bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
SPECIAL ASPECTS OF USING FICTION IN BIOLOGY CLASSES
Authors:   Voronezh State Pedagogical University, Timofeev A. N.
Published: January 2022

Despite the significant achievements in various areas of pedagogy, the issue of developing students’ interest in the studied material continues to be acute. One of the instructional techniques contributing to solving this problem is related to the use of fiction and popular science literature in the natural sciences lessons. The study aims to identify special aspects of using fiction in biology lessons. The author determined and considered the fiction’s main uses in the sciences subject area. The author surveyed subject teachers to identify the number of integrated classes (biology-literature) developed and conducted by these teachers and the number of biology lessons using fiction and popular science literature. Two hundred thirty-two teachers took part in the survey. The study identified that 96.6 % of teachers surveyed do not integrate biology and literature lessons, and 96.1 % of teachers do not use additional fiction and popular science literature in their lessons, replacing it with videos from the Internet. On the example of biology and geography lessons, the author shows a variety of methodological approaches to the use of literary texts and related tasks. The study shows that the largest number of guidelines on the use of literary texts since the beginning of the XX century has been published for geographers, as the guidance papers for biologists, predominantly, began to appear much later. According to the survey, when choosing fiction, the biology teachers give preference to classical texts written in the XIX–XX centuries. The fiction of modern authors is practically not considered in biology lessons. Teachers use literary texts in biology lessons both to influence the emotional sphere of students to increase their interest in the subject and to check the level of educational material digestion. Today, the activity of teachers in the use of fiction in biology lessons has noticeably decreased, giving way to videos. One of the reasons for rear use of literary texts in the science lessons, the author considers the insufficiently high level of general training of teachers and the general reduction in the quality of education.
SPECIAL ASPECTS OF COGNITIVE FLEXIBILITY OF THE LABOUR MARKET MEMBERS OF NOVOSIBIRSK
Authors:   Ural State Pedagogical University, Chikova O. A. ,   Novosibirsk State Pedagogical University, Rasakhatskaya E. V. ,   Novosibirsk State Pedagogical University, Sartakov I. V. ,   Novosibirsk State Pedagogical University
Published: January 2022

The level of a person’s activity in the labour market mainly depends on the development of cognitive flexibility – mental ability characterizing the skill of an individual to transform cognitive attitudes adapting to new requirements of the present. The paper presents the results of measuring the cognitive flexibility of labour market members (on a sample of 380 professionally active residents of Novosibirsk). The authors measured cognitive flexibility using the Dennis & Vander Wal Cognitive Flexibility Inventory (CFI) questionnaire adapted for the Kurginyan & Osavolyuk Russian-speaking sample. The respondents were interviewed using the Google Forms anonymous survey tool. The paper aims at the study of special aspects of cognitive flexibility of Novosibirsk labour market participants. The authors studied the relations between the personal data of labour market participants (gender, age, education, marital status, financial situation, degree of activity in professional self-development) and cognitive flexibility (integral indicator and Alternatives and Control scales. The study identified that the respondents of the senior generation had a higher degree of activity in professional self-development and family people had the lower one. The Cognitive Flexibility integral indicator is most positively associated with the level of material well-being of the respondents, their involvement in the professional self-development. The authors mention gender dependence of the respondents’ cognitive flexibility indicators: the integral cognitive flexibility indicator and the Alternative scale indicator are higher in women, and the Control scale indicator is higher in men.
USING THE DUALITY PRINCIPLE WHEN CONSTRUCTING EXERCISES AT THE GEOMETRY LESSONS
Authors:   B.B. Gorodovikov Kalmyk State University, Batalaev A. V.
Published: January 2022

Geometry is one of the complex disciplines where many facts are interconnected. It is possible to develop the idea of facts interrelations through correlation using the duality principle. The duality principle is known in projective geometry, mathematical logic. This principle is clearly pronounced in one of the theorems of new triangle geometry. The traditional analytical geometry course does not study the facts of new triangle geometry. To reinforce many topics of the analytical geometry course, for example, “The distance between two points”, “The symmetrical form of the equation of a line”, “The angle between two lines”, it is reasonable to consider some facts from the new triangle geometry in the Cartesian coordinate system. Thus, an element of novelty is introduced to the reviewed material. The guidebooks on triangle geometry solve tasks through classical approaches or applying barycentric coordinates not using analytical geometry formulas. The paper proposes the constructing technique for the couples of exercises using the duality principle in the plane geometry teaching methods. Tasks are constructed for the Cartesian coordinate system as this allows demonstrating the duality of points in the drawings. In the composed exercises, two drawings are constructed in parallel columns. In different cases, the points can be the triangle-apexes, an orthocenter, or a height base. The initial triangle sides are located on the axes of coordinates, and their side lengths set up Pythagorean triple for better understanding the task-solving algorithm by the students. The symmetrical form of the equation of a line shows the necessity of analytical study since it is difficult to check the distance from the orthocenter to the orthotriangle sides in the drawings due to the small value. For many such information units, the aggregation relationships (whole-part) are set up, reflecting the geometric embedding of components.
NECESSARY COMPETENCES OF STUDENTS AND UNIVERSITY GRADUATES FOR SUCCESSFUL EMPLOYMENT
Authors:   Ural State University of Economics, Kamarova T. A.
Published: January 2022

Since 2000, the focus of employers’ attention in recruiting personnel for a company has been gradually shifting from hard skills towards soft skills. The results of a study carried out by Harvard University and Stanford Research Institute show that the contribution of hard skills to the professional success of an employee accounts for only 15 %, while soft skills add up to the remaining 85 %. Today, it is not enough for a graduate to acquire special knowledge and expertise – they are required to have soft skills to succeed in a job search. The paper discusses the issue of transformation of the qualifying requirements to the job seekers claimed by employers when hiring personnel. The objective of the work is to identify the structure of the key skills and competencies of university students and graduates essential for their successful employment. The analysis of the requirements of employers to graduates of one of the universities was carried out in 2017–2021. The empirical base was a sociological survey of the heads of Russian companies on the issues of the important soft and hard skills of young specialists. The results of the analysis prove that the rapidly changing economic conditions affect the pool of soft skills that are significant in the labor market. The paper presents the structure of soft skills, describes the pool of important skills and competencies that encourage an employer’s decision to hire an inexperienced university graduate. Thus, the results of the study confirm the importance of the development of soft and hard skills of university students and graduates.
THE ASSESSMENT OF OPERATIONAL EFFICIENCY WHEN CARRYING OUT CONTROL PROCEDURES
Authors:   Financial University under the Government of the Russian Federation, Demidova S. E.
Published: January 2022

The assessment of operational efficiency in the public finance sphere becomes an integral part of the current management approach taking into account the wide use of financial management tools in the public administration sector and the large-scale introduction of digital technologies. The control procedures influence operational efficiency affecting both directly (at the tracking stage, through the preliminary and current control procedures) and indirectly (at the identification stage, through the follow-up procedures). At the same time, there are practically no studies of the category of operational efficiency in the sphere of public administration. The paper considers the theoretical and practical approaches to the concept of operational efficiency of the budgetary funds’ usage; concretizes the concept of operational efficiency of control procedures. The author proposes the criteria and algorithm for assessing control procedures’ operational efficiency. The study relates the reserves of improvement of control procedures operational efficiency to the automation of processes and operations, systematic monitoring, and the rate of response to the identified problems and risks. The risk-oriented approach allows classifying the operations according to the digitalizing possibility reducing the eye-control options, on the one hand, and raising the requirements to the level of competence of specialists, on the other hand. This approach will make it possible to optimize control procedures, shifting them to the preliminary (preventing) and current control. The main task is to specify within the operation activity business processes and corresponding protocols of audits at various control stages. The results of control should build the base of the middle- and long-term program of operational efficiency improvement.
Applying a participatory methodology to evaluate ecosystem services in the Pampa biome: lessons learned from the Tessa methodology in Uruguay
Authors: Schossler Daniela , Nabinger Carlos , Ribeiro Claudio , Boggiano Pablo , Cadenazzi Monica , Restrepo-Osorio Diana
Published: January 2022

Identifying and measuring ecosystem services involving local stakeholders has been characterised as a novel approach in the literature. This article describes the methodology used in the participatory workshops, the lessons learned, and the specific results of applying the Tessa method. The methodology was piloted with 56 researchers and technicians, more than 22 institutions, and 54 livestock producers involved with the grassland conservation initiative, Alianza del Pastizal. Identified change agents with the most significant impact include the absence of a rural workforce, the lack of family succession, and weeding and overgrazing of grasslands. The primary ecosystem services identified included the production of fodder, meat/wool, wildlife forage, way of life/culture, and medicinal plants. The methodology presented here is replicable, capable of expansion to more groups, contributes to a better understanding, by the producers, of their problems and points to the need for the development of public incentive policies.
Municipal environmental management and regional conservation in eastern Amazon: perceived performance by public agents in the Pará state, Brazil
Authors: Silva Benedito Evandro Barros da , Azevedo-Ramos Claudia , Farias Hilder André Bezerra
Published: January 2022

Public agents play a key role in municipal environmental management (MEM) under decentralised regimes. This study aimed to evaluate the MEM through the combined perception of municipal agents and the municipal performance previously calculated by secondary data in Pará, Brazil. A questionnaire with a 5-point Likert scale was applied to environmental agents. The respondents (n = 75) from 53 municipalities were divided into poorly performing and well-performing municipalities. The perception of agents from poorly performing municipalities was more optimistic than shown by empirical data. Agents from well-performing municipalities prioritised “economic issues” as significant threats to management over the “institutional capacity” chosen by the other group, indicating a broader view of the reality. As the perception over land-use practices was vital to differentiate the agents from different groups, we concluded for the use of mixed monitoring methods and feedback information for agents for a better MEM, focusing on five variables (Rural environmental register – CAR, in Portuguese acronym; degraded area; deforested area; rural credit; and abandoned pasture) that differentiated the municipalities.
Impact evaluation based on benefit indicators (IEBBI): methodological proposal for agroecological farmers’ markets
Authors: Pérez-Castillo David
Published: January 2022

Farmers’ markets represent a growing strategy for the generation of food sovereignty and sustainability; however, little is known about their impacts in economic, social and environmental terms. The objective of this research was to develop a framework that would allow determining that impact. The resulting methodological framework includes 20 indicators divided into seven groups: proximity, profitability, perceived benefits, areas of opportunity, economic impact, social impact, and environmental impact. This methodology was applied in one agroecological farmers’ market in Mexico City. Among the results, the main benefits are linked to socioeconomic interaction, while environmental impact indicators are the least considered. This methodology can guide the design, implementation, comparison, and monitoring of this type of initiative in the medium and long term.

El marco metodológico resultante está compuesto por 20 indicadores distribuidos en siete grupos: indicadores de proximidad, rentabilidad, beneficios percibidos, áreas de oportunidad, impacto económico, impacto social e impacto ambiental. Esta metodología puede constituir una guía para orientar la política pública en el diseño, puesta en marcha, comparación y monitoreo de este tipo de iniciativas a mediano y largo plazo.
Retracted: Pierced Salt Domes in the Persian Gulf and in the Zagros Mountain Ranges in Southern Iran and their Relationship to Hydrocarbon and Basement Tectonics
Authors: Samadi Hamid Reza
Published: January 2022

The most enigmatic problems with the nearly 200 salt domes pierced in the Persian Gulf and in the Zagros Mountain Ranges (ZMR) in southern Iran, a unique morphology in the world, have been the matter of this study, which is based on a combination of field work, enhancement of satellite and aerial photographs etc. In the ZMR, structural anomalies are frequently associated with similar facies distribution patterns. In the eastern portion of the region, emergent salt plugs of Infra-Cambrian age exhibit the same alignment patterns. Such trends bear no apparent genetic relationship to the Tertiary folding responsible for the present Zagros fold belt, but rather indicate their affinity with linear basement features which are readily observable on Land sat imagery and aerial photographs. Bending of anticlines in the competent cover rock, combined with minor strike-slip faults and horizontal displacements of parts of folded structures, strongly point to the presence of these basement faults. The salt plugs, which have pierced cover rocks of up to 10000 m thick, are distributed on the Arabian Platform along regional basement faults. The area of diapir outcrops is bounded by the Oman Line to the east and by the Kazerun fault to the west. Pieces of the basement have been brought up to the surface on some of the salt domes. The fragments were transported by rotational ascent of the Hormuz Salt Formation to the present and former land surfaces. The recognition of features related to basement tectonics and realization of their implication in the control and modification of geological processes are important adjuncts to the search for hydrocarbon accumulations in this region. To our best knowledge, data of basement faults in the study area are scarce. Therefore, this study was carried out to determine basement faults and their relation to salt dome distribution. Considering the fold axes bending, the trend of the salt plugs and also the distribution of epicenters of the last century, n umerous new basement faults are introduced in this paper.
An Investigation of Mineralogy and Microscopic Structure in Kerman City Sediments
Authors: Bazanjani Mohammad Reza Aminizadeh , Lashkaripour Golam Reza , Ghafoori Mohammad , Moghadas Naser Hafezi
Published: January 2022

In this research, the microscopic structure and mineralogical changes of the soils within Kerman city have been studied. To assess compactness, consolidation and structural characteristics of sedimentary deposits, the authors used the comparing results of scanning electron microscopy (SEM) images in natural and reconstituted soils of Kerman city arena. To study the microstructure of Kerman soils, about 15 soil samples from different depths and locations were prepared and sent to the central electron microscopic laboratory in Ferdowsi University of Mashad. Selected areas were planned in such a way that they have good distribution in Kerman city confine. To understand soil structure some of the samples were reconstituted with moisture content higher than liquid limit as a result of which the post sedimentation structure was demolished. Then images of natural and reconstituted samples were compared with each other. The required tests were performed on samples in Central laboratory of Mashhad University, Iran. Using the energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy technique (EDX or EDS) chemical composition of the samples was determined to form of point. Having identified the chemical composition of minerals and compared them with typical samples, the name of soil minerals in Kerman soils was determined.
Flood Hazard Assessment and Decisions Support Using Geographic Information System: A Case Study of Uyo Capital City, Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria
Authors: Ituen Uwem J , Johnson Imoh , Nyah Ndifreke
Published: January 2022

The study aimed at assessing flood prone areas in Uyo Capital City with a view to suggesting control measures. It used 2008 NigerSat imagery, soil texture, rainfall, and road network data of Uyo. With Multi-criteria evaluation technique, the use of Geographic Information Systems (GIS), Global Positioning System (GPS), Digital Elevation Model (DEM) and single output map algebra were employed to generate flood hazard map of Uyo. The DEM was used to generate contours, terrain elevation, slope, and aspect surfaces, where aspect provided the direction of slope that contributed to flood inundation. Flood mapping was done to determine flood locations based on a 3D terrain assessment while flood hazard assessment formed the basis for flood control in the area. From the result of the study, flood hazard areas in Uyo Capital City were identified and classified into high, moderate, and low hazard zones. Based on this classification however, flood control measures have also been rated as critical, less critical, and non-critical respectively. Out of the 25 flood locations captured during the 2012 flash flood event, twelve locations were found on the critical control zones while thirteen were found on the less critical control zones. Based on the findings from this study, it was however suggested that town planners, construction companies and individuals should work in consultation with Geographers, Hydrologists and other stakeholders in the field who have adequate knowledge of the terrain and the technical ability in flood hazard modeling. Additionally, non-structural flood control measures have also been strongly advocated for implementation in the capital city of Uyo.
Identifying Potential Zones of Crime Commitment against Tourists in a Park: Conceptual and Logical Spatial Data Modeling
Authors: Shahbazi Mozhdeh
Published: January 2022

Location is considered as an important element in studying tourism security. Therefore, mapping crime hotspots has recently been an interesting research topic in tourism development. In order to identify crime patterns and hotspots, it is essential to create a database containing the required spatial data. It should also be integrated with additional qualitative/quantitative attributes affecting criminal actions. Designing a geographic information system (GIS) can be considered as the most efficient way to deal with this problem considering the complex nature of tourism security. This paper presents the theoretical scheme of spatial data modeling with the purpose of indentifying potential crime zones within a developed park. From the spatial point of view, the factors and the constraints, which make a location vulnerable, are defined. The entities are identified by their attributes and characterized by their relationships. Finally, the conceptual and the logical models to create the crime suitability maps are generated. The models provided in this paper are designed in an explicit way; therefore, they can be easily modified or generalized for any specific case study. The presented data modeling procedure can be applied to generate essential databases for crime mapping via any GIS software.
On Statistical Definition of Free and Fair Election: Bivariate Normal Distribution Model
Authors: Wesonga Ronald , Nabugoomu Fabian , Owino Abraham , Atuhaire Leonard , Ssekiboobo Agnes , Mugisha Xavier , Ntozi James , Makumbi Tom , Jehopio Peter , Ocaya Bruno
Published: January 2022

The coining of the expression free and fair was a good way towards evaluating elections, but fell short of qualifying its real quantification to guide an informed judgment; this paper provides guidance for such a definition. Data from the Uganda National Baseline Survey were used to assess the dynamics of the determinants for a free and fair election. All determinants were statistically significant (p<0.01) for the two multinomial models (free and fair election models). The predicted probabilities for free and fair were each used as inputs to form probability distribution function could jointly define the expression free and fair using a bivariate normal distribution. A strong positive correlation was identified between an election being free and fair (ρ=0.9693,p<0.01) implying the reliability of the statistical models in jointly considering free and fair. The study recommends development of central statistical computational system to inform electoral bodies and judges in passing scientifically backed ruling on whether an election is free and fair. A threshold percentage for any election to be referred to as free and fair could be developed either deterministically or stochastically and provisions of which passed under electoral law.
Retracted: Applications of Mathematical Modeling for Sensitivity and Sustainability in Supply Chain Flexibility
Authors: Farok G. M. G , Wahab M. I.M
Published: January 2022

Supply Chain Management (SCM) demands management of complex dependencies for sensitivity and sustainability on contest of teams, departments, drivers and matrices. It requires risk analysis of global partnerships, win-win contracts and sharing agreements with relevant companies. Supply Chain flexibility, drivers and metrics may include measurements for procurement, production, transportation, inventory, warehousing, material handling, packaging and customer service. There are hundreds of sensitivity that can be used to score Supply Chain Management performance. These results would lead to support and accommodate the sustainability which can be influenced by supply strategies and decisions on supply chain flexibility.
Agric Financing and its Impact on Agricultural GDP: An ARDL Approach
Authors: Victor C Ndubuaku , E.U Okoro Okoro , Kabiru Bello , Chiaka P Alozie
Published: January 2022

This research investigated the impact of agricultural financing on agricultural sector contribution to GDP in Nigeria. The objective of the study was to determine whether agricultural financing had any significant impact on agricultural contribution to GDP in Nigeria. The dataset covered a 36year period from 1981-2016. Data was sourced from the CBN statistical Bulletin. The dependent variable was the Agricultural GDP (AGDP). The independent variables were government funding {represented by Government Capital Expenditure on Agriculture (GCAG) and Government Recurrent Expenditure on Agriculture (GRAG) }, Agric Credit Guarantee scheme Fund (ACGSF) and Commercial Banks’ Credit, Loans and Advances to the Agricultural Sector (CBCA). Standard analytical tests were used to determine the properties of the data. The Auto Regressive Distributed Lagged regression model (ARDL) was used to estimate the data. The study found that government funding to agriculture and Agric Credit Guarantee scheme Fund (ACGSF) had a non-significant impact on Agricultural Contribution to GDP (AGDP). On the other hand, the study found that Commercial Banks’ Credit, Loans and Advances to the Agricultural Sector (CBCA) had a positively significant impact on AGDP. The study recommended the sustenance of government policy that encouraged consistent injection of funds into agriculture. It advocated that a sizeable portion of Commercial Banks’ credit should be channelled to agricultural production.
Distribution of Trace Metals in Vertebrate and Invertebrate Species from Ubeji Creek, Southern Nigeria
Authors: Ndinwa G.C.C , Peretomode M , Asiagbe T
Published: January 2022

Trace metals content in water, fishes (Tilapia mariae, Clarias gariepinus), earthworm (Libydrius violaceous) and sediment were determined from Ubeji River using Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer (AAS). Metals determined were lead, cadmium, zinc, mercury, arsenic, copper and Iron. The results obtained revealed that all the metals were detected. Also, there were variations in metal levels in the samples. Highest Zn level was obtained in all the samples analysed (0.284ppm and 0.284ppm in water, 24.0mg/kg in Clarias gariepinus, 28.8mg/kg in Tilapia mariae, 1.16mg/kg in earthworm and 0.64mg/kg in sediment). The concentrations of trace metals obtained in this study are found to be dangerous. The metal levels in water from Ubeji River are higher than the WHO/FEPA standards for water quality. The concentrations of lead, zinc and copper obtained in the whole body of fishes exceeded the WHO/FEPA set standards for aquatic life. The presence of trace metals found in the sample from Ubeji River is attributed to the proximity of petroleum activity, construction works and other allied companies.
Studies on Life Fecundity Tables of Tobacco Leaf Eatingcaterpillar, Spodoptera Litura (Fabricius) On Tobacco, Nicotiana Tabacum (Linnaeus)
Authors: Patil R. A , Mehta D. M , Jat B. L , Ghetiya L. V
Published: January 2022

Studies on Life tables of Spodoptera litura, were carried out on bidi tobacco cv ABD-101 under laboratory condition at 26 ± 1 °C temperature at Bidi Tobacco Research Station, Anand Agricultural University, Anand (Gujarat). The results on number of individuals survived during development revealed that there was no mortality during egg stage and the maximum durations of egg, larva and pupa were 4, 22 and 14 days, respectively. The number that survived from 100 eggs to adult emergence was 76. The pre-oviposition period was ranged from 41 to 42 days of pivotal age. Females contributed highest number of progeny (mx = 328.12) in the life cycle on the 45th day of pivotal age. The net reproductive potential (Ro) was 758.93 females with the mean length of generation period (T) of 45.67 days. The innate capacity for increase (rm) and finite rate of increase () were found to be 0.1462 and 1.1574 females/ female/ day, respectively with a weekly multiplication rate (λ)7 of 2.78 times. The hypothetical F2 females were found to be 575974.70. Results on per cent contribution of different growth stages in stable age distribution revealed that the egg stage contributed was maximum (52.64%), while the contribution of larvae, pupae and adults were 45.86, 1.36 and 0.12, respectively at stable age distribution of S. litura on tobacco cv. ABD-101.
The Effects of Carbohydrate and Caffeine Mouth Rinsing on Arm Crank Time-Trial Performance
Authors: Sinclair Jonathan , Bottoms Lindsay
Published: January 2022

This study aimed to determine whether carbohydrate (CHO) and caffeine (CAFF) mouth rinsing would improve 30 minute arm cranking time-trial performance. Twelve male participants (age 21.54 ± 1.28 years, height 179.46 ± 7.38 cm and mass 73.69 ± 5.40 kg) took part in the current investigation. Participants came to the laboratory on 3 occasions during which they performed 30 minute self-paced arm crank time trials. On one occasion water was given as a mouth rinse for 5 s (PLA), on another occasion a 6.4% CHO solution was given for 5 s and finally a 0.032% CAFF solution was given for 5s. Key measurements of distance covered, heart rate (HR), ratings of perceived exertion (RPE), cadence and power output were recorded throughout all trials. Distance covered during the CAFF (15.43 ± 3.27 km) and CHO (15.30 ± 3.31) mouth rinse trials were significantly (p<0.05) greater in comparison to PLA (13.15 ± 3.36 km). Cadence and power output and velocity were also significantly greater during the CAFF and CHO trials compared to PLA and CHO (p<0.05). No significant (P>0.05) differences between trials were observed for HR and RPE. CAFF and CHO mouth rinse serve to improve 30 minute arm cranking performance by mediating increasing cadence and power output without a concurrent increase in RPE and HR.
Effect of Different Chronotype on Comorbidity and Resistance to Psycho-Emotional Stress in Hypertension Associated With Hepato-Biliary Pathology in the North
Authors: EV Sevostyanova , VI Hasnulin
Published: January 2022

Study of the alien inhabitants of the North - hypertensive patients with concomitant pathology of the hepato-biliary system, depending on morning or evening chronotype showed greater severity of comorbidity of hypertension and pathology of the hepato-biliary system in patients with morning chronotype. Psychophysiological analysis revealed higher level of psycho-emotional stress accompanied by violation of psychophysiological functions, important in disturbances of adaptation to natural factors and the increase in the degree of desynchronosis in patients with morning chronotype. The greater resistance to psycho-emotional stress in patients living in the North of evening chronotype was revealed.
Turkish Preschool Children’s Pragmatic Competence on Apologies: The Influence of Sociolinguistic Factors and Contextual Variables
Authors: ZEREY Özge Gül , SOFU Hatice
Published: January 2022

This study explores Turkish preschool children’s pragmatic competence with regard to their apology realization patterns. Children’s meta-pragmatic knowledge of apologies was tested and two different age groups (4;0-4;11 and 5;0-6;0) (N=100) were compared to trace possible developmental trends with increasing age in terms of complexity, variety and type of strategies they utilized. Additionally, all the children were grouped according to gender in order to detect the potential effect of this factor on children’s apologizing behaviors. Finally, the range of children’s socio-pragmatic skills was evidenced by tracing their sensitivity in their strategy usage to the severity of the offense as a contextual variable which has a potential effect on speakers’ manner of apologizing. Eight offence scenarios were designed and implemented in the form of Oral Discourse Completion Task (ODCT). The responses were transcribed and phrases for apologizing were classified into categories. The results indicated similarities and differences when compared to adult-usage and children’s tendencies in other languages.
Semantic Content of Turkish Children’s Private Speech
Authors: UÇAR Emel , SOFU Hatice
Published: January 2022

In the present study, the content of private speech that Turkish monolingual children produced was investigated. Data were obtained from 28 children between the ages of 3;1 and 5;7 in three age groups while they were playing with a wooden toy house and its figures. The content categories of Winsler et al. (2003) were used in this study with a slight alteration in one of the categories due to the nature of the data. The results obtained in this study presented both similarities and differences with the existing literature. Children in all age groups produced the highest amount of private speech in Description of the Environment and Task category. There were no private speech utterances in Motivational/Evaluative Statements in children’s private speech. The results suggest that planning, problem solving and self-regulatory functions of private speech are represented in its content. In addition, linguistic and pragmatic features of social speech are observed in the content and language of private speech.
Prevalence of and factors associated with overweight and obesity among nursery school children aged 3-6 years in Eldoret Municipality
Authors:   Moi University, Eldoret, Kenya, Wandia FB , Ettyang GK ,   Moi University, Eldoret, Kenya, Mbagaya G ,   Chepkoilel University College, Eldoret, Kenya
Published: January 2022

Childhood overweight and obesity is a serious emerging problem in both developed and developing countries. The developed world is already grappling with a proportionately high burden of obesity in children, with the developing countries experiencing a double burden of under nutrition and over nutrition. Obesity posses a significant public health threat to children as it has a significant impact on both their physical and psychological health. Furthermore, childhood overweight and obesity has been associated with an increase in cardiovascular risk factors in adult life. The objective of this study was to determine the prevalence of overweight and obesity among nursery school children aged 3-6 years in Eldoret Municipality and to identify the associated factors. Crosssectional study of 320 nursery school children aged 3-6 years was carried out in 20 nursery schools sampled from Eldoret Municipality. Simple random sampling proportionate to each of the schools population size was used to select the children. A child’s anthropometric data, which was converted to Weight – for- Height z-scores, was used to determine the prevalence of overweight and obesity. A structured questionnaire was used to collect data. Anthropometric data was analyzed using WHO anthro software for child standards in monitoring and growth. Data was analyzed using SPSS version 12.0 and Epi Info version 3.4.3. Chi-square test of association and logistic regression (binary) was used to determine the significant variables affecting the prevalence of overweight and obesity. All p values <0.05 were considered to be statistically significant. Results indicated that the prevalence of overweight was 13.4% and obesity 6.9%. Type of school, owning television, parent’s employment status and mode of transport to school were each independently significantly associated with overweight and obesity of the children. In conclusion, overweight and obesity exist in nursery school children in Eldoret Municipality, Kenya. Increase in physical activities should be ensured both at home and in the communities.
Processing of fluted pumpkin seeds, Telfairia occidentalis (hook f) as it affects growth performance and nutrient metabolism in rats
Authors:   Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile Ife, Nigeria, Kuku A , Etti UJ ,   Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile Ife, Nigeria, Ibironke IS ,   Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile Ife, Nigeria
Published: January 2022

This study determined the nutrient and some anti-nutrient components in Telfairia occidentalis seeds. The work also evaluated the effects of processing on some of the anti-nutritional factors in the seeds as well as growth and animal metabolism. Fresh seeds of T. occidentalis were divided into three groups based on heat treatment: group 1, the unprocessed (raw) seeds; group 2, the under-processed seeds (heat-treated at 70oC for 30 min); and group 3, the processed seeds (cooked at 100oC for 1 hr). Seeds from each group were de-hulled, sun-dried and pulverized. Portions from each group were subjected to proximate composition analysis; trypsin inhibitor and lectin content were also measured in the seeds. The dried seed samples were incorporated into the diets of experimental animals. Twenty albino rats were randomly divided into four groups and fed with the control or experimental diets for a period of 21 days. During this period, body weights of the animals and feed intake were recorded daily and feces and urine were collected. At the end of experimental period, blood samples were collected from the animals for heamatological analysis, then the animals were sacrificed and some key organs were excised for histopathological analysis. Results showed that the seeds contained essential nutrients and that processing significantly affected the lectin and trypsin inhibitor (anti-nutrients) in the seeds. In comparison with control animals, the parameters measured which included body weight gain, nutrient digestibility, nitrogen balance, nitrogen retention and hematological parameters were markedly different among the three groups of animals fed diets incorporated with the seeds. Histopathological analysis indicated that the spleen and small intestines were adversely affected in the experimental animals. In conclusion, T. occidentalis seeds have high nutritive value, but could have deleterious effects in animals if ingested without adequate processing. It could, however serve as a high quality and low cost plant protein source for animal feed formulations provided adequate seed processing is ensured.
Comparison of the activation capabilities of hemosorbents by adhesion rate of blood cells in vitro
Authors: Kuznetsov S. I. , Kirichuk O. P. , Burkova N. V. , Yuriev G. O. , Davankov V. A. , Postnov V. N. , Romanchuk E. V. , Sviridov E. E. , Kiseleva A. D.
Published: January 2022

Background: The relevance of the work lies in the search for new hemocontact drugs with hemocompatibility and a pronounced activation effect on the cellular and humoral blood systems for their possible use in clinical practice during low-volume hemoperfusion.

The aim of this work was to assess the activation capabilities of three granular hemosorbents by the rate of adhesion of blood cellular elements to the surface of granules in vitro.

Materials and methods. When using the method of low-volume hemoperfusion (LVH) in the clinic it is important to take into account the activation properties of solid-phase granular drugs. Blood-contact interaction was carried out in bench conditions with the use of donated blood in rotary mode. Blood samples were taken before the experiment and after 5, 20, 40 and 60 minutes. Changes in blood cell and subcellular populations were evaluated using the Sysmex XT 1800i hematological analyzer (26 parameters), which made it possible to indirectly judge the activation of blood cells. 30 experiments were conducted. To analyze the activation functions of the hemocontact preparations the speed-time adhesive profile of blood cells on the sorbent was used.

Results. The effect of using the preparations Silochrome S-120 and SPS in comparison with SСT-6A HP as contact hemoactivators can be more pronounced, since the activation potential of these sorbents for blood cells is much higher. Silochrome S-120 has the highest activation capabilities compared to SPS and SKT-6A HP.

Conclusion. Adhesion rate indicators can be indicators of the activation of blood cells upon contact with foreign surfaces and serve as a criterion for assessing the activation capabilities of these surfaces when using the LVH method in the clinic.
Rektorka, dziekana, kanclerka. Męskie i żeńskie nazwy kobiet zatrudnionych na stanowiskach uniwersyteckich w świetle badania ankietowego
Authors: Szpyra-Kozłowska Jolanta
Published: January 2022

Celem artykułu jest zbadanie preferencji nauczycielek akademickich dotyczących stosowania przez nie żeńskich i męskich nazw uniwersyteckich funkcji, stanowisk i stopni naukowych. Dane pozyskano w badaniu ankietowym, przeprowadzonym pod koniec 2020 roku z udziałem 228 pań z 15 polskich uczelni. Respondentki deklarują dwukrotnie częstsze stosowanie nazw męskich niż żeńskich, zwłaszcza w języku oficjalnym, częściej używają feminatywów utrwalonych już w języku niż neologizmów oraz chętniej akceptują nowe nazwy z przyrostkiem -ka niż rzeczowniki utworzone paradygmatycznie. Najwięcej form męskich stosują respondentki w stopniu magistra oraz z tytułem profesora, a najmniej w stopniu doktora i doktora habilitowanego. Im krótszy staż pracy ankietowanych na uczelni, tym większy udział feminatywów w ich odpowiedziach, i odwrotnie – wraz z dłuższym okresem zatrudnienia uczestniczek maleje użycie przez nie nazw żeńskich i wzrasta męskich.
W obronie języka czy w obawie przed zmianą? Manipulacje językowe w prawicowych tekstach publicystycznych o nazwach żeńskich
Authors: Jankowski Hubert
Published: January 2022

Choć nazwy żeńskie od wieków należą do zasobów leksykalnych polszczyzny, to kategoria feminatywum wciąż wzbudza sporo emocji zarówno wśród użytkowników języka polskiego, jak i w mediach. Artykuł jest analizą opublikowanych na przełomie 2019 i 2020 roku prawicowych tekstów publicystycznych dotyczących nazw żeńskich. Analiza poświęcona jest wskazaniu i omówieniu pojawiających się w tekstach manipulacji językowych oraz użytych przez ich twórców technik erystycznych. Autor zaczyna od nakreślenia statusu nazw żeńskich oraz zarysowania dziejów tej kategorii w polszczyźnie. W dalszej części osadza badania w kontekście współczesnego dyskursu publicystycznego o feminatywach oraz określa metodologię, którą będzie się posługiwał. W części analitycznej, odnosząc się do przykładów z analizowanych tekstów, kolejno wskazuje pojawiające się manipulacje językowe oraz opisuje użyte techniki erystyczne. W podsumowaniu autor sugeruje, że temat feminatywów w prawicowej prasie okazuje się tylko pretekstem do ideologicznych sporów.
The intersection between systems theory and grounded theory: the emergence of the grounded systems observer
Authors: Gibson Barry , Gregory Jane , Robinson Peter G
Published: January 2022

The aim of this paper is to outline how a theoretical intersection between systems theory and grounded theory could be articulated. The paper proceeds by marking that the important difference between systems theory and grounded theory is primarily reflected in the distinction between a revision of social theory on the one hand and the generation of theory for the social world on the other. It then explores figures of thought in philosophy that relate closely to aspects of Luhmann’s theory of social systems. An effectual intersection, an operational intersection, an intersection based on the concept of primary redundancy and a global/transcendental intersection between systems theory and grounded theory are proposed. The paper then goes on to briefly outline several methodological consequences of the intersection for a grounded systems methodology. It concludes by discussing the sort of knowledge for the social world that is likely to emerge from this mode of observation.
Biographies in talk: A narrative-discursive research approach
Authors: Taylor Stephanie , Littleton Karen
Published: January 2022

This paper demonstrates the contribution a synthetic narrativediscursive approach can make to understanding biographical work within a research interview. Our focus is on biographical work as part of the ongoing, interactive process through which identities are taken up. This is of particular interest for people who, for example, are entering a new career and can be seen as “novices” in the sense that they are constructing and claiming a new identity. Following a discussion of the theoretical and methodological background in narrative, discourse analytic and discursive work in social psychology (e.g. Bruner, 1990; Edley, 2001; Potter and Wetherell, 1987; Wetherell, 1998), the paper presents an analysis of biographical talk from an interview study with postgraduate Art and Design students. Our interest is in their identity work, including biographical work, as novices in their fields. The analysis illustrates the approach and the key analytic concepts of, first, shared discursive resources, such as interpretative repertoires (e.g. Edley, 2001) and canonical narratives (e.g. Bruner, 1991), and, secondly, troubled identities (e.g. Wetherell and Edley, 1998; Taylor, 2005a) . It shows how speakers’ biographical accounts are shaped and constrained by the meanings which prevail within the larger society. For our participants, these include established understandings of the nature and origins of an artistic or creative identity, and the biographical trajectory associated with it. The particular focus of our approach is on how, in a speaker’s reflexive work to construct a biographical narrative, the versions produced in previous tellings become a constraint and a source of continuity.
COVID-19 in the International Year of Plant Health
Authors: Gutiérrez-Samperio José Jorge
Published: January 2022

Pests, in their broad sense, have played an important part in the history of humankind. We could say that humans, crops and pests have walked together through life. Codices, glyphs, paintings and countless ancient documents, including the Bible and the Koran, bear witness to this. Humanity has been attacked by its own diseases, but also by those that limit them from obtaining food and deteriorate the environment. COVID-19, which is now troubling us and was declared a pandemic by the World Health Organization in March of 2020, became a part of the list of experiences we have suffered in the past, with pests or epidemics that caused millions of deaths by diseases or famines. It is paradoxical that this health contingency occurs when the United Nations General Assembly, on December 20th, 2018, in its resolution A/RES/73/252 decides to declare 2020 the International Year of Plant Health in order to “highlight the importance of plant health to improve food security, protect the environment and biodiversity and boost economic development” according to the pronouncement by the FAO. For the first time, in an era with great technological and scientific breakthroughs, humanity was aware of its vulnerability against the inevitable evolution of life forms in the face of dilemmas global impact caused by human beings. Thus, the pest or parasite makes its own declaration of existential preeminence through SARS-CoV-2 to remind us that the health of humans or plants is the essence of life and its continuity. But perhaps absolute health is not enough. It is necessary to find a balance in a world overwhelmed by giving so much in return for almost nothing to everyone living on it. If the sensor of our anthropocentric intervention of the world is climate change, then biological chaos is a masterpiece. The reemergence of pests and diseases considered eradicated, or those of zoonotic origin that had never accompanied our existence is a surreal dystopia that we will never be able to deny again.