bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A SYSTEM FOR DEVELOPING PROFESSIONAL PREPAREDNESS OF SOCIOCULTURAL SPECIALISTS FOR CREATIVE INTERACTION IN A DIGITAL LEARNING ENVIRONMENT
Authors: Karnikova Olga P.
Published: February 2024

Purpose. The article is dedicated to the issue of designing a system of developing preparedness of sociocultural specialists to creative interaction in the digital learning environment.

Materials and methods. The author substantiates the relevance of designing this system by the need to integrate sociocultural, pedagogical and digital aspects of professional activities in the professional training. In the course of the study, an analysis of scientific literature related to the study problem was conducted. The findings were then systematized and generalized to create a comprehensive system that captures the interconnectedness of social, cultural, and digital aspects of the professional activities. The research methods included the analysis of theoretical sources, the study and generalization of researchers’ experience on the issues of professional training of sociocultural specialists, as well as the analysis of empirical research and system design.

Results. The study describes a developed and pedagogically substantiated system for raising preparedness of sociocultural specialists to creative interaction in a digital learning environment, including the main structural elements of the system, methodological approaches and principles that determine the internal logic of its development, as well as the set of conditions that ensure its effectiveness.

Scope of application of the results. The results of this study are aimed at increasing the quality and enhancing the system of organization of professional training of these specialists.
REQUIREMENTS OF EMPLOYERS TO THE LEVEL OF TRAINING OF GRADUATES AS A FACTOR OF TRANSFORMATION OF EDUCATIONAL PROGRAMS
Authors: Valeeva Svetlana N. , Kraynova Olga S.
Published: February 2024

In the digital age, the ability to apply technology and digital tools is crucial to the professional success of professionals in any field.

Employers in today’s digital economy give priority to specialists with the necessary set of knowledge, skills and skills for effective work in production, including those who own digital competencies, digital tools.

This study presents the results of a survey of employers from the standpoint of satisfaction with the set of competencies of graduates of master’s degree, for subsequent employment.

The purpose is to assess the level of compliance of master’s educational programs and the formation of digital competencies of graduates in the context of the requirements of modern employers.

Methods and methodology of the study: to carry out the study, a survey of employers was used. Tabular methods were used to present the results of the study.

Results. The obtained results allowed to draw conclusions about the need to transform the educational programs of the magistracy with the introduction of disciplines aimed at the formation of digital competencies.

Field of application of the results: it is advisable to apply the results with the purpose of improving the quality of training of graduates of master’s degree. The results will allow universities to align their educational programs with the changing needs of the labor market, ensuring that graduates receive the relevant competences demanded by modern employers.
FACTORS AFFECTING MOTIVATION TO STUDY FOREIGN LANGUAGES AT THE STAGE OF SECONDARY EDUCATION
Authors: Korobkova Zarina R. , Sabirova Diana R.
Published: February 2024

Motivation in teaching a foreign language is one of the most important issues discussed both in theoretical research and in the daily work of a teacher. Realizing the multidimensional nature of this concept, which includes the learning process, the purpose of this article is to identify the key factors influencing motivation to learn foreign languages from the point of view of students in grades 10 and 11, as well as to compare theory and practice and formulate general conditions that can be used for further research and improvement of the educational process.

The main method of this study is the survey method. The survey was aimed at identifying the motives that motivate respondents to learn foreign languages and develop skills that they consider to be the most important.

The theoretical part of the article presents the opinions of some authors and experts on the essence of motivation to learn foreign languages, the key types of motives, and their impact on the effectiveness and long-term viability of the process under consideration.

The practical part of the article presents the quantitative results of a survey conducted among high school students who expressed their subjective opinion about both internal and external factors that encourage them to learn a foreign language. Although the numerical results of the survey do not provide a complete picture of the complex concept of motivation, it allows you to learn about the subjective opinion of high school students in terms of their preferences regarding language activities and expectations in relation to the teacher and the learning process. The specific results of the study are to identify motivation factors within the framework of learning a foreign language among students in grades 10 and 11. These results can be used by teachers in the process of teaching high school students foreign languages.

In the course of the conducted research, it was concluded that there is a connection between the survey results and theoretical data. Together, they point to the importance of communication, the creation of interesting and diverse lessons, the use of authentic materials and the organization of individual and pair work to stimulate motivation to learn foreign languages from the point of view of students in grades 10 and 11.
SELF-AWARENESS OF A PARENT AND THE PROCESS EDUCATION GOODNESS AND PREDOMINANCE IMMATERIAL OVER MATERIAL OF PRIMARY SCHOOL CHILDREN
Authors: Mokhova Svetlana Yu. , Dyurt Olga V.
Published: February 2024

Introduction. The process of education in pedagogy is considered as a two-way process. Parents in the modern educational space pay great attention to the control of the teacher-student relationship. Such a focus can be shifted to a system of relationships with a child included in the parent-teacher-student system. The parent’s self-awareness in the context of spiritual and moral education determines the content of the article. The forms and content of the activities of the socio-psychological service of the school, teachers in the parent-student-teacher triad have been studied and are being studied constantly. Changes in socio-economic and cultural processes offer new questions in the theory and practice of pedagogical activity, taking into account positional thinking, the age of the student and the self-consciousness of his parent.

Purpose: to analyze the methods, forms and content of goodness and predominance inmaterial over material and moral education of primary school children and the necessary processes of changing the parent’s self-consciousness.

The methodology and research methods take into account the principle of consistency and, when analyzing the content and forms of goodness and predominance inmaterial over material and moral education activities in primary school, model the elements of the structure of the goodness and predominance inmaterial over material and moral component of the parent’s self-consciousness.

Results and scope of application. The proposed model of the structure of the goodness and predominance inmaterial over material and moral component of the parent’s self-consciousness makes it possible to adapt the parent-student-teacher triad to situations in the conditions of positional thinking.
THE VALUE-SEMANTIC COMPONENT OF THE PSYCHOLOGICAL AND PEDAGOGICAL CULTURE OF THE PERSONALITY OF HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS
Authors: Grebennikova Nadezhda V.
Published: February 2024

The article is devoted to the study of the value-semantic component of psychological and pedagogical culture in adolescence. The relevance of the research is due to the fact that the structure and content of value orientations and semantic formations of a person has a significant impact on the formation and development of psychological and pedagogical culture as a whole. In turn, a developed psychological and pedagogical culture of the individual is important for the formation of a meaningful and valuable attitude to the profession of a teacher.

The purpose of the article is to consider the features of the relationship of value orientations and life meanings in high school students.

Methods: Portrait Value Questionnaire, PVQ (Schwartz Shalom H.) adaptation by N. M. Lebedeva (2007); System of life meanings (V.Y. Kotlyakov).

As a result of the research, the connections between the value orientations of the individual (at the level of normative ideals and at the level of individual priorities) and life meanings are identified and analyzed.
ASSOCIATION OF PROBLEM USE OF SOCIAL NETWORKS WITH MOOD DISORDERS IN MEDICAL UNIVERSITY STUDENTS
Authors: Yaskevich Roman A. , Moskalenko Olga L.
Published: February 2024

The addictive potential of social media is well known. However, data on the impact of social media on mental health are contradictory. Some studies report the benefits of using social media for mental health. In turn, data from other studies have shown that widespread use of social networks has been associated with a number of psychological and mental health problems, such as depression, anxiety, psychological stress, especially in young people.

The purpose of the study. To study the association of problematic use of social networks with anxiety indicators on the HADS scale among medical university students

Materials and methods. The study included 229 students of both sexes enrolled in the 3rd year of the medical faculty of the Medical University. The analysis of the problematic use of social networks was carried out using the Russian version of the questionnaire «The Social Media Disorder Scale». The identification and assessment of the severity of anxiety disorders was carried out using the Russian version of the hospital scale of anxiety and depression HADS.

Results. It was found, that the frequency of problematic use of social networks in the general group of surveyed students studying at a medical university was 9,6%. The presence of signs of anxiety was detected in 34,9% of the surveyed students. The frequency of problematic use of social networks among people with signs of anxiety was 59,1%. Among the examined girls the number of people with signs of anxiety with problematic use of social networks was twice as large as compared to patients without problematic use of social networks.

Conclusion. Associations of problematic use of social networks with indicators of anxiety on the HADS scale among students at a medical university were revealed.
FORMING RESEARCH SKILLS IN STUDENTS OF NON-LINGUISTIC SPECIALIZATIONS (ON THE EXAMPLE OF AN ELECTIVE DISTANCE COURSE IN A FOREIGN LANGUAGE)
Authors: Kudryavtseva Olga M.
Published: February 2024

Purpose. The article examines research skills formation in undergraduate students by means of a foreign language as a necessary aspect of their academic and professional activities. This paper aims to assess possibility of elective foreign language course in forming elementary research skills in the students of non-linguistic specializations.

Materials and methods. The main theoretical methods are analysis of pedagogical and methodological literature on the problem, comparison, generalization. The leading method is a pedagogical experiment. The basis for the forming of research skills is an elective distance learning course aimed at using sources in a foreign language.

Results. The article presents data on the methods of forming research skills among university students. The obtained results indicate the formation of research skills of non-linguistic degree courses’ students in the implementation of an elective distance course in a foreign language. As a result of studying this course students have developed research skills necessary for using English for scientific goals and academic needs.
HYPERTEXT CASE MODEL FOR TEACHING SEMANTIC READING TO SECONDARY SCHOOL STUDENTS IN MATH LESSONS
Authors: Romashchenko Alexey R.
Published: February 2024

Purpose. Over time, paper educational materials are supplemented and replaced by electronic ones, so a new problem has arisen – the presentation of educational information in a new form, taking into account the wide possibilities of information technology. With the help of the Internet, humanity has created a huge system of hypertexts. The user, by creating his own route of movement through the links, creates meaning inside his consciousness, complements it depending on the information he meets. The use of hypertext in teaching mathematics allows you to organize a personality-oriented approach, explore the routes of students in a network structure. The purpose of the article is to focus the research on the investment of the case method in a hypertext structure, to create a case model using hypertext, to analyze the route system of the case model. The created hypertext case will be a prototype of the construction of educational material using hypertext technology and the case method.

Methodology. The research is based on the analysis and synthesis of psychological-pedagogical and educational-methodical literature, on modeling the structure of educational material (case) using hypertext technology.

Results. Creation of a hypertext case model for teaching semantic reading to secondary school students based on the analysis of the structure and elements of hypertext and case.

Practical implications. The results can be applied in the creation of an electronic textbook on mathematics, a collection of mathematical cases for teaching semantic reading to students.
PRECONDITIONS FOR THE FORMATION OF A HUMOROUS APPROACH IN THE RUSSIAN PEDAGOGY OF THE XX CENTURY
Authors: Dokuchaev Vladislav A. , Derenchuk Ol’ga V.
Published: February 2024

Methods. In the course of the study, the methods of historical and pedagogical research were used: retrospective, historical-structural, historiographical, historical-genetic, comparative-comparative, the method of historical periodization, which together made it possible to conduct a systematic analysis of the development of the use of humor in the educational and upbringing process.

Results. The historical prerequisites for the formation of a humorous approach in the domestic theory of education and upbringing are summarized. The chronological stages of the development of pedagogical thought in relation to the place of humor in the educational and educational process are highlighted. The works of figures of Russian pedagogy (Lunacharsky A.V., Makarenko A.S., Sukhomlinsky V.A., Amonashvili Sh.A.), revealing the attitude to humor as a pedagogical tool, are considered. The interpretations and opinions of various teachers about the place of humor in the theory of education and upbringing are presented, key techniques and methods are considered. The experience of the Soviet era in the use of humor in pedagogical practice is summarized.

Practical implications. The obtained results can be applied in the creation of a unified overview of historical and pedagogical work devoted to the formation and development of a humorous approach in Russian pedagogy, as well as in solving applied didactic tasks in secondary and higher schools.
MENTORING AS A RESOURCE FOR DEVELOPING THE INTEREST OF YOUNGER STUDENTS IN PHYSICAL EDUCATION
Authors: Kondratyuk Tatiana A. , Pakina Lada E.
Published: February 2024

The article considers mentoring as a resource for the formation of interest in physical culture through the organization of non-standard classes in the extended day mode, taking into account the interests of younger schoolchildren. A survey was conducted to determine the interests of younger students in physical education. It was revealed that younger students are interested in: football, gymnastics, outdoor activities, musical rhythmic and outdoor games, the opportunity to study individually at their own pace and rhythm, with a choice of tasks. The activity of student mentors is described, taking into account the identified interests in physical culture: in classes in the extended day group, mobile and sports games with alternating computer games are implemented; dance and musical rhythmic movements using the Just Dance prefix; individual cards with variable tasks. Mentoring is defined as a resource for interest formation, implemented through relationships in the educational process with the transfer of experience and knowledge, allowing to individualize the process of education and upbringing. The conducted research revealed an increase in the interest of younger schoolchildren in physical education, which manifested itself in increased attendance and activity.

Method and methodology of the work: The research uses theoretical and empirical methods. Analysis of the literature on the research problem, pedagogical experiment. The survey was conducted among students in grades 2-4 of a general education institution. It allowed us to identify interests in physical education. And to form a program for the activities of student mentors in the experimental group. At the final stage of the experiment, the expert assessment of the physical education teacher was used.

Results: The study shows that the activity of student mentors contributes to an increase in interest in physical culture in the implementation of non-standard classes and communication in an extended day group. Which manifests itself in an increase in attendance and activity of younger students. Therefore, mentoring can be a resource for developing younger students’ interest in physical education.
Viloxazine: A New Non-Stimulant Treatment for Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)
Authors: Wilanowska Wiktoria , Greguła Anna , Stachyrak Karol , Mika Dawid , Kłos Aleksandra , Turek Kamila , Lambach Maciej , Pawlicki Mateusz , Mazurek Aleksandra , Mazur Bartosz
Published: February 2024

IntroductionViloxazine is an antidepressant medication classified as an SNRI (serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor). In April 2021, it received FDA approval in the United States for the treatment of ADHD in children aged 6 to 17. Subsequently, in May 2022, it was also approved for the treatment of adults with ADHD [1]. Viloxazine, available in extended-release capsules, represents novel non-stimulant medication option for patients with ADHD.Aim of the studyOur aim was to review the viloxazine in the fields of ADHD treatment, summarize current knowledge and analyze the first treatment results.

Methods and materialsA review of the literature available in the PubMed database was performed, using the key words: „Viloxazine" ; „ADHD treatment" ; „ADHD”, „attention deficit hyperactivity disorder”, „attention deficit hyperactivity disorder treatment”; „ADHD non-stimulant treatment”; „ADHD non-stimulant”; „ADHD non-stimulant drugs”, „SPN-812”

ConclusionViloxazine presents a promising non-stimulant alternative for ADHD treatment with more favorable pharmacokinetics, new way of possible administration and fewer adverse effects, particularly within the cardiovascular system, than other available ADHD medication options. While these findings are encouraging, continual research is imperative to establish the long-term safety profile.
Drug Breakdown: Oxybutynin
Authors: Rees Dr Sharon
Published: February 2024

In this column, Sharon Rees aims to refresh knowledge and interest in some of the commonly used drugs in a series of posts on X. This month she is talking about #oxybutynin
Hematological and blood biochemistry parameters as prognostic indicators of survival in canine multicentric lymphoma treated with COP and L-COP protocols
Authors: Sutthigran Somchin , Saisawart Phasamon , Teewasutrakul Patharakrit , Sirivisoot Sirintra , Thanaboonnipat Chutimon , Rungsipipat Anudep , Choisunirachon Nan
Published: February 2024

Background and Aim: Hematological and blood chemistry parameters are crucial for evaluating and monitoring canine multicentric lymphoma during chemotherapy. Pre-treatment hematological and blood chemistry parameters can be used as prognostic survival outcomes for this disease. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the effect of hematological and blood chemistry parameters pre-treatment and 4 weeks post-treatment on the survival outcomes of dogs treated with either a combination of cyclophosphamide, vincristine, and prednisolone (COP) or a combination of COP with L-asparaginase (L-COP) protocols.

Materials and Methods: We conducted a retrospective study. Medical records and hematological and blood chemistry parameters of 41 dogs with multicentric lymphoma treated with L-COP (n = 26) and the COP protocols (n = 15) were obtained from the hospital information system. Most cases were classified as high-grade lymphoma based on the Kiel cytological classification. The effects of hematological and blood chemistry parameters on survival outcomes were investigated using the Cox proportional hazard regression model. The median survival time (MST) for each hematological and blood chemistry parameter affecting survival outcome was established and compared using the Kaplan–Meier product limit method with the log-rank test.

Results: Dogs with high-grade multicentric lymphoma that were treated with the COP protocol and had monocytosis at pre-treatment had a significantly shorter MST than dogs with normal monocyte counts (p = 0.033). In addition, dogs with azotemia, both pre-treatment and 4 weeks post-treatment, had a significantly shorter MST than dogs with normal serum creatinine levels (p = 0.012). Dogs with high-grade multicentric lymphoma treated with the L-COP protocol who had hypoalbuminemia (serum albumin concentration <2.5 mg/dL) at both pre-treatment and 4 weeks post-treatment had a significantly shorter MST than dogs with normal serum albumin levels (p < 0.001). Furthermore, dogs with leukocytosis at 4 weeks post-treatment had a significantly shorter MST than those with a normal total white blood cell count (p = 0.024).

Conclusion: Serum albumin level can serve as a simple negative prognostic indicator of survival outcomes in dogs with high-grade multicentric lymphoma treated with the L-COP protocol. Dogs with hypoalbuminemia pre-treatment and 4 weeks post-treatment tended to have a shorter MST than those with normal serum albumin concentrations.

Keywords: anti-cancer, chemotherapy, dogs, hypoalbuminemia, multicentric lymphoma, prognosis, retrospective study, survival outcomes.
Impact of critical success factors and risk management on organizational results
Authors: Rampini Gabriel Henrique Silva , Berssaneti Fernando Tobal
Published: February 2024

Goal: The purpose of this study is to identify how do risk management processes and critical success factors (CSFs) impact organizational results.
Design / Methodology / Approach: A qualitative research approach was applied, using a multiple case study, involving six organizations in public and private sectors of the Brazilian economy.
Results: The support given by top management, the existence of a corporate governance structure, the integration of risk management across all organizational functions and the importance of stakeholder participation, both in public and private organizations, presented aspects that impact organizational outcomes, such as the preservation of reputation, increase in market value, and the creation of competitive advantage.
Limitations of investigation: The present research considered only Brazilian organizations, which is a limiting factor for a possible generalization of the findings. The research can be extended to other organizations and countries, so that other contexts can be discussed and analyzed.
Practical implications: Based on the findings, we designed an Organizational Results Matrix (ORM), which aims to support managers dealing with factors conditioning the company´s results.
Originality / Value: The original value of the research lies in the presentation of ORM. This matrix may enrich the quality and rigor of the actions carried out in public and private sectors, providing to managers an insight into the main dimensions of CSFs and risk management process and their influence on the expected results.
Measuring the Social and Economic Impact of Universities' Entrepreneurial Activity
Authors: Uziel Daniela , Silva Edison Renato Pereira da , Arruda Humberto Henriques de
Published: February 2024

Goal: This study introduces an algorithm to sort alumni-founded companies from the public Brazilian Internal Revenue Service (IRS) database.
Design/Methodology/Approach: Departing from IRS data and student data from the university, sequential filters are applied to arrive at a final list of alumni-founded companies.
Results: The main result of this study is the establishment of the algorithm itself, which emerged after cycles of iterations of analysis and rewriting. To test its reliability, a sample of 1625 alumni was used. The algorithm successfully identified 140 founders of 159 AFC. Founders were heterogeneously distributed throughout the decades analyzed. Companies belonged to different industry sectors and were classified according to their technological intensity, with predominance of middle-low and low intensity.
Research limitations/implications: Although the BR-AFC algorithm is applicable to any Brazilian institution, generalization to other countries depends on access to country-specific databases containing data about companies and its partners. Additionally, the final result depends on the reliability of input data and of user decisions about the rigor of its premises.
Practical implications: The BR-AFC algorithm can improve measurements of the socioeconomic impact of educational institutions. It points to the formation of entrepreneurs and, as a consequence, institutions can evaluate courses and educational programs and improve curricula. Policymakers and sponsoring institutions can measure return over investment, outcomes of policies to encourage entrepreneurship and rank universities according to novel criteria.
Originality/Value: The main contribution to the literature is exploring novel approaches to measuring university-industry relationship. More specifically, it proposes an algorithm to identify the alumni-founded companies of a given university from large country-based databases.
Future Prospects of the Human Familial Frame
Authors: Gurevitz Michael
Published: February 2024

Families composed of a male and a female that breed and jointly raise children is the consensual living frame of human societies during thousands of years. However, there are other frames among mammals, that enable breeding and multiplication without preservation of a familial unit. For example, males that fertilize females and do not participate in raising the newborns (e.g., hyenas, leopards, certain humans), or males having a few females and raising a larger number of children (the Arabic tradition), or on a broader scale in the animal kingdom, males that fertilize eggs outside of the female body (e.g., various fish species among vertebrates and many invertebrate species) without any considerable responsibility thereafter. Although females raise instinctively their offspring׳s among most animals, we witness in recent years different human versions of familial frames, such as two males, who either adopt children, or provide sperm to an anonymous woman that is paid for her pregnancy and birth of a child handled to the sperm contributor. Likewise are familial frames of two women, in which one gets pregnant from a sperm contribution, and after birth, both raise the child. These new trends show how deviation from the traditional familial frame may enable women to give birth and raise children without the involvement of males, as well as lead to ‘in vitro-fertilization’ and ‘production’ of ‘tube-babies’ (outside of the female uterus). Further attempts to control the required gender (e.g., preference of males in China), or even specific traits (e.g., blond hair, blue eyes) using genetic engineering techniques, might replace the customary familial frame.
Chinese Judicial Reform and Legislative Reform: Conflicts and Mutual Promotion
Authors: Zhu Shaoming
Published: February 2024

In the Chinese law context, judicial reform has close consequences on legislation. On the one hand, some judicial reform outcomes have become laws. On the other hand, when some of the measures and policies of the judicial reform are not consistent with the Constitution and other laws, they could cause problems in practice. This paper argues that judicial reform should be coherent with legislative reform in order to ensure consistency with the Constitution, maintain uniformity in the application of law, and prevent the legislature from exceeding its authority. The purpose of this paper is to consider the legitimacy and limit of the judicial reform power, and search for a balance between efficiency and legitimacy in judicial reform.
Creativity in High School Through Drawing with Polynomials
Authors: Baez Rudy , Sanchez Henry , Pllana Duli
Published: February 2024

High school math projects center on solving real-world examples in a wide variety of situations that require a creative skill set. Creativity in high school mathematics takes place in a subtle form. In contrast, creativity presents itself conspicuously in art. Therefore, this paper will explore the utilization of polynomial equations in drawing various figures as part of algebra class projects. Additionally, these projects incorporate integrated digital tools in mathematics. The paper will analyze three algebraic projects: the first project involves drawing a bird, the second project focuses on drawing a butterfly, and the third project entails drawing a bat using polynomial equations with the technological tool Desmos. All three projects are products of student work that encompass figures requiring up to forty polynomial equations. The students' impressive work demonstrates the power of mathematics in pushing the boundaries of other subjects. As digital technology becomes increasingly integral, mathematical tools are positioned as universal tools for the future and are poised to rival artists in producing visual art. This raises the intriguing question: can a mathematician create better art with mathematical equations through digital technology than an artist?
The Impact of Campus Residency on Retention of First-Generation African American College Students at Predominantly White Institutions
Authors: Goodwin Pernell H. , Okojie Felix A.
Published: February 2024

The purpose of this study was to determine the impact of campus residency on the retention of first-generation, African American college student at PWIs. A sample of 20, full-time freshmen students participated in the study. The researchers used in-depth interviews to gain a deeper understanding of the impact campus residency is having on student retention. All information was self-reported by the participants. Limited research has been conducted on first-generation African American college students at Predominantly White Institutions. Study findings supported previous research in relation to on-campus housing and a sense of belonging. Study showed that campus residency had impacts on student’s retention as a result of their accessibility to academic support systems, extracurricular activities, importance of faculty and staff relationships, peer interactions, and a sense of belonging.
The Role of Palestinian Olympic Committee in Crises Management According to Individual Sport Unions During Corona Pandemic
Authors: Nada Ala' Majed Huseen , Ghrab Hatem , Dabeek Qasem Assad , Abderrahman Abderraouf Ben
Published: February 2024

This study aimed to identify the role of the Palestinian Olympic Committee in managing crises from the point of view of individual sports federations in light of the Corona pandemic, as well as to identify the differences in the role of the Palestinian Olympic Committee in managing crises from the point of view of individual sports federations in light of the Corona pandemic, according to variables (gender, characteristic Management, academic qualification, years of experience). The descriptive analytical method was used in one of the forms of the survey study due to its suitability for the purposes of the study. The study sample consisted of (90) administrative members of sports federations, selected by a random-stratified method. The questionnaire was also used as a tool for the study. The results of the study showed that the total degree of the role of the Palestinian Olympic Committee in crisis management from the point of view of sports federations was moderate with an average of (2.99),The results also showed that there are no statistically significant differences at the significance level (α ≤ 0.05) in the role of the Palestinian Olympic Committee in crisis management from the point of view of individual sports federations, in the total degree  ,before the crisis occurred and during the crisis) due to For the gender . On the other hand, differences were statistically significant in (after the crisis occurred) due to gender and in favor of females. The results showed that there were no statistically significant differences due to characteristic Management, academic qualification, years of experience variables.
Guidance/Training Course in Facing the Psychological Pressures and Improving the Speed and Performance of Football Referees for Iraqi Premier League
Authors: Al Qaysi Ali , Baaziz Mohamed , Boukari Samia , Attia Ahmed , Turki Olfa , Chortane Sabri Gaied , Khalifa Riad
Published: February 2024

The study aimed to identify the effect of the guidance and Program in Facing the Psychological Pressures and Improving the Speed, its Endurance and Performance of Football Referees for Iraqi Premier League. The equal-group experimental method has been used. The groups are two experimental groups and a control group with pre- and post-measurements. The study sample consisted of (30) referees. They were selected randomly and by lottery. They were distributed into two experimental groups (the first experimental group takes the training curriculum, the second experimental group takes the training curriculum and the guidance program), and the third group is the control. Each group consists of ten referees. Having done that, the normal distribution was conducted by using the skewness and variation coefficients. while homogeneity was used by Levene’s test for homogeneity and the (F) test for equality. The researcher conducted an exploratory experiment, which focused on identifying the field difficulties that the researcher may face during the actual conduct of the guidance and training program. The SPSS statistical software has been used. The results of the study showed the improvement of the second experimental group, followed by the first experimental group, and then the control group. Accordingly, the researcher concluded that the guidance and training program improved the referee’s performance.
The Assessment of Critical Thinking Skills in Secondary School Students in Saudi Arabia
Authors: Hyder Huma
Published: February 2024

The assessment of critical thinking skills in secondary school students in Saudi Arabia involves evaluating their ability to analyze, synthesize, and evaluate information. Various methods are employed, including traditional exams, project-based assessments, and scenario-based tasks. Traditional exams may include questions that require students to apply logic and reasoning, while project-based assessments assess their ability to solve real-world problems. Scenario-based tasks present students with situations where they must make informed decisions, encouraging critical thinking. Additionally, group discussions and debates are utilized to gauge their capacity for reasoned argumentation. Educators often use rubrics to evaluate students' thought processes and the depth of their analyses. Challenges in this assessment process may include cultural influences on critical thinking styles, language barriers, and varying educational backgrounds. Therefore, it's crucial to design assessments that consider these factors and promote a holistic understanding of critical thinking skills. Continuous professional development for teachers and the integration of critical thinking across the curriculum are essential for fostering these skills. Overall, a multifaceted approach ensures a comprehensive evaluation of critical thinking skills in Saudi Arabian secondary school students, preparing them for the complexities of the modern world. The assessment of critical thinking skills in secondary school students in Saudi Arabia employs diverse methods, encompassing exams, projects, and discussions. These evaluations gauge students' abilities to analyze, synthesize, and evaluate information. Exam questions are crafted to test logical reasoning, while project-based assessments measure problem-solving in real-world scenarios. Group discussions and debates assess students' reasoned argumentation, promoting critical thinking. Rubrics provide a structured evaluation framework, ensuring consistency. Cultural influences, language barriers, and diverse educational backgrounds pose challenges. Adaptable assessments considering these factors are crucial. Continuous professional development for educators and integrating critical thinking across curricula enhance skill development. A holistic approach ensures comprehensive evaluations, preparing students for the complexities of the modern world.
Assessment of the 2023 European Kidney Function Consortium (EKFC) equations in a Chinese adult population
Authors: Chen Yi , Ma Yao , Yong Zhenzhu , Wei Lu , Pei Xiaohua , Zhu Bei , Zhao Weihong
Published: February 2024

Objectives

The European Kidney Function Consortium (EKFC) developed two novel equations in 2023 for estimating glomerular filtration rate (GFR): one sex-free cystatin C-based equation (EKFCCys) and one creatinine-cystatin C combined equation (EKFCCr-Cys). This study compared their performance with the previous creatinine-based EKFC equation (EKFCCr) and commonly used Chronic Kidney Disease Epidemiology Collaboration (CKD-EPI) and Berlin Initiative Study (BIS) equations in Chinese adults.

Methods

A total of 2,438 Chinese adults (mean age=53.04 years) who underwent the 99mTc-DTPA renal dynamic imaging for reference GFR (rGFR) were included. Diagnostic value was evaluated using correlation coefficients, sensitivity, specificity, and area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (ROCAUC). Performance was assessed in terms of bias, precision (interquartile range of the median difference [IQR]), accuracy (percentage of estimates ±30 % of rGFR [P30], and root-mean-square error [RMSE]) across age, sex, and rGFR subgroups. Gender differences in bias and P30 were also analyzed.

Results

Average rGFR was 73.37 mL/min/1.73 m2. EKFC equations showed stronger correlations and larger AUCs compared to the parallel CKD-EPI equations, with EKFCCr-Cys demonstrating the greatest improvement (R=0.771, ROCAUC=0.913). Concerning bias, precision, and accuracy, EKFC equations consistently outperformed CKD-EPI equations. EKFCCr-Cys and EKFCCr performed acceptably well in the entire population and were equivalent to BIS equations in the elderly. All equations, including EKFCCys, showed similar P30 accuracy across sexes.

Conclusions

EKFC equations provided a reasonable alternative for estimating GFR in the Chinese adult population. While EKFCCys did not outperform EKFCCr, EKFCCr-Cys improved the accuracy of single-marker equations.
Influence of distinct social contexts of long-term care facilities on the dynamics of spread of COVID-19 under predefine epidemiological scenarios
Authors: Ghosh Aditi , Padmanabhan Pradyuta , Mubayi Anuj , Seshaiyer Padmanabhan
Published: February 2024

More than half of the coronavirus disease 19 (COVID-19) related mortality rates in the United States and Europe are associated with long-term-care facilities (LTCFs) such as old-age organizations, nursing homes, and disability centers. These facilities are considered most vulnerable to spread of an pandemic like COVID-19 because of multiple reasons including high density of elderly population with a diverse range of medical requirements, limited resources, nursing activities/medications, and the role of external visitors. In this study, we aim to understand the role of visitor’s family members and specific interventions (such as use of face masks and restriction of visiting hours) on the dynamics of infection in a community using a mathematical model. The model considers two types of social contexts (community and LTCFs) with three different groups of interacting populations (non-mobile community individuals, mobile community individuals, and long-term facility residents). The goal of this work is to compare the outbreak burden between different centre of disease control (CDC) planning scenarios, which capture distinct types of intensity of diseases spread in LTCF observed during COVID-19 outbreak. The movement of community mobile members is captured via their average relative times in and out of the long-term facilities to understand the strategies that would work well in these facilities the CDC planning scenarios. Our results suggest that heterogeneous mixing worsens epidemic scenario as compared to homogeneous mixing and the epidemic burden is hundreds times greater for community spread than within the facility population.
Design and equivalent circuit modelling of super compact ultrathin metamaterial absorber for microwave frequency Regime
Authors: Puri Vishal , Singh Hari Shankar
Published: February 2024

This article is an attempt to design and develop a metamaterial-based microwave absorber with a low profile, broad incidence angle and compactness in the microwave frequency range. Further, equivalent circuit model of the proposed structure is discussed based on circuit theory. The unit cell focuses on achieving maximum absorption at C-, X-, and K-band. The dimensions of the proposed design are ultrathin and compact, having an overall size of 8 mm × 8 mm × 0.8 mm. The dimensions are optimized in such a fashion to achieve three different peaks at three various bands (C, X and K), thereby making the triple-band behaviour of the metamaterial absorber possible. The structure provides absorption of 98.26 % absorption at 7.76 GHz (C-band) while absorption of 96.74 % is achieved at 10.26 GHz (X-band) and 99.92 % absorption at 19.32 GHz (K-band) of microwave regime. The experimental verification of design conform that the measured results are found to be in close agreement to simulated ones.
Exploring antioxidant potential and phenolic compound extraction from Vitis vinifera L. using ultrasound-assisted extraction
Authors: Luque-Alcaraz Ana G. , Hernández-Téllez Cynthia N. , Graciano-Verdugo Abril Z. , Toledo-Guillén Alma R. , Hernández-Abril Pedro A.
Published: February 2024

The research investigates the extraction of antioxidant phenolic compounds from grape pomace, a wine fermentation byproduct. Ultrasound-assisted extraction (UAE), varying parameters such as solute:solvent ratio, power, and time were utilized. UAE was specifically applied to Vitis vinifera L. using high-intensity ultrasound with ratios of 1:18 and 1:42 g:mL, 250 and 400 W power levels, and extraction times of 15 and 20 minutes. Total phenolic content was quantified via the Folin–Ciocalteau reagent, and total flavonoids were determined using quercetin as a standard. Antioxidant capacity was evaluated through ABTS, FRAP, and DPPH Radical Scavenging Assays, with Trolox equivalent antioxidant capacity (TEAC) for comparison. Results indicated a total phenolic content of 50 to 80 μmol GAE/g d.w., with no significant differences among treatments. Total flavonoid concentration ranged from 2.5 to 4 μmol QE/g d.w. Importantly, the solute:solvent ratio impacted antioxidant capacity, with higher ratios showing increased ABTS radical capacity. Treatment 1, with the highest flavonoid content, exhibited the greatest antioxidant capacity against DPPH radicals. This study underscores the intrinsic correlation between cumulative bioactive compound content and the inherent antioxidant capacity of grape pomace extracts. This highlights the potential application of these extracts as antioxidant reservoirs, poised for integration into functional foods and biomedical nutraceuticals.
Effect of titanium diboride on the rheological characteristics of silica-based polyethylene glycol shear thickening fluid
Authors: Kaur Gursimran , Singh Karamjit , Verma Sanjeev Kumar
Published: February 2024

The rheological characterization of STFs plays an essential role in understanding the suspension’s stability and the structural changes that occur under the impact of shear forces. This study aims to investigate the rheological behavior of STF after adding titanium diboride (TiB2) as an additive. STF modified with 2 % w/W TiB2 compared to other concentrations (1 %, 1.25 %, and 3 %) showed a maximum rise in viscosity (max), i.e., 18,484 Pa s during steady state rheology, as compared to untreated STF. In dynamic rheology, the same sample demonstrated maximum values of G′ and G″ at a constant frequency of 30 rad/s, G′ and G″ improved by 25 and 11 times, respectively, over unmodified STF. Furthermore, for constant strain amplitudes, the maximum values of G′ and G″ were observed at a strain amplitude of 700 %. G′ and G″ improved by approximately 6.5 and 6 times over unmodified STF, respectively. The findings of the dynamic and steady-state rheological analyses demonstrated that integrating TiB2 into the STF improved the ST behavior.
Grinding force model for ultrasonic assisted grinding of γ-TiAl intermetallic compounds and experimental validation
Authors: Li Zhenhao , Yang Song , Liu Xiaoning , Xiao Guoqing , San Hongzhan , Zhang Yanru , Wang Wei , Yang Zhibo
Published: February 2024

The introduction of ultrasonic vibration in the grinding process of γ-TiAl intermetallic compounds can significantly reduce its processing difficulty. It is of great significance to understand the grinding mechanism of γ-TiAl intermetallic compounds and improve the processing efficiency by studying the mechanism of ordinary grinding of abrasive grains. Based on this, this study proposes a grinding force prediction model based on single-grain ultrasonic assisted grinding (UAG) chip formation mechanism. First, the prediction model of grinding force is established based on the chip formation mechanism of abrasive sliding ordinary grinding and the theory of ultrasonic assisted machining, considering the plastic deformation and shear effect in the process of material processing. Second, the UAG experiment of γ-TiAl intermetallic compounds was carried out by using diamond grinding wheel, and the unknown coefficient in the model was determined. Finally, the predicted values and experimental values of grinding force under different parameters were compared to verify the rationality of the model. It was found that the maximum deviation between the predicted value of tangential force and the actual value is 23%, and the maximum deviation between the predicted value of normal force and the actual value is 21.7%. In addition, by changing the relevant parameters, the model can predict the grinding force of different metal materials under different processing parameters, which is helpful for optimizing the UAG parameters and improving the processing efficiency.