bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Learning trajectory of geometry proof construction: Studying the emerging understanding of the structure of Euclidean proof
Authors: Anwar Lathiful , Goedhart Martin J. , Mali Angeliki
Published: April 2023

This paper presents a learning trajectory of geometry proof (LTGP) for Indonesian prospective mathematics teachers (PMTs) during their first year of studies at an Indonesian university. The trajectory aims at PMTs’ progression of their understanding of the structure of proof and their proof construction abilities. We designed and implemented teaching materials with geometry problems based on the use of the flow-chart proof format and the model of understanding of proof structure from Miyazaki et al. (2017). We present an analysis of data from pre- and post-tests of proof construction problems, written answers to proof problems during intervention with 60 PMTs, and individual interviews with eight PMTs. We found that the intervention supports PMTs’ understanding of the structure of proof and their proof construction abilities. Our findings contribute to knowledge about teaching strategies to support students in their understanding and construction of a proof. From our findings, we suggest the use of the flow-chart proof format together with other more formal proof formats in creating, reading, and rewriting proof of geometric propositions and the use of open problems to encourage students to think forward and backwards interactively to help students plan for proof construction.
The effectiveness of Driver’s model in teaching mathematics for developing intermediate school students conceptual understanding
Authors: Alzahrani Khalid S. , Alfadhli Eidah
Published: April 2023

This study aims to investigate the effectiveness of Driver’s model (DM) in developing the conceptual understanding (CU) of first-class intermediate students in geometry and polygons via quasi-experimental design, for a random sample of 62 female-students divided into two groups, the experimental group with 31 students who were taught the module by DM, and the control group with 31 students were taught the module by the traditional teaching method. The study found significant statistical variances regarding scores means between the two groups at the three levels of explanation, interpretation, and application for the experimental group with a high impact reached at0.31 along with a high impact, too, regarding the mean of the total score of CU test for the same group, which reached at 0.43. Thus, the study recommends using DM in mathematics teaching.
Mobile learning in mathematics education: A systematic literature review of empirical research
Authors: Tang Dung Minh , Nguyen Cam Thi Ngoc , Bui Huy Ngoc , Nguyen Hung Thai , Le Khai Tuan , Truong Khanh Le Gia , Tran Nha Thanh , Vo Nguyen Khoi , Nguyen Tien Thuy
Published: April 2023

Mobile devices (e.g., smartphones and tablets) are spreading globally, along with decreasing prices and increasing support utilities with the characteristics of availability, flexibility, portability, individuality, connectivity, and social interactivity. The rise of mobile devices/ technologies in school inspired educational researchers to introduce the term “mobile learning” to push the boundaries of traditional pedagogy. This study was a systematic review of 52 articles related to mobile learning in mathematics education in 2008-2021. It answered the questions about distribution, major research purposes, approaches, methods. The articles for review were chosen using a three-stage methodology: read, select criteria, and summarize. This review study of mobile learning presents findings, which highlighted gaps in existing literature on the topic and has provided insights, can become a platform and guidance for researchers, educators, and policy makers for future research.
HIV Counseling and Testing Uptake, Knowledge and Attitude and Influencing Factors among Student Nurses and Midwives in The Gambia: An Institutional-based Cross-sectional Study
Authors: Mendy Sang , Bajinka Ousman , Barrow Amadou , Mei Sun
Published: April 2023

HIV counseling and testing (HCT) has become paramount in the prevention and control of HIV/AIDS worldwide. However, the uptake of HCT has been very slow globally, especially in sub-Saharan Africa. Student nurses formed the largest group undergoing health care training in the country compared to doctors and other health cadres. According to WHO, they are part of the most vulnerable group to HIV infection, judging by the fact that they interact more with patients/clients than other healthcare professionals. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of HCT uptake, knowledge, and attitude and evaluate influencing factors among student nurses and midwives in public nursing schools. An institutional-based cross-sectional study design was employed to collect data from 305 randomly selected nursing students and midwives using a validated and reliable self-administered questionnaire. Descriptive statistics (percentages, mean and standard deviation) and inferential statistics (chi square, logistics regression, one-way ANOVA and independent samples t-test) were used for data analysis using SPSS version 25.0. A p-value < 0.05 was considered for statistical significance. Out of the 305 students recruited for the study, 60.98% were females, with a mean age of 25.5 years old. About 58.4% of the participants had tested for HIV in the past. About 95.7% acknowledged the importance of HCT in the prevention and control of HIV/AIDS. HCT uptake among student nurses and midwives was influenced by factors ranging from an individual that are interpersonal challenges (such as concerns of friends), perceived susceptibility to the disease, lack of confidentiality, stigma and discrimination from health service providers. Therefore, these barriers can be addressed through an organized targeted health education intervention and advocacy programs across health training institutions in the Gambia and beyond.
Analisis Konten Buku Ajar Bahasa Arab Sang Pangeran Nahwu Al-Ajurumiyyah
Authors: Nasrulloh M Alaika , Mufidah Imamatul
Published: April 2023

The book of Sang Pangeran Nahwu Al-Ajurumiyah is an introductory book to the Kitab al Ajurumiyah written in Indonesian. This book is not a translation of the original book, but rather a translation like the interpretation of the Qur'an. This book is suitable for non-Arabic students, especially those in Indonesia who are still predicated as beginners in learning Arabic. This type of research is library research with a qualitative approach. The data collection technique uses documentation. And the results of this study indicate that the book Sang Pangeran Nahwu Al-Ajurumiyah has met the criteria of a good textbook in terms of material, which is in accordance with the scientific theoretical basis according to Masnur Muslich, including material accuracy, material coverage, and material support. Then in terms of scientific theory according to Ali al Qosimiy, this book is suitable in basic material but in the layout of the basic material it is not appropriate, and has met the criteria in terms of supporting material and special material. Meanwhile, in the stage of presenting the material, the book has not yet reached conformity with the selection and repetition stages. However, it has reached conformity to the gradation and repetition stages.
Susceptibility of various cell lines to the Chikungunya virus and method selection for commercial-scale production of viral material
Authors: Kaa K. V. , Ignatyev G. M. , Sinyugina A. A. , Ishmukhametov A. A.
Published: April 2023

An increase in cases of chikungunya fever is reported in the Caribbean, Central and South America, and Southeast Asia. As there is no specific treatment for this disease and the only available treatment is symptomatic, it is very relevant to develop vaccines against chikungunya fever. To develop an inactivated whole-virion vaccine against the disease, it is important to choose a susceptible cell culture that both provides high virus yields and is used for vaccine production.

The aim of the study was to evaluate the susceptibility of multiple cell lines to Chikungunya virus infection and to select the monolayer culture method with the highest virus accumulation and yield.

Materials and methods. The study used the CHIKV_Nic strain of the Chikungunya virus and cell lines C6/36 (for virus titration), CEF, MRC-5, Vero, and 4647. While choosing the culture method, the authors used culture flasks, a cell factory, and roller bottles. The authors determined the susceptibility of the cell lines to viral infection by the degree of accumulation of the infectious agent in the culture fluid. The results of virus titration were calculated on day 5 on the basis of a pronounced viral cytopathic effect.

Results. The Vero and 4647 cell lines demonstrated the highest susceptibility to infection and virus concentrations in the culture fluid. The СEF and MRC-5 cell lines accumulated the virus at lower concentrations. The maximum virus titres (7.10–7.75 log10 TCID50/mL) were observed in the culture fluid 48 h after infection. The optimal multiplicity of infection (MOI) ranged between 0.001 and 0.0001 MOI/cell. At 0.0001 MOI/cell, the virus accumulated in the Vero cells cultured in roller bottles on day 2, with the maximum virus titre being 8.6±0.2 log10 TCID50/mL.

Conclusions. Vero cells meet the safety and stability requirements set for the production of chikungunya vaccines. The study determined the minimum MOI of the Chikungunya virus for cell culture. The roller bottle culture method provides the highest cell culture yield and the highest titre of the virus in the culture fluid.
Solubility of triclabendazole as a factor determining the activity of its solid dispersions with polymers
Authors: Khalikov M. S.
Published: April 2023

The purpose of the research is to study solubility of triclabendazole-based (TCB) solid dispersions (SD) and polymers obtained under optimal conditions of mechanochemical technology; and to confirm chemical stability of a TCB substance by the HPLC method both during its SD preparation and their storage.Materials and methods. The research used a TCB substance, polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP), arabinogalactan (AG), and licorice extract (LE) that contained 25% glycyrrhizinic acid (GA). For machining, the initial components were taken in a 1 : 9 weight ratio and machined in an LE-101 drum mill on rolls with a drum rotating at a speed of 55–60 rpm with a 1 : 17 process module for 1 to 6 hours with sampling to evaluate the TCB solubility and stability. The TCB sample solubility and its stability were evaluated in these samples by HPLC.Results and discussion. The machining of the TCB substance with selected polymers obtained the corresponding SDs of the following compositions: TCB : PVP (1 : 9), TCB : AG (1 : 9), TCB : PVP : AG (1 : 4.5 : 4.5) and TCB : LE (1 : 9), which were free-flowing powders with enhanced solubility for TCB (up to 34). The evaluation of previously obtained samples of TCB SDs showed that the solubility decreased slightly over time. For example, a decrease in solubility for TCB : AG (1 : 9) was observed from 10 to 8 (the sample after 2 h of machining) and from 23 to 18 (the sample after 4 h of machining). The chemical stability was observed of the TCB substance in its SD samples obtained earlier.
Influence of intensity of infection on morphological characteristics of Trichinella spiralis larvae at experimental infection of white rats and their distribution in muscles
Authors: Zhdanova O. B. , Uspensky A. V. , Napisanova L. A. , Chasovskikh O. V. , Rossokhin D. V. , Andreyanov O. N. , Malysheva N. S. , Kachanova E. O.
Published: April 2023

The purpose of the research is to study the morphological changes in the capsules of Trichinella spiralis larvae and their distribution in muscles.Materials and methods. In the experiment, 12 white rats were used, divided into 3 groups of 4 animals each. Rats of the first group were infected with T. spiralis larvae at a dose of 5 larvae per 1 g of body weight, the second – at a dose of 40 larvae per 1 g, rats of the 3rd group served as control and were not infected. The selective dispersal of larvae was studied by determining the intensity of infection in post-mortem studies of the main muscle groups of the animal and measuring the capsules of larvae in different muscle groups.Results and discussion. In the entire muscle mass, 45±10 T. spiralis larvae/animal were found in the 1st group, in the 2nd group the number of larvae was 2250±180, in the control group no T. spiralis larvae were found. It has been established that the distribution of T. spiralis larvae in the muscles of infected animals depends on the dose of infection: at low doses, the largest number was found in the gastrocnemius muscles and diaphragm, at high doses, the number of larvae in the muscles of the head sharply increases.
Influence of intestinal coccidiosis on weight gain of young cattle
Authors: Reshetnikova A. D. , Klimova E. S.
Published: April 2023

The purpose of the research is to study the effect of coccidiosis infection (cryptosporidiosis, eimeriosis) on the average daily gains in live weight of young cattle.Materials and methods. The studies were carried out on animals spontaneously infected with Eimeria spp. And Cryptosporidium spp. According to the principle of analogues, 4 groups of animals were formed, 10 heads each. In the first experiment, the average daily weight gain of 1-20-day-old animals infected with Cryptosporidium (1st experimental group) and clinically healthy calves (1st control group) was compared. For the second experiment, calves at the age of 2-4 months, infected with Eimeria spp. (2nd), were selected, young animals free from infection were selected in the second control group.Results and discussion. In calves infected with Cryptosporidium spp., the average daily gains ranged from 0.597±0.017 to 0.675±0.018 kg. The decrease in growth per day relative to the animals of the control group was, on average, 0.346 kg. The maximum loss of weight gain, 11.0±0.88 kg, was recorded in November. A similar dynamic of the decrease in average daily weight gain was established in animals at eimeriosis. During the research period, the shortfall in live weight of calves infected with Eimeria spp. was 21.5±2.6 kg, which is 12.3 kg less relative to the mass of calves infected with Cryptosporidium spp. Sharp fluctuations in the reduction of average daily weight gain in this group were not recorded: on average, 0.248±0.113 kg relative to the control group. Thus, the reason for the lack of live weight gain (up to 40 %) in calves in the farm of the Uvinsky district of the Udmurt Republic is intestinal coccidiosis. The minimum indicator of the average daily gain in live weight (0.597±0.017 kg) falls on the group of calves infected with cryptosporidiosis, which is almost 2 times less relative to the gain of animals from the control group.
Modern Dönemde Yazılan Tecvid Eserlerinden Hareketle Tecvidin Konusu
Authors: ÇAKIR Fatma , DEMİRTAŞ ATIŞ Zeynep
Published: April 2023

Genellikle ilimlerin tanımları, ilimlerin konusuna dair ipuçlarını da içerir. Kur’an harflerinin mahreçlerini ve sıfatlarını ele alan ilim olarak tarif edilen tecvid ilminin konusunda ise modern dönemde yazılan eserlere bakıldığında bir uzlaşma olmadığı görülmüştür. Bir kısmı tecvidin ko-nusunu oldukça geniş ele alırken bir kısmı ise sınırlandırarak ele almıştır. Tecvidin konusu sade-ce harflerin sıfatları ve mahreçleri midir? Kur’an okumaya başlarken gerekli olan istiâze ve besmele konusundan harflerin taliminde yapılan hatalara dair bilgiler tecvid ilmine dâhil midir? Kur’an tarihi tecvid ilminin konusu mudur? Vakf-ibtidâ ve kırâatler tecvid ilmi altında mı ele alınır? Tecvid ilmi Kur’ân-ı Kerîm’in okunuşuna dair bütün bilgileri içermekte midir? Yoksa müstakil bir konusu mu vardır? Modern dönemde yazılan ve okutulan Arapça, Türkçe ve İngi-lizce eserlerin muhtevalarından hareketle mezkûr sorulara cevap aranılan bu makalede tecvid kitaplarındaki tasnif ve muhteva sorununa dikkat çekilmiştir. Bunun için eserlerin zikredilmişse yazılış amacına, tecvid tanımlarına ve detaylı bir şekilde muhtevalarına başvurulmuştur. Klasik dönemde yazılmış tecvid eserlerini ele aldığımızda, işlenilen konu başlıklarının tecvid ilmi ve kırâat ilmi olarak ayrıldığını görmek mümkündür. Modern dönem diye adlandırdığımız 20. yüz-yıl ve sonrasında ise konu başlıklarının bu denli net çizgilerle sınırlandırılmadığını tespit etmek-teyiz. Tecvid kavramının şemsiye bir kavram olduğu düşünülerek altına Kur’an kırâa-ti/okunmasıyla alakalı nazarî, amelî, lügavî, tefsirî hatta fıkhî bilgilerin dahi yer verildiği sonucu-na ulaşılmıştır. Ayrıca tecvidin ihfâ, idğâm, izhar konuları gibi daha hususi konular için de özel olarak kullanıldığı görülmüştür.
IUENNA – openIng the soUthErn jauNtal as a micro-regioN for future Archaeology: A "para-description"
Authors: Hagmann Dominik , Reiner Franziska
Published: April 2023

The Go!Digital 3.0 project IUENNA – an acronym for “openIng the soUthErn jauNtal as a micro-regioN for future Archaeology” – embraces a comprehensive open science methodology. It focuses on the archaeological micro-region of the Jauntal Valley in Carinthia, Austria, with the Hemmaberg site and its associated locations (Globasnitz/Iuenna, Jaunstein, and St. Stefan) as key case studies. The Hemmaberg site serves as a central research focus and stands among the most extensively studied Late Antique hilltop settlements, dating from the 4th to the 6th centuries AD. This site acts as a pivotal reference point for early Christianity in the Southeast Alpine region, boasting at least five early Christian churches, burials, auxiliary structures, and the renowned Gothic pilgrimage church of St. Hemma and Dorothea, in addition to the Rosalia Grotto. However, over a century of research, initiated by citizen scientists in the early 20th century and later furthered by various actors, includes a diverse spectrum of sites and Hemmaberg is merely one element within a broader cultural landscape that extends from prehistoric times to the early Middle Ages, encapsulating the diverse Jauntal Valley. IUENNA represents a collaborative endeavor in digital archaeology and digital humanities, involving a diverse set of stakeholders. These include kärnten.museum (the State Museum for Carinthia), the Austrian Archaeological Institute (ÖAI) at the Austrian Academy of Sciences (ÖAW), ACDH-CH at ÖAW, the Austrian Federal Monuments Authority (BDA), and the archaeological service company ARDIG. This project constitutes a novel initiative in Austrian Classical studies, offering a robust model for the active and sustainable long-term archiving of archaeological data. All existing archaeological records will be digitized and organized within an inclusive, hierarchical folder structure, and will be augmented with metadata. This data management strategy has the potential to serve as a model for future archaeological projects in Austria and beyond. Data accessibility will be guaranteed through its online presence in the ARCHE repository (A Resource Centre for the HumanitiEs) of the Austrian Center for Digital Humanities and Cultural Heritage (ACDH-CH), as well as an open-source web-mapping application. This paper serves a dual purpose: it not only presents IUENNA's conceptual framework but also invites scholarly discourse for the project's conceptual refinement.
A high-resolution temporal framework to understand the reach-scale controls on wood budgeting
Authors: Hortobágyi Borbála , Petit Stéphane , Marteau Baptiste , Melun Gabriel , Piegay Herve
Published: April 2023

Large active channels usually store more wood than channels with a narrow flow because of the availability of large unvegetated bars for wood deposition and inner functioning that usually supplies more wood through channel shifting. However, the dynamics of the wood supply (wood input, output, or stability) can vary substantially over time and the drivers are largely unknown. To explore them, we studied the temporal variability of large wood pieces and logjams along a 12-km reach of the lower Allier River using six series of aerial images of variable resolution acquired between 2009 and 2020, during which maximum river discharge fluctuated around the biannual (Q2) flood magnitude. We show that the wood budget was controlled by specific hydrological conditions. Wood output was best explained by water levels exceeding bankfull discharge (Q1.5). The duration of the highest magnitude flood (over bankfull discharge) was the best predictor of wood inputs, with shorter floods resulting in higher input rates. Finally, most of the wood remained stable when the river discharge did not exceed 60% of the bankfull discharge over a long period of time. Hydrological conditions driving jam build-up and removal were similar to those controlling individual wood piece dynamics. A succession of floods of similar (relatively low ~ Q2) magnitude and decreasing flood duration since 2016 have probably reinforced the filtering effect of wood obstacles, leading to positive feedback, which has been strengthened by riparian vegetation colonisation of the active channel.
Computational mechanisms underlying the dynamics of physical and cognitive fatigue
Authors: Matthews Julian , Pisauro M. Andrea , Jurgelis Mindaugas , Mueller Tanja , Vassena Eliana , Chong Trevor , Apps Matthew A J
Published: April 2023

The willingness to exert effort for reward is essential but comes at the cost of fatigue. Theories suggest fatigue increases after both physical and cognitive exertion, subsequently reducing the motivation to exert effort. Yet a mechanistic understanding of how this happens on a moment-to-moment basis, and whether mechanisms are common to both mental and physical effort, is lacking. In two studies, participants reported momentary (trial-by-trial) ratings of fatigue during an effort-based decision-making task requiring either physical (grip-force) or cognitive (mental arithmetic) effort. Using a novel computational model, we show that fatigue fluctuates from trial-to-trial as a function of exerted effort and predicts subsequent choices. This mechanism was shared across the domains. Selective to the cognitive domain, committing errors also induced momentary increases in feelings of fatigue. These findings provide insight into the computations underlying the influence of effortful exertion on fatigue and motivation, in both physical and cognitive domains.
Impacts Beyond Penal Population: Mass Incarceration and Trust in the Criminal Justice System
Authors: Fredes García Daniel , Manzano Chávez Liliana , González Javiera Carvajal , Campos Felipe Cortés
Published: April 2023

Objectives: Mass incarceration affects the trust in the Criminal Justice System (CJS). Nonetheless, it is not clear by which mechanisms it influences citizens' trust in the CJS, beyond the prison population. This study explores the role of the perceptions of mass imprisonment and its causal heterogeneity, by racial/ethnic categories and the political orientation of the individuals.Methods: Upon a non-probability sample, obtained through an unrestricted web survey fielded in 2021 (N=1,120) we embedded a experiment to assess trust in the CJS. As stimulus we used vignettes with a 2x2 factorial design.Results: Our findings suggest that the perceptions of mass imprisonment do not significantly affect trust in the CJS. Even so, some of these effects become salient and causally heterogeneous when taking into account the indigenous identity, migrant status and individuals’ political orientation.Conclusions: Perceptions of mass incarceration have divergent and possibly cumulative effects between different groups of the population.
The Effectiveness of Community Employment Programs for Social Assistance Recipients: An Evaluation of the City of Winnipeg’s Community Services Programs
Authors: Stevens Harvey
Published: April 2023

Abstract: The City of Winnipeg’s community services programs (CSPs) are examples of the “work experience” approach to helping social assistance recipients find employment. Like other evaluations of work experience programs, this assessment finds the CSPs effective and cost-beneficial, in the short run, in reducing dependency on social assistance. Unlike most program assessments, however, this evaluation measures participants’ length of involvement in the program and finds there is an optimal duration of involvement. A quasi-experimental design is used to assess the program’s net impact on participants’ subsequent length of stay on assistance. Self-selection bias is assessed, and multiple-regression analysis is used to control for differences between program and comparison group members and to determine the unique impact of program participation and length of participation.
The Front-End Challenge: Five Steps to Effective Evaluation of Community-Based Programs
Authors: Beveren A. J. Bea van , Hetherington Robert W.
Published: April 2023

Abstract: Evaluation research requires ample front-end work. Preparatory work is essential to establish an environment conducive to assessment and is likely to contribute to its success. This article discusses the front-end challenge of developing an evaluation for a community-based program. Highlights are provided of an evaluation protocol from one community support agency to illustrate the significance of front-end work. Five front-end challenges are considered: understanding the reasons for undertaking the evaluation, securing resources, establishing credibility and creating enthusiasm, developing consensus about goals and objectives, and observing and fine-tuning the program.
Comprehensive Evaluation: The Intersection of Impact Evaluation and Social Accounting
Authors: Whitehead Paul C. , Avison William R.
Published: April 2023

Abstract: “Social accounting” or “social auditing” has been recommended as an alternative to more traditional methods of evaluating certain types of social programs and the contributions of non-profit organizations. This article examines the similarities and differences between social accounting and more traditional types of evaluation as well as identifying the strengths and weaknesses of each. The contributions of each are incorporated in a framework of “comprehensive evaluation,” wherein consideration is given to the program theory, costs of inputs (investment), research design for the attribution of effects, and an array of outputs (dependent variables) that are measured in either monetary or nonmonetary terms.
Ethical and Methodological Improvements to Mail Survey Research: An Alternative Follow-Up Method
Authors: Sully P. D. , Grant P. R.
Published: April 2023

Abstract: Follow-up contacts increase response rates to mail surveys substantially. However, for individuals who do not wish to participate such repeated contacts are intrusive, creating an ethical concern. An alternative follow-up procedure was developed that allows contacted individuals to choose not to participate by returning a “Reasons for Not Responding” (RNR) form. This study was designed to compare the RNR method with a traditional follow-up procedure, the Total Design method (TDM). Specifically, a two (follow-up method) by two (early versus late return) between-subjects design was used to examine satisfaction with and quality of responses to a survey mailed to 300 randomly selected households. The results showed that respondents in the RNR conditions were more satisfied with the research than respondents in the TDM conditions, particularly after repeated contacts. Further, although response quality was equivalent for the two methods in the early returns, it was lower in the TDM group, but not in the RNR group, after repeated contacts. These results suggest that mail survey researchers should seriously consider using the RNR method, especially because (a) the overall response rate to the two methods was very similar, (b) the nonrespondents frequently indicated on their RNR forms that they had made an informed decision not to participate, and (c) the RNR form allows researchers to collect information on the demographic characteristics of nonrespondents.
Repenser le concept d’évaluation de l’efficacité d’une organisation
Authors: Gervais Marie
Published: April 2023

Abstract: The effectiveness of an organization is a widely criticized notion. A review of the literature reveals the confusion and the strong conceptual ambiguity that currently surrounds this phenomenon. Effectiveness appears to be a subject of study that is complex, unclear, unstable, polymorphic and polysemous all at the same time. Moreover, Anspach (1991) characterizes effectiveness as elusive and resistant to definition, conceptualization and measure. Some authors have tried to conceptualize effectiveness and have proposed various evaluation models. Most often, however, these models have proven divergent, difficult to reconcile and unsatisfactory. Taken individually, the models seem incapable of identifying and explaining the whole effectiveness phenomenon. This study presents a new way to approach the evaluation of the effectiveness of an organization. The proposed analysis framework reflects a dynamic conceptualization of effectiveness. Effectiveness is perceived more as a continuous process than an end in itself and is considered both a means and a result of the actors’ behaivour. The analytic framework identifies five dimensions of organizational effectiveness, structural, operational, systemic, strategic, and specific dimensions, which could potentially be examined based on the context and needs of an evaluation. This new way to conceptualize effectiveness merits empirical review.
Promoting Accountability and Continual Improvement: A Review of the Respective Roles of Performance Measurement, Auditing, Evaluation, and Reporting
Authors: Reid William
Published: April 2023

Abstract: In response to growing demands for accountability and the benefits associated with continual improvement, private and public sector organizations are increasingly applying aspects of performance management. This article provides a synthesis of the literature as it pertains to the principles and practices underlying performance measurement, auditing, evaluation, and reporting. In bringing these elements together to comprise a performance management system, it is argued, an organization can demonstrate accountability and facilitate continual improvement. The article concludes with a discussion of how this can be achieved, namely through the refinement of strategic direction, reporting on key measures, and periodic reviews of performance in a systematic manner.
Methodological Challenges in Evaluating Mobile Crisis Psychiatric Programs
Authors: Ferris Lorraine E. , Shulman Kenneth L. , Williams J. Ivan
Published: April 2023

Abstract: Mobile crisis psychiatric programs (MCPPs) are innovative community interventions that have gained acceptance in the health, social, and political environments. In Canada they are becoming widely implemented, and the need to evaluate them is pressing. Unfortunately, there has been very little formal evaluation of them and virtually no data on their effectiveness. Part of the reason for this deficiency may be the methodological challenges inherent in these programs. In this article, we discuss these difficulties by examining the integration of these programs within the service delivery network and offer suggestions for future evaluative research.
Développement d’un cadre de classement des résultats de la réadaptation pour documenter la progression des clientèles
Authors: Fougeyrollas Patrick , Robin Jean-Pierre , Bergeron Hélène
Published: April 2023

Abstract: In the field of rehabilitation, documenting intervention results and the progress of clients is a major concern at all levels, be it clinical, administrative, or scientific. Using new information technologies, it is now possible to meet this challenge by developing an information system capable of taking into account the complexity of the variables involved. To identify those variables, 27 programs representative of the Quebec rehabilitation continuum took part in a study to identify progress indicators in abilities, life habits, and environmental factors. A harmonized framework for the classification of variables and progress indicators was validated with clients by the clinical teams. This framework is a groundbreaking tool and will be useful not only as a resource in individual client follow-up but also in program and policy evaluation support.
Internal Evaluation for Decision-Making in a Children’s Mental Health Centre
Authors: Evans Barrie , Lee Okja
Published: April 2023

Abstract: This article presents an approach to ongoing internal evaluation in a children’s mental health agency. Some examples of evaluation activities that have taken place are given. Program evaluation is integrated into the management functions of the agency and assists managers to plan, implement, and determine the efficiency and effectiveness of programs. The quality of decision-making is enhanced through a systematic approach to program evaluation.
Dietary fibers of fenugreek seeds: Storage stability and food application
Authors: Türker İzzet , İşleroğlu Hilal
Published: April 2023

This study aimed to determine the storage stability of soluble and insoluble dietary fibers of fenugreek seeds, and their use in yoghurt. Dietary fibers were stored at 25°C - 40% RH for 180 days and 38°C - 90% RH for 90 days, and the changes in their physico-chemical and functional properties were determined, namely water retention, oil holding, and swelling capacities, glucose adsorption index and α-amylase inhibition. All of the physico-chemical and functional properties’ values of soluble and insoluble dietary fibers decreased during storage. The reduction of the values was more rapid at 38°C of storage than at 25°C. Insoluble dietary fiber was more stable than soluble dietary fiber in terms of physico-chemical and functional properties during storage. Dietary fiber-fortified yoghurt samples had a higher viscosity than control samples, and the syneresis of yoghurt reduced by 18% when 3% of insoluble dietary fibers were used. The viscosity of the insoluble dietary fiber-added yoghurt samples was higher than that of soluble dietary fiber-added counterparts, which can be related to the higher water retention capacity of insoluble dietary fiber of fenugreek seeds.
The association between bone mineral density and proximal junctional kyphosis in adult spinal deformity: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Chen Jeffrey W. , McCandless Martin G. , Bhandarkar Archis R. , Flanigan Patrick M. , Lakomkin Nikita , Mikula Anthony L. , Michalopoulos Giorgos D. , Bydon Mohamad
Published: April 2023

OBJECTIVE

Proximal junctional kyphosis (PJK) is a complication of surgical management for adult spinal deformity (ASD) with a multifactorial etiology. Many risk factors are controversial, and their relative importance is not fully understood. The authors aimed to elucidate the association between bone mineral density (BMD) and PJK.

METHODS

A systematic literature search was performed using PubMed and Web of Science keywords of "Proximal Junctional Kyphosis [MeSH] OR Proximal Junctional Failure [MeSH]" AND "Bone Mineral Density [MeSH] OR Hounsfield Units [MeSH] OR DEXA [MeSH]" set to the date range of January 2002 to July 2022. Studies required a minimum of 10 patients and 12 months of follow-up. Articles were included if they were in the English language and presented a primary retrospective cohort that included a comparison of patients with and without PJK, as well as a radiographic biomarker for BMD, such as Hounsfield units (HU) or T-score.

RESULTS

A total of 18 unique studies with 2185 patients who underwent ASD surgery were identified. Of these, 537 patients (24.6%) developed PJK. Eight studies provided T-scores that were amenable to comparison, which found that patients who developed PJK were found to have lower BMD T-scores by a mean of −0.69 (95% CI −0.88 to −0.50; I2 = 63.9%, p < 0.001). The HU at the UIV among patients with the PJK group (n = 101) compared with the non-PJK group (n = 156) was found to be significantly lower (mean difference −32.35, 95% CI −46.05 to −18.65; I2 = 28.7%, p < 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

This meta-analysis suggests that low preoperative BMD as measured by T-score and a diagnosis of osteoporosis were associated with higher postoperative PJK. Additionally, lower HU on CT at the UIV were found to be significant risk factors for postoperative PJK as well. These findings suggest that more attention to preoperative BMD is a risk factor for PJK among ASD patients is warranted.
Improvement of pulmonary function and reconstructed 3D lung volume after deformity correction for thoracic spinal posttubercular kyphosis: a multicenter study
Authors: Lin Sijian , Ma Shengbiao , Zhou Zhenhai , Ge Zhaohui , Wang Yingsong , Yang Cao , Huang Zhongren , Cao Kai
Published: April 2023

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study was to investigate the influence of corrective surgery on thoracic spinal posttubercular kyphosis (PTK) with respect to lung volume and pulmonary function.

METHODS

This was a retrospective study of 126 patients (72 males and 54 females) who underwent posterior vertebral column resection (PVCR) for severe thoracic spinal PTK between September 2013 and June 2020. The patients’ spinal parameters, results of their pulmonary function test (PFT), and CT-based 3D lung volume were recorded and analyzed preoperatively and at final follow-up. The correlation of kyphosis correction with the PFT and lung volume was evaluated.

RESULTS

The mean local kyphosis decreased from 112.5° to 37.2°, and the mean local scoliosis decreased from 20.9° to 5.2°; C2–7 lordosis, thoracic kyphosis, and lumbar lordosis also significantly improved after surgery. The mean CT-based lung volume significantly increased from 2.9 L preoperatively to 3.6 L at the final follow-up. The indices of PFT, including forced vital capacity (FVC), percent predicted FVC, total lung capacity, and forced expiratory volume in 1 second, were also significantly improved, and 60 patients with pulmonary dysfunction recovered to normal at the final follow-up. The correlation analysis revealed that the correction of local kyphosis was closely correlated with the improvement in PFT and the increase in lung volume.

CONCLUSIONS

PVCR cannot only effectively realign the spine in patients with severe thoracic spinal PTK deformity but also significantly improve pulmonary function. Adequate local kyphosis correction should be highly valued, as it is a key factor in increasing lung volume.
Neoclassical roots of behavioral economics
Authors:   St. Petersburg State University, St. Petersburg, Russia, Upravitelev A. A. ,   European University Institute, Italy
Published: April 2023

Despite the fact that the names of a number of Nobel laureates are associated with behavioral economics, researchers regard this branch of science as an unorthodox, avant-garde research program. This article aims to fill this theoretical gap and link behavioral economics to mainstream of economic thought, as well as to divide behavioral economics into several directions — relative to the initial approaches or theories of neoclassics. In the first row of cases, we collected those approaches of neoclassical economics about economic behavior, in relation to which alternative concepts were proposed by behavioral economics. These neoclassical approaches are rationality, awareness, egoism of behavior. Another series is neoclassical theories, in dialogue with which theories of behavioral economics arose. These are theories of expected utility, game theory, exponential discounted utility, revealed preferences, rational expectations, efficient market. The sequence of development of behavioral economics we presented connects it, a once heterodox branch of science with the mainstream economic thought. The article can serve as a guide to the most important areas of research in behavioral economics. This study systematizes scientific knowledge and establishes methodological links within it.
Russia–India trade relations in terms of increasing geopolitical uncertainty
Authors:   St. Petersburg University, Saint Petersburg, Russia, Gubina M. A. , Sutyrin S. F. ,   St. Petersburg University, Saint Petersburg, Russia
Published: April 2023

The article is devoted to exploring of the current state and prospects of Russian-Indian foreign trade relations. Currently, Russia and India are not key partners for each other, since the industrial capabilities of both economies do not contribute to closer ties. Both countries have repeatedly noted the need to increase mutual trade turnover, and serious progress has been achieved in 2022 (primarily due to external factors). India has become one of the beneficiaries of the current geopolitical circumstances, since it has not joined the embargo imposed by Western countries on Russian oil and petroleum products, but, on the contrary, India has increased imports from Russia. The country is demonstrating the independence of its foreign policy, but at the same time, India is in a focus for Western countries (USA, Great Britain, EU countries, Australia and Japan). The authors have identified well-established areas of Russian-Indian cooperation and identified both promising areas for further collaboration and existing problems.
On the connection between cultural values and personal income taxation
Authors:   HSE University, Moscow, Chargaziya L. D. ,   Federal Research Institute for Health Organization and Informatics of Ministry of Health of the Russian Federation, Moscow, Russia
Published: April 2023

The article explores the relationship between Hofstede’s cultural dimensions and personal income taxation, as it is, what was never done in the scientific literature. It briefly describes the current level of scientific discourse and history of thought development in this problem field, forming the theoretical basis for substantiating the assumed relationship. Using theoretical reasoning as well as comparative quantitative methods (logistic and linear regression analysis), the paper shows the connection between some of Hofstede’s cultural dimensions (power distance, individualism) and the establishment of progressive income taxation and top marginal tax rates. It is found that lower scores of power distance are associated with progressive income taxation, as well as higher tax rates. In addition, some potential mechanisms underlying this relationship are discussed. It is emphasized that cultural values can have two levers of influence on tax policy (bottom-up and top-down), since both the politicians responsible for designing tax systems and the citizens who shape the redistribution demand carry the national cultural values. The sample under study includes 115 countries at different levels of economic development.
Evaluation of the effectiveness of administrative-territorial transformations in Russia
Authors:   Perm National Research Polytechnic University, Perm, Russia, Dubrovskaya Yu. V. , Belonogov Yu. G. ,   Perm National Research Polytechnic University, Perm, Russia, Kozonogova E. V. ,   Perm National Research Polytechnic University, Perm, Russia
Published: April 2023

In modern studies devoted to the issues of reforming the administrativeterritorial division in the present and historical past of Russia, the point of view traditionally prevails, according to which the true goal of such transformations is to create not so much an economically efficient but a state-administrative territorial framework. However, most of these judgments are not supported by empirical evidence and quantitative estimates. Therefore, modeling the problem of the conflict of managerial and economic interests during the reform of the administrative- territorial division of Russia seems to be an interesting research task. Its solution will give a new assessment of the effectiveness of administrative-territorial transformations both in historical retrospect and in modern political realities. The authors collected statistical data for 135 years for studying the evolution of the territorial organization of Russia. The value of real GDP per capita in 1913 prices was chosen as an endogenous variable. As the main variables of interest, dummy variables were used, obtained according to the authors’ grouping of historical events and characterizing political and economic initiatives to change the territorial division of the country. As a result of modeling, it was proved that the transformations on the "crossroads" of the administrative borders of the regions (regardless of the declared goals) during the period under review contributed more to solving the political and managerial tasks of the Center than to the economic development.
INNOVATIVE ENTREPRENEURSHIP AS A FACTOR OF THE DEVELOPMENT OF THE PROCESSING INDUSTRY
Authors: VASIUTA Viktoriia , ZHYTNYK Oksana ,   National University «Yuri Kondratyuk Poltava Polytechnic»
Published: April 2023

The development of modern innovative entrepreneurship is one of the main ways of Ukraine’s sustainable development. Innovations are a powerful tool that enhances its economic security and ensures competitiveness. Innovation is a driving factor in the development of both individual sectors of the economy and the entire economic system of any country. That is why the authors consider innovation as a factor in increasing the level of Ukraine’s competitiveness in the world market. The authors carried out a general assessment of the level of innovation in the domestic economy. The monitoring of the basic indicators of innovation was carried out based on a comparison of the positions of Ukraine and other European countries in world rankings, which characterizes innovative development. It was found that in 2021 Ukraine took 58th place in the Bloomberg Innovation Development Index. In 2022, it entered such rankings as the Global Innovation Index and the Networked Readiness Index, where it ranked 57 and 50, respectively. Ukraine lags far behind the advanced countries of Europe in the process of forming an innovative type of economic system. The authors found that the basis for ensuring the sustainable development of our state is the activity of processing industry enterprises. In recent years, the domestic processing industry brings about 10-11% of the total GDP. The authors note that it is advisable to define innovativeness as an extremely important and effective tool for improving the efficiency of the functioning of the business of the processing sector of the industry. The modern Ukrainian economy is characterized by the predominance of manufacturing enterprises with low-level technologies among the enterprises of the processing industry. For the period 2018-2020, the share of the number of innovatively active enterprises of the domestic processing industry was only 13.1%. However, despite the influence of various negative development factors, experts tend to believe that the development of innovative entrepreneurship in the processing industry, which will be based on the introduction of the latest innovative solutions in the production process, is important for the post-war recovery of Ukraine and strengthening its position in the world market.