bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Theories, queries, “frames” and language games: Commentary on Wall, Crookes, Johnson Weber (2020) (and the literature on risky-choice framing)
Authors: Mandel David R.
Published: March 2021

In a recent article, Wall, Crookes, Johnson and Weber (2020) claim that Query Theory has better explanatory success in accounting for recent data than the Explicated Valence Account of Tombu and Mandel (2015). In this commentary, I first argue that this claim is not supported by the full range of available evidence. I then draw attention to the pernicious problem in framing studies in which researchers do not adequately ensure that framing manipulations are what they claim to be—namely, extensionally equivalent re-descriptions of the same events or event classes. The difficulty of estab- lishing extensional equivalence in the context of experimental language games (such as the Asian Disease Problem) is under-appreciated. Unfortunately, inter-subjective agreement that the extensional equivalence assumption is met, even amongst a majority of respectable decision theorists, does not constitute sufficient evidence that it is met. Empirical evidence challenges the equivalence assumption, raising meta-theoretical questions about the integrity of some framing research.
Relationship between Interoceptive Sensitivity, Age, and COVID-19 Anxiety During the First National Lockdown in the United Kingdom
Authors: Elliott Jennifer , Pfeifer Gaby
Published: March 2021

Interoception refers to the multidimensional representation of the internal states of the body, including sensation, appraisal, integration, and regulation. COVID-19 targets internal respiratory, temperature and gastrointestinal systems, thus posing a threat to humans that causes anxiety. Here, we examined the relationship between the sensibility to internal bodily states and COVID-19 anxiety during the first UK national lockdown, when uncertainties surrounding the virus were at their peak. Between April and July 2020, N=232 individuals across four age-categories completed questionnaires measuring interoceptive sensibility (BPQ-SF and MAIA-2) and an adapted State-Trait-Anxiety Inventory (STAI) to assess COVID-19 anxiety. Higher scores on the BPQ-SF were related to significantly higher levels of COVID-19 anxiety, while the MAIA-2 subscales Not Worrying, Attention Regulation, and Trusting of bodily signals were related to significantly lower levels of COVID-19 anxiety. In addition, perceived quality of life factors such as work, environmental and social living conditions, physical health and financial well-being showed a significant negative relationship with COVID-19 anxiety, whilst duration consuming COVID-19-related media showed a significant positive relationship. Age was related to significantly lower levels of COVID-19 anxiety yet showed no significant (Bonferroni-corrected) relationship with interoceptive dimensions. Regression results revealed that Trait anxiety, the MAIA-2 subscale Not Worrying, perceived quality of work, and number of hours consuming COVID-19-related media were significant predictors of COVID-19 anxiety. This suggests that across age-groups, trait anxiety, interoceptive sensibility and perceived quality of work were among the best predictors of COVID-19 anxiety, with implications for managing health anxiety and adaptive behaviour during a pandemic.
(Un)Equal Pathways to Higher Education. Social Origins and Destinations of Colombian Graduates
Authors: Cuenca Hernández Andrea
Published: March 2021

Inequality of educational opportunities (IEO) is a recurring topic in both public debate and academic research. This book contributes to the contemporary discussion on IEO with a focus on individual trajectories over the life course. It provides empirical evidence on the magnitude and the mechanisms of IEO in Colombia, a country with extreme, persistent levels of social inequality. Using national administrative databases, the author examines the effect of social origin on academic and labor market outcomes among university graduates. Drawing on a comprehensive theoretical approach to stratification and higher education, this volume discusses how the interaction between family background and segmentation of educational institutions might influence individuals’ outcomes. As such, it will appeal to scholars, policy makers, and practitioners with interests in education, social inequality, social policy, higher education research, and international/comparative education.
Der Berufseinstieg in das Lehramt. Eine formative Evaluation der neuen Induktionsphase in Österreich
Authors: Prenzel Manfred , Huber Matthias , Muller Claude , Höger Brigitta , Reitinger Johannes , Becker Manuel , Hoyer Susanna , Hofer Michael , Lüftenegger Marko
Published: March 2021

In Österreich wurde mit der Pädagog*innenbildung NEU und einer Änderung des Dienstrechts zum 1. September 2019 die so genannte Induktionsphase für den Berufseinstieg in das Lehramt eingeführt. Im Rahmen einer Evaluationsstudie wurde untersucht, wie dieses neue Konzept erstmals an den Schulen landesweit implementiert wurde. Die Studie sollte im Sinne einer formativen Evaluation insbesondere auch Hinweise geben, wie die Umsetzung der Induktion weiter verbessert werden kann. Daher wurde ein Untersuchungsdesign gewählt, das die Umsetzung der Induktionsphase aus zwei Perspektiven betrachtet: Aus der Sicht der Anwärter*innen, die soeben ihren Dienst in der Induktionsphase begonnen hatten, und aus der Sicht der Mentor*innen, die eine entscheidende Rolle bei der Begleitung und Unterstützung der Berufseinsteiger*innen spielen. Das Evaluationsdesign umfasste erstens eine Online-Befragung, die einen Überblick über die Art und Weise der bisherigen Implementierung gibt. Mit einer Interviewstudie wurde zweitens die Umsetzung der Induktionsphase in einer Reihe von Fällen in größerer Tiefe analysiert, um Problemlagen und Verbesserungsmöglichkeiten herauszuarbeiten.
Impact of COVID-19 on Tourism in Nepal
Authors: Shivakoti Archana
Published: March 2021

Tourism is one of the world’s largest and fastest growing industries. It acts as an engine for development through foreign exchange earnings and the creation of direct and indirect employment. Tourism plays a vital role to uplift the living status of people in specific areas worldwide. Tourism has potential for creating jobs and encourages income-generating activities and it also leads to infrastructure development. In Nepal, tourism has uplifted the socio-economical condition of the locals and given them ample opportunity to better their lives. It has created path towards the elimination of poverty and has significantly contributed to overall development of the nation. It is also one of the major sources of foreign exchange earning of the country. However, due to the impact of COVID-19, tourism has suffered unprecedented setback and its effect can be seen on global economy. It has rendered millions of people unemployed and huge investments have frozen and unable to generate business and move the economy. This study will analyze and study the challenges faced by tourism industry post COVID-19 in Nepal and try to provide answers for the recovery of tourism in Nepal. This study follows the qualitative methodology and the data is obtained through primary and secondary sources. As we move into the new era of travelling, tourism industry needs to adopt and focus on safety, personal hygiene and social distancing. Nepal is capable to adapt to the “new normal” and bounce back as it did post 2015 earthquake. But Nepal’s poor infrastructure, lack of implementation of rules and people’s laidback attitude could prove to be a hurdle and deter tourists and usher them to a more organized destination.
Conveying Impetus for Fostering Tourism and Hospitality Entrepreneurship in Touristic Destination: Lessons Learnt from Pokhara, Nepal
Authors: Devkota Niranjan , Paudel Udaya Raj , Bhandari Udbodh
Published: March 2021

This research explores the inter connectedness in entrepreneurs’ and tourists’ perception about western influence in business culture of touristic city – Pokhara, Nepal and provides suggestions for fostering sustainable tourism development of the destination. Primary data results are drawn in which researchers have collected 249 data from tourists’ viewpoint, 395 from determining provincial government roles and 395 from hospitality entrepreneurship along with key informants interview with experts’ viewpoints for generating practical solutions of the existing problems in order to enhance hospitality and tourism business for progress and sustainability. Based on this triangular data results and secondary resources’ analysis, this research concludes that, for the sustainable tourism business in Pokhara, the entrepreneurs in the area should recognize, preserve, promote and sustain local socio-cultural practices; tourists’ viewpoints should be addressed and Gandaki provincial government roles must be constructive.
COVID-19 Global Pandemic Lockdown Impact on Visit Nepal Year 2020: A Review
Authors: Gautam Deepak , Khatri Aarati
Published: March 2021

Tourism sector, a major backbone in revenue generation in Nepal having an immense potentiality is hardly hit by the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic that has suspended Visit Nepal Year 2020, with a theme, an experience of a life-time. This remarkable campaign is also a national development strategy in the tourism history of Nepal which aimed at attracting around 2 million foreigners from all over the world. This article is designed to explore about COVID-19 Pandemic lockdown impacts on tourism industries and Visit Nepal year 2020 Campaign. For these, secondary literature available in Google Scholar, Research Gate and, recently published newspapers were accessed. The result shows that the unprecedented and uncertain lockdown stuck millions of people in their home, lower the economic activities of different sectors of the tourism industry including hotels, homestays, travel and tours, impact on remittance, a collapse of small industries and suspension of mega projects and many more. In addition to this, this paper aims at showcasing a strong correlation between lockdown and tourism industry with perspective from Nepal Tourism Board, Academic practitioner, Tourism Entrepreneurs, Nepal government, ministries, Economist and Analyst to revise the protocols and safety standard of the tourism industry to massively flourish and revive amidst the pandemic and even in the post-pandemic environment.
A Preliminary Study of Pilgrimage Tourism in Barahachhetra, Nepal
Authors: Kunwar Ramesh Raj , Thapaliya Nabin
Published: March 2021

Pilgrimage is an age-old phenomenon for people of all religions. Pilgrimage is often been defined as a journey resulting from religious causes, externally to a holy site, and internally for spiritual purposes and internal understanding. For the Hindus, Pilgrimage is associated with Moksha (liberation), one of the four Purusharthas (virtues), the other three being Artha (material value) Dharma (righteousness), and Kama (pleasure). The concept of pilgrimage tourism in the Hindu tradition is a recent one. In Nepal, where tourism has largely remained a seasonal business, pilgrimage tourism can be a perennial source of income especially because Nepal is home to some of the world’s most important sacred Hindu and Buddhist pilgrimage destinations. It is also noteworthy that according to 2011 official census in Nepal, more than 80 percent of the residents follow Hinduism (Central Bureau of Statistics, 2012, p.4) and Nepal shares a free border with India, the country with the largest number of Hindu residents, in absolute terms, in the entire world. Barahachhetra in Nepal is as important as other pilgrimage destinations in Nepal, however, no studies have been carried out so far on the status and potential of pilgrimage tourism in Barahachhetra. The authenticity of the pilgrimage sites, the hospitality culture and the peace experienced by pilgrims together provide a memorable pilgrimage tourism experience for the pilgrimage tourists visiting Barahachhetra. The prospect of pilgrimage tourism in Barahachhetra is immense and has a direct bearing on the preservation of the religious and cultural heritages as well as the economic condition of the residents therein. A coordinated approach initiated at the highest level of governance is required to study, promote and sustain pilgrimage tourism in Barahachhetra. In this study both pilgrimage tourism and religious tourism interchangeably used. Though spiritual tourism has become recently evolved, the authors did not visit on it although efforts have been made to highlight its significant in the introduction.
Political Uses of Historical Comparisons:
Authors: Bak János M.
Published: March 2021

János Bak offers a sketch of the politically charged deployment in Hungary of medieval and later myths of national historical origin beginning with the anonymous Gesta Hungarorum of c.1200, which traces the Magyars back to Scythia and which was printed and then translated into Hungarian in the eighteenth century during a period of Romantic nationalism. Bak further discusses the late thirteenth-century Gesta of Simon of Kéza, which links the Hungarians to the Huns, as well as the Cronica de introductione Scytarum in Ungariam et Judaeorum de Aegypto, the rhymed Latin chronicle of the sixteenth-century Calvinist minister András Farkas, which draws parallels between Hungary and the Israelites. Bak concludes by turning to the debates among twentieth-century historians concerning the effects of the recent use of such myths for political propaganda.
ФОРМУВАННЯ ОРГАНІЗАЦІЙНО-УПРАВЛІНСЬКОГО МЕХАНІЗМУ ЗАБЕЗПЕЧЕННЯ НАУКОВО-ТЕХНІЧНОГО ТА ІННОВАЦІЙНОГО РОЗВИТКУ УКРАЇНИ НА ОСНОВІ ФУНКЦІОНАЛЬНОГО ПІДХОДУ
Authors:   Donetsk National Technical University, Шакіна Наталія
Published: March 2021

The article proposes an organizational and management mechanism for ensuring scientific, technical and innovative development of Ukraine through the principles of innovative management. In the proposed mechanism, the following structural elements are distinguished: the subject of management, the control object, management objectives, management criteria, elements of the control object, management resources, and management methods. With the help of the proposed mechanism, the goal of government management is defined, which is the formation of a strategy of scientific, technical and innovative development of Ukraine adapted to the national conditions, taking into account the problems of scientific and technological development at the levels of economy, the implementation of an effective management system, planning, forecasting and correction in its preparation and implementation. According to the established goal, the main tasks of the mechanism are distinguished. Determined, that the effectiveness of management can be assessed by examining the extent to which the government achieves the goal setting through a specific management mechanism. When the management objectives change, the management effectiveness criteria will change accordingly. If difficulties and contradictions arise during the formation of strategies within the framework of the described management mechanism, it is necessary to return to the adjustment of strategic goals and priorities of scientific, technical and innovative development of the country. A feature of the proposed mechanism is: decentralization of government powers to the places during the working out and implementation of strategic programs of scientific, technical and innovative development through the following actions: transfer relevant financial resources to the local management; to improve the processes of organization, management, planning, coordination and control of strategic scientific, technical and innovation activities, and realization of tasks at all levels; to introduce an effective mechanism for coordinating the actions of central and local government and executive authorities; to carry out constant updating of directions of strategic scientific, technical and innovative activity of the country depending on actually received results of action on indicators of scientific, technical and innovative development of the country.
ПРОГНОЗУВАННЯ ТРАЄКТОРІЇ НАЦІОНАЛЬНОГО ЕКОНОМІЧНОГО РОЗВИТКУ МЕТОДАМИ ГАРМОНІЙНОГО І СПЕКТРАЛЬНОГО АНАЛІЗУ
Authors:   Donetsk National Technical University, Кладченко Ірина
Published: March 2021

Improving of the methodological tools for the national economies behavior’s forecasting in the context of increasing the validity and analytical characteristics of state economic strategies in conditions of high volatility, lack of trend stability and non-stationary dynamics of external and internal socio-economic processes by implementing interdisciplinary methods of Fourier analysis and their adaptation to the specifics of the socio-economic systems’ functioning and development. Methodology. The forecasting’s targeting as an important independent stage in the process of analytical assessment of the balance of development is performed on the basis of structuring, division into stages, systematization, and grouping. Justification of the interdisciplinary approach for forecasting of national economic system’s development is carried out by methods of analysis and synthesis, comparison and practical testing. Establishment of the economic dynamics’ structural regularities and forecasting of a trajectory of national economy development are executed by harmonic and spectral analysis of the dynamic systems’ fluctuating processes. The results. The paper’s attention is focused on the specific features of macroeconomic dynamics’ time series as a basis for the forecasting of national economies development, namely their short duration, non-stationary, aperiodic, polyharmonic and their impact on the formation of adequate methodological support for forecasting. The possibility and efficiency of spectral and harmonic methods using for analysis oscillating processes of national economic system’s development are substantiated. A harmonic model of Ukraine's economic development’s trajectory during 1991-2020 is formed, which allowed to analyze the fluctuating component of the macroeconomic indicators’ dynamics on the basis of actual data that included all the initial information contained in the time series. By distinguishing economic cycles, their amplitude-frequency characteristics, the current phase of Ukrainian economy’s development is characterized. On the basis of the economic dynamics’ model, being used the indicator of annual GDP growth, forecasting is executed and short-term, average-term and long-term tendencies Ukraine’s economy’s development are established. Scientific novelty. The extending of theoretical and methodological tools for forecasting of main trends in national economies, based on harmonic and spectral analysis, is allowed to form a structural approach to the analysis of economic dynamics in the context of selection of its decisive harmonics and basing on their characteristics to make conclusions about the current level and projected national economic systems’ development. Practical significance. The adapted and regulated procedure of harmonic and spectral analysis of socio-economic systems’ oscillating processes became the basis for forecasting the level, rates and proportions of national economic systems development.
СТРАТЕГІЯ РОЗВИТКУ РЕГІОНІВ В УМОВАХ ДИВЕРСИФІКАЦІЇ ЕКОНОМІКИ
Authors:   Donetsk National Technical University, Vasylyshyna Liubov
Published: March 2021

Substantiation of theoretical and methodological principles and practical recommendations for determining the main directions of the strategy of regional development in terms of diversification of the sectoral profile of the economy. Methodology. Theoretical and practical research of diversification is carried out on the basis of generalization, analysis and synthesis. The method of structural logical analysis was used to determine the sectoral profile of the economy of the Donetsk region. The establishment of interregional differences was carried out using the statistical method and the method of formalization. Results. It is emphasized that the most successful strategy is the strategy of diversification, as a result of which the risks of cyclical development of the regional economic system related to the situation, specific resources, geopolitical, infrastructural conditions of the socio-economic system of the region are dispersed. It is substantiated that the diversified economy has additional opportunities for its development and increase of production efficiency. The sectoral profile of the economy of the Donetsk region is analyzed and the problems related to the mono-functionality of cities are revealed. The presence of deep interregional differences in terms of gross value added, which are in the zone of real danger, has been established. According to the results of the study, it is substantiated that an important direction of economic development of the region should be the strategy of diversification through integration and convergence. The peculiarities of diversification will depend on the specific economic conditions, however, it is emphasized that more attention should be paid to the development of innovative sectors of the economy. Scientific novelty. Deepening of theoretical bases, scientific and methodical approaches and practical tools for determining the main directions of regional development strategy in terms of diversification of the sectoral profile of the economy in conditions of deep interregional differences. Practical significance. Strengthening the role of industries other than the main one for a particular region, and reducing the dependence of the city's economy on the functioning of city-forming enterprises, which will create the basis for further socio-economic well-being of such areas.
Density inversion of selected microgravity anomalies using L2-smoothing and minimum support focusing stabilizers
Authors: ZVARA Ivan , PAŠTEKA Roman , KARCOL Roland
Published: March 2021

Interpretation and inversion of microgravity anomalies belong to important tasks of near-surface geophysics, mostly in cavities detection in engineering, environmental and archaeological applications. One of the mostly used concepts of inversion in applied gravimetry is based on the approximation of the model space by means of 2D or 3D elementary sources with the aim to estimate their densities by means of the solution of a corresponding linear equation system. There were published several approaches trying to obtain correct and realistic results, which describe real parameters of the sources. In the proposed contribution we analyse the properties of two additional functionals, which describe additional properties of the searched solution – namely so-called L2-smoothing and minimum support focusing stabilizers. For the inversion itself, we have used the regularized conjugate gradient method. We have studied properties of these two stabilizers in the case of one synthetic model and one real-world dataset (microgravity data from St. Nicholas church in Trnava). Results have shown that proposed algorithm with the minimum support stabilizer can generate satisfactory model results, from which we can describe real geometry, dimensions and physical properties of interpreted cavities.
Extended Kalman filter based statistical orbit determination for geostationary and geosynchronous satellite orbits in BeiDou constellation
Authors: CHIPADE Radhika A. , RAMANATHAN Thekke Variyam
Published: March 2021

BeiDou Navigation Satellite System (BDS) is composed of satellites in geostationary Earth orbit (GEO), medium Earth orbit (MEO) and inclined geosynchronous orbit (IGSO). However, the orbit determination of geostationary Earth orbits and of geosynchronous orbits (GSO) with small inclination angle and small eccentricity is a challenging task that is addressed in this paper using Extended Kalman Filter (EKF). The satellite positions were predicted in Earth-centred inertial (ECI) reference frame when propagated through Keplerian model and perturbation force model for different values of right ascension of ascending node (RAAN). Root mean square (RMS) errors of 9.61 cm, 6.73 cm and 11.46 cm were observed in ECI X, Y and Z satellite position coordinates of GSO respectively, whereas, the RMS errors for GEO satellite were 8.89 cm, 7.92 cm, and 0.93 cm respectively in ECI X, Y and Z coordinates; for perturbation force model with maximum value of RAAN when compared with dynamic orbit determination model. Kolmogorov-Smirnov test for EKF reported a p-value > 0.05, indicating a good fit of perturbation force model for orbit propagation. Orbit determination using EKF with perturbation force model were compared with that using EKF with Kepler's model. Wilcoxon Rank Sum test was used to compare the residuals from EKF algorithm through Kepler's model and perturbation force model. EKF with Perturbation force model showed improvement in predicting the satellite positions as compared to Kepler's model. EKF with Perturbation force model was further applied to International GNSS Service (IGS) station data and kilometre level accuracy was achieved. RMS errors of 0.75 km, 2.53 km and 1.91 km were observed in ECI X, Y and Z satellite position coordinates of GSO, respectively, whereas, the RMS errors for GEO satellite were 3.89 km, 4.20 km and 6.66 km respectively in ECI X, Y and Z coordinates for perturbation force model.
Factor Enhancing Quality of Life
Authors: Mujib Ur Rahman  , Asad Muhammad , Ahmad Wisal
Published: March 2021

An attempt is made in this study to analyze the factors affecting the Quality of Life (QoL). It is difficult to measure the Quality of Life (QoL); hence Human Development Index (HDI) was used as the measure for QoL. Different factors such as standard of living, education, GDP, Gross Capital formations, Urbanizations and Physicians were examined that how these programs, in turn, influenced QoL. Data was collected from World Bank (2019) and UNDP (2019) and examined for 71 United Nations member countries over the period 1990-2019. The results obtained from cross-sectional and panel data approaches suggest that the indicators used in the study significantly enhance the quality of life. The study offers important policy implications.
Social Media and Strategic Communication: Uses and Preferences of the Politicians of Pakistan
Authors: Shami Savera , Toor Shazia Ismail , Ashfaq Ayesha
Published: March 2021

Social media has got a major share in our personal as well as professional communication because of its easy accessibility and highly interactive nature. Facebook and Twitter can be used as important tool to mobilize groups to take some action (Shirky, 2008, p. 184). It has been observed that political leaders in Pakistan use social media to connect with the audience, but no research has been conducted in this regard so far. Therefore, the main objective of this study is to find which platform does the political actors of Pakistan prefer to disseminate information and in which medium they believe more. Furthermore, this study also looks into the popularity graph of the politicians, whether the use of social media has increased their popularity or not. To fulfil the objectives of the study, the survey was conducted among the members of national and provincial assemblies (2013-2018). With the help of findings, it was concluded that the majority of the politicians in Pakistan prefer Facebook over Twitter when they want to share any information, which is unlike the scenario around the globe.
Qualms about the CEDAW by the Muslim States: Analyzing Women Rights in Pakistan, Saudi Arabia and Iran
Authors: Cheema Zaheer Iqbal , Qaiser Zarfishan , Qaiser Khushbakht
Published: March 2021

The incompatible reservations have adversely affected the uniform application of the CEDAW Convention. A significant number of incompatible reservations have been formulated by the Muslim states. Such reservations have undermined the CEDAW provisions and conceivably doubt the state's accountability for its obligations under the Convention. The research comprises of two parts; first, it examines the reservations of the Muslim states in the context of their obligations under the Convention. Second, it adopts an analytical approach to analyze women rights in Pakistan, Saudi Arabia and Iran (as a non-state party). Our findings reveal that despite the incompatible reservations, the Muslim states that have ratified the CEDAW Convention have shown significant improvement in women rights as compared to the states that are not members of the Convention. It suggests that Muslim states should revisit the scope of their reservations and adopt a rational approach towards women rights and fulfilling the obligations under the CEDAW Convention.
Cobalt-chromium versus titanium alloy rods for correction of adolescent idiopathic scoliosis based on 1-year follow-up: a multicenter randomized controlled clinical trial
Authors: Sakai Daisuke , Tanaka Masato , Takahashi Jun , Taniguchi Yuki , Schol Jordy , Hiyama Akihiko , Misawa Haruo , Kuraishi Shugo , Oba Hiroki , Matsubayashi Yoshitaka , Kato So , Sugawara Ryo , Sato Masato , Watanabe Masahiko , Takeshita Katsushi
Published: March 2021

OBJECTIVE

For instrumented correction surgery for adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS), surgeons are increasingly switching from titanium (Ti) alloy rods to stiffer cobalt-chromium (CoCr) rods. The authors conducted the first multicenter randomized controlled clinical trial to investigate whether these materials affect the outcomes in terms of spine correction and quality of life (QOL). This trial was registered at UMIN Clinical Trials Registry on September 3, 2012, under the identifier UMIN000008838 (level of evidence 1).

METHODS

Female AIS patients (Lenke types 1–3, patient age 10–19 years) were recruited at 5 Japanese institutions and randomized into two cohorts: 6.0-mm-diameter Ti rods were placed in one group, and 6.0-mm-diameter CoCr rods were placed in the other. Patients were followed up at 2 weeks and 3, 6, and 12 months with radiographic examination to quantify the sagittal and coronal correction (Cobb angle, thoracic kyphosis, rib hump, and apical vertebral rotation). Patients completed questionnaires (Scoliosis Research Society–22r, 12-Item Short-Form Health Survey, and Scoliosis Japanese Questionnaire–27) at 6 and 12 months to assess QOL.

RESULTS

A total of 69 AIS patients were randomized to the demographically similar Ti (n = 37) or CoCr (n = 32) cohort. Four adverse events were recorded, two in each cohort, but these were not related to the rod material. At the final follow-up, both Ti and CoCr cohorts showed significant improvement in spinal correction, including the Cobb angle, thoracic kyphosis, and rib hump size. The correction rates were 68.4% and 67.1% for the Ti and CoCr cohorts, respectively. No parameters differed significantly between the cohorts at any time. Survey data showed improved but similar outcomes in both cohorts.

CONCLUSIONS

Both treatments (Ti and CoCr) produced similar results and were efficient in engendering clinically significant spine corrections.

Clinical trial registration no.: UMIN000008838 (UMIN Clinical Trials Registry)
Investigating EFL Students’ Perceptions on E-learning Paradigm-Shift During Covid-19 Pandemic
Authors: Rahim Mohammad Naim , Chandran Shanti Sandaran Chandran
Published: March 2021

The purpose of this research article is to investigate the perceptions of EFL students during the Covid-19 pandemic on implementing e-learning at university-level education in the EFL context of Afghanistan. The covid-19 pandemic has globally led the universities towards a paradigm-shift. As well as the instant development of ICT has restructured the content and the context of education particularly teaching and learning EFL. To determine the barriers and opportunities of implementing e-learning in EFL education, a qualitative method with semi-structured interview are applied to perceive the perceptions of EFL students. The study purposefully selected EFL students (N= 21 male and female) from Afghanistan universities as respondents. The data from the semi-structured interview is analyzed thematically. Results show that EFL students perceive e-learning approach as a better alternative to traditional face-to-face classrooms. Despite being regarded as an interactive method for EFL education, the lack of regular electricity connection, low internet bandwidth, high costs of ICT tools, lack of infrastructures, and lack of ICT knowledge of the teachers and students are perceived to be the barriers to implementing e-learning in Afghanistan higher education. In brief, the study contributes to establishing an in-depth understanding of the e-learning implementation and EFL instructions in Afghanistan higher education during the Covid-19 pandemic.
You Are What You Sing: Folksong Tone Pattern Feature Correlation to Geographical Distance with Gabor Filter and OLS Linear Regression
Authors: Kuanca Jason
Published: March 2021

Cultural diffusion occurs. This is evidenced by the existence of cultural heritage artifacts. There are many types of artifacts, tangible or intangible. Folksongs are one of the intangible cultural artifacts. Songs have tone, tone patterns are a unique feature of a song. Regional province songs are the identity of each region, because songs are images of the culture of an area. This study uses folk songs from each province in Indonesia which are extracted features by applying Gabor filters and then differences in output and geographical distance are put into linear regression. The results show that the tone pattern feature have a correlation relationship with the distance between regions throughout Indonesia. When observing the scope per large island, there is also correlation between the number of tone patterns with the distance of province. However, this has less confidence result for Sumatra island.
Critical Success Factors of Knowledge Management in Higher Education Institution
Authors: Haryani Calandra Alencia , Suryasari Suryasari
Published: March 2021

Knowledge Management (KM) has become an integral factor for many organizations to achieve their goals. Currently, Higher Education Institutions (HEI), have also joined the practices of KM, to enhance the institution’s quality, boosting the effectiveness, developing human resource, and constructing the knowledge culture within the institution. The aim of this study is to observe the constructed Critical Success Factor (CSF) model affecting the implementation of KM. This study follows Kitchenham’s Systematic Literature Review (SLR) procedures from 15 eligible journal articles obtained through KM related literature. The results, analysis, and discussions are elaborated in the paper.
Energiekompetenz
Authors: Steiner Verena
Published: March 2021

Energiekompetenz bietet einen neuen und umfassenden Ansatz, um intelligenter mit den stetig steigenden Anforderungen und dem Stress umzugehen, um produktiver zu werden und dabei entspannt zu bleiben. Einzigartig daran ist, dass es sich um einen Ansatz von innen heraus handelt: Energiekompetenz beruht auf der Wahrnehmung der inneren Rhythmen und der verschiedenen Energiezustände auf physischer, mentaler und emotionaler Ebene. Denn unsere Energie ist es, welche die geistige Leistungsfähigkeit, die Stimmung und unser Handeln entscheidend beeinflusst. Das Buch basiert auf Erkenntnissen aus der Chronobiologie, der Biopsychologie, der Handlungspsychologie und der Hirnforschung, die Verena Steiner auf äusserst inspirierende Weise mit ihrer breiten, langjährigen Erfahrung verknüpft. Entstanden ist ein richtungsweisendes und motivierendes Werk, das aufzeigt, wie im Einklang mit den inneren Rhythmen nicht nur die Leistungsfähigkeit, sondern auch die Lebensqualität gesteigert werden kann.
Exploratives Lernen
Authors: Steiner Verena
Published: March 2021

Verena Steiner zeigt in ihrem Buch, wie Sie Ihre Lernkompetenzen spielerisch ausbauen, das Lernen neu entdecken und fortan wirkungsvoller lernen können. Ein Werk, das wie kein zweites zum Lernen motiviert – sei es im Studium oder in der beruflichen Weiterbildung. Die Fähigkeit, sich eigenständig und in kürzester Zeit neues Wissen anzueignen, wird die entscheidende Grundkompetenz der Zukunft sein. Doch der Lernstil ist etwas sehr Individuelles, und es gilt, herauszufinden, welche Strategien für das eigene Lernen besonders erfolgreich sind. Hier greift Verena Steiners Ansatz: Der Schlüssel zum explorativen Lernen sind die Neugier und die Lust, sich selbst und die Prozesse rund ums Lernen zu beobachten und damit zu experimentieren. Denn nur durch Selbstbeobachtung können wir unseren Lernstil weiterentwickeln. Die Autorin zeigt wirkungsvolle Strategien auf, wie Sie Ihren Lernerfolg verbessern können, und vermittelt zudem grundlegendes Wissen über die Prozesse des Lernens, über Denkstile, Konzentration und Gedächtnis. Auf inspirierende Weise verknüpft Verena Steiner dabei Erkenntnisse aus der Wissenschaft und Einsichten von Studierenden mit ihren eigenen Erfahrungen. Ein Buch, das auf anregende und fundierte Weise einen neuen und lustvolleren Zugang zum Lernen eröffnet.
Oil and oil products market in Ukraine
Authors: Zakharchuk Oleksandr , Vyshnevetska Oksana
Published: March 2021

The purpose of the article is to study the market of oil and oil products in Ukraine, its role in the functioning of agriculture and identify ways to improve. Research methods. Methods used: system analysis and generalization (to study and generalize the energy dependence of Ukraine); statistical (to display the situation on the oil and oil products market in quantitative terms through a system of absolute and relative indicators); analysis of the series of dynamics, structural shifts (to analyze and identify trends in the indicators of the oil and oil products market); comparison (comparison of economic indicators); graphic (visual display of research results in the form of graphs). Research results. The essence and features of the Ukrainian market are revealed, a statistical analysis of trends in the development of the oil and oil products market is carried out, factors influencing the trend of the domestic market are identified and the mechanism of their interaction is clarified. The assessment of the current level of oil independence of Ukraine is carried out. Scientific novelty. The necessity of state support in terms of restoring the competitiveness of the domestic oil refining industry, diversifying the supply of petroleum products to the Ukrainian market and maintaining the share of domestically produced petroleum products at the level of 50% of the consumption volume, as well as reducing the share of other suppliers (importers) to 30% in the total balance has been substantiated. Practical significance. The analysis made it possible to identify destabilizing factors in the oil and oil products market, determine the need for systemic changes in the market functioning model and create conditions for increasing the competitiveness of domestic oil products in the Ukrainian market, create conditions for promoting and stimulating the development of the oil refining industry to weaken the reliability of imports of oil products. Tabl.: 2. Figs.: 1. Refs.: 18.
Evolution of economic theories of sustainable rural development
Authors: Khodakivska Olga , Kononenko Olena
Published: March 2021

The purpose of the article is to generalize theoretical approaches to defining the essence of balanced rural development through the prism of the evolution of theories of spatial and inclusive development and the concept of sustainable eco-socio-economic growth. Research methods. The methodological basis of the research was general scientific and economic research methods, scientific works of Ukrainian and foreign scientists on sustainable rural development and the evolution of scientific thought regarding this problem. In particular, the research used the following methods: abstract-logical (when proposing a hypothesis, making generalizations, formulating conclusions and proposals); analysis and synthesis (in the study of the evolution of theories of spatial and inclusive development and the concept of sustainable eco-socio-economic growth); induction and deduction (to study the essence of the category of balanced rural development). Research results. The evolution of the main economic theories of sustainable rural development, which, developing gradually according to the laws of dialectics, inherited the scientific developments and predictions of scientists of several generations, is revealed. Scientific novelty. Scientific approaches to the interpretation of the category "sustainable development of rural areas" were further developed, which was proposed to be understood as a process of improving the level and quality of life of the rural population, which, in turn, contributes to a variety of types of agricultural and non-agricultural activities, productive employment, diversification of incomes of rural households and filling budgets of local communities, social protection of residents, modern infrastructural development of the settlement network, preservation and enhancement of soil fertility, protection of landscapes and biological diversity. Practical significance. The study of the theories of spatial economics, inclusive growth and sustainable development can be-come in the future a scientific and methodological basis for the balanced (sustainable) development of rural areas, which will contribute to the restoration of human-centered socio-economic and ecological equilibrium in conditions of destabilizing internal and external factors. Tabl.: 1. Refs.: 48.
Methodological approaches to assessing the needs of investments of agricultural enterprises for new technology
Authors: Khioni Heorhii
Published: March 2021

The purpose of the article is to generalize and test methodological approaches to assessing the investment needs of an agricultural enterprise and determining production efficiency by updating equipment and introducing new technologies. Research methods. The generalization of the methodical approaches was carried out on the basis of the materials of domestic and foreign scientist publications, regulations and methological developments. Abstract-logical (theoretical generalizations and formulation of conclusions), monographic (in the process of analyzing the relationship and levels of management of technological operations) and computational-constructive (in determining the dependence of operating costs for growing crops with various technologies) methods were used. The initial information for the research was data from agricultural enterprises in the Dnipropetrovsk region, standards and regulations. Research results. The features of the use and implementation of two types of soil cultivation technologies are disclosed, the relationship and levels of management of technological operations are generalized, an algorithm for calculating the operational indicators of the material and technical support of the production process is developed, the operating costs for growing crops with various technologies and the need for investments are determined. Scientific novelty. Methodical approaches have been developed to substantiate measures to increase the efficiency of production of agricultural enterprises in the process of updating equipment and introducing new technologies based on estimates of the value of specific capital investments and optimization of the machine and tractor fleet according to the criteria of the minimum unit operating costs. Practical significance. The recommendations contribute to solve the problem of increasing the efficiency of agricultural production, as well as calculating the need for investment, subject to the optimal use of technical means and the choice of the optimal tillage technology. Tabl.: 2. Figs.: 3. Refs.: 11.
Improvement of state management for development of the agricultural sector of the economy and rural territories of Ukraine
Authors: Hadzalo Yaroslav , Luzan Yurii
Published: March 2021

The purpose of the article is to substantiate the need and identify pathways to improve state management of the develop-ment of the agricultural sector and rural territories. Research methods. The method of generalizing the scientific knowledge of domestic and foreign scientists on the theory and practice of organizing the system of public administration in the agricultural sector of the economy in modern conditions was used, logical - to determine socio-economic processes, economic and mathematical, statistical and comparative - to carry out analytical calculations. Research results. It is substantiated that at this stage of state development in matters of the agricultural sector of the economy and rural terrytories, the organization of public administration requires significant modernization. The necessity of consolidating the updated tactics and strategy of the state in the law on modern state agrarian policy and other special laws, as the main instruments for the implementation of state policy, the restoration of the activities of the central executive authority on agricultural development and the corresponding regional and local government bodies on a fundamentally new basis has been proved , the need to improve scientific and staffing, the expansion of the use of public-private partnership mechanisms and self-regulation of market relations. Scientific novelty. We have obtained a substantiation for determining the ways to improve the state management of the de-velopment of the agricultural sector of the economy and rural territories at the present stage, an algorithm for the development of the state management system in the agricultural sector of Ukraine is proposed. Practical significance. The research results can be used to improve the state management of the agricultural sector of Ukraine, improve legislation on state agrarian policy, in the educational process, and deepen scientific research. Tabl.: 2. Figs.: 2. Refs.: 28.
Analysis of the price situation in the cattle meat market
Authors: Kopytets Nataliia
Published: March 2021

The purpose of the article is to investigate the current price situation in the cattle meat market, taking into account the peculiarities of the beef price chain “production – processing –trade – consumer”. Research methods. The following methods have been used in the research process: abstract and logical, system analysis – for generalize theoretical positions, formulating conclusions; comparative analysis – for compare indicators and identify trends in their change over time; statistical – for assessing the cattle meat market; tabular – for visual representation of the research results; monographic – for detailing the price situation in the beef market; graphic – for identify and illustrate the trends of the research economic phenomena. Research results. An analysis of the price situation in the cattle meat market with details of individual species priced in dif-ferent areas of the country. Trends and regularities of dynamics of prices for cattle and products of processing in wholesale and retail trade are estimated. There is a clear tendency of annual increase in prices for cattle meat market in Ukraine during 2017-2020. It was found that the increase in purchase prices for young cattle causes an increase in wholesale and retail prices for various types of meat. It is justified that the price is important to all cattle meat market participants. The level of prices affects the efficiency of both individual producers and the development of the economy of any country. Prices clearly reflect the processes of production, exchange, distribution and consumption. Scientific novelty. It is specified that under the conditions of low purchasing power of most of the population of Ukraine, the actual retail prices for beef and veal within the trade network are quite high and do not contribute to the growth of demand for this type of meat. Practical significance. The research results can be useful for all participants in the food chain “production – processing – distribution – consumption” of the cattle market. Tabl.: 1. Figs.: 1. Refs.: 23.