bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Beyond Parroting: Using English Fun Dubbing to Improve English Oral Performance
Authors: Wu Huiqi , Ekstam Jane M.
Published: July 2021

The present paper is a response to the current problematic situation of oral English teaching at the tertiary level in China and the increasing popularity of web-based mobile oral English learning in oral English classes. Our paper focuses on the use of mobile-phone-based educational software known as “English Fun Dubbing” (EFD) and its advantages in terms of teaching and learning phonetics and oral English in the college classroom. The starting point was a needs analysis which revealed the lack of practice regarding English speaking. In this study, an action research method was adopted, involving 40 second-year students, who employed “classroom teaching + English Fun Dubbing” model as the intervention. Extensive examples from this model were used to build up a picture of the blended learning processes at work. Several imitation tasks, a conversational activity and a speech-delivering task were designed and implemented. Direct observation and the results of the questionnaire survey provided the evidence of the improvement in the students’ oral performance. It is our aim to develop the present project to incorporate oral proficiency. The main results of this action research were reflected in the adjustments in the pedagogical treatment, the changes in the role of the teacher and the student, and the shifts in the students’ attitudes towards their learning process.
Integration of Teaching and Assessing Intercultural Communicative Competence
Authors: Gu Xiaole , Zhao Yuqin
Published: July 2021

The launch of the Belt and Road Initiative in China calls for a paradigm shift in theory and practice of foreign language (FL) teaching from a communicative language teaching approach (CLT) to intercultural language teaching (ICLT), which treats intercultural communicative competence (ICC) as the core of FL education. Unfortunately, the College English Curriculum Requirements of China (CECR) does not specify the aspects for cultural teaching or assessment; nor does it provide any theoretical or practical guidance for teachers on how to teach or assess ICC. This leads to teachers’ confusion about what should be taught and assessed and how, hence to a deficiency in real actions. In this paper, we first outline the learning outcomes of ICLT-oriented courses, the ICC components which respectively fall into the categories of intercultural attitude, knowledge and skills. By presenting the pedagogical practice of a cultural literacy course, we also demonstrate how FL teachers can help learners achieve these learning outcomes through a five-stage instruction process. Finally, we discuss how these learning outcomes can be assessed using formative and summative assessment tools, especially how ICC components can be incorporated into a comprehensive test of FL.
Computational drug repurposing study of antiviral drugs against main protease, RNA polymerase, and spike proteins of SARS-CoV-2 using molecular docking method
Authors: Jalalvand Alireza , Khatouni Somayeh Behjat , Najafi Zahra Bahri , Fatahinia Foroozan , Ismailzadeh Narges , Farahmand Behrokh
Published: July 2021

Objectives

The new Coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2) created a pandemic in the world in late 2019 and early 2020. Unfortunately, despite the increasing prevalence of the disease, there is no effective drug for the treatment. A computational drug repurposing study would be an appropriate and rapid way to provide an effective drug in the treatment of the coronavirus disease of 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. In this study, the inhibitory potential of more than 50 antiviral drugs on three important proteins of SARS-CoV-2, was investigated using the molecular docking method.

Methods

By literature review, three important proteins, including main protease, RNA-dependent RNA polymerase (RdRp), and spike, were selected as the drug targets. The three-dimensional (3D) structure of protease, spike, and RdRp proteins was obtained from the Protein Data Bank. Proteins were energy minimized. More than 50 antiviral drugs were considered as candidates for protein inhibition, and their 3D structure was obtained from Drug Bank. Molecular docking settings were defined using Autodock 4.2 software and the algorithm was executed.

Results

Based on the estimated binding energy of docking and hydrogen bond analysis and the position of drug binding, five drugs including, indinavir, lopinavir, saquinavir, nelfinavir, and remdesivir, had the highest inhibitory potential for all three proteins.

Conclusions

According to the results, among the mentioned drugs, saquinavir and lopinavir showed the highest inhibitory potential for all three proteins compared to the other drugs. This study suggests that saquinavir and lopinavir could be included in the laboratory phase studies as a two-drug treatment for SARS-CoV-2 inhibition.
Designing experiments informed by observational studies
Authors: Rosenman Evan T. R. , Owen Art B.
Published: July 2021

The increasing availability of passively observed data has yielded a growing interest in “data fusion” methods, which involve merging data from observational and experimental sources to draw causal conclusions. Such methods often require a precarious tradeoff between the unknown bias in the observational dataset and the often-large variance in the experimental dataset. We propose an alternative approach, which avoids this tradeoff: rather than using observational data for inference, we use it to design a more efficient experiment. We consider the case of a stratified experiment with a binary outcome and suppose pilot estimates for the stratum potential outcome variances can be obtained from the observational study. We extend existing results to generate confidence sets for these variances, while accounting for the possibility of unmeasured confounding. Then, we pose the experimental design problem as a regret minimization problem subject to the constraints imposed by our confidence sets. We show that this problem can be converted into a concave maximization and solved using conventional methods. Finally, we demonstrate the practical utility of our methods using data from the Women’s Health Initiative.
Validation of Unani concept of Abadāl-i-Adwiya (drug substitution) by physicochemical standardization and hepatoprotective activity of Aristolochia rotunda Linn. and its substitute Curcuma Zedoaria Rosc. in albino Wistar rats
Authors: Ansari Athar Parvez , Sana Sumyyah Hasina , Dar Mohammad Younis , Goswami Pankaj , Ahmed N. Zaheer
Published: July 2021

Objectives

To validate the concept of abadāl-i-adwiya (drug substitution) by evaluation of physicochemical standardization and hepatoprotective activity of Aristolochia rotunda & its substitute, Curcuma Zedoaria in albino Wistar rats.

Methods

Physicochemical standardization by estimation of moisture content, ash values and extractive values were carried out using standard methods. Hepatotoxicity was induced in albino Wistar rats using CCl4 1 mL/kg s. c. on alternate day for 14 days. Group I was served as Plain control and Group II as Negative control. Group III was administered silymarin 50 mg/kg p. o. while Group IV received HAE of A. rotunda 89.64 mg/kg p. o., and Group V was administered HAE of C. Zedoaria 45.73 mg/kg p. o. At the end of the study, serum bilirubin, AST (SGOT), ALT (SGPT) and ALP were estimated. The histopathology of liver was also carried out.

Results

The physicochemical parameters of both test drugs viz. moisture content, total ash, acid insoluble ash and water soluble ash were found within normal limit. The total serum bilirubin, direct bilirubin, AST (SGOT), ALT (SGPT) levels were significantly decreased in Test groups A and B when compared to the Negative and Standard controls. The microscopic examination of liver collected from animals of Group IV and Group V revealed significant recovery from hepatic toxicity compared to the Negative control.

Conclusions

The study experimentation has revealed that C. Zedoaria may be used as a substitute for A. rotunda in the treatment of liver diseases. However, the outcome has to be further corroborated with phytochemical evaluation and clinical trials of both the drugs. Furthermore, the concept of drug substitute in Unani system of medicine is also validated in the light of above study.
A meta-analysis of exosome in the treatment of spinal cord injury
Authors: Yi Hanxiao , Wang Yang
Published: July 2021

Context

There are no recommended therapeutic agents for acute spinal cord injury (SCI) due to the pathophysiological complexity of the injury.

Objective

The objective of this study is to investigate the efficacy of various exosomes and potential factors impacting the efficacy of exosomes.

Methods

We searched the PubMed, EMBASE, Web of Science, Medline, Scopus, and Cochrane Library databases to systematically collect articles comparing the locomotor function of SCI rodents undergoing exosome treatment and untreated SCI rodents. No language was preferred.

Results

Pooled analysis revealed that the locomotor function recovery of SCI rodents receiving exosomes was greatly improved (583 rats, 3.12, 95% CI: 2.56–3.67, p < 0.01; 116 mice, 2.46, 95% CI: 1.20–3.72, p < 0.01) compared to those of control rodents. The trial sequential analysis demonstrated the findings of the meta-analysis with the cumulative Z-curve crossing the upper monitoring boundary for the benefit and reaching the adjusted required information size. However, the origin of the exosome, SCI model, and administration method determined the therapeutic effect to some extent.

Conclusions

Despite the proven therapeutic effects of exosomes on SCI rodents, the results should be interpreted cautiously considering the diversity in vivo and in vitro in relation to future trials.
Sub-micron pupillometry for optical EEG measurements
Authors: Rohweder Niels-Ole , Gertheiss Jan , Rembe Christian
Published: July 2021

Recent research indicates that a direct correlation exists between brain activity and oscillations of the pupil. A publication by Park and Whang shows measurements of excitations in the frequency range below 1 Hz. A similar correlation for frequencies between 1 Hz and 40 Hz has not yet been clarified. In order to evaluate small oscillations, a pupillometer with a spatial resolution of 1 µm is required, exceeding the specifications of existing systems. In this paper, we present a setup able to measure with such a resolution. We consider noise sources, and identify the quantisation noise due to finite pixel sizes as the fundamental noise source. We present a model to describe the quantisation noise, and show that our algorithm to measure the pupil diameter achieves a sub-pixel resolution of about half a pixel of the image or 12 µm. We further consider the processing gains from transforming the diameter time series into frequency space, and subsequently show that we can achieve a sub-micron resolution when measuring pupil oscillations, surpassing established pupillometry systems. This setup could allow for the development of a functional optical, fully-remote electroencephalograph (EEG). Such a device could be a valuable sensor in many areas of AI-based human-machine-interaction.
Verification of Maximal Oxygen Uptake in Active Military Personnel During Treadmill Running
Authors: Figueiredo Peter S. , Looney David P. , Pryor J. Luke , Doughty Elizabeth M. , McClung Holly L. , Vangala Sai V. , Santee William R. , Beidleman Beth A. , Potter Adam W.
Published: July 2021

Figueiredo, PS, Looney, DP, Pryor, JL, Doughty, EM, McClung, HL, Vangala, SV, Santee, WR, Beidleman, BA, and Potter, AW. Verification of maximal oxygen uptake in active military personnel during treadmill running. J Strength Cond Res 36(4): 1053–1058, 2022—It is unclear whether verification tests are required to confirm “true” maximal oxygen uptake (V̇o
2max) in modern warfighter populations. Our study investigated the prevalence of V̇o
2max attainment in U.S. Army soldiers performing a traditional incremental running test. In addition, we examined the utility of supramaximal verification testing as well as repeated trials for familiarization for accurate V̇o
2max assessment. Sixteen U.S. Army soldiers (1 woman, 15 men; age, 21 ± 2 years; height, 1.73 ± 0.06 m; body mass, 71.6 ± 10.1 kg) completed 2 laboratory visits, each with an incremental running test (modified Astrand protocol) and a verification test (110% maximal incremental test speed) on a motorized treadmill. We evaluated V̇o
2max attainment during incremental testing by testing for the definitive V̇O2 plateau using a linear least-squares regression approach. Peak oxygen uptake (V̇o
2peak) was considered statistically equivalent between tests if the 90% confidence interval around the mean difference was within ±2.1 ml·kg−1·min−1. Oxygen uptake plateaus were identified in 14 of 16 volunteers for visit 1 (87.5%) and all 16 volunteers for visit 2 (100%). Peak oxygen uptake was not statistically equivalent, apparent from the mean difference in V̇o
2peak measures between the incremental test and verification test on visit 1 (2.3 ml·kg−1·min−1, [1.3–3.2]) or visit 2 (1.1 ml·kg−1·min−1 [0.2–2.1]). Interestingly, V̇o
2peak was equivalent, apparent from the mean difference in V̇o
2peak measures between visits for the incremental tests (0.0 ml·kg−1·min−1 [−0.8 to 0.9]) but not the verification tests (−1.2 ml·kg−1·min−1 [−2.2 to −0.2]). Modern U.S. Army soldiers can attain V̇o
2max by performing a modified Astrand treadmill running test. Additional familiarization and verification tests for confirming V̇o
2max in healthy active military personnel may be unnecessary.
Importance of Joint Angle-Specific Hip Strength for Skating Performance in Semiprofessional Ice Hockey Athletes
Authors: Secomb Josh L. , Dascombe Benjamin J. , Nimphius Sophia
Published: July 2021

Secomb, JL, Dascombe, BJ, and Nimphius, S. Importance of joint angle-specific hip strength for skating performance in semiprofessional ice hockey athletes. J Strength Cond Res 35(9): 2599–2603, 2021—Ice hockey athletes with faster sprint acceleration and change-of-direction (COD) skating performance possess a competitive advantage. However, it is unknown whether joint angle-specific hip strength, in combination with measures known to relate to skating performance (e.g., countermovement jump [CMJ]), better explains skating performance. The purpose of this research was to determine whether hip strength in joint angles specific to skating positions and CMJ performance explains sprint skating acceleration and COD performance. Thirteen semiprofessional male hockey (26.7 ± 6.7 years; 88.4 ± 18.1 kg; 181.9 ± 5.4 cm) athletes were assessed for CMJ performance, hip abduction and adduction strength, 10-m sprint skating acceleration, and COD (505) performance. Linear multiple regressions to predict skating acceleration and COD performance were calculated with variables chosen based on functional justification and magnitude of correlation. Hip abductor relative peak force (rPF) at 25° of hip abduction and CMJ rPF explained 46.0% (adjusted) of variance in sprint acceleration performance (F[2,12] = 6.18, p = 0.02). Countermovement jump peak eccentric velocity, adductor rPF at 50° of hip abduction, and difference in abductor rPF between 50° and 25° of hip abduction explained 85.0% (adjusted) of the variance in 505 time (F[3,12] = 22.8, p < 0.001). Hip strength at joint angles functionally relevant to skating (e.g., at 25° and 50°), in combination with relevant CMJ variables, explained large and very large amounts of variance in sprint skating acceleration and COD performance in this cohort. The inclusion of joint angle-specific hip strength profiling to a physical performance testing battery may provide practitioners with more specific knowledge on the strength of the hip through abduction range of motion, which may affect skating performance.
External and Internal Load Measures During Preseason Training in Men Collegiate Soccer Athletes
Authors: Fields Jennifer B. , Merigan Justin M. , Gallo Sina , White Jason B. , Jones Margaret T.
Published: July 2021

Fields, JB, Merigan, JM, Gallo, S, White, JB, and Jones, MT. External and internal load measures during preseason training in men collegiate soccer athletes. J Strength Cond Res 35(9): 2572–2578, 2021—Collegiate athletes are exposed to high volume loads during preseason training. Monitoring training load can inform training and recovery periods. Therefore, the purpose was to examine changes in and bidirectional relationship between external and internal load metrics in men collegiate soccer athletes (n = 20; age, 20 ± 1 year). Internal load measures of heart rate variability (HRV), salivary testosterone (T) and cortisol (C), and self-assessment wellness and ratings of perceived exertion scales were collected daily. External load measures of total distance, player load, high-speed distance, high inertial movement analysis, and repeated high-intensity efforts were collected in each training session using global positioning system/global navigation satellite system technology. A 1-way analysis of variance determined weekly changes in external load, physiological, hormonal, and subjective self-assessment measures of internal load. Bidirectional prediction of external load markers and self-assessment measures on physiological and hormonal markers of internal load were assessed by hierarchical linear regression models (p < 0.05). External load measures, C, energy, sleep, and rate of perceived exertion (RPE) decreased (p < 0.01), whereas T, T:C ratio, anger, depression, and vigor increased (p < 0.01) from week 1 to week 2. Morning C positively predicted afternoon external load and post-training RPE (p < 0.05); T:C ratio negatively predicted afternoon external load and post-training RPE (p < 0.05); and morning HRV negatively predicted post-training RPE (p = 0.031). Despite reduced hormonal stress and external load across weeks, negative perceptions of fatigue increased, suggesting fatigue patterns may have a delayed response. Load may have a more belated, chronic effect on perceptions of fatigue, whereas hormonal changes may be more immediate and sensitive to change. Practitioners may wish to use a variety of external and internal load measures to understand athletes' stress responses to training.
Effects of Nitrate Supplementation on Muscle Strength and Mass: A Systematic Review
Authors: Anderson Olivia K. , Martinez-Ferran María , Lorenzo-Calvo Jorge , Jiménez Sergio L. , Pareja-Galeano Helios
Published: July 2021

Anderson, OK, Martinez-Ferran, M, Lorenzo-Calvo, J, Jiménez, SL, and Pareja-Galeano, H. Effects of nitrate supplementation on muscle strength and mass: a systematic review. J Strength Cond Res 36(12): 3562–3570, 2022—This systematic review examines the effect of dietary nitrate supplementation (SUP) on muscle strength and hypertrophy when combined with physical exercise. The databases PubMed, Web of Science, and MEDLINE were searched for full-text articles published between January 2000 and June 2020. For inclusion, studies had to report on the effects of SUP administered as acute or chronic doses together with a standardized exercise protocol on muscle strength and hypertrophy compared with placebo in healthy adults who were sedentary, physically active, or professional athletes. Twelve studies (1,571 subjects) were finally selected. In 5 studies, the SUP regime was acute, and in 7, it was chronic. SUP was nitrate-rich beetroot juice in 9 studies, a potassium nitrate capsule in 1, and increased dietary nitrate in 2. Ingested nitrate was 64–1,200 mg. Of the 12 studies, 6 observed an ergogenic effect of SUP compared with placebo. These findings indicate that muscle strength gains are possible provided the dose, format, frequency, period, and exercise test are appropriate. Best results were observed with a minimum acute dose of 400 mg of nitrate provided as beetroot juice/shot taken 2–2.5 hours before exercise involving low- and high-intensity muscle contractions. This SUP regime seems to improve muscle efficiency in terms of reduced phosphocreatine and energy costs (P-magnetic resonance spectroscopy) and improved time to exhaustion.
Effect of Temperature on Wear Behavior of Multilayered Thin Cr-Coated Acrylonitrile–Butadiene–Styrene Polymer: An Experimental and Prediction Study
Authors: Sureyya Karabeyoglu Sencer
Published: July 2021

The wear behavior of thin chromium-coated and uncoated acrylonitrile–butadiene–styrene (ABS) samples were investigated by using a pin-on-disk test apparatus with a heat chamber for different temperatures of 30°C, 50°C, 70°C, 90°C, and 110°C. The wear tracks were characterized with a scanning electron microscope, energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, and widefield confocal microscope. The tests showed that the wear of thin chromium-coated ABS samples exhibited better results under high temperature in comparison with uncoated samples. Then, the experimental data are used to create Nonlinear AutoRegressive with eXogenous inputs (NARX) and transfer function prediction models for wear experiments. It is observed that the NARX model matches quite well with the experimental data.
Experimental Study on Dynamic Mechanical Properties and Fracturing Behavior of Granite CSTFBD Specimens in SHPB Tests
Authors: Peng Linzhi , Yue Zhongwen , Wang Xu , Zhou Jun , Yue Xiaolei , Xu Shengnan , Qiu Peng
Published: July 2021

The purpose of this paper is to study the dynamic fracture mechanics characteristics and fracturing behavior of cracked-straight-through flattened Brazilian disk specimens using the Split Hopkinson Pressure bar system. The researchers also used Particle Flow Code 2D for simulating the crack process and achieved consistent outcomes. In this experiment, rock specimens were made from Beijing Fangshan granite. The results of the experiment determined the effects of impact pressures and loading angles on the crack mode and mechanical properties of the specimens. These specimens have attained the stress equilibrium state prior to failure. With greater impact pressure, there will be faster changes in the corresponding equivalent tensile stress, while the peak value remains relatively high under the same loading angle. With different loading angles, the change rate of the equivalent tensile stress remains the same; however, the time required to reach the maximum stress becomes different. For a 30° loading angle, the energy dissipation ratio in accordance with the same impact pressure is lower than compared to that of a 0° loading angle. In this experiment, several cracks have been produced under a different range of impact pressures and loading angles, which can be classified into six types. They include two types of tensile cracks, shear cracks, and tensile-shear cracks. At a 0° loading angle, mode I fracture occurs, and at 15° and 30° loading angles, a mixed-mode I-II fracture occurs on the specimen. Furthermore, triangular fracture zones occur on the two end faces of the specimens under the loading force due to the concentration of local stress during the force process.
Historical foundations and contemporary expressions of a right to health care in Circumpolar Indigenous contexts
Authors: Lavoie Josée G. , Stoor Jon Petter , Rink Elizabeth , Cueva Katie , Gladun Elena , Larsen Christina Viskum Lytken , Akearok Gwen Healey , Kanayurak Nicole
Published: July 2021

Although numerous comparative Indigenous health policy analyses exist in the literature, to date, little attention has been paid to comparative analyses of Circumpolar health policy and the impact these policies may have on Indigenous peoples’ rights to health. In this article, we ground our discussion of Indigenous peoples’ right to access culturally appropriate and responsive health care within the context of the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP). Under UNDRIP, signatory states are obligated to guarantee that Indigenous peoples have access to the same services accessible to all citizens without discrimination. Signatory states must also guarantee access to services that are grounded in Indigenous cultures, medicines, and practices and must address Indigenous peoples’ determinants of health at least to the same extent as their national counterparts. Our analysis finds that the implementation of this declaration varies across the Circumpolar north. The United States recognizes an obligation to provide health care for American Indian and Alaska Native people in exchange for the land that was taken from them. Other countries provide Indigenous citizens access to care in the same health care systems as other citizens. Intercultural models of care exist in Alaska and to some extent across the Canadian territories. However, aside from Sámi Norwegian National Advisory Unit on Mental Health and Substance Use in northern Norway, intercultural models are absent in Nordic countries and in Greenland. While Russia has not ratified UNDRIP, Russian policy guarantees access to health care to all citizens, although access is particularly limited in rural and remote environments, including the Russian Arctic. We conclude that Circumpolar nations should begin and/or expand commitments to culturally appropriate, self-determined, access to health care in Circumpolar contexts to reduce health inequities and adhere to obligations outlined in UNDRIP.
Systemic risk of cruise ship incidents from an Arctic and insurance perspective
Authors: Johannsdottir Lara , Cook David , Arruda Gisele M.
Published: July 2021

Easier accessibility and demand for so-called last chance tourism has contributed to rapid growth in Arctic cruise ship tourism. Arctic cruising brings many benefits to remote coastal communities but also presents an array of risks. In the light of this context, this article explores the concept of systemic risk of cruise ship incidents in general, findings which are then placed in an Arctic context and consideration given of the role the insurance sector may play in addressing cruise ship incidents. The study is based on metadata, both from academic and nonacademic sources. Findings are drawn from 11 global case studies of cruise ship incidents, 5 of which are polar examples. In the worst-case scenario, an array of serious economic, business, environmental, sociocultural, and security impacts may unfold in the Arctic, presenting risks that may be considerably worse than in other parts of the world. Arctic-specific challenges include extreme weather conditions and the presence of sea-ice, navigation and communication conditions, and lack of infrastructure (port facilities, Search and Rescue capabilities). Significant knowledge gaps across the Arctic have been identified, for example, in terms of seabed mapping, how to deal with industry-related activities, and the risks and nature of environmental change. When cruise ship risks in the Arctic are considered, both passenger and shipowner risk need to be accounted for, including Search and Rescue cover. Although data are limited, there is evidence that the sociocultural risks of an Arctic cruise ship incident are insufficiently addressed, either via insurance mechanisms or cross-border, navigational safety guidelines such as the Polar Code. The academic contribution of the study is the systemic scale of the analysis, and the practical and political implications are to lay the foundation for solution discussion that is of relevance in an Arctic and insurance context.
Wind energy projects and reindeer herders’ rights in Finnish Lapland
Authors: Nysten-Haarala Soili , Joona Tanja , Hovila Ilari
Published: July 2021

Reindeer herding is both a traditional livelihood and a business still practiced in the northern parts of Eurasia. In the Nordic countries, reindeer herding has contributed to keeping remote northern areas inhabited while maintaining Indigenous cultures. Reindeer herders have also been able to adapt to new circumstances, and many of them have invested in value-adding production or secondary occupations, such as tourism. The main challenge for reindeer herding is the loss of pastures to other industries and infrastructure projects. The growing investment in wind farms—which not only compete for the same land with reindeer herding but may also disturb the herding practices—has emerged as a recent competitor to reindeer herding in the context of land use. In this article, we study the rights and opportunities of reindeer herders to participate in decision making on land use for infrastructure projects in general and wind farm projects in particular. Our focus is on the situation in Finland, but we also use examples of reported land use conflicts between reindeer herders and wind farms from other Nordic countries. The aim of this article is, on the one hand, to find out how the rights of reindeer herders in planning and making decisions on wind farms are regulated and, on the other hand, how these rights function in practice. In addition to national legislation on participation in land use, there exists a growing number of international conventions to protect the environment and the rights of Indigenous people. Wind farms are particularly interesting in that renewable energy is now internationally preferred and subsidized as “green energy” in the fight against climate change. The challenge remains how to protect traditional livelihoods and human rights while targeting to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
Stan współdziałania dydaktycznego nauczycieli i studentów w procesie kształcenia oraz jego uwarunkowania
Authors:   Uniwersytet w Białymstoku, Krajewska Anna
Published: July 2021

The aim of the research is to discuss the importance of condition of didactic cooperation in the evaluation of teachers and students in the educational process. In my research, I used three scales designed to study the level of cooperation between teachers and students in each phase of the educational process. In the evaluation of teachers and students, the level of didactic cooperation in subsequent stages of the educational process is often average or low. Analysis has shown that student evaluation is determined by the mode of study and the university environment, while teacher evaluation – by professional title and experience in the profession.
Kierunki rozwoju Sił Zbrojnych i ich implikacje szkoleniowe
Authors:   Akademia Sztuki Wojennej w Warszawie, Leśniewski Zbigniew
Published: July 2021

The author of the article wants to show the impact of the document Polish Armed Forces development directions, issued by the Chief of the Polish Army General Staff, General Rajmund Tomasz Andrzejczak, on the Polish Armed Forces training, using documents content analysis as well as the biographical and autobiographical method. Therefore, the author starts by listing the constitutional tasks of the Polish. Further, the author characterizes this training management and functions in this area. Then, due to article topic, author focuses on this training long-term planning, and here he assigns an outstanding role to The Polish Armed Forces development program for 2017-2026 and its derivatives. The Polish Armed Forces development directions are such a derivative and are analyzed in detail here. The strategic concept of the Polish Armed Forces for 2019-2021 and its derivatives are part of this document. These arrangements have an impact on elements of the Polish Armed Forces training system, in particular on the content, objectives, supply, and organization of the training process.
Wyrównywanie szans edukacyjnych studentów z niepełnosprawnościami – 10 lat doświadczeń w Uniwersytecie Papieskim JanaPawła II w Krakowie
Authors:   Uniwersytet Papieski Jana Pawła II w Krakowie, Kutek-Sładek Katarzyna
Published: July 2021

The right to education is one of the fundamental human rights which enables personal development, independence, and full participation in all spheres of life. Article 70 of the Polish Constitution grants everyone the right to education and obliges public authorities to ensure universal and equal access to education for all citizens. By ratifying the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, Poland recognized the right of this group of people to education and committed itself to ensuring an inclusive education system enabling integration at all levels of education. Poland has also ensured that these people will have access to universal higher education without discrimination, based on the principle of equality. Since 2008 the Office of Persons with Disabilities has been functioning in the Pontifical University of John Paul II in Krakow, which supports disabled students and PhD students of our University. The development of the Office over the period of more than ten years, applied procedures, and support systems are described in the article. Additionally, selected programmes and projects of the Institution and external organizations will be presented alongside the Office of Persons with Disabilities as the leading and supportive institution.
A comparative study on the effects of linseed oil and shellac treatment on the hygroscopicity, dimensional stability, and color changes of Chinese ash wood
Authors: Liu Mihaela , Tu Xinwei , Liu Xinyou , Wu Zhihui , Lv Jiufang , Vorodi Anca Maria
Published: July 2021

Linseed oil and shellac are natural, environmentally friendly materials with good water repellency. They were used to impregnate Chinese ash wood at room temperature (20 °C) using a vacuum-pressure procedure (consisting of three cycles of 0.01 MPa for 1.5 h and atmospheric pressure for 1.5 h) to improve the dimensional stability of wood. The effects of the impregnation treatment on wood color changes, dimensional stability, moisture absorption, and morphological characteristics were evaluated. The linseed oil and shellac treatment improved the dimensional stability of wood. Linseed oil and shellac displayed good permeability in Chinese ash wood, with weight gains of 21.7% and 19.0%, respectively, after impregnation. The swelling coefficients of treated wood in the tangential and radial directions decreased by 15 to 22%, indicating that impregnation improved the dimensional stability of wood. Linseed oil and shellac solidified and occluded the pits within the wood interior to prevent moisture absorption. This method can be used to improve the dimensional stability of a variety of wood products, such as buildings, furniture, and landscape architecture.
Preparation and characterization of self-reinforced paper using NaOH/thiourea aqueous solution at room temperature
Authors: Hu Fuqiang , Hu Yucheng , Zhang Lingling , Gan Meixue , Liu Shangjun , Xie Yimin , Feng Qinghua
Published: July 2021

The aim of this paper was to enhance paper strength in NaOH/thiourea aqueous solution at room temperature. Paper from cotton pulp was saturated with room temperature NaOH/thiourea aqueous solution and placed at a fixed temperature (8, 15, and 20 °C) for a period of time (1 h, 2 h, 4 h, and 6 h). The morphology, X-ray diffraction (XRD), mechanical properties, and density of paper were characterized. The results indicated the paper was self-reinforced. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) photographs indicated that the structure of the treated papers was increasingly compact with decreasing temperature. The XRD results showed that the crystallinity degree of the paper decreased from 80.0% to 60.0%. The stress at break of the treated papers increased by more than fivefold. The wet tensile strength of the treated papers increased remarkably.
The Analysis of Opportunities of the Application of Big Data and Artificial Intelligence Technologies in Public Governance and Social Policy
Authors: Rakšnys Adomas Vincas , Gudelis Dangis , Guogis Arvydas
Published: July 2021

This interdisciplinary article presents a concept of the 21st century and phenomena that are products of the 4th industrial revolution – big data and Artificial Intelligence technologies – as well as the opportunities of their application in public governance and social policy. This paper examines the advantages and disadvantages of big data, problems of data collection, its reliability and use. Big data can be used for the analysis and modeling of phenomena relevant to public governance and social policy. Big data consist of three main types: a) historical data, b) present data with little delay, c) prognostic data for future forecasting. The following categories of big data can be defined as: a) data from social networks, b) traditional data from business systems, c) machine-generated data, such as water extraction, pollution, satellite information. The article analyzes the advantages and disadvantages of big data. There are big data challenges such as data security, lack of cooperation in civil service and social work, in rare situations – data fragmentation, incompleteness and erroneous issues, as well as ethical issues regarding the analysis of data and its use in social policy and social administration. Big data, covered by Artificial Intelligence, can be used in public governance and social policy by identifying “the hot spots” of various phenomena, by prognosing the meanings of variables in the future on the basis of past time rows, and by calculating the optimal motion of actions in the situations where there are possible various alternatives. The technologies of Artificial Intelligence are used more profoundly in many spheres of public policy, and in the governance of COVID-19 pandemics too. The substantial advantages of the provided big data and Artificial Intelligence are a holistic improvement of public services, possibilities of personalization, the enhancement of citizen satisfaction, the diminishing of the costs of processing expenditure, the targeting of adopted and implemented decisions, more active involvement of citizens, the feedback of the preferences of policy formation and implementation, the observation of social phenomenas in real time, and possibilities for more detailed prognosing. Challenges to security of data, necessary resources and competences, the lack of cooperation in public service, especially rare instances of data fragmentation, roughness, falseness, and ethical questions regarding data analysis and application can be evaluated as the most significant problems of using big data and Artificial Intelligence technologies. Big data and their analytics conducted using Artificial Intelligence technologies can contribute to the adequacy and objectivity of decisions in public governance and social policy, effectively curbing corruption and nepotism by raising the authority and confidence of public sector organizations in governance, which is so lacking in the modern world.
Updating traditional ethnic symbols in the design of a modern Finno‑Ugric costume
Authors: Sazykina Irina A. , Sirotina Irina L.
Published: July 2021

Introduction. In modern design, there is a relevant topic of creating original stage costumes using ancient sacred Finno-Ugric symbols.
Materials and Methods. The choice of goals and objectives, which is based on the principle of consistency, determined the methodology of the work that is based on the synthesis of cultural and art history analysis.
Results and Discussion. In line with the interdisciplinary research, the article considers the use of artistic techniques that allow us to preserve the code of recognition of the passing epochs in the current design: in the forms of symbols and signs of the Finno-Ugric peoples, color solutions, textures of fabrics and materials, decor, and the location of sacralization. It gives the author’s classification of modern collections of ethno-costume: conditionally authentic; folklore; pop; competitive. It considers the female complex of the northern Komi-Permians as a source for the creation of conditionally authentic costumes for the folk ensemble “Samorodky” (“Nuggets”). All theoretical findings are illustrated by their practical use in the creation of author’s collections. The main emphasis is made on the Udmurt costumes.
Conclusion. The design of a modern Udmurt costume will be most effective and will reach a high-quality level. For this purpose, it is important to reveal sacred, semiotic and aesthetic content of the traditional costume and be scientifically understood and adequately adapted to today’s style and functional requirements both in design and in the semantic characteristics of decorative elements and accessories.
Entrenamiento de voluntarios en Primera Ayuda Psicológica y estrategias de afrontamiento
Authors: Becerra Luciana , Bail Pupko Vera , Depaula Pablo , Azzollini Susana
Published: July 2021

Objetivo. Analizar la eficacia del personal voluntario y profesional que asiste en emergencias (Bomberos Voluntarios, Defensa Civil, Cruz Roja) en un programa de entrenamiento en la Primera Ayuda Psicológica y su relación con indicadores de empatía y estrategias de afrontamiento. Método. Se realizó un estudio cuantitativo, comparativo correlacional, con una muestra de 198 voluntarios que pertenecen a instituciones que intervienen en emergencias. Se utilizó un programa de simulación sobre respuestas a víctimas de catástrofes (Sistema Interactivo de Primera Ayuda Psicológica y el Inventario de Valoración y Afrontamiento). Resultados. Los voluntarios que expresan que manejan mejor una situación estresante lograban un rendimiento más eficaz en el programa de simulación. La valoración del contexto como amenazante o indiferente, perjudicaba la ejecución del protocolo de PAP propuesto en la ejercitación mediante software.
Cuba entre ciclones: fronteras mercantiles y desafíos ambientales
Authors: Stubbs Jean
Published: July 2021

En 2017, el Huracán Irma tocó tierra en Caibarién, norte-centro de Cuba. Volvió a la mira internacional un olvidado - y devastado - pueblo costero que otrora había prosperado como puerto para exportar azúcar y esponjas, para luego quedarse a la sombra del nuevo turismo internacional en los cayos cercanos. Colaboración entre el proyecto ‘Commodities of Empire’ de la Academia Británica, la Fundación Antonio Núnez Jiménez para la Naturaleza y el Hombre y el Instituto Cubano del Cine conllevó a filmar un documental cuyo punto de partida fue Caibarién. La meta fue combinar un enfoque ambiental con ‘exportaciones en frontera’ para visualizar coyunturas históricas y desafíos actuales en el contexto de desigualdades del mercado internacional y creciente cambio climático. Investigación de archivo se entretejó con testimonios expertos y opiniones locales, cortes de noticieros, documentales y cine ficción, para producir Cuba: Vivir entre ciclones. Este artículo traza el proyecto de filmar del documental; enfoca las paradojas de vivir primero con el turismo, la última ‘exportación de frontera’ de Cuba, y luego sin, debido a la ‘perfecta tormenta’ de la pandemia de Covid-19, comparada con un ciclón categoría 5; y concluye reflexionando sobre el documental como herramienta de concientización durante la pandemia.
La tutoría del Programa Todos a Aprender en la formación continua de docentes: estudio de caso
Authors: Reyes Ramírez Sandra Milena
Published: July 2021

La formación del profesorado es un factor determinante para transformar el proceso de enseñanza-aprendizaje y, por tanto, cualificar el desarrollo profesional. Esta investigación tiene como objetivo determinar el impacto de la tutoría del Programa Todos a Aprender (PTA) en la formación continua de docentes para favorecer la documentación, y las reflexiones que se derivan de la resignificación de la práctica pedagógica. Este estudio tiene su base en la metodología cualitativa (Creswell, 2013) y el método de estudio de casos (Eisenhardt, 1989; Yin, 1989), el cual se considera apropiado para medir y registrar las conductas de los participantes en el fenómeno objeto de esta investigación. De esta forma, el estudio de caso no extrapola los resultados a otros contextos, sino que reconoce los hallazgos en los casos particulares que intervienen en él. (Latorre, Arnal y Rincón; 1992). El profesorado participante expresa que la tutoría en los procesos de formación, planificación y realización de la clase, así como la retroalimentación de la práctica pedagógica, establecen un principio de corresponsabilidad porque involucra el conocimiento, la comprensión de los aspectos metodológicos, pedagógicos y didácticos, en concordancia con la incorporación de los referentes curriculares. Se concluye que la tutoría que propone el Programa Todos a Aprender, promueve diálogos continuos en torno a la práctica pedagógica de los docentes para acercarse a la cualificación y, sobre todo, para lograr aprendizajes significativos en los estudiantes.
Sentidos y significados de la formación ciudadana en tres escuelas colombianas
Authors: Lara Salcedo Luz Marina
Published: July 2021

El artículo se deriva de una investigación cuyo objetivo fue comprender la configuración de prácticas educativas en formación ciudadana. El enfoque del estudio fue descriptivo-comprensivo, ya que se pretendía describir los rasgos de tres experiencias significativas para comprender sus sentidos y significados. La perspectiva teórica de análisis fue el socioconstruccionismo. El diseño metodológico fue estudio de caso y, como técnicas de recolección de datos, se aplicaron entrevistas a profundidad al personal docente líder de las experiencias; semiestructuradas al personal rector, coordinador, al profesorado y a las madres y los padres del estudiantado, y grupos focales al estudiantado. Los datos se procesaron mediante el Análisis de Contenido. Los hallazgos permitieron comprender que las experiencias movilizan un trabajo interdisciplinario, que la formación política del estudiantado es la principal preocupación del personal docente, y confirmaron procesos formativos que transitan de una educación cívica con enfoque en la civilidad hacia una formación ciudadana que promueve la participación y la toma de decisiones. Sin embargo, es necesario fortalecer las redes del profesorado para intercambiar experiencias y conocimientos que enriquezcan la discusión y el debate en la formación ciudadana, para formar semilleros de investigación orientados a la formación ciudadana del estudiantado.
Evaluación de competencias en educación superior: conceptos, principios y agentes
Authors: Bonnefoy Valdés Nicolas
Published: July 2021

Las instituciones de educación superior actualmente están adoptando, a nivel mundial, una nueva forma de orientar la enseñanza de los contenidos a las competencias. Por su carácter de situado y complejo, la competencia requiere de otros modos de evaluación. El propósito de este artículo es presentar un análisis de cómo la evaluación de las competencias en el aula se formula, diseña e implementa mediante la revisión de literatura especializada como metodología selecta. El enfoque de este artículo fue de la evaluación de competencias a nivel aula, desde la perspectiva del personal docente. Los resultados del artículo permitieron distinguir y analizar los conceptos asociados a la evaluación de competencias, los principios por los que una competencia debe ser evaluada; los estándares, evidencias y otras consideraciones, y los ejemplos de pasos para realizarla. Es relevante profundizar en los y las agentes involucradas: estudiantes, docentes e instituciones. Se concluye que la evaluación de competencias tiene un cuerpo teórico extenso, y que para su adopción es vital el diálogo entre agentes.