn, solve problems, and improve processes. Learning from your experiences, by using statistical thinking in real-life situations, is an effective way to create value for a subject and build knowledge and skills at both the graduate and undergraduate levels. The learnings from psychology and behavioral science are also shown to be helpful in improving the delivery of statistical education.

Abstract This book is about conversion narrative, a popular genre of spiritual autobiography that proliferated during the last two-thirds of the eighteenth century within the context of the Evangelical Revival in England. The subject is set in a large chronological frame, beginning with the rise of the genre in the mid-seventeenth century and ending with the ‘fall’ of the genre among some of the non-Western converts of early nineteenth-century missionaries. This large frame allows the genre to be seen whole, and draws attention to the particular conditions under which early modern people turned to spiritual autobiography. Tracing the development of the genre across the period of the Evangelical Revival through different communities and representative writings, the book provides a comprehensive typology of conversion and evangelical self-identity as it differed among the Arminian and perfectionist followers of Wesley, the Moravians under the influence of ‘stillness’, the moderate Calvinists in the Church of England, the Particular Baptists who continued to embrace high Calvinism, and others. A chapter is also included on conversion narrative among evangelical Presbyterians involved in the Cambuslang Revival in Scotland. On the basis of extensive, untapped archival sources, The Evangelical Conversion Narrative explores the different forms of expression among the educated and uneducated, pastors and laypeople, women and men, and Western and non-Western peoples. By being on the trailing edge of Christendom and the leading edge of modernity, eighteenth-century England provided the right conditions for evangelical conversion narrative to flourish, and the concluding chapter examines afresh the significance of the appearance of the genre in this context. This book is concerned with the history of autobiography, the study of eighteenth-century religion and culture, and our understanding of the Evangelical Revival.

Abstract John Calvin is universally acknowledged as one of the formative Christian theologians and one of the great doctors of the Church. His work continues to be the subject of almost continuous exposition and scholarly appraisal. This book is the first at length treatment of some of his key ideas and his theological positions that have a philosophical aspect to them. Work has been done on the philosophical sources of some of Calvin's work, but little or nothing on how Calvin actually made use of philosophical ideas in his work. Calvin has frequently been thought of as anti philosophical in his bent, with particular focus being placed on his intense dislike of speculation. Emphasis has been placed on his role as a theologian of 'the Word' and on his Renaissance background. It is not denied that Calvin was first and foremost a theologian, and not a philosopher, and the influence of the Renaissance upon him, particularly on his style, must be recognized. However, careful analysis of his theology reveals both Calvin's thorough familiarity with a range of philosophical ideas, and a willingness to use these, putting them to work in elucidation of his own theological positions, and even on occasion indulging in a little speculation on his own account. In order to emphasis Calvin's often positive relationship to philosophical ideas, the chapters of the book are arranged in philosophical rather than theological order. So there are chapters on metaphysics, epistemology, and ethics. As well as examining Calvin's theology in its late mediaeval context, attention is given to the way in which Calvin has been appealed to in contemporary philosophy by 'reformed' epistemology. It is believed that this book should lead to a reappraisal not of Calvin's theology as such, but of his theological method, and of the way in which his work relates not only to late mediaeval theology but also to later developments in Reformed theology, in Puritanism, and Reformed Scholasticism.

Abstract We present an algorithm for solving the minimum‐cut problem on closure graphs without maintaining flow values. The algorithm is based on an optimization algorithm for the open‐pit mining problem that was presented in 1964 (and published in 1965) by Lerchs and Grossmann. The Lerchs—Grossmann algorithm (LG algorithm) solves the maximum closure which is equivalent to the minimum‐cut problem. Yet, it appears substantially different from other algorithms known for solving the minimum‐cut problem and does not employ any concept of flow. Instead, it works with sets of nodes that have a natural interpretation in the context of maximum closure in that they have positive total weight and are closed with respect to some subgraph. We describe the LG algorithm and study its features and the new insights it reveals for the maximum‐closure problem and the maximum‐ flow problem. Specifically, we devise a linear time procedure that evaluates a feasible flow corresponding to any iteration of the algorithm. We show that while the LG algorithm is pseudopolynomial, our variant algorithms have complexity of O ( mn log n ), where n is the number of nodes and m is the number of arcs in the graph. Modifications of the algorithm allow for efficient sensitivity and parametric analysis also running in time O ( mn log n ). © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.

In a collaborative study by three laboratories, arbitrarily primed polymerase chain reaction (AP-PCR), HindIII restriction enzyme analysis (REA), and pulsed-field gel electrophoresis (PFGE) using SmaI were compared for typing of Clostridium difficile. The study included 30 isolates from nosocomial outbreaks in six geographically disparate hospitals and 15 isolates from sporadic cases of C. difficile diarrhea. REA distinguished a total of 23 types representing 10 groups; AP-PCR performed at Deaconess Hospital resolved 19 types; AP-PCR performed at the Centers for Disease Control resolved 15 types. Thirty isolates exhibited degradation of larger sized fragments during processing and therefore were nontypeable by PFGE; among the remaining 15 isolates, PFGE resolved 11 types. Outbreak isolates in five different hospitals represented REA group J and constituted a single AP-PCR strain. In summary, nosocomial outbreaks of C. difficile diarrhea in five hospitals were associated with a single genetic lineage as resolved by multiple strain typing systems.

The celebrity-persona parasocial interaction scale (CPPI) is designed to measure how media consumers form parasocial relationships with celebrities or popular fictional characters. A parasocial relationship is defined as an imaginary interpersonal relationship between a media consumer and a media persona (Horton & Wohl, 1956). Persona can be real people, such as actors, athletes, and performing artists; or they can be fictional characters, such as Susan in the television serial Desperate Housewives, a character played by actress Teri Hatcher, or Indiana Jones, a character in the film, Raiders of the Lost Ark, played by actor Harrison Ford. The CPPI is derived from several other published parasocial action scales, including Rubin, Perse & Powell (1985), Cole & Leets (1999), and Auter & Palmgreen (2000). While most parasocial interaction scales are designed to measure the strength of parasocial relationships that develop through television viewing, the CPPI is particularly targeted to celebrities whose exposure far exceeds television programs alone.

Paulus Werke des Gesetzes aus der Perspektive der Rezeption des zweiten Jahrhunderts.

Abstract A broad range of extreme events can affect fisheries catch and hence performance. Using a compiled database of extreme events for all maritime countries in the world between 1950 to 2010, we estimate effects on national fisheries catches, by sector, large‐scale industrial and small scale (artisanal, subsistence and recreational). Contrary to general expectations, fisheries catches respond positively to nearly all forms of extreme events, suggesting a valuable coping or compensation mechanism for coastal communities as they increase their catch after extreme events, but also an opportunistic behaviour by foreign industrial fishing fleets, as industrial catches increase. These effects vary according to country characteristics, with lower coping capacity for coastal communities and higher opportunistic fishing by foreign fleets in countries with poor governance, higher unemployment and direct exposure to prolonged armed conflicts. We also observe an accumulative effect resulting from the aggregation of multiple disasters that deserves further consideration for disaster mitigation. These findings may assist with managing fisheries towards increasing resilience and adaptive capacity such as early detection of potential impacts, protecting livelihoods and food sources, preventing illegal fishing by industrial fleets and informing aid responses towards recovery.

Portfolio assessment is one of the tools being closely examined in the educational community as a method of authentic assessment. This form of assessment has the unique ability to capture learning over time in a way that tests or grades may not. This article examines how Regents College, a nontraditional assessment-based institution, created a clinical portfolio assessment option for their baccalaureate nursing students. Through self-reflection on their educational and professional experiences, students develop a clinical portfolio that comprehensively illustrates their ability to apply the nursing process and make clinical decisions in practice.

Ethik in der Gemeinde von Qumran. Eine interdisziplinäre Studie.

The postmodern situation has given rise to a quest for new understandings of the relationship between theology and science. Drawing illustrative material from an episode of Star Trek: Voyager, I look at three paradigmatic answers to the questionn posed in the title—th modern empirical scientific, the renewed medieval, and the post‐modern—with the goal of outlining a methodological approach for an engagement between Christian theology and sciencein the post‐modern context. Drawing insight from post‐empirical philosophy of science and the sociology of knowledge, I argue that both science and theology engage in the task of constructing a world for human habitation.

Asphaltene instability may take place in the reservoir leading to permeability damage and contributing to flow restriction issues. It may also occur in production strings and surface facilities causing conduit clogging. Any change in oil composition or pressure and temperature at any stage of production will destabilize crude oil producing asphaltene precipitation. In this study, the stability of target crude oil under the influence of a direct current (DC) is investigated. The amount of the asphaltene deposit and its electrical charge at various operating conditions are investigated. The method consists of applying a DC voltage between two metal electrodes immersed in the crude oil sample. The amounts of deposits accumulated on the surfaces of the electrodes are recorded during experiment time utilizing a miniature two load cells connected to the electrodes.

Abstract Reformed Thought on Freedom introduces philosophical apparatus that was routinely employed by Reformed Orthodox theologians for discussing the metaphysics of human action. This article first offers critical reflection on the claims made for this apparatus as providing evidence for a commitment to the freedom of indifference. Then, taking the book’s treatment of Francis Turretin’s anthropology as an example, it is argued that the claim that his view of human freedom relies on the notion of synchronic contingency is not made out. There is a failure to distinguish between indifference as an intrinsic feature of the will, and the freedom of indifference.

Abstract In Reformed Thought on Freedom the Scotian apparatus of synchronic contingency, structural indifference, and logical moments is deployed in an attempt to show that the Reformed Orthodox espoused Scotian freedom of indifference as an intrinsic feature of their anthropology. It is counter-argued that the sense given to ‘structural indifference’ is at odds with the Orthodox commitment to indifference in the divided sense. Further, recent commentators misunderstand the divided sense only as the Reformed Orthodox use it. Finally it is briefly argued that the Orthodox use of the contrast between being free and being constrained, and their criteria for moral accountability, are consistent with certain forms of compatibilism. So it is a reasonable presumption that as regards human freedom, the Orthodox favoured a version of compatibilism.

Urbanisation has increased the need for sustainable urban development by positioning smart cities as critical frameworks for addressing environmental, economic, and social challenges. This study evaluates the sustainability strategies of three leading smart cities Zurich, Oslo, and Copenhagen by examining their environmental footprint, energy consumption, waste management, and air quality. The study uses a PRISMA-based systematic literature review to put together evidence from peer-reviewed articles published between 2017 and 2024. The Critical Appraisal Skills Program (CASP) was used to assess the quality of the articles. The study reveals that smart mobility and waste-to-energy systems drive Zurich’s strengths in urban densification and public transportation, Oslo’s leadership in renewable energy and electric mobility, and Copenhagen’s ambitious carbon–neutral initiatives. Despite these achievements, challenges such as high implementation costs, slow technological adoption, and social equity issues persist, emphasising the complexity of achieving inclusive and sustainable urban evolution. To address these challenges, this study recommends increasing public participation through inclusive urban planning and digital platforms, strengthening policy frameworks, and funding for sustainability projects, and investing in data collection technologies to monitor real-time environmental impacts. Furthermore, fostering cross-city collaboration and addressing energy consumption challenges associated with AI and IoT are essential for scaling successful models globally. These insights offer actionable guidance for policymakers and urban planners to improve sustainability strategies and ensure long-term benefits.

BACKGROUND: iGlebe is a fully automated internet treatment program for adults who stutter that has been shown, in some cases, to reduce anxiety and effectively manage social anxiety disorder for many participants. No such automated internet treatment program exists for adolescents who stutter. AIMS: The present paper reports a Phase I trial of an adolescent version of the adult program: iBroadway. METHODS & PROCEDURES: Participants were 29 adolescents in the age range 12-17 years who were seeking cognitive-behaviour therapy (CBT) for anxiety associated with stuttering. The design was a non-randomized Phase I trial with outcome assessments at pre-treatment and immediately post-treatment after 5 months of access to the program. No contact by a clinical psychologist occurred during participant use of the program. Outcomes were a range of psychological, quality-of-life and stuttering severity measures. OUTCOMES & RESULTS: The compliance rate for the seven iBroadway modules over 5 months was extremely favourable for internet CBT, at 52.4%. There was evidence of treatment effects for (1) the number of DSM-IV mental health diagnoses with the Diagnostic Interview Schedule for Children; (2) the Unhelpful Thoughts and Beliefs About Stuttering scale; (3) the Subjective Units of Distress Scale; and (4) parent-reported speech satisfaction. CONCLUSIONS & IMPLICATIONS: Further development of iBroadway, the adolescent version of iGlebe, with Phase II trialling is warranted.

Abstract Peter Byrne has presented arguments against the effectiveness of two ‘defensive strategies’ deployed in my books Eternal God and The Providence of God respectively. These strategies were originally presented to support the cogency of ‘theological compatibilism’ by arguing against the claims that it is inconsistent with human responsibility, and that it entails that God is the author of sin. In this present article the author offers a number of clarifications to his original thesis and argues that Byrne's arguments do not succeed in their aim of undermining the two strategies.

Abstract While earlier studies have explored the relationship between economic vulnerability and economic resilience, they have repeatedly overlooked the significance of financial vulnerabilities within the economic vulnerability index, and the effects of financial and economic vulnerabilities on economic volatility. An attempt is made in this study to close this research gap by conducting a detailed analysis of the relationship between financial vulnerabilities, economic vulnerability and economic volatility, stressing the significance of tweaking prevailing vulnerability indices to fully encapsulate its multidimensional nature in developing countries. Employing panel data for 142 countries over the 2002 to 2022 period and a robust econometric approach like the Driscoll and Kraay fixed effect method, the study reveals that financial vulnerabilities yield significant coefficients to influence economic volatility, thereby accentuating their significance in the Economic Vulnerability Index. Sub-group analyses reinforce the need for incorporating financial variables in vulnerability investigations. Moreover, the causality tests reveal that all the variables and indices meant to capture the economic and financial vulnerabilities Granger causes economic volatility across the sample. In essence, this study fills a critical gap in existing research by demonstrating, that financial vulnerabilities significantly influence economic volatility, underscoring the imperative of integrating financial variables into vulnerability assessments for policymakers and scholars focusing on sustainable development. This study contributes to a broader understanding of economic vulnerability by highlighting the crucial role of financial vulnerabilities in driving economic volatility, suggesting a fundamental reconsideration of existing vulnerability assessment frameworks for policymakers and researchers focused on sustainable development frameworks. By uncovering the causal relationship between financial vulnerabilities and economic volatility across a diverse set of countries, the findings underscore the imperative of integrating financial factors into vulnerability investigations to enhance resilience and stability in developing economies.

Abstract Four Davidic Psalms (2, 118, 110, and 22), each cited or alluded to at least twice, in this order, and at critical junctures in Mark's narrative, play a key role in his Gospel. In contemporary understanding Psalm 2 was associated with the future messianic purging of Jerusalem and especially the temple (e.g.4QFlor, Pss Sol 17). Psalm 118, concluding the Egyptian Hallel, spoke of Israel's future deliverance under a Davidic king with the restored temple as the goal of Israel's return from exile. Psalm 110's surprisingly elevated royal designation, uniquely expressed in Melchizedekian priestking terms, contributed to several portraits of exalted heavenly deliverers, some messianic, who would preside over Israel's restoration (e.g.11QMelch, 1 Enoch) while Psalm 22's Davidic suffering and vindication described the deliverance of righteous Zion (e.g.4QPs). Drawing from the dual perspective of their original contexts and contemporary interpretations, this paper proposes that Mark's careful arrangement of his psalm citations presents Jesus as both Israel's Davidic Messiah (Pss. 2, 118) and the temple's Lord (Ps. 110) who, coming to purge Jerusalem but rejected by the temple authorities, announces the present structure's destruction and, through his death and vindication (Ps. 22), its replacement with a new people-temple centered on himself.

Rather than looking at the personal antecedents of clergy sexual addiction, this article looks at the systemic and environmental factors that contribute to clergy sexual addiction with the purpose of formulating a preventative strategy. Five recommendations are made regarding prevention: (1) A need for professional educational education and openness; (2) an integration of the whole person with the role as pastor; (3) breaking isolation with accountability; (4) proactive denominational care for clergy; and (5) a proactive play of response for the clergy sex addict. An invitation for others models that stress environmental factors with a preventative posture is made.