Description Of Concept Research Articles

On the load‐carrying behaviour of CSTC slim‐floor beams

AbstractComposite steel truss and concrete (CSTC) beams are steel‐concrete composite structures mostly used as slim‐floor systems in industrial buildings. The proposed paper focuses on the load‐bearing behaviour of the so called NPS beam system as a specific type of CSTC beam. This system is made of a sinusoidal smooth steel truss welded to a steel plate, and embedded in cast‐in‐situ concrete. Unlike standard composite beams, NPS beams do not have dedicated shear connectors for transferring the longitudinal shear force from the steel part to the concrete. The shear connection between steel and concrete is enabled by the sinusoidal bar as an integrated part of the steel profile. The load‐slip behaviour of the shear connections in NPS beams was recently investigated through push‐out tests and appropriate design rules were proposed to predict their resistance. However, the longitudinal shear connection behaviour within the overall beam system is still not fully understood and requires further investigations. Furthermore, the ductility of composite slim floor systems depends strongly on their geometrical and mechanical properties. Strain‐limited analyses provide more reliable design predictions, but typically still simplify the shear connection behaviour strongly. It is therefore reasonable to conduct full‐scale experimental tests to investigate the structural behaviour at a cross‐sectional and a global level. The presented work addresses those issues through preliminary strain‐limited analyses and the description of an advanced measurement concept using fibre optical sensors for full‐scale beam tests.

Literature review on selected Ayurvedic formula in the management of wound healing

Wounds have been widespread issues since ancient times. Although the restoration of tissue is a normal reaction to any form of injury, the healing of an open wound is delayed by bacterial contamination. In the medical science of Ayurveda, there are numerous pearls that can be used to cure wounds without any complications. Our Āchāryās (teachers) categorized the medications related to Vrana Shōdhana (wound cleaning) and Vrana Rōpana (wound healing) and provided a general description of the treatment concepts of wound management. Six plants with various therapeutic properties, cow ghee, and rock salt make up a particular Ayurveda formula. In order to manage wound healing, this study reviewed a few Ayurvedic formulas that are mentioned in the Bhāvaprakāsha (classical text) based on their pharmacological and pharmacodynamics capabilities. The main goal of this investigation is to examine how the chemicals in this recipe affect wound healing. Information about wound was acquired from Ayurvedic scriptures, contemporary texts, and earlier research studies (from primary and secondary sources). Afterwards a survey of the literature was done on those six herbs. Also, these selected herbs were examined for their Pancha Padārtha (5 elements of the herb) and pharmacological qualities. Due to the fact that the chosen formula was primarily made up of Kapha, Pitta and Vāta Shamana (pacify humors of body) it was noted that the Ayurvedic pharmacodynamics qualities and actions (karmas) for wound healing were found. As a result, the effectiveness of the chosen Ayurvedic formula in managing wound healing can be demonstrated.

A Critical Sociocultural Understanding of Evidence-Based Research and Practice Paradigm in Contemporary Psychology.

The paper aims to develop a critical sociocultural understanding on the epistemological and historical analysis of evidence-based (EB) paradigm in contemporary psychological knowledge-production (research) and knowledge-application (practice). It firstly retraces the emergence of EB in medical disciplines, its paradigmatic status, and its subsequent adoption by mainstream psychological sciences. The description of EB historical roots and key concepts leads to the second part, where the paper reflects on key epistemological criticalities scholars have raised toward the EB paradigm. Then, we develop our sociocultural perspective to enrich the epistemological analysis and critique of EB. Specifically, we propose a hermeneutic and interpretative understanding which frames EB as a re-enactment of the positivist scientific research ambition to reach for a complete formalization of biological/psychological phenomena (endo-genetical dynamics), and of new socioeconomic, political, and individual needs posed by contemporary Western societal institutions to scientific knowledge (exo-genetical dynamics). Furthermore, building on such understanding, we suggest that EB works as a contemporary epistemic indicator and threshold, serving two functions: selective filtering and exclusion. Finally, we speculate that EB endo-genetical and exo-genetical developmental dynamics can be interpreted as an expression of the contemporary presentist regime of temporality and as a shift towards the regime of performative techniques instead of context-specific and future-oriented relational competences, also tracing a determining factor that has directed, directs and will continue to direct scientific research in psychology.

Symptom and Evidence: Feminism as a Form of Psychoanalysis

For about sixty years, feminism has been in a complicated relationship with psychoanalysis. On the one hand, psychoanalysis deals with topics important to feminism, and many of its ideas could be rethought. On the other hand, the substantive contradictions between feminism and psychoanalysis hinder their productive collaboration. This article proposes that the problems faced by the project of feminist psychoanalysis arise not so much from the differences as from the similarities between these two discourses. The feminist view is based on the basic foundations of psychoanalysis. The structure of society in feminism is understood in the same fashion as the psychoanalytic unconscious. Feminist discourse aims to “capture” a symptom and offer it up for interpretation. At the same time, the interpretive apparatus of feminism differs from psychoanalytic theory for it is based on an internally coherent system of prescriptions. So long as the symptom is successfully interpreted, political involvement is something that feminism has hopes to achieve. Thus individual cases are taken as analogous to the “conscious” in psychoanalysis and the system of prescriptives the “unconscious”. In such a way a “collective” political subject can be formed. Since psychoanalysis and feminism find the causes of the symptom in different areas that do not intersect they come into conflict.The introduction briefly describes the context of the study. The first section introduces the concepts of description and prescription and analyses feminism’s theoretical foundations. The author comes to the conclusion that the foundations of feminism could be thought of as a system of prescriptives. The second section examines the structures that feminism and psychoanalysis share and how they come into conflict. In the third section, feminism is compared with queer theory, and the differences between the two are used to bring together the idea of a collective political subject. In conclusion, the main strategies for strengthening feminist discourse are considered. Particular emphasis is given to the project of feminist epistemology. The materials used in the article are academic and journalistic articles written by feminists, blog posts and comments from discussion platforms, and a single public interview.

INTENSIVE MOTHERING AND PARENTAL BURNOUT

The article is of a theoretical nature and is devoted to a basic review of scientific literature in the field of such an urgent problem as the emotional burnout of mothers in conjunction with priority parental attitudes. A brief description of the main concepts is given, the authors' view on this issue is reflected.

BASIC CONCEPTS OF THE THEORY OF REAL MONOIDIOM DESCRIPTION

The article deals with the description of the linguistics of speech and its theoretical justification can be based on the main conceptual principles of the metalanguage of monosyllabic description, which includes the main concepts of the theory of real description. Metalanguage is used in applied linguistics to describe other natural languages, and, in the author’s opinion, individual utterances as well. In idiomology as a science of speech, linguistic data constitute a certain monosyllabic linguarie, which distinguishes the metalanguage of its description from dialectological or other types of linguistic terminology, thereby positioning the specificity of describing speech as a real language system in the context of highly organized conceptual approaches to the language system. The problems of metalanguage monosyllabic description are outlined, which are in the lens of modern theoretical and methodological linguistic paradigms, because metalanguage is also considered the language of linguistics, which is characterized by a complete set and classification of linguistic knowledge. At the same time, the concept of metalanguage is expanded in dialectology and specified in the context of linguistics, focusing on the monosyllabic description of speech. The novelty of the speech description lies in the fact that it is based on a monosyllabic linguarie, which is a complex process of scientific and cognitive activity in the modern linguistic paradigm. The metalanguage of monosyllabic description needs to update the system of basic principles and special methods of linguistic research, the methodology of speech description according to a clearly planned organization and research apparatus. The emphasis on the importance of the analysis of colloquialism lies in the composition of the metalanguage of the monosyllabic description, which contains central and universal categories that can be used in the study of various language systems: general linguistic terms and concepts (speaker, colloquial speaker), as well as supplemented and clarified methodological concepts of the monosyllabic linguistic description: spoken community, spoken com- munication, spoken language. A complete presentation of the metalanguage of the monolingual description of the linguarium can be seen in the glossary of the metalanguage of the description for the speech language system.

Exploring the contribution of case study research to the evidence base for occupational therapy: a scoping review

BackgroundCase study research is generating interest to evaluate complex interventions. However, it is not clear how this is being utilized by occupational therapists or how feasible it is to contribute to the evidence base. This scoping review explores case study research within occupational therapy in terms of how it is defined, the methodological characteristics adopted, such as data collection and analysis, and the range of practice contexts in which it is applied. We consider the viability of case study research for contributing to our evidence base.MethodsOpinion, text and empirical studies within an occupational therapy practice context were included. A three-step extensive search following Joanna Briggs Institute methodology was conducted in June 2020 and updated in July 2021 across ten databases, websites, peer-reviewed and grey literature from 2016 onwards. Study selection was completed by two independent reviewers. A data extraction table was developed and piloted and data charted to align with research questions. Data extraction was completed by one reviewer and a 10% sample cross checked by another.ResultsEighty-eight studies were included in the review consisting of (n = 84) empirical case study and (n = 4) non-empirical papers. Case study research has been conducted globally, with a range of populations across different settings. The majority were conducted in a community setting (n = 48/84; 57%) with populations experiencing neurodevelopmental disorder (n = 32/84; 38%), stroke (n = 14/84;17%) and non-diagnosis specific (n = 13/84; 15%). Methodologies adopted quantitative (n = 42/84; 50%), mixed methods (n = 22/84; 26%) and qualitative designs (n = 20/84; 24%). However, identifying the methodology and ‘case’ was a challenge due to methodological inconsistencies.ConclusionsCase study research is useful when large-scale inquiry is not appropriate; for cases of complexity, early intervention efficacy, theory testing or when small participant numbers are available. It appears a viable methodology to contribute to the evidence base for occupation and health as it has been used to evaluate interventions across a breadth of occupational therapy practice contexts. Viability could be enhanced through consistent conduct and reporting to allow pooling of case data. A conceptual model and description of case study research in occupational therapy is proposed to support this.Systematic review registrationOpen Science Framework 10.17605/OSF.IO/PCFJ6.

THE IMPACT OF CYNICISM ON THE FORMATION OF A CRITICALLY REFLECTIVE FORM OF WORLDVIEW

This article delves into the concept of cynicism, examining it as a philosophical movement and exploring its role in shaping a critically reflective worldview. It conducts a theoretical analysis of the historical origins of cynicism, focusing on the ancient Cynics and their core principles of life. Additionally, the article investigates the influence of cynicism on contemporary society.The article provides a comprehensive description of the fundamental concepts of cynicism. These include the rejection of material possessions, the pursuit of a simple lifestyle, and skepticism towards social hierarchies. Moreover, it underscores cynicism as a tool for critically questioning societal norms, cultural conventions, and moral values. By engaging in critical analysis and reflection, cynicism has the potential to facilitate the construction of a worldview rooted in skepticism and examination.The authors emphasize the significance of cynicism as a critically reflective form of worldview that encourages communities to ask probing questions, analyze various issues, and seek ways to address them. By challenging established norms, cynicism serves as a catalyst for societal progress. It inspires individuals and communities to engage in critical thinking, enabling them to explore alternative paths and foster a more equitable and inclusive society.In conclusion, the article highlights the transformative power of cynicism in driving societal advancements. By nurturing a critically reflective worldview that embraces continuous questioning, growth, and the pursuit of a better future, cynicism can contribute to positive social change. It encourages individuals and communities to challenge the status quo, critically evaluate existing systems, and actively seek improvements for a more just and inclusive society.

Extraction of Phrase-based Concepts in Vulnerability Descriptions through Unsupervised Labeling

Software vulnerabilities, once disclosed, can be documented in vulnerability databases, which have great potential to advance vulnerability analysis and security research. People describe the key characteristics of software vulnerabilities in natural language mixed with domain-specific names and concepts. This textual nature poses a significant challenge for the automatic analysis of vulnerability knowledge embedded in text. Automatic extraction of key vulnerability aspects is highly desirable but demands significant effort to manually label data for model training. In this article, we propose unsupervised methods to label and extract important vulnerability concepts in textual vulnerability descriptions (TVDs). We focus on six types of phrase-based vulnerability concepts (vulnerability type, vulnerable component, root cause, attacker type, impact, and attack vector) as they are much more difficult to label and extract than name- or number-based entities (i.e., vendor, product, and version). Our approach is based on a key observation that the same-type of phrases, no matter how they differ in sentence structures and phrase expressions, usually share syntactically similar paths in the sentence parsing trees. Specifically, we present a source-target neural architecture that learns the Part-of-Speech (POS) tagging to identify a token’s functional role within TVDs, where the source neural model is trained to capture common features found in the TVD corpus, and the target model is trained to identify linguistically malformed words specific to the security domain. Our evaluation confirms that the proposed tagger outperforms (4.45%–5.98%) the taggers designed on natural language notions and identifies a broad set of TVDs and natural language contents. Then, based on the key observations, we propose two path representations (absolute paths and relative paths) and use an auto-encoder to encode such syntactic similarities. To address the discrete nature of our paths, we enhance the traditional Variational Auto-encoder (VAE) with Gumble-Max trick for categorical data distribution and thus create a Categorical VAE (CaVAE). In the latent space of absolute and relative paths, we further apply unsupervised clustering techniques to generate clusters of the same-type of concepts. Our evaluation confirms the effectiveness of our CaVAE, which achieves a small (85.85) log-likelihood for encoding path representations and the accuracy (83%–89%) of vulnerability concepts in the resulting clusters. The resulting clusters accurately label six types of vulnerability concepts from a TVD corpus in an unsupervised way. Furthermore, these labeled vulnerability concepts can be mapped back to the corresponding phrases in the original TVDs, which produce labels of six types of vulnerability concepts. The resulting labeled TVDs can be used to train concept extraction models for other TVD corpora. In this work, we present two concept extraction methods (concept classification and sequence labeling model) to demonstrate the utility of the unsupervisedly labeled concepts. Our study shows that models trained with our unsupervisedly labeled vulnerability concepts outperform (3.9%–5.14%) those trained with the two manually labeled TVD datasets from previous work due to the consistent boundary and typing by our unsupervised labeling method.

Overview of Advanced Numerical Methods Classified by Operation Dimensions

In this article, the progress of frequently used advanced numerical methods is presented. According to the discretisation manner and manipulation dimensionality, these methods can be classified into four categories: volume-, surface-, line-, and point-operations–based methods. The volume-operation–based methods described in this article include the finite element method and element differential method; the surface-operation–based methods consist of the boundary element method and finite volume method; the line-operation–based methods cover the finite difference method and finite line method; and the point-operation–based methods mainly include the mesh free method and free element method. These methods have their own distinctive advantages in some specific disciplines. For example, the finite element method is the dominant method in solid mechanics, the finite volume method is extensively used in fluid mechanics, the boundary element method is more accurate and easier to use than other methods in fracture mechanics and infinite media, the mesh free method is more flexible for simulating varying and distorted geometries, and the newly developed free element and finite line methods are suitable for solving multi-physics coupling problems. This article provides a detailed conceptual description and typical applications of these promising methods, focusing on developments in recent years.

Quantifying spit growth and its hydrodynamic drivers in wind-dominated lake environments

Many sand spits are morphodynamically complex landforms, that are either analysed with complex and expensive computational models or at a conceptual level. Therefore, most case studies on spits in different environments are descriptive. A novel method based on the use of polar coordinates was devised to quantitatively analyse spit morphodynamics in a non-tidal, wind-dominated lake environment, using the Marker Wadden islands in Lake Markermeer, the Netherlands, as a case study. A high-resolution morphological data set allowed for the quantification of sedimentation processes around two spits, in two distinctive depth zones. Spit-platform growth is governed by alongshore currents that transport sediment over the spit-platform into deeper waters; the size of the spit-platform in turn affects the growth of the spit around the mean water level. Insight in this complex interplay of processes is crucial to understand spit behaviour in low-energy lake environments. At the Marker Wadden the submerged spit-platform grows during high energy wind events while the emerged spit part grows under mild to moderate energy conditions. With this new method we can quantitatively explore the role of different wave and flow conditions and predict spit growth direction in non-tidal, wind-dominated environments, beyond the level of conceptual descriptions.

Best Practices in Supervised Machine Learning: A Tutorial for Psychologists

Supervised machine learning (ML) is becoming an influential analytical method in psychology and other social sciences. However, theoretical ML concepts and predictive-modeling techniques are not yet widely taught in psychology programs. This tutorial is intended to provide an intuitive but thorough primer and introduction to supervised ML for psychologists in four consecutive modules. After introducing the basic terminology and mindset of supervised ML, in Module 1, we cover how to use resampling methods to evaluate the performance of ML models (bias-variance trade-off, performance measures, k-fold cross-validation). In Module 2, we introduce the nonlinear random forest, a type of ML model that is particularly user-friendly and well suited to predicting psychological outcomes. Module 3 is about performing empirical benchmark experiments (comparing the performance of several ML models on multiple data sets). Finally, in Module 4, we discuss the interpretation of ML models, including permutation variable importance measures, effect plots (partial-dependence plots, individual conditional-expectation profiles), and the concept of model fairness. Throughout the tutorial, intuitive descriptions of theoretical concepts are provided, with as few mathematical formulas as possible, and followed by code examples using the mlr3 and companion packages in R. Key practical-analysis steps are demonstrated on the publicly available PhoneStudy data set ( N = 624), which includes more than 1,800 variables from smartphone sensing to predict Big Five personality trait scores. The article contains a checklist to be used as a reminder of important elements when performing, reporting, or reviewing ML analyses in psychology. Additional examples and more advanced concepts are demonstrated in online materials ( https://osf.io/9273g/ ).

Application of ontology-based engineering and stem approach in learning

Currently, there is a need to improve the educational system and develop interdisciplinary studies at all stages of education, from school to postgraduate education. The implementation of cross-curriculum connections promotes a holistic view of natural phenomena and the relationship between them, that is, this knowledge becomes more meaningful and applicable in practice. The article proposes an approach to building a conceptual model of the content of education in the form of a thesaurus and ontology, the use of which will ensure that the educational information is adaptively selected and put straight. The article discusses the possibility of and experience in using ontological modeling and engineering for the conceptual description of school and higher education. The article discusses the development of the ontological science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) Education at School model. The article builds an ontological model, which is an integration of the ontology of school and the ontology of university. When filling in the knowledge base, it becomes possible to identify interdisciplinary relationships. The use of ontological engineering methods will improve the quality of education for schoolchildren and students through the semantic description of knowledge of the subject area by using interdisciplinary and STEM approaches in the process of education.

Pyramids in medical education: Their conceptualization and utility summarized

To examine the conceptual underpinnings of learning pyramids, their limitations and some proposed modifications, and to describe their utility. Starting with a selection of pyramids based on whether graphic design was part of their original design and on their conceptual description, we examined the criticisms they have received and the modifications derived from those observations, and the use given to the pyramids most commonly used in medical education. Five pyramids were included, namely, George Miller, Edgar Dale, Donald Kirkpatrick, Benjamín Bloom and Abraham Maslow. Pyramids describe different aspects of medical education evaluation, either of individuals or of training programs, including competencies, identity, reliability, learning, behavior, results, cognitive complexity and self-realization. As theoretical models, the pyramids examined have contributed to support learning processes in health professions. Their practical utility extends to different specialties and education levels given that they can help faculty optimize curricular design, teaching and evaluation processes. It is important to conduct a local assessment of the effects on health science programs built on these theoretical models.

A knowledge management system in the strategic development of universities

The purpose of this study is a conceptual description of the implementation of knowledge management systems (KMS) as a mechanism for universities’ strategic development. Knowledge management (KM) practice from around the world proved the positive influence of KMS on productivity of educational institutions. The theoretical provisions and concept for KMS are determined based on an analysis of international experience of KMS use in higher education (HE). Theoretical provisions consist of 1) the staff activities as an object of KM and knowledge because of these activities, 2) the specificity of HE restrains a transfer of the KM mechanism from business to HE, and 3) the uniqueness of each university determines the structure and content of KMS for strategic development. The KM process in HE is reflected in the Socialization-Externalization-Combination-Internalization (SECI) model, where each stage contains a list of staff activities and a set of digital services. The novelty of the KM process model in HE is that knowledge flows in a wave, not a spiral. In this motion, knowledge passes from uncodified to partly codified and codified form. The study demonstrates that knowledge can go the from stage of partly codified to uncodified for revision, and knowledge flow can stop at any stage. The advantage of the concept we designed is the ability to control the flow of knowledge before it takes the codified form of a document. The digital environment for KM first allows management to control faculty activities at the initial stage of uncodified knowledge through measurement of activities, and then to estimate the knowledge flow itself. The gathered indicators help to make decisions to motivate or restrain faculty. The university management gets a complete picture of faculty activities with knowledge and the intensity of knowledge flow in training courses and educational programs.

Image Retrieval Through Free-Form Query using Intelligent Text Processing

Image Retrieval is the process of retrieving images from the image/multimedia databases. Retrieval of images are carried out with various types of queries, free-form query is a text-query that consists of single or multiple keywords and/or concepts or descriptions of images with or without the inclusion of wild-card characters and/or punctuations. This work aims to handle image retrieval based on free-form text queries. Simple & complex queries of conceptual descriptions of images are explored and an intelligent processing system with free-form queries based on the Bag-of-Words model is modified and built for natural scene images and on Diverse Social Images using the Damerau-Levenshtein edit distance measure. The efficacy of the proposed system is evaluated by testing 1500 free-form text queries and has resulted in a recall accuracy of 91.3% on natural scene images (of Wang/Corel database) and 100% on Diverse Social Images (of DIV400 dataset). These results show that the system proposed has produced satisfactory performance compared to published results such as the harmonic mean of precision and recall (i.e. F1-Score) of 76.70% & 63.32% at retrieval of 20 images etc in reported works.

Using digital technologies and innovative methods to improve the reading skills of higher education students

The article is devoted to the problem of activating and improving the reading skills of students using innovative methods and digital technologies. The article explores how modern technologies can stimulate and improve reading, contributing to the active involvement of students in the learning process. The quality of future language teachers' professional training and the possibility of its implementation in the current conditions of digitalisation depend on what and how they read. In particular, the essence and algorithm of applying such innovative technologies as conceptual and figurative reading, collective immersion in a literary text, advertising, colour reading, anti-books, flashbacks are discussed. It is pointed out that such tools allow students to actively engage with the text, expanding their understanding of information, improving concentration and memory. It is proved that conceptual and imaginative reading and collective immersion in a literary text activates various sensory channels, in particular visual imagination, which helps the reader to understand the text more deeply, focus on details, activate emotional and cognitive reactions, and develop creative thinking. It is emphasised that conceptual and imaginative reading and collective immersion in a literary text can be especially useful when reading fiction, descriptions of places or complex concepts, where visualisation can help to understand and remember information. It can help build a shared identity, strengthen social bonds and empathy between group members. The article emphasises that the use of promotional strategies and elements can attract students' attention and make the learning process more engaging and ensure more active participation. One possible approach is to create “advertising campaigns” for specific literary works or authors. This may include creating posters, advertising slogans, anti-books, etc. that will attract students' interest and inspire them to read the book. It is proved that the use of digital technologies and innovative methods to improve the reading skills of students contributes to the formation of professional skills of future language teachers who are able to implement them in their future activities.

Профессиональная подготовка в современном образовании взрослых

Introduction. Under the conditions of dehumanization of the social sphere, collapse of intergenerational links, loss of culturally appropriate meanings of self-realisation in professional activity, the content of the concept «professional training» requires rethinking. The correlation between its teaching and educating components is to be realized. Following the logic of passport specialty 5.8.7 «Methodology and Technology of Professional Education», it is necessary to make an «anthropological turn» in professional training, the conceptual description of which today is reduced to the extremely practice-oriented process of
 equipping a student with knowledge, skills and abilities necessary for a particular work activity. A humanistic-anthropological methodology is proposed by the author of this article as the basis for this process.
 Research methods: analysis of scientific and pedagogical literature, conceptual analysis, historical and pedagogical analysis, hermeneutic procedure.
 Research results. The historical and pedagogical analysis made it possible to identify the value constant of the national culture of understanding of labor and professional activity. It consists in the adult taking personal and professional position based on the awareness of the inseparability of personal and social significance of his own work. This tradition was interrupted in the post-perestroika period, when the utilitarian and material approach to the choice and implementation of professional activity prevailed.
 This was particularly detrimental to the professions dedicated to serving the community (teachers, doctors, the military, including the police). The humanitarian-anthropological approach allows designing the professional training as a support of human potential of a student by creating conditions for the development of his subjectivity in the educational environment of the eventful professional community through reflective practices. The methodological logic of designing a particular subject-specific professional training programme on the basis of the structure of interactive training cycle proposed by M.V. Clarin is described.

Prospective Teachers’ Metaphorical Perceptions of "School, Teacher, Principal and Superintendent"

Research on prospective teachers' perceptions and descriptions of the essential education
 concepts helps to determine their educational viewpoint before starting the profession. In
 this study, it is aimed to reveal and analyse the metaphorical perceptions of prospective
 teachers about the concepts of school, teacher, principal, and superintendent. The study is
 planned in a basic qualitative research design. Participants of the study were 95 students
 attending to Selcuk University in the 2021-2022 academic year. Participants were recruited
 by using convenience sampling. Data were collected by using an open-ended questionnaire
 form and were analysed by content analysis technique. A total of 358 metaphors related to
 the concepts of school, teacher, principal, and superintendent were produced by teacher
 candidates. Of these, 91 were related to schools, 103 to teachers, 89 to principals and 75 to
 superintendents. Findings showed that the metaphors reflect both positive and negative
 perceptions about the concepts. Prospective teachers often used positive metaphors for
 the concept of school, teacher, and principal. However, it was noted that the metaphors
 reflecting negative connotations for the concept of superintendent were relatively more.

Heuristic search of optimal machine teaching curricula

In curriculum learning the order of concepts is determined by the teacher but not the examples for each concept, while in machine teaching it is the examples that are chosen by the teacher to minimise the learning effort, though the concepts are taught in isolation. Curriculum teaching is the natural combination of both, where both concept order and the set of examples can be chosen to minimise the size of the whole teaching session. Yet, this simultaneous minimisation of teaching sets and concept order is computationally challenging, facing issues such as the “interposition” phenomenon: previous knowledge may be counter-productive. We build on a machine-teaching framework based on simplicity priors that can achieve short teaching sizes for large classes of languages. Given a set of concepts, we identify an inequality relating the sizes of example sets and concept descriptions. This leverages the definition of admissible heuristics for A* search to spot the optimal curricula by avoiding interposition, being able to find the shortest teaching sessions in a more efficient way than an exhaustive search and with the guarantees we do not have with a greedy algorithm. We illustrate these theoretical findings through case studies in a drawing domain, polygonal strokes on a grid described by a simple language implementing compositionality and recursion.