Changing Attitudes Towards Sexual Orientation and the Effect of Documentary Film

Attitudes towards LGBT people are shifting rapidly, with over half (51%) of the US population now favoring same-sex marriage. LGBT issues are also being hotly debated in the Seventh-day Adventist (SDA) church. The purpose of this research is to examine how the film, Seventh-Gay Adventist (SGA) influences SDA college students\u27 attitudes regarding homosexuality. My study compares attitude scores of students (N=46) using an experimental design with random assignment. Both the experimental group and the control group completed a commonly used Homosexuality Attitude Scale and modified version of Fulton\u27s Adventists and LGB\u27s survey at pretest and posttest. Results show that the film had no significant effect on students\u27 overall attitudes. However, a significant difference in attitude change was found on one individual item: a homosexual\u27s ability to become heterosexual. This suggested that after watching the film, subjects were more likely to think that lesbian and gay individuals cannot change their sexual orientation

Using Machine Learning to Predict Swine Movements within a Regional Program to Improve Control of Infectious Diseases in the US.

Between-farm animal movement is one of the most important factors influencing the spread of infectious diseases in food animals, including in the US swine industry. Understanding the structural network of contacts in a food animal industry is prerequisite to planning for efficient production strategies and for effective disease control measures. Unfortunately, data regarding between-farm animal movements in the US are not systematically collected and thus, such information is often unavailable. In this paper, we develop a procedure to replicate the structure of a network, making use of partial data available, and subsequently use the model developed to predict animal movements among sites in 34 Minnesota counties. First, we summarized two networks of swine producing facilities in Minnesota, then we used a machine learning technique referred to as random forest, an ensemble of independent classification trees, to estimate the probability of pig movements between farms and/or markets sites located in two counties in Minnesota. The model was calibrated and tested by comparing predicted data and observed data in those two counties for which data were available. Finally, the model was used to predict animal movements in sites located across 34 Minnesota counties. Variables that were important in predicting pig movements included between-site distance, ownership, and production type of the sending and receiving farms and/or markets. Using a weighted-kernel approach to describe spatial variation in the centrality measures of the predicted network, we showed that the south-central region of the study area exhibited high aggregation of predicted pig movements. Our results show an overlap with the distribution of outbreaks of porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome, which is believed to be transmitted, at least in part, though animal movements. While the correspondence of movements and disease is not a causal test, it suggests that the predicted network may approximate actual movements. Accordingly, the predictions provided here might help to design and implement control strategies in the region. Additionally, the methodology here may be used to estimate contact networks for other livestock systems when only incomplete information regarding animal movements is available

The Adventist Vote: Responses to the 2020 National Pre- Election Survey

The relationship between Adventism and the social-political world has implications for understanding how Adventists relate to politics and society. Researchers present the findings from a 2020 National Pre-Election Survey on politics and social issues as well as reasons for voting decisions, the importance, and positions on social issues

Adventist Views on Creation

Abstract – Where do Adventist laity stand on the controversial issue of Creation and teaching Creation science in public schools? Key findings from a survey of Adventists and one of Adventist pastors in 2016 addressing these questions are shared along with comparisons by demographics and implications for the church

Pastors as Gatekeepers: Congregational Encounters with Mental Health and Substance Abuse Issues

The vocation of a pastor is to care for the spiritual needs of a congregation and community. However, as many clergy know well, pastoral care is multifaceted and complex. For example, one of the hats that pastors frequently wear is that of pastoral counselor. Although pastors have traditionally offered support and pastoral care to congregants, they are beginning to spend more hours counseling both congregants and community members. One study indicated that pastors were spending time in pastoral counseling equivalent to that of marriage and family therapists in private practice.1 The same study showed that pastors are encountering persons and families experiencing mental health and/or addiction challenges more frequently than they have in times past. These trends indicate that the needs of congregations, and the broader community, may be shifting. As these needs shift, so does the role of the pastor

Every family has occasional difficulties : The Stability of Family Dynamics Post Coming Out

This presentation highlights findings from a study of SDA parents whose LGBTQ+ child came out to them within the past 10 years. The findings revealed that parents noted few changes in family functioning post coming out. Many noted small improvements in family functioning and enduring family strength

Findings From Surveys on Adventism, Politics and Social Issues

AHSRA Presentation Proposal Abstract: The relationships between Adventism and the social political world has implications for the mission of the church and its involvement in the social issues of our time. Researches present an analysis of research conducted over several decades which explore the relationship of Adventism, politics and social issues