bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
THE EFFICIENCY OF IRRIGATION AND VARIETY ON THE HARVEST RATIO OF THREE COTTON TYPES (Gossypium hirsutum L.)
Authors: Gospodinova Galina , Gospodinova Galina , Kuneva Velika 
Published: November 2020

The purpose of this research is to investigate the impact of variety and irrigation on three cotton types, and to study the effectiveness of irrigation on the productivity of these cotton types which were fed by different norms of mineral nutrition. To assess the impact of soil humidity and fertilizer amount, we set up a field trial with three varieties of cotton. The field experiment was carried out within the Faculty of Agriculture, Trakia University, Stara Zagora, Bulgaria between 2018-2019. A two way factorial ANOVA (with variety and irritation as factors) suggested a significant main effect of irrigation (p< .001). Variety showed the strongest impact on the differences in "flowering" of cotton which were 64% in 2018 and 41% for 2019 respectively. We established an efficiency coefficient (KEF) representing the ratio of the additional harvest and the actual irrigation rate. The KEF of irrigation water varied depending on the cotton varieties and the levels of fertilization. The highest values of KEF were recorded after fertilization by N8 as given by units of cultivar Helius (EF = 0.67). The effect of irrigation, expressed as a harvest per unit of irrigation water considerably varied over years. It was established as a ratio between the irrigation rate and the additional cotton produce. At zero fertilization Helius, each cubic meter of water carried an average 2.24 kilograms of cotton harvest over two years. Optimizing the water supply and fertilizing with N16 provided 2.83 kilograms. On average, the Darmi variety irrigation effect ranged from 0.63 kilograms (N24) to 2.43 kilograms per cubic meter (N16) during the given period.
TRAINING STUDENTS FROM PEDAGOGICAL SPECIALTIES OF TRAKIA UNIVERSITY (STARA ZAGORA, BULGARIA) TO DEVELOP ELECTRONIC TESTS
Authors: Delchev Marian 
Published: November 2020

Background: The evolution and application of digital didactic tests for the evaluation of the knowledge and skills of pupils has become a major element in the academic training of students who opted for pedagogical specialties. This reflects the strong propensity for the optimization and improvement of the efficacy of teaching. This article puts forward a scientific research as well as a case study on first-hand experience in training students from pedagogical specialties in academic diagnostics and examination, together with practical tasks geared towards the formation of professional digital competence with regard to the employment of ICT in diagnostic procedures through classical, face-to-face, and mixed-form training.
Objectives: The main aim of the study is to examine particular characteristics and opportunities, and to analyze the efficiency of the training provided for the development and design of electronic tests by future teachers in the course of the scholastic training.
Methods: The experiment involved qualitative and quantitative research. The following techniques were applied: observation, content analysis, and mathematical and statistical methods of data processing. The statistical methods employed were the non-parametric Mann-Whitney and Kruskal-Wallis tests.
Results: The survey included 150 students from three specialties in the Faculty of Pedagogy at Trakia University of Stara Zagora. The framework and composition of the e-learning course and the details of the face-to-face follow-up training are explained briefly. Aggregated data from the learning management system’s, Moodle’s, logs is also provided alongside representative observation data, and a summary with remarks on the findings from the practical classes with the students is also presented.
Conclusion: A comparative scrutiny of the learning outcomes was conducted and the principal dependencies and typical merits and demerits of the two forms of training were identified and portrayed in the article. The variation in the end results was found to be statistically significant.
STUDENTS’ PERCEPTIONS ON THEIR ALMA MATER ENVIRONMENTAL SUSTAINABILITY: A COMPARATIVE STUDY IN RUSSIAN AND ARMENIAN ACADEMIC SETTINGS
Authors: Gavrilova Elena , Sahakyan Lilit , Trostina Kira , Tutaeva Dinara 
Published: November 2020

Environmental sustainability is a constant concern for educational establishments as it has many vital social, academic and financial implications. The aim of this study is to investigate and compare students’ perceptions regarding their university’s environmental challenges in two geographically distant countries: sampling two economic universities in Russia and Armenia.
A survey related to university’s environmental challenges based on 5-point Likert scale was administered to the Bachelor’s and Master’s students at Plekhanov Russian University of Economics (PRUE), Moscow, Russia and Yerevan Gladzor University (YGU), Yerevan, Armenia. The findings revealed that irrespective of geographical location, there are similar notable differences in students’ attitudes towards understanding their own role in their university’s environmental well-being. The data shows that the majority of the students strongly understand the concepts of sustainability, sustainable development, eco-friendliness and eco-tourism. The findings reveal that students’ age and their education level significantly correlate with their general knowledge of sustainability. Senior students have more responsible attitude towards environmental sustainability of their university. The study established that the majority of the students perceive that environmental awareness can improve their university’s facilities, quality and academic development. They understand that they themselves are fully responsible for the university’s environmental welfare.
Suggestions by environmentally-conscious students in both universities were summarized in 5Ss: surveying the current state of affairs; sounding out the problems; suggesting improvements; saving university’s resources; sharing the experience. The possible causes of environmental problems in the universities have been analysed and their solutions have been recommended. Including formal training in environmental studies in the curricula is suggested. It has also been advised to practice environmental ethics in the universities. The findings of the research can be used for the benefit of all stakeholders and policy makers in promoting universities’ eco-conscious image, increasing students’ environmental awareness and achieving substantial cost savings.
EMPOWERING THE MARGINALIZED THROUGH COMMUNITY WORK: A LITERATURE REVIEW
Authors: Okech Victor , Neszméry Štefan , Mačkinová Monika 
Published: November 2020

Community work is one of the methods of practice that is at the heart of the social work profession. It entails working with communities that have been marginalized. The goal of community work is usually to have communities improve their wellbeing. Without empowerment, marginalized communities remain powerless over circumstances that prevail in their environments.
The main object of this article is to review literature on steps that may be taken to empower communities. In writing this article, we adopted a traditional style of literature review where we obtained our data from the following databases: Springer Link, Wiley Online Library and ProQuest central. We used the following key words to retrieve articles from the online databases: power, community, empowerment and community empowerment. We paired each of the key words using the Boolean operator AND. We observed from the literature that there are three levels of empowerment; psychological, organizational and community levels of empowerment. We also identified three models of that are suitable for use in community work for the purpose of empowering marginalized communities.
From the model developed by Jackson et al. (1989), we concluded that steps that may be taken in empowering the marginalized through community work are; developmental casework, mutual support, issue identification and campaign, community participation and social movements.
A MODEL FOR BUILDING SOCIAL COMPETENCES IN THE TEACHING OF ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE IN THE PRIMARY SCHOOL STAGE OF EDUCATION
Authors: Petrova Vanya 
Published: November 2020

In the new requirements for general education in Bulgaria from 2015 and in the new curricula in Environmental Science in 1st and 2nd grade, social competence is highlighted as an important element of the formative functions of education.
In the presented model for Environmental Science teaching during the primary stage of education, it is built as a complex perspective in the development of the student, passing through the whole content and technology of the pedagogical progress. The most important features of this model are the enhanced emotional and value related side in determining the goals of education and pedagogical technology based on the proactive participation of the student and sustainable tools of interactive methods and techniques.
The model is set in two school kits consisting of an educational textbook and workbook in Environmental Science – for the 1st and 2nd grade which are currently used in Bulgarian Education.
PRACTICAL PRODUCTIVE ACTIVITIES FOR THE DEVELOPMENT OF MATHEMATICAL COMPETENCES
Authors: Temnikova Maria 
Published: November 2020

Development of knowledge, skills and competences for the mathematical quantity of “length” and its measurement units represent important part of the overall education in mathematics for students from Grades 1. – 4.
This research work systematizes some theoretical concepts related to the competences. Based on the analysis of the relevant legislation in force in the Republic of Bulgaria researchers presented the relations between the specific mathematical competences and terminology from the competency Cluster “Measurement”.
The research work is aimed at the development of such a methodology system of work which gives priority to practical productive activities thus facilitating development in primary school students of a higher level of knowledge, skills and competences related to the mathematical quantity of “length” and its measurement units.
The new system of work was applied during the compulsory classes in mathematics in Grades 1. – 4. The research work presents some of the developed and applied options of practical activity.
The researchers studied the objectiveness, the validity and the reliability of the set of tools and means used for doing diagnostics as well as the difficulty and the dividing (separating) strength of the mathematical tasks included in it. The results from the experimental work were statistically processed.
Anatomy of the right upper lobe revisited and clinical considerations in Chinese population
Authors: Chen Yan , Guo Ying , Mi Weidong , Zhang Changsheng , Wang Hong , Zhao Dexu , Cao Jiangbei 
Published: November 2020

ObjectiveThe anatomy of the tracheobronchial tree differs among not only various races but also individual ethnic groups. Different lengths of the right mainstem bronchus (RMSB) had been described in previous publications. Since the differences in the anatomy of the RMSB and right upper lobe bronchus (RUB) may have clinical relevance when selecting devices, specifically, the right-side double lumen tube (R-DLT) for lung isolation, we revisited the anatomy of the right upper lobe in a large scale Chinese population.MethodsIn this retrospective cohort study, we reviewed 2093 consecutive adult patients undergoing thoracic computed tomography (CT) scans from data base in our hospital. Demographic characteristics were collected. The lengths, internal diameters, and angles of the RMSB and RUB were measured using reconstructive CT images. The correlations between the demographic variables and the RMSB length and diameters were also analyzed.ResultsThe incidence of the aberrant RUB originated equal or above the tracheal carina was 8.1‰. 52.3% of the patients had a length of RMSB less than 23 mm, and the incidence of RMSB length <23 mm in women was significantly higher than that in men (63.5% vs. 42.8%,p =0.000). The right bronchial length (RBL) was less than 10 mm in 21% of cases (17.8% in men and 24.8% in women, respectively,p =0.000). Both the RMSB lengths and diameters had poor correlations with the heights in either male or female patients.ConclusionA much higher incidence of a shortened RMSB potentially make placement of a R-DLT more difficult in Chinese population. Both the lengths and diameters of the RMSB cannot be predicted by the height. Preoperative thoracic CT scan for each patient helps optimizing the selection of a lung isolation device, and the importance of an evaluation of the CT scans preoperatively by the anesthesiologists should be emphasized.
Exploring the dimensions of patient experience for community-based care programmes in a multi-ethnic Asian context
Authors: Foo Chuan De , Tan Yan Lin , Shrestha Pami , Eh Ke Xin , Ang Ian Yi Han , Nurjono Milawaty , Toh Sue-Anne , Shiraz Farah 
Published: November 2020

IntroductionThe aim of this study is to explore patients’ experiences with community-based care programmes (CCPs) and develop dimensions of patient experience salient to community-based care in Singapore. Most countries like Singapore are transforming its healthcare system from a hospital-centric model to a person-centered community-based care model to better manage the increasing chronic disease burden resulting from an ageing population. It is thus critical to understand the impact of hospital to community transitions from the patients’ perspective. The exploration of patient experience will guide the development of an instrument for the evaluation of CCPs for quality improvement purposes.MethodsA qualitative exploratory study was conducted where face-to-face in-depth interviews were conducted using a purposive sampling method with patients enrolled in CCPs. In total, 64 participants aged between 41 to 94 years were recruited. A deductive framework was developed using the Picker Patient Experience instrument to guide our analysis. Inductive coding was also conducted which resulted in emergence of new themes.ResultsOur findings highlighted eight key themes of patient experience: i) ensuring care continuity, ii) involvement of family, iii) access to emotional support, vi) ensuring physical comfort, v) coordination of services between providers, vi) providing patient education, vii) importance of respect for patients, and viii) healthcare financing.ConclusionOur results demonstrated that patient experience is multi-faceted, and dimensions of patient experience vary according to healthcare settings. As most patient experience frameworks were developed based on a single care setting in western populations, our findings can inform the development of a culturally relevant instrument to measure patient experience of community-based care for a multi-ethnic Asian context.
Development and content validity of an instrument for assessing the motivation for weight loss in adolescents with overweight and obesity
Authors: Silva David Franciole Oliveira , Souza Angélica Luiza de Sales , Pimentel Jéssica Bastos , Souza Thatyane Oliveira , Araújo Eduarda Pontes dos Santos , Sena-Evangelista Karine Cavalcanti Maurício , Arrais Ricardo Fernando , Lima Severina Carla Vieira Cunha 
Published: November 2020

Objective
To develop and validate the content of an instrument for assessing the motivation for weight loss in adolescents with overweight and obesity.

Methods
The development and validation of the instrument were conducted in five stages, for which two systematic reviews were conducted. The first one, for the identification of questionnaires assessing the motivation for weight loss, included six studies and contributed to the selection of the domains for the instrument. The second one, conducted to identify the motivations for weight loss in adolescents with overweight and/or obesity, included six studies and contributed to the selection of 17 motivations included in the initial version of the instrument. The motivations most commonly identified were: having better health, improving my appearance, improving my self-esteem and avoiding bullying. The content validity was confirmed by a committee of 12 experts from the areas of nutrition, endocrinology, psychology, and physical education. Based on these evaluations, the content validity index was calculated. Only the items with a content validity index >0.80 for practical relevance were held in the instrument.

Results
Five of the 17 motivations included in the initial version of the instrument were excluded because they had content validity index <0.80 for practical relevance. Of the 12 items held in the instrument, five were revised by experts in order to standardize wording and make the language more appropriate for adolescents. Experts categorized the items into the health, personal satisfaction, appearance and social domains.

Conclusions
This is the first instrument assessing the motivation for weight loss in adolescents with overweight and obesity in Brazil. The content validity evaluation by the panel of experts provided more practical relevance, as well as contributed to a better presentation of the items. Further psychometric testing is needed to determine reliability and construct validity of the instrument.
Intervención, deuda externa y la conformación del orden espacial en América Latina
Authors: Fernandes Carvalho Veçoso Fabia 
Published: November 2020

Este artículo reexamina el bloqueo de Venezuela ocurrido entre 1902 y 1903 y los debates jurídicos relacionados con intervención y deuda soberana en las Américas. El objetivo es analizar en detalle la argumentación jurídica de Luis María Drago que buscó invalidar el cobro de deudas por medio del uso de la fuerza ante el derecho internacional. El tratamiento jurídico sobre intervención a principios del siglo XX involucró un assemblage de cuestiones políticas y económicas – la operación y reconstitución de la Doctrina Monroe y las discusiones sobre la legalidad del uso de la fuerza para el cobro de deudas. El foco en deudaexterna abre espacio para cuestionamientos más amplios sobre el papel de los Estados en la protección de intereses comunes de comunidades políticas y las formas por las cuales intervenciones armadas pueden ser jurídicamente justificadas. En ese contexto, las reacciones de Drago al bloqueo de Venezuela muestran los desafíos relacionados al compromiso latinoamericano con la idea de no intervención.
De “la religión como contenido” a “lo religioso como referencia”: pistas para una transformación intercultural de la educación religiosa en Costa Rica
Authors: Méndez Méndez José Mario 
Published: November 2020

Educational processes centered on objects of study tend to generate anthropocentric postures, questionable universalizations, and indoctrinating educational practices. When religious education prioritizes content, there is a risk of promoting moralizing processes. From the perspective of interculturality, it is possible to rethink religious education: it is a question of the religious being not understood as a content or object of study, but as a benchmark and as a human experience that provides a basis for dialogue and coexistence.
Behavior Change, Egg Consumption, and Child Nutrition: A Cluster Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: McKune Sarah L. , Stark Heather , Sapp Amanda C. , Yang Yang , Slanzi Crystal M. , Moore Emily V. , Omer Anteneh , Wereme N’Diaye Aissata 
Published: November 2020

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES:Malnutrition is a significant contributor to child morbidity and mortality globally. Egg consumption has been associated with improved child nutrition yet is rare in rural, resource-poor settings. We test the effects of a culturally tailored behavior change intervention to increase child egg consumption.METHODS:A 3-arm cluster randomized controlled trial was conducted in rural Burkina Faso with 260 mother-child dyads. Children aged 4 to 17 months from 18 villages were included; those with reported history of malnutrition or egg allergy were excluded. Each child in the full intervention arm received 4 chickens, and mothers received the 10-month behavior change package. Participants in the partial intervention arm received only the behavior change package.RESULTS:In this analysis of 250 children, the full (β = 4.3; P = 6.6 × 10−12) and the partial (β = 1.0; P = .02) interventions significantly increased egg consumption. The full intervention also significantly increased poultry production (β = 11.6; 95% confidence interval 8.3–15; P = 1.1 × 10−5) and women’s decision-making about eggs (β = .66; P = .02), and significantly decreased wasting (β = .58; P = .03) and underweight (β = .47; P = .02).CONCLUSIONS:The culturally tailored behavior change package significantly increased child egg consumption. When coupled with the gift of chickens, the behavior change intervention yielded a greater increase in egg consumption and significantly reduced wasting and underweight. Behavior change strategies to increase egg consumption should be considered among nutrition and health programs in resource-poor settings where poultry is available.
Effect of Random 3D Correlated Velocity Perturbations on Numerical Modeling of Ground Motion from the Source Physics Experiment
Authors: Scalise Michelle , Pitarka Arben , Louie John N. , Smith Kenneth D. 
Published: November 2020

ABSTRACTExplosions are traditionally discriminated from earthquakes, using the relative amplitude of compressional and shear waves at regional and teleseismic distances known as the P/S discriminant. Pyle and Walter (2019) showed this technique to be less robust at shorter distances, in detecting small-magnitude earthquakes and low-yield explosions. The disparity is largely due to ground motion from small, shallow sources being significantly impacted by near-surface structural complexities. To understand the implications of wave propagation effects in generation of shear motion and P/S ratio during underground chemical explosions, we performed simulations of the Source Physics Experiment (SPE) chemical explosions using 1D and 3D velocity models of the Yucca Flat basin. All simulations used isotropic point sources in the frequency range 0–5 Hz. We isolate the effect of large-scale geological structure and small-scale variability at shallow depth (&lt;5  km), using a regional 3D geologic framework model (GFM) and the GFM-R model derived from the GFM, by adding correlated stochastic velocity perturbations. A parametric study of effects of small-scale velocity variations on wave propagation, computed using a reference 1D velocity model with stochastic perturbations, shows that the correlation length and depth of stochastic perturbations significantly impact wave scattering, near-surface wave conversions, and shear-wave generation. Comparisons of recorded and simulated waveforms for the SPE-5 explosion, using 3D velocity models, demonstrate that the shallow structure of the Yucca Flat basin contributes to generation of observed shear motion. The inclusion of 3D wave scattering, simulated by small-scale velocity perturbations in the 3D model, improves the fit between the simulated and recorded waveforms. In addition, a relatively low intrinsic attenuation, combined with small-scale velocity variations in our models, can confirm the observed wave trapping and its effect on duration of coda waves and the spatial variation of P/S ratio at basin sites.