bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Optimising Physical Training in DanceSport by Using HIIT Training and Smart Devices for Monitoring Physical Activity
Authors: Gulap Monica Tania , Roșa Alin Cristian , Mihaiu Costinel
Published: December 2024

This study investigates the effectiveness of High-Intensity Interval Training (HIIT), specifically for Tabata, combined with smart monitoring devices on adult dancesport practitioners' physical fitness and performance. The primary objective was to assess the impact of these interventions on key physical parameters and overall performance. Forty participants were divided into two groups: an experimental group (n=20) that engaged in Tabata training three times a week while using smart devices to monitor their activity, and a control group (n=20) that continued with their regular training routines. The experimental group showed significant improvements in aerobic and anaerobic capacity, agility, and overall motor performance throughout the study. These enhancements were measured using standardized physical assessments and the Mann-Whitney non-parametric test, confirming statistically significant progress in the experimental group compared to the control group. Integrating smart devices was crucial in maintaining and enhancing participant motivation, providing real-time feedback, facilitating goal-setting, and allowing for progress tracking, contributing to increased responsibility and engagement in physical activity. Participant feedback highlighted the motivational benefits of smart technology, consistent with existing literature. The immediate performance data and synchronization with fitness apps enhanced the training experience, promoting continuous improvement and long-term commitment. The findings indicate that combining Tabata training with smart monitoring devices effectively improves the physical and technical performance of adult dancesport practitioners. This dual approach enhances physical conditioning and also ensures training relevance to the specific demands of dancesport, maintaining both aesthetic and functional performance aspects. In conclusion, using HIIT, specifically Tabata, alongside smart devices, offers a powerful methodology for optimizing dancers' physical preparation. Future research should investigate the long-term impacts of these training programs, integrate different forms of HIIT, and include a broader participant demographic to validate and expand these findings.
Exploring the Intersection of Artificial Intelligence and Human Resource Management: A Bibliometric Study
Authors: Ossiannilsson Ebba , Altinay Fahriye , Shadiev Rustam , Benachour Phillip , Berigel Muhammet , Dagli Gokmen , Ayaz Ahmet , Yikici Betul , Altinay Zehra
Published: December 2024

Artificial Intelligence presents promising opportunities to improve efficiency, enhance decision-making, and boost employee engagement within human resource management. This study explores the intersection of Artificial Intelligence and Human Resource Management through an in-depth bibliometric analysis, offering a comprehensive overview of research trends and advancements over the past decade. Drawing from the Web of Science database, this research examined 491 journal articles published from 2014 to 2023. AI applications in Human Resource Management have been particularly valuable during the COVID-19 pandemic, aiding healthcare professionals, facilitating remote work, and optimizing workforce management under challenging conditions. Implementing Artificial Intelligence in Human Resource Management leadership management and information management has significantly improved organizational processes and outcomes. The study concludes that ongoing advancements in Artificial Intelligence technology will continue to enhance Artificial Intelligence practices, leading to a more adaptable, responsive, and efficient workforce capable of addressing future challenges.
Systematic Review of CBT Techniques and their Alignment with the Transtheoretical Model Stages of Change
Authors: Nicoară Romulus Dan , Tegzeșiu Ana Maria , Popescu Codruța Alina
Published: December 2024

Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) encompasses a diverse range of techniques designed to facilitate behavior change. Evaluation of these techniques through the transtheoretical model (TTM) may provide insight into their effectiveness and the progressive nature of change in individuals with substance use disorders and the gradual nature of change in individuals with substance use disorders. This systematic review aims to identify and evaluate the methods and techniques used in CBT and examine their relationship to the stages of change as defined by the Transtheoretical Model (TTM). A comprehensive search of databases such as PubMed, PsycINFO, and the Cochrane Library was conducted, focusing on studies published between 2000 and 2023. The review focused on peer-reviewed articles that examined CBT (cognitive behavioral therapy) techniques and their alignment with stages of transformation. especially the transtheoretical model (TTM), in the context of substance use disorders. The review identified several CBT techniques, including cognitive restructuring, mindfulness, problem solving, and skills training. These techniques have been found to align with the various stages of the TTM and effectively promote progression through the stages of change, particularly in facilitating the transition from contemplation to preparation and from action to maintenance. The integration of CBT techniques with the TTM stages of change offers a structured approach to behavioral modification in substance use disorders. Understanding and applying these techniques within the TTM framework can enhance the efficacy of interventions.
Selecting the Right Metric: A Detailed Study on Image Segmentation Evaluation
Authors: Vlăsceanu Giorgiana Violeta , Tarbă Nicolae , Voncilă Mihai Lucian , Boiangiu Costin Anton
Published: December 2024

Image segmentation is critical role in various computer vision tasks, such as object recognition, medical imaging, autonomous driving, and document analysis. To evaluate the performance of segmentation algorithms, various metrics have been developed, each providing insights into different aspects of segmentation accuracy, object completeness, and boundary precision. This paper presents a comprehensive review of the key evaluation metrics used in image segmentation, including popular metrics such as Intersection over Union, Dice Coefficient, F1-score, and boundary-based metrics like average and maximum boundary distance. We explore the taxonomy of evaluation techniques, distinguishing between supervised and unsupervised methods, and discuss the strengths, limitations, and applications of each metric. Furthermore, we address the challenges associated with image segmentation, including handling noise, occlusions, illumination variation, and the scarcity of annotated datasets for training. By offering a detailed analysis of evaluation metrics, this paper aims to guide researchers and practitioners in selecting appropriate metrics for specific tasks and improving algorithm performance through informed comparisons and parameter tuning.
Indoor Spatial Cognition for the Hearing/Visually Impaired: Google ARCore Augmented Interaction Using WiFi Map
Authors: Zubov Dmytro , Kupin Andrey , Shaidullaev Nurlan , Ismailova Rita
Published: December 2024

Over 430 million people worldwide have disabling hearing loss, and 2.2 billion suffer from vision impairment. Assisting these populations with enhanced indoor navigation tools is critical for improving their independence and quality of life. This research advances existing indoor spatial cognition systems for individuals with hearing or visual impairments by developing two Java-based Android applications on the Android 10 operating system. The first application gathers the WiFi BSSIDs data via the Java Android class WifiManager to design a WiFi map inside the multistage building. In the second application, the WiFi map is employed to localize individuals with impairments and provide audio feedback for the visually impaired; for individuals with disabling hearing loss, the feedback is provided in a form of 3D GLB colored virtual object with textual information via the Google ARCore augmented reality library. Experimental results show a 100 % positioning accuracy in indoor localization at the multistage academic building at the University of Central Asia (Naryn campus, Kyrgyzstan).
A Hybrid Approach for CT-MR Brain Image Denoising Using PSO-Optimised Non-Local Means and Wiener Filtering
Authors: Prasad Preena , Niminet Valer , J Anitha
Published: December 2024

Noise in CT-MR brain images poses a critical challenge, significantly impacting diagnostic accuracy as well as clinical decision-making. Current medical image-denoising techniques struggle to effectively remove noise while preserving crucial image features. The hybrid technique’s potential that combines complementary denoising algorithms is highlighted by the limitations of these approaches. This paper develops & evaluates a denoising method that combines the strengths of Particle Swarm optimised, Non-Local Means (NLM) & Wiener filtering. The proposed approach effectively denoises by leveraging non-local self-similarity in brain images. Particle Swarm Optimisation algorithm is employed to fine-tune the smoothing parameter of NLM denoising, ensuring optimal performance, while the Wiener filter helps to address the trade-off between noise reduction as well as edge preservation. The proposed denoising technique outperforms the traditional methods including median, gaussian, NLM, and wiener filter in terms of peak signal-to-noise ratio (PSNR), image quality index (IQI), mean square error (MSE), and structural similarity index (SSIM).
The Role of Pedagogical Reflexology in Fostering Teacher’s Professional Reflection in Neuropedagogy
Authors: Kichuk Yaroslav , Gurevych Roman , Bohush Olha , Zasypkina Liudmyla , Shvets Oksana , Bevz Olena
Published: December 2024

The article is the first to address how teachers can evaluate their professional reflection within the neuroscience framework. The authors discuss the potential and conditions for teachers’ self-monitoring, driven by internal personal stimuli. The article aims to offer a preliminary overview of neuropedagogical literature, paving the way for further research. Additionally, it seeks to outline the neurophysiological basis of teachers’ professional reflection and conduct a demonstrative sociological quasi-experiment. This experiment supports the main thesis that reflexivity, reflection, and self-reflection in teachers when driven by intrinsic motivation, can function both as a professional tool and as a subject of transformation in neuropedagogy, while also being measurable and interpretable through neuroscientific approaches. The authors used methods of relevant selection and systematic analysis of scientific sources, along with pedagogical modelling, which involved developing an algorithm to stimulate and sustain natural teacher reflection. They also applied quasi-experimental surveys to assess the presence and level of awareness of three distinct stages of professionally significant reflection among teachers.

The study reveals that many existing theories of reflection within academic discourse fail to enhance the effectiveness of professional teacher reflection adequately. This reflection can become natural and ongoing when grounded in one’s internal emotional stimuli, with minimal external influences. The authors established the importance of distinguishing and measuring the phenomena of reflexivity, professional reflection, and self-reflection, which can be incorporated into the broader neuro-structure of a specialist’s self-regulation. These concepts can also be applied to the theory of pedagogical reflexology. The international significance of the article lies in the potential to apply the self-monitoring model of professional reflection for teachers within the neuropedagogical framework of teacher training programmes. This approach combines the authors’ methodical strategies. Its effectiveness suggests that the model can serve as a framework for fostering professional reflection in current educational contexts.
Unlocking Potential: Exploring Financing Choices Among Small and Medium Enterprises
Authors: Dr. Saira Ishfaq  , Malik Muhammad Usman Awan  , Muhammad Faheem Jan  , Dr. Adnan Ahmad Afridi  , Haseeb Hassan
Published: December 2024

This study investigates the financing preferences of small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in Pakistan and determines their adherence to the hierarchy of financing sources as proposed by the Pecking Order Theory. The study employs a robust methodology, utilizing a sample of 202 Pakistani SMEs and collecting data through structured self-administered questionnaires. Rigorous robustness checks are conducted to ensure data reliability and consistency. The findings reveal a discernible financing hierarchy within Pakistani SMEs, confirming the principles of the Pecking Order Theory. Retained earnings emerge as the overwhelmingly preferred 1st choice for financing, followed by debt financing in 2nd place and external equity in 3rd place. This hierarchy aligns with the theory's emphasis on internal equity, the intermediate role of debt financing, and the last resort nature of external equity. The study's limitations include data availability and the potential for variable changes over time. However, its findings offer valuable insights into SME financing preferences in Pakistan and their adherence to the Pecking Order Theory. The study also provides avenues for future research into additional factors that influence SME financing preferences and their effects on financial performance and growth.
Discussion on the Curriculum Design and Implementation of Competency-Based Vocational Education
Authors: Qin Chiyue
Published: December 2024

With the increasing demand for high-quality skilled talents in society, traditional vocational education models are facing pressure for transformation. Competency-based education (CBE), an educational philosophy focused on enhancing students' comprehensive abilities, is gradually becoming the core direction of vocational education reform. This paper explores strategies for curriculum design and implementation based on CBE, focusing on analyzing the core concepts of CBE and its application in vocational education, as well as revealing the main challenges in the implementation process. By constructing a competency framework, optimizing course content and structure, and innovating teaching models, this paper proposes a theoretical framework for competency-based curriculum design and discusses how to promote the implementation of the curriculum through optimizing resource allocation, enhancing teacher training, and establishing effective evaluation and feedback mechanisms. Finally, based on the current trends in vocational education reform, the paper suggests directions for future research, including the development of interdisciplinary competencies and the application of information technology in competency-based courses, providing both theoretical support and practical guidance for improving the quality of vocational education.
Kajian Etis Teologis Terhadap Pemuda Kristen yang Melakukan Judi Online
Authors: Sondakh Tasya Refina , Tombeng Ineke Marlien
Published: December 2024

Artikel ini membahas kajian etis teologis terhadap pemuda yang melakukan judi online. Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk (1) untuk menemukan penjelasan mengapa terjadi perjudian online di kalangan pemuda di Jemaat GMIM Bukit Sion Kanonang (2) untuk memberikan pemahaman kepada pemuda pelaku perjudian online di Jemaat GMIM Bukit Sion Kanonang akan dampak dan bahaya bermain judi online (3) untuk membangun kesadaran terhadap pemuda pelaku judi online di Jemaat GMIM Bukit Sion Kanonang akan supaya berhenti bermain judi online. Penelitian ini adalah penelitian kualitatif dengan desain deskriptif. Hasil penelitian menyarankan bahwa orangtua harus bangun komunikasi yang baik dengan anak; peran pelayan khusus, lebih peka melihat permasalahan di lingkungan, melakukan pelayanan pastoral bagi pemuda pelaku judi online; Peran pemerintah, memberikan sosialisasi tentang dampak buruk perjudian online; dan masyarakat harus berani menegur jika melihat ada perjudian online yang terjadi di sekitar.
Pendampingan Dan Konseling Pastoral Kepada Pemuda Korban Perceraian Orang Tua
Authors: Muntu Zhekina Glory Avril
Published: December 2024

Penelitian ini di latar belakangi dengan adanya permasalahan pemuda yang menjadi korban perceraian orang tua yang mengakibatkan dampak yang buruk bagi para pemuda, yaitu: depresi, rasa rendah diri, merasa tidak berharga, dan trauma secara spiritual sehingga mengakibatkan hubungan pemuda dengan Tuhan semakin jauh sehingga rohani seseorang melemah. Pemuda yang menjadi korban perceraian orang tua membuat mereka susah untuk melakukan adaptasi kepada lingkungan. Dengan dampak negatif yang dirasakan, mereka harus segera disembuhkan dan gereja memiliki peran untuk menolong pemuda yang menjadi korban perceraian dengan pendampingan dan konseling pastoral. Adapun penelitian ini bertujuan untuk menjelaskan tentang dampak dari perceraian orang tua dan bentuk pelayanan pastoral yang tepat dan cocok dalam pemulihan pemuda yang menjadi korban perceraian orang tua.Metode penelitian yang digunakan secara kualitatif deskriptif dengan disertai dengan studi kasus.
Tinjauan Etis Teologis Terhadap Penggunaan Media Game Online di Kalangan Remaja
Authors: Saerang Theovani Andless , Runtuwene Hendry C. M.
Published: December 2024

Game online merupakan game yang saat ini populer dikalangan remaja, dengan adanya game online dalam kehidupan remaja memberikan dampak positif maupun negatif dalam kehidupan remaja. Peneltian ini bertujuan untuk melakukan Tinjauan Etis Teologis terhadap remaja dalam penggunaan media game online yang berdampak kecanduan dan membuat remaja kurang memberikan diri dalam Persekutuan beribadah karena pengaruh game online. Metode penelitian yang peneliti pakai adalah studi kasus dengan pengambilan data yang dilakukan dengan wawancara dan juga observasi langsung. Dari hasil penelitian menunjukkan bahwa dalam Persekutuan beribadah masih ada remaja yang sadar akan pengaruh yang di timbulkan dari penggunaan game online dan juga ada remaja yang kurang aktif dan kurang sadar dalam Persekutuan beribadah karena pengaruh dari media game online.
Global South Corridor sebagai Instrumen Diplomasi Indonesia dalam Implementasi Kerja Sama Konektivitas Maritim
Authors: Attamimi Salsabilah
Published: December 2024

Potensi maritim Indonesia yang luas merupakan esensi penting menuju visi poros maritim dunia. Dengan memanfaatkan posisi geografis yang strategis, Indonesia berpeluang menginisiasi jaringan maritim yang lebih inklusif dan berkelanjutan. Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk melihat peluang proyeksi inisiasi penamaan koridor maritim baru sebagai sebuah instrumen diplomasi Indonesia sebagai manifestasi Global South Bridge Builder yang dapat menjadi katalisator dalam pertumbuhan ekonomi kawasan, mempererat solidaritas, memperkuat kerja sama kawasan, serta memperluas pengaruh Indonesia di kancah internasional. Guna mencapai tujuan penelitian, tulisan ini membahas mengenai potensi maritim, visi kelautan serta mekanisme kerja sama yang dapat ditempuh Indonesia dalam mewujudkan Global South Corridor. Penelitian ini menggunakan metode kualitatif berbasis studi kepustakaan. Dengan demikian, diharapkan Global South Corridor dapat menjadi potensi rekomendasi kebijakan yang komprehensif dalam implementasi konektivitas maritim sebagai instrumen diplomasi maritim Indonesia.
Nordic collaboration in mathematics education research
Authors: Grevholm Barbro , Rønning Frode
Published: December 2024

In this issue of NOMAD we are proud to announce the next Nordic conference on mathematics education, NORMA11 ...
About this issue
Authors: Editors The
Published: December 2024

Ledare / Editorial
Orchestrating mathematical activities in the kindergarten: the role of inquiry
Authors: Carlsen Martin
Published: December 2024

The aim of my study is to address the role played by inquiry in orchestrating a mathematical activity in the kindergarten. The study takes the inquiry cycle as a methodological departure, i.e. the whole process of designing, acting, observing, reflecting, and feeding back. The subtleties of how the kindergarten teachers and a didactician reason in order to orchestrate the mathematical activity and the role played by inquiry in this orchestration are hence analysed. The analyses show how inquiry in every phase of the inquiry cycle, plays a significant role in the orchestration of the mathematical activity. The participants become co-learners in these processes, and are involved in appropriating the mathematical tools and concepts as well as didactical issues involved in orchestrating a mathematical activity in the kindergarten.
Assessment of university students’ understanding of abstract binary operations
Authors: Ehmke Timo , Pesonen Martti E. , Haapasalo Lenni
Published: December 2024

This paper presents the results of a study on the use of interactive online tasks to assess students’ conceptual understanding of abstract binary operations in a firstyear linear algebra course. The assessment consists of recognition, identification and production tasks and uses verbal, graphic and symbolic representations of binary operations in numerous point set contexts. The aim of the study is to directly assess the students’ understanding of binary operations and – more indirectly – to identify different profiles for the students’ procedural and conceptual knowledge levels. A latent class analysis revealed different levels in students’ conceptual understanding. Implications will be drawn for teaching abstract binary operations – and other similar concepts. Finally, some suggestions about conceptual qualifications for mathematics teacher education will be discussed.
To translate between different perspectives in belief research: a comparison between two studies
Authors: Österholm Magnus
Published: December 2024

A common problem in belief research seems to be a missing link between aspects of theory and empirical analyses and results. This issue highlights a question of how dependent empirical studies about beliefs actually are on the theoretical perspective described in the study. In this paper, I examine relationships between two different perspectives. One perspective focuses on belief change, and seems to rely on a type of cognitive perspective, where beliefs can be characterized as mental objects. The other perspective argues for moving away from such cognitive perspective and instead to adopt a participatory perspective in the analysis of mathematics teaching. The results show that the study about belief change is not dependent on seeing beliefs as mental objects, but that this study could as well have been located within a participatory perspective.
Students’ mathematical identity formations in a Swedish multilingual mathematics classroom
Authors: Norén Eva
Published: December 2024

In this article I explore how students’ mathematical identities are formatted in a multilingual mathematics classroom. The study has been conducted in a group of ten multilingual Arabic and Swedish speaking students in grade eight and nine. In the article the focus is on two of the students. Students’ mathematical identity formations are effects of exercise of a variety of discourses available in the mathematics classroom. In discourses promoting multilingualism and social relations students’ possibilities to positively build upon opportunities in the mathematics classroom seem to enhance and identity formations as engaged mathematics learners is not an obstacle.
Farmers do use mathematics: the case of animal feeding
Authors: Saló i Nevado Laia , Holm Gunilla , Pehkonen Leila
Published: December 2024

This article presents findings from a study on the use of mathematics in the context of a farm. Ethnographic methods were used for the data collection and ethnomathematics provides the theoretical framework guiding the analysis. We present two different situations, as examples of ethnomathematics, in which the farmers make use of mathematics in daily life situations on a farm. The first situation has to do with how one of the farmers dealt with a barn as a space for feeding calves. The second situation is about the use of different objects as measuring tools.
What characterises the heuristic approaches in mathematics textbooks used in lower secondary schools in Norway?
Authors: Kongelf Tom Rune
Published: December 2024

In this paper I present findings of an analysis of how mathematics textbooks treat heuristic approaches. The aim of this analysis is to give a characterisation of the occurrence of nine well-known heuristic approaches by analysing 740 examples presented in six ninth grade textbook series. The findings show that many of the problems in the examples are being solved by using one or more heuristic approaches, but the characteristics of the examples and the textbooks’ lack of discussion of the approaches themselves make it challenging to teach and learn these in school. The heuristic approaches seem to be used rather incidentally, which is supported by the fact that none of the textbooks explicitly treat or mention problem solving.
Editorial
Authors: Editors The
Published: December 2024

Ledare
Research on mathematical beliefs – the birth and growth of the MAVI group in 1995–2012
Authors: Pehkonen Erkki
Published: December 2024

In the 1980s the meaning of beliefs for teaching and learning aroused also to the consciousness of mathematics educators. Therefore, here it is firstly sketched the research field of mathematical beliefs, in order to understand why belief research has been a topic for an international research group for more than 30 years. The aim of the paper is to have a look at the history of MAVI and to describe its development within the years 1995–2012. A special look is given at the birth of the MAVI group in the middle of the 1990s and then its development through the last 18 years will be described. Also some statistics on the MAVI meetings and their participants are presented. And in the appendix the total list of the MAVI proceedings is documented.
Affective pathways and interactive visualization in the context of technological and professional mathematical knowledge
Authors: Gómez-Chacón Inés Ma
Published: December 2024

This article reports the findings for a qualitative study on the use of dynamic geometry systems (DGS) and their impact on students’ affective pathways. The approach adopted is to view affect through the lens of a representational system. The participants, mathematics teacher trainees, were asked to solve geometric locus exercises using GeoGebra software. The results reveal a number of features that characterize subjects’ local and global affect. Future teachers’ local affect when using imagery in computerized environments was found to be impacted by the balance between their analytical-algebraic and graphic reasoning and their understanding of the tools at their avail and their use in the instrumental deconstruction of geometric figures. Evidence was observed that linked student teachers’ global affect, in turn, to their motivation as defined by their goals and self-concept.
Interplay of cognition and affect in undergraduate math students’ careers: insights from recursive partitioning
Authors: Andrà Chiara , Magnano Guido
Published: December 2024

Data collected in entrance tests for undergraduate curricula in mathematics at the University of Turin are analysed using the recursive partition method, to obtain classification trees for different ”response variables” describing academic achievement or drop-out. The input factors include both math abilities and several affective and motivational factors, the latter having being assessed using internationally validated questionnaires. We argue that classification trees can provide unexpected insight into the interplay of such factors for academic success or failure, specifically for math students.
How mathematics students perceive the transition from secondary to tertiary level with particular reference to proof
Authors: Furinghetti Fulvia , Maggiani Chiara , Morselli Francesca
Published: December 2024

This paper reports on a research project concerning the difficulties met by undergraduate students in mathematics during the first year of university. Our aim is to provide elements for studying the transition from secondary to tertiary level as perceived by the students who live it. The combination of different analytical tools (questionnaires, interviews, problem solving and proving activities) allows shedding light on aspects which are not purely cognitive, but also pertain to the affective domain.
Prospective mathematics teachers’ metaphors for mathematics, teaching, and the teacher’s role
Authors: Portaankorva-Koivisto Päivi
Published: December 2024

This study sheds light on Finnish preservice mathematics teachers’ (n = 16) views of mathematics, teaching, and the teacher’s role. Data was gathered via metaphors at three time points during teacher students’ pedagogical studies, in academic year 2011–2012. The analysis was conducted inductively, but based on categories found in previous studies. The results indicated that prospective mathematics teachers’ metaphors for mathematics mostly involved picturing the self-existent quality of mathematics. Their metaphors for teaching referred to the ups and downs in teaching, and their metaphors for the teacher’s role were involved with the characteristics of the teacher’s personality. One possible explanation for these results centres round mathematics student teachers’ life situations. They have studied mathematics as their major at the department of mathematics for 2–3 years just before they started their pedagogical studies, and they have just experienced their very first and overwhelming lessons as teachers.
An analysis of mathematical modelling in Swedish textbooks in upper secondary school
Authors: Frejd Peter
Published: December 2024

A new national curriculum has recently been implemented in the Swedish upper sec-ondary school where one of the goals to be taught is modelling ability. This paper presents a content analysis of 14 ”new” mathematical textbooks with the aim to investigate how the notion of mathematical modelling is presented. An analytic scheme is developed to identify mathematical modelling in the textbooks and to analyse modelling tasks and instructions. Results of the analysis show that there exist a variety of both explicit and implicit descriptions, which imply for teachers to be attentive to complement the textbooks with other material.
A modelling approach to probability – analysing students’ conceptual structures
Authors: Prodromou Theodosia
Published: December 2024

This research study investigates how middle school students use probability to model random behaviour in real-world contexts and how they articulated fundamental probabilistic concepts to show aspects of the mental models that they generated. This article is concerned with the conceptual structures that the students develop when exploring computer-based simulations. The results suggest that the students relied on their experience to provide a context reality from which to construct their mental model of the situation, from which they then defined the probability model. While the students attempted to build mental models, they checked the adequacy of the mapping between their probability models and reality by interrogating the context of their personal experiences. The results also suggest that the way students express this relationship between signal and noise seems to have a particular importance in building comprehensive models that link observed data to modelling distributions.
Prolifing Swedish teachers’ knowledge base in probability
Authors: Nilsson Per , Lindström Torsten
Published: December 2024

This paper aims at profiling Swedish teachers’ knowledge base in probability. 43 teachers in compulsory school answered a questionnaire on probability estimation tasks and concept tasks. In the concept tasks, they were challenged to explain their solutions and the content involved in the probability estimation tasks. We distinguish five patterns in the teachers’ knowledge profile: 1) a basic understanding of the theoretical interpretation of probability, 2) problems with structuring compound events, 3) difficulty with conjunction and conditional probability, 4) a higher degree of common content knowledge than of specialized content knowledge and 5) limited understanding of random variation and principles of experimental probability.
What’s there in an n? Investigating contextual resources in small group discussions concerning an algebraic expression
Authors: Rystedt Elisabeth , Kilhamn Cecilia , Helenius Ola
Published: December 2024

This small-case study combines a content related and a dialogical approach, in an in-depth analysis of how three 12-year-old pupils in a video recorded small group discussion construe the meaning of the letter n in an algebraic expression. The findings indicate that the pupils used a rich variety of contextual resources in their sensemaking attempt. They also tried out a wide range of interpretations of the letter indicating that their conception of an algebraic letter was rich but unstable and that the dialogue was instrumental in helping them move from primitive to more advanced interpretations. In addition to previously known difficulties of understanding letters as variables, we found that the meaning of the communicative convention ”expressed in n” proved an obstacle, and conclude that learning mathematics is as much about learning a specific communicative genre as learning about mathematical objects and relationships.
NORMA 17 – First announcement
Authors: Committee Conference
Published: December 2024

The eighth Nordic Conference on Mathematics Education, NORMA 17, will take place in Stockholm, Sweden, May 30–June 2, 2017. The theme for the conference is Nordic research in mathematics education ...
Improving word problem performance in elementary school students by enriching word problems used in mathematics teaching
Authors: Pongsakdi Nonmanut , Laine Teija , Veermans Koen , Hannula-Sormunen Minna M. , Lehtinen Erno
Published: December 2024

The traditional practice of using word problems in classroom mathematics has been heavily criticized by educators and researchers. Students have an inclination to apply superficial strategies and exclude several important steps of the modeling process. In this study, a Word Problem Enrichment program (WPE) was developed to encourage teachers to use innovative self-created word problems to improve student mathematical modeling and problem solving skills. Participants included 170 fourth-, and sixth-graders and ten teachers from elementary schools in southwest Finland. The intervention effectiveness on student problem solving performance was investigated. The results suggested that the enriching word problems used in mathematics teaching is a promising method to improve student problem solving skills when solving non-routine and application word problems.
What characterises mathematical conversations in a Norwegian kindergarten?
Authors: Fosse Trude
Published: December 2024

This paper presents a study of young children’s mathematical conversations in a Norwegian kindergarten and provides examples to illustrate some of their characteristics. Using points made in previous research about conversations and mathematics, an analysis of an interaction involving a group of children who are putting a toy together exemplifies what can and what cannot be considered a mathematical conversation. For a conversation to be considered mathematical, it is suggested that it must include not only references to mathematics, but also specific structural elements in the conversation, as well as valuing participants’ contributions and encouraging participants to reflect on the mathematical theme, thereby promoting learning.
Adapting to an Unconventional Use of a Chat Environment in Workplace Training
Authors: Mikkola Piia , Lehtinen Esa , Nissi Riikka
Published: December 2024

This article investigates how a digital chat tool is used during a face-to-face workshop where it is projected on a screen for everyone to see. Importantly, the chat is not used as an interactional tool but rather, in an unconventional way, as an archive for photographs the participants have taken for a workshop task. Thus, in order to discuss the photographs, the facilitator using the computer needs to navigate in the digital space with the help of the photographer to find each photograph. Drawing on multimodal conversation analysis and the concept of affordance, we show how the participants, during the course of the workshop, adapt to the task-relevant affordances and learn to conduct the navigation in an increasingly collaborative fashion.
Nocturnal enuresis: A call for advocacy
Authors: John J , Wright A
Published: December 2024

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TPR is required for cytoplasmic chromatin fragment formation during senescence
Authors: Bartlett Bethany M , Kumar Yatendra , Boyle Shelagh , Chowdhury Tamoghna , Quintanilla Andrea , Boumendil Charlene , Acosta Juan Carlos , Bickmore Wendy A
Published: December 2024

During oncogene-induced senescence there are striking changes in the organisation of heterochromatin in the nucleus. This is accompanied by activation of a pro-inflammatory gene expression programme – the senescence-associated secretory phenotype (SASP) – driven by transcription factors such as NF-κB. The relationship between heterochromatin re-organisation and the SASP has been unclear. Here, we show that TPR, a protein of the nuclear pore complex basket required for heterochromatin re-organisation during senescence, is also required for the very early activation of NF-κB signalling during the stress-response phase of oncogene-induced senescence. This is prior to activation of the SASP and occurs without affecting NF-κB nuclear import. We show that TPR is required for the activation of innate immune signalling at these early stages of senescence and we link this to the formation of heterochromatin-enriched cytoplasmic chromatin fragments thought to bleb off from the nuclear periphery. We show that HMGA1 is also required for cytoplasmic chromatin fragment formation. Together these data suggest that re-organisation of heterochromatin is involved in altered structural integrity of the nuclear periphery during senescence, and that this can lead to activation of cytoplasmic nucleic acid sensing, NF-κB signalling, and activation of the SASP.
Quantifying Feral Pig Interactions to Inform Disease Transmission Networks
Authors: Proboste Tatiana , Turnlund Abigail , Bengsen Andrew , Gentle Matthew , Wilson Cameron , Harriott Lana , Fuller Richard A , Marshall Darren , Soares Magalhães Ricardo J
Published: December 2024

Feral pigs threaten biodiversity in 54 countries worldwide and cause an estimated $120 billion of damage annually in the United States of America (USA). Feral pigs imperil over 600 native species and have directly driven 14 species into extinction. Moreover, feral pig populations pose a significant zoonotic disease threat to humans such as Japanese encephalitis, and act as reservoir for endemic pathogens such as
Brucella
and leptospirosis. Efforts to understand and control disease spread by feral pigs rely on models of social dynamics, how the animals interact with one another. Yet social dynamics are known to vary enormously from place to place, so knowledge generated for example in USA and Europe might not easily transfer to locations such as Australia.Here, we fill a continental gap in our understanding of feral pig social dynamics by developing a proximity-based social network analysis approach to rapidly assess social interactions using animal tracking data. This method, applied to the continent of Australia, included 146 GPS-monitored feral pigs, and revealed distinct patterns influenced by sex and season, with females demonstrating higher group cohesion (female-female) and males acting as crucial connectors between independent groups. Contact rates are remarkably high within groups, indicating rapid intra-group disease spread that contrasts with much slower potential for inter-group disease spread. Seasonal variations further complicate this dynamic, with contact rates being much higher in summer. The results show that, in Australia, targeting adult males in feral pig control programs could enhance efforts to contain disease outbreaks.Concern over the economic and human health impacts of animal diseases is higher than ever before. We urge a rapid global effort to use models of feral pig social interactions to develop efficient control strategies tailored to local conditions.
Small-molecule Activation of TFEB Alleviates Niemann-Pick Disease Type C via Promoting Lysosomal Exocytosis and Biogenesis
Authors: Du Kaili , Chen Hongyu , Pan Zhaonan , Zhao Mengli , Cheng Shixue , Luo Yu , Zhang Wenhe , Li Dan
Published: December 2024

Niemann–Pick disease type C (NPC) is a devastating lysosomal storage disease characterized by abnormal cholesterol accumulation in lysosomes. Currently, there is no treatment for NPC. Transcription factor EB (TFEB), a member of the microphthalmia transcription factors (MiTF), has emerged as a master regulator of lysosomal function and promoted the clearance of substrates stored in cells. However, it is not known whether TFEB plays a role in cholesterol clearance in NPC disease. Here, we show that transgenic overexpression of TFEB, but not TFE3 (another member of MiTF family) facilitates cholesterol clearance in various NPC1 cell models. Pharmacological activation of TFEB by sulforaphane (SFN), a previously identified natural small-molecule TFEB agonist by us, can dramatically ameliorate cholesterol accumulation in human and mouse NPC1 cell models. In NPC1 cells, SFN induces TFEB nuclear translocation via a ROS-Ca
2+
-calcineurin dependent but MTOR-independent pathway and upregulates the expression of TFEB-downstream genes, promoting lysosomal exocytosis and biogenesis. While genetic inhibition of TFEB abolishes the cholesterol clearance and exocytosis effect by SFN. In the NPC1 mouse model, SFN dephosphorylates/activates TFEB in brain and exhibits potent efficacy of rescuing the loss of Purkinje cells and body weight. Hence, pharmacological upregulating lysosome machinery via targeting TFEB represents a promising approach to treat NPC and related lysosomal storage diseases, and provides the possibility of TFEB agonists ie SFN as potential NPC therapeutic candidates.
An acute microglial metabolic response controls metabolism and improves memory
Authors: Drougard Anne , Ma Eric H , Wegert Vanessa , Sheldon Ryan , Panzeri Ilaria , Vatsa Naman , Apostle Stefanos , Fagnocchi Luca , Schaf Judith , Gossens Klaus , Völker Josephine , Pang Shengru , Bremser Anna , Dror Erez , Giacona Francesca , Sagar Sagar , Henderson Michael X , Prinz Marco , Jones Russell G , Pospisilik John Andrew
Published: December 2024

Chronic high-fat feeding triggers metabolic dysfunction including obesity, insulin resistance, and diabetes. How high-fat intake first triggers these pathophysiological states remains unknown. Here, we identify an acute microglial metabolic response that rapidly translates intake of high-fat diet (HFD) to a surprisingly beneficial effect on metabolism and spatial/learning memory. High-fat intake rapidly increases palmitate levels in cerebrospinal fluid and triggers a wave of microglial metabolic activation characterized by mitochondrial membrane activation and fission as well as metabolic skewing toward aerobic glycolysis. These effects are detectable throughout the brain and can be detected within as little as 12 hr of HFD exposure. In vivo, microglial ablation and conditional DRP1 deletion show that the microglial metabolic response is necessary for the acute effects of HFD. 13C-tracing experiments reveal that in addition to processing via β-oxidation, microglia shunt a substantial fraction of palmitate toward anaplerosis and re-release of bioenergetic carbons into the extracellular milieu in the form of lactate, glutamate, succinate, and intriguingly, the neuroprotective metabolite itaconate. Together, these data identify microglia as a critical nutrient regulatory node in the brain, metabolizing away harmful fatty acids and liberating the same carbons as alternate bioenergetic and protective substrates for surrounding cells. The data identify a surprisingly beneficial effect of short-term HFD on learning and memory.
Understanding genetic variants in context
Authors: Sinnott-Armstrong Nasa , Fields Stanley , Roth Frederick , Starita Lea M , Trapnell Cole , Villen Judit , Fowler Douglas M , Queitsch Christine
Published: December 2024

Over the last three decades, human genetics has gone from dissecting high-penetrance Mendelian diseases to discovering the vast and complex genetic etiology of common human diseases. In tackling this complexity, scientists have discovered the importance of numerous genetic processes – most notably functional regulatory elements – in the development and progression of these diseases. Simultaneously, scientists have increasingly used multiplex assays of variant effect to systematically phenotype the cellular consequences of millions of genetic variants. In this article, we argue that the context of genetic variants – at all scales, from other genetic variants and gene regulation to cell biology to organismal environment – are critical components of how we can employ genomics to interpret these variants, and ultimately treat these diseases. We describe approaches to extend existing experimental assays and computational approaches to examine and quantify the importance of this context, including through causal analytic approaches. Having a unified understanding of the molecular, physiological, and environmental processes governing the interpretation of genetic variants is sorely needed for the field, and this perspective argues for feasible approaches by which the combined interpretation of cellular, animal, and epidemiological data can yield that knowledge.
Detection of the Presence of Seasonal Effect for Some Selected Trending Curves and Choice of Model in Time Series Data
Authors: Dozie Kelechukwu C. N.
Published: December 2024

This study discusses detection of the presence of seasonal effect and choice of model in time series data. This study considers the nature of linear, quadratic and exponential trending curves and model structure. The test is constructed in the row and overall variances of the Buys-Ballot table. Empirical example is used to determine the appropriate model for decomposition of the study data.
Efficacy of Foliar Application of Micronutrients on Bio-chemical Attributes of Guava (Psidium guajava L.) cv. Allahabad Safeda
Authors: Shukla Usha , Lata Rubee , Verma Ravi Shankar , Pratiksha  , Shekhawat Charu , Yadav Shatrunjay , Singh Vipnesh
Published: December 2024

To assess the efficacy of foliar application of micronutrients, i.e. Zinc as a Zinc Sulphate, Copper as Copper Sulphate and Boron as Boric acid on biochemical attributes of guava (Psidium guajava L.) cv. Allahabad Safeda fruits during 2019-20, a field experiment was carried out at Horticultural Research Farm- II of the Department of Horticulture, School of Agricultural Science and Technology, Babasaheb Bhimrao Ambedkar University, Lucknow, India on 12-year-old guava plants. The experiment was conducted in randomized block design (RBD) with three replications. Using a digital hand refractometer, biochemical parameters such as total soluble solids were estimated at room temperature. The ascorbic acid, total sugars, reducing sugars, and non-reducing sugars content in the fruit sample were analyzed, the gathered data were statistically analyzed in accordance with Gomez's (1984) methodology. The foliar application of zinc sulphate@ 0.4% showed better quality of fruits in terms of TSS (11.780 Brix), Acidity (0.4%), Total Sugars (6.34%), sugar acid ratio (15.91) while the application of Boric acid@ 0.4% resulted in maximum value of ascorbic acid (173.373mg/100g) pulp and pectin (1.650) respectively.