Problem Situations Research Articles

Telemetry to solve dynamic analysis of a distributed system

In the modern software development world, implementing distributed solutions has become quite common due to the flexibility it brings to big companies. The downside is that when developing such systems, especially in many teams, global design problems may not be obvious and lead to a slowdown in the development process or even problems with the location of errors or degradation of overall system performance. In addition, the timely reaction to system degradation is complicated by the distributed nature of the architecture; while manually configuring rules for reporting problematic situations can be time-consuming and still incomplete, automatic detection of possible system anomalies will give engineers (especially Software Reliability Engineers) the focus on problems. For this reason, applications that can dynamically analyse the system for problems have great potential. Currently, the topic of using telemetry for system analysis is actively studied and gaining traction, so further research is valuable. The work aims to theoretically and practically prove the possibility of using telemetry to analyse a distributed information system and detect harmful architectural practices and anomalous events. To do this, firstly, a detailed overview of the problems related to the topic and the feasibility of using telemetry is provided; the next section briefly describes the history of the development of monitoring systems and the key points of the latest OpenTelemetry standard, reviews popular application performance monitoring systems, and defines innovative features to be further researched. The main part includes an explanation of the approach used to collect and process telemetry, a reasoning behind the usage of Neo4j as a data storage solution, a practical overview of graph theory algorithms that help in the analysis of the collected data, and a description outlining how the PCA algorithm is employed to detect unusual situations in the whole system instead of individual metrics. The results provide an example of using the software presented with Neo4j Bloom to visualise and analyse the data collected over several hours from the OpenTelemetry Demo test system. The last section contains additional remarks on the results of the study.

Личностные факторы профессионального выгорания у школьных учителей

<p style="text-align: justify;">The relevance. There is a lack of information in the scientific literature about predictors of professional burnout among schoolteachers. This complicates psychological work to prevent and overcome professional burnout syndrome, which is a consequence of significant physical and psychological overload among modern teachers. The aim. To identify the most significant personal factors of professional burnout among schoolteachers. Study design. The article analyzes the relationship between the professional burnout of schoolteachers and such personal factors as the professional motivation of teachers, their meaningful life orientations, strategies for coping behavior, satisfaction with various aspects of pedagogical activity. Materials and methods. The study involved 409 teachers of secondary schools in Moscow and the Moscow region aged 23 to 65 years. The following questionnaires were used: «Professional Burnout» questionnaire, «Life Orientations Test», «Job Satisfaction Components Questionnaire», «Coping Methods Questionnaire», «Professional Motivation Questionnaire». Data analysis was carried out using correlation and multiple regression analysis. Results. It is shown that the socio-psychological qualities of the individual, necessary for building the pedagogical interaction of the teacher with other participants in educational relations, primarily with the parents of students, are of high importance for reducing the risk of professional burnout. The most significant personal factors that are predictors of professional burnout among schoolteachers with different indicators of burnout have been identified (dissatisfaction with interaction with students’ parents, the predominance of controlled motivation for work, preference for unconstructive strategies for coping with problematic situations, a feeling of unfulfillment and inability to fully manage one’s life). Conclusions. Psychological, advisory and psychotherapeutic assistance to schoolteachers can be expanded by correcting work motivation, using positive reappraisal and non-confrontation to cope with difficult situations, and teaching effective means of communication with other participants in educational relations.</p>

Emotional burnout syndrome among health care workers during the COVID-19 pandemic

The COVID-19 pandemic has presented an unprecedented challenge to society. Supporting the mental health of medical personnel was a critical public health concern. Throughout the pandemic, many tragic deaths from suicide were reported. Consequently, attention to the well-being of healthcare professionals worldwide has become imperative for proper support and monitoring. The specificity of professional activity, which involves risk and situations of uncertainty, contributes to the formation of special forms of protective coping behavior in health care professionals. Nurses approach the problem situation rationally, strive to maintain control over their actions and the situation, and keep their attention on the goals of the activity. They consider the problem as a situation for personal growth, analyze the problem situation and make conscious attempts to get out of it.

Current and future development of thermal grids in Switzerland: an organizational perspective

IntroductionThermal grids are key to decarbonizing heating and cooling. However, their development is a complex socio-technical process. This study aims to (1) understand the thermal grid ecosystem’s development under changing political, economic and cultural frame conditions, (2) elicit actors’ perception of options for future development, and (3) identify concrete problem situations for the future development of thermal grids and describe how to address them.MethodsWe draw on 18 semi-structured interviews with decision-makers in utilities, municipal administrations, planning and engineering companies and intermediary organizations.ResultsWith increased strategic importance of thermal grids, the ecosystem has been in a phase of rapid growth and professionalization in the last 10–15 years. This is reflected in a rapid increase in the number of grids, but also in capability and capacity building and greater quality standards. This transformation has been supported by a resource pool (e.g., knowledge base, capacities and capabilities, networks or decision-support tools), built partly through the value network’s activities and partly through purposeful orchestration by associations, authorities, utilities and other actors. While policy developments, energy price fluctuations and changes in customer perceptions spurred demand, thermal grid development is limited by supply-side constraints, especially a skill shortage. Four interrelated problem situations were identified: (1) Municipalities lack the resources to manage the implementation of their energy strategies. (2) The modernization of thermal grids and integration of low-carbon heat sources entails high transaction costs. (3) The implementation of thermal grids is subject to delays and quality risks, with consequences for the timely achievement of decarbonization goals. (4) Customers face uncertainty on available options, as well as on the systemic impacts of their decisions.DiscussionBased on current practices, suggestions by the interviewees, as well as a comparison with the international literature, we identify four development areas to address these problem situations: (1) Empower and support municipalities. (2) Manage the scarcity of qualified workforce. (3) Leverage digital technology for the planning, realization and operation of thermal grids. (4) Pilot technological and organizational innovations together. This complements the set of previously suggested measures to support the development of thermal grids, which focused strongly on technical and regulatory aspects.

A multivariable control strategy based on fuzzy logic interference rule for a solar-driven, direct air-cooled H[formula omitted]O-LiBr absorption chiller

The operation of a solar-driven H2O-LiBr absorption chiller (AbC) is subjected to various limitations regarding its ability to satisfy efficiently the required cooling demand while avoiding certain internal conditions, such as H2O-LiBr solution crystallization and water freezing. These circumstances would lead to problematic situations and jeopardize the continuous operation of the system. Thus, the development of accurate control strategies is an issue of interest. A new operational control strategy approach is introduced and tested through simulation studies, by employing a transient model of the entire solar cooling application. A prototype under development is used for the parametrization of the direct air-cooled AbC model used in the simulations. The developed control strategy aims to minimize the electrical consumption of the auxiliary components of the AbC (i.e., fan, pumps) during the partial load operation period, by using a fuzzy logic interference rule for determining the cooling capacity demand and then applying an optimization algorithm for determining the velocity of the auxiliary components. Within the proposed control strategy, a fast-calculation model is embedded, which predicts the chiller’s capacity under variable external conditions and partial load operation. The electrical COP is increased about 2.2 times with respect to a baseline case, based on a basic two-step control strategy, while allowing the chiller to operate smoother, minimizing the crystallization and freezing risk.

Examining the Empathy factors in Science Class (EfSC) Between Early and Late Adolescents

Objectives This study aims to validate the Empathy factors in Science Class (EfSC; Chun et al., 2018) as a measure for scientific empathy in early and late adolescents. Methods The instrument consists of scientific empathy with others and empathy with the problem situation. To achieve this objective, a survey was conducted on 215 middle school students (early adolescents) and 473 high school students (late adolescents). Confirmatory factor analysis and multi-group analysis were employed to validate the instrument. Additionally, domain-general aspects of EfSC were explored by correlating empathetic factors with the Interpersonal Reactivity Index (IRI; Davis, 1980) and scientific inquiry ability with the Test of Science Process Skills (TSPS: Kwon & Kim, 1994). Results The results revealed a high correlation between most factors of EfSC and IRI, indicating convergent validity. However, a relatively low correlation was observed with TSPS, suggesting a domain-specific nature of EfSC. Analysis of group features based on age and gender showed that factors related to empathy with others were influenced by age and gender, while factors related to empathy with problem situations were influenced by the interaction of age and gender. Further exploration indicated that females and high school students exhibited superior abilities in empathizing with others. In contrast, males, especially high school students, demonstrated higher abilities in empathy with problem situations. An analysis of variance (ANOVA) supported these findings. Conclusions This study contributes to the ongoing discourse on whether EfSC is a suitable instrument for assessing scientific empathy across the adolescence span. The nuanced differences observed in empathy factors based on age and gender underscore the importance of considering developmental and gender-related variations in assessing scientific empathy.

2022 개정 교육과정 중학교 기술․가정과 ‘구조물과 건설’ 핵심개념에서 빛 환경 설계를 활용한 지속가능한 건설기술 체험활동 과제 개발

The purpose of this study is to help middle school students understand the concept and practical use of sustainable construction technology by developing hands-on activities using light environment design for‘Structures and Construction’core concept in the 2022 revised curriculum for middle school technology and home economics. In this study, research was conducted in five stages: analysis, design, development, implementation, and evaluation. The main research results of this study are as follows. First, by analyzing the 2022 revised curriculum, previous research, and curriculum, a class curriculum plan for the 8th session, teaching materials for teachers, learning materials for students, and grading rubrics were developed. Second, the hands-on activity applied a light environment design that minimizes the use of artificial lighting and efficiently utilizes natural light, and designed, produced, and evaluated architectural models including light shelves and skylights. Third, as a result of an expert feasibility review, all items including level, time, goal, interest, and problem situation were valid. Fourth, as a result of applying the hands-on activities in class, students were interested in the topic and there was a positive response in that light environment design can be a practical method for sustainable development.

Psychosocial action as praxis in psychology: Insights from professional practices

Introduction: In recent decades psychology has transcended the ways of understanding human, so that contextual interpretation and analysis is carried out from a psychosocial perspective, which can be evidenced at the formative level in the development ofprofessional practices. Objective: To understand the perceptions of students and graduate psychologists around psychosocial action and praxis from the context of practices at the Universidad Nacional Abierta y a Distancia (UNAD). Methodology: Descriptive qualitative study, in which 32 people selected through a non-probabilistic sampling by convenience participated. The semi-structured interview and the focus group were used. The information processing was carried out through thematic analysis. Results: Psychosocial action is evidenced as an approach perspective characterized by interaction and the ability to transform a problematic situation where the professional exercises a horizontal role privileging subjective and collective knowledge, defined by the implementation of alternative methodologies that entail a reflexive character.Conclusions: Psychosocial action as an interactional and transformational process enables an expansion of perspectives and imaginary conceptions on practice beyond the clinical-private sphere.

Формирование экологических знаний младших школьников на основе УМК «Байкальский сундучок»

In this article, the authors present the experience of developing environmental knowledge of junior schoolchil-dren using the example of the educational-methodological set “Baikal Chest”. The formation of environmental knowledge is relevant because we live on the coast of one of the unique natural sites of our country – Lake Baikal, which is the deepest and oldest body of water on planet Earth. Pedagogical conditions that increase the efficiency of this process are identified and justified. According to the authors, the most significant and effective pedagogical condition ns for the formation of environmental knowledge in primary schoolchildren are the use of interactive technologies, such as creative tasks, project activities, ICT-technologies, and problem situations. The article presents examples of tasks from the “Baikal Chest” educational complex, which, from the authors’ point of view, most effectively demonstrate the implementation of the ethno-regional component in the educa-tional process of elementary school, as well as form ecological knowledge of younger schoolchildren.

Building project resilience: A critical systems practice approach

AbstractConsisting of multifaceted interactions between various human and non‐human actors, projects are prime illustrations of complex systems. Such complexity amplifies the negative effect of disruptive events—common in projects owing to their high level of uncertainty. Therefore, building project resilience to provide a quick recovery process with minimal adverse consequences is of critical importance. However, literature lacks an effective framework for such. This paper argues that methodological pluralism is necessary for solving complex practical problem situations, based on the view of Mike C. Jackson—a seminal figure in the field of systems thinking. Accordingly, this paper takes a critical systems practice (CSP) approach to develop a framework for building resilience in projects. The application of the proposed framework is illustrated through a case of supply shortages in the automotive industry. The results underscore the significance of portraying a comprehensive view of both human and non‐human contributors to projects, surpassing conventional project‐driven management methods, which rely on science and experimentation. Additionally, the study emphasises how CSP, as an ideal type of multimethodological practice, broadens our perspective by offering insights into the multidimensional characteristics of resilience.

A Multimethodological Approach to Assist the Design of Systemic Governance in Agroextractivist Settlement Projects in the Brazilian Amazon Landscape.

Coping with complex landscape situations in the Anthropocene increasingly demands innovative governance practices that can be facilitated by investment in new epistemological and methodological approaches and capacities. This paper explores the use of a multimethodological research approach organized as a systemic co-inquiry to assist in the design of systemic governance for Agroextractivist Settlement Projects (PAEs) in the municipality of Abaetetuba, Pará, in the Brazilian Amazon. In the PAEs, the systemic co-inquiry was conducted alongside interested and influential stakeholders through the combined use of the Soft Systems Methodology and Strategic Options Development and Analysis problem structuring methods. The use of these methods and their tools allowed stakeholders to articulate major issues around the situation of concern, engaging in reflective practices about the opportunities of governing the PAEs systemically. By valuing stakeholder perspectives and participation in all phases of the research, the proposed multimethodology approach helped them express their views on the problem situation and allowed for their active engagement in the design of systemic governance of the PAEs. As a result of adopting a multimethodological approach, distinctive albeit coupled realms of governing are explored, a key issue when designing systemic governance practices of social-ecological systems such as the PAEs.

Duyu Bütünleme Sistemleri ile Eğitim İlişkisinde Fizyolojik Fonksiyonların İncelenmesi

The aim of this study is to investigate the physiological functions in the relationship between sensory integration systems and education. The sensory integration system states that the sensory integration process is necessary for the sensory-motor development of an individual because the individual's interaction with those around him is effective at the developmental stages of the brain, which is open to innovation. In recent studies, it has been shown that sensory integration systems are effective for individuals who need both normal and special education. It is stated that it is important to focus on providing educational interventions for parents and teachers through training and coaching methods. When we look at the studies in the literature, it can be said that sensory integration studies and interventions have gained momentum in our country in recent years. It is important to identify children's sensory difficulties with early diagnosis and early intervention to support development and to learn sensory strategies as soon as possible. Because there is no awareness of sensory integration problems, these problems are treated as problem behavior and behavior modification methods are applied for solution. Since the cause of the problem cannot be determined correctly, the problem situation does not disappear, which prevents the efficient execution of the educational process. Key Words: Sensory Integration, Education, Physiological Functions

Institutional and Teaching Practices for Student Retention: Accounts from Four High Schools of Valparaíso, Chile

<p style="text-align: justify;">Although central governments, particularly in Latin America and the Caribbean, have defined reducing school dropout rates as a priority, and drawn policies accordingly, there are still young people who do not finish secondary education, and numbers are still alarming. Therefore, it is necessary to observe educational communities and analyze how they interpret and implement guidelines issued by the central government. The following study sought to describe the institutional and teaching practices deployed by four high schools in Valparaíso (Chile) in order to achieve student retention. A qualitative approach was employed. The management team, support professionals, teachers, students, and their families were interviewed. The information gathered was analyzed using the Grounded Theory. As a main finding, establishments use practices such as monitoring attendance, providing support to students facing problematic situations, and encouraging them during class, through a series of strategies. It is recommended that researchers implement this type of methodology for other study objectives, and that the central government consider these results to provide feedback on its policies.</p>

Improving Technologies for Developing Personnel Solutions

Relevance. Modern socio-economic conditions actualize the improvement of technologies for developing personnel solutions as the basis for successful personnel management. An effective management decision acts as a resource for the development of the organization, personnel and each employee. The article explores the relationship between the concepts of personnel management, modern trends in personnel management and technologies for developing personnel solutions. The work examines the main HR trends and their impact on the technology of personnel decisions, analyzes the process of making personnel decisions in pearl organizations, and proposes the structuring of personnel decisions based on the results of diagnosing problem situations and recommended methods of decision-making.The purpose of the study is to identify directions for the development of technologies for developing personnel solutions in the personnel management system of a modern organization.Objectives: explore the relationship between modern concepts of personnel management, HR trends and technologies of personnel solutions; based on the diagnosis of problem situations in personnel management, structure management decisions and propose appropriate methods for their development, adoption and implementation; apply the method of analyzing hierarchies in the process of developing a personnel decision for the objective selection of a candidate for a vacant position to form the labor potential of an industrial enterprise.Methodology. During the research, general scientific methods of analysis and synthesis, the method of system analysis, expert assessment, the method of analyzing hierarchies.Results. Problematic situations in personnel management are diagnosed as the basis for structuring personnel decisions; in accordance with the results of diagnosis and structuring adequate decision-making methods are recommended. The method of hierarchy analysis is used as a method for effectively selecting alternatives in the conditions of selection, selection and hiring of engineering and technical personnel of an industrial enterprise.Conclusions. It is advisable to substantiate the directions for improving technologies for developing personnel solutions based on an assessment of the relationship with modern concepts and trends in personnel management, based on the results of a study of the characteristics of personnel management in various types of organizations, according to the structuring of problem situations in human resource management.

The use of designed E-book to improve a concept understanding and practical skill on a mammography machine quality control among radiological technologist students

The fashion in education increasingly integrates technology as learning supporting tool. For undergraduate radiological technologist (RT) students, the concept understanding and practical skills in their professional field have a significant impact on their success. Quality control (QC) of mammography machine is one of the professional responsibilities. A problematic situation in traditional learning process is the lack of devices and the primarily used lecture-style. This makes studying outside classroom and frequent practice more challenging. The purpose of this study was to determine the effectiveness of the developed e-book in RT students about the concept understanding and practical skills of the mammography machine QC, compared with conventional methods. One-hundred and fifteen students were participants, whom were randomized into two groups. The experimental group was able to access the e-book for self-learning, while the control group received only the conventional class on the same topic. The five-scale questionnaires were used to assess student’s satisfaction. A strong increase in the test-scores of the experimental students indicated their in-depth knowledge and better performance in practical and evaluation skills. The experimental group performed better than the control group, with a statistically significant difference at p<0.00001. It also found that the majority of the students agreed that the e-book media was an excellent choice for their self-learning and training. So, it can be concluded that the e-book learning media has a positive influence to students – as a low cost, easily accessible and attractive supporting tool to provide students with the better opportunities for learning and skills-training.

Жизненные сценарии и биографические нарративы: сравнительный анализ концептуальных моделей

<p style="text-align: justify;"><strong>Objective </strong>of the research was to determine the criteria for differences in actual theoretical scenario models for the interpretation of "typical" and problematic situations that can be represented in biographical narratives.<br><strong>Background. </strong>In the “personality – group – society” system, individual and cultural life scenarios, formed and supported by families, educational systems and media as socialization institutions, participate in the intergenerational conveyance of values, in the processes of assimilation and reproduction of the norms of social and role behavior, in the construction of a system of identities, active and passive life philosophies. A subject’s established ideas and habitual strategies for interacting with other people are being destroyed in social situations of uncertainty, related as well to the Coronavirus pandemic and paramilitary confrontation in different countries. Consequently, the status of scenarios as dispositional predictors of subjective perception and understanding of oneself and others becomes debatable in social psychology under the conditions of conflict “crossing” of life contexts. <br><strong>Methodology. </strong>Structural and functional analysis of conceptual models that reflect the characteristics of individual and cultural life scenarios. <br><strong>Conclusions. </strong>Theoretical and methodological approaches to the concept of “scenario” differ in the attribution of stability-dynamism, as well as the ratio of individual specificity and social conditionality of the scenario.</p>

«Проблемные ситуации»: апробация в качестве судебно-психиатрического метода исследования при изменении гражданско-правового статуса

<p style="text-align: justify;">As part of solving the task of developing methods to improve the quality and evidence of forensic psychiatric decisions, in a comparative non-randomized study the “Problem Situations” methodology was tested as a method of forensic psychiatric assessment in civil cases on applications for change civil legal status. The sample consisted of 67 subjects who underwent inpatient forensic psychiatric examination in connection with the decision on the issue of changing their civil status in 2021—2022. A conclusion corresponding to legal capacity was given in relation to 12 people; diminished legal capacity - 24 people; incapacity — 31 people. Pairwise group comparisons using Pearson’s goodness-of-fit test (Chi-square) and biclustering procedures confirmed the predictive validity of the method.</p>

Study on the Reform of Hybrid Teaching of Tax Analysis and Management Based on OBE and PBL Teaching Models

 In order to cultivate application-oriented talents, actively promote the teaching reform of vocational education of tax association, innovate the teaching reform mode, introduce the OBE education concept and PBL teaching mode in the course teaching, start from the learning outcome, focus on the outcome and problem-oriented, focus on the specific problem situation, integrate the problem situation into the specific teaching content, and cultivate the students to master the skills of solving the actual problems. This study is based on the OBE concept, the reconstruction of higher vocational tax analysis and management courses, combined with the PBL problem-oriented teaching mode for the implementation of the course, the implementation of the effect of the analysis of the summary, adhere to the integration of science and practice, to the goal of job competency, to deepen the change of teaching into a driving force to the center of the student cultivation, construction of the talent training system in line with the needs of the new era, to provide a reference value for the application of the OBE + PBL teaching mode in the higher vocational course. It provides reference value for the application research of OBE+PBL teaching mode in higher vocational courses.

Cognitive flexibility and depression: The moderator roles of humor styles

AbstractHumor style, which involves both adaptive and maladaptive forms, refers to the ways people use humor in daily life. Maladaptive humor styles (self-defeating and aggressive) can be risk factors for various mental disorders, including depression and anxiety. In contrast, adaptive humor styles (affiliative and self-enhancing) are perceived as resilience factors and buffer the negative impact of other risk factors. Cognitive flexibility reflects a capacity to come up with alternative interpretations and resolutions to demanding situations while perceiving them as controllable. Although the connection of high cognitive flexibility with low depression levels has been consistently documented, its interaction with trait-like factors received limited attention. The current study aims to explore the moderator role of humor styles in the association of cognitive flexibility with depression. Data were gathered from 436 (320 women) participants aged 18 and 70 (M = 35.4, SD = 9.18) through scales assessing humor styles, cognitive flexibility, and depression. The results revealed that the interaction of affiliative humor style with cognitive flexibility was significantly linked to the individual differences in depression levels, highlighting that affiliative humor is functional if individuals have difficulty approaching problematic situations from different angles. However, a similar pattern was not observed for other humor styles.

METHOD OF CREATING A MINIMAL SPANNING TREE ON AN ARBITRARY SUBSET OF VERTICES OF A WEIGHTED UNDIRECTED GRAPH

Context. The relevance of the article is determined by the need for further development of models for optimal restoration of the connectivity of network objects that have undergone fragmentation due to emergency situations of various origins. The method proposed in this article solves the problematic situation of minimizing the amount of restoration work (total financial costs) when promptly restoring the connectivity of a selected subset of elements of a network object after its fragmentation.
 The purpose of the study is to develop a method for creating a minimal spanning tree on an arbitrary subset of vertices of a weighted undirected graph to minimize the amount of restoration work and/or total financial costs when promptly restoring the connectivity of elements that have a higher level of importance in the structure of a fragmented network object.
 Method. The developed method is based on the idea of searching for local minima in the structure of a model undirected graph using graph vertices that are not included in the list of base vertices to be united by a minimal spanning tree. When searching for local minima, the concept of an equilateral triangle and a radial structure in such a triangle is used. In this case, there are four types of substructures that provide local minima: first, those with one common base vertex; second, those with two common base vertices; third, those with three common base vertices; fourth, those without common base vertices, located in different parts of the model graph. Those vertices that are not included in the list of basic ones, but through which local minima are ensured, are added to the basic ones. Other vertices (non-basic) along with their incident edges are removed from the structure of the model graph. Then, using one of the well-known methods of forming spanning trees, a minimal spanning tree is formed on the structure obtained in this way, which combines the set of base vertices.
 Results. 1) A method for creating a minimal spanning tree on an arbitrary subset of vertices of a weighted undirected graph has been developed. 2) A set of criteria for determining local minima in the structure of the model graph is proposed. 3) The method has been verified on test problems.
 Conclusions. The theoretical studies and several experiments confirm the efficiency of the developed method. The solutions developed using the developed method are accurate, which makes it possible to recommend it for practical use in determining strategies for restoring the connectivity of fragmented network objects.