bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Gender Based Susceptibility to Mental Health Issues in Adolescents during the Pandemic (Preprint)
Authors: Lee Young-Shin , Moreno Kim , Yang Kyeongra , Kim Minjeong
Published: June 2024

BACKGROUND

Adolescence, the transitional phase between childhood and adulthood, is a stressful, fragile, and critical period. While the COVID-19 pandemic has introduced numerous stressors affecting the mental health of all age groups, adolescents are particularly vulnerable. However, there is limited research focusing on the impact of COVID-19 on this population.

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to explore the impact of COVID-19, coping strategies, depression, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in adolescents during the pandemic.

METHODS

This web-based cross-sectional survey study included 217 adolescents in Southern California, USA, between 2020 and 2021. Self-report measures include demographic questionnaires, COVID-19 impact, types of coping strategies used during COVID-19, depression, anxiety, and PTSD analyses. Chi-Square tests were used for depression and anxiety, and ANOVA was used for PTSD analysis.

RESULTS

Female gender was identified as a risk factor for depression, anxiety, and PTSD. Approximately 24.2% of participants had a family member or someone close who was infected with COVID-19 during the pandemic, which was a significant factor for both anxiety and PTSD. More than half of participants (56.8%) were Asian-Americans, but there was no significant difference in depression, anxiety and PTSD among different racial/ethnic groups. About a quarter of the participants reported experiencing depression or anxiety. The mean score for PTSD was 8.08 (SD = 5.70). Social media and the internet were the most frequently used coping strategies, with 67.3% of participants utilizing each.

CONCLUSIONS

Considering our findings, prevention programs focusing on mental health, including routine screening, should be implemented at community level for adolescents. School programs fostering healthy social interactions and education on coping strategies should also be implemented for both families and adolescents.

CLINICALTRIAL

None
Methodology for Biological Sample Collection, Processing, and Storage in the Newcastle 1000 Pregnancy Cohort: Protocol for a Longitudinal, Prospective Population-Based Study in Australia (Preprint)
Authors: Fisher Joshua J , Grace Tegan , Castles Nathan A , Jones Elizabeth A , Delforce Sarah J , Peters Alexandra E , Crombie Gabrielle K , Hoedt Emily C , Warren Kirby E , Kahl Richard GS , Hirst Jonathan J , Pringle Kirsty G , Pennell Craig E
Published: June 2024

BACKGROUND

Research in the developmental origins of health and disease provides compelling evidence that adverse events during the first 1000 days of life from conception can impact life course health. Despite many decades of research, we still lack a complete understanding of the mechanisms underlying some of these associations. The Newcastle 1000 Study (NEW1000) is a comprehensive, prospective population-based pregnancy cohort study based in Newcastle, New South Wales, Australia, that will recruit pregnant women and their partners at 11-14 weeks’ gestation, with assessments at 20, 28, and 36 weeks; birth; 6 weeks; and 6 months, in order to provide detailed data about the first 1000 days of life to investigate the developmental origins of noncommunicable diseases.

OBJECTIVE

The study aims to provide a longitudinal multisystem approach to phenotyping, supported by robust clinical data and collection of biological samples in NEW1000.

METHODS

This manuscript describes in detail the large variety of samples collected in the study and the method of collection, storage, and utility of the samples in the biobank, with a particular focus on incorporation of the samples into emerging and novel large-scale “-omics” platforms, including the genome, microbiome, epigenome, transcriptome, fragmentome, metabolome, proteome, exposome, and cell-free DNA and RNA. Specifically, this manuscript details the methods used to collect, process, and store biological samples, including maternal, paternal, and fetal blood, microbiome (stool, skin, vaginal, oral), urine, saliva, hair, toenail, placenta, colostrum, and breastmilk.

RESULTS

Recruitment for the study began in March 2021. As of July 2024, 1040 women and 684 partners were enrolled, with 922 infants born. The NEW1000 biobank contains 24,357 plasma aliquots from ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA) tubes, 5284 buffy coat aliquots, 4000 plasma aliquots from lithium heparin tubes, 15,884 blood serum aliquots, 2977 PAX RNA tubes, 26,595 urine sample aliquots, 2280 fecal swabs, 17,687 microbiome swabs, 2356 saliva sample aliquots, 1195 breastmilk sample aliquots, 4007 placental tissue aliquots, 2680 hair samples, and 2193 nail samples.

CONCLUSIONS

NEW1000 will generate a multigenerational, deeply phenotyped cohort with a comprehensive biobank of samples relevant to a large variety of analyses, including multiple -omics platforms.

INTERNATIONAL REGISTERED REPORT

DERR1-10.2196/63562
The Effect of University Students' Learning Engagement, Satisfaction with General Education, and Digital Literacy on Digital Citizenship
Authors:   Korean Association For Learner-Centered Curriculum And Instruction, Joo Soyoung , Jeong Yeonjae
Published: June 2024

Objectives This study aims to examine the influence of university students' learning engagement, satisfaction with liberal arts education, and digital literacy on cultivating a balanced digital citizenship education in the era of digital transformation.
Methods From May 20 to June 15, 2023, a survey was conducted involving 390 undergraduate students at University I, located in Incheon Metropolitan City. The data were analyzed using Pearson's product-moment correlation and multiple regression analysis in SPSS 29.0.
Results Firstly, it was revealed that high-order and integrated learning in learning engagement, professor-student interaction, and data analysis, learning utilization experience, and digital proficiency collectively explained 65% of the cognitive domain of digital citizenship. Secondly, high-order and integrated learning in learning engagement, effective teaching, active and cooperative learning, diverse group discussions, learning strategies, satisfaction with liberal arts education, and learning utilization experience in digital literacy explained 60% of the normative domain of digital citizenship. Thirdly, high-order and integrated learning in learning engagement, active and cooperative learning, diverse group discussions, learning strategies, satisfaction with liberal arts education, and learning utilization experience in digital literacy explained 67% of the behavioral domain of digital citizenship.
Conclusions The findings of this study suggest that the results can be utilized to design education for cultivating digital citizenship at the undergraduate level and enhance the effectiveness of education in this regard.
Implications of the Perspective on Learners in Montessori Education on Student Agency
Authors:   Korean Association For Learner-Centered Curriculum And Instruction, Choi Hanol
Published: June 2024

Objectives This study analyzes the characteristics of perspective on learners in Montessori education and explores its implications for student agency.
Methods To achieve this research objective, literature research was conducted in this study. First, Montessori education theory, Montessori school curriculum, and association data were collected to derive the characteristics of perspective on learners in Montessori education. Second, we collected literature related to student agency, explored the concept and meaning of student agency, and analyzed the educational relevance of student agency and Montessori education. Finally, based on the perspective on the learner that Montessori education aims for, the significance of the Montessori learner's perspective on student agency was derived.
Results The analysis results show that Montessori education, first, emphasizes the role of teachers as protectors, observers, and creators of the environment to enhance student agency, aiming to nurture proactive learners. Second, Montessori encourages the development of learners with grit by willingly allowing mistakes and focusing on process-oriented assessment that prioritizes the learning process. Third, Montessori education values learners who are self-driven yet socially responsible. It believes that a sense of responsibility towards the community can be achieved through a partnership in education between the school and parents, thus encouraging parental involvement in education.
Conclusions The conclusion presents the implications and limitations of Montessori education, as well as practical recommendations for applying it to enhance student agency in educational settings.
Longitudinal Stability of Academic Helplessness in Middle Schools
Authors:   Korean Association For Learner-Centered Curriculum And Instruction, Ha Ayeong
Published: June 2024

Objectives This study examined the trait, state, and occasion of academic helplessness in detail and explored the longitudinal stability of academic helplessness in middle schools.
Methods A longitudinal confirmatory factor analysis was conducted on 2,325 repeatedly measured from the first to third grades of middle school in the Korean Children and Youth Panel Survey 2018 (KCYPS 2018). The latent trait-state-occasion(TSO) model was analyzed after imposing constraints on occasion factors, measurement error, and variance of occasion factors for stable parameter estimation.
Results The latent trait-state-occasion(TSO) model was found to be suitable for academic helplessness in middle school, and the average explanatory amount for academic lethargy was 26.4% in trait and 73.6% in occasion. In addition, the autoregressive coefficient for longitudinal stability of the academic helplessness occasion was .092 ∼.099.
Conclusions It was confirmed that trait and occasion coexist in academic helplessness in middle school. However, the influence of the environmental context was more significant than that of individual traits, suggesting that interventions or programs to reduce academic helplessness have significant implications.
The Effect of Public Self Consciousness on Social Anxiety in Early Adult: The Moderated Mediating Effect of Cognitive Flexibility through Ambivalence over Emotional Expressiveness
Authors:   Korean Association For Learner-Centered Curriculum And Instruction, Won Somang , Lee Sulim
Published: June 2024

Objectives The purpose of this study was to verify moderated mediating effects of Cognitive Flexibility through Ambivalence over Emotional Expressiveness in the relationship between Public Self Consciousness and Social Anxiety of early adult.
Methods To this end, a self-reporting survey consisting of Public Self Consciousness Scale, Social Interaction Anxiety Scale, Social Phobia Scale, Ambivalence over Emotional Expressiveness Questionnaire-K, and Cognitive Flexibility Inventory was distributed and conducted to 309 early adults aged 20 to 29. For data analysis, descriptive statistics, correlation analysis, mediating effects, moderating effects, and moderated mediating effects were verified through SPSS 22.0 and SPSS PROCESS Macro.
Results The main results of this study are as follows. First, Correlation analysis revealed significant correlations between Public Self Consciousness, Social Anxiety, Ambivalence over Emotional Expressiveness and Cognitive Flexibility. Second, It was confirmed that Public Self Consciousness influenced Ambivalence over Emotional Expressiveness, and it had partial mediating effected by influencing Social Anxiety. Third, it was confirmed that Cognitive Flexibility had a moderating effect in the relationship between Ambivalence over Emotional Expressiveness and Social Anxiety. That is, it mean that in the relationship between Ambivalence over Emotional Expressiveness and Social Anxiety, even if Ambivalence over Emotional Expressiveness Increases Social Anxiety, Social Anxiety can be decrease by Cognitive Flexibility. Fourth, It was confirmed that there was a moderated mediating effect of Cognitive Flexibility through Ambivalence over Emotional Expressiveness in the relationship between Public Self Consciousness and Social Anxiety. Finally, the significance and limitations of this study were discussed.
Conclusions The results of this study provided implications for the understanding of social anxiety and treatment strategies in early adults, by confirming the role of Ambivalence over Emotional Expressiveness and Cognitive Flexibility in the influence of early adults' Public Self Consciousness on Social Anxiety.
Relationship and influence between children’s social-emotional competence, self-help skills, and child-teacher interaction
Authors:   Korean Association For Learner-Centered Curriculum And Instruction, Im Hea Jin
Published: June 2024

Objectives The purpose of this study is to investigate the relationship and influence of children's social-emotional competence, self-help skills, and child-teacher interaction.
Methods The subjects of the study were 140 3-year-old children attending a kindergarten in Gyeonggi-do. Data were collected through questionnaires, and correlation analysis and stepwise multiple regression analysis were performed to analyze the collected data.
Results First, it appears that there is a positive correlation between children's social-emotional competence, self-help skills, and child-teacher interaction, and the higher the child's social-emotional competence, the higher the self-help skills and child-teacher interaction. Second, children's social-emotional competence was found to have a significant impact on self-help skills, and among the sub-factors of children's social-emotional competence, emotional recognition and understanding, emotional expression, emotional regulation, social understanding, interpersonal skills, and social problem solving. It was found to have a positive effect on. And among the sub-factors of children's social-emotional competence, emotional recognition and understanding, emotional expression, emotional regulation, social understanding, interpersonal skills, and social problem solving were found to have a positive effect on the child-teacher interaction.
Conclusions Through this study, we were able to confirm the importance of developing children's self-help skills and social-emotional competence to increase child-teacher interaction, and suggested that teachers' efforts are needed to help children's social-emotional competence.
Development and validation of college student futures literacy diagnostic tool
Authors:   Korean Association For Learner-Centered Curriculum And Instruction, Jung Hyojung , Jung Seunghwan
Published: June 2024

Objectives The purpose of this study is to develop and validate diagnostic tools for futures literacy. To achieve this, definitions of future literacy, identification of sub-elements, and diagnostic items were proposed.
Methods Through analysis of previous research, the definition, components, and diagnostic items of future literacy were identified, and feasibility was reviewed through the Delphi survey technique targeting 11 experts. To ensure the construct validity and reliability of the items, data were collected from 244 college students. Exploratory factor analysis was performed on the collected data, and confirmatory factor analysis was performed using the AMOS program to specifically verify the model suitability and validity of the factors and items.
Results Reflecting the results of the construct validity and reliability analysis of 68 items, a total of 39 items were deleted, and a diagnostic tool consisting of a total of 29 items was completed. When examining the results of factor analysis and reliability analysis for a total of 29 diagnostic items, the Bartlett sphericity test result was significant at p < .001, and KMO was .861, which was above .5, so it appeared to be a matrix suitable for factor analysis.
Conclusions Ultimately, the definition and components of future literacy and 29 diagnostic items defined by factor were confirmed, which can be used as a quantified diagnostic inventory in planning and operating future literacy education programs.
A Study on the Perception Change of Hapkido Using Big Data Analysis
Authors:   Korean Association For Learner-Centered Curriculum And Instruction, Kim Kun Hee
Published: June 2024

Objectives This study intends to collect words related to hapkido from domestic portal sites and compare them around the last 10 years and after to provide basic data for future hapkido-related research and seek development plans.
Methods Using ‘Hapkido’ as a keyword, data from 10 years ago(2013. 1. 1 - 2013. 12. 31.) and 10 years later(2023. 1. 1. - 2023. 12. 31.) were collected by Naver, Daum, and Google, and they were compared after network analysis, CONCOR analysis, and emotion analysis.
Results As a result of network analysis, it was confirmed that Taekwondo, Dan, exercise, and gym were the most frequent 10 years ago, followed by Taekwondo, exercise, gym, and competition 10 years later. In the frequency of simultaneous appearance, Taekwondo-dan, Taekwondo-judo, Judo-dan, etc. were high 10 years ago, and Taekwondo, dan, Judo, and additional points were high 10 years later. According to the CONCOR analysis, 10 years ago, license, judo, Dan, police, additional points, Taekwondo, etc. were gathered in Group 1, Master, Recommendation, Exercise, Gym, Self-defense skills were gathered in Group 2, Competition, Daily Sports, Participation, Athletes, and Hosting were gathered in Group 3, and Delivery Status and Product Review were gathered in Group 4. Ten years later, Boxing, Taekwondo, Police, Exercise, Jiu-Jitsu, Dan, Kickboxing were gathered in Group 1, and Evaluation, Jump rope, Self-defense, and Gym were gathered in Group 2, Athletes, The whole country, and Competitions were gathered in Group 3, and parents were gathered in Group 4. As a result of emotional analysis, positive words accounted for a total of 4,398 (69.38%) and negative words accounted for a total of 1,941 (30.62%) 10 years ago, and positive words accounted for a total of 5,261 (73.54%) and negative words 1,893 (26.46%) 10 years later.
Conclusions First, Hapkido should develop its own skills and programs, expand the benefits of Hapkido licenses, and establish a strict and objective promotion review process. And it is necessary to actively seek ways to receive the Hapkido seal by promoting the advantages of evenly developing the mind and body. In addition, the development should be accelerated through the large scale of Hapkido organizations. Second, Hapkido Gymnasium should develop and apply various Hapkido training programs to increase the number of trainees. Third, it is necessary to apply training programs tailored to the tendencies and characteristics of trainees, and to create a safe training environment where comfortable and free training is possible.
Serial Dual Mediating Effects of Withdrawal and Aggression on the Relationship between Internet Overdependence and Depression/Anxiety among High School Students
Authors:   Korean Association For Learner-Centered Curriculum And Instruction, Na Jihun , Lee Mi-young
Published: June 2024

Objectives This study examined the sequential dual mediating effects of withdrawal and aggression on the relationship between Internet overdependence and depression/anxiety among high school students.
Methods Data were obtained from the 16th year of the Korea Welfare Panel Study, which covered 320 high school students, and were analyzed using PROCESS macro Model 6 and the bootstrapping method were employed to investigate the sequential dual mediating model.
Results The findings demonstrated that Internet overdependence increased withdrawal, which in turn, elevated depression/anxiety among high school students. Furthermore, Internet overdependence increased withdrawal, which heightened aggression, ultimately contributing to high school students' depression/anxiety.
Conclusions The results of this study suggest the need to consider withdrawal and aggression together that can be caused by overdependence on the Internet as well as overdependence on the Internet as a response to mental health problems such as depression and anxiety among adolescents.
Impact of Acculturative Stress on Life Satisfaction amongst Multicultural Adolescents: Mediating Effect through Social Competency
Authors:   Korean Association For Learner-Centered Curriculum And Instruction, Sim Eunsil , Jo Han Ik
Published: June 2024

Objectives This study aimed to verify whether social competency mediate the relationship between acculturative stress and life satisfaction of multicultural adolescents and to seek implications for educational counseling.
Methods For this purpose selected 2,271 adolescents from multicultural families as the analysis target in the first year of the second MAPS. For deriving meaningful data conducted this study descriptive statistics and correlation analysis between main relevant variables through SPSS. The mediating effect analysis was checked through SPSS Process Macro, and the significance of mediating was identified through bootstrapping function of SPSS Process Macro.
Results To summarize the results of this study, first, it appeared that acculturative stress has a negative effect on life satisfaction, and social competency has a positive effect on life satisfaction. Second, it appeared that acculturative stress has a negative effect on social competency. Finally, the mediating effect of social competency was significant in the relationship between acculturative stress and life satisfaction.
Conclusions Based on these results, this study proposes that the need to establish various strategic interventions regarding education and counseling to promote social competence in order to increase the life satisfaction of multicultural adolescents under acculturative stress.
Dos Perspectivas Teóricas para Explicar la Gran Historia: Fred Spier & Pedro Ortiz Cabanillas
Authors:   Centro de Transformación Digital, Departamento de Investigación, Universidad Norbert Wiener, Lima, Perú, Contreras-Pulache Hans
Published: June 2024

La hipótesis central de esta investigación es que actualmente existen dos propuestas teóricas dentro de la Gran Historia: la propuesta declarada y reconocida mundialmente de Fred Spier y la propuesta desconocida de Pedro Ortiz Cabanillas implícitamente contenida en su Teoría Sociobiológica Informacional. Se procederá a sintetizar y presentar las dos propuestas teóricas de Gran Historia de Spier y de Ortiz, comparándolas e identificando puntos de contacto y diferencias. La propuesta teórica de Spier, sintéticamente, presenta el devenir del universo en tres momentos: cosmológico, biológico y social; siendo la base epistemológica una teoría cualitativa de la complejidad. La propuesta de Ortiz (sobre la base de una teoría cualitativa de la información) presenta el devenir del universo en seis niveles de complejidad. De modo paralelo tendríamos: el nivel 0 (el momento cosmológico de Spier); el nivel uno, dos, tres y cuatro (el nivel biológico de Spier); y el nivel 5 (el momento social de Spier). Existen diferencias puntuales entre ambos planteamientos, pero más son las articulaciones y puntos de contacto. La hipótesis de esta investigación es correcta: tanto Spier (explícitamente) como Ortiz (implícitamente) tienen teorías explicativas de la Gran Historia. Aun cuando Spier y Ortiz nunca tuvieron contacto (ni personal ni académico), sus teorías se articulan en un mismo esquema explicativo y se nutren epistemológicamente de modo simultaneo. La Gran Historia se fortalece a partir de lo que aquí se devela.
Factores cognitivos, motivacionales y de procrastinación relacionados con el rendimiento académico en estudiantes de psicología: un estudio descriptivo analítico
Authors: Sánchez Acosta Daniela , Gutiérrez-Monsalve Jaime Andrés , Forero Meza Maria Francisca , Echeverri Chavarriaga Isabel , Gómez Hernández Carlos Alejandro , García Salcedo Sebastián
Published: June 2024

Resumen: Existen diferentes factores que determinan la permanencia y el alcance de logros de los estudiantes universitarios. El presente estudio tiene como objetivo establecer los factores cognitivos, motivacionales y de procrastinación relacionados con el rendimiento académico en estudiantes de psicología. Se propone un estudio descriptivo con intención analítica, de casos y controles, de fuentes secundarias, y con una muestra de 141 estudiantes de psicología. Ser mujer, egresar de una institución educativa privada, recibir un apoyo económico, y no contar con una motivación superficial, fueron factores relacionados estadísticamente con el rendimiento académico. Se planteó un modelo logístico predictivo del RA considerando variables cognitivas, motivacionales, sociodemográficas y de procrastinación. El modelo logró predecir el 90% de los estudiantes con bajo RA y el 98% con buen RA. A partir de los resultados de este estudio, las universidades deberían  considerar las variables cognitivas y no cognitivas dentro de las estrategias implementadas para favorecer el éxito académico de los estudiantes, optimizando los sistemas de alertas tempranas.
environment embodiment - towards poetic narratives
Authors: Fernanda Branco
Published: June 2024

This exposition presents the PhD Artistic Research project environment embodiment - towards poetic narratives by Fernanda Branco at the Oslo National Academy of the Arts (2020-2024).

This artistic research explores experiential agency in encounters between body and environment. It draws from uncanny, embodied, and poetic perspectives and unfolds as a constellation of sympoietic practices.

PhD Supervisors:
Rebecca Hilton - Stockholm University of the Arts (2021-2024)
Gunhild Mathea Olaussen - KHiO (2021-2022)
Dora Garcia - KHiO (2023-2024)

Fernanda Branco has designed this exposition in collaboration with web designer Ellen Palmeira.

Illustrations by Aza
Drawings by Francisco Blixt
Cards and booklets designed by Amanda Costa
Bacterial Filaments Induced by Antibiotic Minimal Inhibitory Concentrations in Persister Cells
Authors: Mohammed Haneen N. , Authman Sawsan H. , AL Marjani Mohammed F. , Samarasinghe Shivanthi
Published: June 2024

Background: The ability of minor subpopulations among clonal populations to survive antibiotics is referred to as bacterial persistence. It is believed that persisters come from latent cells, where antibiotic target areas are less active and incapable of being affected. Objective: 112 clinical Escherichia coli isolates were acquired out of diverse medical samples and genetically identified using the uspA gene, which is part of the housekeeping genes. Methods: The examination of persister cells was carried out by subjecting isolates of E. coli in the exponential phase with high dose of ciprofloxacin (20 fold MIC) and calculating the surviving persister cells using CFU (colony forming units) counts. The detection and measurement of bacterial filament production was done using scanning electron and light microscopy. Results: Results showed that the bacterial filament cells kept on lengthen but cease to divide (no septa formation) at sub-minimal inhibitory doses of ciprofloxacin. Persistent isolates were shown to exhibit a wide range of form and size variations, with cells up to 4.5 times longer than usual. Conclusions: The results showed the importance of antibiotic stress on persisted cells that result in the production of filaments as a means of survival and the need to examine these rare phenotypic variations. These occurrences may be the beginning of the spread of bacterial resistance.
Cholesterol of Low-Density Lipoprotein-Containing Circulating Immune Complexes Improves Prognosis of Asymptomatic Carotid Atherosclerosis
Authors: Orekhov A. N. , Orekhov N. A. , Omelchenko A. V. , Sobenin I. A.
Published: June 2024

Aim. Previously, low-density lipoprotein-containing circulating immune complexes (LDL-CIC) were found in the blood of atherosclerotic patients. High diagnostic and prognostic significance of cholesterol level in LDL-CIC (Chol-CIC) in relation to the development of asymptomatic atherosclerosis suggested its clinical utility. Here we attempted to improve the prognostic value of CholCIC by combining this marker with other features.

Materials and Methods. The study included 101 male patients with asymptomatic carotid atherosclerosis. During 1 year, we carried out quarterly measurements of clinical and biochemical features including Chol-CIC and intima-media thickness (IMT).

Results. Combination with age increased the prognostic significance of Chol-CIC from 63.5% to 78.3% that exceeded those of low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) and Chol-CIC alone. Age did not improve prognostic significance of other lipid parameters. Therefore, Chol-CIC had higher prognostic significance in comparison to other lipid profile parameters.

Conclusion. Combination of Chol-CIC and patient age may be used for the prognosis of increasing intima-media thickness.
Od zviadistů ke gruzínskému snu: volatilita a parlamentní volby v gruzínskem Džavacheti v letech 1992-2020
Authors: Štěpánik Stanislav , Kopeček Vincenc
Published: June 2024

This study addresses the longstanding instability of the Georgian party-political scene, which has significantly shaped the nation's electoral dynamics. This instability primarily arises from the organization of parties centered around the popularity of their leaders. Starting with Gamsakhurdia and further strengthened by Shevardnadze and Saakashvili, this trend has begun to wane in the last decade. The consequences of this unstable system, established in the 1990s, are still evident, with Georgian elections often swayed by economic-populist projects led by charismatic leaders. Focusing specifically on Javakheti, this research examines how the Armenian minority's loyalty to the ruling party can be attributed to the party's charismatic leadership and connections with elites in Tbilisi. However, election results indicate a declining support for the ruling party in this region, reflecting a shift in political culture. The study explores the internal structure of voting behavior in Javakheti and highlights the influence of ethnic differences on political preferences. The conclusions drawn provide insights into the social control exercised by patrons, the dynamics of group versus individual rational choice, the impact of ethnic homogeneity and settlement concentration, the spatial influence on politics, and the legal framework governing the political mobilization of the ethnic minority.
PENERAPAN PENDEKATAN KONSTRUKSIVISME DALAM MENGOPTIMALKAN KEMAMPUAN BERPIKIR KRITIS PADA PEMBELAJARAN IPAS SISWA MADRASAH IBTIDAIYAH
Authors: Cahyaningsih Esty , Maemonah
Published: June 2024

Penelitian ini fokus untuk mengetahui bagaimana penerapan pendekatan konstruktivisme dalam meningkatkan kemampuan berpikir kritis pembelajaran IPAS. Subjek dalam penelitian ini meliputi kepala sekolah, guru kelas 5B, dan siswa kelas 5B yang berjumlah 30 siswa di MIN 2 Bantul. Peneliti menggunakan pendekatan filsafat konstruktivisme dengan desain studi kasus dalam mengkaji penelitian ini. Sumber data yang digunakan berupa wawancara, observasi, dokumentasi, dan analisis dokumen penunjang lainnya. Setelah data dikumpulkan dan dikumpulkan, peneliti melakukan analisis data yang mengacu pada model interaktif milik Mils, Huberman, dan Saldana yaitu kondensasi data, penyajian data, dan penarikan kesimpulan atau verifikasi data. Peneliti menggunakan triangulasi data dalam menjaga kebsahan data. Hasil penelitian ini menyimpulkan bahwa pembelajaran IPAS yang diajarkan dengan menggunakan pendekatan konstruktivisme dapat menambah keaktifan belajar siswa, memberikan semangat, dan mengoptimalkan kemampuan berpikir kritis dalam menyelesaikan masalah yang dihadapi dalam pembelajaran.
Investigating Arab Students’ Communication Strategies in Speaking English as a Medium of Instruction
Authors: Tarabelsi Nour , Aboud Farida , Fawzi Shamsi Ahmad
Published: June 2024

Speaking English in a multicultural context is considered one of the main requirements for students to communicate with their teachers and colleagues from diverse backgrounds. Due to the scarcity of these studies about Arab students, our study aimed to investigate the most Communication Strategies (CSs) used by Arab students in speaking English as a Medium of Instruction (EMI) in a public university in North Cyprus. Besides, it focused more on examining the possible correlation between these strategies and social factors (namely, gender and proficiency level). The study adopted the quantitative research tool, which included 102 participants. The descriptive analysis revealed several CSs adopted by Arab students when speaking English in an EMI setting. The results of ANOVA and t. test reported positive effects of gender and level of proficiency on students’ usage of communication strategies. This study might contribute to drawing the attention of Foreign Language Schools to the teachability of communication strategies for Arab learners of English.
Research on Improving the English Listening and Speaking Ability Development of College Students Wearing Masks During the Pandemic
Authors: Wu Chia-Pei
Published: June 2024

This study investigated the impact of wearing masks on students’ English listening and speaking performance in a classroom setting. The study was conducted with 30 first-year students of a practical English course at a southern Taiwan science and technology college. The class was designed using social-cognitive tools and profession-related podcasts to reduce interference from wearing masks. The study tested the impact of wearing a medical mask and a transparent mouth mask on students’ motivation, anxiety, and clarity of message communication. Students believed wearing a medical mask and a transparent mouth mask had a stronger motivation to learn, but their classroom anxiety was insignificant. The course used selective podcasts and online voice recording exercises to make students respond more positively. Students were more capable of changing the negative external factors of mask-wearing for their precision English communication. However, students generally did not agree that the use of transparent mouth masks affects the clarity of English communication. Based on this study, the practical English course design and teaching experiences for students’ learning needs in mask-wearing circumstances of English teaching environment can further benefit future research
Wave dispersion analysis and evaluation of dynamic stress intensity factors using peridynamics approach
Authors:   Laboratory of Mechanics and Civil Engineering, Faculty of Science and Technology, Tanger, Morocco, Mabssout Mokhtar , Bouaraquia O. ,   Laboratory of Mechanics and Civil Engineering, Faculty of Science and Technology, Tanger, Morocco, Rafiq Y. ,   Laboratory of Mechanics and Civil Engineering, Faculty of Science and Technology, Tanger, Morocco
Published: June 2024

The objective of this paper is to evaluate the dynamic stress intensity factors (DSIFs) of a cracked body using the bond-based peridynamics (BBPD) formulation. The peridynamics theory offers advantages over the classical continuum theory for solving partial differential equations in fracture mechanics. Nevertheless, some problems remain, such as its dispersion characteristics and constant micromodulus used in the classical BBPD. In this study, a Gaussian function is used to define the non-constant micromodulus. A wave dispersion analysis for a 1D problem was carried out and the influence of the horizon, mesh size and the kernel function on the dispersion properties were analyzed. On the other hand, a new approach to evaluate the DSIFs of a cracked body using the BBPD coupled with the displacement extrapolation technique is presented. Parameters that reduced the wave dispersion were kept for the DSIFs estimation. The proposed method is applied to analyze some benchmark examples. The obtained results are compared with the exact ones and they showed that the proposed approach can be used as an alternative method to evaluate DSIFs.
An Inspiration Analysis of Digital Illustration Used in Augmented Reality
Authors:   College of Creative Arts, Universiti Teknologi MARA, Puncak Alam, Selangor, Malaysia, Syed Rizakri Sharifah Nuriffah Husna , Mohamed Ghazali Nabila Aimi ,   College of Creative Arts, Universiti Teknologi MARA, Puncak Alam, Selangor, Malaysia, Mohd Lazim Nur Aniza ,   College of Creative Arts, Universiti Teknologi MARA, Puncak Alam, Selangor, Malaysia, Che Din Sharkawi ,   College of Creative Arts, Universiti Teknologi MARA, Puncak Alam, Selangor, Malaysia
Published: June 2024

The study investigates the use of digital illustrations in augmented reality (AR) experiences. Augmented reality merges digital content with the actual environment, creating new interaction opportunities. With its visual appeal and engaging properties, digital illustration has the ability to enrich AR experiences and create immersive narratives. By conducting an inspiration analysis, the study examines the applications of digital illustration in augmented reality, with a special emphasis on encouraging its use in Malaysia. The research identifies distinct goals and types of digital illustration in AR through a thorough literature review, inspiration analysis, and qualitative data collecting through research on nine samples of digital illustration in augmented reality. The findings emphasize the usefulness and potential of digital illustration in transmitting engaging visual communication and stimulating new augmented reality paths of inquiry. This research is a helpful resource for firms and practitioners particularly in Malaysia looking for ideas for incorporating artwork into their augmented reality projects in a variety of sectors.
Exploring the Opportunities and Limitations of YangJiaBu New Year Woodcut Prints in Product Design Under the Cultural Sustainability
Authors:   College of Creative Arts, Universiti Teknologi MARA, 40450 Shah Alam, Selangor, Malaysia, Yuzhu Zhang , Mokhtar S'harin ,   College of Creative Arts, Universiti Teknologi MARA, 40450 Shah Alam, Selangor, Malaysia, P. Toyong Natrina Mariane ,   College of Creative Arts, Universiti Teknologi MARA, 40450 Shah Alam, Selangor, Malaysia
Published: June 2024

YangJiaBu new year woodcut prints are the first batch of intangible cultural heritage in China. Increasing emphasis on the sustainable development of traditional culture in the national cultural strategy has created new opportunities for the revitalization of Chinese traditional culture. With the rapid change of information globalization and economy, the sustainable development and inheritance of folk culture are gradually uncovered, necessitating the urgent need to combine innovation and application of technical materials; concurrently, cultural design has endowed traditional culture with new concepts and techniques. This study focuses on the cultural sustainability of YangJiaBu new year woodcut prints, as well as the possibility of incorporating them into daily design. Understand cultural phenomena and classify cultural design resources in depth by analysing historical context and resources. Using the literature research method and undertaking a VRIO method analysis (a technology that identifies and enhances sustainable core competitiveness based on internal valuable, rarity, inimitable, and organization), This study aims to examine the innovative potential of YangJiaBu new year woodcut prints in the design of daily products. The results will reveal the opportunities and constraints of YangJiaBu new year woodcut prints in contemporary design. These findings will aid in the theoretical understanding of the sustainable development of traditional folk culture, serve as a guide for researchers, and contribute creative sources for contemporary design, thereby enhancing the future cultural protection and culture of China's intangible cultural heritage. Innovative and sustainable applications.
Análisis de una experiencia de aprendizaje basada en juegos digitales
Authors: Amaya-Olarte Nathaly , Torres-Barreto Martha Liliana , Plata-Gómez Karen Rocío
Published: June 2024

Frente al creciente interés en nuevas alternativas de enseñanza y de aprendizaje surgen aquellas que se basan en juegos digitales. Esta investigación aporta evidencia empírica sobre la percepción de estudiantes de secundaria respecto a su intención de usar videojuegos educativos. Para ello, se puso a prueba un modelo que integra variables de la Teoría Unificada de Aceptación y Uso de la Tecnología versión 2, y elementos del juego. Los datos se recogieron a través de un cuestionario en línea aplicado a una muestra de 407 estudiantes colombianos de secundaria, de 14 a 18 años de edad. Se utilizó un modelado de ecuaciones estructurales de mínimos cuadrados parciales. Los resultados permitieron identificar los factores que tienen influencia positiva en la intención de continuar jugando y en el disfrute percibido, los cuales podrían conducir al éxito en experiencias futuras similares.
Pathomorphological and Meat Quality Alterations Connected with Wooden Breast in Broiler Chickens of Different Genotypes and Slaughter Ages
Authors: Rajčić Antonija , Bošković Cabrol Marija , Glišić Milica , Čobanović Nikola , Tomović Vladimir , Laudanović Milica , Nešić Slađan
Published: June 2024

This study examined pathomorphological changes and meat quality alterations associated with Wooden Breast Myopathy (WB) in total of 192 broiler chickens divided into Ross 308 (n=96) and Cobb 500 (n=96) heavy hybrids at ages 42, 60, and 70 days. WB occurrence remained consistently high (>73%) across periods, peaking on day 70 (83% for Ross, 90% for Cobb). Cobb broilers had better production results and carcass traits parameters after day 42 and day 60 of the experiment (p≤0.05). Genotype did not affect WB occurrence or severity, while slaughter age influenced severe cases WB occurrence, increasing from 11.67% on day 42 to 36.67% on day 70 (p=0.003). The presence of WB was associated with higher ultimate pH, lightness (L*), redness (a*), and yellowness (b*) of the muscle (p<0.0001), except on day 70. Physicochemical and color parameters were also influenced by slaughter age (p<0.0001). On day 42, drip loss (p<0.0001), cooking loss (p≤0.05) and shear force (p<0.0001) were affected by genotype. On days 60 and 70, the differences in water retention capacity were observed only between normal and severely affected breasts (p<0.0001). For each slaughter age severely affected WB had higher shear force compared to normal breasts (p<0.0001). Additionally, with the increasing slaughter age of broilers, drip loss, cooking loss, and shear force of the breast meat were increased (p<0.0001). The results obtained regarding the occurrence and severity of WB and its consequent meat quality alterations suggest that extended fattening is not recommended for poultry production.
Quantitative Pancreatic Ultrasonography and Vcheck cPL Rapid Test in Dogs with Suspected Acute Pancreatitis
Authors: Huaijantug Somkiat , Yatmark Paranee , Itthichaiyasan Vitchayarat , Nuaengsri Sarunya , Srithip Satinee , Julapanthong Pruksa
Published: June 2024

The aim of this study was to evaluate the importance of quantitative ultrasonography in the diagnosis of acute pancreatitis in dogs, as well as to examine the correlation between the results of ultrasound examination and the Vcheck cPL rapid test in dogs with suspected acute pancreatitis. A total of 37 dogs were included to the study – 15 healthy dogs and 22 dogs with gastrointestinal clinical signs which had at least 1 out of 3 criteria (vomiting, cranial abdominal pain and jaundice). Serum was collected to evaluate cPL level by Vcheck cPL rapid test. A score 0 implied the Vcheck cPL Rapid test result was less than 200 ng/ml. A score 1 implied Vcheck cPL Rapid test result between 200 and 400 ng/ml, and a score 2 more than 400 ng/ml. Ultrasound was performed in all dogs in order to investigate the pancreatic lesions within 48 hours and evaluate the level of pancreatitis by score from 0 to 2. The criteria for pancreatitis on ultrasonograms included enlargement or irregularity of the pancreas, hypoechoic areas of the pancreas and hyperechoic mesentery surrounding the pancreas. An ultrasound assessment of pancreatitis implied: score 0 when none of the criteria was present. Score 1 when 1–2 from 3 criteria were present, and score 2 when all of the 3 criteria were present. Correlation between Vcheck cPL Rapid test and pancreatic ultrasonography was examined. The results indicate that agreement of Vcheck cPL Rapid test and pancreatic ultrasonography had kappa values of 0.71 which are in the “moderate” agreement range. This means that both Vcheck cPL Rapid test and ultrasonography should be used in the diagnostics of acute pancreatitis in daily clinical practice. Additionally, quantitative ultrasound assessment can be helpful in distinguishing acute pancreatitis from normal pancreas.
Early Detection of Candidate Genes for Body Weight in Indonesian Cattle Breeds with Genome-Wide Association Study (GWAS)
Authors: Putra Widya Pintaka Bayu , Hartati Hartati , Mariyono Mariyono , Noor Ronny Rachman , Sumantri Cece , Margawati Endang Tri
Published: June 2024

Genome-wide association study (GWAS) was used to detect candidate genes affecting economic traits in livestock. GWAS can detect single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in all chromosome regions. This study aimed to determine the genetic markers for body weight by GWAS in native cattle breeds of Indonesia. The Illumina Bovine 50K BeadChip was used to determine the candidate genes in three mixed-sex Indonesian cattle breeds of Bali (16 animals), Madura (16 animals), and Ongole grade (13 animals). All animals were raised at the Pasuruan Regency, East Java, Indonesia breeding station. The GWAS was performed in pooled sample of animals (45 animals) with the general linear model (GLM) method using SNP markers with minimum allele frequency (MAF) values more than 0.05 by TASSEL 5.0. software. Therefore, the body weight of cattle at 1 to 3 years of age was collected for each animal for computing Manhattan plot graphics. This research found that SUGT1, SF3A3, and DSCAM genes were detected as potential genetic markers for body weight in cattle breeds of Indonesia. The SUGT1 and DSCAM genes were monomorphic in Bali cattle (Bos javanicus). In addition, both genes were significantly associated (P<0.05) with the body weight of Ongole-grade cattle (Bos indicus) at three years of age. However, the SF3A3 gene was significantly (P<0.05) associated with body weight of Madura cattle (Bos indicus) at 2 and 3 years of age. In conclusion, the GWAS of pool animals reveals three candidate genes significantly associated with body weight in many cattle breeds of Indonesia. Further study to detect SNPs in candidate genes with sequencing method is essential to apply these findings practically.