Professional Adaptation Research Articles

A set of pedagogical conditions for the professional adaptation of future officers to the specifics of service in special forces units of the National Guard of Russia

Introduction. The relevance of the article is due to the problem of choosing pedagogical conditions that contribute to the effective adaptation of future officers to the specifics of service in the special forces units of the National Guard of Russia.Purpose setting. The purposes of the study are to analyze the concept of «pedagogical condition», to define it, to create the algorithm for obtaining a set of pedagogical conditions that contribute to the effective adaptation of future officers to the specifics of service in the special forces units of the National Guard of Russia.Methodology and methods of the study. The study includes a review of bibliographic and normative sources on the problem of identifying pedagogical conditions that contribute to the pedagogical adaptation of future officers to the specifics of service in the special forces units of the National Guard of Russia.Results. Three groups of pedagogical conditions for the professional adaptation of future officers to the specifics of service in units of the special forces of the National Guard of Russia have been identified: «Planning and organizational», which includes taking into account in the educational activities of the Faculty of the special forces of the Military institute technologies for the professional adaptation of future officers to the specifics of service in the special forces units of the National Guard of Russia; and the use of the educational and methodological cluster of professional adaptation at the Faculty of special forces; «Motivational and analytical», which includes support for the positive motivation of future officers to serve in the special forces units of the Russian National Guard Troops and psychological and pedagogical support for future officers in overcoming the difficulties of professional adaptation to the specifics of service in the special forces units of the Russian National Guard Troops; «Control and regulation», including the study of the experience of the service of officers who participated in the resolution of local conflicts and a stage-by-stage assessment by future officers of the level of functional (workable) state they have reached; level of discipline and organization; effectiveness in mastering the basics of military professional activity.Conclusion. In the final part of the work, it is said that the research problem is of a practice-oriented nature, it allows us to show that the use of the algorithm of management functions made it possible to substantiate and formulate the pedagogical conditions for the professional adaptation of future officers to the specifics of service in special forces units. Using of them in a military institute increases the efficiency of the technology of professional orientation of future officers to the specifics of service in the special forces units of the National Guard of Russia.

A Study of the Effects of a Diet with Functional Foods on the Adaptogenicity of First-Year Students to the Student Lifestyle

Background: The period of rapid transition from school to university is associated with a complex of negative stress factors caused by social and professional adaptation, irregular daily routine, sleep, and nutrition. During this period, the inclusion of functional foods in students’ diets has an increasingly beneficial effect on their health. This study aimed to evaluate the impact of diets with functional foods (vegetable and protein–vegetable) on health indicators while minimizing the negative impact of adaptation and acclimatization on the body of first-year university students at the start of their studies. Materials and Methods: A total of 150 first-year students were randomly selected. Biochemical tests, enzyme immunoassays, and analyses of serum immunoglobulin levels and mineral and vitamin content in first-year students’ blood were performed. Results and discussion: Protein–vegetable products are more potent compared to plant-based ones in increasing the body’s natural resistance to all types of stress due to their high protein content. The other functional product had a higher content of carbohydrates. In addition, they differed in the content of minerals and vitamins. Conclusions: The importance of a rational diet increases exponentially during the period of adaptation and acclimatization when the emotional, mental, and physical workload increases.

"Virtual" human capital and professional adaptation of young people

The subject of the study is the process of reproduction of human capital and consumer choice of young people. The object of the study is the human capital system, taking into account the consumer choices of young people. The authors study in detail such aspects of the topic as the differentiation of employment among young people, the social and labor values of youth in the conditions of consumer society and exposure as a system of expectations and requirements imposed on the individual regarding the norms of her social roles. Special attention is paid to the analysis of official statistics describing youth employment as a social group. Attention is drawn to the interest of young people in new technologies that provide a full production cycle, which meets the expectations of this age group of human capital. The main conclusions of the study are: - the active phase of the formation of the labor market of young professionals involves ensuring a balanced supply and demand. Of particular importance are measures to coordinate the volume and structure of training specialists with the needs of the labor market. This is achieved by streamlining information about available vacancies, as well as encouraging employers to create additional jobs for young people; - as part of the change in the employment structure, it is planned to create new types of youth employment. At the same time, one of the key areas of the state's activity is seen in stimulating the development of entrepreneurial activity among young people, credit benefits, and deepening institutional reforms. A special contribution of the author to the research of the topic is to determine the directions that correspond to the expectations of youth as the most active resource of human capital. The novelty of the research lies in the concretization of the process of human capital formation in Russian society, taking into account the professional adaptation of young people.

Демократизация управления персоналом как фактор развития творческой активности работников

The basic approaches of analysis are identified, generalized definitions are developed, and the essence of the personnel management democratization process is clarified. Based on the authors' interviews of 12 expert managers (2022) the relationship between the democratization process of personnel management and the development of creative activity of employees is revealed. It is proved that democratization of management of the personnel is a process of introduction of democratic principles and norms in a control system of the personnel, formation of innovative culture, transfer of a part of traditional functions of management to direct structural divisions, social and labor groups, separate workers of organization. The authors propose to differentiate the objectives of democratization of management processes at the level of individual structural subdivisions, social professional groups of the organization: 1) implementation of the process of transferring management functions in relation to the set tactical work tasks; 2) ensuring relative social justice, optimization of professional adaptability; 3) motivation of rationalization proposals and innovative implementations; 4) formation of the mechanism of partnership interaction on the problems of creative innovations and rationalization proposals; 5) target design of educational, scientific, innovative self-management activities of professional teams. It was proved that management design of innovative organizational culture reflects not only the process of planned, purposeful formation of innovative values, norms, traditions and principles of both the organization as a whole and individual social professional groups, but also the achievement of democratic management transformation, regulation and resolution of labor conflicts, labor adaptation of organization members. In conditions of growing uncertainty of external and internal environment, managerial democracy should have specific manifestations in individual units and professional groups of the organisation.

Reforming China's Secondary Vocational Medical Education: Adapting to the Challenges and Opportunities of the AI Era.

China's secondary vocational medical education is essential for training primary health care personnel and enhancing public health responses. This education system currently faces challenges, primarily due to its emphasis on knowledge acquisition that overshadows the development and application of skills, especially in the context of emerging artificial intelligence (AI) technologies. This article delves into the impact of AI on medical practices and uses this analysis to suggest reforms for the vocational medical education system in China. AI is found to significantly enhance diagnostic capabilities, therapeutic decision-making, and patient management. However, it also brings about concerns such as potential job losses and necessitates the adaptation of medical professionals to new technologies. Proposed reforms include a greater focus on critical thinking, hands-on experiences, skill development, medical ethics, and integrating humanities and AI into the curriculum. These reforms require ongoing evaluation and sustained research to effectively prepare medical students for future challenges in the field.

“I’m 'just' a community pediatrician” views and challenges of pediatricians working in the community in Israel

BackgroundThere are ongoing changes around the world in the training and practice of pediatricians who work in the community. These changes are driven by the understanding that pediatricians are required to provide not only acute primary care but also to address more comprehensive concerns, particularly the ‘new morbidities’. The present study examines the professional identity of Israeli pediatricians in the community in light of these changes, the barriers and challenges to their work and professional adaptations in the field.MethodsWe used a mixed-methods approach, collecting the perspectives of 137 pediatricians who work in the community through an anonymous online survey, followed by in-depth semi-structured interviews with 11 community pediatricians.ResultsThe survey results show that community pediatricians in Israel have limited knowledge on a variety of developmental, behavioral and emotional issues; that they lack working relationships with medical or other professionals; and are rarely engaged with other community services. Three main themes arose from the interviews that support and deepen the survey results: perceptions of the profession (pediatrics in the community vs. community pediatrics), the stature of pediatricians in the community (during residency, the choice to work in the community, their daily work) and barriers and change in community pediatrics (isolation, limited resources and challenges arising from the nature of community work).ConclusionsThe present study sheds light on the professional identity and the day-to-day challenges and successes of pediatricians working in the community. Continuing medical education, providing a supportive framework and professional community, better resources, more time with patients, and tools and opportunities for professional development would help pediatricians who work in the community to overcome some of these challenges. The research findings reinforce the need for policy change in the field of community pediatrics with a specific community training curriculum, provision of more resources and ongoing support for pediatricians. This requires partnership between the HMOs, the Ministry of Health, the Scientific Council (Israel Medical Association, professional organizations) and NGOs in order to turn individual-level solutions into system-level and policy-changing solutions.

Professional Adaptation Experiences of Chinese Migrant Nurses in Australia: A Qualitative Study.

Chinese-educated nurses are increasingly important to the international labor market. This study aimed to examine how Chinese migrant nurses adapt and evolve professionally while pursuing nursing careers in Australia, using a qualitative descriptive approach. A total of 17 Chinese-educated nurses were recruited by purposive and snowball sampling in Australia during 2017. Data were collected by individual semi-structured interviews and analyzed using thematic analysis. Three central themes and eight subthemes were generated. Perceived differences in nursing involved: work options and flexibility, professional autonomy and independence, and freedom of expressing professional opinions. Elements comprising challenges to adaptation included communication barriers, nursing workload and responsibilities, and collegial relationships. Participants' professional transition journeys were accompanied by two key areas of self-evolution: Embracing the authentic self and embracing individual differences. Our findings have important implications for migrant-host nursing workforce integration in Australia and internationally.

COMPREHENSIVE ASSESSMENT OF PSYCHOPHYSIOLOGICAL FACTORS IN THE PROFESSIONAL ADAPTATION OF CADET-GRADUATES TO MILITARY SERVICE

The article provides a comprehensive assessment of the psychophysiological factors affecting the professional adaptation of cadets. It emphasizes that professional development entails the formation of professional orientation, competence, socially significant and professionally important qualities, their integration, readiness for continuous professional growth, and the search for optimal methods to perform activities of high quality and creativity in accordance with individual psychological characteristics. Various approaches to specialist development have been examined by researchers and practitioners, including professional self-determination, stages of specialization, development of professionally important qualities, motivation in work activities, and the fundamentals of labor activity. The main theories that unify these approaches are the theory of types of professional life (structural concepts), motivational theories, and theories of individuality. The study highlights that the adaptation process is influenced by personal factors such as stress resistance, personality type, and emotional perception. The research utilized data obtained through a rhythmograph system, which monitors ECG signals and heart rate variability in the first standard lead, allowing for statistical time and spectral analysis of heart rate. In the initial stage, the assessment of nonverbal and general intelligence development levels was analyzed using the "Color Progressive Matrices" test by J. C. Raven. In the subsequent stage, the correlation between intelligence level and LF norm, HF norm, and LnLF/HF under load was determined. Finally, the adaptability level of the respondents to modern functioning conditions was assessed using the multi-level personality questionnaire "Adaptability" by A. Maklakov and S. Chermianin. The obtained data indicate an inverse proportional relationship between these indicators: "high stress - low adaptability" and vice versa. The article also highlights the significance of nervous-psychic tension, in addition to stress, as an unfavorable factor affecting performance. It lists the main causes contributing to the development of nervous-psychic tension. Furthermore, the works of M. Agadzhanyan, V. Kaznacheev, and S. Kaznacheev identify three qualitatively different types of adaptive human response: "sprinter," "stayer," and "intermediate" types (based on the criterion of time to perform submaximal work). To enhance adaptive abilities, the article proposes the utilization of the bioactivation optimization technique, which effectively enhances a person's psychophysiological functions and meets the requirements for psychophysiological support in military professional activities.

A blueprint for strengthening climate and health literacy through professional adaptability.

Responding effectively to intensifying climate change hazards to protect human health in personal and professional settings is an urgent and pressing challenge. This will require collaboration and subject matter expertise of people across the life course and occupations. In this perspective piece, we build on a previously published compilation of climate and health literacy elements to explore tangible opportunities to strengthen climate and health understanding among individuals spanning educational levels, professional settings, and societal needs. Educational materials addressing climate change and health linkages have historically focused on K-12, college, post-graduate education, and continuing medical education, with less attention devoted to reaching students in trade schools and other professional settings. Here, we outline a flexible blueprint for strengthening climate and health literacy among all people by targeting education in a way that is relevant for each age group or profession. In particular, we discuss the idea of professional adaptability as a way to design practical climate and health training for people currently in the workforce.

The Attitudes of the Students of Jizzakh Polytechnic Institute to Production Practice (In Terms of the Results of Social Research)

The purpose of the article is to study the process of professional adaptation of students of technical higher education institutions based on the results of social surveys, as well as to analyze the importance of integration of higher education institutions and manufacturing enterprises in training qualified professionals. Based on social research, the level of satisfaction of students with workplace training, which affects the assessment of the quality of teaching in higher education, the attitude of students to their specialization, and future career success during the internship, was determined. Information on self￾assessment of students’ readiness for practice is provided. Criteria for its successful completion have been developed.

Assessment of risk susceptibility score in future rescue technicians

The relevance of the paper is due to the growing need for qualified personnel in rescue teams qualified to effectively fulfill their professional duties, as well as due to modern trends to upgrade the system of secondary vocational education, which is bound to affect the training of future rescue technicians.The objective is to assess the risk preparedness among college students specializing in Emergency Protection within different courses of study.Methods. Individual risk preparedness assessment was carried out among 1st to 4th year college students utilizing the method by G. Schubert.Results and discussion. As a result of the study, significant difference in risk preparedness score was identified between 1st and 4th year students: 1st year students are less inclined to take risks compared to their 4th year fellows.Conclusion. Enrollment of new recruits requires that educational organizations exercise professional discretion and provide medical counseling throughout professional training across various disciplines to ensure that future rescuers successfully undergo professional adaptation, acquiring appropriate models of behavior and psychological risk preparedness from as early as their 1st academic year.

THE MAIN PEDAGOGICAL REQUIREMENTS AND CRITERIA FOR ORGANIZING TRAINING FOR THE DEVELOPMENT OF PUPILS' PROFESSIONAL COMPETENCE USING MULTIMEDIA ELECTRONIC EDUCATIONAL RESOURCES

In the conditions of modern development of education, the training of pupils with the skills and abilities of socio-psychological and professional adaptation in a rapidly changing world comes to the fore. Education becomes not only a means for the most adequate reflection of the requirements of a market economy and a new society, but also a way to achieve, form the creative, spiritual needs of the individual. Changing the foundations of education is accompanied by a global process of reorientation of the result of education. Therefore, the article presents the investigation of the pedagogical requirements and criteria for the organization of training in the development of professional competence of pupils with the usage of multimedia electronic educational resources. The result of the research depicts that multimedia electronic educational resources are valuable source in improving pupils' professional competence. In addition, the presented requirements and criteria are beneficial in organizing training in the development of professional competence of pupils for multimedia electronic educational resources.

The analysis of readiness of young specialists to self-dependent work in primary health care section

At the present time, about 20% of graduates of medical universities after initial accreditation are employed as district physicians. The purpose of the study was to investigate readiness of graduates of medical university to work as district physicians after primary accreditation. The analysis was based on results of sociological survey of immediate supervisors of graduates. The interviewed heads of departments assess as relatively low level of practical training of graduates (3.8 points out of 5) and their readiness to independent work as district physicians (41.2%). The scarcity of implementation of the most effective measures for professional adaptation of novice district physicians, including paid mentoring (5.0%) and internship (1.7%) is established too. According to survey results, for training of district physicians, the most appropriate is to revive such previous forms of training in national system of higher medical education as internship (21.2%) and subordination (50.6%).

MANIFESTATIONS OF RESILIENCE IN MEDICAL RESIDENTS AS A FACTOR OF PROFESSIONAL ADAPTATION

The article reveals the manifestations of hardiness in medical residents as a factor of the professional adaptation. Medical workers are a risk group in terms of emotional burnout and other emotional disorders, since they directly interact with patients’ various somatic profiles, as well as a high professional responsibility. The formation and strengthening of resilience in medical personnel is an important task, since resilience is a psychological factor that enables people to successfully cope with stressful situations and reduces internal tension. The study was conducted by clinical psychologists at the Astrakhan State Medical University Astrakhan, Russia) in October 2022. It included clinical residents of the specialties Obstetrics and Gynecology (30 people) and Surgery (28 people). Our study has found that young medical residents have rather high levels of hardiness. This may be attributed to the age of the respondents, since they are at the first stages of their professional activities. A high indicator of "Engagement" was recorded for clinical residents, reflecting their determination and resilience. However, indicators of hardiness and satisfaction in the specialty "Obstetrics and Gynecology" were significantly lower than in the specialty "Surgery". On the basis of the study, a program of psychological support was developed facilitating stress prevention and formation of coping resources and self-regulation in young professionals.

Professional adaptation of university students in the changing world of professions

Introduction. The relevance of the problem of the article is determined by the need to improve approaches to the professional adaptation of university students in the conditions of rapid changes in the world of work and professions. The subject of the study is various forms of professional adaptation of students.Aim. The present research aims to identify the forms of university students’ professional adaptation, which have the greatest potential for adapting students to the future profession. The hypothesis of the study was the assumption that one of the new and effective forms of professional adaptation of students at the university can be their project activities.Methodology and research methods. The research methodology was mainly based on the community-based and activity-based approaches. The empirical basis of the article is the results of the research on the adaptation of students in Russian universities (2022 May–June). The conducted research was implemented using the methods of online survey, focus group, semi-formalised interview.Results. The main results of the study are the following: characteristics of the forms of professional adaptation of students at the university, the assessment of its main background factors, as well as the development by students of the norms of the academic environment as a predictor of mastering work and professional ethics, the problems of implementing project activities as a new form of adaptation to the profession. The scope of application of the research results is the practice of university project training and the development of programmes for professional students’ adaptation.In conclusion, project-based learning is considered as one of the most promising forms of students’ professional adaptation, the potential of which is not fully used. An important conclusion of the authors is that there is the need to focus student projects on an external customer in order to create a situation of students’ real immersion in the professional environment.Scientific novelty. The authors considered new forms of professional adaptation of students at the university and justified the significance of the revealed adaptation forms.Practical significance. The practical significance of the article is the possibility of using the results and conclusions of the study in the elaboration of university adaptation programmes for students and the improvement of their professional adaptation practices.

Visual-Motor Reaction Parameters as Indicators of Fatigue in Emergency Medical Personnel

Introduction: Factors of the work environment affect the functional state of the central nervous system of employees, which is manifested by changes in sensorimotor reactions. Professional tasks of emergency medical personnel during the COVID-19 pandemic determine high requirements for the stability of functional systems of the body. Objective: To study the influence of professional activities on the mobility of central nervous processes in ambulance workers. Materials and methods: The study was conducted at the Ryazan City Clinical Emergency Hospital in 2021. It included 44 ambulance workers (12 doctors and 32 paramedics), 12 men and 32 women with the mean age of 35.77 ± 3.39 years, working a 24-hour shift followed by 72 hours off. We studied parameters of the complex visual-motor reaction of the subjects including the average response times and the Whipple’s index using the “NS-Psychotest” computer complex equipped with the visual-motor analyzer. The data were analyzed using the Data Analysis ToolPak in Microsoft Excel 2007. Results: The established statistically significant increase in the average response time of ambulance employees by 60.75 ms (p < 0.001) by the end of the work shift indicates changes in the functional state of the central nervous system caused by fatigue. The analysis of the dynamics of indicators between the beginnings of neighboring shifts revealed positive trends expressed by an average decrease in the response time by 77.67 ms (p = 0.002) and an increase in the Whipple’s index by 0.07 (p < 0.0001) in most subjects after the regulated rest period, thus indicating the effectiveness of the processes of functional restoration of the central nervous system. Conclusions: By the end of the work shift, ambulance workers demonstrated increased average visual-motor reaction times. Age under 30 and 0–5-year work experience are risk factors for poor professional adaptation proven by a high proportion of the subjects with a statistical increase in the average reaction time during the work shift. Stabilization of the dynamics of inter-shift indicators when compared at the beginning of adjacent shifts indicates proper functional restoration of the central nervous system of emergency medical personnel during the 72-hour rest period.

PEDAGOGICAL TECHNOLOGIES FOR THE DEVELOPMENT OF EMOTIONAL AND VOLITIONAL STABILITY IN SWIMMING LESSONS

It was found that the new socio-economic conditions that have arisen in recent years, along with the opening of wide opportunities for realizing the creative and entrepreneurial potential of young people, have also brought a number of problems, among which the most painful problem is the adaptation of young professionals to new working conditions, which are characterized by a high level of neuropsychological tensions The article reveals modern approaches to the development of emotional and volitional stability in students of higher education institutions in swimming classes. New pedagogical technologies used in swimming lessons have been identified. On the basis of psychological and pedagogical and special literature, theoretical approaches to the phenomenon of emotional and volitional stability were analyzed, the need for its development in students was scientifically substantiated, and the ways of formation in the process of physical training classes were determined. The correction of deficiencies in the mental and physical development of the mentally retarded is understood as the correction or weakening of these deficiencies, promotion of the maximum approximation of development mentally retarded persons to the level of development of healthy peers. The physiological basis for correcting deficiencies in the mental and physical development of mentally retarded children is the doctrine of the plasticity of the functions of the central nervous system and the compensation of defects. Compensation processes for mentally retarded children have specific features. In the conditions of special education and upbringing, under the influence of purposeful pedagogical actions, powerful possibilities for the development of the functions of the central nervous system in children are revealed.

Investigating the Professional Adaptation of English Teachers in the First Years of their Profession to School Environment

This study investigates English teachers’ socialization to the school environment, their behaviour in the classroom, and their attitudes towards their profession in the first few years after graduation. An explanatory research design was used with a mixed-method methodology. We administered a survey to 800 novice English language teachers in 16 cities where there is high rates of governmental teacher placements in Turkey based on the data provided by the Ministry of National Education (MoNE). The questionnaire included five category components: professional competence, interpersonal relations, organizational history and language, organizational goals and values, and organizational policy. We then selected 9 English teachers using purposeful sampling from the three of the 16 cities in order to gain information about novice teachers’ experiences and to elaborate on the results of our quantitative data findings. After observing the classes of those English teachers, we conducted semi-structured interviews. The content analysis of the responses revealed important issues the teachers experienced during their socialization period. These included their relationships with the school administration, colleagues, parents, and the teachers’ own professional competence, particularly in the areas of the target language (TL) use and language teaching methodology. A discussion of the findings provides suggestions for teacher education programmes, thereby contributing to the development of educational curricula. Having postgraduate studies to sustain professional development has been suggested for teacher growth, which will also establish a link between the university-school partnership. The university-school partnership will only be possible with a willingness to collaborate, dedicated time and systematic feedback to share knowledge and experience.

Dropout of Young Teachers from the Education System: Motivations, Risk Factors and Possible Solutions

Abstract: This article discusses social, pedagogical, and managerial aspects of young teachers’ integration into the education system with a research focus on the issue of “young teachers dropping out” of the school system in the first years of their careers. This article further analyses the motives and risk factors which influence the process of teachers’ integration into the school environment. Possible solutions are sought to mitigate the risk of teachers permanently leaving the educational system. The need for developing a comprehensive system to support the successful professional adaptation and development of novice teachers - from their academic preparation and teaching practice, to their active period of professional consolidation and career development - is outlined. This article is based on up-to-date data of the implications of the issue within the education system of Israel. A mixed methods approach, combining quantitative and qualitative research approaches, is used for the purpose of this research. The quantitative data aim to provide a macro-level picture of the process of attrition in the teaching profession in terms of teacher and educational institution characteristics. The qualitative part of the research includes an analysis of a number of documents on the policy of the Ministry of Education of Israel on teachers leaving the profession. Keywords: Teacher preparation and qualification; Teacher's career development; Adaptation of novice teachers, Teacher-mentor, Mentor.

Численность молодых учителей и показатели социально-экономического развития регионов

The article discusses the influence of socio-economic characteristics of the regions on the effectiveness of attracting and professional adaptation of young teachers in educational institutions. Based on the analysis of theoretical and methodological approaches, empirical research, and the regulatory framework, it is concluded that there are several features of the analysis of professional adaptation: the problems of professional adaptation are closely related to the key categories of sociological theory and have a long history of analysis at the theoretical and empirical levels; there is noted an increased attention of state and society to the problems of attracting young teachers to the educational system along with an increased state support in its various forms and growing research on various aspects of professional adaptation of novice teachers. Nevertheless, at the moment there is a gradual increase in personnel tension in organizations of general education, associated with a number of factors of a psychological, professional, and social nature. There is also noted a significant difference in the share of young teachers among the regions of Russia. As a source of empirical material, statistical data are used on the number of teachers in the regions of Russia, their distribution according to the criteria of age, length of service, type of settlement, as well as information on the socio-economic condition of the constituent territories of the federation (indicators of unemployment and the average level of wages, the number of population younger than able-bodied age, development indicators of science-intensive sectors of the economy). Based on the correlation analysis carried out, the author concludes about the specific nature of the process of young teachers’ professional adaptation in urban and rural areas as well as the specifics of the relationship between the proportion of teachers in different age groups and indicators of the socio-economic development of the region.