Experimental Group Research Articles

Enhancing accounting students’ competence in integrated case study analysis: a structured guidance approach

PurposeIntegrated Case Study (ICS) is a capstone course for accounting undergraduates in Malaysia. It emphasizes the holistic and multifaceted problem-solving skills needed in the accounting profession. Yet, students often find ICS challenging. This paper addresses these challenges from both student and educator perspectives by introducing the Structured Template for Enhanced Proficiency (STEP) framework, an innovative structured guidance model that breaks down case analysis into manageable stages. This framework promotes self-directed, deep and collaborative learning and strengthens students’ analytical skills. This study examines the implementation and effectiveness of the framework at a Malaysian public university.Design/methodology/approachThe STEP framework’s effectiveness is assessed through the case study performance of experiment and control student groups, alongside feedback from students and educators collected via surveys and written testimonials.FindingsThe study demonstrates a remarkable average improvement of 8.4% in the performance of the experimental student group. Further, positive feedback from both students and lecturers underscores its effectiveness in guiding case analysis and fostering deep and collaborative learning. Challenges faced by students while using the framework include its newness and a lack of flexibility. However, slight improvements such as additional guidance and examples and enhanced flexibility may overcome the identified shortcomings.Originality/valueThe findings of this paper signify the potential of the STEP framework as a cost-effective intervention tool in facilitating students in their ICS analyses and refining their cognitive, critical thinking, decision-making and interpersonal proficiencies.

Pengaruh Penggunaan Media Kahoot Terhadap Hasil Belajar Materi Keragaman Suku Bangsa dan Budaya pada Siswa Kelas IV UPT SD Negeri 232 Gresik

This study aims to determine the influence of the use of Kahoot media on the learning outcomes of ethnic and cultural diversity materials. This study uses a quantitative approach with a type of quasi experiment research whose population is all grade IV students, which is divided into two groups, namely class IV A with 14 students as the experimental group and class IV B with 13 students as the control group. The data collection technique used is a test in the form of multiple-choice questions. Validity and reliability tests are carried out to test the instrument. Furthermore, a normality test was carried out with the results of the variable =2,26, the variable while , while the results of the postes homogeneity test this was stated that both variables were declared to be normally distributed and homogeneous. To find out whether or not there is an influence of Kahoot media in learning, the results of which showed that the learning outcomes of the Ethnic and Cultural Diversity material of grade IV A students who were taught using Kahoot learning media were better than without using Kahoot media in learning on Ethnic and Cultural Diversity material.

Enhancing Critical Thinking Skills in Poetry Writing through Nature-Based Learning Method

To improve poetry writing skills, it is necessary to use a variety of strategies that encourage students to think critically and conduct in-depth examination. This strategy can considerably increase their originality and proficiency in poetry writing. The Nature-Based Learning Method is used in this study to improve critical thinking abilities, specifically those related to poetry writing. This quasi-experimental study assesses the impact of specific activities under controlled conditions. To ensure accurate and trustworthy data collection, the study employs a Pretest-Posttest Control Group Design, with a pretest administered prior to treatment and a posttest administered thereafter in both the experimental and control groups. The study included 63 students from Malikussaleh University, chosen by purposive sampling. The major data collection tool was a poetry-writing performance exam. Normality, homogeneity, and hypothesis tests were used during the data analysis. The t-test for students' poetry writing skills yielded a significant value of 0.000 < 0.05, rejecting the null hypothesis (Ho) and accepting the alternative hypothesis (Ha). In the experimental group, the average pretest score for poetry writing skills was 53.38, but it climbed to 80.65 following the intervention. Similarly, the control group's average critical thinking abilities score for poetry writing increased from 48.90 on the pretest to 67.65 on the posttest. These findings imply that by improving critical thinking skills, particularly in writing, students can considerably improve their capacity to write high-quality poetry. This enhancement in critical thinking is believed to boost problem-solving abilities and help to create more refined and compelling poetry compositions.

Dynamic photoelastic analysis of stress distribution in simulated canals using different heat-treated flat-side rotary instruments.

This study aimed to compare the stress produced by three heat-treated flat-side prototype rotary instruments and a non-flat side instrument on the internal walls of simulated canals with three different curvature degrees using the photoelastic technique. Thirty-six resin blocks with simulated canals, comprising three curvature types (45°, 60°, and double curvature), were used in the study, with 12 blocks allocated to each curvature type. These blocks were further divided into four experimental groups (n = 9 per group) based on the heat treatment of the instruments: gold, silver, blue, and a control group with non-flat-side gold instruments. The blocks were analyzed using a circular polariscope setup, with real-time birefringence patterns captured by a digital camera. Stress on canal walls was evaluated using a semi-quantitative scale. Supplementary tests (stereomicroscope, SEM, energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, and DSC) were performed to interpret the results further. Data were analyzed using the Kruskal-Wallis test (α = 5%). Inter- and intra-observer agreements were 0.91 and 1, respectively. All instruments exhibited high stress patterns on canal walls. The highest stress was observed in the 45° and 60° blocks (middle third) and the double curvature blocks (apical third). The flat-side gold instrument recorded the highest stress in the coronal third, and the flat-side blue in the apical third (p < 0.05). All instruments displayed some degree of distortion after use. Instrument type and canal curvature significantly influenced stress distribution across root canal thirds. All flat-side instruments exhibited high stress patterns, warranting caution in curved canals due to potential distortion and performance impact. This study recommended caution when using newly designed flat-side instruments in curved canals due to potential stress on canal walls and greater distortion, which may affect performance and durability.

Changes and clinical significance of serum vitamin A, 25-(OH)D3, TG2, IL-4 and IL-13 levels in children with eczema.

The study aims to examine fluctuations in the levels of serum vitamin A, 25-(OH)D3, TG2, IL-4, and IL-13 in pediatric eczema patients and explore how these changes relate to the severity of the condition. This retrospective study analyzed the clinical data of 159 children with eczema admitted to the hospital from May 2023 to October 2024 as the experimental group. The patients were divided into groups according to the severity of the disease: mild group(≤ 25 points, n = 45), moderate group(25-50 points, n = 72) and severe group(>50 points, n = 42). Collect each group of serum serum vitamin A, 25- (OH) D3, TG2, IL-4, and IL-13 levels and analyze them. The improvements in serum vitamin A, 25-(OH)D3, TG2, IL-4, and IL-13 levels in each group of children after 3 months of treatment were further analyzed. As eczema severity escalated, there was a progressive decline in Vit A and 25-(OH)D3 levels, while TG2, IL-4, and IL-13 levels correspondingly rose (P < 0.05). Pearson correlation analysis revealed a significant negative correlation between serum Vit A and 25-(OH)D3 levels and the SCORAD scores in children with eczema (P < 0.05). Conversely, TG2, IL-4, and IL-13 levels exhibited positive correlations with the SCORAD scores (P < 0.05). 25-(OH)D3 had the highest AUC for diagnosing the severity of eczema, which was significantly better than serum vitamin A, TG2, IL-4, and IL - 13 ( all P < 0.05 ). After 3 months of treatment, the serum levels of vitamin A, 25-(OH)D3, TG2, IL-4, and IL-13 in all groups were significantly improved (P < 0.05). Vit A, 25-(OH)D3, TG2, IL-4, and IL-13 correlate with the severity of eczema symptoms. The severity of the disease can be evaluated clinically according to the changes in these serum indicators, and the clinical application value is high.

Necroecological Trophic Transfer of Microplastics: Insights into the Ecotoxicity of Petroleum-Derived and Biodegradable Polymers.

Although the toxicity of petroleum-derived microplastics (MPs) has been widely investigated, the impact of biomicroplastics (BioMPs) remains controversial, and the necroecological trophic transfer of both is still poorly understood. Our study reveals that biomicroplastics may pose ecotoxicological risks comparable to or greater than those of petroleum-derived plastics, a finding that should raise concern. We aimed to evaluate the possible translocation of polystyrene (PS) and polylactic acid (PLA) MPs from mice to the necrophagous fly Synthesiomyia nudiseta and their potential effects on the larval stage. Mice were inoculated intraperitoneally with different doses of MPs [9 (I) and 90mg/kg (II)] and subjected to the decomposition process (for ten days), allowing colonization by larvae. Our results confirmed the translocation of MPs from mice to S. nudiseta larvae, resulting in a greater accumulation of PLA-MPs compared to PS-MPs. We observed that exposure to MPs significantly influenced biomass accumulation, with larvae from the PS-I and PLA-I groups showing increased biomass. In contrast, those from the PLA-II group exhibited lower biomass. AChE activity was modulated in a concentration-dependent manner, with an increase observed in larvae exposed to PLA-MPs, indicating a potential neurotoxic effect. In addition, there was an increased production of reactive oxygen species (ROS), especially in the groups exposed to higher concentrations of MPs, without a proportional response of antioxidant enzymes, suggesting a redox imbalance and oxidative stress. The elevated serotonin levels and reduced dopamine observed in larvae exposed to MPs indicate a possible redirection of energy resources and changes related to a metabolic adaptation to the stress imposed by MPs. Principal component analysis (PCA) showed that PC1 was strongly influenced by biomarkers such as trypsin, chymotrypsin, AChE, ROS, and dopamine activity, highlighting that PLA-MPs (at the highest concentration) induced more pronounced toxic effects than PS-MPs. This finding was corroborated by discriminant analysis, which revealed a clear separation between the experimental groups, and by multiple regression analysis, which confirmed a strong relationship between MP concentration and larval biomarker responses, indicating that the type and concentration of MPs explained approximately 65% ​​of the variation in the biomarkers evaluated. In conclusion, our study demonstrates for the first time the necroecological trophic translocation of MPs between vertebrates and invertebrates, highlighting the potential risks of biomicroplastics.

Effects of a narrative medicine program on empathic ability of dental students: a comparative study

BackgroundNarrative medicine (NM), a model for medical humanism, has become an effective educational tool to cultivate medical students’ empathy. However, the role of NM in dental education still lacks experimental evidence. This study aims to analyze the effects of NM on dental students’ empathic ability and explore the correlation between empathic ability and academic performance.MethodsA comparative study was conducted at Jinan University, China, during 2023 to 2024 year. The NM education program was integrated into the fixed prosthodontics course. The participants of this study were senior undergraduate dental students in pre-clinical stage. Control group students received traditional teaching and experimental group students received NM-integrated teaching. Self-report questionnaires of empathic ability and perceptions about NM as well as academic performance were analyzed in two groups.ResultsA total of 134 participants were recruited. Empathy scores in the experimental group (n = 62) were higher than those in the control group (n = 72). In the experimental group, students writing parallel charts as coursework received higher empathy scores than students writing reflection reports on medical novels or films. Empathic scores were positively correlated to theoretical exam scores but almost uncorrelated to skill exam scores. Most dental students held positive perceptions towards NM, especially regarding self-development.ConclusionIn dental education, NM as an educational tool for empathy is feasible. It might provide insights for dental educators in planning and managing dental courses that integrate humanities.

A new experimental model for studying peripheral nerve regeneration in dual innervated facial reanimation.

Donor nerve selection is a crucial factor in determining clinical outcomes of facial reanimation. Although dual innervation approaches using two neurotizers have shown promise, there is a lack of evidence-based comparison in the literature. Furthermore, no animal model of dual reinnervation has yet been published. This study aimed to establish such a model and verify its technical and anatomical feasibility by performing dual-innervated reanimation approaches in Wistar rats. Fifteen Wistar rats were divided into four experimental groups and one control group. The sural nerve was exposed and used as a cross-face nerve graft (CFNG), which was then anastomosed to the contralateral buccal branch of the facial nerve through a subcutaneous tunnel on the forehead. The CFNG, the masseteric nerve (MN), and the recipient nerve were coapted in one or two stages. The length and width of the utilized structures were measured under an operating microscope. Return of whisker motion was visually confirmed. Nine out of the eleven rats that underwent surgery survived the procedure. Whisker motion was observed in all experimental animals, indicating successful reinnervation. The mean duration of the surgical procedures did not differ significantly between the experimental groups, ensuring similar conditions for all groups. Our experimental study confirmed that the proposed reanimation model in Wistar rats is anatomically and technically feasible, with a high success rate, and shows good prospects for future experiments.

Energy management education for persons living with long COVID-related fatigue (EMERGE): protocol of a two-parallel arms target trial emulation study in a multicentre outpatient intervention setting with an online control group register

IntroductionEnergy management education (EME) is a manualised, evidence-based self-management education programme developed and delivered by occupational therapists for persons living with chronic disease-related fatigue. Studies have shown that EME can...

Effects of Moringa oleifera seed extract on growth and immunophysiology of whisker catfish (Mystus gulio) fingerlings.

In aquaculture, phytobiotics are used as growth promoters, immunomodulators, antioxidants, and stress mitigators in several fish species. Herein, we assess the impact of Moringa oleifera seeds petroleum ether extracts (MSE) on growth, hematological, and biochemical responses in whisker catfish (Mystus gulio). A total of 120 M. gulio fingerlings (mean weight 2.09 ± 0.16 g) were randomly distributed in four different experimental groups. Fish were fed to satiation with the experimental diets [T1 (control, 0% MSE), T2 (0.05% MSE), T3 (0.10% MSE), and T4 (0.15% MSE)] for 60 days. Results demonstrated that fingerlings fed with 0.05 and 0.10% MSE-supplemented diet significantly enhanced weight gain, specific growth rate, protein efficiency ratio, hemato-immunological indices (erythrocyte count, leucocyte count, hemoglobin, globulin, serum protein, and respiratory burst activity) and survival compared to other groups (P < 0.05). However, at the higher dose of MSE (0.15%), a significant reduction in the above parameters was observed (P < 0.05). Feeding MSE at 0.05 and 0.10% significantly minimizes the stress responses (blood glucose, cortisol, and catalase). Dose-dependent reduction in serum cholesterol and high-density lipid and an increase in triglyceride were recorded (P < 0.05). Histopathological observation of liver tissue showed congestion of hepatic vein at 0.15% MSE supplementation. Overall, the study suggests that the dietary supplementation of MSE up to 0.10% improves growth, biochemical, and innate immune response in M. gulio fingerlings.

LLM-based collaborative programming: impact on students’ computational thinking and self-efficacy

At present, collaborative programming is a prevalent approach in programming education, yet its effectiveness often falls short due to the varying levels of coding skills among team members. To address these challenges, Large Language Models (LLMs) can be introduced as a supportive tool to enhance both the efficiency and outcomes of collaborative programming. In this shift, the structure of collaborative teams evolves from human-to-human to a new paradigm consisting of human, human, and AI. To investigate the effectiveness of integrating LLMs into collaborative programming, this study designed a quasi-experiment. To explore the effectiveness of integrating LLMs into collaborative programming, we conducted a quasi-experiment involving 82 sixth- and seventh-grade students, who were randomly assigned to either an experimental group or a control group. The results showed that incorporating LLMs into collaborative programming significantly reduced students’ cognitive load and improved their computational thinking skills. However, no significant difference in self-efficacy was observed between the two groups, likely due to the cognitive demand students faced when transitioning from graphical programming to text-based coding. Despite this, the study remains optimistic about the potential of LLM-enhanced collaborative programming, as students learning in this way exhibit lower cognitive load than those in conventional environments.

Ultrastructural changes in the common carotid artery in terms of age and gender-related in Rat model

Sex-related differences were investigated in ultrastructural modifications that occur with ageing in the rat carotid artery in the study. As ageing impacts every system and organ within the human body, it also impacts the circulatory system. The circulatory system serves various functions in the body such as nourishing organs and tissues, oxygenating and eliminating toxic substances. A condition like atherosclerosis or thrombosis in the circulatory system results in permanent harm to structures like the central nervous system, heart and even fatality. Although the pathologies observed in the vessels are commonly attributed to the generation of atheromas, it has been recognised in recent years that changes in the tunica intima and tunica media lead to impaired vascular function without the formation of atheromas. Despite the long-standing belief that women have a advantage in age-related cardiovascular diseases, there has been no ultrastructural examination to support this theory. We explored the sex-related discrepancies in the ultrastructural modifications produced by aging in the carotid artery. A total of 28 Sprague-Dawley rats, 14 males and 14 females, were planned to be used in the study. Of these 28 rats, 4 females and 4 males was constitute the control group. The rats in the control group was approximately 10 weeks old, and the rats in the experimental group, which was represent the aged group, was 19 weeks old. All animals in the study were anaesthetised and then sacrificed by removal of the heart. The right and left common carotid arteries were removed from the sacrificed animals. Collected vessels prepared for Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM) examination. For each animal, at least four TEM images were taken from four different sections from the same block. As a result, the impact of vascular ageing manifested as apoptosis and age-related dysfunction in endothelial cells, thickening of the subendothelial layer, elastin deterioration, collagen deposition in the matrix, and degradation of the internal elastic lamina. Notably, vascular degeneration is more severe in men than in women. It is clear that the endothelium is subject to accumulated damage with age. We believe that the dissimilarity between males and females is attributed to the estrogen’s proliferative and anti-inflammatory impact.

Prehabilitation to improve function after autologous stem cell transplantation: A pilot randomized controlled trial (PIRATE)

PurposeExercise and nutrition interventions are not part of routine care for those undergoing autologous stem cell transplant (autoSCT). We aimed to explore estimates of effect, safety and feasibility of multidisciplinary prehabilitation for improving physical capacity after autoSCT.MethodsThis single-blinded, parallel, two-armed pilot randomized trial included adults receiving autoSCT. Participants were randomized to twice-weekly, supervised, tailored exercise and fortnightly telephone-based nutrition education, for up to 8-weeks prior to autoSCT (n = 11) or usual care (n = 11). Blinded assessments occurred at baseline (T0), pre-transplant (T1), and 4-weeks post-transplant (T2). The primary outcome was physical capacity (6-min walk test). Secondary measures included recruitment rate, adverse events, exercise adherence, physical status, nutritional status, health-related quality of life, and health service outcomes.ResultsPositive estimates of effect for walking capacity in favour of the experimental group were demonstrated at T2 (MD + 141 m, 95% CI 24 to 257 m). There was high recruitment (81%) and adherence and no major adverse events. At T2 there were large estimates of effect favoring the experimental group for higher bodyweight, and less dyspnea and gastrointenstinal symptoms. There were no between-group differences in other outcomes.ConclusionPrehabilitation is safe, feasible and may improve walking capacity after autoSCT. Findings support a future fully-scaled trial of prehabilitation for autoSCT.Trial registrationAustralian New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry ACTRN12620000496910. Registered April 20, 2020.

Chewing with Co-Cr or PEEK denture frameworks: A randomized crossover clinical study.

To compare masticatory function and patient satisfaction with removable partial dentures (RPDs) with cobalt-chromium (Co-Cr) and injected polyetheretherketone (PEEK) frameworks, respectively. Twelve volunteers (7 women, 5 men; mean age, 56.6 years) with complete maxillary edentulism and partial mandibular edentulism (Kennedy Class I) first received new RPDs with PEEK (experimental group) or Co-Cr (control group) frameworks and used them for 2 months. Masticatory performance (MP) was evaluated using sieves and Optocal, with results expressed as the mean particle size (X50); maximum bite force (MBF) was measured with a force transducer and pressure sensors; and self-reported satisfaction was assessed using a visual analog scale. After the initial evaluation, a 1-week washout period was followed by group crossover and reassessment after an additional 2 months. Data were analyzed using independent-samples t-tests (α=5%). X50 values were lower for RPDs with Co-Cr frameworks than for those with PEEK frameworks (p=0.007), indicating better MP. The MBF did not differ significantly between RPD framework types. Participants' satisfaction, in terms of prosthesis stability (p=0.02) and chewing ability (p<0.001), was greater for Co-Cr RPDs. Most participants preferred to continue using Co-Cr frameworks. RPDs with injected PEEK frameworks were associated with reduced MP and patient satisfaction relative to Co-Cr frameworks.

Plasma therapy: a novel intervention to improve age-induced decline in deudenal cell proliferation in female rat model

Aging is associated with a disruptive decline in gastrointestinal health leading to decreased duodenal cell proliferation ultimately affecting the digestive and absorptive capacity of intestines in all species. This study investigates the novel application of blood plasma therapy to enhance duodenal cell proliferation associated with aging. In the presented study, the effects of middle aged plasma therapy on the aged rat duodenum were investigated. For this purpose, using a randomized controlled design, Female Wistar rats (aged 12–15 months) (n:7) were treated with heterologus pooled plasma (0.5 mL per day for 30 days, infused intravenously into the tail vein) collected from middle aged (6 months old, n:28) rats during all stages of the estrous cycle. The groups were divided into three as the Experimental group (aged 12–15 months) receiving middle aged plasma, the control group (aged 12–15 months) not receiving treatment, and the middle aged rat (6 months) as the positive control group. At the end of the experiment, each group’s duodenum were collected, fixed, and analyzed using histological techniques for morphometric parameters. Additionally cell proliferation density and proliferation index were determined by proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA). The finding of the study suggests that plasma therapy significantly improves cell proliferation, villus height (µm), crypt depth (µm), total mucosal thickness (µm), the ratio of villus height to crypt depth (µm), and surface absorption area (mm2) in the experimental group compared to control. Likewise, we determined that middle aged plasma application supports cell proliferation. However, further research is warranted to explore the underlying mechanisms and potential clinical applications of this innovative approach.

Short-term manual acupuncture decreased markers of systemic inflammation and altered articular cartilage transcripts in the Dunkin-Hartley model of osteoarthritis.

To investigate indicators of mobility, inflammation, and cartilage remodeling in Dunkin-Hartley guinea pigs (Cavia porcellus) treated with manual acupuncture compared to 2 different comparator acupuncture groups. 12-month-old male Hartleys were randomly assigned to 1 of 3 in vivo experimental groups that received manual acupuncture, needle sheath taps on corresponding acupoints, or off-point acupuncture. Treatments were performed under isoflurane once weekly for 3 weeks, and open-field enclosure monitoring was performed at the same frequency. After final treatments, all animals were euthanized, blood was collected for inflammatory marker analysis, and tissues were collected for histology, immunohistochemistry, and transcript expression analysis. 18 animals were involved: 6 per experimental group. Serum concentrations of complement component 3 and prostaglandin E2 were significantly decreased in the acupuncture group (P < .05). Muscle from acupoint stomach-36 had 6 gene transcripts with altered expressions in the manual acupuncture group compared to comparators. From cartilage/menisci, manual acupuncture resulted in the downregulation of 13 gene transcripts. Nerve growth factor (NGF) immunostaining in all 3 layers of articular cartilage of the medial tibial plateau was greater in the manual acupuncture group relative to the comparator groups. There were no differences in enclosure monitoring parameters or histologic grading. Appreciable changes in voluntary mobility, behavioral or serum biochemical parameters, or stifle histological structure were not seen. Differences in serum inflammatory proteins, the gene expression of cartilage-remodeling transcripts, and NGF protein concentrations in cartilage were elucidated. The short duration of manual acupuncture showed the initiation of beneficial regenerative and remodeling processes.

Joint and Myofascial Manual Therapy Techniques in Haemophilic Ankle Arthropathy: A Randomized Pilot Study.

Haemophilic ankle arthropathy is characterized by chronic pain, loss of strength and proprioception, decreased range of motion (ROM) and impaired functionality. To evaluate the safety and efficacy of a manual therapy protocol based on joint and myofascial techniques in patients with haemophilic ankle arthropathy. A randomized, single-blind pilot study. Twenty-four patients with haemophilia were randomized to the experimental (manual therapy) and control (no intervention) groups. The intervention lasted for 3 weeks, with one 50-min weekly session. Techniques used: active-passive joint mobilization, articulatory technique, joint decompression and high-speed and short-stroke manipulation, and sustained myofascial induction techniques. The study variables were safety of the intervention (number of hemarthroses), joint pain intensity (visual analogue scale), pressure pain threshold (pressure algometer), range of ankle motion (Leg Motion) and joint condition (Haemophilia Joint Health Score). None of the patients developed ankle hemarthrosis during the intervention. After the intervention there were intergroup differences in the variables pain intensity (MD = -0.45; p < 0.001), ROM (MD = 0.19; p = 0.003), joint condition (MD = 0.04; p = 0.03) and pressure pain threshold in the internal malleolus (MD = 1.36; p = 0.01). For the interaction time*group after the follow-up period, there were statistically significant differences in pain intensity (F = 6.94; p = 0.01) and dorsal flexion (F = 3.36; p = 0.04) of the ankle. Manual therapy based on joint and myofascial techniques is safe in haemophilia patients. A protocol implementing joint and myofascial techniques having the dosage and safety parameters established in this study can improve the intensity of pain and dorsal flexion of the ankle in these patients. ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT05549843.

Integrative Approach in Training Future Border Guard Officers to Use Physical Force in Their Professional Activities

Objectives: This study aims to substantiate the use of an integrative approach in training future border guard officers to effectively use physical force in their professional activities, particularly considering the ongoing military aggression against Ukraine. Methods: A combination of theoretical methods (analysis, synthesis, comparison, generalization, and systematization) and empirical methods (questionnaires, interviews, observations, and pedagogical experiments) was employed to assess the current state of preparedness among future border guard officers. Results: The findings indicate that the majority of future border guard officers exhibit low to average levels of preparedness to use physical force. The implementation of an integrative training approach significantly improved the preparedness levels of the experimental group compared to the control group. Conclusion: The integrative approach, which combines physical, psychological, and legal training, is essential for enhancing the readiness of future border guard officers to use physical force effectively in their professional roles. Notably, this study introduces a novel framework for training that emphasizes the interdependence of these components, suggesting that a synergistic training model not only improves individual preparedness but also fosters a deeper understanding of the ethical and legal implications of using physical force. This holistic perspective is particularly relevant in the context of contemporary security challenges, providing a foundation for future research and practical applications in border security training programs.

Impact of Artistic Expression on the Development of Entrepreneurial Skills in Secondary Education

This article analyzes the impact of artistic expression on the development of entrepreneurial skills in high school students through an investigation comparing two groups, experimental and control group, in the development of an entrepreneurship project, in which students could incorporate artistic expression tools for the development and design of their business plan. Through a qualitative and quantitative analysis of the scores obtained from different perspectives (Idea, Design, Presentation, Feasibility and Rating), significant differences have been observed in different parameters between the groups. The results show how the use of artistic expression favors key competencies such as critical thinking, creativity and problem solving, reflected in better ratings in aspects such as feasibility and presentation of the project. The study, carried out over three academic years, shows how the academic grades obtained are slightly higher in the experimental groups than in the control groups. As an analysis methodology, statistical tests such as Student’s t-test and Mann-Whitney U-test as well as an ANOVA analysis have been carried out to reflect the significant differences between the different parameters. The main conclusion is that the incorporation of artistic expression in entrepreneurship education not only enriches the learning process, but also enhances entrepreneurial skills.

ВЛИЯНИЕ ТКАНЕВОГО БИОСТИМУЛЯТОРА НА ЖИВУЮ МАССУ И ИНТЕНСИВНОСТЬ РОСТА БЫЧКОВ В ПЕРИОД ОТКОРМА

The purpose of research is to study the intensity of growth of black-and-white bulls during the fattening period under the influence of different doses of tissue biostimulant. Scientific and economic experiment was carried out in the production conditions of JSC Uchkhoz Prigorodnoye of the Altai Region of the Industrial District of Barnaul in 2021 on bull calves during the fattening period. To conduct the experiment on the principle of analogues, 4 experimental groups of bulls of 10 heads each were formed. When selecting animals, age (6 months) and live weight (185.0 kg) were taken into account. The duration of the experiment was 8 months. The tissue biostimulator was injected subcutaneously into the animals of the experimental groups in the area of the lower third of the neck from the 6th to the 14th month of rearing every month with an interval of 30 days in different doses according to the following schemes: I experimental group from 6 to 11 months – 8.0 mL per head, from 12 to 14 months – 10.0 mL per head; experimental group II from 6 to 11 months – 12.0 mL per head, from 12 to 14 months. – 15.0 mL per head; III experimental group from 6 to 11 months – 16.0 mL per head, from 12 to 14 months – 20.0 mL per head. Animals in the control group were injected with saline solution from the 6th to the 11th month at a dose of 12.0 ml/animal, from 12 to 14 month – 15.0 mL per head. During the experiment, it was revealed that the optimal scheme for using a tissue biostimulator promotes an increase in live weight up to 9.1% (p ≤ 0.001), an average daily increase in live weight by 27.7 % (p ≤ 0.001), an absolute increase in live weight by 27.1 % (p ≤ 0.001) and a relative increase in live weight by 2.4 % (p ≤ 0.001), is the administration of the drug from the 6th to the 11th month – 12.0 mL per head, from the 12th to the 14th month – 15.0 mL per head.