bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Optimal Embryo Selection: The Irreplaceable Role of the Embryologist in an Age of Advancing Technology
Authors: Rauchfuss Lauren Kendall , Zhao Yulian , Walker David , Galantis Terri , Fredrickson Jolene , Barud Kathrynne , Shenoy Chandra
Published: October 2023

Background:

Time-lapse incubators allow for ongoing evaluation of embryos without culture condition disruption. The use of time-lapse incubation has been shown to improve outcomes either by improving overall conditions or providing additional information to aid in embryo selection for transfer. Time-lapse incubators can also utilise morphokinetic models to rank embryos based on morphokinetic parameters. We sought to compare a morphokinetic model for embryo comparison to traditional morphologic evaluation.

Aims:

The aim of the study is to compare a morphokinetic model for embryo comparison to traditional morphologic evaluation.

Settings and Design:

This is a retrospective cohort design.

Materials and Methods:

Embryos cultured in a time-lapse culture system that had traditional morphologic evaluation, morphokinetic modelling and known live birth outcomes were included in this study. Embryos with unknown competence were excluded, including when two embryos were transferred with a single live birth resulted.

Statistical Analysis Used:

Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves were determined for both the morphologic analysis and the morphokinetic model on culture day 3 and day 5. Using the ROC-determined cutoff that optimised both sensitivity and specificity, a binary outcome for each test was analysed using agreement statistics to determine if one method of embryo evaluation was superior to the other.

Results:

Morphological and morphokinetic grading were both predictive of embryo competence on days 3 and 5. However, on day 3, morphologic grading was superior to morphokinetic grading with area under the curve (AUC) of 0.66 (P < 0.001) and 0.58 (P = 0.009), respectively. Contrarily, on day 5, the morphokinetic model had a higher AUC of 0.65 (P = 0.03) compared to the morphologic grading, AUC 0.56 (P = 0.02).

Conclusion:

Traditional morphology was noted to be a better diagnostic tool (higher AUC) on culture day 3 while a morphokinetic model was superior on day 5.
Comparison of surface topography of low-friction and conventional TMA orthodontic arch wires using atomic force microscopy
Authors: Alsabti Nouf I. , Bourauel Christoph P. , Talic Nabeel F.
Published: October 2023

OBJECTIVE:

To evaluate the surface topography and roughness of orthodontic arch wire materials, including low-friction titanium molybdenum alloy (TMA), conventional TMA, and stainless-steel arch wires.

MATERIALS AND METHODS:

The surface topography was evaluated using atomic force microscopy (AFM). A total of 24 wire specimens were used for the AFM scans {8 low-friction TMA (TMA-Low), 8 conventional TMA (TMA-C), and 8 stainless steel (SS)} (Ormco, Orange, CA, USA), measuring 0.016 × 0.022 inches. The conventional and low-friction TMA arch wires served as the test groups, while the stainless-steel arch wire served as the control group.

RESULTS:

Surface roughness evaluation using AFM revealed that the highest mean of all three roughness parameters was found in the TMA-C group followed by the TMA-Low and SS arch wires in descending order. Pairwise comparison of the mean values showed that the mean value of the SS arch wire material is statistically significantly lower than the mean values of the other two arch wire materials (TMA-C and TMA-Low). However, there was no statistically significant difference in the mean values of TMA-C and TMA-Low arch wires.

CONCLUSION:

The SS arch wire showed the smoothest surface topography among the alloys and had statistically significantly lower roughness values than the TMA-C and TMA-Low groups. Low-friction TMA arch wire is still considered to be inferior to stainless steel arch wire.
PREGNANCY OUTCOME IN WOMEN WITH GRAVES’ DISEASE
Authors: Nabi Tauseef , Rafiq Nadeema
Published: October 2023

Background and Aims:

Pregnancy complicated with poorly controlled thyrotoxicosis is associated with an increased risk of adverse pregnancy outcomes, and maternal complications. To study the clinical characteristics, feto-maternal outcomes in women with Graves’ disease (GD) during pregnancy.

Methods:

This was observational study on 98 patients with GD during pregnancy at the tertiary care hospital. GD was documented by Thyrotropin receptor antibody (TRAb). Patients were subjected to complete clinical work up and thyroid profile. The diagnosis of TAO was based on the criteria of Bartley and Gorman. 100 pregnant women with normal thyroid function were taken as control. Birth outcomes recorded were: route of delivery (vaginal or cesarean section), neonatal birth weight, spontaneous abortion, stillbirth, and small for gestational age (SGA). Maternal outcomes accessed were: gestational hypertension, gestational diabetes (GDM), preeclampsia, gestational age at delivery, preterm delivery, antepartum hemorrhage, and postpartum hemorrhage.

Results:

The mean age of the patients was 30.8±7.6 years as compared to 32.9±6.8 years in controls. Compared with the controls; the pregnant women with GD had significantly higher rates of small for gestational age (SGA) (23.5% vs. 12.0%; p: 0.034), preterm birth (22.4% vs. 12.0%; p: 0.049), preeclampsia (15.3% vs. 5.0%; p: 0.016) and cesarean section (82.7% vs.70.0%; p: 0.036). Maternal and neonatal outcomes in pregnant women with GD with controlled and uncontrolled thyrotoxicosis were not significantly different except for birth weight.

Conclusion:

GD was significantly associated with an increased risk of adverse pregnancy outcomes.
COMPUTER VISION AND MACHINE LEARNING FOR ASSESSING THYROID NODULE COMPOSITION: ADVANCING TOWARDS ML-THYROID IMAGING REPORTING AND DATA SYSTEM DEVELOPMENT
Authors: Lakhani Om J , Shah Shalin , Raiththa Pratik
Published: October 2023

Background:

Our study aims to develop a new algorithm that utilizes computer vision to accurately assess the composition of thyroid nodules and calculate the Thyroid Imaging Reporting & Data System (TIRADS) score based on uploaded nodule images. This prospective observational study evaluates the performance of our computer vision model in correctly classifying the composition of thyroid nodules.

Methods:

We developed a computer vision and machine learning model using the nocode AI tool “Levity” to accurately classify the composition of thyroid nodules as “Solid”, “Cystic”, “Mixed solid-cystic”, or “Spongiform”. The model was trained on 200 thyroid nodule images, labeled by an experienced endocrinologist. We tested the model on 50 additional images using an easy-to-use chatbot tool and assessed the clinician’s agreement with the diagnosis. The tool can be accessed for public use using the following link: https://tinyurl.com/2pfehpq8. Statistical analysis using the Chi-square test, Pearson correlation coefficient and point-biserial correlation coefficient was performed using Python and R. p value of less than 0.05 was considered as statistically significant.

Results:

The computer model diagnosed 50 test images, with 34 solid, 5 mixed solid-cystic, 7 purely cystic, and 4 spongiform. Clinician agreement was 64% and partial agreement was 20%, resulting in 84% total agreement. Chi-squared test showed a statistically significant relationship between model diagnosis and clinician agreement (p value of 0.0000059403). Pearson’s correlation test showed a statistically significant correlation between the percentage confidence of the model and clinician agreement (p value of 0.034). The model was confident in 56% of cases, with 60.7% confidence when the clinician agreed and 57.9% for partial agreement. Using the point-biserial correlation, a statistically significant correlation was found between the percentage value given by the model and agreement of the clinician (p value of 0.00182). Using the ROC curve, an optimal cutoff of 52.28% was determined for rejecting the model diagnosis. AUC was 0.85, indicating good performance.

Conclusions:

In conclusion, our study successfully developed a computer vision and machine learning model using Levity to accurately classify thyroid nodule composition. Our model showed good performance with statistically significant results in clinician agreement, Chi-squared test, Pearson’s correlation test, and point-biserial correlation. The tool can be accessed for public use, and an optimal cutoff of 52.28% was determined for rejecting the model diagnosis.
Investigation of Primary School Teachers' Student-Centered Teaching and Technology Integration Competencies
Authors: Naimanova Dinara , Lebedeva Larissa , Akpayeva Assel , Astambayeva Zhupat , Ryabova Ekaterina , Yessenova Kalbike
Published: October 2023

In recent years, the relationship between teachers' technology competencies and integration and student-centered learning has come to the forefront. It is a clear reality that teachers with a student-centered education paradigm tend to use technology to support student-centered curriculum and should have some competencies in this regard.  In this study, it was aimed to determine the relationships between student-centered education and technology integration competencies of primary school teachers in terms of some variables. The sample of the survey model research consists of 290 teachers working in different primary schools in Kazakhstan. In the study, student-centered education and technology integration competencies of teachers were described and then these variables were compared according to gender and professional seniority variables. "Competency Scale for Student-Centered Education and Teacher Technology Integration Scale" were used to collect the data. Descriptive statistics, independent groups t-test, one-way ANOVA and Regression analysis techniques were used to analyze the data. According to the results obtained, primary school teachers' efficacy levels for student-centered education are at the middle level and their technology integration efficacy levels are below the middle level. Teachers' efficacy levels related to student-centered education showed significant differences according to gender and professional seniority variables. However, primary school teachers' technology integration competencies did not differ according to gender and professional seniority variables. There is a moderate positive relationship between student-centered education and technology integration competencies of primary school teachers. Teachers' student-centered education competencies significantly predict their technology integration competencies
The Effect of the Use of Digital Technologies in Physical Education Lessons on Students' Physical Education Cultures and Attitudes towards the Lesson
Authors: Ospankulov Yernar , Zhumabayeva Aziya , Nishanbayeva Sabira , Ussen Bagzhan , Zhalel Ali
Published: October 2023

Among the main objectives of the 'Primary School Physical Education Curriculum' is to raise individuals with knowledge, skills and behaviors integrated with values and competencies. In addition, one of the important goals of the Kazakh education system is to provide students with 21st century and related digital skills in all lessons. For this purpose, the current study examined the effect of digital technology and face-to-face teaching practices on students' lesson achievement, skills, attitudes, cultural awareness and value perceptions in primary school physical education lessons compared to traditional teaching. The study was conducted with a control group pre-test post-test design. A total of 60 students attending the 4th grade of primary school took part in the study. In the experimental group of the study, digital technologies supported face-to-face education and in the control group, traditional teaching practices were carried out. The research data were collected with 'Physical Education Lesson Acquisition Test', 'Physical Education Psychomotor Skills Test', 'Attitude Towards Physical Education Scale' and 'Cultural Awareness and Value Perception Scale in Physical Education' measurement tools. The experimental applications of the research lasted 8 weeks simultaneously in the control and experimental groups. According to the findings of the study, significant differences were found in favor of the experimental group in physical education lesson outcomes and attitudes. However, no significant difference was found between the groups in psychomotor skills and value perception.
The Effect of Variables Associated with the Digital Learning Environment on Students' Motivation and Attitudes
Authors: Abildina Saltanat , Sardarova Zhannat , Ozgambayeva Raikhan , Janzakova Sholpan , Kalykbayeva Almagul , Bitikova Almagul , Abdol Eleonora
Published: October 2023

The aim of this study is to determine the relationships between digital learning readiness, attitudes, academic motivation and attitudes of students studying in the department of educational sciences of a university in Kazakhstan in terms of some variables. The data of the study were obtained from 1st-4th grade students studying in the department of educational sciences of a university in Karaganda, Almaty, Aktau, Kazakhstan in the academic year 2021-2022 (N=261). Percentage, frequency, mean, Independent Samples t test, F test and Regression Analysis techniques were used to analyze the data. In the study, it was found that students' digital learning attitudes were positive and their digital learning readiness was at a moderate level. Digital learning readiness and attitudes of university students showed a significant difference according to gender variable. However, no difference was found in digital readiness and attitudes according to the class variable. Finally, according to the regression analyses, it was found that the participant university students' digital learning readiness and attitudes predicted their academic motivation and attitudes at a significant level.
Analysis of Intercultural Communication Competencies in Prospective Primary School Teachers' Use of Internet Technologies
Authors: Turabay Guldana , Mailybaeva Gulmira , Seitenova Salima , Meterbayeva Kulbarshyn , Duisenbayev Abay , Ismailova Gulnara
Published: October 2023

It can be said that self-efficacy perceptions of using the Internet for intercultural communication purposes is a characteristic that can be developed by putting computer and Internet use skills into practice. Before starting the studies to improve this characteristic, there is a need for research to reveal the current situation. The purpose of this study is to examine the intercultural communication competencies and internet self-efficacy of prospective prospective primary school teachers in Kazakhstan in a relational way. In this study, since it is aimed to examine whether these two variables differ in terms of gender and professional seniority by examining the contribution of internet self-efficacy scores in predicting intercultural communication competence scores of teachers, a relational survey model with descriptive method was used. The research sample consists of prospective primary school teachers at two different universities, in which there are different campuses in Taldykorgan, Ural, Almaty and Semey in Kazakhstan in the 2022-2023 academic year. In this context, questionnaires were collected from 261 teachers through face-to-face questionnaires. According to the findings of the study, teachers' intercultural competence and Internet self-efficacy were found to be at a moderate level. Participant prospective teachers' intercultural competence and Internet self-efficacy differed in relation to gender and age. Finally, internet self-efficacy of prospective primary school teachers significantly predicted their intercultural competence.
Course and Faculty Management System
Authors: Grime Christopher , Goetz Jozef
Published: October 2023

The purpose of the paper is to show how to expand the low code interactive framework in order to develop a web app for the broad needs of different fields. The goal of this work is to give a chance to computer science senior project students to work on a broad spectrum of projects using Apache, HTML, CSS, JavaScript, PHP, and MySQL. In this paper the web app is Course and Faculty Management System allowing educational organizations efficiently organize and manage their courses and faculty. The web application is interactive, responsive, secured, password and database driven app. The website is accessible on all devices. Public users can view the courses the university offers as well as which instructors teach them. Courses can be filtered by term and subject. Users that are logged in and have the correct permissions can edit/add/delete courses, departments, and instructors in the database. Admins can import files containing information about multiple courses as well as export the courses in the database to a csv file. The admin can also edit the other user’s permissions. In conclusion, the project has been successfully designed and implemented according to best practices and finally tested on a web hosting server provider.
The Terms of Trade Effect on Agriculture Export the Case of Indonesia as a Net Oil Importer Country
Authors: Hutabarat Simon Poltak Hamonangan
Published: October 2023

This study investigates the effects of changes in terms of trade (t.o.t) on economic indicators in net oil-importing countries. Findings demonstrate that improving trade conditions lead to increased profitability, investment opportunities, and capital accumulation, although the pace of accumulation slows down after an initial period of rapid growth. The study also highlights the positive impact of trade terms on foreign debt in developing economies, as enhanced terms of trade contribute to higher export revenues and better capacity to service debt obligations. The study suggests two measures: strengthening domestic energy production and implementing hedging strategies to mitigate the impact of oil price fluctuations on foreign debt. Furthermore, the analysis explores the influence of terms of trade on employment, interest rates, capital costs, net oil imports, final output, and agricultural product exports. These indicators are affected by changes in terms of trade, driven by factors such as increased productivity, shifts in comparative advantage, and market dynamics. Overall, this study emphasizes the significance of terms of trade in shaping economic dynamics and provides insights into policy measures to enhance energy security, reduce oil import dependency, and promote economic resilience in net oil-importing countries.
Producing College Sports for ESPN: A Vygotskian Approach
Authors: Quinn Michael J.
Published: October 2023

In 2019 the Mid-Atlantic Athletic Conference signed an agreement with ESPN to stream men’s and women’s basketball games on its affiliated streaming service. In response, the Manhattan College Communication Department developed a Sports Media Production program to teach undergraduate students the basics of live sports production. The goal was for undergraduate students to participate in the production of forty games per year, including shooting, editing, generating replays, inserting graphics, and mixing five tracks of audio. Over the past three years approximately eighty students have taken part in these live productions, with audiences ranging from several hundred to ten thousand. This paper will explore the successes and challenges of developing a program of instruction out of a public/private partnership. Through the implementation of Vygotsky’s Scaffolding theory, students are immersed in both learning and teaching production from the moment each new season begins, while simultaneously exploring significant issues in Sport and Media Studies as part of the curriculum.
Inteligencia emocional y violencia en la pareja en miembros de la policía nacional del Perú, Provincia Mariscal Nieto, Moquegua
Authors: Meneses A.
Published: October 2023

El presente estudio investigativo tuvo como finalidad determinar la relación entre inteligencia emocional y violencia en la pareja en la policía nacional del Perú, Provincia Mariscal Nieto, Moquegua. El estudio corresponde a uno no experimental, de enfoque cuantitativo y de diseño correlacional, en la que participaron 212 policías. Los instrumentos utilizados fueron la escala de inteligencia emocional de WLEIS adaptada por Aldave Herrera y el inventario de violencia entre novios CUVINO adaptada por Raiser Velarde y Manzanares Medina. Los resultados concluyeron que existe relación significativa (p-valor < 0,05), de forma inversa y magnitud leve (α = -,231) entre las variables. Concluyendo que a mayor desarrollo de inteligencia emocional menor presencia de violencia en la relación de pareja.
PERSPECTIVES ON PERCEPTIONS AND PRACTICE THROUGH LEARNING CULTURES OF ENGLISH-SPEAKING COUNTRIES OF HIGH-QUALITY ENGLISH STUDIES PROGRAM STUDENTS, SCHOOL OF FOREIGN LANGUAGES, CAN THO UNIVERSITY, VIETNAM
Authors: Yen Nghe Pham Hai , Mai Pham Thi Thanh , An Duong Thi Tuong , Thuong Nguyen Vu , Nhut Huynh Minh , Dan Thai Cong
Published: October 2023

The overall goal of the project is to understand the awareness or perceptions and practice of students of the High-quality English Studies program, School of Foreign Languages (SFL), Can Tho University (CTU), Vietnam when studying cultures of English-speaking countries (CESCs) to improve intercultural competence. The research on the perspectives or opinions of 200 High-quality English Studies students, 12 of them joining the semi-structured interview, about their awareness and practice through learning CESCs. The analysis would help the researcher understand the difficulties of students when studying cultural modules from English-speaking countries at SFL, CTU. The research results would suggest solutions to overcome the difficulties that students encounter, and at the same time provide factors that contribute to improving the intercultural competence of language students. Also, through the research results, despite many obstacles in the process of absorbing culture from cultural modules, students still retain their interest and love for the course-CESCs. However, it can be seen that the difficulty that many students often encounter is still cultural differences, thereby raising awareness of the need to learn cultures for students. Next is to design teaching materials to become more attractive and attractive, proactively find opportunities to communicate with foreigners.
 

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ADULT REFUGEES LEARNING GREEK AS L2 FOR SOCIAL INCLUSION IN NON-FORMAL EDUCATIONAL SETTINGS: THE CASE OF VOLOS IMMIGRANT CENTER
Authors: Mogli Marina
Published: October 2023

In this article, I examine the views of asylum seekers with limited schooling experience who attend classes in Greek as a second language, and their teachers, who volunteer in a non-profit organization, using semi-structured interviews. I discuss the role of language in the social inclusion of refugees in a non-formal educational setting and how it affects their motivation to learn the Greek language. Attending classes in a non-formal setting seems to lead to greater social inclusion, broadening the students’ relationships with other immigrants/refugees and their instructors. Social skills in communication and interaction between themselves and also other people are enhanced.
 

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EFFECTS OF RISK ASSESSMENT ON FINANCIAL ACCOUNTABILITY AS EVIDENCED IN NATIONAL GOVERNMENT CONSTITUENCIES DEVELOPMENT FUND IN KENYA
Authors: Lidovolo Patrick Malongo , Omondi Margaret Atieno
Published: October 2023

The objective of National Government Constituencies Development Fund is to promote human and infrastructural development at the community and constituency levels. The fund is expected to be operated with the highest level of transparency, probity, propriety, and accountability. Despite the elaborate measures put in place by the government to ensure transparency, financial accountability in many constituencies is still not as expected. Studies done on internal controls and financial accountability have been in other sectors such as public Universities, the ones done in constituencies have concentrated on the performance of county projects and have looked at only specific constructs of internal controls. The aim of the study was to examine the effect of risk assessment on financial accountability of national Government Constituencies development fund in Kenya. The study was structured on; agency theory and accountability theory. A correlation research design was adopted. The target population of the study was 1160 respondents while the sample population was 288 respondents consisting of; 72 committee members, 72 sub-county accountants, 72 fund account managers, and 72 internal auditors. Primary data was obtained by use of a questionnaire while secondary data was obtained from Auditor General’s Reports and financial statements of the NG-CDF’s. Cronbach Alpha was used to test reliability. Expert analysis and confirmatory factor analysis were used to assess Validity. Data was analyzed using both descriptive and inferential statistics Inferential statistics consisted of correlation analysis and simple linear regression analysis. A pilot test was carried out using 29 respondents. Cronbach Alpha was used to test the internal consistency of the questionnaire. All the constructs had indicators of above 0.7 confirming reliability. KMO and Bartlett’s tests were carried out to test validity. All constructs loaded values of above 0.4 thus confirming validity. It was established that there exists a strong and positive association exists between risk assessment and financial accountability evidenced by an r of 0.707 for risk assessment. It was recommended that their close scrutiny of all risk-prone activities should be analyzed.

 

JEL: G10, G20, G32

 

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TECHNOLOGICAL TOOLS AND THE IMPACT OF DIGITALISATION ON THE SUPPLY CHAIN
Authors: Aarasse Souhayla , Idelhakkar Brahim
Published: October 2023

The supply chain has undergone a significant and innovative transformation in recent years with the introduction of new intelligent and digital technologies aimed at streamlining various supply chain activities from demand forecasting, manufacturing of goods, inventory management, and transport planning to delivery to customers. The digitisation of the transport and shipping industry incorporates advanced technologies such as cloud computing, the Internet of Things (IoT), artificial intelligence (AI), blockchain, and big data. These digital innovations are streamlining routes, forecasting demand, tracking shipments, and above all reacting quickly to changes, resulting in overall supply chain efficiency. This paper provides a comprehensive review of the issues that highlight the birth and construction of this transformation, as well as identifying the technological tools impacting the supply chain, in order to analyse the real impact of digitalisation on the development of relative supply chain strategies

 

JEL: L91, O33, L23, C88, M11, L81

 

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RISK PERCEPTION AND INVESTMENT INTENTION IN ISLAMIC BANKS' TERM DEPOSITS: AN EMPIRICAL STUDY IN MOROCCO
Authors: Jawad Daoudi , Larbi Touhami
Published: October 2023

This study focuses on the impact of risk perception on the intention to invest in Islamic banks' term deposits in Morocco. Using quantitative methodologies, including statistical analysis, Cronbach's reliability tests, and structural equation modelling, the study assesses the influence of various factors, including perceived quality and perceived value, on the intention to invest. Contrary to expectations and the existing literature, the results suggest that risk perception has no statistically significant effect on the intention to invest in these financial products. However, perceived value shows a significant relationship with intention to invest, indicating its crucial role in financial decision-making within this specific context. These results have important implications for Islamic banks, policymakers, and researchers, as they challenge the conventional emphasis on risk perception in the Islamic finance literature. The results suggest that other factors, such as perceived quality and value, may play a more influential role in the intention to invest in Islamic term deposits.

 

JEL: G11, G 21, Z12, D81

 

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INITIAL PUBLIC OFFERINGS IN INDIA – A STRUCTURAL REVIEW
Authors: Seepani Jyothi , Murthy K. V. R.
Published: October 2023

This research offers a comprehensive analysis of the structural aspects of Initial Public Offerings (IPOs) in India, covering the period from the pre-liberalization era to the current time. The research paper examines the IPO landscape in India, a vibrant economy in Asia, by gathering a comprehensive dataset from various sources, including the Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) archives, financial reports, and other pertinent sources. It analyzes the evolutionary patterns, regulatory changes, and significant events that have influenced the development of IPOs in the country. The primary findings indicate that regulatory changes, economic growth trajectories, and global financial conditions have significantly influenced initial public offerings (IPOs) volume and valuation. The research methodology involved meticulous data collection from reputable academic databases, primarily Mendeley and Scopus, spanning over five decades. This extensive dataset forms the foundation for our robust and insightful analysis. The study additionally emphasizes the significance of India's distinctive socio-economic structure, which has enabled and restricted the advancement of the capital market. By conducting a comparative analysis between India's framework and worldwide best practices, this study aims to identify areas of convergence and divergence. The paper finishes by providing policy proposals that enhance the resilience and inclusiveness of the Indian Initial Public Offering (IPO) market for a diverse range of issuers and investors.

 

JEL: O10, O16

 

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THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN MOTOR ACTIVITY AND EXECUTIVE FUNCTIONS IN THE TEACHING-LEARNING PROCESS: CASE OF 6 - 7 AGED TUNISIAN PUPILS
Authors: Sidhom Mounira Ben , Souissi Nizar
Published: October 2023

Considering that the cognitive and motor dimensions of human beings grow together and that primary school age is one of the most important stages of children’s cognitive and motor development, the aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between executive functions and motor activity in the teaching-learning process. Primary school students (N = 40; 6.3 years) participated in this study. They were divided into two groups: an experimental group (20 students) and a control group (20 students). The first group followed a 12-week motors activity program with 5 sessions of 40 minutes per week and the second a regular math sessions program. The results of the experimental group show a clear improvement in most of the study variables. Also, these results highlight the value of actively involving the student in the task and the importance of using active methods in the teaching-learning process.
 

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COGNITIVE AND AFFECTIVE LEVELS OF THE QUESTIONS ASKED IN READING PART OF ENGLISH TEXTBOOK IN TURKEY
Authors: Ertem Zehra Sumeyye
Published: October 2023

The aim of this study is to determine which types of questions are most frequently included in the book titled Silver Lining, which is taught in English classes in 11th grades in Turkey, and at what level of understanding questions are asked. For this purpose, the analysis of the reading questions in the "Reading and Listening" section of the English textbook was carried out. Barrett's Taxonomy was used as a basis to determine the mental processes required by the questions. Since the questions in the book were examined in the study, the qualitative research method, one of the research methods, was adopted and document analysis was conducted. Within the scope of the research, ten units in the book titled Silver Lining were examined. There are two sections in each unit, section A and section B. There are six or seven question guidelines under the title "Reading and Writing" in each section. Within the scope of this study, a total of 263 reading comprehension questions, including 149 question instructions and 114 question items in the entire book, were examined. The eleventh grade English textbook mostly includes matching questions and multiple-choice questions. Open-ended questions, which have a very small share among the question types, were asked in a way that the answers could be easily found in the text. Additionally, it was observed that the questions were asked mostly at the level of simple understanding. In this sense, the text questions in the eleventh grade English textbook should be diversified by teachers, and in addition to simple questions, students should be asked more questions that will activate metacognition, thus enabling them to think critically.
 

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SELF-ESTEEM LEVELS AMONG SECONDARY SCHOOL STUDENTS IN DIFFERENT CATEGORIES OF SCHOOLS. CASE OF PUBLIC SECONDARY SCHOOLS IN NYANDARUA WEST SUB-COUNTY, KENYA
Authors: Muchemi Peter
Published: October 2023

The major purpose of the study was to investigate whether students’ level of self-esteem can be influenced by the category of school a learner attends. To achieve this objective, schools were categorized into three categories which are day schools, day-boarding schools, and boarding schools. Students’ self-esteem was measured and the data obtained was analyzed. The aim was to find out whether there was any significant difference in students’ level of self-esteem in different school categories. The research was conducted using an ex post facto research design. Categories of schools were seen as a naturally occurring independent variable, which could have an effect on students’ level of self-esteem. The population of the study comprised students in public secondary schools in Nyandarua West Sub County. The Sub County had 8 public secondary schools when the research was conducted; with a student population of 3067. Data relevant to the study was collected using questionnaires, and a self-esteem test prepared by the researcher. The questionnaires were administered to a sample of 240 students, selected using simple random sampling from the 1320 form two students in the Sub County. Data was analysed using mean calculations, percentages, and a one-way ANOVA test. It was found out that there was a significant difference in students’ total-mean self-esteem in different categories of schools. Students in boarding schools had a higher level of self-esteem in general compared to students in day-boarding and day schools; whose self-esteem levels were average. Probably, boarding schools have a more child-friendly environment, hence, more opportunities and different facilities which help learners to achieve more and hence acquire positive growth in self-esteem. However, in day schools where opportunities could have been less adequate students recorded a low level of self-esteem. It is therefore recommended that MOEST should finance seminars to sensitize secondary school administrators on adolescents’ needs so that every Principal would endeavor to provide students with age-appropriate resources and activities. To achieve this, the government should supply adequate facilities to schools that do not have them. Further studies should be conducted to find out the environments in boarding schools that facilitated self-esteem growth among students, additionally, whether similar results would be obtained in other Sub Counties in Kenya.
 

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INSEGNARE LA LETTERATURA. APPROCCI DIDATTICI E DIGITALI DELLE OPERE DI ITALO CALVINO NELL'AULA DI LINGUA STRANIERA / TEACHING LITERATURE. DIDACTIC AND DIGITAL APPROACHES OF ITALO CALVINO'S WORKS IN THE FOREIGN LANGUAGE CLASSROOM
Authors: Tyrou Ioanna
Published: October 2023

L’opera di Calvino può connettere il nostro mondo, quello in cui viviamo tutti i giorni, con il mondo verbale ed il mondo della scrittura. Per questo, ma anche per i vari valori che proietta con la sua scrittura, si presta ad una didattica dinamica, creativa e multidimensionale. Nella nostra proposta didattica, cercheremo di proporre pratiche indicative, autentiche, multisensoriali e multimodali per l'insegnamento dei testi, della lingua e della letteratura, che promuoveranno il carattere comunicativo dell'insegnamento, concentrandosi sui bisogni cognitivi, emotivi ed educativi degli studenti. In piu, rafforzeranno la collaborazione e la partecipazione per il contatto con i testi letterari del grande scrittore Italo Calvino. Le azioni esperienziali e differenziate consentono la comprensione dei significati e la produzione personale del discorso.

Calvino's work can connect our world, the one in which we live every day, with the verbal world and the world of writing. For this reason, but also for the various values that he projects with his writing, it lends to dynamic, creative and multidimensional teaching. In our teaching proposal, we will try to propose indicative, authentic, multisensory and multimodal practices for the teaching of texts, language and literature, which will promote the communicative character of teaching, focusing on the cognitive, emotional and educational needs of students. Furthermore, these practices will strengthen collaboration and participation through contact with the literary texts of the great writer Italo Calvino. Experiential and differentiated actions allow the understanding of meanings and the personal production of discourse.

 

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‘SPACELESS SELF’ IN SAVITRI: THE ETERNAL SELF OF SUPRAMENTAL MAN IN SRI AUROBINDO’S EPIC ‘SAVITRI’
Authors: Nikhil Kumar
Published: October 2023

‘Spaceless Self’ which Sri Aurobindo unveils in Savitri in his epic Savitri is the eternal Self, the central being of the Supramental Man as distinct from Jivatman which is the central being of man. In the being of man, as he discovers, Jivatman exists simultaneously in its other poise i.e., its spark state, —the spark state which grows to be ‘Fire’, the ‘Psychic Being’ he terms it. These two poises of Jivatman, the Divine Self existing separately though one at the base in the being of man brings the separative principle of consciousness into existence to reign him. In other words, the separate existence of Jivatman, the central being, and its spark state, to be more specific, the very separation between the two gives birth to the separative principle of consciousness in the being of man. The separative consciousness manifests in limitations, finiteness. When the Psychic Being comes to be one with Its Divine Origin, Jivatman as a result of its growth into ‘Fire’ which is the spiritual ascent of man, manifesting his resultant transformation, the separative principle of consciousness comes to its end. The limitations end, and man enters into the world of Infinity consequently. What Sri Aurobindo terms ‘Spaceless Self’, the Self of the One which remains eclipsed or remains in bondage on account of the reign of the separative principle of consciousness gets its release consequent upon the oneness of the Psychic Being and the Jivatman. It rises to take over the rein of the being of man. Consequently, the Supramental Man emerges, the Man in whom the transcendent consciousness of the One, the Integral Consciousness reigns.
 

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FACTORS INFLUENCING STUDENT EXPECTATIONS OF SATISFACTION IN CHINESE HIGHER EDUCATION FUNDING
Authors: Da Wang , Azam S. M. Ferdous , Tham Jacquline
Published: October 2023

China has gradually developed a multi-stage reform mechanism for student financial assistance in education. This study discusses the importance of satisfaction among students in analysing funding policies and programmes. The report will identify the challenges and shortcomings of university funding by reviewing and studying underlying issues. This study uses a mixture of qualitative and quantitative approaches, with an emphasis on quantitative methods. The primary aim of the analysis is to investigate the variables that affect student aspirations and satisfaction with Chinese higher education funding. It gathers primary data through realistic research and conducts in-depth statistics and data interpretation on the collected data. This study mainly relates consumer satisfaction and the modern public service philosophy to student satisfaction assessment. The evaluation of the new assistance programme of colleges and universities may be basically as a public good. The study adds to Vygotsky's theory of cognitive growth by developing relationships between paying support, free funding, overt funding, tacit funding, and student satisfaction among Chinese secondary students. It establishes the appropriateness of using models and hypotheses from developed countries to study in China. The study's key conclusions involved the impact of paying support, free funding, explicit funding, and tacit funding on student satisfaction. It sheds light on the relationships and impacts of internal higher education institution factors, external higher education institutions factors, and student factors on Student Satisfaction. It offers a more comprehensive view of the impact of different variables on Student satisfaction than previous studies have explored in this area.
 

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ASSESSMENT INSTRUMENT AUTHENTIC ASSESSMENT BASIC TECHNIQUE (FOREHAND AND BACKHAND) GROUNDSTROKES FOR JUNIOR TENNIS IN GUNUNGKIDUL REGENCY, INDONESIA
Authors: Alauddin Asyam
Published: October 2023

This assessment aims to develop an instrument for assessing the basic techniques of forehand and backhand groundstrokes for junior tennis players in Gunungkidul Regency because the basic forehand and backhand groundstrokes are very important in the game of tennis. This research design was a research that used the Research and Development (R&D) stage which adopted the 4-D model of the instrument used in the form of assessment sheets for material experts, trainers, and athletes. Qualitative data analysis in the form of criticism, suggestions, and opinions of material experts, coaches, and athletes.
This assessment aimed to develop instruments for assessing basic forehand and backhand groundstroke techniques for junior tennis players in Gunungkidul Regency. This study used research and development methods with the 4-D method consisting of define, design, development, and dissemination with the following steps: (1) collecting information in the field, (2) analyzing the information obtained, (3) developing the initial product (4) expert validation and revision, (5) small-scale trials and revisions, (6) large-scale trials and revisions, (6) finalization and manufacture of assessment instrument products. The subjects in this study were junior tennis players in Gunungkidul Regency. Data analysis for validity testing was carried out using CVR (content validity ratio) and reliability using Alpha Cronbach. This research results in a basic technique assessment instrument product for forehand and backhand groundstrokes for junior tennis players which contains instructions, task sheets, scoring guidelines, scoring rubrics, and scoring tables that have high validity and hhigh-reliabilityforehand groundstroke initial attitude: r = 0.861, implementation r = 0.920, and final attitude 0.853. Backhand groundstroke initial attitude: r = 0.817, implementation attitude r = 0.871, and final attitude r = 0.824.

 

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PREVALENCE OF INTESTINAL PARASITES AND ASSOCIATED RISK FACTORS AMONG UNDER-FIVE CHILDREN ATTENDING KIBOGORA LEVEL TWO TEACHING HOSPITAL, RWANDA
Authors: Hitayezu Elysee , Godefroid Nzeyimana , Kabuye Fred , Uwamariya Therese , Tuyisenge Francine , De la Croix Muvandimwe Jean , Ngirinshuti Vedaste , Niyigaba Honore
Published: October 2023

This study aimed to assess the prevalence of intestinal parasites and associated risk factors among under-five children attending Kibogora Level Two Teaching Hospital in Rwanda. Specific objectives were: to determine the prevalence of intestinal parasites among under-five years children attending Kibogora Level Two Teaching Hospital, Rwanda, to identify the source of water and their utilization in intestinal parasitic occurrence among under-five years children attending Kibogora Level Two Teaching Hospital, Rwanda; and to identify the risk factors associated with intestinal parasites occurrence among under-five children attending Kibogora Level Two Teaching Hospital, Rwanda. Methods: retrospective cross-sectional study design with quantitative approaches at Nyamasheke in June 2022. The study includes a target population of 772 children and a sample size of 263. A questionnaire was administered to collect data on hygiene, sanitation, socio-demographic and economic characteristics (risk factors), and secondary data from 2019-2022 were used. Results: the prevalence of intestinal parasites was 102(38.7%). In this study the prevalence of Ascaris 56(21.3%) was the highest followed by amoeba (Entamoeba histolytica) 24(9.1%), Giardia lamblia 8(3.0%), Trichomonas intestinalis 7(2.6%) and Ankilostoma duodenale 7(2.6%). Other intestinal parasites detected such as Necator americanus and Trichiuris trichiura were identified at less than one percent prevalence. A chi-squared test was used to establish a relationship between different variables. The chi-squared shows that there is no statistically significant association between the marital status category of the children and having latrines at home with a chi-squared value of 3.293 and a p-value 0.183 of there was no statistically significant association. utensils drying site with a chi-squared value of 5.422 and p-value of .000 there was a statistically significant association. Drinking boiled water with a chi-squared value of 7.857a and p-value of .97. Washing hands before a meal with a chi-squared value of 7.857a and p-value of 98. Washing hands after defecation with a chi-squared value of 3.293 and p-value of .193, there is no statistical significance. Finally, the high prevalence of intestinal parasitic infections in under-five children warrants strict control measures for microbial reduction through the utensils-drying site, improved hygiene and sanitation, and treatment of drinking water should be considered.
 

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ROUSSEAU'S THEORY OF DEMOCRACY AND ITS RELATION TO DEMOCRACY IN VIETNAM
Authors: Hiểu Nguyễn Trung , Thường Nguyễn Anh
Published: October 2023

Since ancient times, democracy has played a crucial role in political life. It is associated with essential values such as freedom and equality. The value of democracy is widely recognized, but in terms of form, democracy does not have any general pattern. It is for this reason that democracy in each country is organized differently, leading to the situation where some countries do not fully appreciate the democracy of another country or use their democracy to evaluate and condemn the democracy of another country. This is a considerable barrier to integration and cooperation for mutual development. The people of Vietnam are peace-loving people who wish to cooperate for mutual development with all friendly countries, but Vietnam's foreign relations face many obstacles because of its political characteristics. Democracy in Vietnam was established by President Ho Chi Minh very early, in accordance with the country's own political and historical conditions. Democracy in Vietnam has both a unified and specific connotation compared to the general theory of democracy. The practice of Vietnam's democracy over the years shows that this "specificity" not only does not "distort" democracy but also contributes to enriching and deepening the theory of progressive democracy. The article attempts to analyze Rousseau's theory of democracy in order to clarify common human values about democracy. At the same time, it relates to democracy in Vietnam, thereby aiming to clarify that Vietnamese democracy is a progressive democracy that contributes to the protection and promotion of human rights and civil rights, freedom, and peace in the world. All of this aims to contribute to the improvement of mutual understanding and respect, promoting the spirit of "openness" to international cooperation and dialogue for mutual development in today's era.

 

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