Chi-square Criterion Research Articles

Historical Elite Differential Evolution Based on Particle Swarm Optimization Algorithm for Texture Optimization with Application in Particle Physics

Within the phenomenology of particle physics, the theoretical model of 4-zero textures is validated using a chi-square criterion that compares experimental data with the computational results of the model. Traditionally, analytical methods that often imply simplifications, combined with computational analysis, have been used to validate texture models. In this paper, we propose a new meta-heuristic variant of the differential evolution algorithm that incorporates aspects of the particle swarm optimization algorithm called “HE-DEPSO” to obtain chi-squared values that are less than a bound value, which exhaustive and traditional algorithms cannot obtain. The results show that the proposed algorithm can optimize the chi-square function according to the required criteria. We compare simulated data with experimental data in the allowed search region, thereby validating the 4-zero texture model.

Alcohol consumption among medical students

Introduction. Medical students constitute a special social group differing a lot from the other studentship. First, they are professionally aware of the risks associated with bad habits. Second, they will be doctors soon and one of their future functions is to prevent bad habits (both current and potential) among their patients. The purpose of the study was to analyze alcohol consumption among medical students of different gender depending on socio-psychological factors. Materials and methods. The analysis was based on the student survey data of the Kuban State Medical University (Krasnodar). The survey used an electronic anonymous questionnaire. A total of one thousand seven hundred thirty two questionnaires have been analyzed (questionnaires completed by males accounted for 24.1% of the total number of questionnaires). Comparisons of shares of individual responses in different groups of respondents have been conducted on the basis of four-field tables using Chi-square criterion, significance level p < 0.05. The relative risk and its confidence interval have been determined. Results. 37.6% of respondents have not consumed alcohol in the last 12 months. 45.0% of students consume alcohol once per month or less frequently. Every 7th student (14.6%) drinks alcohol 2–3 times a month, and only 1.1% indulge more often (2–3 times a week). The relationship between frequency of alcohol consumption and characteristic features differed by gender. Research limitations. The analysis was based on the student survey data of the Kuban State Medical University (Krasnodar). Conclusions. The situation among young students — students of the Medical University, is rather favourable. As the number of years in training increases the share of students who consume alcohol decreases. However, the level of general anxiety is on the rise coupled development of episodes of behaviour in some respondents that raise concern.

The role of single nucleotide variants of folate cycle genes of a mother with epilepsy in the occurrence of congenital malformations of the fetus

Aim - To study the frequency of single-nucleotide variants (ONV) rs1801133 and rs1801131 of the MTHFR gene; rs1801394 of the MTRR gene, rs1805087 of the MTR gene and rs1051266 of the SLC19A1 gene in women with epilepsy and to evaluate their associations with major congenital malformations (MCM) of the fetus. Material and methods. The study included 61 women with epilepsy who have children: 20 had different fetal MCM (main group), 41 patients had children born without MCM (comparison group). DNA was extracted from blood, and the genotyping of five ONV into four genes was analyzed by polymerase chain reaction. The frequencies of genotypes and alleles in the mothers of the main and the comparison group were determined, the differences were assessed using Pearson's chi-squared criterion (χ2) and Fisher's exact criterion. Results. There were no statistically significant differences in the frequencies of genotypes and alleles for all analyzed ONV between the main group and the comparison group. There were no statistically significant differences in the frequencies of genotypes and alleles of ONV genes of the folate cycle in mothers of children with malformations (n = 14) and without malformations (n = 22), taking valproic acid. A statistically significant relationship was revealed between the carrier of a certain haplogroup of the mother and the formation of fetal MCM. Conclusion. The MCM in a child is a multifactorial phenomenon in which genetic factors with a small effect size can play a significant role only in the case of certain unfavorable combinations.

Аппроксимация статистических данных заболеваемости коронавирусной инфекцией с учетом расслоения по сопутствующим диагнозам

The article considers the stratification of concomitant diagnoses of Covid-19 recovery statistics for the city of Irkutsk for 2020-2021. The previous study was conducted without taking into account such stratification. Various options for approximating real statistics by Gaussian and Lorentz functions, gamma distribution, and Johnson curves are considered. It is shown that the stratification of recovery statistics improves the approximation of Gaussian and Lorentz functions in comparison with integral statistics, and the construction of an approximation based on the Lorentz function always describes the real statistics better. Estimates of mathematical expectation and variance based on statistical data are consistent with estimates of these values based on the Gaussian approximation of statistics by the least squares method, i.e. the approaches are equivalent. At the same time, calculations of the Pearson Chi-squared criterion reject the hypothesis that empirical data correspond to the assumed theoretical distribution. Therefore, we cannot talk about finding the distribution function, but only about approximating statistics by certain types of curves. The fitting of empirical data by Gaussian and Lorentz functions was carried out using the least squares method. In general, the approximation error due to the stratification of statistics on concomitant diagnoses decreases from 6% to 3%.

STATISTICAL PROPERTIES OF THE PSEUDORANDOM SEQUENCE GENERATION ALGORITHM

One of the most important issues in the design of cryptographic algorithms is studying their cryptographic strength. Among the factors determining the reliability of cryptographic algorithms, a good pseudorandom sequence generator, which is used for key generation, holds particular significance. The main goal of this work is to verify the normal distribution of pseudorandom sequences obtained using the generation algorithm and demonstrate that there is no mutual statistical correlation between the values of the resulting sequence. If these requirements are met, we will consider such a generator reliable. This article describes the pseudorandom sequence generation algorithm and outlines the steps for each operation involved in this algorithm. To verify the properties of the pseudorandom sequence generated by the proposed algorithm, it was programmatically implemented in the Microsoft Visual C++ integrated development environment. To assess the statistical security of the pseudorandom sequence generation algorithm, 1000 files with a block length of 10000 bits and an initial data length of 256 bits were selected. Statistical analysis was conducted using tests by D. Knuth and NIST. As shown in the works of researchers, the pseudorandom sequence generation algorithm, verified by these tests, can be considered among the reliable algorithms. The results of each graphical test by D. Knuth are presented separately. The graphical tests were evaluated using values obtained from each test, while the chi-squared criterion with degrees of freedom was used to analyze the evaluation tests. The success or failure of the test was determined using a program developed by the Information Security Laboratory. Analysis of the data from the D. Knuth tests showed good results. In the NIST tests, the P-value for the selected sequence was calculated, and corresponding evaluations were made. The output data obtained from the NIST tests also showed very good results. The proposed pseudorandom sequence generation algorithm allows generating and selecting a high-quality pseudorandom sequence of a specified length for use in the field of information security.

Quality-of-Life Assessment in Children with Mild to Moderate Bronchial Asthma.

Background and Objectives: Assess the quality of life of children aged 2-10 with mild to moderate bronchial asthma. To evaluate the general health condition of children with mild and moderate severity bronchial asthma. To determine health changes in children with mild- and moderate-severity bronchial asthma as they grow older. To evaluate the impact of mild- and moderate-severity bronchial asthma on children's daily and social activities, physical health, emotional state, and general well-being. Materials and Methods: A comparative cross-sectional study was conducted in March-June 2020. Parents or guardians of 2-10-year-old children without bronchial asthma and children with mild to moderate bronchial asthma were interviewed after receiving their written informed consent. The questionnaire was based on the standardized quality-of-life quiz SF-36. A total of 248 questionnaires were collected-106 from the parents or guardians of children with bronchial asthma and 142 from parents/guardians of children without bronchial asthma. For further analysis, 106 children without bronchial asthma and with no chronic conditions were selected. Quantitative variables were compared using the Mann-Whitney U test and qualitative data using the chi-square (χ2) criteria. Quantitative data were described by giving means, medians, and standard deviations (SD); qualitative features by giving relative frequencies. Statistical data were analyzed using SPSS and Excel 2020. Results: Children with mild and moderate asthma exhibit poorer health compared to their healthy counterparts. Only 20.7% of respondents with asthma reported excellent or very good health, contrasting with 64.1% of healthy children (p < 0.001). As children with asthma age, their general condition improves, with 46.2% showing improvement in the past year, while 42.5% of healthy children had a stable condition (p < 0.05). In various activities, children with asthma face more constraints than healthy children (p < 0.05), including energetic activities (sick-59.5%; healthy-10.3%), moderate activities (sick-24.5%; healthy-4.7%), climbing stairs (sick-22.7%; healthy-3.8%), and walking over 100 m (sick-9.4%; healthy-0%). Children with asthma are more likely to experience exhaustion, anxiety, tiredness, lack of energy, and restraint in public activities (p < 0.05). Conclusions: Parents/caregivers of children with mild to moderate bronchial asthma rate their health worse than those of healthy children do. As children with mild to moderate bronchial asthma grow, the disease impact on their overall well-being decreases. Children with mild to moderate bronchial asthma, compared to healthy children, experience more limitations in vigorous or moderate activities; face more difficulties climbing stairs or walking more than 100 m; frequently feel exhaustion, anxiety, fatigue, or lack of energy; and encounter restrictions in social activities.

Gender-age peculiarities of disability-adjusted life years (DALYs) in tuberculosis in a high-density region: a retrospective cohort study

Background. Infections associated with socially significant diseases considerably contribute to a decrease in the quality of public health. Tuberculosis, though declining in Russia, is still recognized as a pressing public health problem. Meanwhile, an assessment of the burden of tuberculosis on society, using such comprehensive methods as measuring disability-adjusted life years, is yet to be investigated in Russia. Objective. To estimate the tuberculosis burden by calculating the index of disability adjusted life years in a high-density region.Methods. The retrospective cohort study involved data on newly-diagnosed and died of tuberculosis cases that corresponded to the annual reporting form of federal statistical surveillance No. 8 “Information on active tuberculosis cases” for the Republic of North Ossetia-Alania; information on patients who died of tuberculosis or tuberculosis combined with infection caused by human immunodeficiency virus, was obtained from the Department of Civil Status Records of the Republic of North Ossetia-Alania and verified with data from the Federal State Statistics Service; data on tuberculosis-associated disability was received from Main Bureau of Medical and Social Expertise in the Republic of North Ossetia-Alania of the Ministry of Labor and Social Protection of the Russian Federation for 2018 and 2022. Following the analytic dataset, 691 people with newly-diagnosed tuberculosis, who received TB-associated disability and died from TB in 2018 (318 people) and 2022 (373 people) were identified. The study involved calculation of gender and age standardized TB morbidity and mortality rates as well as DALY index with its components: Years of Life Lost due to tuberculosis and Years Lost due to Disability. The study involved comparing data between 2018 and 2022 and gender/age-specific indicators within the same year. Mathematical data processing was performed using Microsoft Excel 2017 (Microsoft Corporation, USA) and SPSS 26.0 (SPSS Inc., USA). Differences between the compared indicators were evaluated by Chi-square criterion with variations, the initial data were grouped in a contingency table, the significance of differences was expressed by p-value.Results. The burden of tuberculosis in the Republic of North Ossetia-Alania refers predominantly to the male population: with a gender difference in the decrease in the disability-adjusted life years in 2018 and 2022 by 4.4 and 9.0 times (p &lt; 0.05), respectively; 2.8 times among males, 5.5 times among females (p &lt; 0.05). The burden of tuberculosis is mainly associated with premature mortality due to tuberculosis among males aged 35–54 years and among females aged 35–44 years with a pronounced decrease in Years of Life Lost. Years of Life Lost among males aged 20–34 in 2022 appears two times higher than the cohort average. The increase in Years of Life Lost among males aged 60–64 accounted for 1.7 times, in Years Lost Due to Disability — 11.2 times (p &lt; 0.05). Years Lost Due to Disability among females aged 20–44 years appeared to be the highest, exceeding the cohort average by more than two times in 2018.Conclusion. The burden of tuberculosis is predominantly due to tuberculosis-related premature mortality among the male population. According to the disturbing conclusion, Years of Life Lost among young males aged 20–34 years and tuberculosis-related premature mortality shift towards the male population of pre-retirement age (60–64 years) with an increase in Years Lost Due to Disability among them. Notably, the study reveals high rates of Years Lost Due to Disability among females aged 20–44. The results obtained should be taken into account when developing regional tuberculosis programs with their targeted use in “vulnerable” age and gender groups of the population.

БРОНХИАЛЬНАЯ АСТМА – ФАРМАКОЭПИДЕМИОЛОГИЧЕСКИЙ СРЕЗ ЗНАНИЙ ВРАЧЕЙ. ИТОГИ ИССЛЕДОВАНИЯ «ASSA–III»

Introduction. Number of bronchial asthma (BA) cases increases every year. Despite the improvement of clinical guidelines proposed by national societies and GINA (Global Strategy for Asthma Management and Prevention) expert committee, BA is still an urgent and significant public health problem. In some basic issues of etiology, pathogenesis, diagnosis, and pharmacotherapy, there is still a deficiency in healthcare professionals’ knowledge. Aim. To study the basic bronchial asthma knowledge of physicians from different regions. Materials and Methods. A multicenter anonymous survey was conducted among medical specialists regarding their knowledge of and preferences in the topic of bronchial asthma. This is the third stage of the ASSA (Assessment of Senior Medical Students in Bronchial Asthma) project. Statistical data were processed using the Pearson chi-square criterion (χ2) and complementary adjustments. Results and Discussion. Over the years 2019-2023, an anonymous survey of 472 physicians was conducted in ten cities and regions of Russia. In general, the level of basic specialists was found to be relatively satisfactory: An average of 65.8 % according to the study. At the same time, a deeper understanding was noted in the basic and theoretical aspects of the BA etiopathogenesis and diagnosis (the average result in the pool of questions was 84.1%), while the pool of questions regarding the disease treatment turned out to be more difficult for the respondents (their average result was 52.1%). The respondents gave the best answers to questions regarding the reference to a prolonged suffocation attack (95.6%), the levels of asthma control (93.6%), and the key methods of BA diagnosis (91.3%); the worst results were obtained for questions related to the choice of reasonable treatment tactics for mild asthma at therapy stages 1 (34.7%) and 2 (32.2%), indications for sublingual immunotherapy (12%), and indications for adding tiotropium (33.6%). Conclusion. According to the findings, it was concluded that physicians generally had a relatively satisfactory level of knowledge on the main issues related to the BA definition, etiopathogenesis, and diagnosis. However, their knowledge regarding the advanced approaches to pharmacotherapy is insufficient, and these issues require in-depth and additional studies. We also identified the specific changes in the physicians’ knowledge depending on their seniority.

Оценка факторов, формирующих ограничительные меры для проектов международной торговли, и перспективы развития институтов взаимной торговли группы стран ЕАЭС

The authors consider aspects of the established practice of developing effective regulatory mechanisms for foreign trade projects organized by trade unions of countries. Using the grouping of protectionist measures of nontariff regulation of the EAEU countries, introduced in 2020, it was revealed that the main barriers and restrictions are institutional, not economic in nature. Special attention is paid to conducting a criteria-based assessment of the relationship between institutional barriers/restrictions and the level of obstacles using the chi-square criterion. Several statistical criteria were used to assess the degree of closeness of the relationship between the types of institutional barriers and the degree of their limitations, which are relatively easy to apply, but quite informative and meaningful in interpretation. The presented approaches in the analysis expand the possibilities of quantifying non-tariff mechanisms for regulating mutual trade projects in various trade unions organized by countries.

Perceived Benefits of Learning Analytics and Artificial Intelligence-Based Oniline Learning Platforms: Case of Lithuanian General Education Schools

Online learning platforms with integrated tools of learning analytics (LA) and artificial intelligence (AI) are growing in popularity in general education in Lithuania. Such platforms have a number of advantages in terms of the teaching-learning process, however, there is a lack of research about such advantages after direct use of the platforms in general education schools. Thus, the purpose of the current study is to find out the perceived benefits of online learning platforms with LA and AI tools. The research was conducted in 11 schools in Lithuania. The students at these schools tested the LearnLab and Eduten Playground online learning platforms for almost three months. Descriptive statistics methods and chi-square (χ2) criteria were applied. Results showed that students claim that their learning achievements have improved thanks to the platforms. Moreover, research results showed, that when working with platforms, it is appropriate to pay attention and, in parallel, to teach students computer literacy from the elementary grades, to develop a relationship with the computer as a work tool. It is also appropriate to start working with LA and AI platforms from the primary grades, which would positively stimulate the growth of digital competence, as well as the interest of students in the educational subject(s) and the positive growth of learning achievements.

Statistical analysis of oil and oil product spills at sea

The influence of oil and its derivatives transportation processes, especially against the background of positive dynamics of their production, on the probability of environmental pollution is considered in the paper. It is noted that in such conditions it is very important to ensure timely preparedness for response and the ability to choose the most effective strategies, mainly using preventive measures to ensure emergency preparedness. The basis for the necessary set of measures is a forecast of the potential volume of a spill, allowing only the necessary number of technical or other assets to be planned for each area. It is emphasised that such a forecast is possible if the type of distribution by which it is described is understood. The type of distribution that best describes the behaviour of the oil spill volume as a random variable is defined in the paper. Statistical analysis methods have been used to examine the data presented in various databases. It is found that none of the common distributions that could theoretically describe the spill volume behaviour fulfil the accuracy condition. The observed chi-square (Pearson) criterion of agreement absolutely for all types of distributions exceeds the critical one many times, and it is obvious that the lognormal distribution law describes the behaviour of the considered random variable in the best way, which is visually confirmed by the frequency polygon and the smallest observed Pearson criterion. Using modern methods of hybridisation of distributions, it is proposed to conduct a study aimed at creating a universal distribution, presumably based on the lognormal distribution, which would accurately describe the behaviour of the random variable of oil spill volume. In addition, an approximate step function with a very high confidence coefficient can be used to predict the volume in each specific area.

КОМПЛЕМЕНТАРНЫЕ И РОДСТВЕННЫЕ СОЧЕТАНИЯ ОТТЕНКОВ КАК ОСНОВА ЦВЕТОВОЙ ГАРМОНИИ

The article presents the results of an experiment, the purpose of which was to find an answer to the question, which colour consonances are preferred more often: those composed of complementary colours or those based on related contrast. The research was conducted among first-year students of the Faculty of Fine Arts and Folk Crafts at the Federal State University of Education. The paper describes the algorithm for conducting the experiment by means of the author’s methodology and presents the results of analysing the obtained data using the chi-square criterion. It is revealed that some colour combinations based on the contrast of complementary colours are significantly preferable to combinations of related colours, and vice versa: some combinations based on the contrast of related colours are significantly preferable to complementary harmonies. Certain areas of the colour wheel have equal preference for both complementary and related combinations. The findings of the study contribute to the scientific block of theoretical knowledge about colour and aid the awareness of various issues in art and art education. The materials can be used in educational practice.

Ценностно-смысловые особенности лиц с различным типом отношения к жертве

The attitude in study is considered in the aspect of a person expressing his opinion about an object based on a formed value-semantic structure. Values and meanings act as an internal qualification in the relationship between the individual and society. Socially significant values are involved in the formation of a certain attitude towards the surrounding reality in each person. A person, depending on his value and semantic characteristics, decides what moral position to take in relation to the events of the surrounding reality and people. In different life circumstances, a person evaluates other people in different ways and shows his attitude towards them. To actualize the values and meanings of personality, the study suggests victim situations as stressful, affecting the psychological well-being of the individual, stimulating the manifestation of predetermined, attitude response patterns. Research methods: modeling, testing, and questionnaires. The sample included 190 respondents (equally men and women) of different ages, social status, and professional affiliation. Statistical processing was carried out using Pearson's chi-squared criterion and Student's t-test. In an empirical study, it was determined that the attitude towards the victim differs depending on the position of the evaluating subject (who is in the role of the victim or in the role of an outside observer); the value-semantic characteristics of three types of attitude towards the victim are highlighted and described: accuser, sympathetic and neutral. The results of this scientific study will help to expand the understanding of the value-semantic features of persons with different types of attitudes towards the victim. The information presented can be used by specialists in order to develop measures for psychological education, prevention of victim blaming as a social phenomenon, assistance to victims in victim situations and the formation of a compassionate attitude in society towards people who find themselves in a difficult life situation.

The role of magnetic resonance imaging in the assessment of esophageal tumor regression after neoadjuvant therapy

SummaryBackground. Neoadjuvant therapy (NT) is a standard treatment method for patients with locally advanced esophageal cancer, which allows to reduce the size of the tumor, and, accordingly, stages T and N. The possibilities of PET-CT and endo-ultrasound in determining the re-sidual tumor tissue in the structure of the esophageal wall against the background of post-radiation changes are limited. Prospective studies are required to determine the modern diagnostic capabilities of MRI in assessing the effectiveness of neoadjuvant treatment. The purpose of the study. To determine the possibilities of MRI in evaluating the effectiveness of neoadjuvant treatment of locally advanced esophageal cancer. Materials and methods. 72 patients diagnosed with esophageal cancer were examined. The average age of the patients was 63.4±12.2 years, 49 (68%) of the patients were male, 23 (32%) were female. All patients (72 people) underwent MRI followed by histological verification of the diagno-sis. Statistics. Statistical processing of categorical data was carried out using the following methods: frequency tables, conjugacy tables, CHI-square criterion or Fisher’s exact criterion (in the case of a small sample number). The differences were considered statistically signifi-cant at values of p &lt;0.05. Results. According to the data obtain ed, the overall sensitivity of the MRI method when compared with the results of histological examination in determining the severity of pathomorphosis was 59.1%, the general specificity was 93.5%, and the accuracy was 80.7%. Conclusion. The use of the multiparametric MRI protocol demonstrated a sufficiently high diagnostic efficiency in assessing the tumor response to neoadjuvant treatment. Further research on this topic will optimize the individual approach in choosing patients’ management tactics and improve the quality of their lives.

The formation of foreign language competence of future teachers when working with flash cards

Problem statement . The modernization of higher education is a good ground for the use of electronic resources in ensuring accessibility, continuity and quality of teaching foreign languages. The use of interactive tools (simulators, flash cards, virtual whiteboards) meets the requirements to educational training programs for students of pedagogical directions and the challenges of modern society. A flash card is a card with a word, a concept, an image on one side and a translation on the other. The study aimed at substantiating the effectiveness of the use of flash cards for the formation of foreign language competence of future teachers. Methodology . Theoretical and methodological analysis and generalization were used to determine trends in the development of language education, the inclusion of informatization tools in foreign language activities and professional communication. The online platform Quizlet was chosen to work with ready-made flash cards and to create new thematic sets in digital format. The questions for the control work grouped into two blocks “Digital educational technologies” (50 points) and “Foreign language in professional communication” (50 points) were compiled. The study involved 54 students from Vyatka State University (the direction of 44.03.05 “Pedagogical education”, with two training profiles, bachelor's degree level). Pearson's chi-squared criterion was applied at the stage of statistical processing of the results. Results . The system of working with flash cards in the foreign language professional communication of future teachers is described: the study of the Quizlet functionality, working with ready-made sets of cards, automating and improving lexical units, developing their own thematic sets. In the course of independent work and network collaboration the students of the experimental group used Flashcards, Speller, Scatter, Quizlet Live modes. Statistically significant differences in the qualitative changes that occurred in the level of formation of foreign language competence were determined. Conclusion. The use of flash cards in the preparation of students of pedagogical specialties has a significant didactic potential for the development of their foreign language competence: the effect of immersion, competitiveness and obtaining positive emotions; resources for independent language learning in extracurricular time; overcoming the language barrier in the virtual gaming environment of information interaction. However, there are some drawbacks: monotony of forms for tests, lack of opportunity to practice pronunciation, partial support of operating modes in the mobile version.

The role of career guidance activities of a pedagogical university in the professional self-determination of applicants

Introduction. The intensification of socio-cultural and technological transformations contributes to the constant rethinking of career guidance practices in the context of a changing perception of the values of professions by modern schoolchildren and to the formation of an informed choice about the trajectory of their professional development.Aim. The present research aims to analyse the forms and formats of career guidance activities implemented by pedagogical universities; to determine the most effective forms and formats in terms of increasing motivation and interest in the teaching profession; and to assess the level of awareness of the choice of a teacher profession among applicants.Methodology and research methods. In this study, the problem of the effectiveness of the forms and formats of vocational guidance activities of pedagogical universities is considered from the point of view of the methodology of environmental and cultural approaches, which determine the presence of links between socio-cultural and educational space as an influencing factor in the personality formation and development in a social system changing under the impact of external objective factors.The current empirical study was based on a mixed design. In order to verify and triangulate the results obtained in the study, the authors carried out an expert assessment of the representation of various forms of career guidance implemented by pedagogical universities, and investigated the perception of the effectiveness of career guidance activities by first-year students. The sample of the respondents was made up of 1,628 first-year students aged from 16 to 44 years, who enrolled in full-time and part-time bachelor’s degree programmes 44.00.00 Education and Pedagogical Sciences (based on the intergraded group of specialties). The respondents were asked to assess the frequency of participation and the degree of influence of career guidance activities on the choice of profession at the stage preceding admission to university, as well as to answer questions that determine factors affecting professional choice.Empirical data were processed by means of frequency, comparative and multivariate analysis, using median test, Pearson’s chi-square criterion, factor analysis.Results. The main formats of career guidance activities implemented by pedagogical universities were identified. The analysis of the content of the events shows that pedagogical universities implement various career guidance practices in cooperation with regional education systems aimed at attracting the most trained and professionally oriented applicants to the field of pedagogical education in the region.It was revealed that the students, who entered the pedagogical university, most often participated in traditional career guidance activities, while the formats of career guidance involving active methods of working with applicants are represented in their experience to the least extent.Three types of career guidance activities were identified: the most passive role is assigned to applicants within the framework of career guidance presentation; the opportunity to express oneself appears within the framework of pre-professional pedagogical training; and the greatest subjectivity of the applicant is actualised by activities implying his/her involvement in pedagogical activity.Students, who are characterised by a high level of involvement in career guidance activities, give a higher evaluation for the influence of active career guidance methods on the choice of profession and have a more pronounced motivation for choosing teaching profession.Scientific novelty. In this paper, career guidance activities have been studied through the use of a mixed design, verification and triangulation of the results obtained that allowed to empirically substantiate their typology and determine the nature of their impact on the professional self-determination of applicants.Practical significance. The research results can be used to improve the quality of career guidance work of pedagogical universities. The research materials can be employed in the development of regional development programmes, development programmes of pedagogical universities and educational organisations.

Determining the effectiveness of teaching intonation of the English language at a university

Introduction. Teaching the skills of adequate decoding of intonation is an integral part of teaching English, along with listening, speaking and reading skills. However, teaching this aspect is not always given sufficient attention. The purpose of the experiment is to identify the ability of students to decode the emotional characteristics of a sounding speech in a non-native language, as well as to reveal the correlation between the development of rhythmic-intonation skills and the level of the English language proficiency. Materials and methods. The research is carried out on the basis of the main tone groups of British English. The study is conducted by interviewing two groups of respondents with different levels of language proficiency (level B2 – 58 students) and C1 – 61 students). As a material for the survey, 11 statements in English were selected, having different intonation structure and belonging to different communicative types. The task of the respondents was to determine the attitude that the speaker puts into the utterance with the help of intonation. A correlation analysis was carried out between the level of English proficiency and the ability to correctly interpret intonation. The Chi-square criterion was used to calculate the homogeneity of two independent experimental samples. Results. The results of the study showed low ability of students to adequately interpret the English intonation and to identify the emotions of the speakers: correct answers gave 31.5% of respondents. We can conclude that students with the level of English proficiency C1, do not differ from students of group B2 in the level of perception of suprasegmental features of the English speech (χ2 = 10,06; p = 0,44). In other words, increasing the level of English proficiency does not affect the ability of students to correctly interpret intonation. Conclusion. The obtained result confirms the need for additional purposeful work on improving the methods of teaching prosody in a foreign language, aimed at improving the effectiveness of the educational process.

The role of physical education classes at the Medical University in the fight against neuropsychiatric overstrain

Relevance: in modern society, people are increasingly faced with the problem of overexertion associated with an intense lifestyle, stress and time constraints. This affects their psychoemotional state, physical activity and general health. This problem is especially relevant for students of the medical university studying in their first years: high academic load, the need to spend more time preparing for classes, lack of sleep, difficulties with organizing the daily routine, lead to the formation of affective and asthenic disorders.The purpose of the study: to analyze the influence of physical culture on the psycho-emotional and physical condition of students of the medical university; to study the physiological mechanisms for improving performance after physical education; to give recommendations that will help combat overstrain during classes.Research methods and organization: 112 people studying at the Kirov State Medical University took part in the online testing. The object of testing was the 1st year students of the specialty "Medicine" and "Pediatrics" aged 18 to 21 (18.0 ± 0.9) years. Of these, 64.3% are girls, 35.7% are boys. The assessment of neuropsychiatric stress was carried out according to the method of T.A. Nemchin, and included 30 characteristics divided into three degrees of severity. To assess the statistical significance when comparing indicators between groups, the chi-square criterion (Pearson's criterion of agreement) was used.Conclusion: Based on the survey data, we can conclude that physical education classes really reduce the level of neuropsychiatric stress and contribute to an increase in mood, self-confidence, and positively affect the accuracy and speed of movements

Vertebrogenic Pain Syndrome in Adolescents with Orthopedic Pathology, Aspects of Therapy

Relevance. Pain in the cervical, thoracic and lumbar spine is relevant not only for adults, but also for children and adolescents. Scoliosis is a predisposing factor for the development of pain syndrome in the back. Osteopathic techniques allow to expand the arsenal of methods in order to increase the effectiveness of treatment of patients with back pain.The aim of the study was to evaluate vertebrogenic pain syndrome in adolescents undergoing outpatient treatment with the diagnosis of dorsalgia. Materials and Methods: An observational study was conducted to analyze 157 case histories of adolescents (95 (60.5%) girls and 62 (39.5%) boys) undergoing outpatient treatment for dorsalgia diagnosed between the ages of 8 and 17 years. The reliability of differences between the studied groups was assessed by frequency analysis, using Pearson's Chi-squared criterion. All obtained differences were considered at a significance level not lower than p?0.05. Results. Among the 157 patients studied, orthopedic pathology (scoliosis of the spine, cervical instability, rotational subluxation of C1-C3, wedge deformity of the thoracic spine, L5 antelisthesis, Spina bifida S1) was diagnosed in 76 (48.4%) patients. Thoracic scoliosis of the 2nd degree was significantly more common in girls (p=0.043). L5 antelisthesis was significantly more common in boys (p=0.019). Lumbar scoliosis of the 2nd degree was significantly more frequent in the group of patients with moderate pain syndrome (VAS 4-6 points) (p=0,001). The cause of low back pain syndrome in 61 (38.9%) adolescents was benign musculoskeletal pain without orthopedic pathology. Conclusion: Vertebrogenic pain syndrome is one of the most frequent reasons for seeking outpatient medical care in adolescents. Detection of orthopedic pathology (scoliosis, instability, wedge deformity of vertebrae) against the background of pain syndrome requires examination by a neurologist, orthopedist and osteopath. The basis of therapy and prevention of back pain in adolescents is non-medication therapy, including osteopathic correction. Osteopathic correction is indicated in the detection of somatic dysfunctions.

Distinctive Features of Organized Rescue Volunteering in Russia

Introduction. This article presents the results of the first comprehensive study on volunteer participation in the field of rescue work in modern Russia. The study utilized data collected through an online survey of volunteers from rescue organizations to examine the socio-demographic characteristics of volunteers, their motives and values, the experiences they gained, and their perspectives on various aspects of volunteering and rescue activities. The objective of this study is to identify the distinct features of civic participation in this field. Materials and Methods. The study has relied on the findings of a large-scale online survey of Russian volunteers. Descriptive statistical methods were employed to analyze the data, including frequency analysis and contingency tables using the Chi-square criterion. These methods were particularly useful in characterizing the socio-demographic profile of volunteers, their most common practices, and their motivational structure. Additionally, the method of value portraiture by S. Schwartz was used to identify the value structure of rescue volunteers, while a comparison of average values was conducted. To investigate the predictors of volunteer activity termination, the study applied binary logistic regression procedures. Results. The study has identified several characteristics of volunteers in the field of rescue work. Volunteers tend to have a higher social status, holding positions in the professional hierarchy comparable to mid- and top-level specialists. They also tend to have a university degree, an above-average income, a family, children, and personal transportation. The study has also found that the organization plays a significant role in the continued participation and self-identification of volunteers. Conflicts within the community emerge as the primary predictor of volunteer disengagement, along with factors such as income decrease, family circumstances, and changes in personal interests. Discussion and Conclusion. The study has highlighted the challenge of distinguishing between collective and reflexive styles of participation in rescue volunteering. Further research is needed to understand the role of the organizational factor in shaping the professional and moral development of rescue volunteers, by analyzing entry into and continuation of volunteer participation over time, as well as exploring qualitative data on participation in rescue organizations. Practically, the findings presented in this article can be utilized by volunteer and rescue organizations to engage volunteers in rescue work, enhance motivation among existing volunteers, and establish guidelines and recommendations for collaboration between volunteers and official services.