bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Multidrug-resistant tuberculosis of spine diagnosis and management: An institutional experience of 21 cases
Authors: Bhosale Sunil , Ariwala Dipen Mukesh , Phupate Akshay , Marathe Nandan , Seshadri Harini , Sheth Umang
Published: September 2024

Background:

We aimed to establish a standardized protocol for managing multidrug-resistant (MDR) spinal tuberculosis (TB), addressing the surgical options, ranging from computed tomography-guided biopsy to intraoperative sampling.

Methods:

This study developed a treatment/management protocol based on an analysis of clinical, radiological, and postoperative outcomes for 21 patients with spinal MDR-TB. Over 24 months, 21 patients with multidrug-resistant spinal TB underwent the following testing: erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), C-reactive protein (CRP), numerical rating scale (NRS), and the American Spinal Injury Association Scale. Radiological criteria were based upon a comparison of preoperative and 6-month to 2-year postoperative plain radiographs.

Results:

The 21 patients underwent guided biopsies (35%) or intraoperative sampling (65%). For the surgical cases, dorsal vertebrae were most frequently involved (75%), and 90% underwent posterior surgical procedures. Postoperatively, ESR, CRP, kyphosis angle, and NRS score were significantly reduced. The 3 MDR patients who failed treatment were transitioned to the extensively drug-resistant (XDR) protocol wherein bedaquiline, linezolid, cycloserine, and clofazimine were given after drug sensitivity testing drug regimen, needed no further surgery, and none exhibited additional neurological deterioration.

Conclusion:

Regular clinical, laboratory, radiological, and outcome analysis is vital for following MDR spinal TB patients; early detection of relatively rare treatment failures (i.e., 3/21 patients in this series) allows for prompt initiation of XDR treatment, resulting in better outcomes.
Value-based healthcare in management of chronic back pain: A multidisciplinary- and lean-based approach
Authors: Montemurro Nicola , Zotti Nunzio , Guercini Jacopo , De Carolis Giuliano , Leoni Chiara , Marotta Roberto , Tomei Renata , Baggiani Angelo , Paolicchi Adriana , Lazzini Simone , Di Serafino Francesca
Published: September 2024

Background:

Chronic back pain stands as the most common musculoskeletal disorder and a primary cause of disability in people under 45 years old. Multidisciplinary consultation offers an efficient approach to chronic back pain management compared to traditional therapeutic-rehabilitative paths. This paper aims to show the benefit of a diagnostic-therapeutic multidisciplinary program pathway for patients with chronic back pain.

Methods:

Twenty-six patients who underwent a second-level multidisciplinary consultation with a neurosurgeon and a pain therapist at our University Hospital were retrospectively identified from April 2023 to September 2023. The second-level multidisciplinary consultation is a second step consultation after a first consultation with a single specialist doctor (neurosurgeon, orthopedic, and pain therapist) who did not get the diagnosis and/or did not solve the painful symptom after medical or surgical treatment. Clinical outcomes, patient experience, and cost-effectiveness analysis were assessed using lean healthcare tools.

Results:

With the introduction of second-level multidisciplinary consultation, patients were assessed by multiple physicians during a single visit, reducing the costs of individual visits, reducing the time to obtain the diagnosis, and facilitating early agreement on a diagnostic-therapeutic plan. The lean value-based healthcare approach showed an average of 45 working days lost per single patient and a total cost per single patient with chronic back pain of € 1069 for the national health system for an average Lead time of 18 months. Questionnaire analysis on service quality and utility, along with overall satisfaction, revealed excellent resolution of back pain in 53.8% of cases and partial resolution of back pain in 11.5% of cases after second-level multidisciplinary consultation.

Conclusion:

Our multidisciplinary approach to chronic back pain has significantly improved healthcare efficiency. This new proposed clinical model reduces waiting times and costs and improves patient experience by improving clinical outcomes in the management of chronic back pain.
The use of ultrasound-guided imaging to localize peripheral nerve injury in pediatric patients: A case report
Authors: Sowah Mareshah N. , Klein Benjamin R. , Attiah Mark , Pereda Nidia I. Perez , Murray Roseanna A. , John Danny Lincoln , Panday Avidesh , Levi Allan D.
Published: September 2024

Background:

The use of ultrasonography to diagnose and manage peripheral nerve injury is not routinely performed, but is an advantageous alternative to magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in the pediatric population.

Case Description:

The authors report a case of a toddler-aged female who sustained a supracondylar fracture and subsequent median and ulnar nerve injuries. All preoperative and postoperative imaging was performed through high-resolution ultrasound as opposed to MRI. Starting at 6 months post-nerve repair and with 18 months of follow-up, the patient exhibited substantial improvement in motor strength and sensory function. This case demonstrated a successful outcome while providing an imaging alternative that is portable, relatively low-cost, lacks ionizing radiation, provides additional information on vascular integrity, and obviates the need for general anesthetic such as MRI.

Conclusion:

The authors conclude that the use of ultrasonography to diagnose and manage traumatic peripheral nerve injury is advantageous, particularly in the pediatric population.
Оverview of materials of the All-Russian Scientific Conference with international participation “Russian Student Christian Movement: pages of history and experience of ‘making life ecclesial’ (otserkovlenie)” (Moscow, October 4–5, 2023)
Authors: Скоробогатова И.Ю.
Published: September 2024

4–5 октября 2023 г. в Москве состоялась конференция, приуроченная к 100-летнему юбилею Русского студенческого христианского движения (далее — РСХД). Организаторами конференции выступили Свято-Филаретовский институт и Дом русского зарубежья им. А. И. Солженицына. РСХД стало одним из наиболее ярких и значимых явлений русской эмиграции и Православной церкви последнего столетия. Движение возникло в среде эмигрантов из России как объединение христианских студенческих кружков, стремившихся к оцерковлению жизни.

On October 4–5, 2023, a conference dedicated to the 100th anniversary of the Russian Student Christian Movement (hereinafter referred to as RSCM) was held in Moscow. The conference was organized by the St. Philaret Institute and the A. I. Solzhenitsyn House of Russians Abroad. RSCM has become one of the most striking and significant phenomena of the Russian emigration and the Orthodox Church of the last century. The movement arose among emigrants from Russia as an association of Christian student circles striving to bring life into the Church.
The Parables of Jesus Christ in the “Ladder” of John of Sinai (based on the Russian Translation of Optina Pustyn)
Authors: Попова Т.Г.
Published: September 2024

В статье рассматриваются евангельские притчи, вошедшие в текст Лествицы Иоанна Синайского, которые являются важнейшими символическими ключами, позволяющими понять смысл фрагментов книги. Всего в тексте Лествицы выявлено 148 явных и скрытых отсылок к евангельским притчам. Наиболее часто в памятнике встречаются притчи о добром пастыре и о сеятеле. Важнейшим смысловым блоком, на котором строится образность Лествицы, являются притчи эсхатологического характера: о верном слуге, о брачном пире, о десяти девах, о неплодной смоковнице и винограднике. Особое значение в структуре и семантике текста Лествицы имеет притча о сокровище, скрытом на поле: под этим сокровищем понимаются христианские добродетели, главной из которых является смиренномудрие. Особые способы и приемы введения евангельского текста в текст Лествицы не обнаружены: фрагменты из Священного писания настолько искусно вплетаются в ткань повествования, что обнаружение их является сложной филологической задачей. Истоки смысловой глубины и образности Лествицы как литературного памятника кроются в его библейском контексте. В статье анализируются 14 из 22 евангельских притч Иисуса Христа. Материалом для анализа явился текст русского перевода Лествицы, выполненный в Оптиной пустыни, впервые опубликованный в 1862 г. В статье указываются примеры употребления названных притч в тексте Лествицы.

The article examines the Gospel parables included in the text of the Ladder by John of Sinai which are the most important symbolic clues to understand the meaning of the book’s fragments. In total, 148 explicit and hidden references to the Gospel parables were revealed in the text of the Ladder. The most frequently occurring parables in the monument are the parables of the good shepherd and the sower. The most important semantic block, on which the imagery of the Ladder is based, is the parables of eschatological character: the parables of the faithful servant, the wedding feast, the ten virgins, the unfruitful fig tree and the vineyard. Of particular importance in the structure and semantics of the text of the Ladder is the parable of the treasure hidden in the field: this treasure refers to the Christian virtues, the main of which is humility. We have not found special ways and techniques of introducing the Gospel text into the text of the Ladder: fragments from the Holy Scriptures are so artfully woven into the fabric of the narrative that discovering them is a challenging philological task. The origins of the semantic depth and imagery of the Ladder as a literary monument lie in its biblical context. The article analyses 14 of the 22 Gospel parables of Jesus Christ. The material for the analysis was the text of the Russian translation of the Ladder, made in the Optina Pustyn, first published in 1862. The article provides examples of the use of these parables in the text of the Ladder.
Book review: Odintsov M. I., Kochetova A. S. Freedom of Conscience in the History of Russia: Ideas, Legislative Projects, Practical implementation. The end of the 19th — the first quarter of the 20th century Moscow : Political Encyclopedia, 2023. 553 p.
Authors: Шилкина М.В.
Published: September 2024

Свобода совести есть важнейший элемент и условие свободы человека от любой формы угнетения. Становление правового государства в России, решение многих региональных и национальных проблем, в которых значительную роль играет религия, делают эту проблему крайне актуальной для России. Поэтому появление каждой новой книги, посвященной анализу вопросов свободы совести, представляется важным и своевременным.

Freedom of conscience is the most important element and condition of human freedom from any form of oppression. The formation of a legal state in Russia, the solution of many regional and national problems, in which religion plays a significant role, make this problem extremely relevant for Russia. Therefore, the appearance of each new book devoted to the analysis of issues of freedom of conscience seems important and timely.
Religious philosophers of Russian emigration in search of a social Christian alternative to the socialist and capitalist structure of society
Authors: Буров А.А.
Published: September 2024

Видное место в идейной жизни русской эмиграции в период между двумя мировыми войнами занимали представители «веховского» направления русской религиозной философии и близкие к ним «новоградцы». Важным направлением их духовных и интеллектуальных усилий было стремление найти и выразить наиболее адекватное социальное воплощение христианства, свободное от недостатков как капитализма, так и социализма — так называемое социальное христианство. Под этим углом зрения они рассматривали социальное учение Католической церкви и корпоративный строй. В настоящее время существуют серьезные исследования различных сторон деятельности и идейного наследия мыслителей «веховской традиции». Однако до сих пор нет специального исследования социальных смыслов христианства, выявленных в их трудах. Цель настоящей статьи — помочь восполнению этого пробела и показать, как эти мыслители внутри соответствующего исторического контекста в межвоенный период (с 1922 по 1940 г.) и в соотнесении со взглядами своих западных коллег понимали социальные смыслы христианства, а также как они видели их наиболее оптимальное воплощение в жизни общества. Речь пойдет о текстах собственно «веховцев» (авторов «Вех») С. Л. Франка, прот. Сергия Булгакова, Н. А. Бердяева и близкого к ним П. И. Новгородцева и о текстах их ближайших последователей и преемников, представителей более молодого поколения — «новоградцев»: Г. П. Федотова, Ф. А. Степуна и И. И. Фондаминского.

Representatives of the “Vekhi” direction of Russian religious philosophy (Fr. Sergius Bulgakov, N. A. Berdyaev, S. L. Frank, P. I. Novgorodtsev) and “Novograd residents” close to them (G. P. Fedotov, F. A. Stepun, I. I Fondaminsky) occupy a prominent place in the ideological life of Russian emigration in the period between the two world wars. An important direction of their spiritual and intellectual efforts was the desire to find and express the most adequate social embodiment of Christianity, free from both the shortcomings of capitalism and socialism — the so-called “social Christianity”. From this angle they viewed the Social Teaching of the Catholic Church and the corporate system. Currently, there are serious studies of various aspects of the activities and ideological heritage of thinkers of the “Vekhi tradition”. However, there is still no special study of the social meanings of Christianity in their works. The purpose of this article is to begin to fill this gap and show how these thinkers, within the corresponding historical context in the interwar period (from 1922 to 1940) and in correlation with the views of their Western colleagues, understood the social meanings of Christianity, and how they saw their most optimal implementation in the life of society.
Synthesis of Os Hydride Complexes Supported by the Diarylamido/Bis(phosphine) PNP Ligand and Attempts at Using (PNP)Ru and (PNP)Os Complexes in C-H Borylation Catalysis
Authors: Castillo Patricio , Foley Bryan J. , Lee Samuel R. , McCulloch Billy J. , Bhuvanesh Nattamai , Ozerov Oleg V.
Published: September 2024

This manuscript describes the synthesis of Os complexes supported by the diarylamido/bis(phosphine) PNP pincer ligand. Compound (PNP)OsH(CO) (3-Os) was prepared by analogy with the previously reported 3-Ru. However, attempts to make (PNP)OsH3 (4-Os) analogously to 4-Ru resulted in the formation of an unexpected compound (5-Os) that is a product of addition of a BH3 unit across the Os-N bond in 4-Os. Nonetheless, 4-Os was prepared via an alternative route. Unlike 4-Ru, 4-Os appears to be a classical trihydride. Compounds 3-Ru, 3-Os, 4-Os, 4-Ru, and 5-Os were tested as potential catalysts for a) dehydrogenative borylation of terminal alkynes (DHBTA) and b) dehydrogenative borylation of benzene, but no catalyt-ic C-H borylation was observed for any of them.
Reversing the Synthesis Logic in the Preparation of Pincer Complexes
Authors: Contreras Jovanny J. , Lee Samuel R. , Nguyen Vinh T. , Suarez Thomas , Leong Derek W. , Bhuvanesh Nattamai , Johnson Miles W. , Ozerov Oleg V.
Published: September 2024

The conventional synthetic approach to transition metal pincer complexes calls for the preparation of the tridentate pincer (proto)ligand first, with subsequent introduction of the transition metal center as the last step. This work demonstrates that the alternative synthetic logic, where the central main group element is introduced last, can be applicable to a number of PEP pincer complexes (E = B, Al, Si, P) derived from phosphinophenols and phosphinopyrroles. This approach obviates the need to isolate well-behaved proto-pincer precursors, and instead relies on the formation of phosphine-metal adducts first, whose nature determines the stoichiometry of the needed main group reagent to complete the synthesis
Intermediate Knowledge Enhanced the Performance of N-Amide Coupling Yield Prediction Model
Authors: Zhang Chonghuan , Lin Qianghua , Deng Hao , Yang Chenxi , Kong Yaxian , Yu Zhunzhun , Liao Kuangbiao
Published: September 2024

Amide coupling is an important reaction widely applied in medicinal chemistry. However, condition recommendation remains a challenging issue due to the broad conditions space. Recently, accurate condition recommendations via machine learning have emerged as a novel and efficient method to find a suitable condition to achieve the desired transformations. Nonetheless, accurately predicting yields is challenging due to the complex relationships involved. Herein, we present our strategy to address this problem. Two steps were taken to ensure the quality of the dataset. First, we selected a diverse and representative set of substrates to capture a broad spectrum of substrate structures and reaction conditions using an unbiased machine-based sampling approach. Second, experiments were conducted using our in-house high-throughput experimentation (HTE) platform to minimize the influence of human factors. Additionally, we proposed an intermediate knowledge-embedded strategy to enhance the model's robustness. The performance of the model was first evaluated at three different levels—random split, partial substrate novelty, and full substrate novelty. All model metrics in these cases improved dramatically, achieving an R2 of 0.89, MAE of 6.1%, and RMSE of 8.0% in full substrate novelty test dataset. Moreover, the generalization of our strategy was assessed using external datasets from reported literature. The prediction error for 18 reactions among 88 was less than or equal to 5%. Meanwhile, the model could recommend suitable conditions for some reactions to elevate the reaction yields. Besides, the model was able to identify which reaction in a reaction pair with a reactivity cliff had a higher yield. In summary, our research demonstrated the feasibility of achieving accurate yield predictions through the combination of HTE and embedding intermediate knowledge into the model. This approach also has the potential to facilitate other related machine learning tasks.
PySIDT: Subgraph Isomorphic Decision Trees for Molecular Property Prediction
Authors: Johnson Matthew S. , Pang Hao-Wei , Doner Anna C. , Green William H. , Zador Judit
Published: September 2024

Accurate molecular property prediction is incredibly important across all fields of chemistry. Deep neural networks (DNNs) have become increasingly popular due to their ability to train automatically, avoiding the incredibly tedious process of constructing and extending traditional property estimation schemes. However, DNNs require large amounts of training data, are challenging to interpret, require large amounts of memory to load even during inference, and have severe difficulties incorporating qualitative chemical knowledge, which are often desired for molecular property prediction tasks. Here we present PySIDT (https://github.com/zadorlab/PySIDT) a software for training and running inference on Subgraph Isomorphic Decision Trees (SIDTs). SIDTs are graph-based decision trees made of nodes associated with molecular substructures. Inference is done by descending target molecular structures down the decision tree to nodes with matching subgraph isomorphic substructures and making predictions based on the final (most specific) node matched. SIDTs scale down well to dataset sizes much smaller than is feasible for DNNs. As trees of molecular substructures, SIDTs are inherently readable and easy to visualize making them easy to analyze. They are also straightforward to extend and retrain, facilitate uncertainty estimation, and enable easy integration of expert knowledge. We demonstrate the SIDT approach applying PySIDT to a diverse range of molecular prediction tasks: rate coefficient estimation, diffusion coefficient estimation, thermochemistry estimation, transition state bond stretch prediction, pKa prediction, stability of molecular structures, stability of surface structures, and prediction of surface lateral interactions.
The Effect of Exchange Rate Volatility on Trade between South Africa and her Top Trading Partners: Fresh Insights from ARDL and Quantile ARDL Models
Authors: Ngondo Mashilana , Phiri Andrew
Published: September 2024

We investigate the impact of exchange rate volatility on exports and imports between South Africa and its main trading partners, namely the United States and China, across 22 import and export industries. The study employs the quantile autoregressive distributive lag (QARDL) model using quarterly data from the period spanning from 1994Q1 to 2022Q4. Our initial ARDL estimates establish that currency volatility does not significantly harm most trade sectors with both countries. In fact, many industries exhibit an insignificant or positive correlation with currency volatility. Nevertheless, upon re-estimating the regressions using the QARDL model, we uncover ‘hidden cointegration’ relationships existing at quantiles beyond the mean and median estimates, which are undetectableby traditional ARDL models. By considering these location-based asymmetries, we conclude that trade activities with China benefit more from exchange rate volatility compared to those with the United States. Overall, our findings imply that monetary authorities may not need to intervene in currency markets to stimulate trade with the top trading partners, as firms appear to be willing to bear the currency risks associated with the volatile Rand exchange rate.
Keeping Them in the Game: Taking Up and Dropping Out of Sport and Exercise in Ireland
Authors: Lunn Pete , Kelly Elish , Fitzpatrick Nick
Published: September 2024

Keeping them in the Game, commissioned by the Irish Sports Council and compiled by ESRI researchers, provides evidence for policy from three large nationally representative surveys of activity, covering everyone from primary school children to older adults. In launching the report Minister Michael Ring highlighted “the importance of having research of this quality in order to inform important policy decisions around trying to increase the number of Irish people taking part in sport throughout their lives". Key findings include: Almost all primary schoolchildren engage in regular sporting activity – it's what happens after that stage that is a cause for concern. Many children drop out of regular activity during the second-level years, especially girls. School exams have a strong negative impact: students participate less in exam years and this has a lasting effect on whether they are active in later years. Students who play sport get, on average, better Leaving Certificate results. Activity as an adult is less related to attitudes and beliefs than to life events: most adults believe sporting activity is good for them and want to be more active, but leaving education, work commitments, relocations and family responsibilities lead many to drop out. Cycling and, in particular, swimming, are most likely to persist into later adulthood; Gaelic games meanwhile have a high drop-out rate. New sporting activities are mostly taken up through social connections with friends, colleagues and family members; finding facilities is not a barrier. These factors lead to a widening socio-economic gap as people progress through adulthood – the less well-off are more likely to drop out from sport as young adults and less likely to take up new activities. The study discusses a number of policy implications.
The The Effect of STEM Activities on the Academic Performance of Students with Reading Problems
Authors: Aktamış Hilal , Gacar Zeren , Bildiren Ahmet
Published: September 2024

This research aimed to increase the academic performance of fifth-grade secondary school students (aged 10 years) with reading problems in science classes. Using the single-subject ABA research model, the study was conducted one-on-one with three fifth-grade students with reading problems who were studying at a secondary school in a city centre in the western region of Turkey. The research was carried out over a four-week period, with two lesson hours per week. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with science teachers to develop the activities in the research and activity sheets were subsequently developed based on the interview findings. To determine academic performance in the science course, three group monitoring tests consisting of ten questions were prepared for the Sun, Earth and Moon unit outcomes and checklists added to the activity booklets were used. In addition, a STEM continuity survey was used to determine whether students with reading problems would like to receive education with STEM activities. The results obtained in the research showed that there was an increase in the academic performance of the students. In addition, all three students participating in the study stated that they would like to continue receiving education through STEM activities.
ANÁLISE DE TEXTOS DE DIVULGAÇÃO CIENTÍFICA EM LIVROS DIDÁTICOS DE QUÍMICA A PARTIR DE FLECK
Authors: Fioresi Claudia Almeida , Silva Henrique César da
Published: September 2024

Pesquisas sobre livros didáticos têm se mostrado relevantes, entre outros aspectos, por fornecem subsídios para seu uso e funcionamento em situações de ensino escolar. Atualmente, os livros didáticos para a Educação Básica são compostos por vários tipos de textos, de diferentes fontes, entre eles, aqueles considerados como textos de divulgação científica. Assim, tomando como pressupostos teórico-metodológicos aspectos da teoria do conhecimento de Fleck (2010), objetivamos entender e discutir como a entrada e alocação de textos de divulgação científica em livros didáticos de Química, em suas dimensões textual e epistemológica, trabalham, contribuem, modificam e/ou acrescentam ao conceito de radioatividade enquanto um fato científico. Como principal resultado, identificamos que, na maioria das vezes, essas entradas e alocações funcionam como tráfegos intracoletivos em relação ao fato científico da radioatividade. Isso ocorre pela associação desse fato a outros fatos científicos e/ou sociais, explicitados no próprio texto de divulgação científica ou por meio da mediação desses textos em exercícios e/ou questões. Logo, implicações para a educação em ciências, especialmente no que diz respeito às mediações de leitura no ensino, são discutidas com base nos resultados.
PLATAFORMAS DIGITAIS E O PLANEJAMENTO EM CIÊNCIAS: SABERES MOBILIZADOS POR PROFESSORES UNIDOCENTES
Authors: Locatelli Claudio Wagner , Testoni Leonardo André
Published: September 2024

Plataformas digitais de ensino têm ganhado popularidade em sua utilização nos últimos anos, e na mesma velocidade, as lacunas acerca dessa área de pesquisa. O escopo deste artigo é analisar os conhecimentos docentes acerca dessas plataformas, num curso de formação continuada de plataforma digitais, tendo como referencial de análise o TPACK (Technological Pedagogical Content Knowledge) com foco no Ensino de Ciências, buscando construtos teóricos na área de Formação de Professores, Plataformas Digitais de Ensino, Tecnologias Digitais de Informação e Comunicação (TDICs). A pesquisa foi delineada a partir de um curso sobre plataformas digitais de ensino de Ciências para professores unidocentes que lecionam nos anos iniciais. Para esse artigo utilizou-se os questionários de concepções prévias acerca de plataformas digitais, bem como o plano de aula elaborado durante o curso e entrevista após o curso. Como resultados foram encontradas evoluções nos conhecimentos sobre plataformas digitais de ensino de Ciências da professora unidocente, bem como foi possível identificar possíveis lacunas nas formações dessa professora para trabalhar com as Tecnologias Digitais, indicando a sua potencialidade no processo de Ensino. Percebe-se ainda que o local de trabalho da professora influenciou nas suas escolhas pedagógicas e estratégias para a utilização dessas tecnologias.
ENHANCING PERFORMANCE OF MANGO FARMING PROJECTS THROUGH PARTICIPATORY PROJECT MANAGMENT
Authors: Kisumbi Charles Kyale , Mulwa Angeline Sabina , Mbugua John Mwaura , Kikwatha Reuben Wambua
Published: September 2024

Objective: This paper advocates for a paradigm shift from the traditional project management to a participatory approach throughout the management cycle, for increased performance of mango farming projects.
 
Theoretical Framework: Theories adopted: i. Project Management Theory: Highlights life cycle stages in uncovering new project insights. ii. Stakeholder Theory: Highlights the unity of stakeholders for enhanced involvement in projects. iii. Participation Ladder Theory: Enhances success through active participation. iv. Theory of Constraints: Confronts project challenges related to time, cost, and scope to achieve beneficial changes.
 
Method: The empirical study was carried out in Makueni County, Kenya. It used descriptive cross-sectional design and multistage rsampling on a population of 12,622, out of which a sample of 375 respondnets selected. Of these, 369 questionnaires were returned and analyzed. Additionally, it involved 15 key informants. Observation and an interview guides collected qualitative data. Descriptive and inferential tools, correlation, F-tests, regression and content analysis analyzed quantitative and qualitative data.
 
Results and Discussion: Results reflected item scores showing the composite mean of 3.2 and standard deviation of 3.0. Revealed is a significant positive correlation coefficient (r = 0.592), p-value (p = 0.000) of the relationship between two variables.
 
Research Implications: This study recommends adopting a participatory project cycle approach, supported by a feasible policy, to guide innovative mango farming practices to enhance the overall performance.
 
Originality/Value: The study contributes to literature by advocating project management cycle approach on performance of mango projects in today’s evolving project environment.
Studies on the Extraction of Guarana Peel Polysaccharides and its Effect on Blood Glucose Lipids in Mice
Authors: Liu Qing , Tang Jun , Li Siqin , Li Jing , Tan Bin , Liu Tianwei
Published: September 2024

Objective: To study the extraction of Guarana peel polysaccharides (GPP) by two different methods and to investigate the effect of extracted polysaccharides on haemoglycaemia and lipids in mice. Methods: The polysaccharides were extracted by aqueous alcoholic precipitation with two different solvents, methanol/ethanol mixed solvent or 95% ethanol and the mice were fed and tested for changes in endogenous related substances, respectively. Results: The concentration of polysaccharide extracted by methanol/ethanol mixed solvent was 116.367 μg/mL, while the concentration of polysaccharide extracted by 95% ethanol was 101.465 μg/mL. The polysaccharide extracted by the former method did not significantly affect the blood glucose level of the mice, while the latter method did not significantly affect the lipid level of the mice. Conclusion: Methanol/ethanol mixed solvent extraction of Guarana peel polysaccharides had higher extraction rate and more significant effect on blood glucose control in mice, while 95% ethanol extraction of Guarana peel polysaccharides had more significant effect on lipid control in mice.
Research on the Dual Carbon Talent Training Model for the Construction Engineering Technology Major in Higher Vocational Education
Authors: Zhou Fang , Sun Jingjing , Zou Qianxiu
Published: September 2024

Against the backdrop of global climate change and China’s “dual carbon” goals, the green transformation of the construction industry is imperative, and completing the transformation requires many dual carbon talents to support it. This article focuses on the construction engineering technology major in higher vocational education. It explores in depth the specific requirements for construction engineering technology talents in terms of professional knowledge, vocational skills, and literacy under the dual carbon mode. Based on this, corresponding dual carbon talent training courses are proposed, aiming to provide theoretical support and practical guidance for cultivating high-quality dual carbon talents that meet the needs of the new era.
A Survey Analysis of Influenza Vaccination Status Among Children Aged 0–6 Years
Authors: Cheng Rufang , Fu Yuxin , Bai Xuefen , Niu Yuxin
Published: September 2024

Objective: This study aims to investigate the influenza vaccination status of children aged 0–6 years in Changzhi City and to analyze its influencing factors. Methods: A questionnaire was distributed to 228 randomly selected parents of children aged 0–6 in Changzhi City to investigate the children’s influenza vaccination status. Results: (1) A total of 217 valid questionnaires were collected in this survey, with a response rate of 95.2%. (2) The results showed that the main reasons affecting children’s influenza vaccination were, in order, worrying about the safety of the influenza vaccine, believing that influenza vaccination was not necessary, and not knowing the time of the vaccination. (3) Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that compared with children aged 0–2 years old, those aged 2–4 years old (OR = 0.121, 95% CI = 0.032–0.301) and 4–6 years old (OR = 0.385, 95% CI = 0.228–0.530) had lower cumulative influenza vaccination rates. Compared to the group with parental awareness of flu vaccines, the moderate awareness group (OR = 2.319, 95% CI = 1.527–3.015) and the high awareness group (OR = 2.932, 95% CI = 1.598–4.966) exhibited higher cumulative influenza vaccination rates among children. Parents acquire knowledge about influenza and its vaccines through vaccination centers (OR = 1.396, 95% CI = 1.049–2.050) and doctors (OR = 1.763, 95% CI = 1.291–2.774), which serves as a facilitating factor for influenza vaccination among 0–6-year-old children in Changzhi urban area. Conclusion: The age of the child, parental knowledge of the influenza vaccine, and parental communication with the vaccination center and the physician at the visit were the main influencing factors for influenza vaccination.
Influencia de los factores protectores en el entorno del adolecente
Authors: Collaguazo  Chalco Christian Fernando , Martínez Villegas Richard Antonio , Lata Reino Henry Paul
Published: September 2024

Actualmente las posibilidades de que un individuo prospere y obtenga una felicidad plena, se sienta seguro, equilibrado es hasta cierto punto, proporcional a los denominados “factores protectores”, influenciado por todo lo que le rodea, por esta razón centra como objetivo el conocer mediante una revisión bibliográfica de los factores protectores como; el entorno escolar, familiar, comunitario, entre pares y la resiliencia que clase de influencia tienen en el desarrollo psicológico del adolescente, después comparar el impacto en cada entorno. Con la finalidad de investigar esta temática, se llevó a cabo una investigación cualitativa, recopilando y evaluando datos científicos sobre niños/adolescentes, por medio del método prisma que permitió combinar un mínimo de elementos basados ​​en la evidencia de otras investigaciones para respaldar las revisiones de los informes. Se obtuvo información de forma gradual a medida que el individuo se desarrolla, día a día se adapta a las situaciones que se le presentan y repercute asimismo en su crianza, de manera que construye, promueve su autoestima, estado emocional y genera un sentimiento de protección que inciden en su crecimiento, con patrones relacionados a su comportamiento. Finalmente teniendo en cuenta los hallazgos bibliográficos de diferentes autores, se concluye que los contextos intervienen reiteradamente en su conducta, impulsado al individuo a ser más autónomo e independiente en sus actitudes, especialmente en sus acciones. Un ambiente sano construye emociones seguras que promueve su autoestima. Pero de ser contrario, puede surgir la soledad emocional, creando desconfianza y vulnerabilidad afectando su crecimiento o adaptación a la sociedad.
Estudio del avance de la NIC 2 en grandes empresas del Ecuador
Authors: García Tamayo Hernán , Chicaiza Oscar Lenin , Molina Díaz Rolando , Alvear Siza Stalin
Published: September 2024

Debido a que han transcurrido más de diez años desde la autorización por parte del ente regulador en el Ecuador de las sociedades jurídicas de aplicar las NIIF, a la presente fecha se desconoce su grado de madurez, es por ello por lo que el presente artículo tiene la finalidad de conocer el avance en la implementación de la Norma Internacional de Contabilidad (NIC 2) Inventarios en las empresas comerciales del Ecuador. En este sentido, a través de un estudio descriptivo se realizó un diagnóstico para conocer el nivel de maduración en cuanto a: reconocimiento, medición, presentación e información a revelar. Se diseñó una matriz de aplicación similar a una lista de comprobación compuesta por ítems tomados de la NIC estudiada, los mismos que fueron contrastados con las notas explicativas a los estados financieros auditados del año 2020 de las 285 empresas que formaron parte de la muestra, mismas que se obtuvieron de la base de datos de la Superintendencia de Compañías, Valores y Seguros. Los resultados a destacar fueron agrupados en función de los criterios que persiguen las NIIF y que formaron parte del estudio descriptivo, es decir, la revelación de información presentó novedades relacionadas con la ausencia de importes medidos a valor razonable menos los costos de venta, la falta de identificación del importe de deterioro en la cuenta correspondiente, y el poco cuidado en la calidad de presentación de la información hacia el usuario. Por último, se debe concluir que las empresas aplican las NIC y el avance que han logrado, a pesar de que no tienen la obligatoriedad sin embargo manifiestan que los estados financieros están sujetos a normas NIIF en lo que respecta al reconocimiento, medición y presentación de información.
COMPARISON OF DIGITAL SIGNAL PROCESSING METHODS AND DEEP LEARNING MODELS IN VOICE AUTHENTICATION
Authors: Ruda Khrystyna , Sabodashko Dmytro , Mykytyn Halyna , Shved Mariia , Borduliak Sviatoslav , Korshun Nataliia
Published: September 2024

This paper addresses the issues of traditional authentication methods, such as the use of passwords, which often prove to be unreliable due to various vulnerabilities. The main drawbacks of these methods include the loss or theft of passwords, their weak resistance to various types of attacks, and the complexity of password management, especially in large systems. Biometric authentication methods, particularly those based on physical characteristics such as voice, present a promising alternative as they offer a higher level of security and user convenience. Biometric authentication systems have advantages over traditional methods because the voice is a unique characteristic for each person, making it substantially more challenging to forge or steal. However, there are challenges regarding the accuracy and reliability of such systems. Specifically, voice biometric systems can encounter issues related to changes in voice due to health, emotional state, or the surrounding environment. The primary objective of this paper is to compare contemporary deep learning models with traditional digital signal processing methods used for speaker recognition. For this study, text-dependent methods (Mel-Frequency Cepstral Coefficients — MFCC, Linear Predictive Coding — LPC) and text-independent methods (ECAPA-TDNN - Emphasized Channel Attention, Propagation and Aggregation in Time Delay Neural Network, ResNet - Residual Neural Network) were selected to compare their effectiveness in voice biometric authentication tasks. The experiment involved implementing biometric authentication systems based on each of the described methods and evaluating their performance on a specially collected dataset. Additionally, the paper provides a detailed examination of audio signal preprocessing methods used in voice authentication systems to ensure optimal performance in speaker recognition tasks, including noise reduction using spectral subtraction, energy normalization, enhancement filtering, framing, and windowing.
ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE IN THE MILITARY
Authors: Trofymenko Olena , Loginova Nataliia , Sokolov Artem , Chykunov Pavlo , Akhmametieva Hanna
Published: September 2024

The article is devoted to research of the application of artificial intelligence in the military sphere. Due to the rapid development of information technologies and the growth of data volumes, the use of artificial intelligence is becoming more and more relevant for the effective application of the latest technologies for solving military tasks. The purpose of the research is to determine how the use of artificial intelligence can help improve the performance of the military. The research hypothesis is that the use of artificial intelligence in military operations can lead to improved efficiency and accuracy of decision-making. The paper discusses the main possibilities of using artificial intelligence in the military sphere and the specifics and advantages of its use. Research indicates that the implementation of artificial intelligence can help identify risks and improve the planning and forecasting of military operations, as well as enable the automation of logistics accounting and analysis. To achieve this goal, a research methodology was used, which included the analysis of literary sources and conducting research based on information about the application of artificial intelligence in the military industry. During the analysis of the specifics of the use of AI in improving the activities of the military, the areas of its successful implementation were researched: video surveillance, national security and the fight against terrorism, military logistics, autonomous and semi-autonomous vehicles, cyber security, simulators for military training, AI operations on the battlefield, medical assistance on the battlefield. It has been found that AI has great potential for effective implementation in the military sphere because the implementation of AI algorithms helps in solving military tasks potentially dangerous to human health and improves the effectiveness of weapons. The implementation of AI technologies in various components of military activity mostly shows significantly higher efficiency when compared to other technologies. In general, technological innovation in combination with AI is currently becoming a decisive factor in determining a successful outcome on the battlefield, but it requires careful preparation and consideration of risks in the process of its implementation.
RESEARCH OF INFORMATION SECURITY AND TECHNOLOGICAL REGULATIONS OF THE MANAGEMENT PROCESSES OF THE CRITICAL INFRASTRUCTURE OF A NPP POWER UNIT WITH A VVER-1000 REACTOR
Authors: Vintenko Borys , Myronets Iryna , Smirnov Oleksii , Kovalenko Oleksandr , Smirnov Serhii , Buravchenko Kostiantyn , Yakymenko Nataliia
Published: September 2024

A brief overview of the technological processes of the critical infrastructure of the NPP power unit with the VVER-1000 type reactor is given using the example of power units 1 and 2 of the South Ukrainian NPP. The purpose of this article is to study the organization of power unit management in different modes, to analyze the structure and volume of information provided to operational personnel from the information and control system, digital software and technical complexes, and other systems, as well as to analyze the complexity of the technological regulations by which management takes place NPP power unit. The object of the research is the process of information support and technological regulations, according to which the power unit of the NPP is managed. The subject of the study is the intensity and complexity of the decision-making processes by the operational staff of the NPP when managing the power unit. The following tasks were solved in this work: The organization of the power unit management process was studied; The main information and control systems and software and technical complexes of the power unit were considered, as well as means of their interaction with operational personnel; The information model, which is used by operational personnel in managing the power unit, is considered. For this purpose, the indicators of the information model, which is used by operational staff to make decisions when managing the power unit, were determined and the volume of control bodies with which the operational staff interacts to manage the power unit was determined. The structure of technological regulations and instructions for power unit management was analyzed and the volume and complexity of these documents were determined; The expediency of research on improving NPP power unit management processes has been determined, namely: in the direction of further research, support systems for operational personnel, their classification, functions and experience of application at NPPs of Ukraine will be considered, with the aim of determining the actual design directions of such systems. It is necessary to determine which support systems have been implemented or are being developed at the present time, which difficulties arise for the operational staff during the management of the power unit, and which of them can be solved with the help of support systems.
ANALYSIS OF SECRET DISTRIBUTION METHODS
Authors: Tsikhotskyi Mykyta , Luzhetskyi Volodymyr
Published: September 2024

Secret distribution is one of the key areas of modern cryptography, which is becoming increasingly important due to the exponential growth of information transmitted, stored, and processed in digital systems. From social networks to medical databases, information is a reflection of our reality in the digital world. This dynamic is accompanied by numerous challenges related to ensuring the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of data, requiring new cryptographic approaches. Secret sharing methods are becoming an important alternative to traditional cryptography methods, as they allow for the confidentiality, reliability, and availability of information by distributing it among multiple participants so that data recovery requires the participation of a certain number of parties. Key examples of such schemes include the Shamir scheme, the Blackley scheme, methods based on digital signal processing, and the Chinese residual theorem. Shamir's scheme is based on polynomials that are shared among the participants, and to recover the secret, a certain number of shares must be collected (the number is determined in advance). The Blackley scheme uses geometric methods, where participants receive coordinates that allow them to recover the secret based on the intersection of these points. Each of the schemes has its advantages and disadvantages. For example, Shamir's scheme is efficient in terms of ease of implementation, but it can require large computing resources with a large number of participants. The Blackley scheme, on the contrary, can be more complex to implement, but reduces computational costs. Methods based on digital signal processing and the Chinese residual theorem also offer interesting approaches to secret distribution. Digital signal processing algorithms allow using the properties of signals to divide information between participants, while the Chinese residual theorem allows sharing a secret based on the mathematical residuals from dividing a number into several modules. The study presents a comparison of these secret sharing methods, considering various criteria such as security level, implementation complexity, and resource requirements.