bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Impact of the Blended Teaching Model on Learning Outcomes
Authors: Hou Jie , Xue Junjie
Published: March 2023

Blended teaching and other information teaching models promote a new type of teaching revolution and enhance the interaction and communication among teachers and students. However, most colleges and universities still adopt the traditional teaching model where students’ learning efficiency and quality are relatively low with teachers’ spoon-feeding delivery. The Bridge–Objective–Bridge–Pre-assessment–Participatory Learning–Post-assessment–Summary (BOPPPS) model advocates showing students clear learning objectives in leaning to form a learning objective-oriented model. The Presentation–Assimilation–Discussion (PAD) Class is conducive to cultivating learners’ high cognitive levels; in the presentation session, teachers simply refine and explain the framework and key points to help learners build a knowledge network. Based on BOPPPS and PAD Class models, a 15-week blended teaching experiment was conducted in the Computer Technology Translation course in Harbin Normal University of China. Results show that the significant p-value corresponding to the t-value of the pretest scores of control and experimental groups is 0.255, greater than 0.05, which is in line with the basic premise of this teaching experiment; the mean values of the posttest scores of students in the experimental and control groups of the paired-sample t-test are significant at 1% and 10% significance levels, compared with the mean values of pretest scores, respectively; in the traditional teaching model, female students tend to demonstrate more learning advantages than male students, whereas no difference is observed in the learning outcomes between males and females in the experimental group. Thus, the adoption of BOPPPS and PAD Class models can enhance the learning outcomes of males and females. Our findings provide new ideas and methods for deepening the development of the theoretical basis of PAD Class, expanding the perspective and application of BOPPPS and improving students’ learning enthusiasm and classroom participation effectively.
How Learning Styles Can Withstand the Demands of Mobile Learning Environments?
Authors: Zaoui Seghroucheni Yassine , Chekour Mohammed
Published: March 2023

the contribution of learning styles is undeniable in the educational. Several learning styles exist in the literature. Their use in the field of e-learning remains limited to certain learning styles only. With rapid technological development, their use in e-learning systems has proven its worth, particularly in terms of personalizing learning paths. But with the transition to mobile technologies, it has become necessary to study how much use can be made of these learning styles in a mobile environment. In this paper we spread out the most relevant learning styles, while putting the focus mainly on the Felder-Silverman learning style models since they remain the most used ones in adaptive learning systems, and then we will analyze how well various learning styles can be modified to work within the limitations of mobile learning settings.
Digital Platform-Mediated Tourism System in Small-Town Destination
Authors: Chai-Arayalert Supaporn , Sansompron Nongrat , Chodchuang Siripat , Chantanaphant Jirayuth , Duangjan Chompunoot
Published: March 2023

This research aimed to design and develop a digital platform-mediated tourism system for self-service information in small-town destinations. It focused on a case study performed in Koh Raet, Surat Thani province, Thailand. The system consists of the Tourism Information Service (TIS) system and a digital game for discovering Koh Raet. The TIS System is designed for self-visiting activities in Koh Raet.  Furthermore, the digital game for exploring and discovering Koh Raet was also integrated with a QR code, with the objective of improving tourist experiences. A qualitative approach was conducted, followed by managing the system development, and finally, the system evaluation related to the efficiency of the proposed system was performed. To evaluate the system, we gathered qualitative data from an online questionnaire. Based on the results, we conclude that the participants were highly satisfied with the system's performance. The research contributes to empowering small-town tourism by combining tourism information services and gamification into a digital-platform-mediated tourism system. Another contribution is to provide a self-service experience for travelers in small-town destinations, offering reliable and up-to-date information about the destination. Furthermore, it is intended to foster small-town tourism promotion, and boost tourism activities in small-town destinations in sustainable ways
Immersive Learning Experience Design (ILXD): Augmented Reality Mobile Application for Placing and Interacting with 3D Learning Objects in Engineering Education
Authors: Samala Agariadne Dwinggo , Amanda Mita
Published: March 2023

The Computer Numerical Control (CNC) machine operates based on a numerical control program generated semi-automatically by a Computer Aided Manufacturing (CAM) system or manually by the operator. Repeated practice is required to operate a CNC machine. For an inexperienced operator (student), the practicum requires extensive use of materials and cutting instruments. In the meantime, the number of laboratory equipment for the CNC programming practicum remains limited, and the 3-axis CNC milling machine training unit is inadequate for the number of students. For this reason, we need a medium that can simulate the machining process to aid students in their early stages of learning. This research aims to create a mobile application for milling machine visualization based on augmented reality. This augmented reality (AR) application, "MM: CTU 3-Axis," or Machine Milling CNC Training Unit 3-Axis, was designed with 3D virtual objects to provide students with knowledge and practical experience. The application development model used Multimedia Development Life Cycle (MDLC). This research yields an Android-based augmented reality (AR) application called "MM: CTU 3-Axis" that does not require markers. The development and verification results demonstrated that this application could aid in learning CNC programming and machining practicum, as well as reduce the cost of using cutting tools and the cost of using materials due to repeated experiments on CNC machines.
Wireless Sensor and Actuator Networks-Based Reliable Data Acquisition Mechanism
Authors: Sharma Anil , Gowda V. Dankan , Begum A. Yasmine , Nageswari D. , Lokesh S.
Published: March 2023

The objective of deploying a wireless sensor network is to collect data about the environment in which it will be utilised and then to transmit that data to a distant sink where it will be used to estimate or reconstruct the environment or event. In order for the centralised sink to be able to accurately reconstruct or estimate the event and take the necessary actions on time, the wireless sensor and actuator network must be able to guarantee delivery of a sufficient amount of the information gathered by the deployed sensor nodes in a time-bound and coherent manner. In addition to the above-mentioned fundamental problem, reliability also refers to the network's capacity to tolerate defects up to a certain point without compromising performance. This chapter introduces a brand-new, dependable data acquisition technique that makes use of wireless sensor and actuator networks.
Economic Growth, Financial Development and Bank Failure
Authors: Abdullahi Shafiu Ibrahim , Shuaibu Mukhtar , Yusufu Mustapha , Shehu Kamal Kabiru , Rafay Abdul
Published: March 2023

Corruption is one of the main causes of inefficiency and poor productivity. This chapter looks at the relationship between banking failure, corruption, financial development, and economic growth in Nigeria during the period from 1989 to 2019. The work uses the autoregressive distributed lag (ARDL) cointegration and error correction model and the Granger causality test for the analysis of data. The results of the empirical analyses show a negative relationship between corruption and both financial development and economic growth. This shows that corruption is bad for both the financial sector and the economy. The result also shows that corruption is a good reason for causing bank failures in Nigeria. Hence, for financial development and economic growth, corruption must be reduced as much as possible if not eliminated. It is recommended to put the fight against all forms of corruption in Nigeria in top gear.
Base Erosion and Profit Shifting (BEPS) in International Taxation System
Authors: Beebeejaun Ambareen , Gunputh Rajendra Parsad , Rafay Abdul
Published: March 2023

The aftermath of the 2008 global financial crisis has led to the emergence of the OECD/G20 Base Erosion and Profit Shifting (BEPS) initiative developed in 2013. This project provides several actions plans to establish coherence and transparency and also to prevent malpractices in the international taxation system. Being a member of the OECD, Mauritius joined the inclusive framework on BEPS in 2016. This research assesses the adoption of the BEPS standards by Mauritius on Controlled Foreign Corporations (CFCs), transfer pricing, and on country-by-country (CbC) reporting. The purpose of this study is to identify any convergence and divergence between BEPS standards and the corresponding implementation measures in Mauritius. To achieve this research objective, the study has adopted the black letter approach by analyzing existing laws. A critical analysis is conducted about the implementation measures by Mauritius and assessing their implications on the domestic and the international taxation systems.
A Case Study on the Integration of Cannabis Law Enforcement in New Jersey
Authors: Knezek Claudia , Dudzik Christopher , Gemmellaro M. Denise , James Roxie , Schock Nicholas , Teasdale Brian W.
Published: March 2023

Legalized medical cannabis is implemented in 44 states in the USA while recreational marijuana legislation has challenged the law enforcement community. The public safety concerns of citizens involve a perceived increase in crimes, marijuana being a gateway for hard drug usage, the influx of residents from bordering states, increased fatal crashes, and the depletion of vital resources. In New Jersey, the State Police Forensic Science Laboratory System is the primary support system for law enforcement and laboratory professionals. Several Fatality Analysis Reporting System training programs are offered statewide, while the critical need remains to review enforcement practices. This study examines current medical cannabis enforcement practices to determine pending challenges and establish solutions for the state's oversight of legalized recreational marijuana.
AI Chatbot to Assist Students Applying APA (7th Edition) Style in Their Academic Writing in a Polytechnic in Singapore
Authors: Fang Linda , Zhang Huiyu , Chao Jang Yuan , Goh Ester
Published: March 2023

This chapter focuses on a pilot project that utilized an artificial intelligence chatbot named the APABot to help 24 students from the Diploma in Psychology Studies apply APA (7th edition) style in their 400- to 500-word essay. This writing task was a requirement for Communication and Information Literacy, a fundamental subject for all first-year students in Temasek Polytechnic, Singapore. The four research questions were as follows: 1) How did the students respond to the APABot? 2) What strategies did the students use to learn from the APABot? 3) How did the APABot assist students to comply with the APA (7th edition) conventions in their writing? and 4) What were the characteristics of successful self-regulators using the APABot? Data from user logs, the number and types of errors, and a survey provided insights to the above questions.
Developing Students' Self-Regulation Skills Within and Outside Academic Modules
Authors: Wang Peng Cheng , Chua Eric C. P. , Avnit Karin , Lim Sok Mui
Published: March 2023

COVID-19 has accelerated the adoption of online learning, and the authors' university (like many others) is settling into a blended learning approach. In this chapter, the authors share their experiences in improving students' self-regulation of online learning. The first learning experience for most students at the Singapore Institute of Technology is in online, self-paced courses in Mathematics, Physics, and Chemistry. Beyond content, these courses provide students opportunities to embrace the ‘norm' of self-paced, self-directed online learning and to expose and encourage them to develop self-regulation skills. Students are required to self-assess and refer to different learning resources independently, based on their identified needs. The authors have also developed another intervention based on Zimmerman's self-regulated learning model, guiding students to plan, monitor, and adjust their learning plans and develop self-efficacy through this process. For students to transfer these skills into their actual studies, the authors provide individual coaching sessions to facilitate students' implementation.
Academic Acceleration
Authors: Guilbault Keri M.
Published: March 2023

The purpose of this chapter is to provide an overview of the history and research on acceleration followed by practical guidance for making informed decisions on acceleration cases and guidance on developing policies that support acceleration. The chapter begins by defining acceleration and providing a brief history of acceleration practices in the United States. Descriptions of 20 forms of acceleration are included to guide the reader as they develop an understanding of the wide variety of accelerative options that span grades Pre-K through college. A synthesis of the research related to the cognitive and affective development of advanced learners and long-term outcomes of accelerants is provided. Discussion of myths about acceleration and reasons why there is a gap between research and practice follow with recommendations for tools and processes to help make informed decisions about candidates for acceleration as well as development of research-based acceleration policies.
Cataract Classification and Gradation From Retinal Fundus Image Using Ensemble Learning Algorithm
Authors: Sahoo Moumita , Karan Somak , Roy Soumya
Published: March 2023

Visual impairment, such as cataract, if not detected and treated early, might lead to blindness. Cataract detection still takes a long time and is quite subjective, depending on ophthalmologist's preference. To expedite cataract screening procedure, an automated cataract detection system should be developed. Fundus image analysis for automatic categorization and grading of cataracts has the potential to reduce the burden of competent ophthalmologists while also assisting cataract patients in learning about their diseases and getting treatment suggestions. The optic disc and blood vessel data play a significant role in the detection and grading of cataracts. Normal, mild, moderate, and severe cataract stages are differentiated based on texture, colour, size, and contrast. Classification and severity rating are carried out using random forest classifier, an ensemble machine-learning method. The accuracy discovered is equivalent to prior study in the literature. This study is expected to help doctors detect cataracts early and prevent cataract-related suffering.
CXCL16 Promotes Ly6Chigh Monocyte Infiltration and Impairs Heart Function after Acute Myocardial Infarction
Authors: Zhang Jing , Hao Wenjing , Zhang Junmeng , Li Taotao , Ma Youcai , Wang Yueli , Li Xiaoyan , Cui Wei , Du Jie
Published: March 2023

High CXCL16 levels during acute cardiovascular events increase long-term mortality. However, the mechanistic role of CXCL16 in myocardial infarction (MI) is unknown. Here we investigated the role of CXCL16 in mice with MI injury. CXCL16 deficiency increased the survival of mice after MI injury, and inactivation of CXCL16 resulted in improved cardiac function and decreased infarct size. Hearts from CXCL16 inactive mice exhibited decreased infiltration of Ly6Chigh monocytes. In addition, CXCL16 promoted the macrophage expression of CCL4 and CCL5. Both CCL4 and CCL5 stimulated Ly6Chigh monocyte migration, and CXCL16 inactive mice had a reduced expression of CCL4 and CCL5 in the heart after MI. Mechanistically, CXCL16 promoted CCL4 and CCL5 expression by activating the NF-κB and p38 MAPK signaling pathways. Anti-CXCL16 neutralizing Ab administration inhibited Ly6Chigh monocyte infiltration and improved cardiac function after MI. Additionally, anti-CCL4 and anti-CCL5 neutralizing Ab administration inhibited Ly6Chigh monocyte infiltration and improved cardiac function after MI. Thus, CXCL16 aggravated cardiac injury in MI mice by facilitating Ly6Chigh monocyte infiltration.
cGAS Mediates Inflammation by Polarizing Macrophages to M1 Phenotype via the mTORC1 Pathway
Authors: Shen Xuecheng , Sun Caiyu , Cheng Yeping , Ma Dapeng , Sun Yanlin , Lin Yueke , Zhao Yunxue , Yang Min , Jing Weiqiang , Cui Xiuling , Han Lihui
Published: March 2023

Cyclic GMP-AMP synthase (cGAS), as a cytosolic DNA sensor, plays a crucial role in antiviral immunity, and its overactivation induces excess inflammation and tissue damage. Macrophage polarization is critically involved in inflammation; however, the role of cGAS in macrophage polarization during inflammation remains unclear. In this study, we demonstrated that cGAS was upregulated in the LPS-induced inflammatory response via the TLR4 pathway, and cGAS signaling was activated by mitochondria DNA in macrophages isolated from C57BL/6J mice. We further demonstrated that cGAS mediated inflammation by acting as a macrophage polarization switch, which promoted peritoneal macrophages and the bone marrow–derived macrophages to the inflammatory phenotype (M1) via the mitochondrial DNA–mTORC1 pathway. In vivo studies verified that deletion of Cgas alleviated sepsis-induced acute lung injury by promoting macrophages to shift from the M1 phenotype to the M2 phenotype. In conclusion, our study demonstrated that cGAS mediated inflammation by regulating macrophage polarization through the mTORC1 pathway, and it further provided a potential therapeutic strategy for inflammatory diseases, especially sepsis-induced acute lung injury.
Activation of Human CD8+ T Cells with Nitroso Dapsone–Modified HLA-B*13:01–Binding Peptides
Authors: Almutairi Mubarak , Lister Adam , Zhao Qing , Line James , Adair Kareena , Tailor Arun , Waddington James , Clarke Elsie , Gardner Joshua , Thomson Paul , Harper Nicolas , Sun Yonghu , Sun Lele , Ostrov David A , Liu Hong , MacEwan David J , Pirmohamed Munir , Meng Xiaoli , Zhang Furen , Naisbitt Dean J
Published: March 2023

Previous studies have shown that cysteine-reactive drug metabolites bind covalently with protein to activate patient T cells. However, the nature of the antigenic determinants that interact with HLA and whether T cell stimulatory peptides contain the bound drug metabolite has not been defined. Because susceptibility to dapsone hypersensitivity is associated with the expression of HLA-B*13:01, we have designed and synthesized nitroso dapsone–modified, HLA-B*13:01 binding peptides and explored their immunogenicity using T cells from hypersensitive human patients. Cysteine-containing 9-mer peptides with high binding affinity to HLA-B*13:01 were designed (AQDCEAAAL [Pep1], AQDACEAAL [Pep2], and AQDAEACAL [Pep3]), and the cysteine residue was modified with nitroso dapsone. CD8+ T cell clones were generated and characterized in terms of phenotype, function, and cross-reactivity. Autologous APCs and C1R cells expressing HLA-B*13:01 were used to determine HLA restriction. Mass spectrometry confirmed that nitroso dapsone–peptides were modified at the appropriate site and were free of soluble dapsone and nitroso dapsone. APC HLA-B*13:01–restricted nitroso dapsone–modified Pep1- (n = 124) and Pep3-responsive (n = 48) CD8+ clones were generated. Clones proliferated and secreted effector molecules with graded concentrations of nitroso dapsone–modified Pep1 or Pep3. They also displayed reactivity against soluble nitroso dapsone, which forms adducts in situ, but not with the unmodified peptide or dapsone. Cross-reactivity was observed between nitroso dapsone–modified peptides with cysteine residues in different positions in the peptide sequence. These data characterize a drug metabolite hapten CD8+ T cell response in an HLA risk allele–restricted form of drug hypersensitivity and provide a framework for structural analysis of hapten HLA binding interactions.
NF-κB–Inducing Kinase Governs the Mitochondrial Respiratory Capacity, Differentiation, and Inflammatory Status of Innate Immune Cells
Authors: Keeney Justin N , Winters Ashley D , Sitcheran Raquel , West A Phillip
Published: March 2023

NF-κB–inducing kinase (NIK), which is essential for the activation of the noncanonical NF-κB pathway, regulates diverse processes in immunity, development, and disease. Although recent studies have elucidated important functions of NIK in adaptive immune cells and cancer cell metabolism, the role of NIK in metabolic-driven inflammatory responses in innate immune cells remains unclear. In this study, we demonstrate that murine NIK-deficient bone marrow–derived macrophages exhibit defects in mitochondrial-dependent metabolism and oxidative phosphorylation, which impair the acquisition of a prorepair, anti-inflammatory phenotype. Subsequently, NIK-deficient mice exhibit skewing of myeloid cells characterized by aberrant eosinophil, monocyte, and macrophage cell populations in the blood, bone marrow, and adipose tissue. Furthermore, NIK-deficient blood monocytes display hyperresponsiveness to bacterial LPS and elevated TNF-α production ex vivo. These findings suggest that NIK governs metabolic rewiring, which is critical for balancing proinflammatory and anti-inflammatory myeloid immune cell function. Overall, our work highlights a previously unrecognized role for NIK as a molecular rheostat that fine-tunes immunometabolism in innate immunity, and suggests that metabolic dysfunction may be an important driver of inflammatory diseases caused by aberrant NIK expression or activity.
C-Reactive Protein: The Most Familiar Stranger
Authors: Ji Shang-Rong , Zhang Shu-Hao , Chang Yue , Li Hai-Yun , Wang Ming-Yu , Lv Jian-Min , Zhu Li , Tang Patrick M K , Wu Yi
Published: March 2023

C-reactive protein (CRP) is a highly conserved pentraxin with pattern recognition receptor–like activities. However, despite being used widely as a clinical marker of inflammation, the in vivo functions of CRP and its roles in health and disease remain largely unestablished. This is, to certain extent, due to the drastically different expression patterns of CRP in mice and rats, raising concerns about whether the functions of CRP are essential and conserved across species and how these model animals should be manipulated to examine the in vivo actions of human CRP. In this review, we discuss recent advances highlighting the essential and conserved functions of CRP across species, and propose that appropriately designed animal models can be used to understand the origin-, conformation-, and localization-dependent actions of human CRP in vivo. The improved model design will contribute to establishing the pathophysiological roles of CRP and facilitate the development of novel CRP-targeting strategies.
Conceptions of Zero Among Students With and Without Learning Disabilities
Authors: Akdeniz Dilsad Güven , Yakıcı Topbaş Esra Selcen , Argün Ziya
Published: March 2023

Zero is philosophically and symbolically interpreted differently from other numbers throughout the history, and is at the basis of mathematics although it is denounced as it represents nothing. In the current study, the understanding of zero of the students with learning disabilities (LD) and non-learning disabilities (NLD) were investigated. It is a multiple case study based on qualitative design. The participants of the study were six students, 3 students with LD and 3 with NLD, aged between 10-12 years. In the data collection that is conducted through clinical interviews, the meaning of zero as a number, its meaning of nothing, cardinality of an empty set, and its use as a symbol (place value-placeholder-digit) were examined. According to the findings that were obtained through content analysis method, it was observed that the conceptualizations of the students with LD and NLD regarding zero show similarities only in their use of the knowledge about symbolic contexts. The results were discussed considering the similarities and differences in the conceptions of the students with LD and NLD.
A Comparative Textbook Analysis on Measures of Center in Selected School Mathematics Textbooks of Australia and Turkey
Authors: Kuş Mehtap
Published: March 2023

Measures of center have a central role in statistics education. There, however, is not much research on textbook analysis on measures of center, especially at the international level, which is crucial to keep up with the changes in a data-driven globalised world. This study aimed to investigate how selected school mathematics textbooks of Australia and Turkey present the concepts of measures of center to support students’ learning. The content analysis was based on three dimensions: (1) the organization and sequence of the concepts of measures of center across grades, (2) conceptualization of measures of center from mathematical and statistical aspects, and (3) the use of context, visual displays, and technological tools regarding measures of center. The first major finding was that the order of presentation of concepts was different in the two countries’ selected textbooks. Selected textbooks of both countries introduced measures of center formally rather than starting with an understanding of clump notion (informal understanding of measures of center). The second major finding was that both countries’ textbooks focus more on the mathematical aspect of measures of center. Selected Australian textbooks also focus more on the statistical aspect of measures of center than those of Turkey. The third major finding was that the use of context, visual displays, and technological tools also differ. Australian textbooks often used a context with research scenarios about daily life, used a technological package, and related measures of center with a variety of graphs. Findings contribute to our understanding of the differences among countries with different backgrounds in statistics education, pointing to the ways of developing curriculum materials such as textbooks.
Investigation of the Specialized Content Knowledge of the Pre-service Primary School Teachers about Multiplication
Authors: Özel Zeynep , Yılmaz Ayşenur , Işıksal-Bostan Mine , Özkan Betül
Published: March 2023

This study aimed to investigate the specialized content knowledge of pre-service primary school teachers about multiplication through problem posing and the justification for the accuracy of the multiplication of a two-digit number and a single-digit number. The research questions were formulated based on the theoretical framework of Ball and her colleagues’ teacher knowledge. The data were collected from 2nd, 3rd and 4th year pre-service teachers studying in the Faculty of Education of a state university using two open-ended questions. The data were analyzed with the content analysis method to provide a detailed perspective on the specialized content knowledge of pre-service teachers about multiplication. The findings of the study showed that although the pre-service teachers had difficulties in writing a problem related to multiplication operations, in which one of the multipliers was zero, the number of correct problem statements for the given operation increased as the pre-service teachers proceeded in their education. Another finding of the study is that the majority of the pre-service teachers made correct interpretations about the correctness or incorrectness of the solutions to the multiplication of a two-digit number and a single-digit number. However, it was observed that the pre-service teachers based their justifications for the student solutions given to them on students’ operational knowledge rather than their conceptual knowledge of the multiplication operation. The findings of the study were discussed within the framework of the relevant literature and some recommendations were made.
Krytyk przekładu myśli o obrazach (wybrane paralele poezji Leśmiana z malarstwem)
Authors: Kaźmierczak Marta
Published: March 2023

A Translation Critic Thinks about Paintings (Selected Parallels Between Bolesław Leśmian’s Poetry and Visual Arts)

The paper is intended as an example of translation criticism that accounts for intersemiotic aspects of translation. The author presents parallels – understood as associative potential (non-obligatory for translation) – between texts of the Polish modernist poet Bolesław Leśmian and certain works of art, and gauges the presence of analogical potential in translations of the poems into English, Russian and Czech. Three visual analogies to the poems are explored: the motif of a window open into the world in German Romantic painting, C.D. Friedrich’s Cross in the Mountains and images of Ophelia in Pre- Raphaelite art. In the course of the analysis the author attempts to show the advantages of the proposed approach in terms of it being conducive to realising functions ascribed to translation criticism.
A Formal Model for Polarization under Confirmation Bias in Social Networks
Authors: Alvim Mário S. , Amorim Bernardo , Knight Sophia , Quintero Santiago , Valencia Frank
Published: March 2023

We describe a model for polarization in multi-agent systems based on Esteban
and Ray's standard family of polarization measures from economics. Agents
evolve by updating their beliefs (opinions) based on an underlying influence
graph, as in the standard DeGroot model for social learning, but under a
confirmation bias; i.e., a discounting of opinions of agents with dissimilar
views. We show that even under this bias polarization eventually vanishes
(converges to zero) if the influence graph is strongly-connected. If the
influence graph is a regular symmetric circulation, we determine the unique
belief value to which all agents converge. Our more insightful result
establishes that, under some natural assumptions, if polarization does not
eventually vanish then either there is a disconnected subgroup of agents, or
some agent influences others more than she is influenced. We also prove that
polarization does not necessarily vanish in weakly-connected graphs under
confirmation bias. Furthermore, we show how our model relates to the classic
DeGroot model for social learning. We illustrate our model with several
simulations of a running example about polarization over vaccines and of other
case studies. The theoretical results and simulations will provide insight into
the phenomenon of polarization.
CHANGE OF POLITICAL SYSTEM: MODERNIZATION OF DEMOCRACY TO MERITО-DEMOCRACY PAPER AT SOCIOLOGY OF POLITICS
Authors:   KONSTANTIN PRESLAVSKI UNIVERSITY OF SHUMEN, SHUMEN 9712, 115, UNIVERSITETSKA STR., Ilieva Sonya
Published: March 2023

24 years after the changes in Bulgaria nationals are again in the streets calling for change in the system. The public debate is clear that this change is meant only as a change in the voting system - from party lists to the majority model. The author of the paper, however, believes that it is not only this, but for a comprehensive review of the democratic model to be placed in the light of meritocracy. The basic idea is the following: is needed modernization of democracy as a system based on meritocratic elements. This is a reasonfor a new type The Social Contract - a fusion of the positive components of meritocracy and democracy. This means to keep the basic democratic values of democracy, but to give power of knowing their proven expertise and intellectual people to be defined by democratic election procedures competitions to fill the positions and test expertise.
THERMO-MECHANICAL MODIFICATION OF AMORPHOUS POLYESTER FIBRES: III. STRUCTURE INVESTIGATIONS USING WIDE ANGLE X-RAY SCATTERING
Authors:   KONSTANTIN PRESLAVSKI UNIVERSITY OF SHUMEN, SHUMEN 9712, 115, UNIVERSITETSKA STR., Velev Valentin , Popov Anton ,   UNIVERSITY "PROF. DR. ASSEN ZLATAROV" – BURGAS, 8000, BURGAS, BULGARIA, Kyurkchiev Pencho ,   KONSTANTIN PRESLAVSKI UNIVERSITY OF SHUMEN, SHUMEN 9712, 115, UNIVERSITETSKA STR., Veleva Lyubomira ,   PAUL SCHERRER INSTITUTE, NUCLEAR ENERGY AND SAFETY DEPARTMENT, SWITZERLAND
Published: March 2023

Amorphous poly (ethylene terephthalate) (PET) yarns were used as precursor specimens. The aim of the present experiment is to investigate the heat mechanically induced structural changes in the studied samples. The thermal deformation experiments were carried out on conditions of linear samples heating from room temperature up to 2000C while they were subjected to a well-defined constant strain force. Using of wide angle X-ray scattering (WAXS) and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) methods ware investigated the structural rearrangements in the studied samples caused by the fibers drawing. Dependences between the parameters of the thermal deformation experiment and the running in the specimen’s structure development are established.
CONTEMPORARY TENDENCIES IN TEACHING LITERACY THE PRIMARY SCHOOL
Authors:   Sts. Cyril and Methodius University of Veliko Tarnovo, Yordanova Daniela
Published: March 2023

The article reviews some of the contemporary tendencies in the teaching of basic literacy to primary-school pupils – the goal and the tasks of the education process; the accents in the analythical-synthetic method of teaching literacy in the primary school in Bulgaria; the didactic tools to guarantee a quality basic-literacy teaching for the children from minority communities in connection with the renewal of our education system, which forms part of the European one.
DELPHIC ORACLE, RAND CORPORATION AND DELPHI METHOD
Authors:   KONSTANTIN PRESLAVSKI UNIVERSITY OF SHUMEN, SHUMEN 9712, 115, UNIVERSITETSKA STR., Ilieva Sonya
Published: March 2023

The point of this article is to show what binds the Delphic oracle, the RAND Corporation and Delphi method. And the connecting link is the long-term forecasting. Since ancient times, people have sought to break into the future to build a rational life in the present. It is mentioned that this was done through the intuitive forecasting. Present offers another starting point for looking into the future that combines scientific intuition plus reliable statistics and mathematics and other models such as the method for long-term forecasting - Delphi method, developed by think tank RAND Corporation - USA. Thanks to its research capacity, the corporation established for decades that a highly effective forecasting method, reflecting the overall theoretical and experimental work in a series of reports. They become a kind of milestones for researchers from around the world to successfully apply it in their scientific and practical activities.
Emergent Online Teaching Effect on International Graduate Students’ Academic Performance in Japan during COVID-19
Authors: Jung Jiwon , Wong Chun Yee
Published: March 2023

International graduate students reluctantly partook in the distance learning with the closure of national borders with the outbreak of COVID-19. Different instructional modes (in-person, online, and hybrid) and timing of the online learning exposure would play a role in international students’ academic achievement considering the expectations and motivations to learn abroad. Based on 267 course-based panel data, for the same courses, online-mode teaching yielded worse Grade Point Averages (GPAs) and less of a sense of class community compared to the in-person mode. Similarly, students who started the program after COVID-19 (i.e., Class of 2022) performed worse than those who changed their mode of study during their study due to COVID-19 (i.e., Class of 2021). The more frequent interactions with schoolmates and professors partially mediated this detrimental effect of international online learning. Online learning, on average, decreases the GPA by 0.2 standard deviations (p<0.05). However, this effect became insignificant in the model with the frequency of interacting with classmates or professors that raise the GPA by 0.686 and 0.216 standard deviations (p,0.05), respectively. As the study sheds light on the predicament of emergent distance learning, the study addresses some cautious notes on designing effective and sustainable international education in the post-pandemic era.
Utility and Validity of the Self-administered SF-36: Findings From an Older Population
Authors: Chia Ee-Munn , Chia Ee-May , Rochtchina Elena , Wang Jie Jin , Mitchell Paul
Published: March 2023

Introduction: The objectives of this study were to assess the utility and validity of the self-administered SF-36 and the effect of visual or cognitive impairment on these measures in an older population.

Materials and Methods: Attempt rates, completion rates and internal consistency (Cronbach α) were compared within the second cross-sectional, population-based Blue Mountains Eye Study (n = 3509, mean age 66.7 years, 57% women).
Results: The SF-36 was attempted by 3162 (90.1%) participants, of which 2470 (78.1%) completed all items and 2873 (90.9%) completed sufficient items for calculation of all dimensions. In a multivariate model adjusting for age, sex, and presenting visual and cognitive impairments, women (P = 0.011) and participants with visual or cognitive impairments (P<0.0001) were less likely to attempt the questionnaire. Completion rates were significantly lower with increasing age (P <0.0001), in men (P ≤0.0005) and in those with cognitive impairment (P <0.0001). A high level of internal consistency (Cronbach α >0.85 for all dimensions) and construct validity was demonstrated, the latter distinguishing between those with and without medical conditions, disabilities or recent hospital admissions (P <0.01). As the prevalence of visual or cognitive impairment was relatively low in this population, we found no apparent effect of these impairments on the validity of SF-36.
Conclusions: Attempt and completion rates, but not internal consistency and construct validity, of the SF-36 were influenced by age, gender, and presenting visual and cognitive impairments. The overall high attempt and completion rates, internal consistency and construct validity suggest that the self-administered SF-36 is a suitable health-related quality of life (HRQOL) measure in similar older community-living populations.
Key words: Blood amino acid, Normal ranges, Reference values, Urine amino acids
Ethical Issues in Ophthalmology and Vision Research
Authors: Khoo Chong-Yew
Published: March 2023

As more research work is done on eye disorders, more safety rules and regulations are required to ensure the safety of trial subjects. This is the main function of Research Ethics Committees [also known as Institutional Review Boards (IRBs) and Domain Specific Review Boards (DSRBs)]. Tragedies in research in other fields are wake-up calls, such as the death of a healthy young volunteer subject in New York, the termination of a large study sparked by breach of medical confidentiality in Singapore and the South Korean debacle of its pioneering work in cloning. Many issues are still being debated, such as what statutory changes are required to control trials; whether all trials should be reviewed by IRB; if phase IV trials should be exempted; if compensation should be paid for all trial-related injuries; and whether investigators and IRB members be allowed to hold certain amount of shares in drug or device firms. Recent measures taken to prevent ethical problems include funding organisations not approving a study unless it has been cleared by the IRB, and requiring all investigators and IRB members to pass an ethics course. More measures will need to be taken to ensure the safety of the trial subjects involved in research studies.

Key words: Compensation, Conflict of interest, Good clinical practice, Institutional review board, Review of clinical trials
The Impact of Experiential Learning on NUS Medical Students: Our Experience With Task Trainers and Human-patient Simulation
Authors: Ti Lian-Kah , Tan Gee-Mei , Khoo Sabrina Gwendolyn MY , Chen Fun-Gee
Published: March 2023

Introduction: Experiential learning is one of the key methods for effective teaching of medical students. The use of simulation is ideal to achieve this goal. Simulation training allows the learner to be actively involved, and provides realism, self-direction, feedback and practice. We present 2 pilot projects in which the efficacy of experiential learning with simulation is demonstrated.

Materials and Methods: In the first project, groups of 4 to 6 fourth-year medical students were exposed to common crisis scenarios. Each student took turns to individually handle the situation (in the hot seat), while the rest of the group watched “live” via video-link. A group debrief was done after the completion of all scenarios and learning points were emphasized. A test was conducted shortly after, and the student who managed the same scenario in the hot seat earlier was compared to the rest of the group with respect to crisis recognition, management and diagnosis. In the second project, 36 fourth-year medical students were assigned to learn endotracheal intubation through a directed or experiential method. Students were recalled after 3 months and tested on 4 major categories: preparation, technique, success and ventilation.
Results: Students in the hot seat tended to perform better (72% vs. 64%), and were more likely to be the highest scoring student within their group; although this did not reach statistical significance. For the intubation study, students in the experiential group had a higher success rate at 3 months (78% vs. 41%).
Conclusions: Experiential teaching methods with simulation result in better learning of crisis management and endotracheal intubation.

Key words: Crisis, Experiential learning, Intubation, Simulation
Curricular Trends in Malaysian Medical Schools: Innovations Within
Authors: Azila Nor Mohd Adnan , Rogayah Jaafar , Zabidi-Hussin Zabidi Azhar Mohd Hussin
Published: March 2023

Introduction: Various curricular innovations were adopted by medical schools worldwide in an attempt to produce medical graduates that could meet future healthcare needs of society locally and globally. This paper presents findings on curricular approaches implemented in Malaysian medical schools, in trying to meet those needs.

Methods: Information was obtained from published records, responses from various questionnaires, personal communication and involvement with curricular development.
Results: Curricular innovations tended to be implemented in new medical schools upon their establishment. Established medical schools seemed to implement these innovations much later. Curricular trends appear to move towards integration, student-centred and problem-based learning as well as community-oriented medical education, with the Student-centred learning, Problem-based learning, Integrated teaching, Community-based education, Electives and Systematic programme (SPICES) model used as a reference. The focus is based on the premise that although the short-term aim of undergraduate medical education in Malaysia is to prepare graduates for the pre-registration house officer year, they must be able to practise and make decisions independently and be sensitive to the needs of the country’s multiracial, multi-religious, and often remote communities.
Conclusion: In most cases, curricular planning starts with a prescriptive model where planners focus on several intended outcomes. However, as the plan is implemented and evaluated it becomes descriptive as the planners reassess the internal and external factors that affect outcomes. A common trend in community-oriented educational activities is evident, with the introduction of interesting variations, to ensure that the curriculum can be implemented, sustained and the intended outcomes achieved.

Key words: Community-oriented medical education, Problem-based learning, Pre-registration house-officer
Adaptaciones curriculares para implementar el uso de las Tics en estudiantes con discapacidad intelectual
Authors: Reyes Tello Monica Jazmin
Published: March 2023

La educación inclusiva es un aspecto que en las instituciones de aprendizaje se pretende adquirir, con las herramientas tecnológicas en evolución contante es necesario aplicar distintos modelos de enseñanza, para este contexto se necesita una adaptación curricular frente a la demande del problema de discapacidad intelectual, en la actualidad aún no se logra emplear estrategias y técnicas que aporten de manera efectiva en dicho proceso dentro de las aulas de clases y que sobre todo abordar el tema de las NEE. En este sentido el objetivo de la investigación es analizar las adaptaciones curriculares para implementar el uso de las Tics en estudiantes con discapacidad intelectual. Este trabajo esta alineado a un estudio descriptivo con enfoque cualitativo, enmarcado en diversos métodos entre ellos; de revisión bibliográfica, análisis y síntesis. Los resultados obtenidos han permitido conocer la importancia de realizar adaptaciones curriculares basadas en las fortalezas y potencialidades (habilidades, destrezas) del alumno, para incrementar sus conocimientos.
Prescription of statins after acute coronary syndrome; a single-centre observational study
Authors: Muhammad Muzaffar Mahmood  , Nawaz Muhammad Jabran
Published: March 2023

There is limited information about the current use of high-intensity statins (HIS) after acute coronary syndrome (ACS) in Pakistani patients. We studied the prescription of HIS in patients admitted with ACS to Ittefaq Hospital, Lahore, Pakistan, from February 2019 to December 2019. Among the 411 patients, 221 (53.8%) patients underwent Percutaneous Coronary Intervention (PCI), 62 (15.1%) were referred for Coronary Artery Bypass Graft (CABG), and 128 (31.1%) were treated medically. Overall 408 (99.3%) patients were prescribed statins and 198 (48.2%) received HIS, with 45 (10.9%) patients receiving maximally allowed dose (Atorvastatin 80mg or Rosuvastatin 40mg). Patients treated with PCI were more likely to be prescribed HIS (73.3% vs 26.7%, p <0.001), while older patients (>75 years of age), those treated medically, and patients with severely reduced LV systolic function were significantly less likely to receive HIS (p <0.001).
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Visual symptoms with Sofosbuvir in hepatitis C treatment — a case report from Pakistan
Authors: Hasnain Aliya , Shah Sabeen , Hampejskova Lindsay
Published: March 2023

Hepatitis C virus infection is one of the main causes of chronic liver disease worldwide. The highly efficacious direct-acting antiviral (DAA) drugs licensed for therapy have revolutionised the treatment and are reported to have few side effects. Sofosbuvir is a pan-genotypic DAA that acts by inhibition of the hepatitis C NS5B polymerase. It has shown high efficacy in combination with several other drugs with low toxicity, a high resistance barrier, and minimal drug interactions with other hepatitis C DAA drugs. We describe a first of its kind case from Pakistan with visual disturbances caused by Sofosbuvir. A temporal relationship was observed between the treatment initiation and the onset of visual disturbances. The aim of this case report is to draw attention to the unanticipated side effects of this relatively new class of drug that have not been reported previously.
Keywords: Sofosbuvir, Hepatitis C, Colour vision, Pakistan.