High Level Of Reliability Research Articles

Development of an Infrared Marker based Encoder System as a Non-Contact Positioning System for Ultrasonic Probes

The digitalization of testing procedures is one of the challenges in the development of modern non-destructive testing systems. In order to guarantee a high level of inspection reliability, the assignment of measurement data to the measurement position plays an important role as well as the optimal inspection hardware. In a cooperative research and development project, an optical tracking system has been developed with which it is possible to determine the positions of different ultrasonic probes in space without contact. Thus, the position of the measurement is linked to the measurement results directly. Infrared LED markers attached to the ultrasonic probes are used for this purpose. The position of the markers are tracked in space with a camera. By linking several cameras and trackers, a positional accuracy of a few millimeters can be achieved for a camera specimen distance of 2 m. The more cameras are used the bigger the investigated part can be. For the tracking system, an existing optical camera system is coupled with a conventional of the shelve ultrasonic phased array device by means of a newly developed universal encoder. Different single transducer probes or phased array probes can be used. The costly and time consuming use of mechanical encoders is thus eliminated. This combination enables the further digitalization of hand-guided ultrasonic testing precisely in those areas where robot-based testing is not feasible. Additionally, a much easier way of documentation is possible. Due to the exact position determination a better evaluation of the measurement data can be carried out via a subsequent 3D display of the ultrasound data.

Full Outline of UnResponsiveness (FOUR) Scale: a Multicenter Validation Study of the Psychometric Properties of the Approved Russian Version

Assessment of the individual level of consciousness on admission of a patient with brain injury to the intensive care unit (ICU) is a priority task and a mandatory step in the overall assessment of neurological status. The Full Outline of UnResponsiveness (FOUR) scale, developed at the Mayo Clinic (USA) in 2005, is a widely used tool for comprehensive assessment of patients with altered state of consciousness. The lack of a validated Russian-language version of the FOUR scale has hindered its widespread use in clinical practice. Therefore, the official Russian version of the FOUR scale was developed and adapted for use in Russia after the first stage of the validation study (linguistic and cultural adaptation).Aim. To evaluate the psychometric properties of the Russian version of the FOUR scale for comprehensive assessment of patients in altered state of consciousness.Materials and Methods. As part of a prospective multicenter validation study, the psychometric properties of the scale (reliability, validity, and sensitivity) were evaluated in a group of 171 adult patients with altered conscious state of various etiologies, such as ischemic and hemorrhagic stroke, neuroinflammatory conditions, and traumatic brain injury. Patients’ responses were assessed on the first day of ICU stay and 2-3 days later by two ICU neurologists with at least three years of experience.Results. High levels of validity and reliability were obtained for the Russian version of the FOUR scale for comprehensive assessment of unresponsive patients, including Spearman’s rank correlation coefficient r=0.99 (P<0.0001), Cohen’s κ=0.77 (P<0.001), Cronbach’s α=0.87 (P<0.0001). Regarding the sensitivity of the FOUR scale, no significant changes were found after comprehensive assessment of unresponsive patients on day 1 in the ICU and 2-3 days later (Wilcoxon test, P=0.906). There was a good correlation between the FOUR and Glasgow Coma Scale scores used to assess patients with altered state of consciousness, confirming the validity of the test with r=0.91 (P<0.0001).Conclusion. The Russian version of the FOUR scale for comprehensive assessment of unresponsive patients is a valid, reliable, and sensitive clinical tool. Sufficiently verified level of psychometric properties allows its authorized use in Russia and other Russian-speaking countries. The scale is available for download via QR code and at the website of the International Scales and Questionnaires Validation Group at the Scientific Center of Neurology.

Enhanced reliability and time efficiency of deep learning-based posterior tibial slope measurement over manual techniques.

Multifaceted factors contribute to inferior outcomes following anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction surgery. A particular focus is placed on the posterior tibial slope (PTS). This study introduces the integration of machine learning and artificial intelligence (AI) for efficient measurements of tibial slopes on magnetic resonance imaging images as a promising solution. This advancement aims to enhance risk stratification, diagnostic insights, intervention prognosisand surgical planning for ACL injuries. Images and demographic information from 120 patients who underwent ACL reconstruction surgery were used for this study. An AI-driven model was developed to measure the posterior lateral tibial slope using the YOLOv8 algorithm. The accuracy of the lateral tibial slope, medial tibial slopeand tibial longitudinal axis measurements was assessed, and the results reached high levels of reliability. This study employed machine learning and AI techniques to provide objective, consistentand efficient measurements of tibial slopes on MR images. Three distinct models were developed to derive AI-based measurements. The study results revealed a substantial correlation between the measurements obtained from the AI models and those obtained by the orthopaedic surgeon across three parameters: lateral tibial slope, medial tibial slopeand tibial longitudinal axis. Specifically, the Pearson correlation coefficients were 0.673, 0.850and 0.839, respectively. The Spearman rank correlation coefficients were 0.736, 0.861and 0.738, respectively. Additionally, the interclass correlation coefficients were 0.63, 0.84and 0.84, respectively. This study establishes that the deep learning-based method for measuring posterior tibial slopes strongly correlates with the evaluations of expert orthopaedic surgeons. The time efficiency and consistency of this technique suggest its utility in clinical practice, promising to enhance workflow, risk assessmentand the customization of patient treatment plans. Level III, cross-sectional diagnostic study.

Enhancing clinical decision-making: A novel nomogram for stratifying cancer-specific survival in middle-aged individuals with follicular thyroid carcinoma utilizing SEER data

BackgroundThyroid cancer (TC) is the most common malignant tumor in the endocrine system, is also one of the head and neck tumor. Follicular Thyroid Carcinoma (FTC) plays an important role in the pathological classification of thyroid cancer. This study aimed to develop an innovative predictive tool, a nomogram, for predicting cancer specific survival (CSS) in middle-aged FTC patients. MethodsWe collected patient data from the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) database. The data from patients between 2004 and 2015 were used as the training set, and the data from patients between 2016 and 2018 were used as the validation set. To identify independent risk factors affecting patient survival, univariate and multivariate Cox regression analyses were performed. Based on this, we developed a nomogram model aimed at predicting CSS in middle-aged patients with FTC. The consistency index (C-index), the area under the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve (AUC), and the calibration curve were used to evaluate the accuracy and confidence of the model. ResultsA total of 2470 patients were enrolled in this study, in which patients from 2004 to 2015 were randomly assigned to the training cohort (N = 1437) and validation cohort (N = 598), and patients from 2016 to 2018 were assigned to the external validation cohort (N = 435) in terms of time. Univariate and multivariate Cox regression analysis showed that marriage, histological grade and TNM stage were independent risk factors for survival. The C-index for the training cohort was 0.866 (95 % CI: 0.805–0.927), for the validation cohort it was 0.944 (95 % CI: 0.903–0.985), and for the external validation cohort, it reached 0.999 (95 % CI: 0.997–1.001). Calibration curves and AUC suggest that the model has good accuracy. ConclusionsWe developed an innovative nomogram to predict CSS in middle-aged patients with FTC. Our model after a rigorous internal validation and external validation process, based on the time proved that the high level of accuracy and reliability. This tool helps healthcare professionals and patients make informed clinical decisions.

Sensitivity, Specificity, and Reliability of the CTS-6 for Carpal Tunnel Syndrome Administered by Medical Assistants

The CTS-6 can be used clinically to diagnose carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) and has demonstrated high levels of interrater reliability when administered by nonexpert clinicians. Our purpose was to assess sensitivity (Sn), specificity (Sp), and interrater reliability of the CTS-6 when administered by medical assistants (MAs). A series of patients presenting to an academic, upper-extremity surgery clinic were screened using CTS-6 between May and June of 2023. The CTS-6 was first administered by one of seven MAs and then by one of four fellowship-trained upper-extremity surgeons. In addition to recording baseline demographics, the results of each of the six history and examination components of the CTS-6 were recorded, as was the cumulative CTS-6 score (0-26). Surgeons were blinded to the scores obtained by the MAs. Interrater reliability (Cohen's kappa) was determined between the groups with respect to the diagnosis of CTS and the individual CTS-6 items. Sensitivity/specificity was calculated for the MA-administered CTS-6, using the score obtained by the surgeon as the reference standard. A CTS-6 score >12 was considered diagnostic of CTS. Two hundred eighteen patients were included, and 26% had a diagnosis of CTS. The MA group demonstrated a Sn/Sp of 84%/91% for the diagnosis of CTS. Interrater reliability was substantial (Cohen's kappa: 0.72, 95% confidence interval: 0.62-0.83) for MAs compared with hand surgeons for the diagnosis of CTS. For individual CTS-6 components, agreement was lowest for the assessment of two-point discrimination (fair) and highest for the assessment of subjective numbness (near perfect). The CTS-6 demonstrates substantial reliability and high Sn/Sp when administrated by MAs in an upper-extremity clinic. These data may be used to inform the development of CTS screening programs and future investigations in the primary care setting. Diagnostic II.

Association of Body Image Distortion with Smartphone Dependency and Usage Time in Adolescents: A Cross-Sectional Korean Youth Study.

Adolescent dependency on smartphones is the highest among all age groups. Adolescents can be influenced to evaluate their body image by popular ideals about beautiful bodies via smartphone content, which can cause body image distortion. This study aimed to examine the association between body image distortion and smartphone dependency and the duration of smartphone usage among Korean adolescents. This study used data from the 16th Korean Youth Risk Behavior Web-Based Survey (2020), and included 42,981 participants, who were grouped according to self-reported duration of smartphone usage and smartphone dependency, as measured by a questionnaire. Body image distortion is defined as an exaggerated subjective body image compared to the actual body image. Multivariable-adjusted logistic regression was used to determine the odds ratios (ORs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) of body image distortion on smartphone dependency and usage time after adjusting for various factors related to body image distortion. Among the 42,981 participants, both moderate and high levels of smartphone dependency were associated with body image distortion in boys (moderate: adjusted OR [aOR], 1.11; 95% CI, 1.01-1.22; high: aOR, 1.18; 95% CI, 1.05-1.32) and girls (moderate: aOR, 1.14; 95% CI, 1.05-1.23; high: aOR, 1.30; 95% CI, 1.18-1.42) compared to the low-level dependency group. However, no significant association was found between smartphone usage duration and body image distortion. Our study demonstrated that moderate to high levels of smartphone dependency are associated with body image distortion in adolescents. Therefore, it is necessary to establish strategies for checking and managing adolescents' smartphone dependence.

Enhancing the performance of zero energy buildings with boosted coyote optimization and elman neural networks

This research paper aims to optimize electrical system modeling to minimize CO2 emissions, improve reliability, and reduce costs. It proposes integrating Elman Neural Network (ENN) and metaheuristic algorithm to evaluate environmental impact and optimize system performance. The goal is to create a mathematical model considering renewable energy sources, grid energy, CO2 emissions, and maintenance costs, and use metaheuristic algorithms to determine the optimal combination of wind turbines and photovoltaic panels. To train the ENN model and optimize the system, a three-stage approach is proposed. Quasi-random numbers are generated using Sobol techniques to create input data, which is then processed by TRNSYS for simulation. The proposed approach incorporates an ENN with Boosted version of the Coyote optimization algorithm to accurately model and predict the behavior of Hybrid Renewable Energy Systems for Zero Energy Buildings. The results demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed approach. Our method significantly reduces energy consumption, costs, and system reliability, achieving a 25% reduction in energy consumption and 12% reduction in system cost, and is effective in optimizing hybrid solar/wind and hydrogen storage systems. The optimal system configuration significantly reduces CO2 emissions, achieves a high level of system reliability, and minimizes costs. Comparative analysis with previous studies showcases the superiority of the proposed method in achieving comprehensive optimization. In conclusion, this study combines AI techniques and metaheuristic algorithms to optimize electrical system design, considering environmental, technical, and economic factors. The proposed approach overcomes limitations in previous studies and offers an effective solution to address the optimization problem.

Analysis of the use of electronic medical records and its effect on improving patient care

Introduction: One of the most important contemporary events related to the health field is the implementation of the electronic health record (EHR), which allows the logical and chronological consolidation of information concerning a patient. Objective: To analyze the influence of the implementation of electronic medical records on the improvement of patient care. Method: The study corresponds to a quantitative approach, non-experimental design, and causal correlational scope. The population and sample were 94 health and administrative workers of a health center in Metropolitan Lima. The questionnaire had 30 items, with response options using a Likert-type scale. Results: The use of electronic medical records was found to be 78.7% high, and patient care was found to be 70.2% efficient. It was found that the use of EHRs significantly influences patient care, given that p-value is 0.047<0.05. The dimensions of patient care, reliability, responsiveness, safety, empathy, and tangible aspects also obtained a p-value<0.05. Conclusions: It was found that most workers positively perceive the use of electronic medical records and that the existence of this system has beneficial effects on patient care, considering that the staff perceives high levels of reliability, responsiveness, safety, empathy, and tangible aspects.

Intelligent Video Surveillance System for Bank

With the increasing sophistication of financial crimes and the growing demand for secure banking services, the implementation of advanced security measures has become imperative for banks worldwide. Facial recognition technology emerges as a promising solution to enhance security and streamline authorization verification processes. This paper explores the application of facial recognition technology in banks to determine the authorization status of individuals accessing accounts or conducting transactions. The primary objective of this research is to investigate the efficacy of facial recognition systems in accurately identifying and verifying the identity of individuals in banking environments. By leveraging biometric data, such as facial features, these systems aim to authenticate users with a high level of accuracy and reliability. Moreover, the integration of facial recognition technology enables banks to combat various forms of fraud, including identity theft, account takeover, and unauthorized access. This study will examine the technological aspects of facial recognition systems, including their underlying algorithms, data processing techniques, and integration capabilities with existing banking infrastructure. Additionally, it will analyze the security implications and privacy concerns associated with the deployment of facial recognition technology in banking operations. Furthermore, the research will explore the practical implementation of facial recognition systems in real-world banking scenarios, evaluating their effectiveness in enhancing security, reducing fraud, and improving customer experience. It will assess the potential challenges and limitations faced during deployment, such as system accuracy, scalability, and regulatory compliance

РОЗРОБКА КІБЕРФІЗИЧНОЇ СИСТЕМИ ДЛЯ АВТОМАТИЗАЦІЇ ТА КЕРУВАННЯ ІНТЕРНЕТОМ РЕЧЕЙ З ВИКОРИСТАННЯМ ПЛАТФОРМИ HOME ASSISTANT

The paper presents the development of a cyber-physical system based on the HomeAssistant platform for efficient automation and control of Internet of Things (IoT) devices. The architectural features, technical implementation and prospects for the development of the system are considered, with an emphasis on the ability to integrate a wide range of sensors and IoT devices into a single network to create adaptive and intelligent solutions. The main focus is on the implementation of automation scenarios for indoor climate control, which optimise living conditions depending on the internal needs of users and external weather conditions, significantly increasing energy efficiency and overall comfort. Data storage and analysis strategies are described in detail, including the use of NAS servers for backup, the use of MariaDB for storage and InfluxDB and Grafana for analytics and visualisation, ensuring a high level of reliability and availability of information. Testing was conducted to assess the delay of notifications transmitted via Telegram and the internal network of the cyber-physical system. The obtained results confirm the high efficiency of the implemented cyber-physical system in ensuring instant delivery of notifications, which is a key aspect for rapid response to critical situations in a dynamic environment. The Home Assistant platform has been found to have extensive capabilities to support artificial intelligence services. It integrates with a variety of services such as Google Assistant, TensorFlow, DeepStack, Amazon Alexa, and allows you to easily expand its functionality with additional components and plug-ins. Using intelligent algorithms and data analysis, the system can independently make decisions on the optimal use of resources, monitor devices in accordance with changing conditions and user needs, and respond to dangerous or unpredictable situations.

The psychometric properties of the Utrecht Work Engagement Scale on a Zimbabwean population

Orientation: Work engagement has been found to be related to positive job attitudes such as job involvement, job satisfaction, organisational commitment, and low turnover intention.Research purpose: The primary goal of this study was to test the psychometric properties of the Utrecht Work Engagement Scale (UWES) on a Zimbabwean sample.Motivation for the study: The UWES is a widely used measure of work engagement. Therefore, there is a need to assess the reliability and construct validity of the UWES in a Zimbabwean sample owing to the paucity of studies on its psychometric properties in this setting.Research approach/design and method: A cross-sectional survey research design was employed (N = 304). A non-probability sample of 304 participants from selected security organisations was studied. The UWES was used to measure work engagement, and its reliability was evaluated using SPSS. Construct validity was assessed through confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) using LISREL.Main findings: Moderately high levels of reliability were found for the UWES subscales. A poor model fit with the data was found for first-order measurement models through CFA.Practical/managerial implications: The UWES demonstrated a reasonable fit for the 9-item scale CFA model tested in this study. Moderately high reliability coefficients were recorded for all the subscales of the UWES.Contribution/value-add: The study promotes the use of reliable and valid instruments in Zimbabwe by confirming the psychometric properties of the UWES.

Investigation Of Coastalock Performance On A Breakwater With Porous Core

Hard stabilization methods have traditionally been employed to mitigate coastal erosion. Concrete armour is widely used due to its high level of dependence, robustness, ease of production and cost effectiveness (Cooke et al., 2020; Pikey and Cooper, 2012). It is inevitable that coastline ‘armouring’ will continue to rise because of the growing human population and urbanization, desire for and value of coastal property, opposed to predicted climate change (Chapman and Underwood, 2011). The environmental impact of such 'armouring' on coastal systems can be detrimental, resulting in a degradation or destruction of habitats and the loss of ecologically trivial species (Gittman et al., 2015). The CoastalockTM, a single-layer armour unit, aims to blend coastal protection with marine habitat creation. This armour unit is designed to mimic inter- and sub-tidal habitats, with chemical composition of substrate and micro and macro features that provide niches for various species. The key feature of CoastalockTM is the cavity that is integrated into the design, that caters to diverse marine life needs depending on its orientation (ECOncrete Tech Ltd., 2019). CoastalockTM's hydraulic performance is under research. Preliminary tests conducted in the Hydraulic Engineering Laboratory (HEL) of the Technical University of Delft (TUD) on a 2V:3H impermeable slope in deep water conditions highlighted that with tight placement of the units significant pressure gradients across the top layer led to damage. The introduction of spacings between units for enhanced permeability improved stability significantly (Gutiérrez et al., 2023). A redesign of the unit was proposed incorporating protrusions to enforce the spacings between the blocks (Molenkamp, 2022). This research focuses on evaluating the influence of a porous core on the hydraulic performance of a CoastalockTM armour layer, specifically assessing its stability, overtopping, and reflection on a 2V:3H breakwater slope in deep water conditions—from the toe to just below the crest. A pivotal aspect of this research is the investigation of the impact of protrusions on the hydraulic performance. Furthermore, the study explores the influence of different toe configurations, aiming to comprehend the vulnerability of the armour layer to sliding. Toe scour falls outside the scope of this study.

Effect of systemic vascular resistance on the agreement between stroke volume by non-invasive pulse wave analysis and Doppler ultrasound in healthy volunteers.

Stroke volume can be estimated beat-to-beat and non-invasively by pulse wave analysis (PWA). However, its reliability has been questioned during marked alterations in systemic vascular resistance (SVR). We studied the effect of SVR on the agreement between stroke volume by PWA and Doppler ultrasound during reductions in stroke volume in healthy volunteers. In a previous study we simultaneously measured stroke volume by PWA (SVPWA) and suprasternal Doppler ultrasound (SVUS). We exposed 16 healthy volunteers to lower body negative pressure (LBNP) to reduce stroke volume in combination with isometric hand grip to elevate SVR. LBNP was increased by 20 mmHg every 6 minutes from 0 to 80 mmHg, or until hemodynamic decompensation. The agreement between SVPWA and SVUS was examined using Bland-Altman analysis with mixed regression. Within-subject limits of agreement (LOA) was calculated from the residual standard deviation. SVRUS was calculated from SVUS. We allowed for a sloped bias line by introducing the mean of the methods and SVRUS as explanatory variables to examine whether the agreement was dependent on the magnitude of stroke volume and SVRUS. Bias ± limits of agreement (LOA) was 27.0 ± 30.1 mL. The within-subject LOA was ±11.1 mL. The within-subject percentage error was 14.6%. The difference between methods decreased with higher means of the methods (-0.15 mL/mL, confidence interval (CI): -0.19 to -0.11, P<0.001). The difference between methods increased with higher SVRUS (0.60 mL/mmHg × min × L-1, 95% CI: 0.48 to 0.72, P<0.001). PWA overestimated stroke volume compared to Doppler ultrasound during reductions in stroke volume and elevated SVR in healthy volunteers. The agreement between SVPWA and SVUS decreased during increases in SVR. This is relevant in settings where a high level of reliability is required.

Designing a diagnostic method to predict the optimal artificial insemination timing in cows using artificial intelligence

Dairy farmers and beef cattle breeders aim for one calf per year to optimize breeding efficiency, relying on artificial insemination of both dairy and beef cows. Accurate estrus detection and timely insemination are vital for improving conception rates. However, recent challenges such as operational expansion, increased livestock numbers, and heightened milk production have complicated these processes. We developed an artificial intelligence (AI)-based pregnancy probability diagnostic tool to predict the optimal timing for artificial insemination. This tool analyzes external uterine opening image data through AI analysis, enabling high conception rates when inexperienced individuals conduct the procedure. In the initial experimental phase, images depicting the external uterine opening during artificial insemination were acquired for AI training. Static images were extracted from videos to create a pregnancy probability diagnostic model (PPDM). In the subsequent phase, an augmented set of images was introduced to enhance the precision of the PPDM. Additionally, a web application was developed for real-time assessment of optimal insemination timing, and its effectiveness in practical field settings was evaluated. The results indicated that when PPDM predicted a pregnancy probability of 70% or higher, it demonstrated a high level of reliability with accuracy, precision, and recall rates of 76.2%, 76.2%, and 100%, respectively, and an F-score of 0.86. This underscored the applicability and reliability of AI-based tools in predicting optimal insemination timing, potentially offering substantial benefits to breeding operations.

Levels of teacher performance in formative assessment in multigrade and single-grade classrooms

Formative assessment is an evaluative practice developed in the classroom for the improvement of learning using evidence on student progression. The objective of this research is to compare sample groups from multigrade and single-grade classrooms on the theme of formative assessment based on the students' opinion of the teacher's performance. The method used was a comparative quantitative method. The sample type is a probability sample of 683 students from 5th to 8th grade from urban and rural schools in the commune of Longaví, located in the Maule Region of Chile. A validated Likert scale questionnaire with a high level of reliability (α = 0.93) was used. The results of the research showed that, in the six dimensions, the best teacher performance concerning formative assessment is found in multi-grade schools and not in single-grade schools. This can be explained on the basis of several reasons, among them the level of adaptability that teachers have in this type of classroom, the heterogeneous characteristics of the classroom (different ages and learning goals) and the need for teachers to monitor the learning progression of students with different classroom characteristics.

Self-assessment of emotional arousal in adolescents and young adults

Introduction. The deep level of integration of cognitive and emotional processes must be taken into account in the modern education system and in the training of teaching staff. Adolescence is characterized by intense changes in the emotional sphere. At the same time, the data on emotional processes changes in adolescents are quite contradictory. In addition, most studies of emotions in this age period were carried out in Western culture and the problem of cross-cultural comparisons of emotional development patterns rarely attract the attention of researchers. To correctly measure a person’s emotional sphere, methods that have passed the validation procedure in the country where the work is planned are needed. One way to study emotional reactions is the IAPS database of emotionally evocative photographs. The aim of the study was to compare emotional performance at different stages of adolescence and early adulthood in as part of testing emotionally charged IAPS stimuli on a Russian adolescent sample. Materials and methods. The study involved 436 adolescents and young adults. Four groups were compared: 10-12 years old (49 boys and 51 girls), 13-14 years old (48 boys, 48 girls), 15-17 years old (45 boys, 75 girls) and 18-25 years old (24 men and 96 women). Participants in the study were required to evaluate the emotions that arose in response to the presentation of IAPS pictures on the screen on the scales of valence (feeling of pleasure - displeasure), arousal (strength of excitation) and dominance (feeling of control over the situation). Results. The valence, arousal and dominance scores were obtained for Russian samples 10-12 years old, 13-14 years old, 15-17 years old, 18-25 years old, with a high level of reliability. In addition, cross-cultural differences from American norms were demonstrated, emphasizing the necessity to use scores developed on representatives of the culture where the study is planned to be carry out. The study also showed that in adolescence there is a change in the affective space formed by the scale of valence and arousal, which indicates a crucial change in the emotional sphere during this period. The comparison showed significant differences on emotional scales for both positive and negative emotions between different age groups, indicating the dynamics of emotional development. The complex pattern of differences in valence, arousal and dominance scales between different age groups suggests non-linear changes. Conclusion. The standards for the valence, arousal and dominance scales of the IAPS database for Russian adolescents and young adults, which can be used to measure the emotional variables are presented in a study.

Роль политических институтов в экономическом развитии Юга России в условиях новой реальности

Introduction. Ineffective resolution of economic problems by political institutions can jeopardize a country’s technological sovereignty in the face of existing geopolitical challenges. The purpose of the article is to identify areas for increasing the efficiency of the functioning of political institutions from the point of view of ensuring the economic security of the southern Russian regions, considering the challenges of socio-economic development that exist for them. Methodology and methods. This study centers on the Southern Federal District, which acts as an administrative entity responsible for implementing regional-level economic policies. The research utilized content analysis of scientific publications and comparative analysis of regional socio-economic indicators of economic development as part of implementing economic policy. The method for analyzing the influence of political institutions on economic development was based on the principle of balancing the combination of tactical and strategic decisions in assessing the effectiveness of implemented measures and was based on the basic principles of the theory of factors of production. Analysis. An analysis of the results of the economic policy pursued in the southern Russian regions showed that a relatively high level of resistance to sanctions challenges is ensured mainly by the export capabilities of agricultural products. However, the continued high level of import dependence on production increases the risk of conflict over the use of production factors between exportoriented companies and companies oriented to the domestic market, which creates significant threats to the implementation of national growth models. The turn of state economic policy towards the global East and South poses the tasks of the authorities of the southern Russian regions to develop transport infrastructure, as well as state support for companies participating in the construction of new production and supply chains. At the same time, increasing migration flows from border areas requires solving the problem of ensuring the socio-economic well-being of both the people moving and the host community. Results. It was found that the existing political risks to the economic development of southern Russian regions are associated with a lack of balance between the political decisions made and the strategic objectives of achieving technological sovereignty. It is concluded that the conditions of modern economic reality require economic and political mobilization to achieve value consensus and consolidation in society in order to solve the problems of economic development, implemented through the responsibility and patriotic position of political and economic elites at all levels of government. Authors’ contribution. I.V. Mitrofanova: development and justification of the concept; interpretation and synthesis of research results; O.A. Chernova: formation of methodology; development of research design; content analysis; formulation of conclusions.

Трансформация пенсионного обеспечения и социального страхования в современной России

Improving the efficiency of pension provision and social insurance for the population occupies an important place in the state policy of the Russian Federation. Monitoring the implementation of the budgets of the Pension Fund and the Social Insurance Fund of the Russian Federation is relevant both from the standpoint of state regulation of the social sphere and from the standpoint of citizens. Attention is paid to the peculiarities of the social insurance system in Russia and foreign countries. During the study period, trends in the growth of income and expenses of extra-budgetary funds of the Russian Federation were analyzed. The work justifies that a high level of dependence of the Pension Fund of the Russian Federation on revenues from the federal budget remains. It is emphasized that the volume of insurance contributions to funds is associated with the level of development of the real sector of the economy and the remuneration of employees of economic entities. The main problems (macroeconomic, financial, and organizational) of the financial activities of the state extra-budgetary funds of Russia have been identified and substantiated. It is justified that the current direction of increasing the income of extrabudgetary funds is to reduce the scale of the unobservable economy, including through implementing measures to prevent economic entities. The need to modernize approaches to the implementation of state social policy and the transformation of pension provision and social insurance for the Russian population is argued. Directions for optimizing the financial activities of extra-budgetary funds are proposed.

Development and validation of automated driving behavior questionnaire (ADBQ)

The Driver Behavior Questionnaire (DBQ), which is rooted in Human Factors, is a common tool used in the context of driving behavior. However, it does not consider driver behavior when automated-driving systems are active. The primary objective of this study is to construct a questionnaire with high levels of reliability to assess the driving behavior of automated-vehicle (AV) users. This paper presents the development and validation process of a 16-item automated driving behavior questionnaire, composed of three factors of the driving process (perception, cognition, and action) and two factors of automated driving systems (user literacy and dependency). Responses from 441 active AV users were collected and analyzed. The application of factor analysis resulted in the identification of a five-factor solution, and the results showed that male drivers exhibited higher levels of literacy, action, and reliance on AVs than female drivers. In terms of trust, those with complete trust reported higher AV dependency, whereas those with low trust reported lower AV dependency and higher cognitive scores. Addressing gender- and trust-based disparities is crucial for traffic safety, especially among male and less-trusting drivers. The developed ADBQ will serve as a supporting tool for system developers and researchers to assess the driving behaviors of AV users.

가상현실내 자기 현존감 척도(Self-Presence Questionnaire) 타당화

Self-presence in virtual reality is the degree to which a user identifies with their avatar, which increases the sense of reality and immersion. This study aims to validate the Self-Presence Questionnaire (SPQ), developed by Ratan and Hasler (2009). The original 23 items of the SPQ scale were translated and back-translated by a counseling expert fluent in both Korean and English and cross-reviewed. Exploratory factor analysis was conducted using data from 575 college students to determine the number of sub-factors, and the construct validity of the model was verified using Exploratory Structural Equation Modeling. As a result, the Korean version of the SPQ compromized three factors: 'Physical', 'Emotional', and 'Identity' self-presence, with a total of 23 items. Criterion, discriminant, and cross-validity of the completed scale were verified with high level of reliability. Finally, the significance of the research results, limitations, and suggestions for future studies were discussed.