bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Dual-Domain Prior-Driven Deep Network for Infrared Small-Target Detection
Authors: Hao Yutong , Liu Yunpeng , Zhao Jinmiao , Yu Chuang
Published: August 2023

In recent years, data-driven deep networks have demonstrated remarkable detection performance for infrared small targets. However, continuously increasing the depth of neural networks to enhance performance has proven impractical. Consequently, the integration of prior physical knowledge related to infrared small targets within deep neural networks has become crucial. It aims to improve the models’ awareness of inherent physical characteristics. In this paper, we propose a novel dual-domain prior-driven deep network (DPDNet) for infrared small-target detection. Our method integrates the advantages of both data-driven and model-driven methods by leveraging the prior physical characteristics as the driving force. Initially, we utilize the sparse characteristics of infrared small targets to boost their saliency at the input level of the network. Subsequently, a high-frequency feature extraction module, seamlessly integrated into the network’s backbone, is employed to excavate feature information. DPDNet simultaneously emphasizes the prior sparse characteristics of infrared small targets in the spatial domain and their prior high-frequency characteristics in the frequency domain. Compared with previous CNN-based methods, our method achieves superior performance while utilizing fewer convolutional layers. It has a performance of 78.64% IoU, 95.56 Pd, and 2.15 × 10−6 Fa on the SIRST dataset.
Reconstruction of Human-Induced Forest Loss in China during 1900–2000
Authors: Zhang Yanwen , Ding Jiaqi , Wang Yueyao , Zhang Yajuan , Liu Yinglu , Zhang Lijin , Ariken Muhadaisi , Wulan Tuya , Huang Wenli , Li Yan , Li Shuangcheng
Published: August 2023

Forests not only are an essential resource for human society but also have a significant impact on the climate. With the development of remote sensing technology, some progress has been made in forest change monitoring. However, relatively little research has been conducted on historical forest dynamics. Estimating forest loss and its drivers during historical time periods remains a scientific pursuit. In this study, we reconstructed forest loss and its dominant drivers across China based on long time-series socioeconomic and environmental data using LightGBM classification and regression models. The models showed good performance in both 10-fold cross-validation and comparison with other datasets. The results indicate that from 1900 to 2000, forest loss mainly occurred in southern China, with a total loss area of 34.4 × 104 km2. Additionally, there was significant spatial heterogeneity, showing a decreasing trend from east to west and from south to north. The forest loss in China can be divided into two stages: (1) the stable stage from 1900 to 1949; and (2) the fluctuating stage from 1950 to 1999. In the first stage, most of the forest loss was attributed to forestry (>80%), followed by commodity-driven deforestation. In the early stage of the development of the People’s Republic of China, forest loss showed an increasing trend. In the 1960s, the forest loss area decreased by 12.9% due to the stagnation of the economy. With the adoption of the reform and opening-up policy, the total forest loss area in China reached its peak value (6.4 × 104 km2) during 1980–1989. The models also accurately captured the impact of urbanization and government policy in this period. This study not only provides an in-depth understanding of historical forest change in China, but also offers data and methodological references for the further study of human–nature interactions over the long term.
Decent, Inclusive, and Green? Mission Impossible?
Authors: Kirov Vassil
Published: August 2023

This article discusses the interconnection between the green transition and the digital transformation, known as the twin transition. The article analyses the specific role of digitalisation and its impact on a regional entrepreneurial ICT ecosystem in Sofia, Bulgaria, where the digital transformation has led to decent work in the ICT sector but is completely disconnected from the green transition. The article argues that these processes need a policy lever to develop in parallel with one another and connect, as they are rather disconnected.
Semi-Supervised Building Detection from High-Resolution Remote Sensing Imagery
Authors: Zheng Daoyuan , Kang Jianing , Wu Kaishun , Feng Yuting , Guo Han , Zheng Xiaoyun , Li Shengwen , Fang Fang
Published: August 2023

Urban building information reflects the status and trends of a region’s development and is essential for urban sustainability. Detection of buildings from high-resolution (HR) remote sensing images (RSIs) provides a practical approach for quickly acquiring building information. Mainstream building detection methods are based on fully supervised deep learning networks, which require a large number of labeled RSIs. In practice, manually labeling building instances in RSIs is labor-intensive and time-consuming. This study introduces semi-supervised deep learning techniques for building detection and proposes a semi-supervised building detection framework to alleviate this problem. Specifically, the framework is based on teacher–student mutual learning and consists of two key modules: the color and Gaussian augmentation (CGA) module and the consistency learning (CL) module. The CGA module is designed to enrich the diversity of building features and the quantity of labeled images for better training of an object detector. The CL module derives a novel consistency loss by imposing consistency of predictions from augmented unlabeled images to enhance the detection ability on the unlabeled RSIs. The experimental results on three challenging datasets show that the proposed framework outperforms state-of-the-art building detection methods and semi-supervised object detection methods. This study develops a new approach for optimizing the building detection task and a methodological reference for the various object detection tasks on RSIs.
Study on Surface Deformation and Movement Caused by Deep Continuous Mining of Steeply Inclined Ore Bodies
Authors: Guo Yanhui , Luo Luo , Ma Rui , Li Shunyin , Zhang Wei , Wang Chuangye
Published: August 2023

In order to study the surface movement and deformation law of deep continuous mining of steeply inclined orebodies in high-stress areas, the surface movement and deformation law of deep continuous mining by caving method in the Shizishan mining area was studied based on the field fissures investigation, GPS monitoring, and large-scale geotechnical engineering numerical simulation software FLAC3D 5.0. The results show that with deep continuous mining of the orebody, surface fissures, and monitoring displacement are rapidly increasing. After the stoping of different sublevel orebodies, there will be an obvious settlement center on the surface, and the horizontal surface displacement also shows a trend of gradual increase. The results indicate that surface subsidence at the mine site is in an active development phase. The research results are of great significance to the prevention and control of surface rock movement disasters in mining areas.
Optimizing Thermal Management System in Electric Vehicle Battery Packs for Sustainable Transportation
Authors: Chan Choon Kit , Chung Chi Hong , Raman Jeyagopi
Published: August 2023

The transportation sector is a significant contributor to greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions due to large energy consumption, which is why there is a need to promote the use of electric vehicles (EVs) to mitigate overall GHG emissions. To ensure market confidence towards EVs, battery packs’ energy storage capacity and thermal management system (TMS) must be optimized. Designing a battery pack that can withstand changes in temperature is essential to the TMS. In this study, we proposed two battery pack designs with cell arrangement angles of θ=π/3 and θ=π, respectively, to investigate TMS. The CAD models were drawn, and simulations were performed using ANSYS Fluent with a mesh size of 0.005m. The computational fluid dynamics (CFD) analysis was conducted to obtain the maximum and average temperature and fluid flow velocity. Our results show that the 3 parallel and 8 series (3p8s) battery pack design with a cell arrangement angle of θ=π/3 is the most feasible and can consistently perform in thermal management. This design also has 15% less volume than the cell arrangement of θ=π, allowing for more battery packs to be incorporated in the EV for a longer range of travel. Furthermore, this design can maintain the battery pack at its optimal operating temperature of 25 °C, reducing the incidence of battery runaway and ultimately lowering the EVs maintenance costs. The proposed design approach can serve as a basis for designing battery packs with optimized thermal management systems for EVs, contributing to the global effort to reduce GHG emissions.
Simulation of Secondary Frequency Modulation Process of Wind Power with Auxiliary of Flywheel Energy Storage
Authors: Qin Run , Chen Juntao , Li Zhong , Teng Wei , Liu Yibing
Published: August 2023

With the rapid increase in the proportion of wind power, the frequency stability problem of power system is becoming increasingly serious. Based on MATLAB/Simulink simulation, the role and effect of secondary frequency modulation assisted by Flywheel Energy Storage System (FESS) in regional power grid with certain wind power penetration rates are studied. First, the linear frequency control of the power system is used to establish the primary frequency modulation control model of FESS assisting wind power, and the frequency characteristics of FESS participating in primary frequency modulation are analyzed according to the transfer function. Then, in the case of step disturbance and continuous disturbance of load power, the frequency characteristics of a regional power grid are simulated and demonstrated through time domain simulation, and conclusions are drawn through comparison; a certain proportion of FESS can quickly respond to the frequency deviation signal. During secondary frequency modulation simulation, the maximum frequency deviation of the system is reduced by 57.1% and the frequency fluctuation range is reduced by 53.8%, effectively improving the frequency quality of the power grid.
Driving Sustainable Development: The Power of Vehicle-Based Services in Rural Sub-Saharan Africa
Authors: Pizzinini Clemens , D’Amico Emanuel , Götz Korbinian , Lienkamp Markus
Published: August 2023

Vehicle-based services such as mobile health clinics can increase spatial accessibility in rural areas. In contrast to stationary infrastructure, vehicle-based services are flexible and can be less capital-intensive to initiate service supply. In particular, rural communities across sub-Saharan Africa experience insufficient access to essential public services necessary for sustainable human development. We consider vehicles as mobile service platforms capable of temporarily transporting service staff, goods, and functions necessary for service delivery spatially closer to rural demand locations. Despite these advantages, public authorities must perform a cost–benefit analysis before allocating resources to a vehicle-based service fleet. This paper analyzes which vehicle-based services beneficially influence the Sustainable Development Goals and quantify their potential for the sub-Saharah African region. Based on a criteria-based selection method, we parse 169 target formulations and extract a set of directly influential Sustainable Development Goals. The remaining goals are the starting point for a literature review to identify existing vehicle-based service concepts addressing the targets. Our evaluation reveals that vehicle-based services can enhance about 128 (76%) of all targets and 16 of the 17 Sustainable Development Goals. Half of these targets require the delivery of consumable goods, whereas 59 (35%) of the Sustainable Development Goal targets relate to the transportation of people, and 24 (14%) require access to a broader spectrum of functionality mounted on top of the vehicle, such as water pumps or refrigerators. In combination with publicly available data, we can identify the SDG for each African country with the greatest potential for a vehicle-based service intervention. Our approach enriches public project appraisals for systematical decision support between stationary and mobile infrastructure.
A State-of-the-Art Review on Optimization Methods and Techniques for Economic Load Dispatch with Photovoltaic Systems: Progress, Challenges, and Recommendations
Authors: Fahim Khairul Eahsun , Silva Liyanage C. De , Hussain Fayaz , Yassin Hayati
Published: August 2023

Fossil fuel is considered to be the primary power generation source. As this source is not that eco- and environmentally friendly, researchers are constantly searching for an alternative source for power generation. Renewable energy has drawn much attention in this regard in recent times. For solving economic load dispatch issues, numerous operational constraints must be considered. Due to the restructuring of the power sector, there is competition between different power systems organizations. Increasing fossil fuel costs drive power-producing utilities to adopt a cost-effective technique for dispatching actual power output. Due to the presence of nonlinearity and non-convexity in the fuel of cost function of generators, the economic load dispatch is often considered a complex optimization problem. Many researchers have been optimizing fuel costs to solve the economic power dispatch problem. This paper offers a critical analysis of ELD that takes into account both traditional and non-traditional energy sources. The review covers a variety of algorithms, including hybrid algorithms for integrating renewable energy sources (RES). The paper also focuses on several restricted optimization techniques and contemporary algorithms including PSO, Jaya, GWO, SMO, TLBO, Rao, MRao-2, and MFO to reduce the fuel cost of generation units using large-scale solar PV. Moreover, this paper provides a comprehensive overview of the current state of economic load dispatch and provides valuable insights for electricity researchers and practitioners. It also discusses future technologies and next steps in the field of ELD, emphasizing the need for more environmentally friendly and cost-effective power generation and distribution solutions. Overall, the paper demonstrates the benefits of renewable energy sources as well as optimization techniques for creating a more sustainable and efficient power generation system.
Research and Trends in Socio-Scientific Issues Education: A Content Analysis of Journal Publications from 2004 to 2022
Authors: Ban Shuo , Mahmud Siti Nur Diyana
Published: August 2023

More and more, educational researchers have advocated for the implementation of socio-scientific issues (SSI) education. To understand the current situation of, and future development trends in, social science issues-based education research, a content analysis method was used to review articles from SSI education research publications from 2004–2022. A total of 580 research publications were identified for content analysis through a keyword search in Web of Science. The basic characteristics of, and hot topics and future development trends in SSI education research were summarized based on the research analysis, including basic information (including the number of publications, journals, titles, and authors), and the coding of the research information (including the research participants, research methods, research topics, and research fields) in the articles. The results show that the number of publications has been increasing year by year, and the journal with the most publications is the International Journal of Science Education, while Science & Education has the fastest growing number of published articles. Researchers from the United States account for the largest number of authors of articles, and the focus has mainly been on research participants in K–12 education. The research methods are mainly qualitative or mixed research methods, and the research topics mainly focus on the teaching value and significance of social science issues, and the application and introduction of social science issues in subject teaching. The annual number of publications shows a significant increasing trend, while the teaching values and significance of SSI education, such as argumentation, reasoning, decision-making skills, and critical thinking, are hot topics. SSI teaching mainly focuses on environmental issues, and emphasizes the concept of sustainability. This study provides comprehensive discussions around both the basic information and research information, offering valuable insights into the current state of, and future trends in, SSI education research. It is particularly beneficial for individuals new to the SSI education field, and those with an interest in SSI.
Recent Advancements in KRH-Interpolative-Type Contractions
Authors: Abbas Ansar , Ali Amjad , Al Sulami Hamed , Hussain Aftab
Published: August 2023

The focus of this paper is to conduct a comprehensive analysis of the advancements made in the understanding of Interpolative contraction, building upon the ideas initially introduced by Karapinar in 2018. In this paper, we develop the notion of Interpolative contraction mappings to the case of non-linear Kannan Interpolative, Riech Rus Ćirić interpolative and Hardy–Roger Interpolative contraction mappings based on controlled function, and prove some fixed point results in the context of controlled metric space, thereby enhancing the current understanding of this particular analysis. Furthermore, we provide a concrete example that illustrates the underlying drive for the investigations presented in this context. An application of the proposed non-linear Interpolative-contractions to the Liouville–Caputo fractional derivatives and fractional differential equations is provided in this paper.
A Theoretical and Experimental Investigation on the Fracture Mechanism of Center-Symmetric Closed Crack in Compacted Clay under Compression–Shear Loading
Authors: Huang Shiyuan , Zhang Xiaofeng , Yu Wenbing , Li Xudong , Jin Songyang , Du Hongbo
Published: August 2023

In this study, a modified maximum tangential stress criterion by considering T-stress and uniaxial compression tests have been utilized to theoretically and experimentally reveal the fracture initiation mechanism of a center-symmetric closed crack in compacted clay. The results show that wing cracks occur in the linear elastic phase of the stress-strain curve. In the plastic phase of the stress-strain curve, the wing cracks extend gradually and the shear cracks occur. The crack initiation stress and peak stress of compacted clay first decrease with the rise in pre-crack inclination angle (β = 0°–40°), and then increase with the rise in pre-crack inclination angle (β = 50°–90°). When the pre-crack inclination angle is relatively small or large (β ≤ 10° or β ≥ 70°), the crack type is mainly tension cracks. Secondary shear cracks occur when the pre-crack inclination angle is 10°–80°. When the dimensionless crack length is larger than 0.35, the crack types include wing-type tension cracks and secondary shear cracks. The experimental results were compared with the theoretical values. It was found that the critical size rc of compacted clay under compression-shear loading was 0.75 mm, smaller than the value calculated by the empirical formula (12 mm). The MTS criterion considering T-stress can be used to predict the compression-shear fracture behavior of compacted clay.
Evaluating the Impact of Increased Dispensing of Opioid Agonist Therapy Take-Home Doses on Treatment Retention and Opioid-Related Harm among Opioid Agonist Therapy Recipients: A Simulation Study
Authors: Shojaati Narjes , Osgood Nathaniel D.
Published: August 2023

Modified opioid agonist therapy (OAT) guidelines that were initially introduced during the COVID-19 pandemic allow prescribers to increase the number of take-home doses to fulfill their need for physical distancing and prevent treatment discontinuation. It is crucial to evaluate the consequence of administering higher take-home doses of OAT on treatment retention and opioid-related harms among OAT recipients to decide whether the new recommendations should be retained post-pandemic. This study used an agent-based model to simulate individuals dispensed daily or weekly OAT (methadone or buprenorphine/naloxone) with a prescription over a six-month treatment period. Within the model simulation, a subset of OAT recipients was deemed eligible for receiving increased take-home doses of OAT at varying points during their treatment time course. Model results demonstrated that the earlier dispensing of increased take-home doses of OAT were effective in achieving a slightly higher treatment retention among OAT recipients. Extended take-home doses also increased opioid-related harms among buprenorphine/naloxone-treated individuals. The model results also illustrated that expanding naloxone availability within OAT patients’ networks could prevent these possible side effects. Therefore, policymakers may need to strike a balance between expanding access to OAT through longer-duration take-home doses and managing the potential risks associated with increased opioid-related harms.
Efficacy of Oral Remdesivir Compared to GS-441524 for Treatment of Cats with Naturally Occurring Effusive Feline Infectious Peritonitis: A Blinded, Non-Inferiority Study
Authors: Cosaro Emma , Pires Jully , Castillo Diego , Murphy Brian G. , Reagan Krystle L.
Published: August 2023

Nucleoside analogs GS-441524 and remdesivir (GS-5734) are effective in treating cats with feline infectious peritonitis (FIP). However, no studies have compared the efficacy between antiviral medications. The objective of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of orally administered GS-442514 (12.5–15 mg/kg) compared to orally administered remdesivir (25–30 mg/kg) in a double-blinded non-inferiority trial. Eighteen cats with effusive FIP were prospectively enrolled and randomly assigned to receive either GS-442514 or remdesivir. Cats were treated daily for 12 weeks and evaluated at week 0, 12, and 16. Survival and disease remission at week 16 were compared between groups. Five of 9 (55%) cats treated GS-441524 and 7/9 (77%) cats treated with remdesivir survived, with no difference in survival rate (p = 0.2). Remdesivir fulfilled the criteria for non-inferiority with a difference in survival of 22% (90% CI; −13.5–57.5%). Three of the 18 cats died within 48 h of enrollment. Excluding these cats, 5/6 (83%) of the cats treated with GS-441524 and 7/9 (77%) of the cats treated with remdesivir survived. These findings suggest that both orally administered GS-441524 and remdesivir are safe and effective anti-viral medications for the treatment of effusive FIP. Further optimization of the first 48 h of treatment is needed.
A Randomized, Double-Blind, Controlled Phase III Clinical Trial to Evaluate the Immunogenicity and Safety of a Lyophilized Human Rabies Vaccine (Vero Cells) in Healthy Participants Aged 10–60 Years Following Essen and Zagreb Vaccination Procedures
Authors: Wu Xiaohong , Li Jia , Zhou Lei , Chen Jianmin , Jin Zhongqiang , Meng Qingwei , Chai Jing , Gao Hongxia , Wang Yunpeng , Zhao Danhua , Wu Heng , Yu Jieran , Chen Nan , Wang Yanan , Lin Yuan , Huang Peifang , Li Yuhua , Zhang Yuhui
Published: August 2023

Objective: In this paper, we aim to show that the immunogenicity of the lyophilized human rabies vaccine (Vero cells) (investigational vaccine) developed by Dalian Aleph Biomedical Co., Ltd. in healthy participants aged 10–60 years old is non-inferior to the lyophilized PVRV (positive control) manufactured by Liaoning Chengda Biotechnology Co., Ltd. (Shenyang, China), and that its safety is clinically acceptable. Method: A total of 2776 participants were enrolled in this study and divided into four groups: a five-dose test group, a five-dose control group, a four-dose test group, and a four-dose control group. The patients in the four-dose groups (Zagreb) were vaccinated on Days 0 (two doses), 7 (one dose), and 21 (one dose), and those in the five-dose groups (Essen) were vaccinated on Days 0, 3, 7, 14, and 28 (one dose each). The rabies-virus-neutralizing antibody assay with the RFFIT was used to assess the immunogenicity, and the adverse events (AEs) and serious adverse events (SAEs) were identified and collated. Results: The positive seroconversion rate was up to 100% on Days 14 and 35/42 after vaccination following any procedures in pre-immunization antibody-negative participants, and the positive seroconversion rate and geometric mean concentration (GMC) of the test groups (Zagreb and Essen vaccination procedures) was not inferior to that of the control groups. On Day 7 after vaccination, the immunogenicity of the Zagreb procedure with two doses of the vaccine on Day 0 was superior to the Essen procedure with one dose of vaccine, that is, the former had a higher seroconversion rate and RVNA titer. The non-inferiority criterion of immunogenicity was met for the whole population, the population aged 10–18 years and ≥18 years, and the pre-immunization antibody-positive population. The incidences of all AEs, solicited AEs, and unsolicited AEs in both groups were not statistically significant, and no vaccination-related SAEs were observed. Conclusion: The investigated vaccine is safe, its immunogenicity is non-inferior to that of the control vaccine, and the efficacy of the Zagreb procedure is superior to that of the Essen procedure 7 days after the first dose.
Optimal Segmentation Approach for Reducing Water Outage Damage Considering Urbanization in Water Distribution Systems
Authors: Kim Min Jun , Choi Young Hwan
Published: August 2023

Damage due to abnormal conditions in water distribution systems is attributable to direct causes, such as facility deterioration, as well as indirect causes, including inadequate management, natural disasters, and negligence of a manager. Such damage can be prevented from being spread by closing a shut-off valve to isolate the incident area, although additional damage may occur in the area isolated by the control valve due to water outage, thus requiring a structural solution. Therefore, this study proposed an optimal segment division technique that minimizes the damage due to water outage occurring in the isolated area by installing a shut-off valve at an appropriate location through an optimal valve location determination model designed based on various urban development scenarios. The proposed technique was applied to a benchmark network and J-city network in Korea for performance verification. This technique can be used to select the number of installable valves and find the optimal valve locations according to the urban development scenario.
Study on a Hybrid Hydrological Forecasting Model SCE-GUH by Coupling SCE-UA Optimization Algorithm and General Unit Hydrograph
Authors: Xu Yingying , Liu Chengshuai , Yu Qiying , Zhao Chenchen , Quan Liyu , Hu Caihong
Published: August 2023

Implementing real-time prediction and warning systems is an effective approach for mitigating flash flood disasters. However, there is still a challenge in improving the accuracy and reliability of flood prediction models. This study develops a hydrological prediction model named SCE-GUH, which combines the Shuffled Complex Evolution-University of Arizona optimization algorithm with the general unit hydrograph routing method. Our aims were to investigate the applicability of the general unit hydrograph in runoff calculations and its performance in predicting flash flood events. Furthermore, we examined the influence of parameter variations in the general unit hydrograph on flood simulations and conducted a comparative analysis with the conventional Nash unit hydrograph. The research findings demonstrate that the utilization of the general unit hydrograph method can considerably decrease computational errors and enhance prediction accuracy. The flood peak detection rate was found to be 100% in all four study watersheds. The average Nash–Sutcliffe efficiency coefficients were 0.83, 0.83, 0.84, and 0.87, while the corresponding coefficients of determination were 0.86, 0.85, 0.86, and 0.94, and the absolute errors of peak present time were 0.19 h, 0.40 h, 0.91 h, and 0.82 h, respectively. Moreover, the utilization of the general unit hydrograph method was found to significantly reduce the peak-to-current time difference, thereby enhancing simulation accuracy. Parameter variations have a substantial influence on peak flow characteristics. The SCE-GUH model, which incorporates the topographic and geomorphological features of the watershed along with the optimization algorithm, is capable of effectively characterizing the catchment properties of the watershed and offers valuable insights for enhancing the early warning and prediction of hydrological forecasting.
Development of participatory budgeting in the Siberian federal district: experience and prospects
Authors: Fadeikina Natalia V. , Morozova Oksana V.
Published: August 2023

The publication analyzes the experience of implementing the practices of participatory budgeting in the regions of the Siberian Federal District in the framework of the directions of the project of the Ministry of Finance of the Russian Federation "Budget for citizens". the implementation of the practice of participatory budgeting from 2019 to 2022 in the Krasnoyarsk Territory, the Altai Territory, the Irkutsk Region, the Novosibirsk Region, the Altai Republic, the Tomsk Region, the Kemerovo Region, the Republic of Tyva, the Omsk Region is considered.
Econometric modeling of the operating rate as a tool for implementing the financial strategy of rolling stock operators
Authors: Egorov Yurii V.
Published: August 2023

This article identifies macroeconomic factors, the change of which affects the value of the wagon component of the freight railway tariff (on the example of gondola cars in the Russian Federation in 2018-2021). A quantitative assessment of this influence was made by applying multifactorial econometric models of economic processes with ranking of influencing factors according to the strength of influence in absolute and relative terms; an economic explanation of the mechanisms of this influence is proposed. Such modeling can be used as a tool for implementing the financial strategy of rolling stock operators in terms of developing a pricing strategy and strategic revenue management in the corporate finance system of these organizations.
Evolution of the pension system of the Russian Federation: 1990-2022
Authors: Fadeikina Natalia V. , Urusova Avgustina B.
Published: August 2023

The article analyzes the implementation of pension reforms, the main stages of the development of the domestic pension system of the Russian Federation in the period 1990-2022 with its achievements and shortcomings, assesses the possibilities of implementing the Strategy of long-term development of the pension system of the Russian Federation until 2030, including in terms of ensuring balance and long-term financial stability of the pension system, the balance of pension rights formed with sources their financial support, the achievement of the replacement rate with an old-age labor pension of up to 40 percent or more of lost earnings with a standard insurance record and average salary, etc.
Clarifying the Stages of Group Supervision through Action Research
Authors: ÜLKER TÜMLÜ Gamze , CEYHAN Esra
Published: July 2023

This study aimed to clarify the stages of group supervision carried out in the field of clinical supervision. We used the action research design in the study. Accordingly, we followed a cycle of defining the focus area, collecting data, analyzing and interpreting the data, and developing an action plan. The participants consisted of four graduate supervisees studying in a state university's Counseling and Guidance Program in Turkey. We obtained the data from observations, interviews, validation committee meetings reports, and the researcher's and participants' journals. The study results revealed that the 14-session group supervision, in which the Discrimination Model was followed in the Participative Group Supervision format, consisted of four stages: beginning, transition, working, and termination. The results revealed that there were dynamics based on the problem of belonging to and trusting in the group, incompetence, uncertainty, and anxiety in the first stage, which was the beginning stage. The study showed that the second stage of the group supervision process was the transition stage and that the group dynamics that defined this stage were the dynamics based on dissatisfaction, conflict, grouping, competition, and resistance. The results, which revealed that the third stage of the group supervision process involved the working stage, showed that the dynamics at this stage were based on having a sense of belonging to and trust in the group, focusing on development, and tending to receive and provide peer support. The results revealed that the final stage of the group supervision process was the termination stage and that the group dynamics that defined this stage were based on having dual feelings such as relaxation and sadness, self-evaluation, individualization, and dependence on the supervisor. The study results revealed that the supervisor exhibiting the roles of teacher, counselor, and consultant and ensuring peer participation could be functional in coping with the dynamics that emerged in the process. Furthermore, the study results showed that the stages of the group supervision process could be clarified based on the action research method.
The Investigation of the Attitudes of Preservice Pre-School Teachers Towards Distance Education
Authors: KARAKUŞ Hilal , ALTIPARMAK Nida , UYSAL Hatice
Published: July 2023

This descriptive survey study was conducted to determine the attitudes of pre-service pre-school teachers towards distance education. 181 pre-service teachers studying at Sinop University and Nigde Omer Halisdemir University Preschool Education Program in the 2020-2021 academic year participated in the study. The Personal Information Form and the Attitudes Towards Distance Education Scale were used as the data collection tools. The pre-service teachers to be included in the study were selected using the convenience sampling method. Descriptive statistics was used to analyze the data on personal characteristics and pre-service pre-school teachers’ attitudes towards distance education. The t-test was used to determine whether the attitudes of the pre-service teachers towards distance education differ according to the university they study at, technological tool with which students follow the online lessons, and convenience of the environment in which students follow the online lessons; Mann Whitney U test to determine whether it differs according to gender and having internet connection at home; the ANOVA was used to determine whether it differs according to grade level. The results revealed that the attitudes of the pre-service pre-school teachers towards distance education were at a moderate level. As a result of the research, it was found that the technological tool with which students follow the online lessons, and the convenience of the environment in which students follow the online lessons showed a significant difference in the total attitude scores of the pre-service teachers towards distance education; ıt was found that the university they study at, gender, grade level and having an internet connection at home did not show a significant difference.
Investigation of the Challenges of Public Education Centre Instructors
Authors: EROL Evrim , ALTUNAY Esen
Published: July 2023

Alternative education opportunities are needed outside of formal education institutions to train individuals, develop skills, and sustain lifelong learning. Adult Education Centres, which have a priority and predominant position among institutions that support lifelong learning in Türkiye, are among the leading institutions that help individuals’ personal, professional, and social development. For this reason, identifying and solving the challenges of Adult Education Centres instructors positively contributes to the quality and traceability of adult education. In this context, the study aims to determine the opinions of adult instructors in Adult Education Centres about their challenges and to develop suggestions based on the findings. For this purpose, to obtain in-depth information about the challenges of adult instructors in Adult Education Centres, the phenomenology design, one of the qualitative research methods, was preferred in the study, and the study group was formed from thirty-six participants determined by maximum diversity sampling, one of the purpose sampling techniques. The research data were collected with a semi-structured interview form. According to the findings, the challenges of the instructors were in the themes of institutional challenges, professional challenges, and trainee challenges; trainers’ approaches to coping with problems were in the themes of the support-seeking approach, the planned approach, and the reactive approach; Adult Education Centres directors’ approaches to the challenges of trainers have gathered the themes of the supportive and insensitive approach. When the results of the study are evaluated collectively, the Adult Education Centres should create institutional solution strategies for the problems of the instructors; It is recommended that the trainers be employed permanently, that the unfavourable conditions they work in are corrected and that the psychological and social, technological, and physical support they need is provided.
The Relationship Between Primary School Students’ Reader Self-Perception and Reading Comprehension Skills
Authors: AKTAŞ Nurhan , ERGÜL Ebru
Published: July 2023

Reader self-perception, that is one of the basic elements of the reading motivation, is a notion how many to find adequate oneself as a reader. To know the students' reading self-perception levels at primary school is essential to develop reading comprehension skill. This study aimed to ascertain the relationship between primary school students’ reader self-perception and their reading comprehension skills. The study was conducted in line with the correlational survey model. The sample group consisted of a total of 382 students, 194 girls and 188 boys, studying in the 2nd, 3rd, and 4th grades of a public school. As a data collection tool in the research; The "Reading Comprehension Test", which was prepared separately according to the grade levels, was used to measure the reading comprehension skills of the students, and the "Reader Self-Perception Scale" was used to determine the students' perceptions of reading. T-test, one-way ANOVA and Pearson correlation coefficient were used in the analysis of the data.The results showed that female students’ reader self-perception levels were higher than those of male students, and that the fourth-grade students had the highest reader self-perception level, when the grade levels were compared. In addition, a weak, positive, and significant correlation was found between primary school students’ reader self-perception levels and their reading comprehension skills. Based on the results of the study, some suggestions are presented.
Yedinci Sınıf Öğrencilerinin Okuma Stratejilerine İlişkin Bilişsel Farkındalıklarının Problem Çözmeye Yönelik Yansıtıcı Düşünme Becerilerini Yordama Düzeyi
Authors: ARTUĞ Güven , ALKIN-ŞAHİN Senar
Published: July 2023

Bu araştırmada 7. Sınıf öğrencilerinin okuma stratejilerine ilişkin bilişsel farkındalıkları ile matematikte problem çözmeye yönelik yansıtıcı düşünme becerileri arasındaki yordamsal ilişkileri belirlemek amaçlanmıştır. Araştırmaya 310 yedinci sınıf öğrencisi katılmıştır. Araştırmada veriler Kızılkaya ve Aşkar (2009) tarafından geliştirilen “Problem Çözmeye Yönelik Yansıtıcı Düşünme Becerisi” ölçeği ve Karatay (2009) tarafından geliştirilen “Okuma Stratejileri Bilişsel Farkındalık Ölçeği” kullanılarak toplanmıştır. Araştırma verileri 2021-2022 yılı ikinci yarıyıl döneminde Ankara ili Sincan ilçesindeki ortaokullardan elde edilmiştir. 7. Sınıf öğrencilerinin okumaya ilişkin bilişsel farkındalıklarının matematikte problem çözmeye yönelik yansıtıcı düşünme becerilerini ne düzeyde yordadığını belirlemeyi amaçlayan araştırma sorusu kapsamında yordamsal araştırma modeli kullanılmıştır. İki değişken arasındaki ilişkileri belirlemek için Pearson Korelasyon Analizi; okuma stratejileri bilişsel farkındalık ölçeğinin toplam puanının ve alt boyutlarının puanlarının problem çözmeye yönelik yansıtıcı düşünme becerileri toplam puanını ne ölçüde yordadığını belirlemek için çoklu regresyon analizi kullanılmıştır. Araştırma sonucunda yedinci sınıf öğrencilerinin okuma stratejilerine ilişkin bilişsel farkındalıklarının problem çözmeye yönelik yansıtıcı düşünme becerilerini anlamlı bir şekilde yordadığı ve toplam varyansın %42’sini açıkladığı sonucuna ulaşılmıştır. Regresyon katsayılarının anlamlılığına bakıldığında ise okuma stratejilerine ilişkin bilişsel farkındalığın alt boyutları olan planlama, düzenleme ve değerlendirme boyutlarının problem çözmeye yönelik yansıtıcı düşünme becerisinin anlamlı bir yordayıcısı olduğu görülmektedir. Araştırmada, okuma sürecinde gerçekleştirilen bilişsel süreçlerin öğrencilerin matematikte problem çözmeye yönelik yansıtıcı düşünme becerisini anlamlı bir şekilde etkilediği sonucuna ulaşılmıştır.
Kapsayıcı Liderlik Ölçeği’nin Türk Kültürüne Uyarlanması: Devlet Okulları Bağlamında Geçerlik Güvenirlik Çalışması
Authors: KAVRAYICI Ceyhun
Published: July 2023

Örgütlerin amaçlarına ulaşmasında örgütlerde sergilenen liderlik rollerinin büyük önemi bulunmaktadır. Örgüt liderleri, sorun çözebilen, etkin kararlar alabilen, öncülük eden, risk alabilen, sorumluluk üstlenen, empati kurabilen, iş birliğine odaklı kişilerdir. Proaktif ve risk alan bireyler olarak liderler yönettikleri insanlara güven aşılar ve yön verirler. Alanyazında pek çok tanımı olan liderlik kavramı yalnızca belirli kişileri içeren bir kavram olmamalı, bütüncül ve geniş çapta uygulanabilir olmalıdır. Bir başka ifade ile liderliğin “kapsayıcı” olması gerekmektedir. Açıklık uygunluk ve ulaşılabilirlik boyutlarını içeren "kapsayıcı liderlik" daha etkin lider-takipçi ilişkilerine ve çeşitliliklerin daha fazla kapsanmasına olan gereksinimi ifade temek adına kullanılmaktadır. Bu çalışmada Carmeli, Reiter-Palmon ve Ziv (2010)’in geliştirdiği 9 maddelik Kapsayıcı Liderlik Ölçeği’nin (KLÖ) Türk kültürüne uyarlanması amaçlanmaktadır. Maddelerinin açıklık, uygunluk ve ulaşılabilirlik kuramsal temelinde yazıldığı 9 maddeli ve tek faktörlü bir ölçek olan KLÖ %68.74 varyans açıklamaktadır. Bu çalışmada ölçek uyarlama sürecine ilişkin Hambleton ve Patsula (1999) tarafından önerilen adımlar izlenmiştir. 307 öğretmenin katıldığı çalışmada ölçeğin yapı geçerliğinin sağlanması için doğrulayıcı faktör analizi yapılmıştır. Gerçekleştirilen DFA sonucunda ortaya konan modelde verilerin uyumunun belirlenmesinde elde edilen sonuçların alanyazında belirlenen kritik değerlerin üzerinde olduğu görülmektedir. Ölçeğin uyarlanması sürecinde güvenirliğin sağlanması için Cronbach’ın alpha iç tutarlık katsayısı ve McDonald’ın yapısal güvenirlik katsayısından yararlanılmıştır. Elde edilen değerler .70’den büyüktür ve ölçeğin güvenilir olduğunu ortaya koymaktadır. Elde edilen sonuçlar Kapsayıcı Liderlik Ölçeği’nin Türk kültüründe de geçerli ve güvenilir bir ölçme aracı olduğu ortaya konmuştur.
Evaluation and Management of Hypertensive Disorders of Pregnancy
Authors: Bajpai Divya , Popa Cristina , Verma Prasoon , Dumanski Sandi , Shah Silvi
Published: August 2023

Hypertensive disorders of pregnancy complicate up to 10% of pregnancies and remain the major cause of maternal and neonatal morbidity and mortality. Hypertensive disorders of pregnancy can be classified into four groups depending on the onset of hypertension and the presence of target organ involvement: chronic hypertension, preeclampsia, gestational hypertension, and superimposed preeclampsia on chronic hypertension. Hypertension during pregnancy is associated with a higher risk of cardiovascular disease and kidney failure. Early diagnosis and proper treatment for pregnant women with hypertension remain a priority since this leads to improved maternal and fetal outcomes. Labetalol, nifedipine, methyldopa, and hydralazine are the preferred medications to treat hypertension during pregnancy. In this comprehensive review, we discuss the diagnostic criteria, evaluation, and management of pregnant women with hypertension.
Extension's Future: Time for Disruptive Innovation
Authors: Franz Nancy , Cox Ronald
Published: July 2023

Extension has been considered change averse by some scholars and practitioners, and they claim this inhibits organizational growth and relevance. Pockets of individuals and teams across the nation have worked independently as entrepreneurs to enhance Extension's relevance by introducing organizational processes and programs that greatly differ from past practices. However, every Extension system, team, and worker has a role to play in the disruptive innovation process. This may include exploring, implementing, or evaluating disruptive organizational innovations, or removing barriers, resourcing, or supporting a culture of innovation to enhance relevance and sustainability.
Don't Get Rode Hard and Put Away Wet
Authors: Galloway Robin
Published: July 2023

Back in the old days, some folks reckoned an equine was just a disposable tool to get their jobs done. They might ride a horse hard, so it was sweaty, panting, and broken down. When done they would throw it out to pasture without proper grooming. This is probably the origin of the expression to "get rode hard and put away wet." As Extension professionals, we have to take care of ourselves to gallop the whole race and don't let 'em ride us hard and put us away wet.
Starting a Robotics Program in Your County
Authors: Habib Maria
Published: July 2023

This article provides information on how to begin, locate resources for, and recruit volunteers to support a robotics program targeted at middle school youth. It also presents options for program delivery (volunteer-driven and staff-supported, or staff-driven) and evaluation.
Removing the Tension from Extension
Authors: Bradley Lucy , Driscoll Elizabeth , Bardon Robert
Published: July 2023

Job burnout and stress begin with day-to-day frustrations, roadblocks, and unmet expectations. These can transform job satisfaction and, ultimately, career choices, affecting the quality of programs, expense to universities, and relationships with the community. A series of innovative statewide workshops involving 97 agents and Extension directors from 100 counties in North Carolina answered the question "There's got to be a better way to . . . " with overarching themes including: invest in yourself and your career; focus, delegate, organize, network, shine, and be efficient.
Jump for the Clouds: An Innovative Strategy Connecting Youth to Communities
Authors: Kantor Debra
Published: July 2023

Many communities are searching for ways to help youth identify successful career options and strengthen the local economy. Based in a rural community that reflects Maine's decline in jobs in manufacturing and natural resource-based industries, the project described here provided youth with an opportunity to increase their aspirations by interviewing local businesses. DVDs created from these interviews share the entrepreneurial information obtained with other youth. By seeing their peers in the leadership role of interviewers, youth may be encouraged to connect with businesses and services in their communities.