Numerous Concepts Research Articles

Nurse academics and the teaching of undergraduate nursing numeracy: A cross-sectional study of self-reported confidence and anxiety

BackgroundNumeracy and mathematics are terms that can cause anxiety, not only in students, but this emotion can also be experienced in teachers. Anxiety can inhibit teacher performance and is correlated with low self-confidence. The anxiety felt by school teachers when teaching mathematics is widely reported, however, the self-reported confidence and anxiety levels of nurse academics when teaching numeracy concepts to undergraduate nursing students has never been studied. AimTo explore and analyse Australian nurse academics' self-reported confidence and anxiety levels when teaching nursing numeracy to undergraduate nursing students. DesignCross-sectional survey. SettingAustralian universities that provide an undergraduate nursing degree leading to nursing registration. ParticipantsAustralian nurse academics employed either permanent full time or part time; casual /sessional; or on a fixed term contract, who teach nursing numeracy and medication calculations to undergraduate nursing students. MethodsA combination of convenience and purposive sampling was used to recruit Australian nurse academics (n = 170). Data were collected between Nov 2023 and Feb 2024 using an online survey platform. ResultsAlmost 50 % of participants self-reported feeling either not confident or somewhat confident and very or somewhat anxious when teaching nursing numeracy. There were no significant differences in overall confidence and anxiety based on demographic variables, indicating this is a widespread issue. A non-significant trend towards level A academics experiencing higher anxiety and less confidence was noted. ConclusionsA significant proportion of students are being taught nursing numeracy by nurse academics who lack confidence and experience anxiety, which can be transferred to students, affecting learning and performance. The downstream consequences are potentially poor numeracy skills in students and compromised patient safety. Strategies that have been effective in reducing school teachers' anxiety could be used to support nurse academics.

Minimum Space When Transporting Pigs: Where Is the "Good" Law?

This paper focuses on the problem of numeracy when writing regulations, specifically how to describe a threshold for crowding of pigs during transport, considering transported pigs range in body mass from 5 to 500 kg. When scientific findings provide the basis for regulation in the public interest, those findings must be communicated in a consistent way to regulators and policymaking bodies. Numeracy is the ability to understand, reason with, and apply appropriate numerical concepts to real-world questions. Scientific understanding is almost always based on rational understanding of numerical information, numeracy. The threshold of administrative offenses is often a numerical description. Commercial livestock transporters have an interest in loading livestock compartments to the maximum to achieve the largest payload allowed by axle weight laws, as is the case in all bulk commodity transport. Maximizing payload minimizes costs and environmental hazards of fuel exhaust and can benefit the public with lower pork prices, but has a serious animal welfare risk. Livestock production academics, veterinarians, and animal welfare activists have been working for decades to determine the level of livestock crowding in transport containers that would be appropriate for regulatory enforcement. The scientific discourse has been plagued by a lack of numerical standardization when describing results of trials and forming recommendations. Exceeding specific numerical thresholds is the core to implementing enforcement actions. This paper examines the communication and other barriers that have prevented emergence of a consensus on this question and provides a direction toward resolution. Further confirmation of effects of crowding livestock in transit is needed. This paper suggests that articulating an enforceable standard in pig transport is possible. In inspection for compliance, discovering the LP50 (lethal pressure-50) for slaughter-weight pigs is an initial global benchmark goal. The LP50 is the loading floor pressure in a commercial transport compartment, under field conditions, that would result in the death of at least one pig in the group 50% of the time.

A Novel Approach to Energy Management with Power Quality Enhancement in Hydrogen Based Microgrids through Numerical Simulation

A hydrogen-based microgrid (MG) is an energy system that uses hydrogen as a primary energy carrier within a localized grid. Numerous alternative approaches and concepts are found concerning the management of renewable energy systems. This study proposes a novel approach to assess the energy management system (EMS) and optimal hydrogen-based Energy Storage Systems (HBESS) at minimal total cost, employing particle swarm optimization (PSO) and fuzzy control in stand-alone microgrids. Together, these methods effectively address control and management challenges within hybrid microgrids (HMGs). This has been proposed to enhance energy management and to improve power quality. The findings reveal that PSO is the most advantageous and efficient approach. Its utilization proves instrumental in reducing costs, boosting reliability, and optimizing operational schedules within HMGs. Furthermore, the power profile holds considerable importance in this study, significantly enhancing system reliability and stability. This study has achieved an impressive 6.147% improvement in cost-effectiveness compared to traditional methods. This has been put into practice and validated through implementation within a MATLAB (9.13.0 (R2022b))/Simulink framework.

Parent–child math talk and early math interest: comparing the effects of written versus hands-on materials

ABSTRACT This study investigated the impact of written and hands-on teaching materials on parent–child math talk and children’s interest in mathematics. Thirty parents and their preschool children participated in two play sessions, one using written material and the other using hands-on material, each lasting 12 min. At the end of each session, the children’s interest levels were assessed, and the frequency of math-related conversations was analysed. Regardless of the materials used, discussions primarily revolved around fundamental numerical concepts, with little mention of practical measurement units and conventional nominatives or number comparisons involving the application of mental representation. Ordinal and division concepts were only mentioned by parents in the written scenario rather than in the hands-on one. Overall, using written material led to doubling math discourse compared to hands-on material. However, children showed slightly higher interest levels in the hands-on scenario, where parent–child math talk categories also exhibited greater synchrony. The study highlights the complementary nature of written and hands-on teaching materials and provides recommendations for their future application.

Pembelajaran Kaya Literasi dan Numerasi: Pendampingan Guru SD dalam Mendesain Pembelajaran Inovatif

The literacy and numerical learning outcomes of Golewa District primary school pupils were found to be in a very good category. In order to move these learning outcomes into the good category, support for elementary school teachers is needed to improve these results. Initiating learning that is rich in literacy and numeracy through mentoring activities in the development of creative learning designs for elementary school teachers in the Golewa District is one of the many efforts that need to be made. Training and lectures were used to carry out this work. Following data collection, a descriptive analysis was conducted to characterise the growth in teachers' knowledge and proficiency in creating lessons that are dense with numeracy and literacy material. Based on the actions that have been carried out, it can be concluded that the teacher's understanding of the concepts of literacy and numeracy is good. Apart from that, teachers have the skills to design learning that is multiple in literacy and numeracy for innovative learning.

Profiles of preschoolers' numerical abilities across quantity representations.

Children's early numerical abilities shape their trajectories for math learning throughout schooling, and task quantity representation (e.g., nonsymbolic vs. symbolic) affects their reasoning about numerical concepts. The role of quantity representation in early numerical ability has typically been studied using variable-centered approaches. The present study builds on past work by using latent profile analysis as a person-centered approach to investigate heterogeneity in U.S. preschoolers' (N = 200, Mage = 4 years, 6 months) numerical abilities across nonsymbolic, verbal symbolic, and written symbolic representation types. The aim was to determine whether numerical ability indicators across the three representation types would result in empirically distinct ability profiles and whether preschool ability profile would predict variance on a standardized assessment of math achievement a year later, in kindergarten. We found evidence of four distinct preschool number ability profiles: (a) consistently low; (b) consistently high; (c) intermediate, with an advantage on nonsymbolic items; and (d) intermediate, with an advantage on verbal symbolic items. Although children in the consistently low and consistently high profiles performed reliably lower and higher, respectively, on the assessment of kindergarten math achievement, the two intermediate profiles performed similarly. The results reveal heterogeneity in preschool numerical ability across quantity representations and suggest that proficiency with either nonsymbolic or verbal representations may be a helpful foundation for building future math achievement. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2024 APA, all rights reserved).

Value of abstraction in performance assessment – When is a higher level of detail necessary?

In this study, different approaches in performance assessment (PA) of the long-term safety of a repository for radioactive waste were examined. This investigation was carried out as part of the DECOVALEX-2023 project, an international collaborative effort for research and model comparison. One specific task of the DECOVALEX-2023 project was the Salt Performance Assessment Modelling task (Salt PA), which aimed at comparing various models and methods employed in the performance assessment of deep geological repositories in salt. In the context of the Salt PA task, three distinct teams from SNL (United States), Quintessa Ltd (United Kingdom), and GRS (Germany) examined the consequences of employing different levels of abstractions when modelling the repository's geometry and implementing various features and processes, using the example of a simple hypothetical repository structure in domal salt. Each team applied their own tools: PFLOTRAN (SNL), QPAC (Quintessa) and LOPOS (GRS). These differ essentially regarding numerical concept and degree of detail in the representation of the underlying physical processes. The discussion focused on when simplifications can be appropriately applied and what consequences result from them. Furthermore, it was explored when and if a higher level of fidelity in geometry or physical processes is required.

Nurse academics’ self-reported insights into the teaching of undergraduate nursing numeracy: A national cross-sectional study

AimsThe aim of this research was to explore the teaching of undergraduate nursing numeracy in tertiary education settings in Australia. Specifically, it explored and identified: (1) the most common basic numeracy concepts taught, (2) additional training and resources to support numeracy teaching, (3) who is best placed to teach numeracy and (4) the preferred methods of teaching medication calculations. BackgroundNurse academics are required to teach nursing numeracy to undergraduate nursing students who enter university unprepared to accurately calculate medication dosages. It is important that students understand numeracy concepts as this is then applied to contextualised clinical applications. Nurse academics teach basic numeracy; however, the literature reveals that nurse academics do not consider themselves mathematics teachers and that experts in this area are better suited to teaching this skill. There are a dearth of studies about the nurse academics who conduct the teaching and this study seeks to fill that gap by exploring firsthand the nurse academics’ self-reported insights into the teaching of undergraduate nursing numeracy. DesignCross-sectional survey. The setting was Australian universities that deliver an accredited undergraduate nursing degree. MethodsPurposive sampling was used to recruit Australian nurse academics (n = 170), sessional or permanent who currently teach all aspects of nursing numeracy and medication calculations to undergraduate nursing students. Data were collected between Nov 2023 - Feb 2024 using an online survey platform and analysed using a descriptive content analysis. ResultsNurse academics taught basic arithmetic most commonly (92 %), yet most (90 %) had not received professional development or additional training in how to teach these concepts. To assist with numeracy teaching, resources were requested (47 %) as were the need for mathematics learning support staff (82 %). The formula method was most commonly taught (91 %), however, most participants (94 %) were willing to learn and to teach other methods of calculating medications. ConclusionsThis research suggests an evidenced-based education framework be created to support and guide nurse academics when teaching all aspects of nursing numeracy and medication calculations. Building the teaching capacity of nurse academics in this vital area will enhance student competence and contribute to patient safety.

Contested Understandings of Violence: Refiguring Modern and Postmodern Perspectives

There are numerous conceptions of violence today, such as physical, psychological, emotional, structural, and epistemic. The question of which social phenomena are to be described as violence is itself a matter of furious dispute. In social theory, there is a widespread tendency to distinguish between ‘modern’ and ‘postmodern’ conceptions of violence. In this scheme, modern violence is primarily physical, while postmodern violence takes places across a broad spectrum of forms. The paper questions this binary. The co-occurrence and conflict between these forms of violence leads to a third form, which I call refigured violence. The refiguration of violence can be observed in three developments, which are mediatisation, polycontexturalisation, and translocalisation. I provide one illustration of these considerations with the example of so-called shock sites on the internet. In so doing, I emphasise that the sociology of knowledge can provide a valuable perspective for making sense of contemporary discourses about violence in all their complexity.

A Projection Integration Method for X-ray Collimator Design.

One of the recent trends in radiation therapy is to increaseconformal and accurate dose deliverysuch as in stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS). Treating small lesions and brain disorders requires the accurate placement of small radiation fields deep inside the human cranium.To design a collimator meeting these requirements, a new numerical concept was developed, which is presented here. The algorithm proposed here can generate beam profiles of plural collimation apertures and arbitrary initial beam spot distributions in a time-efficient method. It is an ideal tool to optimize collimator design for penumbra, dose rate, and field size. The intensity of the source beam spot is divided into slices, and each slice is projected onto the treatment plane at the isocenter through the collimator apertures.The illuminated field range and intensity are determined by geometry and the intensity of that slice of beam source, respectively.By integrating the projected intensity across all the slicesof the source profile, the profile on the treatment plane is obtained. The algorithm is used to generate beam profiles of a conical pencil beam collimator system and compare them to the Monte Carlo simulation as well as measurements. It canalso be used to demonstrate the impact of collimator shape on the beam penumbra, dose rate, and field size. The projection integration method provides a quick and informative tool for collimator design. The results were validated with the Monte Carlo simulation and measurements. This method was demonstrated to be effective for optimizing beam characteristics.

MissionML: A Mission Architecture Modeling Language based on Unified Architecture Framework

AbstractThe missions of complex systems, organizations, or groups can be identified through careful requirements and domain analysis. Mission architecture modeling is a crucial step for enterprise modeling and design. However, mission modeling is lacking from the Unified Architecture Framework (UAF), which system engineers must specify and model from sketch. This paper proposes a Mission Architecture Modeling Language (MissionML). This two‐layer architecture language generalizes the general common and special knowledge from four typical missions as a core layer and mission layer. The elements of the core layer are obtained through slight extensions of the operational layer elements in UAFML, and the elements of the mission layer are derived from the elements in the core layer. Moreover, MissionML is implemented as a UAF profile, incorporating numerous domain concepts in its syntax and semantics for mission modeling. Finally, we use five public case studies to demonstrate learnability and extensibility from the viewpoint of system engineers.

PENDAMPINGAN PROGRAM KAMPUS MENGAJAR ANGKATAN 7 UNTUK MENINGKATKAN LITERASI DAN NUMERASI DI SDN 1 ARYOJEDING KABUPATEN TULUNGAGUNG

The Campus Teaching Batch 7 program aims to improve literacy and numeracy at SDN 1 Aryojeding, Tulungagung Regency, through comprehensive mentoring. The program involves students as agents of change who collaborate with teachers in designing and implementing innovative learning strategies. The methods used include observations, interviews, and pre- and post-intervention evaluations to measure the effectiveness of the program. Preliminary results show a significant improvement in students' reading and numeracy skills after participating in this program. Intensive mentoring and the use of interactive learning media proved effective in motivating students and improving their understanding of basic literacy and numeracy concepts. In addition, the program also succeeded in improving teachers' skills through a sustainable learning model. The success of this program shows the importance of collaboration between universities and primary schools in creating a better learning environment. It is hoped that this mentoring model can be adapted and applied in other schools to improve the quality of basic education in Indonesia.

Analisis Kemampuan Numerasi Siswa Kelas V SDS Dharma Bakti

This research aims to evaluate the numeracy skills of fifth-grade students at Dharma Bakti Private Elementary School by comparing their performance on pre-tests and post-tests. Utilizing a descriptive qualitative approach, the study focused on a group of 26 fifth-grade students. Data was gathered through a series of pre-tests and post-tests, each containing 20 questions that assessed the students' numerical competencies. The analysis revealed the numeracy levels of these students, with the average pre-test score being 27. This score reflects the students' initial understanding of numerical concepts and skills. The post-test results showed a slight increase, with an average score of 28. These findings indicate that the numeracy skills of the students at Dharma Bakti Private Elementary School are relatively low, highlighting the need for enhanced support from both teachers and students to improve these skills.

Upaya Meningkatkan Kemampuan Kognitif Anak Dengan Mengenalkan Konsep Bilangan Melalui Kartu Angka Di TK Pembina Negeri Sungai Penuh

Of all the students at TK Pembina Negeri Sungai Penuh, only six students (37.5%) have high numeracy skills. To teach children about numbers, the author wants to learn how to make number cards. The TK Pembina Negeri play group was the research population. Kemmis and Taggart's paradigm is used in collaborative classroom action research. Qualitative and quantitative descriptive percentage approaches were included in the data analysis process. Documentation and observation are the methods used to obtain data. There were two rounds of research. includes preparation, action and observation, as well as reflection in each cycle. The research subjects were six tens female students from TK Pembina Negeri Semester I for the 2023–2024 academic year. Research findings show that, with an accuracy rate of 89.2%, children's understanding of numerical concepts is in a good range.

The use of the mentoring institute on the example of teaching economic disciplines: patterns and implementation specifics

Mentoring in higher education is a necessity and an obligatory process of transferring the experience of teaching staff to young teachers. Statistics show that the younger generation is not eager to devote themselves to teaching, sometimes because they are not aware of all aspects of the profession. The mentoring task in higher education is to involve the younger generation in a unique pedagogical process. The work is complex, requiring from the parties a creative approach and the ability to turn a young specialist in the direction of pedagogy. Everything is important in this process from understanding the financial component to recognizing the social significance of the activity. Mentoring for young teachers, graduate students, masters in teaching economic disciplines, along with the regularities of the process has its own significant features, which arise from the economic reality study specifics, as well as the presence of numerous concepts and theories that interpret this economic reality itself and on the basis of this proposing a certain state economic policy. The issue becomes relevant also because the approaches to the federal state educational standards are being transformed in Russia.

Development and validation of a measure instrument for the understanding of structural-functional correlations of the locomotor system (MUSCLS)

ABSTRACT Learning new concepts in biology is closely related to previously learned concepts. For researchers, teachers and for educational authorities, differentiated knowledge of central conceptions in a field can help to develop, teach and evaluate new learning opportunities or educational approaches. Pre-conceptions have been investigated for numerous biological concepts in recent decades. One comparatively little studied area is that of skeletal movement. This article presents the development and validation of a test on the correlation between structure and function in the movement of extremities. The test was developed for pupils between the ages of 10 and 14, since skeletal movement is primarily a topic in schools at this age. The test comprises 10 items distributed over 2 scales. Validity is confirmed by confirmatory factor analysis, by high correlation coefficients with Science/Biology marks, and by further sources of validity evidence. Investigations of correlations between the test score achieved and personal parameters (gender and grade level) do not show statistically significant correlations, which indicates the fairness of the instrument. With a test completion time of 10 minutes, the knowledge test is time-efficient. The test extends the range of available assessment instruments on biological concepts in the area of the locomotor system.

Sorogan-Based Learning to Stimulate Early Counting Skills

Beginning counting ability is an important basic ability for students to be able to answer and understand further mathematical problems, including the introduction of numbers and basic mathematical concepts. The problem discussed here is an attempt to change the conventional teaching method (lecture) at the beginning counting learning stage towards a learning approach that can better facilitate children's learning needs and create meaningful learning. This study aims to analyze the application of the Sorogan method assisted by graded student worksheets (LKS) in stimulating student’s counting skills in Calistung class. The research method used is descriptive qualitative, with a case study approach. This research was conducted involving Calistung B class students consisting of 5 children as research subjects. The research techniques used were observation, interview, and documentation. The results showed that the Sorogan method assisted by graded worksheets was able to make a positive contribution in stimulating student’s beginning counting skills. Components such as initial apperception, practice problems, discussion, and reflection applied in Sorogan learning activities play an important role in supporting the formation of deep understanding. The student-centered learning process of the Sorogan method, which prioritizes a focus on exploring aspects of individuality, supported by the use of graded worksheets, gradually helps students understand numeracy concepts, thus becoming the foundation for the continuous development of numeracy skills. This method can be an alternative for educators to improve the quality of learning early counting.

Unlocking mathematical marvels: Exploring number patterns in the Rangku Alu traditional game

Ethnomathematics, an interdisciplinary field at the intersection of cultural studies and mathematics, examines the intricate mathematical practices found within diverse cultural settings. This research focuses on Rangku Alu, a traditional game from Indonesia, to explore its embedded mathematical elements. Using a qualitative ethnographic methodology, the study uncovers the mathematical concepts within the game's cultural context. It traces the origins and cultural importance of Rangku Alu in Manggarai, East Nusa Tenggara, through combining participant observation, interviews, and literature review. The game, which prominently features bamboo, is a staple activity in harvest celebrations and serves as a way to express gratitude. During the game, players engage in synchronized movements that create rhythmic patterns and interactive sequences. The analysis reveals seven distinct numerical patterns, derived from the strikes of bamboo, jumping sequences, and player formations. These patterns include both odd and even sequences, as well as basic arithmetic operations. Rangku Alu not only entertains but also provides a unique setting for exploring numerical concepts. This study highlights the potential of integrating traditional practices like Rangku Alu into mathematics education to promote inclusivity and enhance mathematical understanding in multicultural environments.

Dynamics and energy harvesting from parametrically coupled self-excited electromechanical oscillator

The investigated parametrically coupled electromechanical structure is composed of a mechanical Duffing oscillator whose mass sits on a moving belt surface. The driving electrical network is a van der Pol oscillator whose aim is to actuate the attached DC motor to provide some rotatry unbalances and parametric coupling in the vibrating structure. The coupled oscillator is applied to energy harvesting and overcomes the limitation of low energy generation associated with a single oscillator of this kind. The system was solved analytically and validated by numerical methods. The global dynamics of the structure were investigated, and nonlinear phenomena such as Neimark–Sacker bifurcation, discontinuity-induced bifurcation, grazing–sliding, and bifurcation to multiple tori were identified. These nonlinear behaviors affect the harvested energy at bifurcation points, resulting in jumps from one energy level to another. In addition to harnessing the highest energy under hard parametric coupling, the coupling ensures that higher and more useful energy is harvested over a wider range of belt speeds. Finally, the qualitative validation of the numerical concept by experimental setup verifies the workings of the model.

Beardsley Movement in Russian Silver Age Culture

This article dwells on the phenomenon of Russian Beardsleism, which was formed by the influence of the works and personality of the English graphic artist Aubrey Beardsley on the Russian intelligentsia at the turn of the twentieth century. As the brightest representative of English aestheticism and Art Nouveau, Aubrey Beardsley became a champion of the ideas of new art for Russia. In his homeland, Aubrey Beardsley managed to usher in a real revolution in the field of illustration and book graphics, turning them into independent elements of creativity and raising the art of graphics to a completely new, unprecedently high level. No less revolutionary was the artist’s behaviour – Aubrey Beardsley turned his life into art, postulating innovative aesthetic and philosophical aspirations by his very appearance. The worth of his personality was undoubtedly comparable to the worth of his works, and one became inseparable from the other. Thus, the very image of Aubrey Beardsley became a symbol of the Art Nouveau era, containing numerous complex concepts. No wonder, therefore, that the sphere of his influence in Russia was extremely wide – not limited to the field of graphic art, it extended from new artistic methods to lifestyle and demeanor. The significance of Beardsleism in the Russian artistic life of the turn of the twentieth century is also indicated by its scope – the most prominent figures of the Silver Age, such as Sergei Diaghilev, Léon Bakst, Nikolai Feofilaktov, and the rather obscure Aleksandr Silin, Anatoly Arapov and Modest Durnov – both these and others experienced the significant influence of Aubrey Beardsley on their works and life.