Fr. Chad spoke to the Serbian Clergy Brotherhood last month on the challenges facing our priests in today's culture. We have broken it up into three parts and bring you part 1 today.

Today we bring you part two of Fr. Chad Hatfield's talk at the Serbian Clergy Brotherhood in June on the challenges facing our priests in today's culture.

Here is the third and final part of Fr. Chad's address to the Serbian Clergy about how we should look at the ministry of the priesthood in today's society.

Archpriest Michael Oleksa speaks on Orthodox cultures at Orthodox Education Day at St. Vladimir’s Orthodox Theological Seminary.

research and short essays about cultural loss and the critical importance of preservation and access #

St Paul bemoaned that his fellow Jews "have a zeal for God, but not according to knowledge." Fr Thomas discusses the relationship between faith and the prevailing culture and how we can make a greater impact on society. The second half of the podcast features a conversation with Dr John Burgess of Pittsburgh Theological Seminary about the lessons we can learn from the Russian Orthodox Church regarding faith and culture.

On the Sunday after Theophany, the scripture readings teach us that the light of Christ shines in the darkest corners of the world. Fr Thomas reminds us that the Gospel is not simply for one culture, but for all people everywhere.

How did our society become so accepting of a culture of death - from Dr. Jack Kevorkian, Terri Schiavo, and Planned Parenthood?

Fr. Philip LeMasters argues that it is time for Orthodox Christians to be realistic and not panic about life in an increasingly post-Christian culture.

Dn. Michael Hyatt is the chair of the Ancient Faith Ministries board and a Deacon at St. Ignatius Antiochian Orthodox Church in Franklin, TN. Most people know him as one of the top leadership mentors in the country and the Founder and CEO of Michael Hyatt & Company, an online leadership development company dedicated to helping high achievers win at work and succeed at life. In this commentary (which is actually a sermon given at St. Ignatius), Dn. Michael assesses the impact of social media on people in general and Christians in particular. Be looking for the return of his Ancient Faith Radio podcast At the Intersection of East and West in September!

Fr. Andrew Damick interviews Dr. Gary Jenkins about the proposed Institute for Orthodox Thought and Culture at Eastern University in Pennsylvania. Please complete the survey to help them launch this program in the fall of 2015.

Father John Strickland, Assistant Professor of History, St. Katherine College (Encinitas, CA), and assistant priest at St. John of Damascus Orthodox Church (Poway, CA), draws important parallels between the early Christian Church, confronting a pagan culture in the Roman Empire, and Christianity and life in a neo-pagan, postmodern North America and Western Europe in the 21st century.

Guest: Frederica Mathewes-Green, ex-feminist turned pro-life Christian, author of Gender and Real Choices, and a cultural commentator for NPR, National Review, Beliefnet.com, and Ancient Faith Radio.

I didn’t watch this in the cinema, and I had a bit more to say about it than my usual one-line movie review format, so it didn’t fit into my monthly round-up, but I do want to wholeheartedly recommend you...

American Culture Project’s John Tillman on winning through upstream engagement

The field of business intelligence (BI), despite rapid technology advances, continues to feature inadequate levels of adoption. The attention of researchers is shifting towards hu-man factors of BI adoption. The wide set of human factors influencing BI adoption con-tains elements of what we call BI culture – an overarching concept covering key managerial issues that come up in BI implementation. Research sources provide different sets of features pertaining to BI culture or related concepts – decision-making culture, analytical culture and others. The goal of this paper is to perform the review of research and practical sources to examine driving forces of BI – data-driven approaches, BI agility, maturity and acceptance – to point out culture-related issues that support BI adoption and to suggest an emerging set of factors influencing BI culture.

Aim/Purpose: ******************************************************************************************** After its investigation, the Research Ethics, Integrity, and Governance team at RMIT University found that the primary author of this paper breached the Australian Code and/or RMIT Policy and requested that the article be retracted. ********************************************************************************************* This paper aimed to examine the impact of knowledge management on firm innovativeness of multinational enterprises (MNEs) via the mediating role of innovative culture in Malaysia. Background: Inadequate management practices and growing competition among MNEs operating in developing nations, notably in Malaysia, have hindered their organizational success. Although several studies have shown that knowledge management has a substantial impact on MNEs’ success, it is not apparent if innovation at the company level has a direct impact on their performance. Thus, there is no definitive evidence between knowledge management with business innovativeness and organizational success. Methodology: This study adopted a quantitative approach based on a cross-sectional survey and descriptive design to gather the data in a specific period. A convenient sampling approach was used to select 296 respondents from Malaysia-dependent MNEs of different industries. One of the advantages of this study methodology is that the sample targeted many fields. Afterward, SPSS AMOS 24.0 software package analysis was performed to test the hypotheses. Contribution: The study contributes to knowledge management and firm innovativeness literature through advancing innovative culture as a mediating factor that accounts for the link between these two constructs, especially from an emerging economy perspective. The research findings also offer managerial implications for organizations in their quest to improve firm innovativeness. Findings: The results support that innovative culture significantly affects MNEs’ performance. Innovative culture enhances the capability of MNEs to be innovative that finally leads to the superior performance of firm innovativeness. Recommendations for Practitioners: According to this research, companies that exhibit an innovative culture, the acquisition of new information, the conversion of tacit knowledge into explicit knowledge, the application of knowledge, and the safeguarding of knowledge, all have a positive effect on their innovativeness. This means that for organizations to run an innovative MNE in Malaysia, a creative culture must be fostered since the current study has shown how it is seen as a catalyst that facilitates learning, transformation, and implementation of relevant knowledge. Recommendation for Researchers: Future studies should be carried out in other sectors aside from the manufacturing sector using the same scales used to measure knowledge management. Furthermore, a comparative analysis of knowledge management and firm innovativeness using innovative culture as a mediator should be researched in other developing economies. Impact on Society: While the main aim of this study was to better understand how and why MNEs operate the way they do, it had an indirect impact on the business and political tactics taken by CEOs and managers working in MNEs in developing countries, as this research has shown. Future Research: Future research should employ the methodology presented in this study and pursue this in other sectors, such as emerging and developed nations’ major businesses, to validate the results and further generalize the conclusions. Other methods should also be incorporated to investigate the other dimensions of MNEs’ performance, including market orientation, technology orientation, and entrepreneurial orientation.

Aim/Purpose: This paper aimed to examine the impact of learning orientation on organizational performance of small and medium enterprises (SMEs) via the mediating role of total quality management (TQM) practices and the moderating role of innovation culture. Background: SMEs’ organizational performance in developing countries, particularly in Kuwait, remains below expectation due to increasing competition and inadequate managerial practices that negatively impact their performance. Although several studies had revealed a significant effect of learning orientation on SMEs’ performance, the direct impact of learning orientation on their performance is still unclear. Thus, the link between learning orientation and organizational performance remains inconclusive and requires further examination. Methodology: This study adopted a quantitative approach based on a cross-sectional survey and descriptive design to gather the data in a specific period. The data were collected by distributing a survey questionnaire to the owners and Chief Executive Officers (CEOs) of Kuwaiti SMEs using online and on-hand instruments with 384 useable data obtained. Furthermore, the partial least square-structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM) analysis was performed to test the hypotheses. Contribution: This study bridged the significant gap in the role of learning orientation on SMEs’ performance in developing countries, specifically Kuwait. In this sense, a conceptual model was introduced, comprising a learning orientation, TQM practices, innovation culture, and organizational performance. In addition, this study confirmed the significant influence of TQM practices and innovation culture as intermediate variables in strengthening the relationship between learning orientation and organizational performance, which has not yet been verified in Kuwait. Findings: The results in this study revealed that learning orientation had a significant impact on organizational performance of SMEs in Kuwait. It could be observed that TQM practices play an important role in mediating the relationship between learning orientation and performance of SMEs, as well as that innovation culture plays an important moderating role in the same relation. Recommendations for Practitioners: This study provided a framework for the decision-makers of SMEs on the significant impact of the antecedents that enhanced the level of organizational performance. Hence, owners/CEOs of SMEs should improve their awareness and knowledge of the importance of learning orientation, TQM practices, and innovation culture since it could significantly influence their performance to achieve success and sustainability when adopted and managed systematically. The CEOs should also consider building an innovation culture in the internal environment, which enables them to transform new knowledge and ideas into innovative methods and practices. Recommendation for Researchers: The results in this study highlighted the mediating effect of TQM practices on the relationship between learning orientation (the independent variable) and organizational performance (the dependent variable) of SMEs and the moderating effect of innovation culture in the same nexus. These relationships were not extensively addressed in SMEs and thus required further validation. Impact on Society: This study also influenced the management strategies and practices adopted by entrepreneurs and policymakers working in SMEs in developing countries, which is reflected in their development and the national economy. Future Research: Future studies should apply the conceptual framework of this study and assess it further in other sectors, including large firms in developing and developed countries, to generalize the results. Additionally, other mechanisms should be introduced as significant antecedents of SMEs’ performance, such as market orientation, technological orientation, and entrepreneurial orientation, which could function with learning orientation to influence organizational performance effectively.

Aim/Purpose: This research aims to evaluate models from meta-learning techniques, such as Riemannian Model Agnostic Meta-Learning (RMAML), Model-Agnostic Meta-Learning (MAML), and Reptile meta-learning, to obtain high-quality metadata. The goal is to utilize this metadata to increase accuracy and efficiency in identifying chili varieties in smart agriculture. Background: The identification of chili varieties in smart agriculture is a complex process that requires a multi-faceted approach. One challenge in chili variety identification is the lack of a large and diverse dataset. This can be addressed using meta-learning techniques, which allow the model to leverage knowledge learned from other related tasks or artificially expand the dataset by applying transformations to existing data. Another challenge is the variation in growing conditions, which can affect the appearance of chili varieties. Meta-learning techniques can help address this challenge by allowing the model to adapt to variations in growing conditions with task-specific embeddings and optimizations. With the help of meta-learning techniques, such as data augmentation, data characterization, selection of datasets, and performance estimation, quality metadata for accurate identification of chili varieties can be achieved even in the presence of limited data and variations in growing conditions. Furthermore, the use of meta-learning techniques in chili variety identification can also assist in addressing challenges related to the computational complexity of the task. Methodology: The research approach employed is quantitative, specifically comparing three models from meta-learning techniques to determine which model is most suitable for our dataset. Data was collected from the variety assembly garden in the form of images of chili leaves using a mobile device. The research successfully gathered 1,974 images of chili leaves, with 697 images of large red chilies, 649 images of curly red chilies, and 628 images of cayenne peppers. These chili leaf images were then processed using augmentation techniques. The results of image data augmentation were categorized based on leaf characteristics (such as oval, lancet, elliptical, serrated leaf edges, and flat leaf edges). Subsequently, training and validation utilized three models from meta-learning techniques. The final stage involved model evaluation using 2-way and 3-way classification, as well as 5-shot and 10-shot learning scenarios to select the dataset with the best performance. Contribution: Improving classification accuracy, with a focus on ensuring high-quality data, allows for more precise identification and classification of chili varieties. Enhancing model training through an emphasis on data quality ensures that the models receive reliable and representative input, leading to improved generalization and performance in identifying chili varieties. Findings: With small collections of datasets, the authors have used data augmentation and meta-learning techniques to overcome the challenges of limited data and variations in growing conditions. Recommendations for Practitioners: By leveraging the knowledge and adaptability gained from meta-learning, accurate identification of chili varieties can be achieved even with limited data and variations in growing conditions. The use of meta-learning techniques in chili variety identification can greatly improve the accuracy and reliability of the identification process. Recommendation for Researchers: Using meta-learning techniques, such as transfer learning and parameter optimization, researchers can overcome challenges related to limited data and variations in growing conditions in chili variety identification. Impact on Society: The findings from this research can help identify superior chili seeds, thereby motivating farmers to cultivate high-quality chilies and achieve bountiful harvests. Future Research: We intend to verify our approach on a more extensive array of datasets and explore the implementation of more resilient regularization techniques, going beyond image augmentation, within the meta-learning techniques. Furthermore, our goal is to expand our research to encompass the automatic learning of parameters during training and tackle issues associated with noisy labels. Building on the insights gained from our observed outcomes, a future objective is to enhance the refinement of model-agnostic meta-learning techniques that can effectively adapt to intricate task distributions with substantial domain gaps between tasks. To realize this aim, our proposal involves devising model-agnostic meta-learning techniques specifically designed for multi-modal scenarios.

Aim/Purpose: The aim of the research was to examine the relationship between the sub-dimensions of organizational culture perceptions, such as task culture, success culture, support culture, and bureaucratic culture and job motivations of ISMEK Lifelong Learning Center teachers. Background: It is thought that if teachers’ perceptions of organizational culture and levels of job motivation are assessed and the effects of school culture on the motivation level of teachers investigated, solutions to identified problems can be developed. Methodology: The study was conducted using survey research. The sample population consisted of 354 teachers working for the Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality’s Lifelong Learning Center (ISMEK). The personal information form prepared by the researchers, the School Culture Scale developed by Terzi (2005) and the Job Motivation Scale developed by Aksoy (2006) were administered to the teachers. Contribution: This study will contribute to research on the job motivations of teachers involved in adult education. Findings: The findings indicated that task culture differs according to gender. Teachers report high levels of job motivation, but job motivation varies with gender, education level, and number of years working at the ISMEK Lifelong Learning Center. A significant relationship was found between sub-dimensions of organizational culture and job motivation. Organizational culture explains more than half of the change in job motivation. The sub-dimensions of organizational culture, task culture, achievement culture, and support culture were found to be significantly predictive of job motivation. Recommendations for Practitioners: In order to increase motivation of teachers, a success-oriented structure should be formed within the organization. It is necessary for teachers and managers to support each other and to establish a support culture in their institutions. In order to establish a culture of support, managers need to receive in-service training. Recommendation for Researchers: This study was carried out in the ISMEK Lifelong Learning Center and similar studies can be done in classrooms, training centers, and study centers. Impact on Society: Teachers working in adult education should be afforded a more comfortable working environment that will positively impact job motivation, resulting in a higher quality of education for students. Therefore, this research may contribute to an increase in the number of students who engage in lifelong learning opportunities. Future Research: This qualitative study utilized a relational survey model. A more in-depth qualitative study employing observation and interviews is warranted.

Aim/Purpose: There is a need to find a way to utilize narrative storytelling in film to make students more aware of the impacts of global problems and how they are perceived. Background: Two films from the year 2015 from two very different places in the world explore the encroachment and secondary effects of urban civilization upon indigenous cultures. Methodology: An interpretive, qualitative, methodology was used in addressing and discussing the use of these two films as a persuasive communication teaching aid. Contribution: This paper offers an approach to using narratives of films on indigenous issues in education to inform students about real-world issues and the wide impacts of those on various cultures and populations. Findings: Through the discussion of the two films, we suggest that using films with indigenous themes is beneficial to a course curriculum in a variety of subjects from communication to history and politics, to help students visualize the problems at hand. Anecdotally, the authors note that students are more engaged and willing to discuss topics if they have watched films or clips that deal with those topics than if they have simply read about them. Recommendation for Researchers: Technology and use of visuals are used as teaching tools in a variety of fields. Film narratives can be used as a teaching tool in multiple fields and provide insight about a variety of ideas. Identifying films such as those with indigenous themes provides an example of how one film can bring up multiple, real-world, topics and through led discussion student reflection can potentially lead to self-insights and have lasting impacts. Future Research: Additional research and assessment can be done on the impact of teaching with films and their compelling story telling of issues, and what types of questions should be asked to maximize learning and the impact of film narratives.

This book centers on the author's discovery, and moral disapproval, of expedient arrangements adopted by American firms in China, through which 'middlemen', operating as independent agents, pay bribes as part and parcel of the troublesome process of negotiating and clinching business deals there.

Designed By: Patti, Jewelry Designer, Exclusively for Fire Mountain Gems and Beads®

The Green, Green Grass of Home (1982). David’s health situation has made it difficult for our household to maintain this blog. We don’t want it to fade away, though, so we’ve decided to select previous entries from our backlist to republish. These are items that chime with current developments or that we think might languish […]

Dustin and James talk about the current worship culture. Big topic right? They talk through image and what the culture of worship looks like, and maybe what it should (and could) look like.

You won’t want to miss the insights here from some of the best worship leaders in the world. OK, that's highly debatable, but they’ve been around for ages, at least ...

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Israel is one of the tiniest countries in the world, only slightly larger than the state of New Jersey. Yet the nation’s small size belies its rich diversity and history -- a beautiful tapestry of different people and ethnicities like nowhere else on the planet. Take Jerusalem. It’s one of the world’s most ancient cities and plays a central role in the three major monotheistic religions. The Old City is divided into four distinct quarters, each with their own unique flavor and history. The...

Without skilled workers, both productivity and quality drops, and it can drop dramatically.

The National Council for Voluntary Organisations says Stuart Andrew has a ‘deep understanding’ of the voluntary sector

A new report highlights factors that stop many disabled adults from giving their time to good causes

Sacramento, CA – Federal agency statistics vastly undercount the number of nonfatal injuries and illnesses in the agricultural industry, according to a new study from the University of California Davis School of Medicine.

Cincinnati – Rates of occupational injury and illness from pesticides are much higher among agricultural workers than workers in other industries, according to NIOSH research.

How can we better measure our safety culture?

Washington — Via its Gulf Research Program, the National Academies of Science, Engineering, and Medicine has awarded eight grants totaling nearly $7.3 million to projects aimed at enhancing safety culture in the offshore oil and gas industry.

Soborg, Denmark — About half of employees are hesitant to share their thoughts and opinions freely at work, and many say they’ve been treated unfairly, results of a recent survey show.

Atlanta – It’s vital to keep family in mind when creating a workplace safety culture. Former Navy Commander Mike Abrashoff shared this message during today’s Opening Session at the 2015 NSC Congress & Expo.