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Steganography in SVG Image Files
Get PDFThis research discusses the practical application of steganography within the missionary field. Steganography has had many variations throughout history and has shown promise in the modern era. This research specifically looks into the use of steganography within Scalable Vector Graphic (SVG) image files. The presented research will briefly introduce steganography, provide historic examples of steganography, explain how it can be used within the context of SVG images, and discuss the modern application to the missionary field
When Posters Went to War: The Division of Pictorial Publicity and Propaganda Posters in World War I
Get PDFIn the Great War, the United States of America established its first large-scale propaganda agency, calling upon 300 artists to inspire the nation to contribute to the war effort. Since radio and film would not gain popularity until the Second World War, posters were the primary news source of war information during the Great War. Poster topics focused on recruitment, financial needs, and homefront issues. Over two-thirds of the total war cost was raised by the Fourth Liberty Loan Drive advertised by the Division’s compelling posters. The artists took their jobs seriously and recognized the significance of their duties to the US government, the war effort, and propaganda machinery. This study employs a historical analysis framework, utilizing primary sources such as posters, memoirs, advertisements, and other printed sources from the Great War. It heavily relies on the correspondence between George Creel, executive director and chairman of the Committee of Public Information, and Charles Dana Gibson, President of the Society of Illustrators and head of the Division of Pictorial Publicity. The study also focuses on the paintings, posters, and journals of James Montgomery Flagg, who created more posters during the war era than any other artist on the committee. Even though the United States participated in the last year of the war, the nation outproduced every other country involved, and many poster designs became iconic symbols of America, freedom, and courage
Shepherds of the South: An Introduction to the Life and Service of Military Chaplains in the Confederacy
Get PDFThe experience of chaplains in the Confederate States of America was very different from that of the chaplains in the Union. Unlike the Union, their establishment was very rushed and not detailed. Facets such as pay, benefits, requirements, and expectations all spelled major differences between the two sides’ chaplains. Additionally, other Confederate officers did not have much respect for them. Despite being overlooked, misunderstood, and underdeveloped, the Confederate chaplains were able to rise into a position of unparalleled influence. Whether it was doing their primary duties, such as a ministry, or superseding those and putting themselves in harm’s way on the battlefield, Chaplains were able to cement their place in the Confederate army. as far as writing religious literature and shaping Christian doctrine for the South as a whole. Even after the war’s closing, they continued to find ways to serve the vocation of ministry, doing whatever they could to extend the hand of the Lord. Chaplains even influenced the identity of the South after the closing of the war. This research aims to share the short yet powerful story of Chaplains in the Confederate Army. Utilizing historical records, legislation, and personal accounts, this study is dedicated to the illumination of an exceedingly complex history of an overlooked and often forgotten group
Bytes, Banter, and the Bible: An Interdisciplinary Account of Objective Meaning
Get PDFThe claim that the Bible has objective meaning is contested in a postmodern world. Many theologians and philosophers have sought to address this critique. One such philosopher is Nicholas Wolterstorff, who makes use of speech-act theory to defend authorial-discourse interpretation. His case is especially presented in his work, Divine Discourse: Philosophical Reflections on the Claim that God Speaks. But theologians and philosophers are not the only ones concerned with the nature of meaning. As such, the assertion that the biblical texts have objective meaning can be more persuasively defended when it is addressed by insights from multiple disciplines. In particular, the field of computer science is apt to illuminate the concept of meaning through its reflection on the nature of languages and its concern with the accurate transmission of information. This research argues that principles from the field of computer science can be synthesized with principles from Wolterstorff’s use of speech-act theory to more effectively defend the claim that the biblical text has objective meaning. Claude Shannon’s work, The Mathematical Theory of Communication provides insight into the nature of communication in the presence of noise. Further useful insights from the discipline of computer science include those relating to linguistic semantics and the nature of language translation. By synthesizing insights from the field of computer science with Nicholas Wolterstorff’s use of speech-act theory, the concept of meaning can be understood more clearly. Consequently, this synthesis assists in answering questions regarding the nature of meaning and objectivity as they pertain to the biblical text. Further research opportunities include comparing the synthesized account of language with other accounts such as that of Jacques Derrida
Don Lonie: America’s No. 1 High School Assembly Speaker
Get PDFThis paper examines the life and legacy of Don Lonie, a prominent American evangelist known as “America’s No. 1 high-school assembly speaker” during the mid-20th century. For over 45 years, Lonie toured the United States, delivering Christian motivational talks to teenagers at high schools, PTA meetings, business gatherings, churches, and military bases. Using humor, teen language, and a straightforward approach, Lonie communicated messages of abstinence, personal responsibility, and faith. His bestselling albums, Talks With Teenagers and Talks Again, demonstrate his influence in youth evangelicalism, yet his story remains largely unexplored. Despite speaking to over a million people, Lonie\u27s contributions to the moral and religious education of America’s youth have largely been overlooked within the context of American Christian history. Drawing on personal connections and archival research, this paper seeks to honor Lonie\u27s legacy, highlighting his role in 1960s youth evangelism and providing a comprehensive biography
A TRANSCENDENTAL PHENOMENOLOGICAL STUDY EXPLORING THE SOCIAL IDENTITY EXPERIENCES OF MALE TEACHERS OF COLOR IN THE MALE SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM
Get PDFThe purpose of this phenomenological study is to understand the social identity experiences for male teachers of color in the Male Scholarship Program at North Valley University. The theory guiding this study was Tajfel and Turner’s social identity theory as it explained the social cognitive process that individuals use in considering joining or exiting a group. Using the social identity theory, this study attempted to answer the central research question: What are the social identity experiences of male teachers of color participating in the Male Scholarship Program? This transcendental phenomenology study used purposeful sampling to recruit participants and collected data through individual interviews, letter-writing, and a focus group. Data analysis in this phenomenological study employed Moustakas phenomenological model: (a) epoché, (b) reduction, (c) imaginative variation, (d) textural descriptions, (e) structural descriptions, and (f) synthesis. Following the triangulation of the data, the following themes were constructed: norms and social influences, social mobility, and shared experiences and brotherhood. The findings of the study revealed that social identity played a crucial role in the recruitment, preparation, and retention of male teachers of color within the context of the Male Scholarship Program. By framing participants\u27 experiences through social identity theory, the study highlighted the significance of identity alignment within educational support structures, which has been explored less in traditional teacher preparation literature
Single-Step Fingerprint Fumigation with Common Dyes
Get PDFThe goal of this research project is to develop a fingerprint fumigation method that effectively visualizes latent fingerprints in a single fumigation step, making a secondary visualization method (like dusting) unnecessary. This will be done by dyeing the cotton balls used during the fumigation process with common dyes found in permanent markers (Sharpie), washable markers (Crayola), and other name brand markers. As cyanoacrylate glue reacts with the dyed cotton balls (treated with baking soda), the colored vapors will adhere to the latent prints. This will color the latent prints to increase the contrast between the print and the surface. Other altered fumigation methods will be tested as well
Using Fossil Data to Identify Lungless Salamander Kinds
No full textBaraminology is the study of God’s created kinds as described in Genesis 1 (Wise, 1992). Holobaramins are scientific approximations of these kinds identified by building up monobaramins (smaller, continuous groups) and dividing apobaramins (larger, discontinuous groups). The worldwide Flood also aids in approximating created kinds, as the mass extinctions and dramatic shifts in species distributions it caused are preserved in the fossil record. The lungless salamanders (Caudata: Plethodontidae) are composed of over 500 species in 29 genera and have been grouped together by herpetologists for almost 200 years. This indicates that the family represents a cognitum (group of organisms recognized through the human cognitive senses as belonging together) and possibly an apobaramin. Our previous research indicates that lungless salamander holobaramin(s) are found somewhere between the genus and family levels. To further refine this taxonomic range, the present study aims to: 1) search the fossil record of lungless salamanders for evidence of continuity or discontinuity between genera; 2) survey the fossil record of sister taxa (Caudata: Amphiumidae, Rhyacotritonidae) to confirm their discontinuity with the lungless salamanders; 3) examine biogeographical trends in these fossil records; and 4) apply the Post-Flood Continuity Criterion (PFCC) which proposes that baramins should have a continuous fossil record back to at least the Flood, and groups with a first appearance in the fossil record substantially after the Flood are sub-baraminic (Wise, 2009).â€
The Life and Works of Sandra Cisneros
Get PDFSandra Cisneros is a pioneering Chicana writer whose work has profoundly shaped American and Latino literature. Born in Chicago in 1954, she grew up in a bilingual and bicultural environment that deeply influenced her storytelling. Her writing explores themes of identity, gender, and belonging, often giving voice to the struggles and resilience of Mexican-American women. Cisneros’ groundbreaking novel The House on Mango Street (1984) remains one of the most influential works in contemporary literature, capturing the coming-of-age of a young Chicana in Chicago. Woman Hollering Creek and Other Stories (1991), a collection of short stories, examines the lives of Mexican and Mexican-American women navigating love, loss, and cultural expectations on both sides of the border. Caramelo (2002) is a sweeping multigenerational family saga that intertwines personal and historical narratives, exploring themes of memory, identity, and cultural heritage. Her literary style blends poetic prose with storytelling traditions, creating emotionally rich narratives that resonate with readers worldwide. As the recipient of numerous accolades, including the MacArthur “Genius†Grant and the National Medal of Arts, Cisneros has paved the way for Latina writers and expanded representation in literature. Her work remains a testament to the power of storytelling in shaping cultural and personal identity
Sleep Health in the United States: A Public Health Perspective
Get PDFBackground: Sleep is recognized as a multifaceted neurological condition that facilitates rest and enables the body to replenish its energy reserves. The significance of sleep is underscored by the observation that individuals dedicate approximately one-third of their lives to this state. In adults, insufficient sleep is defined as obtaining less than seven hours per night, which can elevate the risk of chronic health issues and adversely affect overall well-being and quality of life. Research has established correlations between inadequate sleep and various health problems, including obesity, cardiovascular diseases, neurological disorders, and metabolic and endocrine dysfunctions, among others. Data indicate that certain demographics, particularly males, Black or African American individuals, and residents of urban areas, experience higher rates of insufficient sleep. Furthermore, prior studies have identified several determinants influencing sleep adequacy, including geographic location, family income, educational attainment, marital status, occupation, health status, and age. This study aims to investigate the impact of sleep on health from a public health perspective. Methods: Systematic literature review of previous studies conducted on the importance of sleep and its effect on health. Keywords such as “insufficient sleep†and “health†were used in research engines such as PubMed Central, Google Scholar, and EBSCO. Data from all fifty states in the United States of America were compared to determine trends and urgency. Results: Studies support the idea that there is indeed a strong correlation between sleep deprivation and many health conditions. Unfortunately, many American adults do not get enough sleep. Furthermore, environmental and socioeconomic factors are also major contributors to inadequate sleep amongst adults. Conclusions: Adequate sleep is crucial for the optimal functioning of the body. There is a pressing need to advocate for the significance of sleep in communities across the United States. Following a thorough data analysis, public health initiatives can be implemented to enhance overall quality of life. A multifaceted intervention to promote adequate sleep in communities across the US is warranted. Keywords: Sleep deprivation, sleep, health, United States of Americ