bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
ADAPTATION OF STUDENTS’ ACCEPTANCE OF ONLINE LEARNING SCALE INTO TURKISH: VALIDITY AND RELIABILITY STUDY
Authors: Akyurek Muhammet İbrahim , Battal Ali
Published: October 2024

Online learning has been conducted in recent years, especially during crises. There have been some studies to increase its effectiveness. Acceptance of online learning is important and affects learners’ comfort and their future use. The purpose of this study was to adopt the acceptance of online learning scale into Turkish culture which was developed to determine students’ acceptance of online learning in a developing country Survey model was adapted in this study, and data were collected from 384 participants studying in a public university. Confirmatory Factor Analysis (CFA) was performed to check the validity of the scale and Cronbach’s alpha coefficient was calculated to assess the reliability of the adapted scale. Five-factor structure of the scale was confirmed, and multiple goodness-of-fit indices, X2/sd, CFI, RMSEA, SRMR, GFI, and TLI/NNFI were in the range of acceptance levels in the literature. The calculated Cronbach’s Alpha values ranged between .81 and .94 in the total and sub-factors, which were above the recommended value in the literature. The adapted scale could be used by researchers and educators to detect the acceptance of online learning at different intervals.
A BIBLIOMETRIC ANALYSIS OF RESEARCH ON DROPOUT IN OPEN AND DISTANCE LEARNING
Authors: Kurulgan Mesut
Published: October 2024

The purpose of this study is to examine research on school dropout in open and distance education in the Web of Science (WoS) database using bibliometric analysis and to reveal trends in this area. In line with this goal, a total of 1,615 studies published between 1980 and 2022 were identified in the Web of Science (WoS) indexes. Descriptive and evaluative bibliometric methods were employed in the analysis of these publications, and the results were visualized using VOSviewer software. According to the research findings, studies on school dropout in open and distance education intensified in 2019. The analysis revealed that E.T. Pascarella is the most cited author, and F.D. Pereira has the highest co-authorship network. An examination based on institutions showed that the Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona has the highest number of publications, while the University of Michigan ranks first in terms of citation numbers. Furthermore, in terms of publication productivity and citation numbers, the United States is ranked first, followed by Spain. Looking at the keywords used in articles on the topic, early studies emphasized concepts such as “distance education”, “student retention”, “attrition”, “student success”, “social integration”, “academic integration”, “survival analysis”, “education policy”, “graduation”, and “financial aids”. In subsequent years, these were replaced by terms such as “learning analytics”, “educational data mining”, “systematic review”, “engagement”, “drop prediction”, “decision tree”, “student performance”, “gamification”, “massive open online course- MOOC”, and “artificial intelligence”. In this context, discussions were conducted within the framework of the literature, and various recommendations were provided based on the obtained findings.
BIBLIOMETRIC ANALYSIS OF SOCIAL MEDIA STUDIES WITHIN EDUCATIONAL RESEARCH
Authors: Artsin Murat , Luy Zehra , Bakirci Funda , Karatas Serçin , Yondemir Caliskan Neslihan , Sanli Melis
Published: October 2024

The digital transformation in higher education can be observed in numerous ways and practices. Recently, post-pandemic digitalization played a significant role in the increase of the educational use of digital technologies such as artificial intelligence, virtual reality, augmented reality, extended reality, and social media. Among these, social media has dominated daily life long before the rest of the technologies. Hence, examining the current situation of social media studies within educational research aids in envisioning the future vision. This study aims to outline the trends in the use of social media platforms by analyzing them within educational research published between 2017-2023. For this purpose, 473 articles in the Web of Science database were examined regarding the dimensions of publication year, country of publication, author, keyword, article type, the method used, sampling, data collection tools and analysis methods, and social media use. The findings of this study are believed to guide practitioners and researchers in their practice and consideration of social media within educational environments.
CLOSING THE TALENT GAP: A PROPOSED MICRO-CREDENTIAL MODEL IN MALAYSIAN FORMAL EDUCATION
Authors: Tan Koon Tatt , Chan Josephine Ie Lyn , Arumugam Prakash V. , Lee Heng Wei
Published: October 2024

The global talent gap is a consequence of skills mismatch among job seekers. Although micro-credentials appeared to be a potential solution to narrow the talent gap, it is unclear how they can be effectively implemented in a structured academic pathway. The purpose of this study is to explore the potential of a proposed micro-credential model for formal education via the Accreditation of Prior Experiential Learning Micro-credentials (APEL.M), to support the talent gap challenges faced by companies in Malaysia. The study used a qualitative case study method with data collected mainly from a focus group discussion among relevant faculty heads, administrators, and senior management team members. The findings indicated that despite potential challenges and issues towards implementing the new micro-credential model, the proposed model is significant for policymakers, higher education providers, and industry stakeholders interested in addressing the talent gap and creating alternative pathways to formal academic qualifications.
Beyond the “Cool” Intelligence: Abilities to Master Internal Personality Processes
Authors: Korchagina A.P. , Kostenko V.Y.
Published: October 2024

The article presents a review of theoretical approaches to the study of psychological abilities for the last 20 years. The article considers abilities related to the internal psychological activity of a personality (internal personality abilities). The concept of “cool and hot intelligences”, which has been gaining popularity in the last decades, reveals this idea in more detail. The narrative of the article focuses on a group of such psychological abilities that are primarily related to the processing of personally relevant information: emotional, social, practical, and personal intelligence. In addition, the article considers two more intrapersonal abilities, i. e. the ability to emotional regulation and the ability to intuition. The conducted theoretical analysis demonstrates that the group of psychological abilities involved in the intrapersonal activity of processing information significant for personal individual experience is qualitatively different from the group of abilities concerning general intelligence, and manifests itself as a separate taxonomic category.
Attributes of Organizational Culture as Predictors of Employee Burnout: A Brief Review
Authors: Zhdanova P.R.
Published: October 2024

The article provides an overview of concepts related to employee burnout, organizational corporate culture, and research dedicated to studying aspects of corporate culture as predictors of employee burnout. Professional burnout, a significant issue in today's work environment, influences both the physical and mental health of employees, as well as the overall quality of their work performance. Over the past three decades, numerous studies have aimed to identify key predictors of burnout. These studies focus on aspects such as the work environment, interpersonal relationships within the team, the degree of alignment between corporate culture aspects and employees' personal values and expectations. The review of researches in this article has shown that when corporate culture does not coincide with employees’ perceptions, it not only leads to reduced satisfaction levels but also contributes to the development of burnout among employees. Research underscores that aspects of corporate culture, such as the degree of social support, participation in decision-making, motivation, rewards, and the quality of relationships within the organization, can significantly impact professional stress and the emotional state of employees. Identifying attributes of corporate culture that affect employees’ emotional state plays a crucial role in creating a healthy work atmosphere.
Reading in the Digital Age
Authors: Klopotova E.E. , Smirnova S.Y.
Published: October 2024

The article provides an overview of current research on the problem of children's reading in a digital society. The transformation of children's reading practices in connection with the transition from the printed format of books to the digital one is considered. The article analyzes the results of studies showing the influence of different book formats (printed, digital, audiobooks) and various interactive functions, both in printed and digital books, on children's understanding of the content of what they read, learning, communication, the ability to concentrate and hold attention, the process of interaction between an adult and a child during joint reading. The majority of the researches show that parents choose traditional printed books with illustrations as the first books for a child. Digital books arouse an ambiguous attitude among them. In books with interactive features, parents see, first of all, the learning potential for the child, although they can have both a positive and a negative impact. Parents' concerns about new book formats are primarily related to possible harm to the child's health due to time spent at the screen of a digital device. In the process of reading digital books, parents devote significantly less time to their children than when reading printed books. Further prospects for the development of the digital format of children's books make it very important to study their impact on the development of a child and the formation of his/her reading skills.
The Development of Prosocial Behavior in Children and Adolescents in the Context of Child-Parent and Sibling Relationships (Review of Modern Foreign Studies)
Authors: Bulygina M.V.
Published: October 2024

The study of prosocial behavior is a fairly popular topic of modern foreign psychology. In Russian psychology, the concept of “prosocial behavior” has been used relatively recently, although there are many works devoted to the study of phenomena similar in content: helping behavior, empathy, altruism. This review examines foreign studies published over the past ten years on the formation and development of prosocial behavior in childhood and adolescence, as well as works on the role of child-parent and sibling relationships in the development of prosocial behavior. The complexity and versatility of the phenomenon of prosocial behavior is noted. Various factors of family relationships contributing to the formation and development of prosocial behavior in children and adolescents are analyzed. It is shown that prosocial behavior develops gradually, through the internalization of norms, values, and ideas about responsibility. A necessary condition for the development of prosocial behavior in children is a warm, accepting relationship in the family. The analysis of the research allows us to emphasize that siblings, along with parents, create a unique family context for the development of prosocial abilities in children.
СОРЕ-30A: Short Version of the Coping Strategies Questionnaire for 12-18 Years Old Teenagers
Authors: Odintsova M.A. , Radchikova N.P.
Published: October 2024

In world practice, many tools for measuring coping strategies have been developed. The COPE questionnaire by C. Carver, M. Scheier and J. Weintraub is the instrument most consistent with the theoretical model and basic psychometric standards. It is concise but gives the possibility to identify the diversity and breadth of the repertoire of coping strategies and coping styles. The article provides a Russian-language adaptation of its short version COPE-30 for adolescents, which allows identifing 15 coping strategies and 4 coping styles. In a sample of adolescents from different regions of the Russian Federation (N=1718; age from 12 to 18 years; mean age 14±1 years; 53,8% female), the COPE-30A questionnaire showed good internal consistency: Cronbach’s alpha for scales 0,55-0,86; RMSEA=0,04; CFI=0,95; IFI=0,95; SRMR=0,035. Its validity is confirmed by the expected correlations with the scales of the “Multidimensional Students’ Life Satisfaction Scale” and “Multidimensional School Engagement Scale” questionnaires. The new COPE-30A questionnaire can be used to conduct large-scale, longitudinal studies, studies of adolescents of different, including vulnerable, groups, as well as individual studies to build subsequent practice of psychological assistance.
“Standards” Test for Assessing the Perception Development of Modern Senior Preschoolers (Action of Comparison with the Standard)
Authors: Burlakova I.A. , Radchikov A.S.
Published: October 2024

Adaptation and standardization of the “Standards” test from a set of mental development diagnostic methods for preschool children (L.A. Venger and co-workers) were carried out, aimed at assessing the level of development of the action of comparison with the standard for older preschoolers. Two groups of children took part in the study: 1062 children aged 5-6 years (average age 66±3 months) and 1574 children aged 6-7 years (average age 77±3 months). Both versions of “Standards” test (for six- and seven-year-old children) showed good internal consistency (Cronbach's alpha=0,80-0,88; SRMR=0,02; CFI=0,99 for both samples). External validity is confirmed by correlations with intellectual development level, measured by Raven's Colored Progressive Matrices test (r=0,51 for children of the sixth year of life and r=0,39 for children of the seventh year of life). No differences were found by gender or the presence of disabilities. Age norms for modern children for the action of comparison with the standard have been determined. An adapted version of the test can be used by psychologists for scientific and practical purposes, to accompany the educational process that promotes the development of perception in children of senior preschool age.
“Schematization” Test in Digital Format for Assessment of the Development of Imaginative Thinking of Senior Preschoolers
Authors: Klopotova E.E. , Fedorov V.V.
Published: October 2024

The development of imaginative thinking is one of the main tasks of educational work with preschoolers, because it allows the child to be successful in preschool activities, where the most favorable conditions for the formation of age new achievements are formed. The need for diagnostic tests to determine the level of imaginative thinking of preschoolers is related both to the need to assess the effectiveness of educational work with children, and to identify the level of development of the child. The most informative and reliable results of the assessment of cognitive processes are provided by the use of standardized test. In Russian psychology, there is only one such test - "Schematization" (author R.I. Bardin). This test was created and standardized at the end of the last century and its psychometric characteristics and assessment standards need to be updated for a modern sample. The article presents the results of the re-standarization of this test. The experimental sample of the study consisted of N = 2425 children of senior preschool age: children 5-6 years old (M = 66 months; SD = 3.09 months; n = 974) and 6-7 years old (M = 77 months; SD = 3.21 months; n = 1451). For psychometric verification, confirmatory factor analysis, Cronbach's alpha and McDonald's omega coefficients, Spearman correlation coefficient, Mann-Whitney U criterion and two-factor analysis of variance were used. The norms were calculated using percentile normalization. The obtained results showed the conformity of the test with psychometric requirements and allowed us to determine the current norms for the development of imaginative thinking of older preschool children.
Conscious Self-regulation and School Engagement as Resources for Students’ Subjective Well-being
Authors: Fomina T.G. , Filippova E.V. , Morosanova V.I.
Published: October 2024

The results of an empirical study are presented within the framework of a topical problem of searching for psychological resources for the schoolchildren’ subjective well-being. The resource approach to the study of conscious self-regulation (SR) of achieving goals (V.I. Morosanova) served as the theoretical basis for research. The study had its purpose to assess the contribution of conscious SR and school engagement as resources for the subjective well-being of the 5-11 grade students (N=718). The study implemented the “Multidimensional scale of school engagement” (T.G. Fomina, V.I. Morosanova), Morosanova’s “Self-Regulation Profile of Learning Activity Questionnaire”, and “Multidimensional Students’ Life Satisfaction Scale” (O.A. Sychev et al.). It has been established that the level of conscious SR development and the level of school engagement make a significant contribution to maintaining the students’ subjective well-being in the educational environment. New data have been obtained to clarify that general level of conscious SR development and individual regulatory competencies (planning, modeling, programming, results evaluation) serve as the mediators of the school engagement influence on the students’ subjective well-being. Expanding the understanding of the determinants of students’ subjective well-being, the results obtained provide new arguments in favor of the previously developed idea that conscious SR as a meta-resource not only contributes to the success of solving various life problems, but also enhances the influence of other psychological resources on it. In practical terms, the study results substantiate the productivity of psychological and pedagogical interventions aimed at developing conscious SR and maintaining school engagement as significant resources for subjective satisfaction with the educational environment in adolescent students.
A Stochastic Model for Induced Seismicity at the Geothermal Systems: A Case of the Geysers
Authors: Shcherbakov Robert
Published: October 2024

Induced seismicity has emerged as a source of a significant earthquake hazard associated with recent development of unconventional energy resources. Therefore, it is imperative to develop stochastic models that can accurately describe the observed seismicity rate and forecast its evolution. In this study, a mechanism suggested by linear response theory is incorporated into a stochastic earthquake model to account for changes in the seismicity rate. It is derived that the induced rate can be modeled as a convolution of the forcing, related to fluid injection operations, and a specific response kernel. The model is incorporated into a Bayesian framework to compute the probabilities for the occurrence of the largest expected events during future time intervals. The applicability of the model is illustrated by analyzing the injection and seismicity data at the Geysers geothermal field in California. The suggested approach provides further insight into the probabilistic assessment of earthquake hazard associated with fluid injection operations. It also can be used for probing the rheological properties of the subsurface by analyzing the inherent characteristic timescales associated with the subsurface response to external forcing.
Modern Aspects of Cataract Surgery from the Standpoint of the Medical and Social Health Model. Review
Authors: Neroev V. V. , Ovechkin N. I.
Published: October 2024

Purpose. Analysis of modern aspects of cataract surgery from the standpoint of the medical and social model of health.

Methods. The analysis of literary data was performed in the RSCI and PubMed databases using the following keywords: “Medical model of health”, “Medical and social model of health”, “Phacoemulsification of cataracts” (PCE), “Quality of life” (QOL), “Calculation of intraocular lenses” (IOL), “Visually intense work”, “Ophthalmo-ergonomics”. The duration of the main retrospective analysis was 8 years (2017–2023) with citation (if necessary) of individual earlier sources.

Results. Based on the analysis, the following main modern aspects of cataract surgery were identified from the standpoint of the medical and social model of health: QOL study; assessment of ophthalmo-ergonomic indicators; medical and psychological aspects (correction of postoperative pain syndrome and dry eye syndrome, neuroadaptation after implantation, primarily trifocal IOLs, patient anxiety level).

Conclusion. Currently, the PCE procedure is almost completely optimized from a technical point of view. In this regard, consideration of the PCE effectiveness from the standpoint of the medical and social model of health seems relevant, since the main task of this model is the complete integration of an individual into society. The basic indicator reflecting the clinical effectiveness of PCE from the standpoint of the medical and social model of health is QOL. In this direction, the practical application of the «FEC-22» QOL assessment technique will ensure an increase in the level of clinical diagnostic research in cataract surgery when solving a number of urgent problems — comparative evaluation of IOLs, study of the effectiveness of postoperative rehabilitation methods for patients, selection of the optimal formula for calculating IOLs. In addition, from the standpoint of the medical and social model of health, further improvement of the ophthalmo-ergonomic indicators of the visual system and medical and psychological aspects associated with the patient is advisable. Ultimately, the development of a comprehensive system of measures to improve the clinical and diagnostic effectiveness of phacoemulsification based on the medical and social model of health will improve the level of ophthalmological care and prolong the professional longevity of patients (especially those with visual impairment) with cataracts.
Extended Depth of Focus IOL Implantation in Patients with Previously Monofocal IOL Implantation in Contralateral Eye
Authors: Pershin К. B. , Pashinova N. F. , Tsygankov A. Iu. , Antonov E. A. , Kosova I. V. , Batalina L. V.
Published: October 2024

Purpose: to analysis the results of combined implantation of non-diffractive IOL with extended depth of focus and injector preloaded monofocal IOL.

Patients and methods. 82 patients (164 eyes) after bilateral or combined implantation of AcrySof IQ Vivity (n = 72) and Clareon (n = 92) IOLs (Alcon, USA) with a mean follow-up of 6.2 ± 1.9 (6–8) months were included. 20 patients (40 eyes) with bilateral AcrySof IQ Vivity implantation formed group I, and 32 patients (64 eyes) with Clareon IOL implantation (n = 32) followed by Acrysof IQ Vivity implantation in the second (n = 32) formed group II. The comparison group (III) included 30 patients (60 eyes) with bilateral Clareon implantation. In group I, emmetropia was planned in the leading eye and myopia of 0.5–0.75 D in the nonleading eye; in groups II and III, emmetropia was planned in both eyes.

Results. There was an increase in UCNVA from 0.29 ± 0.08 to 0.62 ± 0.14 in group I and from 0.22 ± 0.04 to 0.59 ± 0.11 in group II, UCIVA from 0.21 ± 0.08 in group I to 0.84 ± 0.18 in   group II, UCDVA from 0.27 ± 0.09 to 0.92 ± 0.21 in group I and from 0.34 ± 0.10 to 0.89 ± 0.18 in group II during a maximum follow-up period of 6 months. There was an increase in BCNVA from 0.58 ± 0.04 to 0.68 ± 0.07 in group I and from 0.43 ± 0.04 to 0.64 ± 0.05 in group II, BCIVA from 0.55 ± 0.10 to 0, 91 ± 0.24 in group I and from 0.27 ± 0.04 to 0.7 ± 0.15 in group II, BCDVA — from 0.61 ± 0.12 to 1.0 ± 0.31 in group I and from 0.42 ± 0.09 to 0.9 ± 0.25 in group II. The differences between groups were not statistically significant (p > 0.1). In group III the values of UCDVA and UCIVA were significantly lower than in groups I and II (p < 0.05). Group I showed a decrease in spherical refractive equivalent from –2.50 ± 1.2 to –0.15 ± 0.59 in the follow-up period of 6 months, in group II — from –3.0 ± 1.2 to –0.25 ± 0.48, in group III from –1.75 ± 1.1 to –0.25 ± 0.41 (p > 0.1). When comparing the frequency of adverse optical phenomena between the groups, no significant differences were found (p > 0.1).

Conclusion. For the first time in Russia, a comparative analysis of the results of EDOF and monofocal IOL implantation compared to bilateral EDOF IOL and monofocal IOL implantation in patients with presbyopia was performed. The absence of significant differences between the groups allows to justify the implantation of non-diffractive EDOF IOLs in paired eyes in patients with previously implanted monofocal IOLs who wish to reduce dependence on spectacle correction at intermediate and near distances.
The story of protective humoral immunity against COVID-19 in a chilean cohort of multiple sclerosis patients: Vaccines are necessary
Authors: Galleguillos Lorna , Alonso Ricardo , Alarcon Andrea , Villacura Jorge , Kägi Marianne , Hernández Marianella , Díaz Violeta , Barahona Jorge
Published: October 2024

Background: There is scarce data in Latin America about how the protective humoral immunity behaves in patients that received an inactivated COVID-19 or mRNA vaccine or boosters in people with Multiple Sclerosis (pwMS). Objective: To evaluate humoral response to COVID-19 vaccines in a cohort of Chilean pwMS treated with high efficacy therapies (HET) and the effect of a booster. Methods: Observational cohort study of pwMS receiving mRNA or inactivated (CoronaVac) COVID-19 vaccines and a booster with mRNA vaccine 5 months after. IgG anti spike was determined in 4 groups: cladribine, anti-20 (rituximab or ocrelizumab), alemtuzumab and reference group. Results: Hundred and thirty-two patients: 24.7% on cladribine and 13% on ocrelizumab, 84.9% received CoronaVac. No significant differences between time from last dose of HET and IgG production. Significant differences on absolute lymphocyte count between cladribine and antiCD20 (p<0.01). Anti-CD20 produced the lowest 4weeks post-vaccine IgG titers. 72.5% pwMS had Protective humoral immunity (PHI) at 4weeks but only 18.5% of the antiCD20 group did have it. The 5 months post-vaccine IgG titers were evaluated in 69 patients; all kept PHI; 26.6% of the antiCD20 group with no previous PHI, received a booster with mRNA vaccine and did produce PHI after it. Conclusions: CoronaVac produce PHI in pwMS treated with HET in the analyzed cohort, except for Anti-CD20 therapies in our cohort. The booster in the anti CD20 therapy with no PHI after 2 doses of the COVID-19 vaccine had a small impact in the IgG anti spike production. Further studies are needed in our cohort to understand the kinetics of the PHI with inactivated vaccines and the boosters.
Photobiomodulation as part of a multi-disciplinary approach for the treatment of Parkinson’s disease symptoms
Authors: Liebert Ann , Saltmarche Anita , McGonaghy Melissa , Hares Orla , Bicknell Brian , Herkes Geoffrey
Published: October 2024

Background: Parkinson’s disease is an increasingly common neurodegenerative disease that has a substantial personal, social and economic cost. Although the cardinal symptoms of the disease are motor impairment, non-motor symptoms are arguably just as important for their effect on quality of life. Parkinson’s disease also has a highly heterogeneous symptom presentation. The mainstay of treatment has for many years been levodopa, and more recently dopamine agonists, which can alleviate some of the motor symptoms, but can have severe side-effects, can lose effectiveness over time and do not have an effect on non-motor symptoms. Thus, new treatment modalities are required for management of this disease. Objective: To describe the effect of a multidisciplinary approach for the treatment of the symptoms of Parkinson’s disease, incorporating photobiomodulation (PBM), exercise, diet and careful control of medication. Methods: Participants presented to either a Parkinson’s clinic in Sydney, Australia or to a Parkinson’s rehabilitation centre in Hamilton, Canada. Participants were self-referred, referred by a neurologist, or had been enrolled in a clinical trial and had continued with treatment for two additional years. All participants received PBM therapy to the abdomen and neck and participated in a targeted Parkinson’s specific exercise program. Results: All participants reported improvements in some of their Parkinson’s symptoms, both motor and non-motor, including mobility and gait, balance, fine motor control, cognition, quality of life, and sense of smell. These improvements were maintained over a number of years. Conclusion: A multidisciplinary and individual approach to the treatment of the symptoms of Parkinson’s disease may be an effective way to improve some symptoms and to potentially delay disease progression.
The 10 tenets of Brain Health for clinical practice in the era of technology.
Authors: Osman Joyce
Published: October 2024

Advancements in public health and medicine have increased global life expectancy, but most added years are spent in illness and disability, mainly due to brain diseases. A different approach is needed with a focus on the prevention of disease and the promotion of brain health and resilience to enhance each individual brain’s ability to cope with and minimize the functional consequences of any brain stressor, insult, injury, or disease. We propose a focus on brain health to address the threat of brain-related disability and promote human healthspan and well-being. We have outlined 10 key principles for optimizing brain health. Technology developments enable their implementation in clinical practice. Leveraging technology can help reach more people, provide personalized care, and improve access to essential brain health services. Article Details.
EATING HABITS OF PRIMARY SCHOOL PUPILS AND THE PROBLEM OF OBESITY IN CHILDREN IN THE DISTRICT OF ISTRIA COUNTY
Authors: JOVANOVIĆ ŽELJKO
Published: October 2024

Objective: To analyse the eating habits and physical activity of primary school pupils in the Istria County in order to assess the need to organise educational workshops for students and parents on healthy eating habits and activities for primary school students. Subjects and methods: The respondents were primary school students in Istria County. 182 respondents aged 7 to 15 participated in the research, which was conducted from May 2022 to January 2023 using a questionnaire created via a Google form. The total number of subjects included in the study according to the applied exclusion criteria was 175 (49% girls and 51% boys). The survey was analysed using descriptive statistics methods in the Microsoft Excel 2010 programme. Results: 90 male students (51%) and 85 female students (49%) participated in the study. The majority of students live in rural areas (46%), in families with multiple household members (64%). Of the parents/guardians, the majority have a high school diploma (52.29%), with mothers/guardians mostly having a university or technical university degree (67%) and fathers/guardians having a high school diploma (61%). Of the 175 students, 3 are severely obese (2%), 20 are obese (11%), 29 are overweight (17%), 9 are malnourished (5%), and 1 is severely malnourished (1%). 113 students (64%) have a normal body weight for their age. Fruit (74.86%), dairy products (68.00%), meat products (57.71%) and bakery products (56.57%) are served most frequently at school meals. Water is the most frequently consumed drink for 95% of students. Energy drinks are consumed the least frequently (6%). Just over 26% of respondents consume coffee sometimes or daily, while alcohol is consumed sometimes or daily by around 10% of respondents. Most respondents are also physically active outside of school (73%). 57% of them spend between 1 and 3 hours a day in front of a computer, mobile phone, etc., while 64% spend 1 to 3 hours a day outdoors. 67% think that their body weight is okay and 14% think that they do not eat a healthy diet. Conclusion: In addition to the problem of overweight and obesity, it was found that there are other lifestyle problems among primary school students in IŽ (malnutrition, coffee and alcohol consumption). A serious health risk due to malnutrition or severe obesity and obesity exists in 19% of respondents. The results point to the need to continuously educate students, parents and school staff about the importance of a healthy diet and regular physical activity to promote health and prevent disease.
The Future is Flexible: The Impact of improved Comfort and Aesthetics on Patient Compliance in Spinal Bracing
Authors: Potts Dr Matthew
Published: October 2024

This paper provides an overview of the evolution of scoliosis bracing, tracing its roots from the ancient scamnum of Hippocrates to the modern, technologically advanced braces of the 21st century. It highlights the significant advancements made in the 20th century with the introduction of the Milwaukee and Boston braces, which revolutionised non-operative scoliosis treatment. The paper further explores the shift towards customisation and three-dimensional correction in the late 20th and early 21st centuries, with the development of the Cheneau, Rigo System and Cheneau derivatives such as the ScoliBrace. The advent of 3D printing technology has opened up new possibilities for scoliosis bracing, offering unprecedented customisation and patient comfort. However, the full potential of this technology, particularly in areas like variable density zones, is yet to be utilised on a global scale. The study concludes that while significant strides have been made, the field of scoliosis bracing is still ripe with opportunities for innovation and improvement. Future research should focus on harnessing the potential of 3D printing technology, exploring new methodologies, and refining existing brace designs to improve patient outcomes and quality of life.
Population-adjusted Rates of Rectal Prolapse Repair in Washington State Over a Contemporary, 12-year Time Period
Authors: Soriano Celine , Tam Justina , C. Kim Hyung , Koenig Hannah , Kaplan Jennifer , Lee Una , Simianu Vlad
Published: October 2024

Background: Rectal prolapse, with or without concurrent vaginal prolapse, is a debilitating condition. Despite debate regarding the optimal surgical approach, operative repair remains the mainstay of treatment. Our objective was to describe trends of rectal prolapse repair in Washington State. Methods: A retrospective cohort of patients undergoing rectal prolapse repair was created from the Washington State Comprehensive Hospital Abstract Reporting System. Age- and sex-adjusted rates of rectal prolapse repair alone and concurrent rectal and vaginal prolapse repair, trends over time, and factors associated with variation in rates are described. Results: There were 2755 hospitalizations in which patients underwent rectal prolapse repair, with 33.3% undergoing concurrent rectal and vaginal prolapse repair. Seventy-five percent of all repairs were in patients older than 50. Rates for rectal prolapse repair went from 3.72/100,000 people in 2008 to 3.25/100,000 people in 2019 (p=0.003) and did not increase in patients ages 65-79 (p=0.09) or older than 80 (p=0.945). Perineal repairs accounted for 31% of repairs and declined after 2014. Minimally-invasive abdominal repairs doubled from 32.5% in 2008 to 65.4% in 2019 (p<0.001). Seventy-five percent of patients lived within 20 miles of the treating facility. Conclusions: Despite a broad shift towards abdominal, minimally invasive approaches, population-adjusted rates of rectal prolapse repair have remained stable in Washington State, even in elderly demographics in which rectal prolapse is more prevalent. Most patients receive operations at local facilities, but rates of repair vary with population size and number of surgeons, suggesting there are other factors driving care for rectal prolapse at a population level.
The Association of COVID-19 and Patients Diagnosed with Lung Cancer
Authors: Hanuschak Danielle , DePiero Mallori , DeMoraes Melissa , Bailly Shamoore , Rubens Muni , Lindeman Paul , Dylewski Mark , DeRosimo John , Zinner Michael , Young Geoffrey
Published: October 2024

Objectives: The COVID-19 pandemic’s impact on the healthcare system resulted in decreased rates of screening, diagnosis, and treatment of lung malignancies. Long-term longitudinal studies are needed to analyze resultant stage migration. Materials and Methods: Retrospective cohort study of patients diagnosed with a primary thoracic malignancy (lung, main bronchus, hilum, and carina) who received first-course therapy at a single institution. Clinical and pathological staging values were compared utilizing 12 and 22-month timeframes before (pre-COVID-19) and after (post-COVID-19) the outbreak of the pandemic. Results: A total of 1,002 patients with clinical stage 0 to IV and 538 patients with pathological stage 0 to IV were analyzed in the pre-COVID-19 and post-COVID-19 populations. Between the 12-month pre- and post-COVID-19 groups, clinical T4 significantly increased (+9.68%). In the 22-month pre- and post-COVID-19 groups, clinical T2 decreased (-7.15%) and T4 increased (+11.53%), pathological T2 decreased (-8.97%) and T4 increased (+8.89%), clinical N2 increased (+6.26%), pathological N0 decreased (-9.22%) and N2 increased (+8.91%), clinical M0 decreased (-8.47%) and M1 increased (+8.47%), pathologic M0 decreased (-11.23%) and M1 increased (+11.23%), clinical stage II decreased (-4.28%) and IV increased (+7.78%), and pathologic stage II decreased (-8.06%) and stage IV increased (+11.08%). Conclusions: Following the COVID-19 pandemic, significant decreases in the number and availability of lung cancer screenings emerged. This study found statistically significant stage migration at initial diagnosis, particularly when analyzing lengthened time periods of 22 months post-COVID-19 compared to 12 months. Stage migration following the COVID-19 pandemic appears to become more distinguished over time.
Dual defect detection and generation system in planar surface
Authors: Burygin A.O. , Panin I.G.
Published: October 2024

The main problem of applying neural networks in the task of defect detection is that there is a limitation in the size of the set of annotated defect images compared to the set of defect-free images. This imbalance in the dataset poses a challenge for the model to effectively learn and generalize patterns associated with defects. The scarcity of annotated defect samples hinders the model's ability to capture the diverse characteristics of anomalies, making it prone to misdetection and reduced performance on real-world data. To solve this problem, the authors have proposed a neural network architecture based on two neural networks U-Net++ and PatchCore trained in the student-teacher paradigm. In this paradigm, the student model undergoes initial training exclusively on defect-free images. Consequently, disparities emerge in the learned features between the student and teacher models, facilitating the computation of an anomaly metric and streamlining the anomaly localization process. The aim of the research is to improve the efficiency of defect detection by creating methods and algorithms, and dataset augmentation systems, as an option to solve the problem of defect-free images. The overarching goal of this research is to enhance the efficacy of defect detection through the development of methodologies, algorithms, and dataset augmentation systems. This serves as a strategic approach to address the inherent challenge posed by the scarcity of annotated defect images in comparison to their defect-free counterparts. By creating methods and augmenting datasets, we aim to mitigate the limitations imposed by the uneven distribution of defect and defect-free samples, ultimately advancing the robustness and performance of defect detection models. A dual system of defect detection based on the U-Net++ pre-trained network and feature estimation of individual fragments based on the PatchCore network is presented. The research incorporates computational experiments designed to assess the effectiveness of the proposed method in comparison to existing counterparts. An in-depth efficiency analysis has been conducted, focusing on dataset enrichment using the generative-adversarial network ResStyleGAN. This examination aims to provide empirical evidence of the method's performance and its potential advantages over established approaches in the context of defect detection. The method developed, centered around the dual system PatchNet++ and preliminary generation of new defects using ResStyleGAN, is positioned for practical application in real production scenarios. Subsequent stages involve a detailed analysis to evaluate its performance and suitability in real-world settings.
Elements of the development of the theory of construction of educational and training facilities for complex organizational and technical products
Authors: Teryaev D.V. , Volosenkov V.O. , Lyalkov S.S. , Orlov I.A. , Platonova O.V. , Zheleznyak L.M. , Boazhnikova E.V.
Published: October 2024

Existing training and training systems use tools that can be implemented both as computer training complexes and operational simulators using simulation. Currently, training tools are used that can use mathematical and scenario models of the behavior of simulated objects. The problem of creating a multi-agent distributed training and training system is relevant. The lack of a theoretical justification for this process does not allow for the rapid addition of new elements within the framework of simulations. The novelty of the proposed approach is the decomposition of the model of the modeling object in order to ensure an operational change in the composition of the elements in the modeling. The theoretical justification of the process of building educational and training facilities for complex organizational and technical products will allow us to predict the image of a promising educational and training facility with an imitation of the situation as close as possible to the real one. The problem of creating a multi-agent distributed training and training system is relevant. Currently, existing training and training systems use tools that can be implemented both as computer training complexes and operational simulators using simulation modeling. The lack of a theoretical justification for this process does not allow for the rapid addition of new elements within the framework of simulations. Theoretical substantiation of the process of building educational and training facilities for complex organizational and technical products to ensure operational changes in the composition of elements in the modeling environment. The trends in the construction of educational and training tools for complex organizational and technical products are considered. The requirements for the construction of promising training and training systems have been formed. The implementation of a distributed training simulator system will increase the level of staff training through the use of mathematical and scenario models of the behavior of simulated objects.
Model of formation of a typical message for evaluating the performance of the information-measuring system functioning
Authors: Pozdnyakov A.A. , Martynov A.M.
Published: October 2024

Currently, one of the topical issues arising in the functioning of information and measurement systems (AIS) for various purposes is the issue of evaluating its effectiveness. For AIS of various classes, a significant complication of the background-target situation, based primarily on an increase in the number objects of observation in near-Earth outer space is the main problem. The throughput capacity is provided for each AIS in their tactical and technical characteristics. This characteristic is determined even at the design stage based on the actual working conditions for targets and interference, taking into account the provision of their guaranteed observation. However, based on the above, it turns out that modern AIS, depending on the location and direction of the viewing area, are already working at the limits of their capacity capacity, or this will happen in the near future. On the AIS, the throughput is determined by such a parameter as the rate of formation of the first typical messages with a given probability. Based on the relevance of the described problem, it is of interest to simulate the operation of ICS in the conditions of extreme loads in terms of throughput in order to assess the real probability of the formation of the first vehicle, as well as to determine the factors that have a negative impact on the considered indicators.
Correlative evaluation of findings between ultrasonography, fine needle aspiration cytology and histopathology in cases of goitre
Authors: Gauri Huma Akbar , Gangwar Navneeta , Singh Anju , Rai Naresh N. , Mudkavi Rajeev
Published: October 2024

Background: Thyroid imaging reporting and data system (TIRADS) criteria is followed in ultrasonography (USG), based on the risk of malignancy depending on the presence of suspicious ultrasound features. Patients in the high-risk category of TIRADS undergo fine needle aspiration cytology (FNAC), with the Bethesda classification used to determine the risk of malignancy. There is dearth of data comparing sonographic classification of thyroid nodule and its cytological association with respect to final histopathological diagnosis in India.
Methods: Prospective observational study on correlation of USG, FNAC and HPE of thyroid swellings conducted in department of otolaryngology at Jaipur national university institute for medical science and research centre, Jaipur, Rajasthan from June 2022 to April 2024 on 50 patients with palpable thyroid lump.
Results: In the present study, USG has a sensitivity of 63.63%, specificity of 97.44%, a positive predictive value (PPV) of 87.5%, a negative predictive value (NPV) of 90.4% and an overall accuracy of 84.00%. FNAC shows a sensitivity of 72.7%, specificity of 89.7%, PPV of 66.7%, NPV of 92%, and an overall accuracy of 86%.
Conclusions: Benign lesions on both FNAC and USG were almost in concurrence with HPE in our study. The results of FNAC for diagnosing malignancy in our study were almost at par with the results of HPE and outweighed the results of USG. Surgical management should be based on FNAC finding even if USG shows benign features. It should be essential part of armamentarium of evaluation of thyroid swelling. This combined approach provides a robust framework and enhances the accuracy for distinguishing between benign and malignant thyroid lesions, ultimately contributing to improved patient care and outcomes. However, the histopathological examination will remain the gold standard.