Level Of Training Research Articles

Handheld echocardiography for the screening and diagnosis of rheumatic heart disease: a systematic review to inform WHO guidelines

Early detection and diagnosis of acute rheumatic fever and rheumatic heart disease are key to preventing progression, and echocardiography has an important diagnostic role. Standard echocardiography might not be feasible in high-prevalence regions due to its high cost, complexity, and time requirement. Handheld echocardiography might be an easy-to-use, low-cost alternative, but its performance in screening for and diagnosing acute rheumatic fever and rheumatic heart disease needs further investigation. In this systematic review and meta-analysis, we searched Embase, MEDLINE, LILACS, and Conference Proceedings Citation Index-Science up to Feb 9, 2024, for studies on the screening and diagnosis of acute rheumatic fever and rheumatic heart disease using handheld echocardiography (index test) or standard echocardiography or auscultation (reference tests) in high-prevalence areas. We included all studies with useable data in which the diagnostic performance of the index test was assessed against a reference test. Data on test accuracy in diagnosing rheumatic heart disease, acute rheumatic fever, or carditis with acute rheumatic fever (primary outcomes) were extracted from published articles or calculated, with authors contacted as necessary. Quality of evidence was appraised using GRADE and QUADAS-2 criteria. We summarised diagnostic accuracy statistics (including sensitivity and specificity) and estimated 95% CIs using a bivariate random-effects model (or univariate random-effects models for analyses including three or fewer studies). Area under the curve (AUC) was calculated from summary receiver operating characteristic curves. Heterogeneity was assessed by visual inspection of plots. This study was registered with PROSPERO (CRD42022344081). Out of 4868 records we identified 11 studies, and two additional reports, comprising 15 578 unique participants. Pooled data showed that handheld echocardiography had high sensitivity (0·87 [95% CI 0·76-0·93]), specificity (0·98 [0·71-1·00]), and overall high accuracy (AUC 0·94 [0·84-1·00]) for diagnosing rheumatic heart disease when compared with standard echocardiography (two studies; moderate certainty of evidence), with better performance for diagnosing definite compared with borderline rheumatic heart disease. High sensitivity (0·79 [0·73-0·84]), specificity (0·85 [0·80-0·89]), and overall accuracy (AUC 0·90 [0·85-0·94]) for screening rheumatic heart disease was observed when pooling data of handheld echocardiography versus standard echocardiography (seven studies; high certainty of evidence). Most studies had a low risk of bias overall. Some heterogeneity was observed for sensitivity and specificity across studies, possibly driven by differences in the prevalence and severity of rheumatic heart disease, and level of training or expertise of non-expert operators. Handheld echocardiography has a high accuracy and diagnostic performance when compared with standard echocardiography for diagnosing and screening of rheumatic heart disease in high-prevalence areas. World Health Organization. For the Chinese, French, Italian, Persian, Portuguese, Spanish and Urdu translations of the abstract see Supplementary Materials section.

National survey for pediatricians in Argentina: Vaccination in daily practice, perception of knowledge and barriers.

Introduction. The decline in vaccination coverage has been very significant in the past decade. Pediatricians play a key role in catching-up coverage and increasing confidence in vaccination. Objectives. To describe pediatricians' perceptions of vaccine knowledge and practices and to identify barriers to access. Methods. Observational, analytical study using an online survey. Variables related to professional profile, training and barriers to vaccination were included. Results. A total of 1696 pediatricians participated (response rate: 10.7%). Their mean age was 50.4 years; 78.7% were women; 78.2% had ≥ 10 years of experience; 78.4% provided outpatient care and 56.0%, in the private subsector; and 72.5% received training in the past 2 years. Respondents described themselves as "trained" in convey the following aspects to their patients: benefits of vaccines: 97.2%; campaign objectives: 87.7%; contraindications: 82.4%; adverse effects: 78.9%; catch- up vaccination: 71.2%; reporting of events supposedly attributable to vaccination or immunization: 59.5%. The proportion was statistically higher in all aspects, among pediatricians with ≥ 10 years of experience and those who received training recently (p ≤ 0.01). The barriers identified in access to vaccination were false contraindications (62.3%), temporary vaccine shortage (46.4%), cultural reasons (41.4%), and restricted vaccination center hours (40.6%). Conclusions. The perception of the level of training varied depending on the vaccination-related aspect. Pediatricians with more years of professional experience and those who received recent updates perceived themselves as more trained. Multiple barriers associated with access to vaccination were identified.

Five-Year Treatment Outcomes of Resident-Performed Ahmed Valve Implantation for Glaucoma.

Ahmed Glaucoma valve implantation by residents showed similar complications, success, and failure rates, regardless of their level of expertise. Training programs must encourage ophthalmologists to perform this surgery to enhance competence in their future practices. To describe outcomes of resident-performed Ahmed Valve implantation over a 5-year period. In this cross-sectional observational study we retrospectively reviewed the medical records of patients who underwent resident-performed Ahmed Glaucoma Valve implantation over a 5-year period. The main outcomes were the number of surgeries performed by first, second, and third-year residents, intraoperative and postoperative complications, and the association of level of training with outcomes and complications. 160 eyes were included, with a mean age of 53.8±15.4 years, 63% were men. The most frequent type of glaucoma was neovascular glaucoma (67.5%). Mean follow-up was 23.2±19.6 months. Residents of higher years performed more surgeries and no relationship was found between the surgeon's level of training and type of glaucoma operated on. After the surgical procedure, significant changes in best-corrected visual acuity were noted in surgeries performed by third-year residents (P=0.04). Intraocular pressure and number of medications were significantly reduced in all groups (P=0.01). Complications were registered in 60 eyes; the most frequent being the presence of a transient flat anterior chamber (27.45%). There were no significant differences in terms of IOP control and the number of complications in the three groups. There was no significant association between the resident's experience and the outcomes of the surgery. The Ahmed valve implant is a procedure that appears to have similar results in surgeons with different levels of training.

Pediatric Residents Knowledge of Penicillin Allergy.

Penicillin allergy knowledge has not been evaluated specifically in the pediatric resident population. An anonymous electronic survey was distributed to all the pediatric residents in a single residency program to ascertain knowledge of penicillin allergies and allergy history taking skills. Responses among each resident class were compared using the Fisher exact test, 2-tailed. A total of 46 (52%) of 88 pediatric residents completed the survey. Only 63% reported to have had prior penicillin allergy education. All residents incorrectly identified low-risk symptoms as high-risk symptoms. The knowledge of penicillin allergy was poor across all training levels with no improvement over the duration of training. There is large support in the literature for de-labeling penicillin allergy in patients. Pediatric residents evaluate patients in childhood when most of the allergy labeling occurs. We need to consider strategies for incorporating penicillin allergy education in pediatric residency training.

The effect of SGLT-2 inhibitor use on left ventricular longitudinal strain and NT-proBNP level during six-month follow-up in diabetic patients with and without coronary artery disease with preserved ejection fraction.

The effect of SGLT-2 inhibitor use on left ventricular longitudinal strain and NT-proBNP level during six-month follow-up in diabetic patients with and without coronary artery disease with preserved ejection fraction.

Nursing preceptors’ attitudes towards the applicability of the five-minute-preceptor-model in practical nursing education: A qualitative descriptive study

Objective: The “Five-Minute-Preceptor Model” (5MP) is a teaching method that is especially useful for teaching students in clinical training and strengthens the clinical reasoning skills of nursing students. Despite its acclaimed utility in clinical environments, there is a notable paucity of research on this model, particularly from the standpoint of nurse preceptors. Therefore, the study aimed to investigate the views of the nurse preceptors towards the applicability of the 5MP in precepting nursing students.Methods: Adopting a qualitative descriptive design, this study involved 15 problem-centered interviews conducted in February 2022. The participants were nurse preceptors employed at a hospital in Southern Austria. Interviews were audio-recorded, transcribed verbatim, and analyzed. Data analysis was performed through qualitative content analysis following Kuckartz's methodology.Results: The qualitative content analysis yielded five main categories, further delineated into 14 sub-categories. Nurse preceptors generally had a positive attitude towards the applicability of the teaching method. They expressed it as practicable, supportive, and enhancing for their preceptorship. However, the universal application in every nursing setting and situation as well as the applicability in lower training levels was questioned by the nurse preceptors.Conclusions: The findings suggest that the 5MP is a viable teaching method for precepting nursing students. While some limitations in its adaptability to diverse settings and situations were identified, several participants noted the method's inherent flexibility for customization. Further research is required to extensively evaluate its effectiveness across varied nursing environments.

Theoretical and practical approaches to improving the physical training of participants in the educational process

Introduction. Future specialists must possess not only excellent knowledge of the chosen specialty, but also be well physically prepared, understand the role of physical culture in human development, possess practical skills and abilities that ensure good health and good working capacity. The goal is to reveal the main methodological principles and means of ensuring the optimal level of physical training of students. Research results. The problem of improving the physical training of students is highlighted, the relevance of this problem at the current stage is indicated. The goal is outlined, which consists in substantiating the main methodological principles and means of ensuring the optimal level of physical training of participants in the educational process. It is noted that the effectiveness of many types of future professional activity depends significantly on physical training, which is aimed at developing and maintaining the mental and physical qualities of an individual at an optimal level. The need not only for the formation of physical readiness of future specialists, but also for improving their health and working capacity has become acute. The structure of physical training is revealed, in particular its three blocks: physical education, student sports and active leisure. The content of the classes is characterized, in particular, sets of exercises of the introductory, main and final parts of the training class are given. Conclusions. Physical training is primarily aimed at developing and maintaining the mental and physical qualities of the individual at an optimal level, strengthening health and increasing work capacity.

Modern trends in physics education in Ukraine: integration of technologies and methods to increase effectiveness

The importance of the development of physical education cannot be doubted, since it is the key to the health of the nation and the building of a harmonious society as a whole. Modern realities of life in Ukraine, unfortunately, require not only the appropriate level of education, but also the consideration of additional negative factors affecting a person, his opportunities and needs. The main problems concern the general decrease in the physical activity of education applicants, the forced distance learning format, the lack of conditions for full-time physical education and sports. Nevertheless, this should not affect the quality and efficiency of education, which has caused attention to innovative technologies and approaches in education. There is an urgent need to develop educational and methodological support that will take into account the conditions of obtaining education, possible health risks for their maximum prevention, the potential of innovative technologies when mastering the discipline, the modern domestic experience of introducing new methods of training and directed physical development. The purpose of the article is to systematize innovations in the field of physical education in Ukraine to increase its effectiveness. The following general features of the development of physical culture in Ukraine were determined: striving for a healthy lifestyle and self-improvement among young people; craving for non-traditional sports; the desire to get certain results in sports, that is, persistent internal motivation. All this must be taken into account when drawing up educational and training programs that can really contribute to the development of physical capabilities, the identification of interest in various sports and physical activities, depending on the preferences and level of training, the state of health of the applicants for education. Innovative practices in the field of physical education must take into account the conditions of obtaining education. Therefore, innovations with the use of modern communication technologies, which allow to study independently, while receiving full informational support and control of the teacher, additional motivation from his side, are relevant at the moment. The emphasis in the methodology of theoretical training has shifted towards taking into account the possible risks of injury when performing exercises. This is mainly due to the distance learning format. It is important to provide applicants with all the information about the technique of performing exercises, possible mistakes and their consequences, to foster a responsible attitude to the training process. The introduction of modern communicative practices will contribute to encouraging students to physical development, a healthy lifestyle, independent additional classes, will allow you to correctly choose an interesting, necessary and affordable physical activity for yourself. Further development of this topic can be a detailed study of the methods of organizing the educational process taking into account the peculiarities of the introduction of innovations. The practical development of the experience will be the implementation of the formed programs and the determination of their effectiveness.

Modern problems of special strength training in Mixed MartiaL ArtS

The information presented in this article reveals one of the most relevant and at the same time controversial issues in mixed martial arts (MMA) related to the optimization and correction of special strength training taking into account the individual functional capabilities of athletes, their fighting style and the specifics of the training stage. It has been established that one of the important aspects of optimizing the training process in MMA is the effective combination of energy supply modes of muscle activity and the amount of load indicators. The use of loads of different volume and intensity allows for a detailed influence on the level of functional training of athletes of the striking or wrestling style of fighting. In the works of leading experts in MMA, the problem of practical implementation of effective mechanisms for improving the training process in mixed martial arts during special shock training is not sufficiently disclosed. One of the problematic issues, first of all, is the determination of the optimal parameters of the volume and intensity of the load and the use of the most informative physiological and biochemical methods for assessing the nature of changes in adaptive reserves associated with the level of functional capabilities, the degree of resistance of the organism to an external stimulus and the development of the maximum strength of those muscle groups of the athlete, which actively participate in the performance of the main technical elements of the striking style of fighting. At the same time, one of the important aspects remains the question of determining effective criteria for evaluating the training process (technical, tactical characteristics and their combination with functional capabilities), which will allow developing an optimal mechanism for correcting physical exertion.

Challenges in multi-centric generalization: phase and step recognition in Roux-en-Y gastric bypass surgery.

Most studies on surgical activity recognition utilizing artificial intelligence (AI) have focused mainly on recognizing one type of activity from small and mono-centric surgical video datasets. It remains speculative whether those models would generalize to other centers. In this work, we introduce a large multi-centric multi-activity dataset consisting of 140 surgical videos (MultiBypass140) of laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (LRYGB) surgeries performed at two medical centers, i.e., the University Hospital of Strasbourg, France (StrasBypass70) and Inselspital, Bern University Hospital, Switzerland (BernBypass70). The dataset has been fully annotated with phases and steps by two board-certified surgeons. Furthermore, we assess the generalizability and benchmark different deep learning models for the task of phase and step recognition in 7 experimental studies: (1) Training and evaluation on BernBypass70; (2) Training and evaluation on StrasBypass70; (3) Training and evaluation on the joint MultiBypass140 dataset; (4) Training on BernBypass70, evaluation on StrasBypass70; (5) Training on StrasBypass70, evaluation on BernBypass70; Training on MultiBypass140, (6) evaluation on BernBypass70 and (7) evaluation on StrasBypass70. The model's performance is markedly influenced by the training data. The worst results were obtained in experiments (4) and (5) confirming the limited generalization capabilities of models trained on mono-centric data. The use of multi-centric training data, experiments (6) and (7), improves the generalization capabilities of the models, bringing them beyond the level of independent mono-centric training and validation (experiments (1) and (2)). MultiBypass140 shows considerable variation in surgical technique and workflow of LRYGB procedures between centers. Therefore, generalization experiments demonstrate a remarkable difference in model performance. These results highlight the importance of multi-centric datasets for AI model generalization to account for variance in surgical technique and workflows. The dataset and code are publicly available at https://github.com/CAMMA-public/MultiBypass140.

Assessment of the effectiveness of binder fatigue, rheology and chemistry parameters in evaluating cracking resistance in high RAP mixtures modified with recycling agents

The utilization of Reclaimed Asphalt Pavement (RAP) in pavement construction has gained prominence as a sustainable approach to reduce material costs and environmental effect. However, a significant challenge associated with increased RAP incorporation lies in the potential fracture distress caused by the aged binder. The purpose of this study is to assess the cracking performance of asphalt mixtures incorporating three levels of recycled materials (30% RAP, 50% RAP, and 30% RAP along with 5% Reclaimed Asphalt Shingles (RAS)). Three softening oils were employed to improve the cracking performances at two aging levels. Performance evaluations, including cracking performance assessments at intermediate and low temperatures, were carried out and compared with control mixtures. The findings of this study reveal that the incorporation of softening oils, as investigated herein, offers a viable means of producing asphalt mixtures featuring high RAP content while preserving performance comparable to that of a virgin mix. From a binder perspective, the Glover–Rowe (G–R) parameter and fatigue life at 10% strain level emerge as robust indicators for evaluating cracking resistance under conditions pertaining to intermediate and low temperatures.

Comparative analysis of time sweep testing evaluation methods for the fatigue characterisation of aged bitumen

Ageing of bitumen changes its stiffness related properties and is thought to have a considerable impact on its fatigue performance. Time sweep tests are a commonly used methodology to evaluate the fatigue performance of bitumen over the course of its lifetime. This study comparatively evaluated the fatigue performance of six aged bitumen samples using various commonly employed time sweep testing-based approaches, including conventional methods (50% reduction in complex modulus and peak in phase angle) and newer methods (peak in S × N and two dissipated-energy-based approaches). The statistical analysis of the results illustrated that although the trends of fatigue life versus ageing levels were similar, different methods had significantly varying results. It was generally seen that ageing increased stiffness and the calculated fatigue life of bituminous binders improved when commonly applied strain levels of 5% and 7.5% were used. This result demonstrates the need to develop more robust methods to fully capture the true fatigue related deterioration of aged binders in the future. Among all the methods, the peak in S × N approach was found to be the most efficient based on the criteria used in the study and was the recommended approach considering current limitations. It showed no apparent defects and had the best correlations with other methods when the applied strains were 5% and 7.5%.

Motivating supervisors during disability accommodation: a comprehensive examination on job demand and resources theories

PurposeThis study develops and tests a comprehensive model that examines whether dimensions of supervisors’ job demands and resources influence their work motivation through their job strain levels while managing disability accommodation (DA).Design/methodology/approachThe proposed model leverages the assumptions of established job demand and resources theories, including demand-ability fit, job demand-control, job demand-control-support, and effort-reward balance models. Then, we tested with the quantitative data from 335 British, Canadian, American, Australian, Dutch, and German supervisors with recent DA experience.FindingsThis study found support for the proposed model. Job control and social support directly affected work motivation, while job strain did not mediate the relationship between job control and social support and work motivation. The results suggest that employers looking to improve the likelihood of DA success should focus on providing adequate job control, social support, and rewards to supervisors responsible for accommodating employees with disabilities.Practical implicationsThis research enhances our understanding of how additional DA responsibilities impact supervisors and aids in the development of effective DA management policies and interventions, providing robust support for practitioners.Originality/valueThis study contributes to extending the DA literature by testing the applicability of different theoretical models to explain the effect of the additional DA responsibility on supervisors’ job demand, strain, and motivation levels and identify the resources to mitigate them.

Anthropometric and physiological profiles of highly trained sailors in various positions and levels

This study aimed to analyze anthropometric and physiological profiles of highly trained sailors and the differences between sailors regarding various training levels. Forty-two sailors (22 male, 22.4 ± 3.8 years; 20 females, 21.3 ± 3.6 years) were divided into helmsmen and crew groups, and the high- and low-level were distinguished. Sailors completed height, sitting height, legs length, weight, BMI, VO2max, 30 s all-out sprint, isometric mid-thigh pull (IMTP), countermovement jump, bench pull, core endurance tests. The results showed the crew had higher height, sitting height, weight, VO2max and lower trunk flexor endurance test times compared to the helmsmen (p < 0.05). The helmsmen had higher relative peak power/force in the 30 s all-out sprint and IMTP tests compared to the crew, whereas the crew had better absolute strength in bench pull, with significant differences between female sailors (p < 0.05). The high-level sailors showed more sailing experience than low-level sailors (p < 0.05). In conclusion, highly trained crew tend to be taller and heavier, while helmsmen have better trunk flexor endurance. For female sailors, helmsmen have better lower-body power and strength and crew have better upper-body strength. Sailing experience is a reliable variable to distinguish sailors’ levels. The specific anthropometric and physiological profiles of sailors in various positions can assist sailing coaches in athlete selection and intervention training.

Suicidal ideation and their relationship with job satisfaction and job strain among Jordanian hospitals’ healthcare professionals: a cross-sectional study

Suicidal ideation is a major health problem that occurs in response to complex interactions among psychological, sociocultural, and environmental factors. The phenomenon of suicidal ideation among healthcare professionals is still shrouded in mystery in Jordanian society, and there is still a scarcity of studies on its relationship with job strain and job satisfaction has been examined in the Arab world. Therefore, to fill this gap, this study aimed to reveal the prevalence of suicidal ideation among Jordanian hospitals health care professionals, and its relationship to job satisfaction and job strain. Additionally, how some sociodemographic factors were correlated with suicidal ideation levels, including age, sex, monthly income, occupation, years of experience, and sector type. Data were collected through a survey including sociodemographic characteristics, Suicidal ideation Scale (SIS), Job Satisfaction Survey (JSS), and Demand Control Support Questionnaire (DCSQ). The survey was distributed among 910 physicians and nurses of both sexes in public and private Jordanian hospitals. The survey was conducted using an anonymous online platform via Google Forms between October 2022 and December 2023. In light of the strain theory of suicide (STS), our results showed that physicians and nurses reported low levels of suicidal ideation and job satisfaction, with high levels of job strain. Suicidal ideation was positively correlated with job strain and negatively correlated with job satisfaction. Job satisfaction is negatively correlated with job strain. Job satisfaction was a significant mediator between job strain and suicidal ideation. Greater attention should be paid to the work environment in healthcare, particularly to enhance social support, increase job satisfaction levels, reduce job strain, and provide extensive training on effective prevention strategies for suicidal ideation and behaviour in the workplace. Additionally, policies and practices related to the health sector should be modified to create stable, healthy, and safe relationships and work environments.

Effect of strain level on the cyclic response and microstructure characteristics of selective laser melted 304L

Considering the relationship between austenite stability and strain level, the cyclic response curves are obtained for SLM 304L under different strain amplitude at R = 0.3. The results indicate that since the microstructure characteristics shift from stacking faults (SFs) at low strain amplitude to martensite and twins at high strain amplitude, the cyclic softening behavior transitions to cyclic hardening behavior. Besides, it also indicates that high strain levels can overcome the influence of initial microstructure on fatigue performance, presenting a new sight to understand the relationship between cyclic hardening and martensite transformation.

New Diagnostic-Based Systematic Classification for Skier's Thumb Injuries: A Revision That is Needed

Abstract Background Acute injuries to the ulnar collateral ligament (UCL) of the first metacarpophalangeal joint (MCPj), commonly referred to as Skier’s thumb injuries, can be further categorized into different types based on bone lesions and joint instability. However, none of the existing classifications encompasses all types and combinations of injuries. A unified classification system that provides direct treatment recommendations for each type is required, particularly for cases with no clear indications. Aims To develop a new classification system for acute UCL injuries of the first MCPj that comprehensively defines all possible combinations and types of injuries and facilitates treatment decision-making for each specific type in daily clinical practice. Methods The retrospective study included patients with acute UCL lesions who underwent conservative or operative treatment at our clinic between 2018 and 2023. This classification addresses ligamentous or osseous lesions, fracture fragment size and dislocation, ligament configuration (e.g. Stener lesions), and joint stability. Correlated radiography, ultrasonography, MRI, and intraoperative findings were used to define all combinations and variants of skier`s thumb injuries. Pre-therapeutic joint stability was characterized according to the criteria established in the literature. Dislocation criteria for bone lesions were defined in a preliminary observer trial. The classification was applied by three hand surgeons with different training levels. Treatment applied and a 3-months follow-up was documented. Results In 213 patients with acute UCL tears, the new classification was consistently applied, and the treatment derived was largely aligned with the recommendations in the literature for both absolute and relative indications for splint or operative therapy. The vast majority of the patients were stable after 3 months. Conclusion This new classification is the first to combine the clinical and radiological aspects of skier`s thumb injuries into one classification and encompasses all variants. It is comprehensive, can be easily applied retrospectively, and provides clear treatment recommendations in most cases.

An fMRI-based investigation of the effects of odors on the functional connectivity network underlying the working memory.

In the human brain, the regions responsible for emotion processing, motivation, and memory are heavily influenced by olfaction, whose neural pathway is directly exposed to the outer world. In this study, we used fMRI to examine how different olfactory conditions might affect the functional connectivity circuit underlying working memory in the brain. To this end, 30 adults (aged 20-35), 13 males and 17 females, with high educational levels were chosen. Participants were screened for potential olfactory issues before undergoing the Sniffin' sticks test, which was part of the inclusion criteria. Before imaging, each participant was given the required level of training and was then asked to complete four olfactory tests involving pleasant and unpleasant odors, air, and null stimulation. The results of Seed-based analysis suggested a function connection between the inferior parietal region and the left frontal pole region upon olfactory stimulation with vanilla scent in contrast to null stimulation in this comparison, ROI-based analysis revealed an inverse synchronous among the entorhinal cortex, orbitofrontal cortex, and dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (dlPFC). Both dlPFC and hippocampus were involved in olfactory discrimination between two different stimulants. Our findings indicate the presence of inverse correlations between several regions associated with olfaction and working memory, with pleasant scents leaving a stronger impact on the working memory-related areas, particularly the inferior parietal region.

In “Tone” with dogs: exploring canine musicality

This study investigates the musical perception skills of dogs through playback experiments. Dogs were trained to distinguish between two different target locations based on a sequence of four ascending or descending notes. A total of 16 dogs of different breeds, age, and sex, but all of them with at least basic training, were recruited for the study. Dogs received training from their respective owners in a suitable environment within their familiar home settings. The training sequence consisted of notes [Do-Mi-Sol#-Do (C7-E7-G7#-C8; Hz frequency: 2093, 2639, 3322, 4186)] digitally generated as pure sinusoidal tones. The training protocol comprised 3 sequential training levels, with each level consisting of 4 sessions with a minimum of 10 trials per session. In the test phase, the sequence was transposed to evaluate whether dogs used relative pitch when identifying the sequences. A correct response by the dog was recorded as 1, while an incorrect response, occurring when the dog chose the opposite zone of the bowl, was marked as 0. Statistical analyses were performed using a binomial test. Among 16 dogs, only two consistently performed above the chance level, demonstrating the ability to recognize relative pitch, even with transposed sequences. This study suggests that dogs may have the ability to attend to relative pitch, a critical aspect of human musicality.

ORGANIC FARMING: DEVELOPMENT PROSPECTS IN RUSSIA, TAKING INTO ACCOUNT THE INTERNATIONAL MARKET

The production of organic agriculture products has become one of the most growing areas of economic activity, with projected annual growth of 10-12%. At the same time, the demand for organic products significantly exceeds the supply, which is largely due to the lack of land that can be allocated for this production. Russia, which has significant areas of virtually unused land on which mineral fertilizers and pesticides have not been used for a long time, reaching 19.7 million. ha, has a significant potential for development in this direction. At the same time, considering that a significant part of unused territories is located within the zone of risky agriculture, and also has soils with a low level of natural fertility, degraded, arid, waterlogged, etc., the actual amount of land resources that can be involved in organic agriculture is significantly less. For the most complete introduction into circulation of unused agricultural lands, it is necessary to increase the knowledge intensity and manufacturability of organic agriculture, for which research work in the following areas is highly relevant: 1) optimization of the balance of humus and nutrients in soils, 2) breeding and seed production of crops for organic agriculture, 3) development of biological products for disease and pest control, 4) development of optimal farming systems taking into account local soil and climatic conditions, 5) optimization of agricultural landscapes based on increasing the diversity of agricultural land use. Along with the involvement of unused lands in the organic production system, the development of the industry largely depends on the system of training qualified personnel in this area, which should take into account the specifics of the technologies used, which differ significantly from traditional farming systems. To do this, it is necessary to update existing professional standards, which should include generalized labor functions related to the development and implementation of organic farming technologies, as well as knowledge and skills in organizing organic production. On the basis of updated professional standards, universities should form new professional competencies and a corresponding set of academic disciplines. The personnel training system for the industry should include various levels of training: agricultural classes, higher education, additional professional education.