bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The compliance of the anti-corruption legislation of Ukraine to the person's right to privacy
Authors: Khomichov I.O.
Published: March 2021

The article is devoted to the study of the compliance of the rights and obligations of the person authorized to perform the functions of the state or local government to the right to respect for private life, including the submitting and publishing property declaration. The author determines the approaches of national and foreign researchers to the essence of the concept of the right to privacy and concludes that it is a natural right, that includes the right to respect for private and family life, housing and correspondence. The norms of the Constitution of Ukraine and the Convention for the Protection of Human Rights and Fundamental Freedoms of 1950 concerning the human right to privacy are revealed.
It іs determined that one of the main reasons for the need to introduce in Ukraine the institution of declaring for officials of public authorities is the obligation of Ukraine to comply with the United Nations Convention against Corruption, and found that domestic law is stricter than the Convention. It is concluded that human rights are the priority area of state protection, so the requirements of anti- corruption legislation on disclosure of information about personal and family life of persons, authorized to perform state and local government functions, in the declaration and access of such information is a violation of Art. 8 of the Convention for the Protection of Human Rights and Fundamental Freedoms and Art. 8, 32 of the Constitution of Ukraine. The author affirms that the disclosure of such a volume of information about any person is an indisputable violation of his right to privacy and family life.
Key words: the right to privacy; the right to respect for private and family life; a person authorized to perform the functions of the state and local self-government; declaration; prevention of corruption.
Concepts, signs and types of economic offenses
Authors: Kulish A.M. , Tovstopyat V.V.
Published: March 2021

In this paper, the concept of “economic offenses” was investigated. Considering the different interpretations of this concept given by different scientists, it was concluded that scientists have not yet reached a unanimous opinion, regarding the interpretation of the essence of the concept of “economic offenses”, there is still no single definition.
While researching and characterizing the economic offense, it was noted that in the scientific literature, the concept of economic offense is often regarded as an economic crime and most of the scientific work is directed specifically to the study of economic crimes. This led to a more detailed analysis of this concept. The article provides various interpretations of economic crimes, their characteristics and the purpose of their commission.
Analyzing the concept of “economic crime” and “economic offense”, it was pointed out that in scientific literature these concepts are often not differentiated, which may cause a problem in determining the type of responsibility for their commission.
Based on the material studied, own definitions of “economic offense” and “economic crime” were formed. It was determined that economic crime is a form of economic offense, is a criminal offense, turns economic losses on the state, legal entities and individuals and promotes the development of a shadow economy.
The study identified the most characteristic of economic offenses signs. The most important features are identified: abuse of power for the purpose of criminal enrichment, hidden character, which manifests itself in the complexity of detecting and investigating a committed act, causing considerable damage to the state, society and individual citizens.
During the work, the main types of economic offenses were investigated, identified and classified. It is determined that economic offenses can be categorized into types depending on the specific areas of the economy or the object they are affecting. The most common types of economic offenses were identified offenses in the economic, service, trade, finance, and banking sectors.
Foreign aggairs of the customs organization and operation activities on the example United States of America
Authors: Khoma V.O. , Zhdanov V.P.
Published: March 2021

In modern developed countries it is important to protect national economic interests, and therefore there is a need to improve cooperation between customs authorities to combat smuggling and the illegal movement of goods across the customs border of the countries. This article focuses on the study of foreign experience of functioning of the bodies authorised to apply measures of operational-search activities in the system of combating smuggling and illegal movement of goods across the customs border by the example of the United States of America. Every year the customs border of America cross goods valued at a trillion dollars as the total imports, and therefore the customs authorities of the United States of America require the improvement of existing technologies for the protection of the state border. New technologies play a crucial role in the customs of the United States of America. Today in America, the custom is the only governmental Agency in which its officials have the authority for the inspection of people, goods and vehicles crossing the border without a search warrant. It should be noted that the customs service of the United States of America has also partnered with the police departments, the Federal Bureau of investigation in providing customs information that would allow them to detect, and in some cases to predict organized crime, i.e. the police investigate. In addition, the customs service of the United States of America, as the main government body that has the right to apprehend criminals at the border, faced with a complex, multifaceted threat to the smuggling of goods, narcotic drugs and so on. But because the customs service is working on these tasks with the use of modern achievements of science and practice through a variety of approaches, directions: intelligence, operational, experienced, which bring a positive result. In case of detection by customs officers of the United States of America violations of the customs legislation, they have the right to conduct an investigation on this fact, as well as having the right to seize the goods which are subject to export outside the country. In addition, the customs authorities of the United States of America have the right to confiscate without a court order any goods that you intended to illegally vivactis from the country, and vehicle that was to be used for these purposes.
Features of consideration by courts of labor disputes on the reinstatement of an employee at work
Authors: Kyselova O.I.
Published: March 2021

Probably the most common category of litigation in the field of labor law is the dispute over the reinstatement of employees. The existing case law shows that in most cases the courts defend the rights of employees, because in the course of the trial the facts of violations by the employer of the requirements of current legislation during the dismissal of the employee are established. In case of violation of labor legislation, restriction of labor rights of citizens, among other things, inevitably raises the question of bringing the perpetrators to justice and ensuring fair, equivalent compensation and damages in accordance with the European concept of an effective remedy. Thus, traditionally, the grounds and procedure for unilateral termination of employment at the initiative of the employer, including redundancies, dismissal for absenteeism, etc., are often subject to judicial appeal. Further development of labor law seems to be able and should be based on and generalization of judicial practice for resolving labor disputes, reflecting the most acute problems of observance of labor rights of citizens. The study of case law on individual labor disputes is an effective means of gaining knowledge about the current state of legal regulation of labor relations and especially the protection of labor rights of citizens, their typical violations, gaps and contradictions of substantive and procedural law governing these relations. The article analyzes the opinions of scientists on the definition of labor disputes and formulates its own definition. In addition, some issues of resolving individual labor disputes on the reinstatement of the employee were considered and the practice of courts to implement court decisions on this issue was analyzed. Certain features of resolving individual labor disputes on employee reinstatement are noted. Taking into account the special position of the labor dispute as a legal category and the analysis made in this article of the legal regulation of the consideration of individual labor disputes on reinstatement at work is relevant for the science of labor law and the practice of applying the current legislation.
The use of fictitious business entities as a way to legalize (launder) the proceeds of crime: the main causes, consequences and ways to fight
Authors: Dymchykov M.O. , Sira M.
Published: March 2021

The article considers one of the most common ways of legalizing (laundering) the proceeds of crime – the use of fictitious economic entities. Here is given the current state of the economy in Ukraine, the problem of the spread of this phenomenon in the context of the shadow economy was studied, the features and characteristics of enterprises that are classified as fictitious were specified, and ways were identified and proposed to reduce the level of money laundering (legalization). In the process of the study, examples of domestic judicial practice were given, which can confirm the presence of certain gaps and shortcomings in legislative acts governing this area of public relations. In the course of working with the following problem, a significant number of scientific works of scientists were processed. Despite these works cover the issue, however of innovations in the legislation or for other reasons do not create a holistic idea about the activities of fictitious economic entities. In the article based on the current legislation of Ukraine, statistical data obtained by both foreign and Ukrainian researchers, and official information of international organizations, in particular “FATF” and “MONEYVAL” were summarized and specified certain aspects of the activities of “non-real” enterprises which are quite relevant today. The obtained results can serve as a basis for the final eradication of such a phenomenon like spreading of economic entities with the signs of fictitiousness, as those which threaten the economic security of the state, or at least minimize its level which obviously requires mandatory intervention by the legislator. The above-mentioned methods of combating money-laundering at first glance are elementary and obvious, what in fact is difficult to be called the truth because it is quite difficult to put them into practice, but quite possible. In the course of working with the article, the relevant ways of combating an income legalization, in particular with the activities of fictitious economic entities, were commented on.
Legal Nature of Primary and Public Financial Intelligence Entities in the Field of Combating Money Laundering
Authors: Utkina M.S.
Published: March 2021

One of the most important global problems facing society is the control of cash flows, as well as the fight, counteraction and prevention of money laundering. In particular, the process of laundering such revenues poses an extreme threat not only to the financial system but also to the national system as a whole. Currently, there is an urgent need to develop a strategy that will quickly and effectively combat cases of abuse of the financial system of the state. The definition of financial intelligence was provided as a set of measures defined at the legislative level by authorized entities of primary and state financial intelligence and aimed at fulfilling the requirements of current legislation in the context of combating and preventing money laundering. The article determined that in accordance with the current legislation, the financial intelligence system is a two-tier system. This is due to the fact that the financial intelligence system consists of two levels – primary and state intelligence. Given the global nature of the problem of money laundering and terrorist financing, the issue of financial intelligence was considered in the context of two levels – national and supranational. The article analyzes different approaches to the classification of financial intelligence entities. In particular, the category of entities within the competence for financial intelligence was determined: leading and auxiliary. Entities depending on the level of financial intelligence are singled out – primary entities and entities of state financial intelligence. An approach to the classification of financial intelligence entities according to their main purpose was defined. According to this criterion, direct and indirect entities of financial intelligence were distinguished.
Transport signature of the magnetic Berezinskii-Kosterlitz-Thouless transition
Authors: Kim Se Kwon , Chung Suk Bum
Published: March 2021

Motivated by recent experimental progress in 2D magnetism, we
theoretically study spin transport in 2D easy-plane magnets at finite
temperatures across the Berezinskii-Kosterlitz-Thouless (BKT) phase
transition, by developing a duality mapping to the 2+1D electromagnetism
with the full account of spin’s finite lifetime. In particular, we find
that the non-conservation of spin gives rise to a distinct signature
across the BKT transition, with the spin current decaying with distance
power-law (exponentially) below (above) the transition; this is
detectable in the proposed experiment with
NiPS_33
and CrCl_33.
Extreme boundary conditions and random tilings
Authors: Stéphan Jean-Marie
Published: March 2021

Standard statistical mechanical or condensed matter arguments tell us that bulk properties of a physical system do not depend too much on boundary conditions. Random tilings of large regions provide counterexamples to such intuition, as illustrated by the famous 'arctic circle theorem' for dimer coverings in two dimensions.
In these notes, I discuss such examples in the context of critical phenomena, and their relation to 1+1d quantum particle models. All those turn out to share a common feature: they are inhomogeneous, in the sense that local densities now depend on position in the bulk. I explain how such problems may be understood using variational (or hydrodynamic) arguments, how to treat long range correlations, and how non trivial edge behavior can occur.
While all this is done on the example of the dimer model, the results presented here have much greater generality. In that sense the dimer model serves as an opportunity to discuss broader methods and results. [These notes require only a basic knowledge of statistical mechanics.]
Organizational and pedagogical conditions for the development of transprofessional competencies of master desiners
Authors:   Russian State Professional and Pedagogical University (Yekaterinburg), Chupina Valentina , Bannikova Tatyana ,   Ural State University of Architecture and Art (Yekaterinburg)
Published: March 2021

. In recent years, the economy of both Russia and the whole world has been characterized by high dynamics of development. Digitalization, automation of production, the development of smart technologies lead to a significant reduction in jobs in organizations. New high-tech enterprises need a specialist capable of performing not only narrow professional functions. They need specialists who are able to go beyond the basic functions, ready for interprofessional interaction in the process of solving complex problems. Against this background, the problem of training transprofessionals becomes urgent for the sphere of vocational education. This article discusses the problem of an interdisciplinary, integrated approach to solving professional problems, associated with the need to develop meta-competencies among master students, formed on the basis of the theory of transprofessionalism in the appropriate organizational and pedagogical conditions. The purpose of the artivle is to substantiate the organizational and pedagogical conditions conducive to the development of transprofessional competencies in master students. The theoretical and methodological basis of the study was formed by the theory of professional development and transprofessionalism. The work used both theoretical (comparative analysis, analysis of scientific text and normative legal sources) and empirical research methods (included observation, content analysis of materials obtained as a result of a survey of the main participants in the educational process). Based on the data of the experimental search work, a complex of organizational and pedagogical conditions that contribute to the development of transprofessional competencies was identified and described: distance technologies, practice-oriented educational environment, multi-role activities of a teacher, reflexive technologies. The materials of the article can be useful for teachers participating in the implementation of educational master programs, as well as for the heads of educational organizations of higher education in the development of organizational and pedagogical decisions in the process of training masters-transprofessionals.
Benchmarking of successful models of teacher’s professional development in conditions of international educational integration
Authors:   Institute of Pedagogy, Psychology and Social Problems (Kazan), Tregubova Tatiana
Published: March 2021

In the context of socio-pedagogical transformations of higher education organizations, modernization of the system of teachers’ professional development, which are now facing global challenges and requirements from new geopolitical conditions, becomes an integral component of their reform. All this causes the need for teachers to be ready for continuous development and advanced training throughout their lives. Thus, the study of the problem of university teachers’ professional development in Russia and abroad is very relevant and timely as a response to the modern requirements of civil society for the personality of the teachers and their activities in the conditions of international educational integration. The need for professional development among teachers is closely related to the desire for more successful indicators in pedagogical activities. To do this, it is necessary to fulfill several pedagogical conditions, including the teacher's own awareness of the need for professional development; the interest of the university administration and the availability of resources to organize a professional development system; having a goal and choosing a professional development model, etc. The purpose of the article is to show models of individualization of the teachers’ professional development abroad, which are aimed at improving the professional qualifications of university teachers, ensuring their adaptation and successful activity in a constantly changing educational society. Research results: 1. The article presents the possibilities of benchmarking in education, in particular, the use of a benchmarking project as a method of studying the successful experience of organizing the teachers’ professional development in a modern university. 2. Based on the analysis of the best practices of university teachers’ professional development, authors identify three main models of implementation of teachers’ professional development in higher education organizations. These models can serve as a guide for Russian higher education reformers in the context of state educational policy. The article concludes that effective European models of teachers’ professional development, identified by using the benchmarking technology, can be successfully implemented in Russian universities under certain conditions.
Handball training in the conditions of the middle mountains.
Authors:   Saratov national research state University named After N. G. Chernyshevsky,  Balashov Institute (Balashov)., Timushkin Alexander
Published: March 2021

The article is devoted to the problem of handball players training in the conditions of the middle mountains. The research involved handball players with sports qualifications from 2 categories to CMC. Athletes lived and trained at an altitude of 2300 m above sea level. Two variants of the training program were tested. One group of athletes performed a "gentle" motion mode, the other – a "shock" one. Surveys were carried out before the departure of athletes to the mountains, during their stay in the mountains and after the descent from the mountains. Pedagogical testing included exercises characterizing the general and special physical fitness of handball players. The biomedical part of the study was to assess the state of the cardiovascular and respiratory systems at rest and during muscle activity using standard test procedures. It is established that the nature and severity of changes in the functional state of the organism and physical fitness is determined by the mode of motor activity in the mountains. During the period of de-adaptation, there is an expansion of the power reserves of the cardiorespiratory system. Athletes performing a "gentle" motion mode in the mountains demonstrate after the returnt from the mountains the increase in general and special physical fitness. Handball players who performed "shock" training loads in the mountains increased the level of aerobic performance and speed and strength training.
Development of Analytical Method for Determination of Inorganic Constituents in Powder Refreshment using Dilute Mineral Acids and Detection by ICP OES
Authors: Santos Samir , Costa Silvânio , Souza Sidnei , Garcia Karina , Soares Sarah , Garcia Carlos , Almeida Tarcísio , Araujo Rennan
Published: March 2021

An analytical method for multi-elementary determination in powder refreshment, based on sample digestion using dilute mineral acids and detection by inductively plasma coupled optical emission spectrometry (ICP OES) is proposed. Chemometric tools, such as fractional factorial design and principal component analysis (PCA) and hierarchical cluster analysis (HCA) were applied to optimize the sample preparation conditions in closed block digester, and Doehlert design for spectrometer operation. Addition and recovery tests and analyses of certified reference material were performed to evaluate the precision and accuracy, and the results confirm the reliability of the proposed method. Limits of quantification (LOQ) between 0.02 and 36 μg g−1 were obtained. The analytical method was applied for determination of 24 inorganic constituents in 20 powder refreshment samples. Calcium, K, Mg, Na, P, S and Ti presented the highest concentrations. The analytical method was adequate for the determinations of inorganic constituents in powder refreshment samples by ICP OES.
Heavy metals in soil, water sediment, and ambient PM2.5 across the Yangtze River economic belt: integrated environment risk identification and countermeasures
Authors: Yan Jingjing , Xu Zhengyong , Li Fei , Li Yilan , Chen Min , Zhu Xi , Cui Xufeng
Published: March 2021

To explore the integrated pollution features of heavy metals in environmental multi-media throughout the Yangtze River Economic Belt (YREB) is of significance for national/local decision-makers to establish a sustainable development strategy. Distributions, enrichments, and induced environmental risks of typical toxic metals in soil, water surface sediment, and PM2.5 from the 11 provinces/municipalities of the YREB were studied based on bibliometric analysis. Compared with the background values, Cu, Zn, Cd, Pb, Hg, and Ni were enriched in both soil and surface sediments to a certain extent. Also, the provincial contents of As and Cr were higher than the standard limit of PM2.5. Spatially, the heavy metal pollution in environmental multi-media was distributed primarily in the central and southern parts of the YREB, specifically in the Hunan, Guizhou, Hubei, and Jiangxi provinces. The noncarcinogenic risks of As in soil and PM2.5 were the main contributor to the total risk. In the surface sediment, the average potential ecological risk for Cd and Hg reached Level V (very high ecological risk) and Level IV (high ecological risk), respectively, which is much higher than that for the other metals (Level I, low potential ecological risk). Consequently, Cd, Hg, and As were considered as priority control metals, and targeted risk management policies were recommended.
Redefining the application of an evolutionary algorithm for the optimal pipe sizing problem
Authors: Palod Nikita , Prasad Vishnu , Khare Ruchi
Published: March 2021

Extensive work has been reported for the optimization of water distribution networks (WDNs) using different optimization techniques. Out of these techniques, evolutionary algorithms (EAs) were found to be more efficient as compared with conventional techniques like linear programming and dynamic programming. Most of the EAs are complex meta-heuristics techniques and need tuning of algorithm-specific parameters. Rao algorithms (Rao-I and Rao-II) do not need any algorithm-specific parameters and hence eliminate the process of sensitivity analysis. In the present work, Rao algorithms are applied for the optimal pipe sizing of WDNs. The optimization results in terms of optimal pipe diameters and the number of evaluations for five different benchmark networks are compared with other EAs. For the two-loop, Hanoi, Go-Yang, and Kadu network, computational efficiency in terms of minimum function evaluations for Rao-I and Rao-II is found to be greater than 78.5 and 83.58%, respectively, when compared with the largest number of minimum function evaluations for other evolutionary techniques. It is seen that Rao algorithms are simple to apply and efficient and do not need any parameter tuning which reduces a large number of computational efforts.
La pandemia del COVID-19 en el discurso antimigratorio y xenófobo en Europa y Estados Unidos
Authors: Vega Macías Daniel
Published: March 2021

El discurso antimigratorio en algunos países europeos y en Estados Unidos había estado escalando en las últimas décadas. La migración como problema ya era un argumento recurrente en las directrices migratorias de algunos Estados nacionales y una bandera de las formaciones políticas de derecha. El objetivo de este artículo es analizar la manera en que la contingencia sanitaria derivada del COVID-19 ha influido sobre el discurso migratorio de los representantes políticos. Con base en la revisión hemerográfica de periódicos, agencias de noticias y organismos internacionales, entre marzo y septiembre de 2020, esta investigación muestra que la pandemia ha reforzado el discurso político antimigratorio, dado que ofrece un argumento maniqueo que puede favorecer sentimientos y actitudes xenófobos en las sociedades receptoras.
MÉTODOS ESTATÍSTICOS ADOTADOS EM TESES DE DOUTORADO EM CIÊNCIAS DO MOVIMENTO HUMANO
Authors: Rocha Costa Rochelle , De Souza Castro Flávio Antônio
Published: March 2021

Introdução: O conhecimento acerca dos principais métodos estatísticos utilizados em estudos de uma determinada área do conhecimento permite conhecer o design metodológico predominante, bem como os principais objetivos a serem testados, e verificar se há limitações no uso de métodos mais elaborados e atualizados. Objetivo: descrever os principais métodos estatísticos adotados em teses de doutorado desenvolvidas em um programa de pós-graduação na área de Educação Física e descrever os métodos estatísticos utilizados nos artigos publicados com dados oriundos dessas teses. Metodologia: o presente estudo analisou teses de caráter quantitativo, defendidas entre 2003 e 2013 e seus correspondentes artigos publicados. Os seguintes dados foram extraídos das teses e dos artigos: quantidade de artigos publicados com dados oriundos de cada tese, dados relativos à análise descritiva, testes de normalidade, se foram ou não realizados testes estatísticos inferenciais e, em caso afirmativo, quais foram adotados. Resultados: um total de 46 teses e 88 artigos foram incluídos nas análises do presente estudo. A mediana de publicações por tese foi de dois artigos, sendo que 10 teses não apresentaram nenhum artigo publicado e três teses apresentaram cinco estudos publicados. Verificou-se a predominância de estudos transversais, a preferência pelo uso da estatística inferencial, com predominância de testes paramétricos. Ainda, evidenciou-se elevada utilização de métodos de comparações entre médias, e uso de correlações. Conclusões: de forma geral, os métodos estatísticos adotados nas teses e nos artigos publicados são adequados e coerentes com os objetivos propostos nos estudos.
POR UMA GÊNESE DO GRUPO DE PESQUISA EM EDUCAÇÃO INTERCULTURAL (GPEI)
Authors: Ferreira da Silva Gilberto
Published: March 2021

Este ensaio autobiográfico, tem por objetivo resgatar, sistematizar e refletir desde o que a memória permite, sobre um itinerário que acabou constituindo e forjando a consolidação de um grupo de pesquisa no interior de uma universidade de cunho comunitário. Lança-se mão de um modo de escrita que se movimenta por entre a valorização da subjetividade e das relações que foram se estabelecendo no processo. A escrita autobiográfica é compreendida como o exercício de descrever dinâmicas interiores, explorando e reconhecendo na subjetividade o potencial criativo e, portanto, valoriza-se um itinerário que é construído no ato mesmo da experiência, nesse sentido ele é mais instituinte do que instituído. Ganha relevância a perspectiva da descolonização do pensamento (e das subjetividades), como uma prática que impulsiona ao encontro consigo mesmo (autobiográfico) e abre-se para o com quem e o onde se está (geoepistêmico). O ensaio destaca o reconhecimento da existencialidade como elemento fundante do trabalho coletivo e a horizontalidade como estratégia de construção de pertencimentos identitários. Enfatiza a sensibilidade e a abertura como dinâmicas que possibilitam o abrir-se para modos outros de conhecer e produzir conhecimentos, podendo e devendo ser experimentados no cotidiano, arena em que revela potencialmente a existencialidade.
Performance evaluation of Entrepreneurship teachers in Accounting vocational program
Authors: Puspitaningratri Irena , Putro Nur Hidayanto Pancoro Setyo
Published: March 2021

This study aimed to discover the PKK Accounting Expertise Program’s teachers’ performance at State SMK 1 Samigaluh based on primary duties. This study was an evaluation using the discrepancy evaluation model. The study subjects were PKK teachers of State SMK 1 Samigaluh. Information sources for the study were the headmaster, six colleagues, and 52 students. Instruments used were questionnaires, assessment sheets, and documentation sheets. The headmaster presented an excellent assessment of the PKK subject teachers of 92.81. In contrast to the headmaster, colleagues and students presented good assessments of the PKK subject teachers. According to colleagues, the PKK subject teachers’ performance assessment was 86.42, while, according to students, it was 86.67. Based on the average performance assessment, the PKK teachers of Accounting Expertise and Institutional Financial at State SMK 1 Samigaluh were categorized as good. The headmaster presented the highest score than other assessments on all primary duties.
Metacognitive skill assessment model through the blended learning management system in vocational education
Authors: Mahande Ridwan Daud , Darmawan Fitrah Asma , Malago Jasruddin Daud
Published: March 2021

This study aims to develop an assessment rubric and produce a metacognitive skill model through the blended learning management system (BLEMS) in project-based learning in Vocational Education. This study uses the Research and Development model of Borg and Gall (1983). The research subjects consisted of two experts (validity), ten students (small group), and 35 students (expanded) from the Faculty of Engineering, Universitas Negeri Makassar, Indonesia. Data were collected using questionnaires and tests: developed assessment instruments and rubrics with three main aspects, planning, monitoring, and evaluation. Conducted assessment tests through self, peer, and teacher assessment. Then analyzed the results of the Assessments with descriptive statistics. The results showed that the Rubric and metacognitive assessment model through BLEMS for vocational education met the validity, practicality, and effectiveness. The integration of metacognitive skill elements: planning, monitoring, and evaluation with self-assessment, peer assessment, and teacher assessment can be an assessment method to measure students' metacognitive thinking skills in project-based learning in vocational education.
Perceptions and Acceptability of a Smartphone App Intervention (ChildSafe) in Malaysia: Qualitative Exploratory Study
Authors: Yong Teresa Sui Mien , Perialathan Komathi , Ahmad Masitah , Juatan Nurashma , Abdul Majid Liana , Johari Mohammad Zabri
Published: March 2021

Background

Home is a vulnerable place for accidental child injuries. Unintentional injuries are a leading cause of death, hospitalization, and disabilities. These injuries are considered preventable and if not tackled, they will continue to be a persisting problem. Smartphones have become increasingly important in our everyday life and is an important tool not only for communication but also for other purposes—they have apps that can be used for various purposes. Therefore, an app-based intervention (ChildSafe) was developed to assess and reduce child injury at home.

Objective

This study aimed to evaluate the acceptance of the ChildSafe smartphone app intervention by parents/guardians.

Methods

This study was conducted using a qualitative exploratory approach on selected participants of the ChildSafe intervention app study. A total of 27 semistructured in-depth interviews were carried out among parents or guardians who have at least one child between the age of 0 and 59 months in the area of Sungai Buloh, Selangor, between November 2017 and March 2018. Interview questions were developed from the consolidated framework for implementation research (CFIR). Interviews were recorded, transcribed verbatim, and data were thematically analyzed guided by CFIR.

Results

The study revealed users’ perception on usability, feasibility, and acceptability toward the ChildSafe app. Three CFIR domains were identified: intervention characteristics, inner setting, and characteristics of individuals. A total of 5 constructs were revealed under intervention characteristics: evidence strength and quality, relative advantage, adaptability, trialability, and design quality and packaging; 2 under inner setting: implementation climate and readiness for implementation; and 4 under characteristics of individuals: knowledge and beliefs about the intervention, self-efficacy, individual stage of change, and other personal attributes. In general, participants felt the app is extremely useful and effective, easy to use, and purposeful in achieving home safety assessment via reminders. The app replaces the need for participants to search for information on home safety and dangers, as the app itself was designed as a tool to assess for this specific purpose. Even at the nascent stage and despite its limitations, the app has prompted users to consider and make changes around their own home. However, future versions of the app should be expanded to make it more attractive to users as it lacks interactive feedback and additional features.

Conclusions

Parents/guardians are accepting the use of the ChildSafe app to prevent child injury at home. However, further expansion and improvements are needed to increase the acceptability of this app by parents/guardians.
Acceptance and Use of Home-Based Electronic Symptom Self-Reporting Systems in Patients With Cancer: Systematic Review
Authors: Cho Youmin , Zhang Huiting , Harris Marcelline Ruth , Gong Yang , Smith Ellen Lavoie , Jiang Yun
Published: March 2021

Background

Electronic symptom self-reporting systems (e-SRS) have been shown to improve symptoms and survival in patients with cancer. However, patient engagement in using e-SRS for voluntary symptom self-reporting is less optimal. Multiple factors can potentially affect patients’ acceptance and engagement in using home-based e-SRS. However, such factors have not been fully explored in cancer populations.

Objective

The aim of this study is to understand the acceptance and use of home-based e-SRS by patients with cancer and identify associated facilitators and barriers.

Methods

PubMed, CINAHL, Scopus, and PsycINFO (January 2010 to March 2020) were searched using a combination of Medical Subject Headings (MeSH) terms and keywords such as symptom self-reporting, electronic/technology, cancer, and their synonyms. Included studies focused on the use of home-based e-SRS by patients with cancer and their families. Studies on patients’ use of e-SRS in clinical settings only were excluded. Of the 3740 papers retrieved, 33 were included in the final review. Factors associated with patient acceptance and use of e-SRS were extracted and synthesized.

Results

Most e-SRS were web based (22/33, 66%) or mobile app based (9/33, 27%). The e-SRS initial acceptance, represented by patient enrollment rates, ranged from 40% (22/55) to 100% (100/100). High e-SRS acceptance was rated by 69% (59/85) to 77.6% (337/434) of the patients after they used the system. The e-SRS use, measured by patients’ response rates to questionnaires (ranging from 1596/3521, 45.33% to 92%) or system log-on rates (ranging from 4/12, 33% to 99/100, 99%), declined over time in general patterns. Few studies (n=7) reported e-SRS use beyond 6 months, with the response rates ranging from 62% (40/64) to 85.1% (541/636) and the log-on rates ranging from 63.6% (103/162) to 77% (49/64). The availability of compatible devices and technical support, interactive system features, information accessibility, privacy, questionnaire quality, patient physical/psychosocial status, and age were associated with patient acceptance and use of home-based e-SRS.

Conclusions

Acceptance and use of home-based e-SRS by patients with cancer varied significantly across studies, as assessed by a variety of approaches. The lack of access to technology has remained a barrier to e-SRS adoption. Interactive system features and personalized questionnaires may increase patient engagement. More studies are needed to further understand patients’ long-term use of home-based e-SRS behavior patterns to develop personalized interventions to support symptom self-management and self-reporting of patients with cancer for optimal health outcomes.
Social Network Analysis of the Effects of a Social Media–Based Weight Loss Intervention Targeting Adults of Low Socioeconomic Status: Single-Arm Intervention Trial
Authors: Xu Ran , Cavallo David
Published: March 2021

Background

Obesity is a known risk factor for cardiovascular disease risk factors, including hypertension and type II diabetes. Although numerous weight loss interventions have demonstrated efficacy, there is considerably less evidence about the theoretical mechanisms through which they work. Delivering lifestyle behavior change interventions via social media provides unique opportunities for understanding mechanisms of intervention effects. Server data collected directly from web-based platforms can provide detailed, real-time behavioral information over the course of intervention programs that can be used to understand how interventions work.

Objective

The objective of this study was to demonstrate how social network analysis can facilitate our understanding of the mechanisms underlying a social media–based weight loss intervention.

Methods

We performed secondary analysis by using data from a pilot study that delivered a dietary and physical activity intervention to a group of participants via Facebook. We mapped out participants’ interaction networks over the 12-week intervention period and linked participants’ network characteristics (eg, in-degree, out-degree, network constraint) to participants’ changes in theoretical mediators (ie, dietary knowledge, perceived social support, self-efficacy) and weight loss by using regression analysis. We also performed mediation analyses to explore how the effects of social network measures on weight loss could be mediated by the aforementioned theoretical mediators.

Results

In this analysis, 47 participants from 2 waves completed the study and were included. We found that increases in the number of posts, comments, and reactions significantly predicted weight loss (β=–.94, P=.04); receiving comments positively predicted changes in self-efficacy (β=7.81, P=.009), and the degree to which one’s network neighbors are tightly connected with each other weakly predicted changes in perceived social support (β=7.70, P=.08). In addition, change in self-efficacy mediated the relationship between receiving comments and weight loss (β=–.89, P=.02).

Conclusions

Our analyses using data from this pilot study linked participants’ network characteristics with changes in several important study outcomes of interest such as self-efficacy, social support, and weight. Our results point to the potential of using social network analysis to understand the social processes and mechanisms through which web-based behavioral interventions affect participants’ psychological and behavioral outcomes. Future studies are warranted to validate our results and to further explore the relationship between network dynamics and study outcomes in similar and larger trials.
A Clinical Decision Support System for Sleep Staging Tasks With Explanations From Artificial Intelligence: User-Centered Design and Evaluation Study (Preprint)
Authors: Hwang Jeonghwan , Lee Taeheon , Lee Honggu , Byun Seonjeong
Published: March 2021

BACKGROUND

Despite the unprecedented performance of deep learning algorithms in clinical domains, full reviews of algorithmic predictions by human experts remain mandatory. Under these circumstances, artificial intelligence (AI) models are primarily designed as clinical decision support systems (CDSSs). However, from the perspective of clinical practitioners, the lack of clinical interpretability and user-centered interfaces hinders the adoption of these AI systems in practice.

OBJECTIVE

This study aims to develop an AI-based CDSS for assisting polysomnographic technicians in reviewing AI-predicted sleep staging results. This study proposed and evaluated a CDSS that provides clinically sound explanations for AI predictions in a user-centered manner.

METHODS

Our study is based on a user-centered design framework for developing explanations in a CDSS that identifies why explanations are needed, what information should be contained in explanations, and how explanations can be provided in the CDSS. We conducted user interviews, user observation sessions, and an iterative design process to identify three key aspects for designing explanations in the CDSS. After constructing the CDSS, the tool was evaluated to investigate how the CDSS explanations helped technicians. We measured the accuracy of sleep staging and interrater reliability with macro-F1 and Cohen κ scores to assess quantitative improvements after our tool was adopted. We assessed qualitative improvements through participant interviews that established how participants perceived and used the tool.

RESULTS

The user study revealed that technicians desire explanations that are relevant to key electroencephalogram (EEG) patterns for sleep staging when assessing the correctness of AI predictions. Here, technicians wanted explanations that could be used to evaluate whether the AI models properly locate and use these patterns during prediction. On the basis of this, information that is closely related to sleep EEG patterns was formulated for the AI models. In the iterative design phase, we developed a different visualization strategy for each pattern based on how technicians interpreted the EEG recordings with these patterns during their workflows. Our evaluation study on 9 polysomnographic technicians quantitatively and qualitatively investigated the helpfulness of the tool. For technicians with <5 years of work experience, their quantitative sleep staging performance improved significantly from 56.75 to 60.59 with a P value of .05. Qualitatively, participants reported that the information provided effectively supported them, and they could develop notable adoption strategies for the tool.

CONCLUSIONS

Our findings indicate that formulating clinical explanations for automated predictions using the information in the AI with a user-centered design process is an effective strategy for developing a CDSS for sleep staging.
Teaching Personal and Social Responsibility (TPSR) in Teacher Education: Reflections and Future Direction
Authors: Martinek Thomas J. , Santos Fernando , Sá César , Saraiva Linda
Published: March 2021

The purpose of this article is to provide insights about the implementation of Teaching Personal and Social Responsibility-focused teacher training and shed light on practical and theoretical implications. Our reflections highlight that any professional preparation program that is committed to preparing teachers will choose the best way to promote learning. We have in mind that careful consideration for community involvement, having authentic commitment to Teaching Personal and Social Responsibility, being well informed about best practices and getting the teacher education student to “step outside the box” may be all important elements for success. Future challenges include delivering and assessing the impact of Teaching Personal and Social Responsibility-focused teacher training programs.
An investigation to choose the proper therapy technique in the management of autism spectrum disorder
Authors: Ozsahin Ilker , Mustapha Mubarak T , Albarwary Safa , Sanlidag Burcin , Ozsahin Dilber Uzun , Butler Tracy A
Published: March 2021

Aim:
Autism spectrum disorder is a class of neurological disorders that affect the development of brain functions. This study aims to evaluate, compare and rank the therapy techniques used in the management of autism spectrum disorder using multicriteria decision-making approaches.
Materials & methods:
Fuzzy PROMETHEE and fuzzy TOPSIS approaches were used. Fuzzy PROMETHEE utilizes a pair-wise comparison of alternatives under the fuzzy environment while fuzzy TOPSIS utilizes geometric distance from the positive ideal solution under the fuzzy environment for the evaluation of the effectiveness of the alternatives.The techniques selected for evaluation are applied behavioral analysis, cognitive behavioral therapy, speech therapy and pharmacological therapy such as Risperidone and Aripiprazole. Criteria used in this study include efficacy, cost and side effects, and their weights are assigned based on specific patient conditions.
Results:
The results indicate that applied behavioral analysis, cognitive behavioral therapy and speech therapy are the most preferred techniques, followed by Aripiprazole and Risperidone.
Conclusion:
More criteria could be considered and the weights could be assigned according to the patient profile.