INTEGRAL Mission Research Articles

Searching for shalom: Transformation in the mission of God and the Bible translation movement

The background of this study was to explore the Old Testament vision of shalom and determine how it was relevant to its holistic mission, Bible translation, transformational development and the world’s challenges and trends. The aim of this research was to create a framework to serve practitioners and theorists associated with the Bible translation movement and its intersection with transformational development. The setting for the study was the consideration of factors affecting Bible translation and transformational development in the context of global challenges and trends. The methodology of the study included literature surveys integrated with analysis of data from global sources. Results from the study included an understanding of the relevance of shalom , and integration with holistic mission, including integral mission, and intersection with transformational development. Analysis of global challenges and trends was combined with an existing framework for transformational development that included Bible translation as a mission. The conclusion was that the church was called to be faithful stewards of knowledge and resources. This included an understanding of the relevance of the vision for shalom , integrated with holistic mission, transformational development and Bible translation that addressed in full or in part global challenges and trends that resulted in the framework produced by this study.

SPECIFIC FEATURES OF LANDSCAPE SCULPTURE PARKS OF UKRAINE IN VARIOUS SYMPOSIUM MODELS

The precedent of the Kaniv All­Ukraine Symposium “Shevchenkivsky Park” in 2007 laid the foundation for the formation of a new model of the state symposium of national importance. This in conjunction with the municipal symposia subsequently stimulated the introduction of a private model. The objectives of the research, was through an art­study and comparative analysis; taking a representative sample of sculptural ensembles of state and private symposia to determine their specificity, common features and perspectives.As a result of the study, it is acknowledged that neither state nor private symposium models are benchmarked, since they can`t avoid of unsuccessful works of art in terms of their technical performance; or from the point of view of conformity of their concept; nor can they prevent from making mistakes during installation of a sculptural ensemble. Similarly the state format has the potential for development, under the condition of proper financing and balanced cultural policy of the state and local authorities. The general discrepancies between state and private symposia consists of concepts and exposition principles of symposium sculpture parks. Additionally in case of private sculptural symposia, private or public space is exempted from the integral information mission and gives a chance to use this place for rest and contemplation. This explains the greater percentage of abstract sculptural works in the Kaniv symposia. State symposia raise questions of the ethno­national and cultural identity of Ukrainians, dealing with certain "memory places", therefore, they are called to create interpretive works of art; that mentally and spiritually integrate the recipient into the history of a particular environment.So, in both models; the clear formulation of the communicative task and the definition of the exhibition strategy of various spaces are implied. This is illustrated by the nearby Kaniv parks of symposium sculptures — “Knya­ zhaya Hora” and “Shevchenkivsky Park”.

Honey from the Rock: Principles of integral mission learnt from beekeeping development in the uMfolozi area of South Africa

In many parts of South Africa, mission work is being done in communities living in desperate poverty. There is a great need for integral mission, bringing word and deed together in the proclamation of the gospel to equip Christians to have hope and engage in the fullness of community life to become responsible Christian stewards in the midst of a broken world. This article evaluates a relatively successful poverty alleviation project as an example of an integral mission project that the researcher initiated in 2016 in Northern KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. In order to analyse the context, measure, manage and share the progress of the project, an app called ‘The Impact app’ was developed and used to collect data. The empirical research in this article comes from data collected over a period of four years primarily from this app and other sources. The main system structure that the researcher used for this integral project is called ‘Franchising as Mission’. It takes the best attributes of primary and secondary coops yet, enables governance and a fair share in the value chain. Poverty alleviation and gospel proclamation have been integrated in the whole project. Therefore, this entire project was regarded as Evangelical Christian Integral Mission as described in the Lausanne Covenant and elaborated on by Melba Padilla Maggay. It is these three core attributes that have led to a 92% higher uptake to that envisaged (Figure 14). This article hopes to point out what integral mission looks like in practice.

Data-driven modelling of the Van Allen Belts: The 5DRBM model for trapped electrons

The magnetosphere sustained by the rotation of the Earth’s liquid iron core traps charged particles, mostly electrons and protons, into structures referred to as the Van Allen Belts. These radiation belts, in which the density of charged energetic particles can be very destructive for sensitive instrumentation, have to be crossed on every orbit of satellites traveling in elliptical orbits around the Earth, as is the case for ESA’s INTEGRAL and XMM-Newton missions. This paper presents the first working version of the 5DRBM-e model, a global, data-driven model of the radiation belts for trapped electrons. The model is based on in situ measurements of electrons by the radiation monitors on board the INTEGRAL and XMM-Newton satellites along their long elliptical orbits for respectively 16 and 19 years of operations. This model, in its present form, features the integral flux for trapped electrons within energies ranging from 0.7 to 1.75 MeV. Cross-validation of the 5DRBM-e with the well-known AE8min/max and AE9mean models for a low eccentricity GPS orbit shows excellent agreement, and demonstrates that the new model can be used to provide reliable predictions along widely different orbits around Earth for the purpose of designing, planning, and operating satellites with more accurate instrument safety margins. Future work will include extending the model based on electrons of different energies and proton radiation measurement data.

Leading a Community Engagement Approach for Integral Mission in Central Africa and Southeast Asia

Community engagement is essential in global health mission organizations in order to effectively integrate physical and spiritual health. I experienced a progression in understanding faith-based community engagement in global health during my time as a health director in central Africa and Southeast Asia. The Facilitator phase of this progression leads to understanding the systems and networks as described by the Social-Ecological Model (SEM) and the Holistic Worldview Analysis (HWVA) model. Together, these can be used to guide church workers, faith-based public health practitioners, and development leaders in taking a holistic approach to improving community health and well-being in a way that learns from my experience and focuses on the Facilitator phase as the most effective. Integral mission understands that the physical and spiritual determinants of health are inseparable but is often challenged by diverse partnerships, community beliefs, and assumptions influencing cross-cultural health initiatives. Together, the SEM and HWVA models support a holistic community engagement strategy for integral mission to take place.

Leading a Community Engagement Approach for Integral Mission in Central Africa and Southeast Asia

Community engagement is essential in global health mission organizations in order to effectively integrate physical and spiritual health. I experienced a progression in understanding faith-based community engagement in global health during my time as a health director in central Africa and Southeast Asia. The Facilitator phase of this progression leads to understanding the systems and networks as described by the Social-Ecological Model (SEM) and the Holistic Worldview Analysis (HWVA) model. Together, these can be used to guide church workers, faith-based public health practitioners, and development leaders in taking a holistic approach to improving community health and well-being in a way that learns from my experience and focuses on the Facilitator phase as the most effective. Integral mission understands that the physical and spiritual determinants of health are inseparable but is often challenged by diverse partnerships, community beliefs, and assumptions influencing cross-cultural health initiatives. Together, the SEM and HWVA models support a holistic community engagement strategy for integral mission to take place.

Transformative metrics for holistic ministry in the marketplace

Holistic ministry is now the standard across global missional practice, and one manifestation of integral mission is Entrepreneurial Church Planting (ECP). This occurs when business entrepreneurs and clergy members launch spiritually and economically integrated communities of faith. While it may be conceptually inviting for spiritual and business forces to comingle in reaching the lost, ECP activities need to be evaluated as to whether they are accomplishing the goals of the Great Commission and the Creation Commission. In-depth study is needed now to consider outcomes relative to goals. To that end, this study will examine the unique data trends that emerge in the case study of Kentucky-based Meridzo Ministries. Grassroots insights from case-study research will then be applied to Clemens Sedmak’s kinship model in order to posit three proxy indicators based upon interviewee data. This article argues that rather than measuring success of missions economically or spiritually, success should be gauged on the grounds of holistic relational transformation.

Lasting fruit of integral mission in India of 100 years ago

Lasting fruit of integral mission in India of 100 years ago

Towards doing practical integral mission: a Nazarene Compassionate Ministries (NCM) reflection in Africa

The concept “integral mission” denotes the contribution of churches in helping people and communities with material resources. It remains unclear as to how this widely held theological concept is done practically. At a theological level, there has been a general silence on reflection regarding how organisations can practically do integral mission. Using an institutional theological understanding of compassionate ministry within the church of the Nazarene Compassionate Ministries (NCM), this article demonstrates the convergences and divergences that may arise in an organisation as it attempts to implement integral mission interventions. It is also an empirical case study of leadership and grassroots (implementation) level staff to show the differences that may exist and weaken integral mission efforts. At a theory formation level, the article contributes to understanding the dynamics of implementing integral mission.

Holding to Account the Commission of International Crimes in the Central African Republic: The Establishment of the Special Criminal Court

The Special Criminal Court for the Central African Republic (scc) is a national court that has been established with the assistance of the Un Multidimensional Integrated Mission of Stabilization in the Central African Republic (minusca) to bring to justice perpetrators of international crimes committed in car from 2003. The establishment of the scc is a response to the legal obligation to fight impunity for the most serious crimes in a country severely affected by decades of internal armed conflicts, social and political crises: car has been depleted of the resources required to investigate and prosecute those responsible for the commission of international crimes. Taking to justice the perpetrators will help consolidate peace, security and justice and break the cycle of violence. The scc is hence expected to serve as a catalyst for the restoration of the rule of law in car more broadly and to advance national reconciliation and peacebuilding processes. Notwithstanding the challenges that it will face, it is submitted that the scc could be a valid model to be replicated in other post-conflict contexts where impunity for either international crimes or serious organized crime is a fundamental impediment to social peace and progress.

Challenges to European Integration: Missions and Instruments

Abstract The aim of this article is to highlight challenges to European integration by raising key concerns and generating debate about potential responses. This discussion is intended to be a starting point for further research and the development of more policy-specific recommendations to tackle these challenges successfully. I begin by explaining the need for a clear and realistic integration mission and then turn to the example of the Economic and Monetary Union (EMU), one of the most tangible achievements of European integration policy. The EMU also highlights the critical importance of clarity and realism in any approach to integration. My analysis moves next to the challenges that the EU is facing today and considers how the European Commission has evaluated and reacted to these challenges. Finally I propose some key elements of – and make the case for – a constructive practical approach.

INTEGRAL/SPI γ-ray line spectroscopy

Context. The space based γ-ray observatory INTEGRAL of the European Space Agency (ESA) includes the spectrometer instrument “SPI”. This is a coded mask telescope featuring a 19-element Germanium detector array for high-resolution γ-ray spectroscopy, encapsulated in a scintillation detector assembly that provides a veto for background from charged particles. In space, cosmic rays irradiate spacecraft and instruments, which, in spite of the vetoing detectors, results in a large instrumental background from activation of those materials, and leads to deterioration of the charge collection properties of the Ge detectors.Aim. We aim to determine the measurement characteristics of our detectors and their evolution with time, that is, their spectral response and instrumental background. These incur systematic variations in the SPI signal from celestial photons, hence their determination from a broad empirical database enables a reduction of underlying systematics in data analysis. For this, we explore compromises balancing temporal and spectral resolution within statistical limitations. Our goal is to enable modelling of background applicable to spectroscopic studies of the sky, accounting separately for changes of the spectral response and of instrumental background.Methods. We use 13.5 years of INTEGRAL/SPI data, which consist of spectra for each detector and for each pointing of the satellite. Spectral fits to each such spectrum, with independent but coherent treatment of continuum and line backgrounds, provides us with details about separated background components. From the strongest background lines, we first determine how the spectral response changes with time. Applying symmetry and long-term stability tests, we eliminate degeneracies and reduce statistical fluctuations of background parameters, with the aim of providing a self-consistent description of the spectral response for each individual detector. Accounting for this, we then determine how the instrumental background components change in intensities and other characteristics, most-importantly their relative distribution among detectors.Results. Spectral resolution of Ge detectors in space degrades with time, up to 15% within half a year, consistently for all detectors, and across the SPI energy range. Semi-annual annealing operations recover these losses, yet there is a small long-term degradation. The intensity of instrumental background varies anti-correlated to solar activity, in general. There are significant differences among different lines and with respect to continuum. Background lines are found to have a characteristic, well-defined and long-term consistent intensity ratio among detectors. We use this to categorise lines in groups of similar behaviour. The dataset of spectral-response and background parameters as fitted across the INTEGRAL mission allows studies of SPI spectral response and background behaviour in a broad perspective, and efficiently supports precision modelling of instrumental background.

Analysis and interpretation of inner-heliospheric SEP events with the ESA Standard Radiation Environment Monitor (SREM) onboard the INTEGRAL and Rosetta Missions

Using two heliospheric vantage points, we study 22 solar energetic particle (SEP) events, 14 of which were detected at both locations. SEP proton events were detected during the declining phase of solar cycle 23 (November 2003–December 2006) by means of two nearly identical Standard Radiation Environment Monitor (SREM) units in energies ranging between 12.6 MeV and 166.3 MeV. In this work we combine SREM data with diverse solar and interplanetary measurements, aiming to backtrace solar eruptions from their impact in geospace (i.e., from L1 Lagrangian point to Earth’s magnetosphere) to their parent eruptions at the Sun’s low atmosphere. Our SREM SEP data support and complement a consistent inner-heliospheric description of solar eruptions (solar flares and coronal mass ejections [CMEs]) and their magnetospheric impact. In addition, they provide useful information on the understanding of the origin, acceleration, and propagation of SEP events at multi-spacecraft settings. All SEP events in our sample originate from major eruptions consisting of major (>M-class) solar flares and fast (>1800 km/s, on average), overwhelmingly (>78%) halo, CMEs. All but one SEP event studied are unambiguously associated with shock-fronted CMEs, suggesting a CME-driven shock acceleration mechanism. Moreover, a significant correlation is found between the SEP event peak and the onset of the storm sudden commencement, that might help improve prediction of magnetospheric disturbances. In general, SEP events correlate better with interplanetary (i.e., in-situ; L1-based) than with solar eruption features. Our findings support (a) the routine use of cost-effective SREM units, or future improvements thereof, for the detection of SEP events and (b) their implementation in multi-spacecraft settings as a means to improve both the physical understanding of SEP events and their forecasting.

Artificial intelligence unfolding for space radiation monitor data

The reliable and accurate calculation of incident particle radiation fluxes from space radiation monitor measurements, i.e. count-rates, is of great interest and importance. Radiation monitors are relatively simple and easy to implement instruments found on board multiple spacecrafts and can thus provide information about the radiation environment in various regions of space ranging from Low Earth orbit to missions in Lagrangian points and even interplanetary missions. However, the unfolding of fluxes from monitor count-rates, being an ill-posed inverse problem, is not trivial and prone to serious errors due to the inherent difficulties present in such problems. In this work we present a novel unfolding method which uses tools from the fields of Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning to achieve good unfolding of monitor measurements. The unfolding method combines a Case Based Reasoning approach with a Genetic Algorithm, which are both widely used. We benchmark the method on data from European Space Agency’s (ESA) Standard Radiation Environment Monitor (SREM) on board the INTEGRAL mission by calculating proton fluxes during Solar Energetic Particle Events and electron fluxes from measurements within the outer Radiation Belt. Extensive evaluation studies are made by comparing the unfolded proton fluxes with data from the SEPEM Reference Dataset v2.0 and the unfolded electron fluxes with data from the Van Allen Probes mission instruments Magnetic Electron Ion Spectrometer (MagEIS) and Relativistic Electron Proton Telescope (REPT).

THE ASEAN SINGLE MARKET: A COMPARATIVE STUDY

This paper examines the ASEAN Single Market policies and strategies whilst making a comparative study with the similar efforts carried out in the European Union (EU). The integration efforts in ASEAN are compared with that of the EU noting that the theory of economic integration saw its birth as the European countries embarked in a regional integration mission. ASEAN, on the other hand, mirrored the single market aspirations against its own diverse geopolitical backdrop and hence resulting in the launch of a single market which is unique to the region. This study compares the evolution of policies for technical barriers to trade in ASEAN and the EU to examine the motivations for the single market in ASEAN.              Keywords: ASEAN, single market, economic integration

Western Theology in Africa: Christian Mission in the Light of the Undermining of Scientific Hegemony

AbstractComprehension of the Old Testament in indigenous African Christianity can draw deeply on, confirm, and uphold tribal traditions designed to prevent death, calamity, and infertility. Deep spirituality demonstrated in such comprehension contrasts with “remnant spirituality” in the West. Western people's awareness of their own religious underpinnings has lapsed. As a result, how well are Western Christians able to engage with holistic African communities? Holistic or integral mission can fall short through being a holistic means of introducing dualism. This article questions the legitimacy of science's intrusion on the Christian faith, and draws practical implications for the Western mission enterprise, such as the fact that it generates dependency.

X-ray Binary Transients in the Magellanic Clouds and the Milky Way

AbstractThe X-ray sky is dominated by luminous galactic sources, variable on time-scales from milliseconds to years. Their eruptive behaviour is now under continuous monitoring by MAXI, Swift, INTEGRAL and other high-energy missions, and representing a superb exemplar of time-domain astronomy. Understanding the astrophysics of such variability requires multi-wavelength follow-up studies from a suite of ground- and space-based facilities. As SALT is a 100% Q-scheduled telescope, one of its key scientific capabilities is related to Target-of-Opportunity (ToO) programmes, and there has been a dedicated SALT Large Programme on Transients in place since 2016, a significant fraction of which has been devoted to the follow-up of X-ray binary transients. This Workshop addressed questions of how such programmes should evolve once the era of MeerKAT and MeerLICHT begins in ∼2018-9 (as well as other huge surveys at optical wavelengths), identifying the range of facilities that would be needed, and the key science topics. There is a clear and growing need for responses to transients to be faster (within minutes if possible), and to be multi-wavelength (particularly in radio and X-ray). Furthermore, extended ongoing coverage of such events (days to weeks for the next ‘V404 Cyg’-type outburst) will be needed for maximum astrophysical return. That would require careful management and coordination of a wide range of ground- and space-based facilities, and optimising coverage against logistical constraints that are often conflicting.

Assessing the effort associated with teaching residents

Intraoperative resident education is an integral mission of academic medical centers and serves as the basis for training the next generation of surgeons. The actual effort associated with teaching residents is unknown as it pertains to additional operative time. Using a large validated multi-institutional dataset, this study aims to quantify the effect of having a resident present in common plastic surgery procedures on operative time. Future directions for developing standardized methods to record and report teaching time are proposed, which can help inform prospective studies. The 2006-2012 American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program (ACS-NSQIP) database was queried to identify seven isolated plastic surgical procedures that were categorized based on resident involvement and supervision. Linear regression models were used to calculate the difference in operative time with respect to resident participation while controlling for patient and operative factors. Resident involvement was associated with longer operative times for muscle flap trunk procedures (53min, 95% CI=[25, 80], p-value=0.0002) and breast reconstruction procedures with a latissimus dorsi flap (55min, 95% CI=[22, 88], p-value=0.001). For six of the seven surgeries evaluated, resident involvement was associated with longer operative times, as compared to no resident involvement. Resident involvement is associated with an increase in operative time for certain plastic surgery procedures. This finding underscores the need for a mechanism to quantify the time and effort that the attending surgeons allocate toward intraoperative resident education. Further study is also necessary to determine the causal impact on patient care.

Tandem Swift and INTEGRAL Data to Revisit the Orbital and Superorbital Periods of 1E 1740.7–2942

Abstract The black hole candidate 1E 1740.7−2942 is one of the strongest hard X-ray sources in the Galactic Center region. No counterparts in longer wavelengths have been identified for this object yet. The presence of characteristic timing signatures in the flux history of X-ray sources has been shown to be an important diagnostic tool for the properties of these systems. Using simultaneous data from NASA’s Swift and ESA’s INTEGRAL missions, we have found two periodic signatures at 12.61 ± 0.06 days and 171.1 ± 3.0 days in long-term hard X-ray light curves of 1E 1740.7−2942. We interpret those as the orbital and superorbital periods of the object, respectively. The reported orbital period is in good agreement with previous studies of 1E 1740.7−2942 using NASA’s RXTE data. We present here the first firm evidence of a superorbital period for 1E 1740.7−2942, which has important implications for the nature of the binary system.

Journal of Mind and Medical Sciences: translational and integrative mission

Journal of Mind and Medical Sciences: translational and integrative mission