bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
What are the determinants of vegetable intake among adolescents from socioeconomically disadvantaged urban areas? A systematic review of qualitative studies
Authors: Bel-Serrat Silvia , von der Schulenburg Antje , Marques-Previ Maria , Mullee Amy , Murrin Celine M
Published: December 2022

Background

Evidence available on the determinants of vegetable intake in young populations is inconsistent. Vegetable intake is particularly low in adolescents from less-affluent backgrounds, yet no systematic review of qualitative studies investigating determinants for vegetable intake specifically has been conducted to date in this group. This systematic review aimed to identify determinants of vegetable intake in adolescents from socioeconomically disadvantaged urban areas located in very high-income countries reported in qualitative studies.

Methods

Five electronic databases (PubMed, Web of Science, CINAHL, PsycINFO and ERIC) were searched until August 2022. The search strategy used combinations of synonyms for vegetable intake, adolescents, and qualitative methodologies. Main inclusion criteria were studies exploring views and experiences of motivators and barriers to vegetable intake in a sample of adolescents aged 12–18 years from socioeconomically disadvantaged urban areas in very high income countries. Study quality assessment was conducted using criteria established in a previous review.

Results

Sixteen studies were included out of the 984 screened citations and 63 full texts. The synthesis of findings identified the following determinants of vegetable intake: sensory attributes of vegetables; psychosocial factors (nutrition knowledge, preferences/liking, self-efficacy, motivation); lifestyle factors (cost/price, time, convenience); fast food properties (taste, cost, satiety); home environment and parental influence; friends’ influence; school food environment, nutrition education and teachers’ support; and availability and accessibility of vegetables in the community and community nutrition practices. Studies attained between 18 and 49 out of 61 quality points, with eleven of 16 studies reaching ≥ 40 points. One main reason for lower scores was lack of data validation.

Conclusion

Multiple determinants of vegetable intake were identified complementing those investigated in quantitative studies. Future large scale quantitative studies should attempt to examine the relative importance of these determinants in order to guide the development of successful interventions in adolescents from socioeconomically disadvantaged backgrounds.
Mendelian randomization analyses in ocular disease: a powerful approach to causal inference with human genetic data
Authors: Li Jiaxin , Li Cong , Huang Yu , Guan Peng , Huang Desheng , Yu Honghua , Yang Xiaohong , Liu Lei
Published: December 2022

Ophthalmic epidemiology is concerned with the prevalence, distribution and other factors relating to human eye disease. While observational studies cannot avoid confounding factors from interventions, human eye composition and structure are unique, thus, eye disease pathogenesis, which greatly impairs quality of life and visual health, remains to be fully explored. Notwithstanding, inheritance has had a vital role in ophthalmic disease. Mendelian randomization (MR) is an emerging method that uses genetic variations as instrumental variables (IVs) to avoid confounders and reverse causality issues; it reveals causal relationships between exposure and a range of eyes disorders. Thus far, many MR studies have identified potentially causal associations between lifestyles or biological exposures and eye diseases, thus providing opportunities for further mechanistic research, and interventional development. However, MR results/data must be interpreted based on comprehensive evidence, whereas MR applications in ophthalmic epidemiology have some limitations worth exploring. Here, we review key principles, assumptions and MR methods, summarise contemporary evidence from MR studies on eye disease and provide new ideas uncovering aetiology in ophthalmology.
MTAP loss: a possible therapeutic approach for glioblastoma
Authors: Patro C. Pawan K. , Biswas Nupur , Pingle Sandeep C. , Lin Feng , Anekoji Misa , Jones Lawrence D. , Kesari Santosh , Wang Feng , Ashili Shashaanka
Published: December 2022

Glioblastoma is the most lethal form of brain tumor with a recurrence rate of almost 90% and a survival time of only 15 months post-diagnosis. It is a highly heterogeneous, aggressive, and extensively studied tumor. Multiple studies have proposed therapeutic approaches to mitigate or improve the survival for patients with glioblastoma. In this article, we review the loss of the 5′-methylthioadenosine phosphorylase (MTAP) gene as a potential therapeutic approach for treating glioblastoma. MTAP encodes a metabolic enzyme required for the metabolism of polyamines and purines leading to DNA synthesis. Multiple studies have explored the loss of this gene and have shown its relevance as a therapeutic approach to glioblastoma tumor mitigation; however, other studies show that the loss of MTAP does not have a major impact on the course of the disease. This article reviews the contrasting findings of MTAP loss with regard to mitigating the effects of glioblastoma, and also focuses on multiple aspects of MTAP loss in glioblastoma by providing insights into the known findings and some of the unexplored areas of this field where new approaches can be imagined for novel glioblastoma therapeutics.
Inhibition of CCR2 attenuates neuroinflammation and neuronal apoptosis after subarachnoid hemorrhage through the PI3K/Akt pathway
Authors: Tian Qi , Guo Yujia , Feng Shi , Liu Chengli , He Peibang , Wang Jianfeng , Han Wenrui , Yang Chen , Zhang Zhan , Li Mingchang
Published: December 2022

Background

Neuroinflammation and neuronal apoptosis are closely associated with a poor prognosis in patients with subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH). We investigated the role of C–C motif chemokine receptor 2 (CCR2) in SAH.

Methods

Pre-processed RNA-seq transcriptome datasets GSE167110 and GSE79416 from the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database were screened for genes differentially expressed between mice with SAH and control mice, using bioinformatics analysis. The endovascular perforation model was performed to establish SAH. RS504393 (a CCR2 antagonist) and LY294002 (PI3K inhibitor) were administered to explore the mechanism of neuroinflammation after SAH. SAH grading, neurological scoring, brain water content and blood–brain barrier (BBB) permeability determination, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), western blotting, and immunofluorescence were performed. An in vitro model of SAH was induced in H22 cells by hemin treatment. The protective mechanism of CCR2 inhibition was studied by adding RS504393 and LY294002. Clinical cerebrospinal fluid (CST) samples were detected by ELISA.

Results

Expression of CCR2 was upregulated in both datasets and was identified as a hub gene. CCR2 expression was significantly upregulated in the cytoplasm of neurons after SAH, both in vitro and in vivo. RS significantly reduced the brain water content and blood–brain barrier permeability, alleviated neuroinflammation, and reduced neuronal apoptosis after SAH. Additionally, the protective effects of CCR2 inhibition were abolished by LY treatment. Finally, the levels of CCR2, inflammatory factors, and apoptotic factors were elevated in the CSF of patients with SAH. CCR2 levels were associated with patient outcomes at the 6-month follow-up.

Conclusion

CCR2 expression was upregulated in both in vitro and in vivo SAH models. Additionally, inhibition of CCR2, at least partly through the PI3K/AKT pathway, alleviated neuroinflammation and neuronal apoptosis in vivo and in vitro. CCR2 levels in the CSF have a moderate diagnostic value for 6-month outcome prediction in patients with SAH.
Ethnobotanical survey of medicinal wild plants in the Shouf Biosphere Reserve, Lebanon
Authors: Hani Nizar , Baydoun Safaa , Nasser Hatem , Ulian Tiziana , Arnold-Apostolides Nelly
Published: December 2022

Background

Medicinal plants and associated traditional knowledge play a vital role in supporting the livelihoods and resilience of indigenous communities. This ethnobotanical survey aims to identify medicinal plants used by the local communities of the Shouf Biosphere Reserve of Lebanon (SBR) and document the associated traditional knowledge.

Methodology

Focus groups and personal interviews with 133 informants of community members of 22 villages of SBR were performed during 2019–2022. Informants were selected using purposive sampling techniques based on their knowledge of medicinal plants and experience in traditional herbal medicine. Interviews were conducted using a semi-structured questionnaire through field visits.

Results

Informants were equally represented by females and males and had different demographic characteristics, and the main source of knowledge was ancestral. A total of 184 medicinal plant species belonging to 57 families were documented. The predominant families were Asteraceae (31 spp.), Lamiaceae (14 spp.), and Rosaceae (14 spp.). Leaves (23%) were the plant part most used. Decoction (45%) was the predominant preparation method, while internal (oral) use (47%) was the most frequent administration mean. Berberis libanotica, Dittrichia viscosa, and Daucus carota achieved the highest scores of frequency of citation (FC), relative frequency of citation (RFC), use value (UV), and fidelity level (FL). Furthermore, diseases and ailments of gastrointestinal tract were the category most treated.

Conclusions

Findings revealed a rich and diverse list of medicinal plants with associated traditional knowledge still actively used to treat a wide range of diseases. Future phytochemical and pharmacological studies are recommended to determine the efficacy and safety of plant species used. The management body of the SBR and all related authorities are invited to continue their conservation efforts to protect such rich biocultural heritage.
Multiple overlapping risk factors for childhood wheeze among children in Benin
Authors: Avokpaho Euripide F. G. A. , Gineau Laure , Sabbagh Audrey , Atindégla Eloic , Fiogbé Arnauld , Galagan Sean , Ibikounlé Moudachirou , Massougbodji Achille , Walson Judd L. , Luty Adrian J. F. , Garcia André
Published: December 2022

Background

The African continent is currently facing an epidemiological transition characterized by a shift from communicable to non-communicable diseases. Prominent amongst the latter are allergies and asthma. In that context, wheeze has multiple potential contributory factors that could include some of the endemic helminth infections, as well as environmental exposures, such as household air pollution. We sought to determine the relative importance of these risk factors among children in Benin.

Methods

We included 964 children aged 6–14 years living in the commune of Comé, south–west Benin. All children were participants in the longitudinal monitoring cohort of the DeWorm3 trial designed to evaluate multiple rounds of community mass treatment with albendazole for interruption of the transmission of soil transmitted helminths (STH). We administered a standard ISAAC questionnaire to determine the presence of wheeze. In addition, we assessed exposure to household air pollution and to other potential allergy-inducing factors, dietary intake and anthropometry. Using STH infection status assessed at the pretreatment baseline timepoint, we used multivariate statistical modelling, controlling for covariates, to investigate associations between wheeze and the different factors measured.

Results

The prevalence of wheezing history was 5.2%, of current wheezing was 4.6% and of severe wheezing was 3.1%, while STH infections were found in 5.6% of children. These profiles did not vary as a function of either age or gender. Infection with Ascaris lumbricoides, but not hookworm species, was significantly associated with both current wheeze (adjusted Odds Ratio (aOR) = 4.3; 95% CI [1.5–12.0]) and severe wheeze (aOR = 9.2; 95% CI [3.1–27.8]). Significant positive associations with current wheeze, independent of each other and of STH infection status, were also found for (i) use of open cookstoves (aOR = 3.9; 95% CI [1.3–11.5]), (ii) use of palm cakes for fire lighting (aOR = 3.4; 95% CI [1.1–9.9]), (iii) contact with domestic animals and/or rodents (aOR = 2.5; 95% CI [1.1–6.0]), (iv) being overweight (aOR = 9.7; 95% CI [1.7–55.9]). Use of open cookstoves and being overweight were also independent risk factors for severe wheeze (aOR = 3.9; 95% CI [1.1–13.7]) and aOR = 10.3; 95% CI [1.8–60.0], respectively).

Conclusions

Children infected with A. lumbricoides appear to be at elevated risk of wheeze. Deworming may be an important intervention to reduce these symptoms. Improving cooking methods to reduce household air pollution, modifying dietary habits to avoid overweight, and keeping animals out of the house are all additional measures that could also contribute to reducing childrens’ risk of wheeze. Policymakers in LMIC should consider tailoring public health measures to reflect the importance of these different risk factors.
Evaluating the ecological hypothesis: early life salivary microbiome assembly predicts dental caries in a longitudinal case-control study
Authors: Blostein Freida , Bhaumik Deesha , Davis Elyse , Salzman Elizabeth , Shedden Kerby , Duhaime Melissa , Bakulski Kelly M. , McNeil Daniel W. , Marazita Mary L. , Foxman Betsy
Published: December 2022

Background

Early childhood caries (ECC)—dental caries (cavities) occurring in primary teeth up to age 6 years—is a prevalent childhood oral disease with a microbial etiology.Streptococcus mutanswas previously considered a primary cause, but recent research promotes the ecologic hypothesis, in which a dysbiosis in the oral microbial community leads to caries. In this incident, density sampled case-control study of 189 children followed from 2 months to 5 years, we use the salivary bacteriome to (1) prospectively test the ecological hypothesis of ECC in salivary bacteriome communities and (2) identify co-occurring salivary bacterial communities predicting future ECC.

Results

Supervised classification of future ECC case status using salivary samples from age 12 months using bacteriome-wide data (AUC-ROC 0.78 95% CI (0.71–0.85)) predicts future ECC status beforeS. mutanscan be detected. Dirichlet multinomial community state typing and co-occurrence network analysis identified similar robust and replicable groups of co-occurring taxa. Mean relative abundance of aHaemophilus parainfluenzae/Neisseria/Fusobacterium periodonticumgroup was lower in future ECC cases (0.14) than controls (0.23,Pvalue < 0.001) in pre-incident visits, positively correlated with saliva pH (Pearson rho = 0.33,Pvalue < 0.001) and reduced in individuals who had acquiredS. mutansby the next study visit (0.13) versus those who did not (0.20,Pvalue < 0.01). In a subset of whole genome shotgun sequenced samples (n= 30), case plaque had higher abundances of antibiotic production and resistance gene orthologs, including a major facilitator superfamily multidrug resistance transporter (MFS DHA2 familyPBHvalue = 1.9 × 10−28), lantibiotic transport system permease protein (PBHvalue = 6.0 × 10−6) and bacitracin synthase I (PBHvalue = 5.6 × 10−6). The oxidative phosphorylation KEGG pathway was enriched in case plaque (PBHvalue = 1.2 × 10−8), while the ABC transporter pathway was depleted (PBHvalue = 3.6 × 10−3).

Conclusions

Early-life bacterial interactions predisposed children to ECC, supporting a time-dependent interpretation of the ecological hypothesis. Bacterial communities which assemble before 12 months of age can promote or inhibit an ecological succession toS. mutansdominance and cariogenesis. Intragenera competitions and intergenera cooperation between oral taxa may shape the emergence of these communities, providing points for preventive interventions.
Fear of compassion from others explains the relation between borderline personality disorder symptoms and ineffective conflict resolution strategies among patients with substance use disorders
Authors: Gratz Kim L. , Myntti Warner , Mann Adam J. D. , Vidaña Ariana G. , Tull Matthew T.
Published: December 2022

Background

Borderline personality disorder (BPD) pathology is common among patients with substance use disorders (SUDs) and associated with a variety of negative outcomes, including worse SUD outcomes. One particularly relevant outcome with links to substance use problems that is likely to be elevated among SUD patients with BPD symptoms is ineffective conflict resolution strategies in romantic relationships. However, no research to date has examined the relation of BPD pathology to strategies for managing conflict in romantic relationships among patients with SUDs, or the factors that may increase the use of ineffective strategies within this population. Thus, this study examined the relations of BPD symptoms to ineffective responses to romantic relationship conflict surrounding substance use among residential patients with SUDs, as well as the explanatory roles of fear of compassion from and for others in these relations.

Methods

Patients in a community-based correctional SUD residential treatment facility (N = 93) completed questionnaires, including a measure of BPD symptoms, fear of compassion from and for others, and strategies for responding to conflict surrounding substance use in romantic relationships.

Results

Fear of compassion from others accounted for significant variance in the relations of BPD symptoms to the ineffective conflict resolution strategies of reactivity, domination, and submission, whereas fear of compassion for others only accounted for significant variance in the relation between BPD symptoms and the strategy of separation (which is not always ineffective).

Conclusions

Together, findings suggest that it is fear of compassion from others (vs. fear of compassion for others) that explains the relation between BPD symptoms and ineffective responses to romantic relationship conflict surrounding substance use among SUD patients. Findings highlight the potential utility of interventions aimed at reducing fears of compassion and increasing comfort with and tolerance of compassion from both others and oneself among SUD patients with BPD symptoms in order to strengthen relationships and reduce risk for relapse.
Lingering impacts on sleep following the Daylight Savings Time transition in the Project Baseline Health Study
Authors: Owen Zachary , Saeb Sohrab , Short Sarah , Ong Nicole , Angi Giulia , Ghoreyshi Atiyeh , Sullivan Shannon S.
Published: December 2022

Background

The “spring forward” change to Daylight Savings Time (DST) has been epidemiologically linked with numerous health and safety risks in the days following the transition, but direct measures of sleep are infrequently collected in free-living individuals.

Methods

The Project Baseline Health Study (PBHS), a prospective, multicenter, longitudinal representative U.S. cohort study that began in 2017 launched a Sleep Mission in March 2021 to characterize sleep using patient-reported and wearable device measures, in free-living circumstances during the DST switch. Estimated sleep period duration, subjective restedness, and sleep quality were compared before and after the DST transition during specified timeframes.

Results

Of the total PBHS population of 2502 participants, 912 participants received an invitation and 607 responded by March 6th. Among those, 420 participants opted into the Sleep Mission (69.2%). The transition to DST resulted in both acute and lingering impacts on sleep. Acute effects included a 29.6 min reduction in sleep period (p = 0.03), increases in the proportion of patients who reported ‘sleeping poorly’ (from 1.7 to 13.6% [p < 0.01]), and with scores falling into the ‘unrested’ category (from 1.7 to 8.5% [p = 0.046]). There was also a downward trend in the proportion of participants reporting being rested in the morning following the DST transition (from 62.7% on March 7 to 49.2% on March 14 [p = 0.10]). Lingering effects included a 18.7% relative decrease in the daily likelihood of participants reporting restedness (from 49.2% in the week prior to the DST transition to 40.0% in the week after [p < 0.01]).

Conclusion

The DST transition is associated with an acute reduction in sleep period, as well as an increased proportion of individuals reporting poor sleep and unrestedness. The DST transition also resulted in lingering impacts on self-reported restedness, lasting into the week following the transition. This work adds to a growing understanding of the persistence of impacts on sleep health metrics due to the DST transition.
Symptomatic perception of patients affected by chronic chikungunya: a qualitative perspective
Authors: Santos Thyago Henrique Pereira dos , Amaral Mariana Prado do , Brasil Débora Rabelo Magalhães , Barreto Marina Carvalhos Arruda , Castro Shamyr Sulyvan , Ferreira Marcelo José Monteiro
Published: December 2022

Objective: To understand the demands caused by chikungunya in the chronic phase and their impacts on patients’ mental health and quality of life. Materials and methods: This is a qualitative study, performed from November 2019 to January 2020. Focus groups and deep interviews were carried out. Then, the Discourse Analysis was performed. Results: Chronic pain was the main clinical manifestation reported by the participants, being responsible for affecting aspects related to quality of life and mental health. As for psycological view, this study showed that chronic pain was also reported as one of the main symptoms related to anxiety and depression among research subjects. Conclusion: this study demonstrated how the chronic illness caused by Chikungunya impacted the subjects' perception in the domains related to quality of life and mental health. Furthermore, we seek to focus on the management of disease in a holistic way, putting the patients’ own awareness of the impacts of the disease on their lives in a relevant level of their treatment.
Transesterification of triglycerides from chicken fat and lard using base catalysts and its discriminant analysis
Authors: Ahda Mustofa , Guntarti Any , Kusbandari Aprilia , Husna Muhimmatul , Rasyidah Ilmiyatun
Published: December 2022

Keamanan makanan merupakan suatu yang dibutuhkan oleh orang muslim termasuk kehalalannya. Salah satu metode yang digunakan untuk nalisis halal adalah kromatografi gas spektroskopi masa (KG-KS). Penggunaan KG-KS diaplikasikan pada senyawa yang memiliki karakteristik sifat mudah menguap. Oleh karena itu, trigliserida harus diubah menjadi metil ester melalui proses transesterifikasi. Pada penelitian, kita menggunakan katalis basa dalam proses tersebut karena katalis tersebut dapat bereaksi lebih cepat dibandingkan katalis asam. Katalis basa yang digunakan adana K2CO3 dan NaOH sebagai katalis heterogen dan homogen. Konsentrasi kedua katalis (K2CO3 dan NaOH) yang digunakan dalam proses transesterifikasi berturut-turut sebesar 2 mg/mL and 1 mg/mL. Selanjutnya, asam lemak yang didapatkan dianalisis menggunakan kemometrika untuk membedakan lemak ayam dam lemak babi. Hasil penelitian menunjukkan bahwa kedua katalis mampu menghasilkan kesamaan asam lemak dominant dari lemak ayam dam lemak babi akan tetapi konsentrasi asam lemaknya berbeda. Katalis K2CO3telah menghasikan beberapa produk metil ester dari lemak babi seperti asam oleat, asam palmitat, asam linoleat dan asam stearat dengan kadar relatifnya berturut-turut 48,62%, 21,38%, 9,08%, dan 11,18% sedangkan katalis NaOH dapat menghasilkan kadar asam lemak berturut-turut sebesar 49,60%, 21,83%, 9,12%, dan 11,18%. Selanjutnya, metil ester dominanÂ  dalam lemak ayam dari katalis K2CO3 dan NaOH adalah asam oleat dan asam palmitat, dimana katalis K2CO3 menghasilkan kadar relatif sebesar 43.73% dan 22.82%, sedangkan katalis NaOH sekitar 53.52% dan 32.00%. Analisis diskriminan telah menunjukkan bahwa lemak babi dan lemak ayam dapat dikelompokkan berdasarkan kandungan asam lemaknya yang dikatalisis menggunakan K2CO3dan NaOH. Karenanya katalis K2CO3dan NaOHÂ  dapat digunakan sebagai katalis basa dalam proses transesterifikasi untuk analisis kehalalan. Berdasarkan hasil yang diperoleh maka dapat disimpulkan bahwa katalis NaOH lebih baik dibandingkan katalis K2CO3Â dalam proses transesterifikasi pada trigliserida dalam lemak ayam dan lemak babi.
Developing Mobile Learning Application Containing Basic Pedagogy Material as the Supplement in Improving College Students’ Learning Outcome in Teacher Training Institutes of Indonesia
Authors: Ahmadi Farid , Hardyanto Wahyu , Pramono Suwito Eko , Sugiarta I Made , Syahputra Hermawan , Kristanto Andi , Parinsi Mario Tulenan , Sugihartono Iwan
Published: December 2022

The vast technological development affects every layer of people’s daily life, including Education. However, Indonesia’s tertiary education status quo has not exhibited any rapid development in information technology-based learning media. This study aimed to develop and identify the effectiveness of Basic Pedagogy Material online learning material in improving students’ outcomes in pedagogy. It applied R & D design with a waterfall development model on second-semester students in Universitas Negeri Semarang, Indonesia, during the educational year of 2020/2021. The data collected through interviews, observation, questionnaire, scale, and test were analyzed using independent t-test and n-gain. The findings indicated a significant difference between the average score before and after students used the Basic Pedagogy Materials mobile learning application during the learning process. Therefore, the mobile learning application developed effectively improves students' learning outcomes in pedagogy subjects effectively.
Bandura's Observational Learning Model and General Motoric Ability About Learning Outcomes in Athletic Skills
Authors: Parwata I Gusti Lanang Agung , Widiana I Wayan , Wijaya Made Agus , Muliarta I Wayan
Published: December 2022

This study aims to analyze the impact of Bandura’s observational learning model based on performance assessment learning models and general motor skills on athletic skills learning outcomes. This study used an experimental design treatment by level 2x2. A simple random sampling technique was used with a total of 88 people. The data collection method used consisted of tests and documentation. A two-way analysis of variance was used to analyze the data. The results showed that the students’ athletic skills learning outcomes that followed the Bandura observational learning model based on performance assessment were higher than students’ conventional learning model. There was an interaction effect between the learning model and general motor skills on the student's athletic skills learning outcomes. The students’ athletic skills learning outcomes who follow the Bandura observational learning model based on performance assessment were higher than the conventional learning model. The students with low general motor skills and the students’ athletic skills learning outcomes that followed the Bandura observational learning model based on performance assessment were lower than the conventional learning model. Based on the research findings, it is recommended to improve the athletic skills learning outcomes with Bandura's observational learning model based on performance assessments appropriately and correctly.
Primary School Teachers' Determinants of Integrated Teaching for Realistic Math Education
Authors: Nguyen Giang Thi Chau , Pham Chau Thi Hai , Pham Chung Xuan , Nguyen Bich Ngoc
Published: December 2022

The purpose of this study was to explore the factor structure of a measurement and to evaluate its internal reliability. Overall, 525 math-majoring elementary school teachers volunteered to participate in this study by answering online survey questions via Google Form. These samples were randomly partitioned into 262 participants for exploratory factor analysis (EFA) and 263 observations for confirmatory factor analysis (CFA). The EFA tended to largely prefer a four-factor solution, which was proven to explain over 68% of the variation in the data. Awareness, effectiveness, engagement, and opportunity were the provisional labels for these hidden variables. The CFA results verified and validated the four-factor model, with all test measures exceeding the specified thresholds, suggesting an acceptable and excellent fit. The results of this study, on the one hand, provide four key areas for realistic math teachers, educators, and policymakers to discuss as opposed to examining individual indicators, and on the other hand, they serve as a foundation for interested researchers to conduct additional analyses, such as multivariate linear regression or complement for cluster analysis.
The Use of Collaborative Strategies to Improve Students' Writing Ability and Self-Efficacy: A Mixed Method Study
Authors: Helaluddin Helaluddin , Nurhayati Nurhayati , Nadya Nyayu Lulu , Ismail Gunawan , Guntur Muhammad , Fransori Arinah
Published: December 2022

This study explored the effects of collaborative writing strategies on students' writing skills and self-efficacy. The study used a mixed methods design combining quantitative and qualitative approaches. Several instruments were used in data collection, including questionnaires, writing tests, writing assessment rubrics, and semi-structured interviews. The participants were randomly divided into two groups: the experimental group and the control group, which comprised 62 students. Data from the questionnaire and writing tests were analyzed using one-way MANOVA and MANCOVA tests, while interview data were explored using thematic analysis techniques. Participants were randomly divided into two groups: the experimental group and the control group. The results showed that collaborative writing strategies could improve students' writing skills and self-efficacy. Moreover, the qualitative results showed that most students responded positively to using these strategies to improve their writing skills and self-efficacy.
The Use of Technology-Based Model of Critical Thinking Development to Reshape Students’ Self-Study Process
Authors: Kravchenko Olena , Dokuchaieva Viktoriia , Valentieva Tatyana , Sbitnieva Liudmyla , Chornobryva Natalia
Published: December 2022

The aim of this study was to investigate how the use of the technologized model of critical thinking development affected the self-study process of students of higher educational institutions (HEIs). The research methodology was based on a combination of qualitative and quantitative empirical methods, as well as a descriptive approach to data analysis. The study involved a quasi-experimental model supposed to influence the variables under study. The technology-based educational model of autonomous learning with a focus on the critical thinking development in students of HEIs consisted of the following processes, such as: communication, analysis, synthesis, problem-solving, evaluation, and reflection. The Watson Glaser Test was adapted to monitor the level of students’ critical thinking. The average score on the final control of students’ knowledge was used to monitor the experimental group students’ performance. By monitoring the development of students’ critical thinking and the dynamics of their performance in the course of training, where 90% of the time students studied independently, it was established that the use of a technological educational model had a positive effect on the critical thinking of students of HEIs, and as a result, the effectiveness of their self-study.
Diving in at the ‘Bottom End’: The Risk Awareness and Risk Management Practices of Sub £65K Landlords
Authors: Watson Andrew
Published: December 2022

Significant growth in Scotland’s private rented sector over the last 25 years has been led by a large number of individual lay investors/landlords who each own a smattering of properties. These characteristics, which are replicated in several countries where neoliberal housing policies prevail, have implications for the efficacy of PRS investments, but also for conditions and the stability of investment patterns within the sector. This study examines landlord investment risk awareness and behaviours via qualitative interviews with a small sample of Scottish landlords operating at the ‘bottom end’ of the market, which is disproportionately home to vulnerable groups and where some investment risks are believed to be more acute. The findings suggest that some landlords have relatively low levels of risk awareness, fail to adequately consider risk prior to investing in the PRS, have mixed success in selecting and implementing risk management and mitigation strategies, and incur significant risk-borne costs, which can limit returns.
Housing Quantum and Innovative Building Systems in South Africa – the Affordability Perspective for 2020
Authors: Kabundu Emmanuel , Mbanga Sijekula , Botha Brink , Crafford Gerrit
Published: December 2022

The adoption of innovative building technologies (IBTs) and social welfare policies in South Africa has facilitated an increase in decent homeownership among low-income groups, thus improving their quality of life. However, due to the escalating costs of building materials, the capital and lifecycle costs of implementing these technologies may no longer be affordable. This research aims to provide a comparative evaluation of the affordability of some readily available IBTs in the South African construction industry, relative to existing homeownership subsidy grants. The method used involved the use of secondary data for these IBTs and the income constraint methods. The results showed that, apart from the technologies suitable for the provision of temporary structures, most of the other technologies were not affordable for the complete subsidisation of the top structure when both capital and lifecycle costs were used, except the Moladi and Robust structure IBTs under some low-income homeownership programmes. Further analysis using credit-linked subsidies revealed that the minimum household income required to achieve affordable homeownership (and their rankings) depends both on the evaluation technique (lifecycle or capital costs) and technology used. To improve affordability, any implementing government can either raise the amount of the top structure subsidy grant, promote the use of cheaper but durable IBTs, or promote the use in incremental building methods, such as the Enhanced People’s Housing Process (EPHP) for the case of South Africa.
‘The Social Managers Are Back in Town’: the Challenges of Housing Management in a Residualised Public Housing Sector
Authors: Costarelli Igor
Published: December 2022

The residualisation of social housing sectors requires housing managers to intensify social management activities aimed at promoting tenants’ wellbeing and social cohesion. This paper discusses the implementation of such activities in the Italian public housing sector. It juxtaposes the vision conceptualised at the policy level with the daily activities of housing managers in practice on the ground and highlights the gaps between policy goals and realities of tenants’ involvement. While social management activities are expected to contribute to breaking the vicious circle of financial, technical, and social decline that has long affected public housing estates, the short timeframe of the planned interventions raises the question of the potential for structural change.
Vehicle positioning scheme based on particle filter assisted single LED visible light positioning and inertial fusion
Authors: He Jing , Liu Yang
Published: December 2022

Visible light positioning (VLP) can provide high positioning accuracy based on existing lighting facilities, which gives it great potential for intelligent transportation system (ITS). However, in real scenarios, the performance of visible light positioning is limited by outage problem caused by the sparse distribution of light emitting diode (LED) and time cost of the positioning algorithm. In this paper, a particle filter (PF) assisted single LED VLP (SL-VLP) and inertial fusion positioning scheme is proposed and experimentally demonstrated. It improves the robustness of VLP in sparse LED scenarios. In addition, the time cost and the positioning accuracy at different outage rates and speeds are investigated. The experimental results show that, by using the proposed vehicle positioning scheme, it can achieve the mean positioning error is 0.09 m, 0.11 m, 0.15 m and 0.18 m at 0, 5.5%, 11% and 22% of SL-VLP outage rate, respectively.
Data-driven multi-joint waveguide bending sensor based on time series neural network
Authors: Sun Kai , Wang Zhenhua , Liu Qimeng , Chen Hao , Li Weikun , Cui Weicheng
Published: December 2022

Due to the bulky interrogation devices, traditional fiber optic sensing system is mainly connected by wire or equipped only for large facilities. However, the advancement in neural network algorithms and flexible materials has broadened its application scenarios to bionics. In this paper, a multi-joint waveguide bending sensor based on color dyed filters is designed to detect bending angles, directions and positions. The sensors are fabricated by casting method using soft silicone rubber. Besides, required optical properties of sensor materials are characterized to better understand principles of the sensor design. Time series neural networks are utilized to predict bending position and angle quantitatively. The results confirm that the waveguide sensor demodulated by the data-driven neural network algorithm performs well and can be used for engineering applications.
Asynchronous photonic time-delay reservoir computing
Authors: Tang Jia-Yan , Lin Bao-De , Shen Yi-Wei , Li Rui-Qian , Yu Jingyi , He Xuming , Wang Cheng
Published: December 2022

Time-delay reservoir computing uses a nonlinear node associated with a feedback loop to construct a large number of virtual neurons in the neural network. The clock cycle of the computing network is usually synchronous with the delay time of the feedback loop, which substantially constrains the flexibility of hardware implementations. This work shows an asynchronous reservoir computing network based on a semiconductor laser with an optical feedback loop, where the clock cycle (20 ns) is considerably different to the delay time (77 ns). The performance of this asynchronous network is experimentally investigated under various operation conditions. It is proved that the asynchronous reservoir computing shows highly competitive performance on the prediction task of Santa Fe chaotic time series, in comparison with the synchronous counterparts.
A visual defect detection for optics lens based on the YOLOv5 -C3CA-SPPF network model
Authors: Tang Haiyang , Liang Shan , Yao Dan , Qiao Yongjie
Published: December 2022

Defects in the optical lens directly affect the scattering properties of the optical lens and decrease the performance of the optical element. Although machine vision instead of manual detection has been widely valued, the feature fusion technique of series operation and edge detection cannot recognize low-contrast and multi-scale targets in the lens. To address these challenges, in this study, an improved YOLOv5-C3CA-SPPF network model is proposed to detect defects on the surface and inside of the lens. The hybrid module combining the coordinate attention and CSPNet (C3) is incorporated into YOLOv5-C3CA for improving the extraction of target feature information and detection accuracy. Furthermore, an SPPF features fusion module is inserted into the neck of the network model to improve the detection accuracy of the network. To enhance the performance of supervised learning algorithms, a dataset containing a total of 3800 images is created, more than 600 images for each type of defect samples. The outcome of the experiment manifests that the mean average precision (mAP) of the YOLOv5-C3CA-SPPF algorithm is 97.1%, and the detection speed FPS is 41 f/s. Contrast to the traditional lens surface defects detection algorithms, YOLOv5-C3CA-SPPF can detect the types of optical lens surface and inside defects more accurately and quickly, the experimental results show that the YOLOv5-C3CA-SPPF model for identifying optical lens defects has good generalizability and robustness, which is favorable for on-line quality automatic detection of optical lens defects and provide an important guarantee for the quality consistency of finished products.
SOME ASPECTS OF THE PROTECTION OF CONSTITUTIONAL RIGHTS AND FREEDOMS OF CITIZENS OF THE REPUBLIC OF KAZAKHSTAN
Authors: Zhamankaraeva G. S.
Published: December 2022

This article examines the analysis of some aspects of the state of protection of constitutional rights andfreedoms of citizens of the Republic of Kazakhstan.
ВОЗНИКНОВЕНИЕ И РАЗВИТИЕ ПОНЯТИЯ «СПЕЦИАЛЬНЫЕ ЗНАНИЯ» В ДОРЕВОЛЮЦИОННЫЙ ПЕРИОД
Authors: Spirev D.V.
Published: December 2022

The article is devoted to the study of the genesis of the development of the term of special knowledge incases of insult, subjects of the use of special knowledge in the pre-revolutionary period of the Russian state.The necessity of scientific development of approaches to understanding the essence of special knowledge inrelation to the Russian legal system, including criminal, civil and a set of norms in cases of administrativeviolations, is substantiated. The importance and necessity of a competent interpretation of such a legal termis emphasized.The article analyzes the works of scientists on this topic, gives estimates and generalizations to this stageof the development of the term “special knowledge”. Thus, the articles of a number of scientists on this topicare analyzed, after reviewing and quoting scientific research on this topic, analytical conclusions are givenon the influence of such ideas on the general construction and scientific justification of theoretical views on the definition of the term “special knowledge”, subjects of the use and application of special knowledge,as well as the sectoral nature of such knowledge, that is, the use of opportunities various humanities andnatural sciences to address issues arising in the course of legal proceedings.The article provides an overview of the sources of Russian law, which contain indications of thepossibility of applying special knowledge, the subjects of their application or the nature of the applied specialknowledge. The importance of studying the history of the development of the term of special knowledge forthe formation of a holistic picture of the understanding of this multidimensional legal concept is emphasized.At the end of the study, a conclusion is made about the scientific elaboration of the genesis of specialknowledge in the pre-revolutionary period, as well as its influence on the further stages of the developmentof this scientific problem.
BASES OF HISTORICAL AND CULTURAL UNITY OF THE SLAVIC AND TURKIC PEOPLES IN RUSSIA AND CENTRAL ASIA
Authors: Vasiliev A.A. , Сорокин В.В.
Published: December 2022

Modern data show that the second half of the first millennium is a period of great importance for aholistic understanding of the history of Central Asia and adjacent territories. At this time, a new communityof nomads was formed, which became the core of one of the largest empires of the early Middle Ages — theFirst Turkic Khaganate. In the subsequent time, the scale of this political formation, which went far beyondthe Central Asian region, determined the dialogue of the Turks with the Slavic peoples and their commonfate on the territory of Eurasia.
VALUES AND PRACTICES OF THE SLAVIC-TURKIC UNITY OF THE PEOPLES OF RUSSIA AND THE COUNTRIES OF CENTRAL ASIA
Authors: Vasiliev A.A. , Sorokin V.V.
Published: December 2022

Hundreds of archeological monuments are concentrated on the territory of the Great Altai, connectedwith all stages of the history of the Turkic community (the second half of the 5th — 11th centuries AD).They are represented by funerary and memorial objects, rock carvings, stone statues, objects of materialand spiritual culture, and samples of writing. The available materials testify to the significant prospects forfurther comprehensive study of the archaeological sites of the Turkic period in Altai. The implementation ofa program of interdisciplinary research, including a series of humanitarian and natural-science analyzes ofanthropological and osteological materials from archaeological complexes, seems to be relevant.
A Review of Maritime English Teaching Curriculum in China
Authors: HUI Zhang , ISHAK Nor Asniza Binti
Published: December 2022

English for Special Purpose (ESP) is more and more popular and paid more attention nowadays. This concept paper introduces the background, definition, nature and current situation of Maritime English. Also, as to the problems in teaching and learning Maritime English, some solutions are provided to deal with the problems as well. Then, author introduces the Maritime English curriculum in China, including the philosophy to design, teaching materials, objectives, effects and so on. Lastly, evaluation comes in the end. It not only gives us a clear understanding of current Maritime English curriculum in China, but also the suggestions to improve it under Chinese context. This is very meaningful for the education of English for Special Purpose (ESP) in the future.
Difficulty, Discrimination and Pseudo - Guessing Indices of West African Examinations Council Core Mathematics Multiple Choice Items: Theoretical and Practical Implications of Using Item Response Theory
Authors: COBBINAH Andrews , NTUMI Simon
Published: December 2022

Viewing from the psychometric models of modern assessment, it is imperative to note that assessment has been undergoing major constructive modifications. One of the main modifications is the transition from the use of classical test theory (CTT) to modern test models (IRT) as well as methods used in test construction. This is to say that the pendulum swing in test construction techniques is from CTT to IRT. Clearly, the properties of IRT create several benefits in the area of test design and item banking over CTT. This paper estimated the IRT psychometric proprieties (difficulty-1PL, discrimination-2PL and guessing indices-3PL) of West African Examinations Council (WAEC) 2020 core mathematics objectives test examination in Ghana within the remit of IRT. The study revealed that averagely, the 2020 core mathematics objectives test examination were within the difficulty level (1PL) of the examines. In terms of discrimination level (2PL), the psychometric properties indicated that most of the items discriminated among the examinees. However, on the Pseudo-guessing parameter (3PL), it was found that most items were subjected to pseudo-guessing. Theoretically and practically, the way items are constructed could have influenced outcome. Therefore, we strongly advocate and recommend that item writers for examination body like West African Examinations Council (WAEC) should rigorously be trained to be more conscious of theoretical and practical implications of the guessing parameter. This will help in avoiding test items that are prone to pseudo-guessing.
THE ANALYSIS OF CASH FLOWS MAXIMIZING THE FIRM VALUE THROUGH THE APPROACH OF SYSTEM DYNAMİCS
Authors: TURSUN Mehmet , SÖYLER Hasan , AKSU İbrahim
Published: December 2022

In this study, it was practiced to adopt free cash flows to firm which is frequently used in calculating the firm value through the system dynamics model. For the study, a firm traded at Borsa Istanbul 100 Index (BIST-100) was chosen and the firm’s cash flow projection was created by analyzing its financial data. Future cash flows of the firm were exercised under certain scenarios via system dynamics model. The results exhibit that the future cash flows of the firm can be predicted successfully through the system dynamics model. It is considered that the system dynamics can be used as an efficient strategic management accounting technique and that it can provide the data which the business executives will require when making the optimal decisions maximizing the firm value.