bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
First encounters: Estimating the initial magnitude of attentional capture
Authors: Adam Kirsten C. S. , Yang Zi , Serences John
Published: April 2023

Salient but irrelevant information often captures our attention. To quantify attentional capture in the lab, participants typically complete dozens or hundreds of trials that contain salient distractors. However, presenting distractors frequently may also incidentally introduce a secondary task-set to resist distraction. In everyday life, we typically encounter distractions once, not dozens of times, creating a disconnect between capture in the lab and in the world. Here, we had a simple but important question: how large is capture when participants encounter a salient distractor for the very first time? We used a larger-than-typical sample size combined with a single capture trial (Exp 1 N = 970, Exp 2 N = 1025), and found that initial capture was ~9x-15x larger than the average size of capture in typical laboratory tasks (~370-580 ms). We also found evidence that initial capture was modulated by long- and short-term stimulus history, consistent with emerging theories about how history shapes attention. Our results suggest that participants are surprisingly successful at ignoring distractors in the lab, and that “one-shot” estimates may better reflect the full cost of capture by salient distractors.
Domain-General but not Speech-Specific Auditory Duration Perception Predicts Pseudoword Reading
Authors: Batista Ana Rita , Catronas Dinis , Sousa José , Folia Vasiliki , Torres Nathércia Lima , Silva Susana
Published: April 2023

Duration perception abilities seem to enhance reading skills, but the reason for this remains under debate. Some studies focused on the ability to perceive the length of sounds (speech-related duration perception), while others approached general time skills (using, e.g., beep stimuli), but a direct comparison between the two modalities has not been done so far. In the present study, we compared the relevance of domain-general (comparison of time intervals defined by beeps) vs. speech-specific duration perception (pre-attentive EEG responses to different consonants) as statistical predictors of reading in adults. Reading included word and pseudoword decoding, as well as reading comprehension. We made regression-based analyses with the two time-related predictors for each reading skill. Pseudoword decoding was the only reading skill that was significantly predicted by duration perception, and this happened for domain-general duration perception only. Our findings strengthen the idea that skilled duration perception enhances phonological coding and its impact on grapheme-to-phoneme conversion processes. They also suggest that the benefits to phonological encoding are not specifically related to better processing of speech sound durations. Instead, the impact of skilled duration perception may rely on its connection to entrainment-to-speech skills, and the enhanced encoding of speech units that comes with it.
The Prediction of Syllable Awareness, Character Reading Ability, and Rapid Automatized Naming on Phoneme Awareness: Evidence from a Longitudinal Cross-Lag Model
Authors: Li Sen , Fan Tengwen , zhao Jingjing
Published: April 2023

Phonological awareness is a crucial factor for the development of reading ability. Yet, a comprehensive understanding of the impact factors of phonological awareness in early age is still a challenge. The current study investigated the contributions of character reading ability (CR), and rapid automatized naming (RAN) to early phonological awareness (including phoneme awareness (PA) and syllable awareness (SA)) skill developmental trajectories in kindergarten children. A total of 127 young Chinese children were tracked two times. The dynamic phoneme deletion task, syllable deletion task, character reading task, and rapid object naming task were used to measure PA, SA, CR, and RAN, respectively. Cross-lagged panel model (CLPM) was used to examine the longitudinal and bidirectional relationship among these four reading skills. Results showed that performance improved on all four reading skills across the two points for children. Both of CR and RAN had low to moderate correlations with phonological awareness at both time points. Model results were as follows: 1) after controlling for child age, sex, and SES, there were significant positive autoregressive paths for PA, CR, and RAN; 2) SA, CR, and RAN at T1 significantly predicated PA at T2, but PA at T1 did not predict other reading-related skills at T2. 3) CR at T1 could positively predict SA at T2. Conclusion: CR, and RAN at earlier time were important impact factors of the development of phonological awareness, and larger phonological awareness units (syllable) not only precede but also impact the development of small units (phoneme).
Children Value Animals More than Adults do — a Conceptual Replication and Extension
Authors: Paruzel-Czachura Mariola , Maier Maximilian , Warmuz Roksana , Wilks Matti , Caviola Lucius
Published: April 2023

Recent psychological research finds that US American children have a weaker tendency than US American adults to value humans more than animals. We aimed to conceptually replicate and extend this finding in a preregistered study (N = 412). We investigated whether 6-9-year-old Polish children (Study 1a) are less likely to prioritize humans over animals than Polish adults are (Studies 1b, 1c). We presented participants with moral dilemmas where they had to prioritize either humans or animals (dogs or chimpanzees) in situations that involved harming (i.e., a trolley problem) or benefitting (i.e., giving a snack). We found that Polish children prioritized humans over animals less than Polish adults did. This was the case both in dilemmas that involved preventing harm and in dilemmas that involved providing snacks. Both children and adults prioritized humans over chimpanzees more than humans over dogs.
A Comment on Maria Pia Paganelli’s Mistaken Treatment of Adam Smith’s “Four Stages” Theory of Economic Development
Authors: Ahiakpor James C.W.
Published: April 2023

Paganelli (2022) casts doubt on whether Adam Smith argues a “Four Stages” theory or a “stadial model” of socio-economic development; she dismisses the usefulness of cross-section data to evaluate Smith’s theory of the evolution of economies; and she misinterprets several texts in the Wealth of Nations. Disregarding more accurate interpreters of Smith, she invites us to inquire again into the causes of the wealth of nations since Smith, in her judgment, has failed in that effort. But Smith’s Wealth of Nations, carefully read, is an essential guide to policy formulation to promote the efficient development of economies. My comment clarifies.
Atoms for Climate: Institutional development, critical junctures, and the IAEA’s positioning and communication on nuclear energy and climate change
Authors: Backovsky David
Published: April 2023

This research thesis puts forward an account of why the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) suddenly intensified its communication and positioning policy in favor of nuclear energy as a climate change solution since 2019. The case shows how the interpretation and implementation of international organizations’ (IOs) mandates develops in response to climate change and other exogenous and endogenous shocks. Borrowing heavily from historical institutionalist (HI) accounts I argue that the case represents a critical juncture, a period of temporary institutional and political flux at the IAEA caused by ideational changes, shocks and their exploitation by powerful and entrepreneurial actors who want to enact institutional change. The leadership of the IAEA faces constant contestation of its dual mandate to simultaneously safeguard and advance the peaceful uses of the atom and must be careful about maintaining its status as an ‘honest broker’ to maintain legitimacy and authority. The case study shows that publicly visible shocks like nuclear power plant accidents, such as the 1986 Chernobyl or 2011 Fukushima-Daiichi incidents have suppressive impacts on the Agency’s policy. Climate change, on the other hand, presents a legitimate opportunity for the Agency to execute its promotional mandate. Within this context the empirical evidence shows that it the sudden leadership change at the IAEA in 2019 generated the enabling conditions necessary for the policy outcome.
Gender inequality in ‘cum laude’ distinctions for PhD students
Authors: Bol Thijs
Published: April 2023

Resource allocation in academia is highly skewed, and peer evaluation is the main method used to distribute scarce resources. A large literature documents gender inequality, and the explanation for this inequality is homophily: male evaluators give more favorable ratings to male candidates. We investigate this by focusing on ‘cum laude’ distinctions for PhD students in the Netherlands, a distinction that is only awarded to 5 percent of all dissertations and has as its sole goal to distinguish the top from the rest. Using data from over 5,000 PhD recipients of a large Dutch university for the period 2011-2021, we find that female PhD students were almost two times less likely to get a ‘cum laude’ distinction than their male counterparts, even when they had the same doctoral advisor. This gender gap is largest when dissertations are evaluated by all-male committees and decreases as evaluation committees include more female members.
Was Smith a Stage Theorist? A response to Ahiakpor
Authors: Paganelli Maria Pia
Published: April 2023

(Letter to the editor). James Ahiakpor claims I am incorrect in my reading of Smith when I suggest that Smith may not endorse, or may even reject, a four stages of development model, given his absence of historical example of any country that developed following the four stages, but rather his descriptions of different ages looks more likely like a taxonomy to describe different types of societies. I very much appreciate the time and energy Ahiakpor put on my work and I have no qualm about his reading of my paper. Since I was asked to reply to his detailed comments, I will. But only in a general, methodological, way.
The Unintended Consequences of Censoring Digital Technology - Evidence from Italy's ChatGPT Ban
Authors: Kreitmeir David , Raschky Paul Anton
Published: April 2023

We analyse the effects of the ban of ChatGPT, a generative pre-trained transformer chatbot, on individual productivity. We first compile data on the hourly coding output of over 8,000 professional GitHub users in Italy and other European countries to analyse the impact of the ban on individual productivity. Combining the high-frequency data with the sudden announcement of the ban in a difference-in-differences framework, we find that the output of Italian developers decreased by around 50\% in the first two business days after the ban and recovered after that. Applying a synthetic control approach to daily Google search and Tor usage data shows that the ban led to a significant increase in the use of censorship bypassing tools. Our findings show that users swiftly implement strategies to bypass Internet restrictions but this adaptation activity creates short-term disruptions and hampers productivity.
The Role of Sanctions and Spillovers in Forest Conservation
Authors: Vieira João Pedro , Dahis Ricardo , Assunção Juliano
Published: April 2023

We study how environmental sanctions and spillovers improve forest conservation in the Brazilian Amazon. Using a difference-in-differences framework and novel farm-level data, we show that sanctions curbed deforestation and promoted reforestation among punished farmers and their neighbors. Heterogeneity analysis reveals that even sanctions with limited incapacitation potential elicited relevant behavioral changes. In particular, farmers’ responsiveness to sanctions coincided with the government’s commitment to enforcement. We do not find substantial evidence of spatial displacement or monitoring evasion. Overall, sanctions prevented 1.6 billion tons of CO2 emissions between 2006 and 2019, equivalent to 31% of US emissions in 2021.
Analysis of Lung Cancer Cases Presenting in Outpatient Department of University Hospital of Nepal
Authors: Karmacharya R. M. , Singh A. K. , Vaidya S. , Tuladhar S. M. , Devbhandari M. , Lama B. , Kharel B. B. , Basnet S.
Published: April 2023

Background Lung cancer is one of the leading cause of cancer related death. Most common histopathology of lung cancer is non-small cell carcinoma of which adenocarcinoma is the most common. There are limited number of studies done in Nepal to know different aspects of lung cancer.

Objective To know demographic parameters of patients diagnosed as lung cancer in a university hospital. The study also aims to know the different histopathological diagnosis of lung cancer.

Method All the patients presenting to outpatient department (Cardio Thoracic and Vascular unit) of Dhulikhel Hospital, if are diagnosed as cancer of lung/bronchus will be included in the study. The duration of the study was January 2017 to December 2021. The details on age, gender, presenting symptoms, histopathology of lung cancer, operability will be included in database and will be analyzed.

Result There were total of 127 patients diagnosed as lung cancer. Male:female ratio was 1.7:1. Overall mean age was 63.23 years (SD 13.5 years, Range 19-89 years). Non small cell carcinoma was the most common type of lung cancer with 83.7%. In non small cell carcinoma, most common type was Squamous cell carcinoma followed by undifferentiated and Adenocarcinoma. Only five (3.93%) cases were in operable stage.

Conclusion Despite the fact that lung cancer is one of the most common cancer, patients usually present late and mostly are not in operable stage. This study shows that squamous cell carcinoma is the most common histopathology in lung cancer cases.
Treatment of Infrabony Defects by Open Flap Debridement with or without Diode Laser
Authors: Agrawal S. , Pradhan S.
Published: April 2023

Background Periodontitis is the common oral condition which affects the periodontium of the teeth that leads to destruction of periodontal ligaments and alveolar bone. Open flap debridement is the surgical procedure which provides access and visibility of the site, application of laser as an adjunct has various advantages.

Objective To compare clinical outcomes after open flap debridement with or without diode laser.

Method Patients aged 25-45 years diagnosed with infrabony defect ≥ 5 mm visiting Department of Dental Surgery, Bir Hospital. Control group sites were treated with open flap debridement alone, whereas test-groups were treated with Open flap debridement with diode laser. Various parameters like Plaque index, Gingival index, Pocket depth and Clinical attachment level were assessed and compared between groups at baseline, 3 and 6 months.

Result The mean plaque and gingival scores improved in both the control and test groups at 3 and 6 months follow up as compared to baseline and was statistically nonsignificant between two groups. Open flap debridement with or without diode laser in the treatment of periodontal intrabony defects did not produce significant reduction in pocket depth and gain in clinical attachment level.

Conclusion There was no significant differences in the clinical parameters were seen in the surgical flap debridement of infrabony pocket with and without diode laser. Diode laser can be used safely as an adjunct. However, long-term, multicentric, histologic and microbial studies are required.
The outcome of Radial Neck Fracture Treated with Closed/ Open Reduction and Retrograde Kirschner Wires Fixation in the Paediatric Age Group
Authors: Sapkota K. , Ranjeet N. , Onta P. R. , Thapa P.
Published: April 2023

Background Radial neck fractures in children are rare injuries, representing 1 to 5% of all elbow pediatric fractures. Most of them are non-displaced or slightly displaced and treated conservatively. Severely displaced or angulated radial neck fractures (Judet type III and IV fractures or O’Brien type III radial neck fractures) requires surgical treatment.

Objective To study the clinical and radiological outcomes of fractures following closed or open reduction and percutaneous intramedullary stabilization of the displaced radial neck fracture in children.

Method There were 24 children with displaced radial neck fracture Judet type II, III and IV fractures O’Brien type II, III who underwent closed reduction and retrograde intramedullary stabilization with Kirschner wires. Functional outcomes were evaluated based on of Mayo Elbow Performance Score.

Result The mean age of patients was 8.42 ± 1.82 years with boys 15(62.5%) and girls 9(37.5%) in number. An excellent result was seen in 5(20.8%) cases and good results in 15(62.5%) cases according to the Mayo elbow performance score. Analyzing a passive and active range of motion, 5 had excellent results, 15 had good results and 4 had fair results compared to the normal side. Radiological evaluation showed fracture healing in excellent or good alignment according to Ursei radiological evaluation classification.

Conclusion Closed reduction and retrograde intramedullary Kirschner wires stabilization for the displaced radial neck fracture provide excellent clinical and radiological results with few complications.
Bi-maxillary Protrusion: An Orthodontic Management
Authors: Chaudhary N. K. , Giri J. , Gyawali R. , Pokharel P. R.
Published: April 2023

Bi-maxillary protrusion is a condition with protrusive and proclined upper and lower incisors and the patient is not able to close lips without strain. The presented case reported with the chief complaint of forwardly placed teeth, with skeletal class II malocclusion, and Angle’s class I malocclusion with protrusive and forwardly placed upper and lower incisors. The treatment was performed with the extraction of all first premolars and retraction under absolute anchorage. The retraction of upper and lower lips of about 3 mm and 3.5 mm was achieved respectively and the patient was able to close lips without strain. With proper anchorage preparation, bi-maxillary protrusion can be successfully managed orthodontically.
The Long March from Evaluation to Accreditation: Quebec’s New “Government Management Framework”
Authors: Cabatoff Kenneth
Published: April 2023

Abstract: This article argues that the introduction of performance measurement should be seen as part of a larger trend towards the accreditation of public agencies and private business organizations. Because of its obvious similarities with accreditation, performance measurement in central government ministries can be assessed by examining the effects of accreditation in those areas where it has already been introduced. Accreditation systems are often seen as more realistic alternatives to program evaluation. In Quebec, for example, junior colleges have long been subject to a system of program evaluation administered by the Commission d’évaluation de l’enseignement collégial (CÉEC). The CÉEC has recently announced that it will abandon the field of program evaluation, in order to engage in a new form of “institutional evaluation.” This was done at the explicit request of the Federation of Junior Colleges, which has long been opposed to the system of program evaluation administered by the CÉEC. The junior colleges, or CÉGEPs (Collèges d’enseignement général et professionnel), see accreditation as a way of reducing competition among junior colleges. They argue that the CÉEC should help the colleges improve their performance, but should refrain from distinguishing between good performance and bad performance. When a college cannot meet the accreditation requirements, the accreditation process should be suspended. Viewed in this light, systems of accreditation and performance measurement can be seen as tools for reducing the accountability of public agencies to government and to public opinion. Whereas program evaluation assumes the possibility of public debate about programs being evaluated, accreditation ensures that the information necessary for public debate will be kept confidential.
Validation d’une version française du Outcome Questionnaire et évaluation d’un service de counselling en milieu clinique
Authors: Flynn Robert J. , Aubry Tim D. , Guindon Sophie , Tardif Isabelle , Viau Monique , Gallant Anne
Published: April 2023

Abstract: The first purpose of this study was to assess the psychometric quality and validity of the Mesure d’Impact-45 (MI-45) and the Mesure d’Impact-22 (MI-22), French translations of 45-item and 22-item versions, respectively, of the Outcome Questionnaire. The second purpose was to evaluate, by means of the MI-22, a French-language counselling program located in a clinical setting in Quebec, which provided additional information on the sensitivity to change and clinical utility of the MI-22. Eleven counsellors served a total of 216 clients (80% women) during the period of the study. The MI-22 had good internal consistency (coefficient alpha = .88) and correlated well with a criterion measure, the SCL-10, a short form of the SCL-90-R. Ninety clients who had taken part in at least eight counselling sessions made clinically and statistically significant progress. Of 107 clients completing counselling during the study period, 37% recovered, 29% improved, 24% experienced no change in functioning, and 10% deterioriated. Seventy clients who had completed a post-counselling telephone interview expressed a high level of satisfaction with the program, while also making suggestions for service improvement. The MI-22 was seen as useful by both clients and counsellors.
Two Decades of the Canadian Journal of Program Evaluation: A Content Analysis
Authors: Addison Emily , Amo Courtney F.
Published: April 2023

Abstract: This year, the Canadian Journal of Program Evaluation (CJPE) is celebrating its 20th anniversary. To commemorate this milestone, this study provides a content analysis of the full population of articles and research and practice notes from the Journal’s 20-year history. Using a framework that draws from an extensive literature review of similar studies in other fields, the CJPE papers were systematically analyzed and presented through descriptive statistics and graphic representations. In addition to providing an opportunity to reflect upon the history of the Journal, it is anticipated that this study will assist readers, and the Journal’s editor and editorial board, to consider possible future directions as the Journal heads into its next decade of publication.
Evaluation in Canada’s Social Services: Progress, Rifts, and Challenges
Authors: Sieppert Jackie D.
Published: April 2023

Abstract: This article provides a brief retrospective on three major developments in evaluation within the social services sector over the last decade. These developments include the development of a performance measurement orientation in social service organizations, the growth of empowerment evaluation, and emerging capacity challenges that threaten the use of evaluation within the sector. The author argues that performance measurement has been a positive and necessary development for these organizations, but a new level of outcomes conceptualization is required. This new level is based upon creating community-level outcomes that aggregate data into a more systematic picture of social well-being in communities. Empowerment evaluation and investment in the organizational learning capacity of social service organizations are seen as complementary strategies that can help to further the growth of evaluation within social services.
Addressing Attribution through Contribution Analysis: Using Performance Measures Sensibly
Authors: Mayne John
Published: April 2023

Abstract: The changing culture of public administration involves accountability for results and outcomes. This article suggests that performance measurement can address such attribution questions. Contribution analysis has a major role to play in helping managers, researchers, and policymakers to arrive at conclusions about the contribution their program has made to particular outcomes. The article describes the steps necessary to produce a credible contribution story.
Evaluation and Municipal Urban Planning: Practice and Prospects
Authors: Seasons Mark
Published: April 2023

Abstract: Recent concerns with performance measurement, efficiency, and effectiveness have sparked a renewed interest in monitoring and evaluation at all levels of government, including municipal government. Much of the literature on evaluation in municipal urban planning focuses on evaluation research methods and techniques. This article explores the state of evaluation practice, including monitoring, in planning departments in municipalities of regional scale and style in Ontario. Applications of evaluation in planning practice are compared and contrasted with generic evaluation practice. Qualitative research methods were used to identify critical determinants of success (or otherwise) with evaluation in these planning departments.
Evaluation in the Context of the Social Union Framework Agreement: A Case Study of the National Child Benefit
Authors: Mason Greg
Published: April 2023

Abstract: The Social Union Framework Agreement (SUFA) and specific programs such as the National Child Benefit (NCB) represent joint government delivery of programming, and present many challenges for evaluators. Aside from attribution (which this article argues is not really the central issue), the essential problem faced in the evaluation of these federal-provincial-territorial initiatives is that programming is becoming both more complex and more heterogeneous. The concepts of joint planning and information sharing demand a high level of co-operation among program sponsors. A test of the rationale and effectiveness for agreements such as SUFA will be whether participating governments support detailed evaluations and performance measurement.
An Empirical Study of Building the Evaluation Capacity of K–12 Site-Managed Project Personnel
Authors: Brandon Paul R. , Higa Terry Ann F.
Published: April 2023

Abstract: This article examines the effects of professional development, including formal workshops and ongoing consultation, on the evaluation capacity of K–12 school faculty and administrators who were conducting evaluations of 17 site-managed projects. Changes in the faculty’s and administrators’ (a) attitudes toward evaluation, (b) self-confidence as evaluators, and (c) assessments of their capabilities as evaluators were examined. School personnel’s attitudes toward evaluation did not improve, but their self-confidence as evaluators and their assessment of their evaluation capabilities both showed improvement. The conclusions buttress the argument that, with training and the assistance of experienced evaluators, school personnel can build their evaluation capacity. A number of limitations in study design and data are noted.
The Effectiveness of a School-Based HIV Education Program: A Longitudinal Comparative Evaluation
Authors: Boyce William F. , Warren Wendy K. , King Alan J. C.
Published: April 2023

Abstract: A school-based HIV/AIDS/STD education program was carried out and evaluated in four provinces. The Skills for Health Relationships program was developed from a conceptual model and included knowledge, attitudes, skills, and motivational supports. Teachers were trained in delivering the program and were given instruction on how to recruit and train student peer group leaders and how to encourage parental involvement. The evaluation used a quasi-experimental comparison group design with a student pre-test and three post-tests over a two-year period. The comparison group received their schools’ usual sex education curriculum. The intervention group gained significantly in knowledge about STDs, in attitudes towards people living with AIDS, in intentions to communicate assertively in sexual situations, and in condom use skills. There were no significant differences in the proportions of students being sexually active or in actual use of condoms. The effect of a peer strategy was minimal in changing group norms.
Proposition d'un modèle d'évaluation de la mise en oeuvre et des effets de la planification des programmes régionaux d'organisation des services de santé mentale au Québec
Authors: Fleury Marie-Josée , Denis Jean-Louis
Published: April 2023

Abstract: To effect changes in the health care system, the Quebec government advocates an integrated program management approach within each region. In particular, regional service organization plans (PROS) are a strategy for developing this approach. PROS are complex and dynamic tools for planning services that aim to meet the diverse needs of regional populations and to coordinate delivery of services. To assess the potential of this intervention, this article presents an evaluation model adapted to the context of reform in the mental health sector. The evaluation model is based on exhaustive research on the implementation and impact of PROS and their contribution to implementation of the Mental Health Policy. This article provides guidelines for interpretation, the analytical framework, and relevant variables for evaluation. It also promotes a participative, emerging, and preventive approach to evaluation of integrated regional programs for mental health services.
New Partnerships Require New Approaches to Participatory Program Evaluations: Planning for the Future
Authors: McHardy Joan
Published: April 2023

Abstract: Program evaluation is in a period of transition. There is a growing international recognition that government and civil society must work together to accomplish common goals. These new partnerships affect evaluators because of the unequal distribution of power between the partners. Without careful consideration, the evaluator can be seen to represent only those with the most power. This, in turn, affects the perceived independence of evaluators. New partnerships require new approaches. Participatory program evaluation is one useful approach that can lessen undue influence by any one partner and help to create a positive culture of evaluation.
Reviewing the Language Arts Program in a Large School District
Authors: Vanayan M. , White N. , French C. , Morgan J. , Portal A.
Published: April 2023

Abstract: The article describes a review of the Language Arts program in the Primary Division of a large urban school district. Data were gathered from all stakeholders using surveys, interviews, and observation. The evidence revealed limitations in the planning and delivery of Language Arts in the early years and provided the groundwork for remarkable system-wide change in the three years that followed.
Le benchmarking et l’amélioration continue
Authors: Hurteau Marthe
Published: April 2023

Abstract: Benchmarking is driven by the trends toward continuous improvement and quality control and facilitates the identification of best practices imported and adapted by organizations that wish to improve performance. This article describes the benchmarking process illustrated by a case study. Its main contribution lies in its attention to the approach and the effort to clarify the objective of the study and identify relevant performance indicators. Finally, it offers an opportunity to reflect on a current preoccupation in evaluation literature: the impact of organizational context on the evaluation process.
Board Characteristics and Firm Performance: A Conﬁgurational Analysis
Authors: Raza Muhammad Maisam , Tahir Safdar Husain , Raza Hamad , Fadhil Ali Ali , Rahat Alvi Areeba
Published: April 2023

Investors and governments have drawn attention to company governance due to the 2007 ﬁnancial crash. This study aims to determine the impact of board characteristics, i.e. women on the board, busy directors, blockholder ownership, and director qualiﬁcation on ﬁrm ﬁnancial performance based on evidence from Pakistan. Former research on the impact of board features on company ﬁnancial performance is built on contradictory theoretical viewpoints and factual results, which are primarily built on regression and are equivocal. Based on the con- ﬁgurational analysis, this study clariﬁes previously ambiguous ﬁndings concerning the link between keyboard attributes and business ﬁnancial success. This research draws upon theories, including resource dependence and agency theory. The study utilized fuzzy-set qualitative comparative analysis to examine a sample of 60 non-ﬁnancial companies listed on the Pakistan Stock Exchange (PSX). Data referred to the pre-crisis period. Findings have shown that diﬀerent combinations of board attributes can signiﬁcantly impact a ﬁrm proﬁtability, i.e. return on assets (ROA) and return on equity (ROE). Practical implications spotlight the policymakers need to evaluate corporations current level of regulatory and competitive development to plan strategy accordingly. It emphasises unique governance solutions for the non-ﬁnancial sector.
Nanoindentation Hardness, Strain-Rate Sensitivity, and Corrosion Response of Additively Manufactured Metals
Authors: Haghshenas Meysam , Nasiri Ali
Published: April 2023

This article provides a detailed discussion on nanoindentation hardness, high-strain-rate behavior and strain-rate sensitivity, and corrosion response of additively manufactured (AM) metals. It summarizes the most commonly used AM alloys for applications in harsh environments and their respective corrosion responses in various service environments. It also provides several case studies on location-dependent properties, microstructural evolution, and indentation strain-rate sensitivity of various additively manufactured alloys.
In-Process Thermography of Metal Additive Manufacturing Processes
Authors: Lane Brandon , Deisenroth David
Published: April 2023

This article provides readers with a brief review of the applications of thermography in additive manufacturing (AM), which still is largely a research and development (R&D) effort. There is a particular focus on metals-based laser powder-bed fusion (L-PBF), although applications in directed-energy deposition (DED) and electron beam PBF (E-PBF) also are mentioned. The metrological basis of thermography is discussed in the article. Background information on radiation thermometry is provided, including how the various equations are applied. Finally, specific examples and lessons learned from various AM thermographic studies at the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) are provided.
Creep Performance of Additively Manufactured Alloys
Authors: Wu S. , Zhu Y.M. , Huang A.J.
Published: April 2023

This article briefly introduces the concept of creep properties of additively manufactured (AM) alloys, with a focus on the effects of the characteristic microstructure of AM alloys on creep performance. Relevant postprocessing treatment also is discussed, in relation to improved creep performance based on the improvement of AM initial microstructure.
VALOR NUTRITIVO DA SILAGEM DE CAPIM-ELEFANTE EM DIFERENTES IDADES DE REBROTA
Authors: Sauceda Mayra Suyapa , Gonçalves de Abreu Joadil , Barros Assis Lucas Matheus , Ferreira Eduardo André , Lima Corrêa Abreu Matheus , De Faria Dayana Aparecida
Published: April 2023

Objetivou-se avaliar o valor nutritivo e características fermentativas de silagem de capim-elefante em diferentes idades de rebrota com farelo de arroz como aditivo. O delineamento foi em blocos casualizados com cinco tratamentos (idades: 42, 60, 76, 91 e 105 dias de rebrota) e quatro repetições. Utilizou-se o farelo de arroz a 10% da massa volumosa aplicado na forragem de capim-elefante antes da ensilagem. Foram analisados os teores de matéria seca (MS), carboidratos solúveis (CS), capacidade tampão (CT), coeficiente de fermentação (CF); valor de pH, teores de nitrogênio amoniacal (N-NH3), cinzas, proteína bruta (PB), fibra em detergente ácido (FDA) e em detergente neutro corrigida para cinzas e proteína (FDNcp), proteína insolúvel em detergente neutro (PIDN) e ácido (PIDA), fibra em detergente neutro indigestível (FDNi), energia líquida de lactação (ELL), digestibilidade in vitro da matéria seca (DIVMS), volume assintótico gás (Vf) e taxa de digestão da fração rapidamente (k1) e lentamente (k2) digestível, latência (L). Exceto para PIDN e taxa de k2, verificou-se efeito linear significativo (P<0,05) para as variáveis analisadas. Recomenda-se ensilar o capim-elefante com farelo de arroz (10%) até a idade de 60 dias, pois as silagens produzidas apresentam excelente valor nutricional. Palavras-chave: aditivo; características fermentativas; Pennisetum purpureum.   Nutritive value of elephant grass silage at different regrowth ages   ABSTRACT: The objective of this study was to evaluate the nutritive value and fermentative characteristics of elephant grass silage at different regrowth ages with rice meal as an additive. The design was in randomized blocks with five treatments (ages: 42, 60, 76, 91 and 105 days of regrowth) and four repetitions. Rice meal was used at 10% of the volume mass applied to elephant grass forage before ensiling. The dry matter (DM), soluble carbohydrates (SC), buffer capacity (BC), fermentation coefficient (FC); pH value, ammonia nitrogen content (N-NH3), ash, crude protein (CP), acid detergent fiber (ADF) and neutral detergent fiber corrected for ash and protein (NDFap), neutral detergent-insoluble protein (NDIP) and acid (ADIP) ), indigestible neutral detergent fiber (iNDF), net lactation energy (NLE), in vitro dry matter digestibility (IVDM), gas asymptotic volume (Vf) and fraction digestion rate rapidly (k1) and slowly (k2 ) digestible, latency (L) were analyzed. Except for NDIP and K2 rate, there was a significant linear effect (P<0,05) for the analyzed variables.  It is recommended to ensile the elephant grass with rice meal (10%) until the age of 60 days because the silages produced have excellent nutritional value. Keywords: aditive; fermentative characteristics; Pennisetum purpureum.
PEDAGOGICAL CONDITIONS FOR THE FORMATION OF INFORMATION AND DIGITAL COMPETENCE IN YOUNGER SCHOOL STUDENTS AT COMPUTER SCIENCE LESSONS
Authors: Mukoviz Oleksii , Krasyuk Lyudmila , Motsyk Rostislav
Published: April 2023

The article presents the theoretical justification of the pedagogical conditions for the formation of information and digital competence in younger school students at Computer science classes. In the research process, certain pedagogical conditions were identified and systematized, which must be observed for the effective formation of information and digital competence in younger schoolchildren, namely: stepwise formation of information and digital competence; systematic digitization of the computer science education process; proper motivational provision of the educational process.

Keywords: pedagogical conditions; information and digital competence; younger schoolchildren; informatics; information technologies; educational activity; information; information culture; computer
IMPLEMENTATION OF MOBILE LEARNING TECHNOLOGIES IN THE SYSTEM OF DISTANCE EDUCATION
Authors: Tkachuk Stanislav , Melnyk Oleksii , Voroshilov Serhiy
Published: April 2023

Mobile learning is analyzed as an organization and solution of problems for complex, systematic informatization of educational activities and the implementation of measures aimed at integrating educational, scientific and managerial activities of an educational institution for the training of competitive specialists who possess a professional specialty based on modern information and telecommunication technologies. It is shown that the implementation of mobile learning involves solving a number of tasks; the development of mobile learning tools forces a new look at the technologies for implementing distance learning. The mission of an educational institution that implements mobile learning is to realize the transition from an industrial society to an information society, to use a network information and educational environment, to provide open and distance education throughout life or work based on new information and telecommunication technologies. Such an educational institution offers educational services based on a combination of network, video interactive technology and wireless access to resources, anytime and anywhere. The author's view on the formation of the mobile learning system in open distance education consists in the formulation of key provisions, which we include: the vision of mobile learning; the goal of an educational institution implementing mobile learning; purpose and tasks of mobile learning in open distance education; mobile learning technologies; didactic possibilities, properties and functions of mobile learning; multimedia core as a basis and carrier of mobile learning knowledge. As part of the research, we formulated a vision of mobile learning in an educational institution, which we understand as an ideal picture of the future, as a state that can be achieved under the most favorable conditions.

Keywords: e-learning technologies; distance education; mobile learning; educational process; interactive learning; information and communication technologies; electronic training courses; LMS Moodle
FORMATION OF SOFT SKILLS IN PUPILS THROUGH THE CONTENTS OF “CIVIC EDUCATION” COURSE
Authors: Vozna Zoia
Published: April 2023

The article researches the didactic resource of the subject field “Civic Education” regarding the possibilities to form a complex of soft skills at high-schoolers. The means of analysis of the methodological tools of the course revealed that the main components of soft skills, which were summarized in four groups in the study, namely: educational, literacy skills, social and personal skills, can be acquired at the lessons; groups of methods that can be used as trainings to form comprehensive skills at pupils were proposed. In the course of the study, it was established that some universal skills, such as leadership qualities, time management, flexibility, need to be specified through separate courses, which was the area of mutual responsibility of the subjects of the educational process. It was confirmed that teaching should take place on the basis of a balance between the formation of hard skills and soft skills, which corresponded to the conceptual principles of the New Ukrainian School reform and the new challenges of a globalized society. The relevance of the idea of a holistic approach to education grounding on the principle of balance, which involved a harmonious combination of mental development with emotional, creative, and spiritual one was determined; inclusiveness, which meant building an educational process based on dialogicity, partnership and connection of knowledge and experience. It was confirmed that the search for effective strategies for the formation of soft skills and forms of their implementation by means of subjects of various educational fields remained a promising direction of research in pedagogical theory and practice, requiring reflection and dissemination of experience at various levels of education.

Keywords: soft skills; universal competences; educational process; civic education; comprehensive skills; methods of soft skills formation; holistic approach to teaching; educational practices.
Security in the system of economic interests of the enterprise
Authors:   State University of Trade and Economics, BLAKYTA Hanna , BOGMA Olena ,   State University of Trade and Economics, SILAKOVA Hanna ,   State University of Trade and Economics
Published: April 2023

Introduction. In the conceptual foun­dations of the theory of economic security of the enterprise, which determine the strategy, tactics and tools of its provision, one of the main places belongs to the economic interests of the enterprise. Problem. In the conditions of a full-scale military aggression of the Russian Federa­tion in Ukraine, maintaining the necessary and suf­ficient level of economic security is one of the main problems of any domestic enter­prise. The above mentioned determines the expediency of their in-depth study, in parti­cular by constructing modern classifica­tions of the economic interests of the enterprise. The aim of the article is to supplement the classification features of the economic interests of the enterprise in the theory of economic security. Methods. General scientific and special methods of cognition are used: abstract-logi­cal and comparative; analysis and synthesis, analogy and system approach; theoretical gene­ralization and formulation of conclusions. Results. The main classifications of the eco­nomic interests of the enterprise, presented in the scientific literature, were studied, and certain short­comings of the features of the clas­sification of ec­onomic interests proposed by the authors were revealed. The author’s classifica­tion of the economic inte­rests of the enterprise was proposed. Supple­menting the classification of economic interests of T.V. Sak with indica­tors according to the following characteristics: according to the national form of ownership of the capital of stakeholders, according to the level of social utility, according to the level of materiality of the influence on the economic pro­cesses and economic security of the enter­prise, according to the potential of achieve­ment, according to the level of need for imple­mentation, according to the dynamics of incre­asing relevance. Conclusions. The study made it possible to clarify and supplement the main charac­teristics of the classification of the economic interests of the enterprise. The use of the pro­posed signs will contribute to deepening the understanding of the economic interests of the enterprise in the modern concept of eco­nomic security.
Співробітництво України з ЄС у сфері запобігання й протидії корупції
Authors:   Державний торговельно-економічний університет, МАЗАРАКІ Анатолій , МЕЛЬНИК Тетяна ,   Державний торговельно-економічний університет
Published: April 2023

Вступ. У контексті здобуття перемоги у війні з росією та подальшому економічному від­новленні й розбудові України надважливим постає питання подолання корупції в країні. Проблема. Як показує практика війни, корупція має свій негативний вплив на стан обороноздатності держави, оскільки передусім перешкоджає ефективному й раціональному використанню наявних фінансових ресурсів для забезпечення українських військових. Мета статті – характеристика спів­робітництва України з ЄС у сфері запобігання й протидії корупції, зокрема напрямів підтримки ЄС антикорупційної діяльності, спільних програм боротьби з корупцією та стану імплементації європейського досвіду антикорупційної політики в Україні. Методи. Застосовано методи: структурно-логічного та системно-функціонального аналізу; абстрагування та узагальнення; аналогії та порівняння; рекомендаційний. Результати. Проаналізовано напрями під­тримки ЄС у сфері протидії корупції, розробку та реалізацію спільних програм у цій сфері. Систематизовано програми та проєкти ЄС у сфері антикорупційної діяльності з аналізом їхньої результативності. Досліджено стан імплемен­тації положень, принципів і стандартів міжна­родного законодавства у сфері протидії корупції в Україні. Висновки. Дослідження імплементації євро­пейського досвіду антикорупційної політики в Україні сприятиме досягненню суттєвого прогресу в запобіганні та протидії корупції у процесі післявоєнного відновлення та відбудови України. У результаті аналізу співробітництва та досвіду європейських країн запропоновано заходи, реалізація яких призведе до ефективнішої боротьби з коруп­цією та прискорить подальший рух України у напрямі членства в Європейському Союзі, Північно­атлантичному Альянсі (НАТО) та Організації еконо­мічного співробітництва та розвитку (ОЕСР).