Research Methods Research Articles

The potential of photography for mathematics education and research–A literature review

This literature review examines the use of photography in educational research and in education, to learn how photography could be better used in teaching and learning mathematics and mathematics education research. The authors analyzed 125 publications published between 1975 and 2023 to identify different research methods and teaching solutions that utilize photography. Within educational research two main approaches that are often used combined were photo-elicitation (photographs are used in an interview as a stimulus) and photovoice (taking photographs is a way the participant communicates their perspective). Mathematics education research could also combine these methods, for example in identity research. Our findings regarding teaching show that photographs have an important role in connecting mathematics to the real world and for visualizing mathematics. The best way to engage students is when they take photographs of themselves as a starting point to mathematical activity. Based on this review we identify future exploratory directions and various research gaps.

Screening of Drought-Resistant Potato Germplasm Resources Based on Intelligent Algorithm

As a staple food resource, potato is of great significance for improving grain reserves and ensuring national food security. In order to improve potato yield and promote the process of potato becoming a staple food, a K-means algorithm optimized by particle swarm algorithm was proposed to realize the screening of dry potato germplasm resources. First, the research continues the research on particle swarm optimization, and innovatively applies K-means algorithm to optimization. The research utilizes the advantages of particle swarm optimization, such as fast convergence speed, strong search ability, and simple operation, to enable particle swarm optimization to take on the role of optimizing the initial clustering center, thereby improving the accuracy and efficiency of clustering analysis. On this basis, a PSO-K-means drought resistant potato germplasm resource screening model was constructed. This model consists of a data collection and preprocessing module, an impact indicator determination module, and a comprehensive evaluation module. Finally, the application effect of the model was verified. The results show that the AUC value of the model is up to 0.840, and the screening accuracy is as high as 94.5%, which is 13.5% higher than that of the K-means model. The research method has been validated to improve the limitations of K-means mode, such as high screening error, weak stability, and falling into local optimal solutions. It optimizes the screening effect of drought resistant potato germplasm resources, which is conducive to exploring the potential of potato resources. In addition, research has also provided broader ideas for the optimization and application of particle swarm optimization algorithms.

Innovative Technology for the Production of Gluten-free Food Products of a New Generation

Background:: The global market for gluten-free food products is constantly growing. Consumers are increasingly choosing a gluten-free diet voluntarily or due to gluten intolerance (celiac disease). Objective:: The purpose of the research is scientific substantiation of the technology and recipe of gluten-free bakery products and determination of the optimal ratio of corn and rice flour in the production technology. Methods:: The work used general scientific research methods, analysis of literary sources, analysis of patent and technical literature, and comparative analytical and laboratory analyses. Results:: Research results have shown that replacing wheat flour with a high gluten content in the recipe for gluten-free, namely corn and rice flour, allows obtaining high quality indicators. On the basis of the conducted organoleptic tests, it was established that according to the results of the total indicators of the organoleptic evaluation, experimental sample 3, with a ratio of corn and rice flour of 80:20, has the same average score as the control sample. The analysis of physico-chemical quality indicators confirmed the organoleptic results of the research. It was established that the ratio of corn and rice flour is the most rational (experiment 3). An increase in the amount of rice flour leads to an increase in the porosity of gluten-free bakery products. Thus, in test sample 3 compared to test sample 1, the value of this indicator increased by 7%, which can be explained by a favorable nutrient environment for yeast cells due to additional water-soluble proteins and sugars present in rice flour, which is confirmed by previous studies. The acidity of gluten-free bakery products of experiment 3 also increased compared to the control sample by 0.5 degrees, which is explained by the positive effect of increasing the dosage of rice flour on the development of yeast cells in the dough. After characterizing the moisture content of the pulp after 48 hours of storage, it should be noted that increasing the amount of rice flour allows you to preserve more moisture in the finished product by an average of 1-2%. In our opinion, this is due to the fact that when rice flour is added, an additional amount of insoluble fibers is added, which by their structure have the ability to bind free moisture, which is retained by them more firmly, and when baking, a larger amount of moisture remains in the product of moisture, which is confirmed by previous studies of gluten-free raw materials. Therefore, test sample 3 with a ratio of corn and rice flour of 80:20 is recommended for the production of new-generation food products for certain groups of the population who choose a gluten-free diet by their own choice or due to gluten intolerance, namely celiac disease. Conclusion:: The rational ratio of corn and rice flour was determined, taking into account the physicochemical properties and organoleptic indicators of the quality of finished gluten-free bakery products. It was established that the rational ratio of corn and rice is 80:20 - experiment 3. This proportion ensures proper physico-chemical indicators and high organoleptic indicators of finished gluten-free bakery products. It was established that the manufactured gluten-free bakery products exceed the control sample in terms of physico-chemical parameters, namely, porosity, acidity, dimensional stability, and moisture content of the crumb.

Secondary school students’ understanding of circular economy and recycling at a small rural school

Biology education plays a crucial role in bridging the gap between science and society. This is of high interest and relevance for several reasons helping students to become biologically literate and understanding basic biological concepts and principles as healthcare, environmental issues, and sustainability. The aim of this study was to investigate the understanding of the 9<sup>th</sup> grade and the 12<sup>th</sup> grade students regarding circular economy and recycling. To achieve the objectives, a study was conducted with the convenience sample, involving students from a rural school. The sample was made up of 27 students, including 17 students from the 9<sup>th</sup> grade and 10 students from the 12<sup>th</sup> grade. The prior knowledge of students was assessed by the tool of drawing on the topic of the circular economy and recycling. A two-hour training module was created and carried out, including several practical tasks followed by fulfilling the compliant worksheets. The effectiveness of the module was assessed by the questionnaire focused on the new information received during the module and the general feedback of the module was gathered from the students. The results were analyzed using qualitative content analysis and descriptive quantitative research methods. The findings revealed that the understanding of circular economy and recycling among the 9<sup>th</sup> grade and the 12<sup>th</sup> grade students was different, expressed in the categories of pre-knowledge and the secondary school students are aware of the importance and purpose of circular economy and recycling. The differences appaired in the students’ obtained knowledge and changed attitudes of the 9<sup>th</sup> grade and the 12<sup>th</sup> grade students and the improvement of attitudes and willingness to behave in a sustainable way surpassed the increase of understanding of term “circular economy”.<i> </i>

Karakterisasi dan Identifikasi Rhizobakteri Asal Mangrove Tanjung Pilawang sebagai Biokontrol dan Agen Hayati Pertumbuhan Tanaman

Rhizobacteria are a type of microbe that has an important role in providing nutrients to plants. Rhizobacteria live in symbiosis with plant roots, where their activity has a significant influence on plant growth and development. Various microbes that have the potential to stimulate plant growth are thought to reside in mangrove root areas. The aim of this research is to determine the type of rhizobacteria of the Tanjung Pilawang mangrove, Gura Village, Tobelo District, North Halmahera Regency which is capable of inhibiting the growth of the fungus Collectotricum capsici and dissolving phosphate to be used as a biocontrol and biological agent for plant growth. The research methods used include the isolation stage, selection and characterization stages, and identification stages. The results of the research showed that 11 isolates of rhizobacteria were isolated from Tanjung Pilawang mangrove soil, of these 11 isolates there were two isolates that had the potential to inhibit the growth of the pathogenic fungus Colletotricum capsici and were able to dissolve phosphate, where each isolate was able to provide a Dissolution Index (IP) value. the highest is 2.85 mm and 1.91 mm. After identification, the two isolates were identified as Bacillus subtilis (RTM 10) and Pseudomonas sp (RTM 06), so that these two bacteria have potential as biocontrol and biological agents for plant growth.

Risk Control of Construction Worker Hazards at Heights

An occupational accident is an unexpected and unplanned occurrence, including acts of violence, arising out of or in connection with work, which results in one or more workers incurring a personal injury, disease, or death. Based on data from the ILO, every year, 2.78 million workers die due to occupational accidents and occupational diseases, of which 2.4 million (86.3%) are related to both occupational accidents and diseases. In comparison, the other 380,000 workers (13.7%) are due to occupational diseases only. The purpose of this study is to determine the risk control of hazards in high-altitude workers. The research method used is descriptive observational research that focuses on events that occur and is described in the form of a narrative. The results of this study indicate that there are still many workers who have not implemented hazard risk control at height and still do not use PPE when working at height. Controls that can be carried out are control through administrative work procedures, work safety analysis, making PPE completeness standards in the project area that are more tightened, and control of using PPE at height.

Chemical analysis of the effect of the effect of the use of maggots as a source of protein on the quality of fish feed

Objective: The research aims to analyze the chemical content of making fish food by using maggot as a substitute for fish meal as a protein source to improve the quality of fish feed. Material and method: The research method used was an experimental method with 4 treatments and 3 replications. Treatment A is feed consisting of 45% fish meal, 35% maggot meal, 16% corn meal, and 4% tapioca flour; treatment B is feed consisting of 50% fish meal, 30% maggot meal, 16% corn flour, and 4% tapioca flour; treatment C is feed consisting of 55% fish meal, 25% maggot meal, 16% corn flour, and 4% tapioca flour; and control treatment (k) is feed consisting of 0% fish meal, 50% maggot flour, 16% corn flour, and 4% tapioca flour. Results: The results of the research show that the overall water content of the feed produced is low. Regarding protein content, the highest protein content was in the control treatment. The use of maggot flour in feed has the lowest ash content. Regarding fat content, the higher the dose of maggot flour, the lower the fat content of the fish feed. All treatments tested had a lower carbohydrate content than the control treatment. Conclusion: The use of maggot meal as a substitute for fish meal in this research for making fish feed can support chemical feed quality, which contains water, protein, fat, ash, and carbohydrates according to fish needs.

Proposal of a conceptual matrix to present the state of the art of a research to based on the systematic literature review methodology

This article presents a proposal for organizing literature in a visual sieve based on a conceptual matrix based on the application of the Systematic Review of Literature methodology and integration of information within the three phases of the scientific method of research to manage a state of the art or state of knowledge.

How does participating scientific research projects affect postgraduates’ academic aspiration and interest? Grounding theory research based on six universities in H province

Participation in scientific research projects is the main way of postgraduate training, and academic aspiration and interest is an important variable affecting the quality of postgraduate training. So, how does participating in scientific research projects affect the academic aspiration and interest of master students? By interviewing 28 master students from 6 universities in H Province and using the grounded theory research method, a path model of the impact of participating in scientific research projects on the academic aspiration and interest of master students is formed: taking personal characteristics as the initial condition, important others such as tutors and research group examples and scientific research environment as the support category, and the change of graduate students' psychological state as the intermediary, Graduate students will take active or passive action strategies in scientific research activities, which will enhance or reduce their academic aspiration and interest. The change of academic aspiration and interest will react on their psychological state, forming a virtuous circle or bad circle. The model has important enlightening significance for graduate education and management.

Exploring the Role of Lesson Planning on Prospective Teacher Professional Skills at the University of Narowal: A Qualitative Research Study

This qualitative research article investigates the impact of lesson planning on the professional skills of prospective teachers at the University of Narowal. Lesson planning is a critical component of effective teaching, and it usually influences the effectiveness of teacher training programs. The study employs qualitative research methods, including interviews and focus group discussions, to explore the perspectives and experiences of prospective teachers regarding the influence of lesson planning on their professional skill development. The study involves sixteen prospective teachers enrolled in teacher education programs in the 3rd and 8th semesters at the University of Narowal. As a sample of the study, these prospective teachers were selected by using a purposive sampling technique. The findings stated that lesson planning may play a key in teaching skill development and professional growth and make teaching and learning more effective during a planned class.

Pursuing Inclusive Vocational Education Amidst Discrimination: The Plight and Hopes of Christian Youth in Pakistan

This research endeavors to delve into the effectiveness of civic education in shaping Pakistani students' understanding of the Palestine-Israel conflict, recognizing the imperative role of global citizenship in today's interconnected world. The study aims to go beyond traditional approaches, focusing on innovative pedagogical methods to enhance critical thinking and empathy among students. The complexity of the Palestine-Israel conflict and its global implications underline the necessity of informed perspectives. Pakistani students, like many others globally, often lack a comprehensive understanding of the conflict's historical, political, and cultural dimensions. The qualitative study focuses specifically on the Palestine-Israel conflict, aiming to uncover insights that enhance the educational experience and contribute to the broader dialogue on global citizenship. The research methodology involves a diverse sample, qualitative research methods, and thematic analysis of data. Expected contributions extend to informing curriculum development and teacher training programs, fostering a generation of Pakistani students with a deeper understanding of the Palestine-Israel conflict, and a commitment to global peace and justice. In conclusion, this research endeavors to contribute valuable insights into the realm of civic education, addressing the gaps in understanding of the Palestine-Israel conflict among Pakistani students. The findings may have broader implications for global citizenship education and similar initiatives in comparable contexts.

INTENTION TO RETURN TO NATIONAL PARK: THE ROLE OF PERCEIVED QUALITY, PERCEIVED VALUE, AND TOURIST SATISFACTION

Understanding and predicting tourists’ intention to return to a destination is a fundamental factor for the success of a tourism destination. The objective of this study is to demonstrate the influence of perceived quality, perceived value, and satisfaction on the intention to return to the national park of tourists. The research utilizes a convenient sampling method with direct interview techniques to collect research data. The achieved sample size is 308 tourists who have visited and experienced tourism services at national parks in the Mekong Delta region, Vietnam. Applying a combination of qualitative and quantitative research methods, the study has proven that perceived quality positively influences satisfaction, enhancing the intention to return to national parks of tourists. Additionally, perceived value also has a positive impact on satisfaction, contributing to promoting the intention to return to national parks. Finally, the research has revealed a positive correlatio n between satisfaction and the intention to return to national parks of tourists.

Impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the utilisation and quality of antibiotic use in the Scottish primary care setting: a population-based segmented interrupted time-series analysis

ABSTRACT Background Inappropriate use of antibiotics is expected to increase during the COVID-19 pandemic, but there are limited data on COVID-19’s long-term impact. We assessed the impact of COVID-19 on the quantity and quality of antibiotic use in Scotland. Research design and methods A segmented interrupted time series was applied to monthly dispensed antibiotics using prescription cost analysis data from March/2019 to March/2023. Antibiotic use was quantified using the number of items dispensed/1000 inhabitants (TIDs) and defined daily dose/1000 inhabitants/day (DIDs). The quality of antibiotic use was assessed using key quality indicators including the WHO AWaRe classification, proportion of broad-spectrum and ”4C”-antibiotics. Results Overall, for all antibiotics, there was a non-significant increase in TIDs and DIDs before the first lockdown (March/2020) (β1), but a decline in the level immediately after the first (β2) and second lockdowns (β4) (November/2020), albeit non-significant. However, a significant increase in the time trend after the second lockdown (β5) for all antibiotic classes was observed. COVID-19 had no negative impact on AWaRe utilisation, with the proportion of all antibiotics from the Access group increasing from 76% in March/2019 to 90% in March/2023. The proportion of ”4C” antibiotic reduced significantly after the second lockdown. Conclusions Neither the utilisation nor the quality of total antibiotic use appeared to have been significantly affected by COVID-19.

Online course as a means of developing master's professional competencies: results of a pedagogical experiment

The article proposes a solution to a scientific problem, which is to substantiate the feasibility of using online courses in the professional training of masters in the pedagogical university, to develop an online course and experimentally test its effectiveness as a means of developing the professional competencies of masters in the speciality 014~Secondary Education (Mathematics). The author used the following methods of scientific research: pedagogical experiment, observation (for systematic perception and analysis of learning activities, motivation and personal growth of students in the context of blended learning), testing (to determine the level of logical thinking and development of students’ professional competences), questionnaire (to monitor the ergonomics and efficiency of the online course and the Mathematics teacher’s e-portfolio), expert evaluation of the developed online course, and methods of mathematical statistics (for proper processing of experimental data and verification of the online course’ effectiveness). The results of the control stage of the study indicate a positive trend in the development of mathematical, information and educational, methodological, psychological and pedagogical, and professional and technological competencies of students in the experimental group. The final test of the online course was chosen as a tool for determining the level of mathematical competencies of the masters in the experimental group. The reliability of the assessment of the masters’ professional competencies was confirmed by testing the hypothesis of the normal distribution of test results according to the Shapiro-Wilk test. In addition, a close correlation between students' academic achievement level in an online course and the level of logical thinking development was substantiated using the Student’s t-test. Prospects for further research include the development of online courses on Mathematics teaching methods with an emphasis on methodical, professional, and technological competencies; a detailed study of the impact of the latest information technologies (artificial intelligence, virtual and augmented reality, web programming, etc.) on the development of students’ information and educational professional competences in distance and blended learning.

Opinions of Religious Culture and Ethics Teachers on Mobbing

This study aims to examine the opinions of Religious Culture and Ethics Teachers (RCET) on mobbing in the workplace. The research focuses on RCET’s definition of mobbing, the reasons for mobbing, the results of mobbing, and the suggestions of RCET to prevent mobbing. This study used the phenomenological method, one of the qualitative research methods. The data obtained from the interview forms were analyzed by the content analysis method. The findings were organized and presented under themes and sub-themes. The study group of the research was determined by a systematic sampling technique, one of the probability-based sampling methods. The study group of the research consisted of 35 RCET working in the middle schools of Mersin central districts in the 2023-2024 academic years. Findings revealed that participants defined the concept of mobbing using terms such as pressure, violence, distress, attack, discomfort, implication, and exposure. It was found that participants expressed reasons for mobbing, such as establishing dominance, jealousy, inadequacy, and conflict of interest. It was determined that participants indicated the results of mobbing, such as asynchrony, inefficiency, failure, resignation, reluctance, and fear-anxiety. The participants suggested solutions such as support, awareness activities, relationships and communication, knowledge of legislation and laws, equality, responsibility, trust, problem identification, solution orientation, and providing education.

A New Menu Analysis Approach: Time-Driven Menu Engineering (TDME)

ABSTRACT This study aims to develop a new menu analysis model using a time-based activity-based costing method which allocates costs to activities. In this new menu analysis model, in addition to food and beverage costs, labor and general production costs are taken together while calculating contribution margin. In this study, a mixed research method was utilized. An a la carte restaurant is considered in the study. Interview and observation techniques, which are qualitative research methods, were used to determine the activities in the restaurant. The activities were determined by a descriptive analysis of the interviews with the employees of the restaurant. In the quantitative part of the study, job sampling was used to determine the duration of the activities in the restaurant. Because job sampling is used to distribute the costs incurred in the restaurant to the activities, this method is not yet used in the field of gastronomy. Therefore, the durations that were previously used as estimates were actually determined. In this study, the aboyeur activity was also added to the activities in restaurants for the first time. As a result of the study, a new menu engineering model that enables cost-based menu analysis in restaurants is introduced. In this model, all costs incurred in restaurants are included in the cost analysis, and a contribution margin is calculated accordingly. In this respect, the model brings a new approach to menu analysis.

Clinical and laboratory substantiation of the effectiveness of professional oral hygiene in preparation for orthopedic treatment with the use of fixed structures of dentures

ВACKGROUND: To extend the service life of fixed orthopedic structures of dentures, professional oral hygiene (POG) should be conducted before orthopedic treatment based on changes in the cytokine profile in the gingival fluid. АIM: To assess the nature of changes in the cytokine profile in the gingival fluid during orthopedic treatment with the use of fixed denture structures before and after the POG. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The patients (n=30) were divided into three groups of 10 people each: group 1, patients with intact periodontitis; group 2, patients with mild periodontitis; and group 3, patients with moderate periodontitis. The examination was conducted before the installation of fixed orthopedic structures and before and a week after POG. Six mediators of immunoregulatory processes — interleukin-6 (IL-6), interleukin 1-beta (IL-1ß), tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α), chemokines (IL-8, MCP1), and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) — were quantified in J samples by solid-phase enzyme immunoassay. RESULTS: In patients with inflammatory periodontal diseases, a high IL-1ß, IL-6, IL-8, MCP1, and VEGF content was found in gingival fluid compared with the group of examined individuals without inflammatory periodontal diseases. After POG, a decrease was found in the content of the main proinflammatory cytokines/chemokines in the blood and the level of VEGF in patients with inflammatory periodontal diseases. CONCLUSION: A decrease in proinflammatory cytokines, chemokines, and VEGF in gingival fluid after the POG procedure leads to the blockade of inflammatory and destructive processes in periodontal tissues and allows the introduction of personalized practice of preparing supporting teeth in the oral cavity for permanent prosthetics.

Comparative analysis of oral fluid metabolism parameters between patients with complicated and uncomplicated implantation

ВACKGROUND: Modern scientific research continues to develop promising areas for diagnosing inflammatory complications after dental implantation. Analysis of studies shows that inflammatory complications depend on various factors, the establishment of which can be challenging. Hence, saliva diagnostics opens up broad prospects for studying the pathogenetic basis of the development of inflammatory processes. АIM: To study in a comparative aspect the metabolic status of complicated and uncomplicated implantation. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This study examined 88 patients (30 with peri-implant mucositis [main group I], 28 with uncomplicated implantation [comparison group II], and 30 controls [control group]) aged 45.3±2.4 years who were followed up for 1–3 years. RESULTS: Based on the results of the studies and comparative analysis of complicated and uncomplicated implantation, previously unknown data on their distinctive metabolic characteristics were obtained and presented. With complicated implantation, these include a characteristic increase in C-reactive protein, iron, and uric acid and a decrease in calcium levels. CONCLUSION: New information revealing prognostically significant factors of gastric cancer metabolism during complicated and uncomplicated implantation has been obtained. The identified changes in metabolism during implantation should be considered and differentiated from early metabolic signs of inflammation. The study of oral fluid is objective and promising in the diagnosis of the inflammatory process and its prognosis.

Analysis of staffing of the regional health system by dental surgeons in 2019–2021

BACKGROUND: Providing qualified personnel to medical organizations is one of the priorities of the development of the health system. Improvement of staffing of dentists is relevant, as it enables increased availability and quality of dental care. Accessibility and quality of medical care involves the availability of the required number of medical personnel and level of their qualifications, achieved through the licensing of medical activities and certification and accreditation of medical personnel. AIM: To analyze the staffing of dental surgeons in medical organizations subordinate to the Ministry of Health of the Krasnodar Territory. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This study included dental surgeons of state medical organizations of the Krasnodar Territory in 2019–2021. The present study uses statistical data of reporting forms of medical organizations of Krasnodar Krai «Information about medical organization» (N 30) for the studied period. Statistical processing of the material was performed using the Microsoft Office software package applying analytical, logical, and statistical methods of research. RESULTS: Analysis of the staffing of dental surgeons in medical organizations of the Krasnodar Territory for 2019–2021 showed an increase in established posts in general for organizations and providing medical assistance in ambulatory conditions, a decrease in established posts in the hospital and occupied posts in general by organizations, as in outpatient conditions, and in stationary. Moreover, a decrease was noted in the number of individuals employed as primary workers in general positions in the medical organizations of the province and in outpatient and inpatient medical care and in the number of individuals employed as primary employees, having the highest category and simultaneously increasing with the first and second categories. Further, the study found a decrease in the number of persons in the main occupations with professional certification, an increase in the number of persons with accreditation certificates, and a decrease in the number of physical persons and of employed dental surgeons in medical organizations of the Krasnodar Territory, owing to the reduction in both outpatient and inpatient conditions. CONCLUSION: Analysis of staffing of the regional healthcare system by dental surgeons for 2019–2021 was conducted.

Application of vacuum-laser therapy in complex treatment of chronic gingivitis

The high prevalence of chronic forms of gingivitis among young individuals is an urgent problem of modern dentistry, the solution of which requires new approaches and methods. Thus, this study aimed to investigate the clinical and functional state of the periodontium at the initial inflammatory processes in the tissues and its correction using physical methods of treatment. Clinical examination, index assessment, laser Doppler flowmetry, and video registration of vacuum test in a patient with chronic gingivitis revealed an increase in gingival capillary resistance and improvement of microcirculation in the periodontium at the end of vacuum therapy combined with exposure to laser radiation of red wavelength on periodontal tissues in the complex of standard treatment measures. The results of the functional methods of research after the end of physical influence on periodontal tissues are confirmed by the decrease of bleeding and increase of oral hygiene level according to the clinical instrumental examination and by the absence of patient complaints. Thus, the clinical case demonstrates the promising application of vacuum-laser therapy in the complex treatment of chronic gingivitis.