bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Developing the Critical Thinking Skill Test for High School Students: A Validity and Reliability Study
Authors: ORHAN Ali , ÇEVİKER AY Şule
Published: March 2022

This research aimed to develop “Critical Thinking Skill Test for High School Students” to measure critical thinking (CT) skills of high school students. For the CT test prepared based on the sub-skills of inference, evaluating arguments, deduction, recognizing assumptions and interpretation which are deemed to represent CT (Watson and Glaser, 1994), content validity and face validity were achieved with expert opinions and the table of specifications. Following the item difficulty and item discrimination analyses performed to test the construct validity, 34 items were omitted from the test which was finalized with 51 items. While mean item difficulty values of the sub-tests vary between 0.51 and 0.63, mean item discrimination values range from 0.35 to 0.49. The total test has a mean item difficulty value of 0.52 and a mean item discrimination value of 0.42. Decision-making skill was used to test the criterion-related validity of the test. KR20 reliability coefficients calculated for the sub-tests ranged from 0.62 to 0.75. A KR20 reliability coefficient of the total test was 0.87. Moreover, a correlation coefficient of 0.84 was calculated with the split-half method. To test time invariance of the test, the correlation values calculated between the results of the two applications which were performed three months apart ranged from 0.57 to 0.70. The correlation coefficient for the total test is 0.70. Based on the results of validity and reliability studies, it can be said that the CT test will yield valid and reliable results in measuring CT skills of high school students.
The Relationship Between Participation in Administrative Decisions and School Effectiveness: An Empirical Study on Teachers
Authors: BAYDAR Fatih
Published: March 2022

The aim of this research is to reveal the effect of teachers' participation in administrative decisions and their willingness to participate in decisions on school effectiveness. Predictive survey model was used in the study. In the 2021-2022 academic year, 283 teachers working in Istanbul's Sultanbeyli, Pendik, Maltepe and Kartal districts formed the research sample. Simple random sampling was used when selecting the research sample. According to the results of the research, teachers' willingness to participate in administrative decisions is significantly higher than their level of participation in decisions. In addition, there is a positive correlation between the level of participation in decisions, willingness to participate and school effectiveness. In addition, the level of participation in decisions and willingness to participate partially predicts school effectiveness. As teachers' level of participation and willingness to participate in decisions increases, school effectiveness increases.
Problems Encountered in The Education of Refugees in Turkey
Authors: KARDEŞ Servet , AKMAN Berrin
Published: March 2022

This study aims to investigate the educational problems of refugee students of Syrian origin. It is a qualitative research designed as a phenomenological study. Phenomenology, a qualitative research method, was the design of choice. The sample group consisted of two administrators, two school counselors, and 11 classroom teachers from a temporary education center in Altındağ/Ankara, Turkey. The data of the study were collected using the interview method. The data were analyzed using content analysis. According to the research findings, Syrian refugee children face socio-emotional, family, language, and school problems and hate speech, discrimination, isolation, and exclusion. Syrian refugee children should undergo an orientation and preparation program before enrolling in Turkey's public schools. Seminars should be offered to the Turkish population to help them develop empathy for refugees and understand what they are going through. Teachers should be trained in multicultural education.
Assessment of Social, Moral and Spiritual Challenges Facing Students in Secondary Schools in Nyeri County, Kenya
Authors: KAGEMA Peterson
Published: March 2022

Contemporary educational institutions have been faced with emerging social-cultural, spiritual and moral issues that have brought with them new choices in views, cultural orientations, and philosophy. Ultimately, their health welbeing is affected. This has created a contextual social crisis that necessitates the need to guide young people in various ways of approaching contemporary life. This article asseses the main social, moral and spiritual challenges facing students in secondary schools in Nyeri County, Kenya. The study was conducted descriptively with a total of 99 secondary school students, and 68 Christian Union(CU)/Catholic Action(CA) patrons. From the results of the study, it was established that most of the students are faced by various social, moral and spiritual challenges among others; unhealthy relationships that leads to early pregnancy among girls; religious relativism; negative influence from modern social media; and membership to pseudo-religious groups. The study, hence, recommend to various educational stakeholders on the need to change the traditional methodological approaches that have been used addressing the above mentioned challenges faced by the 21st century young generation. Hence, the nned to develop a more contemporary methodoligies that can address the revolutionized social-cultural, moral and spiritual contexts. In this case, an effective complementary Christian pastoral care and counseling programmes interventions becomes vital in contemporary educational contexts.
Analysing the Effects of Assessment and Evaluation Applications and Exam Formats in Distance Education
Authors: YILMAZ Erdi Okan , TOKER Türker
Published: March 2022

This study examines the online assessment-evaluation activities in distance education processes. The effects of different online exam application styles considering the online assessment-evaluation in distance education processes, including all programs of a higher education institution, were documented. The population for online assessment-evaluation activities, exam types, and student achievement scores comprised 3830 courses by 805 academics over the Uşak University learning management system and 29511 students. organisThe data were analysed with descriptive statistics and t-tests for comparisons. It was found that academics preferred multiple-choice exam formats more than online assignments or classical (written) ones. Moreover, students' success scores in multiple-choice exams were significantly higher than exams including open-ended questionsIt was also found that average exam success was higher when the questions were presented as separate but as a group.  The findings were discussed and reported with a literature review.
Examining Mothers’ OwnChildhood Experiences, Behaviours toward Their Children and Attitudes toward Violence
Authors: KABAKLI ÇİMEN Latife
Published: March 2022

This research aims to examine the child-rearing experiences and attitudes toward the violence of mothers who witnessed or experienced violence in their childhood and those who have not. The research is conducted over a study group of 30 mothers whose 5- to 6-year-old children are attending kindergarten. The data have been collected using the semi-structured interview technique and analysed by performing descriptive analysis. As a result of the data analysis, the research findings have been gathered under five main themes: witnessing violence in childhood, unwanted behaviours in children, behaviours toward children when angry, punishments applied to children, and perspective on violence. According to the obtained results, 43.3% of the participant mothers had encountered a violent event that had affected them in their childhood, while 36.7% had not encountered any violent event. Regarding their child-raising experiences and attitudes toward violence, there were differences between mothers who had witnessed or experienced violence in their childhood and those who had not. When assessing the perspective on violence, 70% of the mothers consider using violence to be wrong, are completely against violence towards women and children, and believe that violence does not solve problems but instead leads to more violence.
Design Thinking Model in Early Childhood Education
Authors: YALÇIN Vakkas
Published: March 2022

Click This study aims to investigate the usability of the design thinking model for the education of pre-school children and the effects of the activities performed in line with the design thinking model on children. This research was conducted as a case study of 16 teachers working in a private school. Research data were collected through interviews with teachers and analyzed using the content analysis method. The analysis results demonstrated that the design thinking model could be easily used in the education of pre-school children. The Design Thinking model improves children's creativity, problem-solving, cooperation, communication, curiosity, questioning, and empathy. It allows children to express their ideas freely and supports social, emotional, language, and cognitive developmental domains. Also, the design-oriented learning process appears to actively involve children in the learning process, enable peer learning, and give children self-confidence. On the other hand, while the design thinking model does not seem to be a problem for children aged 4 and 5, children aged 3 have issues in task sharing, being a group, belonging to a group, fulfilling duties and responsibilities. or tap here to enter text.
Adaptation of Xenophobia Scale to Turkish: A Validity and Reliability Study
Authors: GEZER Melehat , İLHAN Mustafa
Published: March 2022

In this research, we aimed to adapt the Xenophobia Scale developed by Olonisakin and Adebayo (2021) into Turkish. We conducted research on two separate study groups comprising 563 teacher candidates. Before starting the adaptation process of the scale, we obtained necessary permissions from the authors, who developed the original form. When developing the translation form, we removed two of the scale items from the instrument because they were not suitable for the Turkish culture. Afterwards, we performed an item analysis and found that the item correlations of two of the items in the scale remained less than the threshold value of .30. We removed the two items in question, thereby leaving 20 items in the scale. In the applied EFA and CFA, we obtained a two-dimensional structure that overlaps with the original form of the scale. In the reliability analysis, we determined that the internal consistency coefficients exceeded .70 criterion values for both subscales. In conclusion, the results we acquired from psychometric analyses indicate that the Turkish form of the Xenophobia Scale yielded valid and reliable measurements.
E-readiness of EFL teachers
Authors: ÇALIŞKAN Emre , Caner Mustafa
Published: March 2022

Integrating recent technologies into the education environment is one of the dynamic requirements for teachers of digital age learners. Such requirements oblige teachers to have adequate technology competence and know-how to integrate them into their pedagogical practices. Thus, the present study intends to illustrate English Language teachers' technology readiness profile in a city located on Turkey's southwestern Mediterranean coast. Adopting a mixed-method research methodology, the gathered data were examined to answer the research questions. Findings revealed that over half of the participants have decidedly negative attitudes towardstechnology integration, and they are not ready to use them in their teaching environments. Additionally, findings revealed a reverse relationship between teachers' daily technology use and e-readiness in their classroom practices. Thus, results showed that the e-readiness of mostEnglish Language teachers in the region is entirely below the expectations. Concerning the findings, we suggest that functional and pleasing training, either as in-service or certified promotions, should be organized to nurture positive attitudes towards technology use in the classroom and increase teachers' e-readiness and acquaintance with technology.
5-6 Years Old Children's Perceptions of Cartoon Reality
Authors: PARLAKYILDIZ Irmak , Seven Serdal , PARLAKYILDIZ Belgin
Published: March 2022

The present study aims to analyse the perceptions of reality of 5-6 year old children about the cartoons they watch. The study group of the research includes pre-schoolers. Within the scope of the study, a private pre-schooland a public pre-school which volunteered to be a part of the study were determined, and the study was carrie dout with 101 randomly-chosen students. The data were collected via face-to-face interviewing. The answers responding semi-structured interviews were noted down. Expert opinion sand the literature were taken into consideration for the preparation of the questions. The pictures that the children drew were also used as another data source. In the study, descriptive analysis, content analysis, and interpretative analysis were used. It was determined that the content of the cartoons varied depending on gender, that the children from the schools of low socio-economic level could not distinguish real elements from the imaginary ones while watching cartoons, and that some children were in clined to transform the elements which were imaginary into realisticones in their minds.
Evaluation of the Distance Education Process based on Teachers’ Opinions during the Covıd-19 Pandemic
Authors: Öğdem Zeki , Sönmez Emre
Published: March 2022

This study aims to examine the quality of distance education activities carried out during the COVID-19 pandemic, based on teachers’ feedback from primary and secondary schools. In this context, the research was structured in a phenomenological design by employing a qualitative approach. The study participants consisted of 10 teachers determined by the maximum variation sampling method and the snowball sampling method. A semi-structured interview form developed by the researchers were used as data collection tools. The research data were collected through online interviews and also recorded. Research data were analyzed by the content analysis method. According to the findings of the study, teachers mostly used the EBA platform to conduct their distance education activities, school administrations provided limited support to teachers during the distance education process, students and parents had not shown significant interest in the distance education activities, students’ participation in the live classes, and their desire to learn, motivation were quite low, and teachers during the distance education process have experienced some systemic and technical problems on the EBA platform. Within the scope of the research, various suggestions were presented as per the research results.
The Role of Educational Leaders in the Development of Students’ Technology Use and Digital Citizenship
Authors: Baydar Fatih
Published: March 2022

This study aims to investigate the role of educational leaders in students’ acquisition of digital citizenship and technology use. The research study group consists of school principals, assistant principals, and teachers working in Istanbul. In this study, the case study technique, one of the qualitative research designs, was used to describe the current situation in detail regarding the use of technology and the development of digital citizenship behaviors. The data were obtained with a semi-structured interview form, and content analysis was made. The results explain the roles of educational leaders in developing technology ethics in students, ensuring that students use technology safely, preventing students from misusing technology, and raising a sense of responsibility towards technology as required by the age.
A Perception of Thai Tone in Chinese Students Using the Thai Tone Application: A Case Study of the Low Tone and the Falling Tone
Authors: Teeranon Phanintra
Published: March 2022

The use of education applications in language learning is rapidly increasing. This research aims to analyse the tonal perception ability of Chinese students using the Thai Tone Application with minimal pairs approach. The participants were divided into two groups, an experimental group (ones who studied in the class and used the application) and a control group (ones who studied in the class without using the application), of 20 students each. One-syllable words bearing low tone and falling tone were used to examine the participants’ tonal perception ability. The findings revealed that the experimental group significantly outperformed the control group in terms of differentiating between low tone and falling tone. The result of the current study furthur indicatesthe use of the mobile-assisted language learning applicationsince supplemental material may effectively enhance Thai tone perception or Thai tone learning outcomes in some Chinese students. The significance of the minimal pair approach is also discussed.
Geostrategy: theoretical conceptual approaches
Authors:   Moldova State University, Cebotari Svetlana , Budurina-Goreacii Carolina ,   Moldova State University
Published: March 2022

The concept of strategy in the usual vocabulary has become present, crossing a multitude of spheres of social, political, economic and organizational life, far exceeding the boundaries of a reserved use, including the military field. In contemporary language, the term „strategy” is no longer a quality confined to interaction between states at global level and, even more, to military interaction, but it is used to express the idea of organization, plan or planning. It can be used in the field of business or politics, at local, national or international level. Based on these reasonings, we are currently present in the wider use of the concept of strategy. At present, the concept of “geostrategy” is a topic increasingly used in the discourse of politicians, but it also becomes a topic on the table of representatives of the academic community. Currently, the term “strategy” refers to the relationship between space and strategy, referring to the impact of these areas on international relations. “Geostrategy”. It becomes an object of study of the combinations between the geographical and the strategic factor in determining the position of a state towards its neighbors, towards the region, or towards other international actors. Often, international actors, in order to achieve certain interests, resort to the use of certain strategies. This article aims to analyze the main conceptual-theoretical approaches of the geostrategy phenomenon.
The state and national security: current issues and contemporary application
Authors:   The American University of Moldova, Oleinic Ludmila
Published: March 2022

The dominant security paradigm has styled the nation state in order to reflect its popular basis as the fundamental source of social belonging. The good governed nation state is a formidable security organization as an all. It is through the nation state that citizens guarantee their own security, individual as well as collective. Personal security thus becomes dependent upon and even analogous to national security. In contrast, insecurity is understood as an external threat located outside the state. Internally or externally directed, policies taken to ensure national security may be of an economic, political or military nature. National security measures thus include, among others: maintaining effective armed forces; implementing anti-terrorist measures; ensuring civil and emergency defenses; using intelligence to detect and counter external attack and internal subversion; using diplomacy to strengthen alliances and isolate threats; and using economic power to encourage cooperation and isolate or weaken political rivals. Generalizing, the article reflects the national security approaches, specifics and extreme circumstances of liberal democracies, authoritarian states and failed states.
Europenian union’s concept of peace and peacebuilding
Authors:   ", Sosin Artur ,   Alexandru cel Bun",   Armed Forces Military Academy, Republic of Moldova
Published: March 2022

This article describes the importance of the peacekeeping missions and the role of the European Union in maintaining international peace and security. International peace and security has become a difficult task for the whole world to achieve. The entire world is now in a period of transition that has changed the contemporary international system approach. These new types of conflicts require a comprehensive approach from international organizations. The European Union is playing an important role in the international system, by promoting the security policies which have the aim to consolidate the international peace, promote democratic values and the rule of law. The complexity of the conflicts in the immediate vicinity of the EU, made the European Union to consolidate its efforts in the field of peace and security in order to be ready to respond to the new types of risks. Furthermore, the comprehensive approach utilized by EU in peacekeeping operations has demonstrated that only by a collective approach and unity of effort within the international organizations can bring durable peace and stability in the conflict zones
Conceptualising the term diaspora: the theoretical-methodological aspects
Authors:   Moldova State University, Mosneaga Gheoghe
Published: March 2022

The following article characterizes the principal approaches and definitions of the term ‘Diaspora’. Diaspora appears on the basis of ethnic groups that reside outside of their “titular” states. It is characterized by a multiple identity; ethno-cultural ties to both its country of residence and to the country of origin; the presence of social institutes that provide the maintenance, development, and functioning of the Diaspora. Diaspora organizations (cultural associations, church parishes) are such institutes. The Diaspora is institutionalized through the collective activity of its members. Only those groups that deliberately maintain their ties and strengthen their relations with the motherland are considered Diasporas and members of Diasporas. The diaspora is a complex and heterogeneous phenomenon. Beside the activists that make up its “face”, it also consists of passive “mute” members that provide its mass character. The diaspora is a sum of representatives of different generations, whose relation to the country of origin may vary (citizenship, possession of language, knowledge of culture, traditions, social activity, length of participation, etc.). The diaspora consists of both those that continuously reside in, have the citizenship of the country of destination, and of those that are staying there temporarily (labor migrants, students). This diversity is the source of the Diaspora’s renewal and development. Modern science counts numerous typings of modern Diasporas. The use of various criteria gave rich material for characterizing and classifying Diasporas, for the creation of a more complete picture of their existence and functioning.
The principle of separation of powers in a constitutional state from a point of view of political risks
Authors:   Moldova State University, Alamova Tatiana
Published: March 2022

This article is dedicated to the review of political risks, its impact on the rule of law and the theory of separation of power. The article provides a definition of the concept of political risk. It reviews the influence of political risks on the theory of separation of power; how risks can affect one or another branch of government and which consequences they entail; what political risks can lead to, when influencing on human and civil rights within a state. The article provides an overview of the development of political and legal thoughts of different philosophers who influenced to the development of the theory of separation of power and to the risks that are associated with it. In conclusion, the article underlines that political risks play an important part in the practical implementation of the theory of separation of power in a constitutional state. The article discusses the relationship between the three branches of power: legislative, executive and judicial; that constantly strive to control each other, in order to avoid the creation of political risks. In the conclusion, the author makes an overview of the nature of political risks on the development of the rule of law and the principle of separation of powers; whether the political risks are a catalyst for the development of a legal basis for political relations, and for the rule of law. The fundamental doctrines are also mentioned, which fact emphasizes not only individual freedoms and human and citizenship rights, but also the establishment of a constitutional procedure for the separation of powers. The author touches upon the issue of the legislative system, which directly relates to the separation of powers.
Geopolitical election of the Republic of Moldova. a study based on the example of the early parliamentary elections (2021)
Authors:   Moldova State University, Turco Tatiana
Published: March 2022

For a long time, the key topic in the parliamentary elections in the Republic of Moldova is the geopolitical choice between West and East, integration with the European Union or with the Russian Federation. This is reflected in the confrontation between political parties, the split of political elites and Moldovan society along geopolitical lines. Furthemore this problem had an outlet not only to the foreign policy of Moldova, but also reflected in the domestic policy of the country. Representatives of the state-forming ethnic group - Moldovans - were more often supporters of European integration, while representatives of ethnic minorities more often identified themselves with an orientation towards Russia. The purpose of this article is to analyze the geopolitical choice of the Republic of Moldova using the example of the early parliamentary elections on July 11, 2021. Taking into account the specifics of the elections, the study is focused on reflecting the problem of geopolitical choice in the electoral platforms of Moldovan electoral competitors. Based on the results of early parliamentary elections and sociological polls, the authors analyze the attitude of the Moldovan population to various geopolitical projects - integration with the European Union or the Eurasian Economic Union. The study showed that in the parliamentary (2021) elections in the Republic of Moldova, the problem of geopolitical choice was not a dominant topic. The idea of combating corruption, reforming justice, which was promoted by the winning Action and Solidarity Party and the President of the Republic of Moldova M. Sandu, became the main idea that determined the victory in the elections and united various ethnic groups. Moldovan public opinion indicates an increase in the number of supporters of integration into the European Union and, accordingly, a decrease in interest in the Customs Union, a Russian geopolitical project.
Tendencies of developing dialogue between public administration and civil society organizations in the Republic of Moldova, Georgia and Armenia
Authors:   Academy of Public Administration, Republic of Moldova, Palihovici Liliana
Published: March 2022

The dialogue and cooperation between the public administration and civil society organizations in the three Eastern Partnership states - the Republic of Moldova, Georgia and Armenia has seen a positive, albeit rather slow, development since the declaration of independence of these states until now. During this period, some interesting and effective models of dialogue and collaboration between public administration and civil society organizations were developed. The results of the research show that in institutions / communities where this dialogue is valued at its fair value, the community benefits from effective governance, focused on citizens’ issues, and the degree of interest and involvement of citizens in community affairs is higher compared to those communities where this dialog is missing. The dialogue between the public administration and civil society organizations in the three states is characterized by a low level of trust between representatives of the authorities and those of civil society organizations. National legislation in all 3 states provides for certain forms of public consultation, involvement of citizens and civil society organizations in governance processes. However, local public authorities do not have the institutional capacity to organize and maintain this dialogue, at least to the extent required by national law. In all three countries, civil society organizations face severe funding shortfalls. This does not allow them to develop organizational departments that would monitor the quality of implementation of national and local public policies.
World demographic policy: origins and evolution
Authors:   T.G. Shevchenko State University of Pridnestrovie, Tiraspol, Beloborodov Igor , Teosa Valentina ,   Moldova State University
Published: March 2022

The article reveals the fundamental principles of the origin and development of world population policy on the example of the earliest civilizations in the history of mankind. Contrary to the popular stereotypes about the emergence of the first practices of this policy during the period of ancient Chinese and ancient Greek civilizations, the article provides a reasoned justification for the earlier origin, formation and dynamic development of the practice of political and legal regulation of family and demographic processes. The authors pay special attention to the terminological foundations and the specifics of the interpretation of key concepts in the context of the subject field of the article. Using a wide range of sources, including historical evidence, works of art, statements of ancient authors (poets and historians), teachings, treatises, codes of laws, etc., the article concludes that the normative regulators of marriages, divorces and reproductive behavior were fully formed during the period under review. Analysis of the primary normative practices in the field of regulation of family and demographic processes show the clear link of ancient methods of influencing the components of demographic dynamics with the modern understanding of the essence and content of population policy in its global international meaning. Demonstrating the systemic nature of the ancient samples of this kind of state policy, the authors come to a structural presentation of its basic principles, the history of which dates back to the emergence of the phenomenon of statehood.
Peculiarities of interethnic perception of the gagauz and bulgarians in the Republic of Moldova
Authors:   Comrat State University, Horozova Larisa , Horozov Serghei ,   Comrat State University
Published: March 2022

Moldova is a multi-ethnic state. One third of the country’s population is national minorities, including the Gagauz and Bulgarians. There is material evidence in history that negative stereotypes and conflicts existed between two ethnic groups in the region in the early 19th century. But over time, relations between the Gagauz and Bulgarians lost their former acuteness. The article substantiates the need to study ethnic heterostereotypes of the Gagauz and Bulgarians as a brandtheir ethnic identity. The results of the conducted empirical study of ethnic heterostereotypes of the Bulgarian and Gagauz youth prove that in the sphere of intergroup perception, these ethnic groups have a problem - distance from each other. There is a certain tension in the relationship between the Gagauz and Bulgarians, which manifests itself in a hidden, smoldering form. It is expressed in social competition, achieved by ethnocentric evaluative comparison of one’s own and another’s group in favor of one’s own. But, nevertheless, they also have a powerful resource - a positive ethnic identity, which includes not only a positive self-identification, but also a positive image. The authors conclude that it is necessary to strengthen the positive ethnic identity of the Gagauz and Bulgarian youth. Increasing intercultural communication and competence is the main way to bring these two closely adjacent ethnic groups closer together.
Presidential rhetoric as source of symbolic politics
Authors:   Academy of Sciences of Moldova, Moraru Victor
Published: March 2022

This article focuses on some essential questions concerning the features of the rhetoric of political actors and aims to identify the stylistic hallmarks prevalent utilized in presidential speeches. It was selected for analysis the Barack Obama speech on Remarks by the President Naturalization ceremony on the 4th of July 2012. The speech in question is particularly interesting because it provides a useful insight into how a presidential message can be presented on an issue, which it considers important and current. The discourse is analyzed from the perspective of its inclusion in the action of symbolic politics of the President, taking into account the increasingly pronounced process of symbolizing the political arena. The perception of the problem of immigration in the vision of President Obama is pursued. Particular attention is paid to the complexity of the factors that determine the rhetorical manifestations of the orator’s position as a mode of political influence. They are established the conceptual peculiarities of Barack Obama’s July 4, 2012 speech, discourse is analyzed through the prism of special syntactic features realized, which promote message transfer and reinforcement of the spirit of the nation, are elucidated the tasks promoted by these hallmarks in delivering the intended messages. The substance of Obama’s presidential rhetoric is exemplified by the elucidation of rhetorical means such as parallelism, repetition, metaphors, and so on.
National identity in the media: a miscellaneous theme
Authors:   Moldova State University, Guzun Mihail
Published: March 2022

One of the major problems, which causes many difficulties for the Moldovan people towards a genuine democracy, is the so-called identity crisis. The national phenomenon has provoked and continues to provoke multiple verbal confrontations not only in the local media, but also in what we call the Moldovan political reality. The “national question”, as it was described in the early 1990s, has penetrated deep into all spheres of activity in the Republic of Moldova, dividing those who dare to approach it into two distinct camps, both dealing with opponents in the toughest terms. The author notes with great regret that after a long period of numerous discussions and public debates, of “ascension” on the path of democracy, the Moldovan society continues to be in a deep crisis of national identity. In his opinion, the identity crisis can also have an enormous destructive potential. First of all, if its possessor is threatened by the loss of his homeland, by the disappearance of the country as an international subject. The danger of the disappearance of the state means not only a crisis of identity, but also a disappearance of it. This article is an attempt to make a diagnosis of this situation and to identify some solutions.
Effect of Ethanol Leaf Extract of Simarouba glauca on Induced Dyslipidemia and Oxidative Stress
Authors: Osagie-Eweka S. D. , Orhue N.E.J. , Omogbai Eric
Published: March 2022

Biologically active compounds with pharmacological potentials have been reported in Simarouba glauca; these compounds have shown interactions with biological molecules, hence this study.  This study focused on long-term effect of ethanol leaf extract of Simarouba glauca (EESG) on lipoproteins and oxidative stress biomarkers in male Wistar rats. Oral administration of EESG was conducted according to the guidelines of organization for economic co-operation and development (OECD), No. 425 using a total of twenty-four (24) male Wistar rats, divided into four groups of six rats each. Test rats were given EESG at doses of 500, 1000 and 2000 mg/kg body weight respectively daily for thirty (30) days. At the end of the study, the rats were fasted overnight and sacrificed; relevant biochemical analyses were evaluated. Data were statistically analyzed with the Graphpad prism®, version 7. The data show marked reduction and increase (P ? 0.05) in HDL-cholesterol and TG respectively, at all doses; significant increase (P ? 0.05) in LDL-cholesterol at EESG 500 and 1000 mg/kg. Furthermore, the data obtained however indicated significant (P ? 0.05) elevation in heart MDA level at 500 mg/kg. The liver and kidney CAT activity were elevated (P ? 0.05) at EESG 1000 mg/kg; 500 and 2000 mg/kg respectively. Liver and Kidney SOD activity were elevated (P ? 0.05) at 2000 mg/kg, 500 and 1000 mg/kg respectively. The Liver GSH-PX was elevated (P ? 0.05) at 2000 mg/kg. The findings of the study showed that oral administration of EESG at high doses resulted to dyslipidemia. The marked increases in the endogenous defense enzyme system may have resulted from cytochrome P-450/NADPH Oxidase induced oxidative stress linked to xenobiotic metabolism.
Parasitic helminth fauna of tree frogs from cocoa plantations at Ugboke, Edo State, Nigeria
Authors: Edo-Taiwo O. , Aisien M.S.O.
Published: March 2022

Cocoa pods are vulnerable to pest and diseases which often cause huge financial losses to farmers. To address this challenge and improve yield, cocoa farmers often resort to pesticide application on the cocoa trees. This leads to deposition of pesticides residues on the cocoa trees, the undergrowth and plantations floor with devastating consequences for amphibians including tree frogs. Previous studies have reported the immune suppressive nature of pesticides on anurans thereby rendering them more susceptible to infection. This study is part of an on-going investigation of the effect of pesticide application on the pattern of helminth parasitic infections of anurans in pesticide-treated cocoa plantations at Ugboke, Edo State. A total of 354 tree frogs belonging to three genera (Leptopelis, Hyperolius and Afrixalus), consisting of 14 species were examined. A high species richness (d=1.971) and diversity (H’=2.215) was recorded.  Ten species (71.43%) of these frogs were infected while four (28.57%) were uninfected. The overall prevalence of parasitic infections was 30.23%. Thirteen helminth parasites including three cestodes, two digeneans and eight nematode species were recovered. A significantly higher (P<0.05) prevalence of infection was recorded during the wet season (31.64%) than in the dry (10.53%). There was high parasite diversity with low prevalence and infection intensity of infection as previously reported for other anurans collected from the same cocoa plantations
Evaluation and risk assessment of organochlorine pesticide residues in some fish species in south-south Nigeria
Authors: Omoruyi Kenneth
Published: March 2022

This study reports the presence, distribution pattern, concentration levels and health risk assessment of organochlorine pesticide residues in fresh and cured fish species in South-South Nigeria. The concentrations of organochlorine pesticides in fresh and cured fish were analysed with Gas Chromatography/ Mass Spectrophotometry (GC-MS) after Soxhlet extraction of the fish species. The study revealed that no organochlorine pesticide was present in fresh fish. However, cured fish species from all the markets sampled had at least two organochlorine pesticide residues which ranged from endosulfan (0.252±0.0022–748±0.004ug/g), lindane (0.386±0.010–0.443±0.009 ug/g), heptachlor-epoxide (0.328±0.005–3.162±0.010ug/g), ortho-para-dichloro-diphenyl-trichloro-ethane (o,p’-DDT) (0.021±0.001–0.180±0.030ug/g) and aldrin (0.140±0.040–2.770±0.020ug/g). These levels are far higher than the maximum residual limit and allowable daily intake values recommended by World Health Organization (WHO) and Food and Agricultural Organization (FAO). There were no pesticide residues in fresh fish probably because the fisher folks in the study area may have abolished the use of obnoxious fishing methods due to the awareness of threats to the aquatic ecosystem. The high percentage occurrences, amounts and distribution of organochlorine pesticides in cured-fish from markets sampled could be as a result of the fact that these organochlorine pesticides were consistently used in the study area by fish processors, distributors and sellers. Human risk assessment of this study revealed a potential danger in the consumption of cured-fish containing the organochlorine pesticides seen in the study.
The Use of Ready-Made Glasses Among Presbyopes in Selected Local Government Areas of Edo State, Nigeria
Authors: Ebeigbe J. A , Uwagboe P. N
Published: March 2022

The use of ready-made glasses (RMG) has been reported to be common in developing or poor resource countries. This cross-sectional questionnaire study was undertaken to determine the prevalence of use of ready-made glasses among presbyopes in selected Local Government Areas of Edo State. Over 2000 closed ended questionnaire were distributed among adult males and females in churches, schools, government offices and market places. One thousand six hundred were collected back. Properly completed 1496 forms were analyzed using percentages and correlation coefficient. Level of significance was set at p < 0.05. Male respondents made up 51.80% of the population while female respondents made up 48.20%.  The mean age of respondents was 57 (±1.2) years. A total of 66.80% of them had bought RMG. While 41.60% felt it met their visual need, 52% on the other hand, said there could be problems associated with the use of RMG. Some of the respondents 52% said they would not advice others to buy RMG from the roadside. There was no statistical difference in the use of RMG between males and females (p<0.05). There was no statistically significant correlation between educational status and the use of RMG between the genders. There was also no statistically significant correlation between financial earnings and the use of RMG between the genders. The use of RMG appears to meet some of the need in eye care.
Evaluation Of Bacteriuria in Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH) Among Male Patients Attending Tertiary Hospitals in Edo State, Nigeria
Authors: Omoruyi Z. , Umarah G.
Published: March 2022

Benign Prostate Hyperplasia (BPH) is a non-malignant condition characterized by the proliferation of prostate cell leading to an increase in prostate size, urethral obstruction and lower urinary tract symptoms, usually around old age due to lower urinary tract symptoms. This study is to determine the aetiological agent and antibiotics sensitivity pattern of organism responsible for bacteriuria in BPH male patients attending Central Hospital and University of Benin Teaching Hospital (UBTH), as tertiary hospitals in Edo State. Structured questionnaires were provided and urine samples were collected, spin and the deposit were used for culture, biochemical and antibiotic sensitivity test. Out of the 340 urine samples examined, 124 (36.5%) patients were positive with BPH. The high frequency among isolates observed was Escherichia coli 55(16.1%). The age of the patients was strongly associated with the prevalence of the infection (P- 0.058) while the study areas and residence of the patients were not significantly (p > 0.05) associated with the infection. However, the difference between isolates and susceptibility pattern was strongly statistically associated (p < 0.05). Conclusively, the study found no statistical relationships between socio demographic of participants and bacteriuria among BPH patients attending tertiary heath facilities in Edo State; however, the rate of antibiotic resistance to most of the isolates in our findings is worrisome for antibiotic stewardship
Local, regional and distant flaps in reconstructive hand surgery in children
Authors: Alexandrov A. V. , Alexandrova N. Ye. , Goncharuk P. V. , Evdokimov A. N. , Idris L. Ya. , Rybchenok V. V. , Smirnov A. A. , Khagurov R. A. , Koval’ S. Yu. , Samorukova N. N. , L’vov N. V.
Published: March 2022

Objective. Hand injuries in children are quite common. Most challenging within plastic and reconstructive surgery/reconstructive microsurgery expertise were there traumatic hand defect and upper extremities open injuries sequels. There were wide variety of reconstruction techniques to deal with hand defects in general and with distal phalanx defects particularly. The core problem is how to make very choice of reconstructive method and technique from diversity of local, regional and distant flaps. Injuries of distal phalanges are the most common type of hand trauma in children. The problem of coverage of soft tissue defects of distal phalanges remains actual. A lot of methods of coverage of distal phalanges defects are developed. There is no generally accepted approach or an algorithm in the treatment of adults and children with such type of trauma.Material and methods. In the period from 2018 to 2021 at the Microsurgery Department of N.F. Filatov Moscow Clinical Hospital for Children 152 surgical operations using local (68), regional (72) and distant (12) flaps were performed.Results. All flaps in all patients within our clinical series have survived. There were neither major complication no secondary revisional procedures. Used different flaps in general provided transport of adequate viable donor tissues to recipient areas of critical functional significance. The selection of particular flap we have been making on individual basis mostly depending on type and injury severity, and functional requirement and prognosis.Conclusion. We are considering surgeon’s own experience is main defining factor to make selection of certain method from the diversity of different flaps.
Reconstruction of the lower alveolar nerve during lower jaw resection for benign tumors
Authors: Gileva K. S. , Adamyan R. T. , Botoev S. R.
Published: March 2022

The paper presents clinical results of using a new method of reconstruction of the lower alveolar nerve during mandible resection due to benign tumors for 10 patients aged 18 to 60 years. The aim of this work is to include in the concept of complete rehabilitation of the patient in the case of mandible resection the restoration of the sensitivity of the lower lip and the innervation zone of the lower alveolar nerve. A feature of the method is the use of the sural nerve as a donor and the lingual nerve as a recipient, if it is impossible to preserve the proximal end of the lower alveolar nerve. An algorithm for simultaneous nerve reconstruction was developed. The safety and effectiveness of this method were evaluated.
Microsurgical treatments for erectile dysfunction
Authors: Kyzlasov P. S. , Mustafayev A. T.
Published: March 2022

Erectile dysfunction (ED) is a fairly urgent problem in modern medicine. The epidemiological situation confirms the need to develop new methods and treatment for ED. Microchemic surgeries in the treatment of ED have more than half a century of history. This manuscript provides an overview of microsurgical treatments for erectile dysfunction.