Indicators Of Readiness Research Articles

Improvement of professional preparation of public servants, as a condition of sustainable development of territorial communities in process of interaction with pledges of higher education

Relevance. At an important stage in Ukraine�s foreign and domestic policy, the country is actively seeking its place in the international community and building new European relations. In this context, it is vital to implement state policies for training public servants, enhance pledges of higher education (PHE), and improve collaboration between PHE institutions and territorial communities (TC). Purpose. The purpose of the article is to develop a system for improving the training of public servants in the context of organizing the educational process, as a guarantee of the development of TC in the process of interaction with PHE. Methodology. The experimental research methodology involves developing a training system for public servants in PHE, assessing their readiness for professional activities, and identifying interaction methods between TC and PHE. Empirical methods include observation, surveys, diagnostic conversations, questioning, and experiments. Mathematical statistics methods are used to process final indicators of public servants' readiness, ensuring sustainable development of territorial communities through their interaction with higher education institutions. Results. The study defined the concepts of �public administration�, �competence of public servants�, and �training of public servants�, and identified promising directions for improving public servant training. After conducting an experimental study, promising directions for improving the training of public servants for the introduction of professional activities were formed, as conditions for the sustainable development of TC in the process of interaction with PHE. Conclusions. It was found that public servants' training, professional competencies, and standards were at low to medium levels. This highlights the need for pedagogical conditions to improve readiness, including quality training systems, retraining, specialization, qualification improvement, and self-education activities. The practical value of the work lies in the training of a highly qualified specialist capable of realizing the professional potential for the benefit of the state. Keywords: public administration; management of training; international community; technical cooperation; domestic policy

A review of the John F. Kennedy Medical Center's response to the COVID-19 pandemic in Liberia.

Over the past decades, the world has experienced a series of emerging and re-emerging infectious disease pandemics with dire consequences for economies and healthcare delivery. Hospitals are expected to have the ability to detect and respond appropriately to epidemics with minimal disruptions to routine services. We sought to review the John F. Kennedy Medical Center's readiness to respond to the COVID-19 pandemic. We used the pretest-posttest design in June 2021 and May 2023 to assess the hospital's improvements in its COVID-19 readiness capacity by collecting data on the hospital's characteristics and using the WHO COVID-19 Rapid hospital readiness checklist. We scored each readiness indicator according to the WHO criteria and the hospital's overall readiness score, performed the chi-square test for the change in readiness (change, 95% CI, p-value) between 2021 and 2023, and classified the center's readiness (poor: < 50%, fair: 50-79%, or satisfactory: ≥80%). The overall hospital readiness for COVID-19 response was poor in 2021 (mean score = 49%, 95% CI: 39-57%) and fair in 2023 (mean score = 69%, 95% CI: 56-81%). The mean change in hospital readiness was 20% (95% CI: 5.7-35%, p-value = 0.009). Between 2021 and 2023, the hospital made satisfactory improvements in leadership and incident management system [from 57% in 2021 to 86% in 2023 (change = 29%, 95% CI: 17-41%, p < 0.001)]; risk communication and community engagement [38-88% (change = 50%, 95% CI: 39-61%, p < 0.001)]; patient management [63-88% (change = 25%, 95% CI: 14-36%, p < 0.001)]; and rapid identification and diagnosis [67-83% (change = 16%, 95% CI: 4.2-28%, p = 0.009)]. The hospital made fair but significant improvements in terms of coordination and communication [42-75% (change = 33%, 95% CI: 20-46%, p < 0.001)], human resources capacity [33-75% (change = 42%, 95% CI: 29-55%, p < 0.001)], continuation of critical support services [50-75% (PD = 25%, 95% CI: 12-38%, p < 0.001)], and IPC [38-63% (change = 25%, 12-38%, p < 0.001)]. However, there was no or unsatisfactory improvement in terms of surveillance and information management; administration, finance, and business continuity; surge capacity; and occupational and mental health psychosocial support. Substantial gaps still remain in the hospital's readiness to respond to the COVID-19 outbreak. The study highlights the urgent need for investment in resilient strategies to boost readiness to respond to future outbreaks at the hospital.

Legal Readiness Of Agreements Facing The Digitalization Era Banking In Islamic Banking Financing Transactions

Digital developments in the banking system occur not only in conventional banks but also in Islamic banks. The digitalization of Islamic financing transactions is also inseparable from technological developments, especially in the use of electronic contracts. Sharia banks implementation of sharia business activities is regulated in the “Compilation of Sharia Economic Law” (KHES). Electronic Contracts are one of the innovations related to commercial life while navigating the legality of making agreements, even though digitally included by Islamic Banks, thus raising questions about the validity and risks of these electronic contracts. Competence, legal relations, objects, free consent, and jurisdiction are indicators of readiness for treaty legal instruments in the development of the current digitalization era. This study examines the legal readiness of agreements facing the era of digitalization of Islamic banking in financing transactions. This study uses an empirical method to examine the provisions of laws and regulations in detail. This was a normative juridical study. The results of the field study show that the electronic contracts implemented by Bank Mega Syariah and Bank Muamalat through e-contracts meet the legal provisions of the agreements stipulated in positive law in Indonesia. The results of the literature study also show that treaty legal instruments as stipulated in BW, Law 11/2008 juncto PP 71/2019 and KHES have accommodated the development of electronic agreement legal needs as an implication of the digitalization era in banking financing transactions.

Dynamic muscular endurance as an indicator of functional readiness of cyber-athletes.

Aim: To study the dynamic muscular endurance of hand movement according to the tapping test in connection with the manifestations of cognitive qualities of cyber-athletes and students involved in computer games as a hobby. Materials and Methods: Dynamic muscular endurance of the right and left hands of the examined subjects was studied (using the tapping test method), as well as the reaction to a moving object using the diagnostic complex "Diagnost-1". Correction tables (Landolt rings) were used to study voluntary attention. 45 students of the National University of Ukraine on Physical Education and Sport of both sexes, aged 17-26, took part in the study, among whom 10 are cyber-athletes (sports experience of 1-10 years), 15 amateurs (involved in computer games as a hobby) and 20 students who do not play computer games (control group). Results: In cyber-athletes and students involved in computer games, the dynamic muscular endurance of the movement of the hand of the subdominant hand was greater than in students who did not engage in computer games. A higher level of dynamic muscular endurance for the subdominant hand and less functional asymmetry according to the tapping test scores in cyber-athletes were associated with a more successful performance of the attention test. Conclusions: A higher level of dynamic muscular endurance for the subdominant arm and a smaller functional asymmetry according to the tapping test indicators in e-athletes can be considered as an indicator of functional readiness.

Teacher’s readiness for innovative activity: structure, criterion apparatus, diagnostic toolkit

Innovation has become an essential feature of all spheres of modern society, objectively determining the innovative development of higher pedagogical education as one of the basic social institutions that shapes an innovative personality. Therefore, the issue of teacher readiness for innovative professional activity is becoming increasingly relevant. The aim of this article is a theoretical consideration of the problem of innovative activity of a teacher in general and his readiness for such activity in particular. The objectives of the study are to define the essence and structure of teacher readiness for innovative activity. The theoretical approaches of scientists to the structure and content of the components of such readiness are analyzed. The authors propose a structure of teacher readiness for innovative activity as an integrative characteristic of the personality, consider the content of innovative-personal orientation (a set of motives, needs, values, attitudes that reflect a stable value attitude towards innovation; adaptability in conditions of socio-personal uncertainty; the need to update the strategy of professional activity on the principles of transgression), innovative awareness (erudition in fundamental knowledge and achievements of modern science and trends in higher education and innovation; general awareness of innovations in education), content-innovative activity (this component is associated with the constant updating of the content of academic disciplines based on taking into account innovative guidelines of strategic normative documents, educational standards, innovative potential of educational programs; implementation of innovative content in the educational process through an innovative format of interaction between subjects of the educational process) and reflection of innovativeness (awareness of one’s own innovative potential in professional activity, including the feeling of a lack of knowledge about the technological support of the implementation of pedagogical innovations; evaluation of the innovativeness of one’s own professional activity and forecasting its results and prospects) of the components of teachers’ readiness for innovative activity. The criteria and indicators of readiness are substantiated, the levels of teachers’ readiness for innovative activity are identified (low, medium, sufficient, high), and the author’s diagnostic tool for determining the level of formation of teacher readiness for innovative professional activity is proposed

Підвищення функціональної підготовленості спортсменів, які займаються рукопашним боєм методикою кругового тренування

This article examines the effectiveness of circuit training for increasing the functional fitness of athletes who specialize in hand-to-hand combat. Circuit training is aimed at developing a specific skill, muscle group or general physical condition. This form of training involves participants taking turns going through several stations, performing various exercises for a limited time or number of repetitions, one after the other, with minimal rest between them, until the entire cycle is completed. There are different ways to organize circuit training, but they usually involve multiple movements, such as bodyweight exercises, weights, and dynamic exercises. The purpose of the study is to increase the level of functional readiness at the stage of initial sports specialization. The study is based on the analysis of training results and physiological indicators of athletes after the implementation of this technique. The results allow us to draw a conclusion about the effectiveness of circuit training in the training of arm wrestling athletes. The research was conducted on the basis of the sports complex of the National Academy of the State Border Service named after B. Khmelnytskyi among the cadets of the educational institution. Athletes were divided into control (CG) and experimental (EG) groups. Classes were conducted under equal conditions, in the same sports hall and had the same duration. There were no significant differences in the indicators of the functional fitness of athletes revealed before the pedagogical experiment. The testing conducted after three months revealed differences in the indicators of functional readiness. In this way, faster recovery of EG athletes after speed-strength load compared to CG athletes was found. Also, CG athletes had insufficient recovery during rest breaks, their breathing was confused and uneven. The conducted pedagogical experiment made it possible to obtain data confirming the effectiveness of the methodology, according to which EG was engaged in, and to substantiate the importance of functional training of athletes engaged in hand-to-hand combat by means of circular training.

Педагогічні умови підготовки майбутнього вчителя початкових класів до організації групової навчальної діяльності учнів

The article outlines the relevance of preparing future primary school teachers for organizing group learning activities for students in the context of implementing the Conceptual Foundations of the New Ukrainian School reform and the State Standard of Primary Education. It is noted that the group form of learning activities allows for direct contact among all students, contributes to the establishment of moral values and norms of interaction and cooperation, and encourages students to independently plan and coordinate their cognitive activities. The authors clarify the concept of «readiness of the future teacher for the group form of organizing cognitive activities of younger schoolchildren», which is understood as an integrative personal quality that involves a favorable motivational-value attitude towards group work and the possession of effective methods for organizing it. The corresponding criteria (motivational, cognitive, activity-based) and indicators of such readiness are defined and characterized. The pedagogical conditions for preparing future primary school teachers to organize group learning activities for students are substantiated, namely: motivating students to study the features of the group form of organizing cognitive activities and applying teamwork during practice; enriching the content of training with theoretical knowledge about the features of organizing group forms of learning; developing practical skills for applying the group form of organizing cognitive activities during practical classes and pedagogical practice; and using group forms of organizing cognitive activities during educational sessions in higher education institutions. The authors emphasize that during professional training, it is necessary to develop in students a positive attitude towards the group form of learning; a system of knowledge about various forms of organizing cognitive activities and, in particular, technologies, methods, and techniques of group work; skills and abilities to apply this knowledge in practical activities; and personal-professional qualities necessary for organizing group work.

The impact of strength loads on the health status and physical readiness of female cadets.

Aim: To investigate the impact of kettlebell strength training on the health and physical readiness of female cadets during martial law training. Materials and Methods: The research involved 60 female cadets, 30 each in the experimental (EG) and the control (CG) groups. The EG cadets were engaged in kettlebell exercises during the hours of their sporting and mass participation activities, while the CG cadets were engaged according to the traditional methodology. The health status was assessed by anthropometry and cardiovascular system indicators; physical readiness - by the results of 100 meter run, push-ups, and 1 km run. Results: It was found that at the end of the research, most indicators of health and physical readiness in female cadets engaged in kettlebell exercises were significantly better than those who were engaged in physical exercises according to the traditional methodology. The most pronounced effect of strength loads was found on the development of strength qualities, stabilization of body weight, and improvement of the functional capabilities of the cardiovascular system. In the 4th semester, the female cadets of the EG showed significantly better than in the CG indicators of BMI, SI, heart rate recovery time, LPH, results in push-ups, and 1 km run. Conclusions: It is proved that strength loads in exercises with kettlebells, having several positive features, effectively impact the state of health and development of motor skills in female cadets, as well as contribute to the formation of an aesthetic physique and weight loss.

Automation Model Development for School Reaccreditation of Early Childhood Education

As stated in the Research and Development Objectives 2020-2024 by BSKAP, it was agreed on the need to implement a correct and credible quality monitoring and evaluation system. For Primary and Secondary Education, it is determined that 100% of education units will carry out Competency Assessment (AK) and Character Surveys (SK) starting in 2021 by first developing and preparing relevant measuring tools along with indicators of AK-SK readiness in the future, its implementation in 2021 while trying implement the overall accreditation process automation policy. Therefore, performance assessment in these units requires other proxies of learning indicators which are considered to have functions equivalent to competency assessments and character surveys. Instead of direct field visits, if correct, mathematical modeling can be performed to derive measurement proxies derived from the PPA or IPV variables or a combination of both. Automation modeling has been applied to approximately 5,000 school samples by applying three alternative methods, namely Principal Component Analysis (PCA), Partial Least Square (PLS) and Confirmatory Factor Analysis (CFA). PCA modeling was successfully used on 49 predictors without a response variable (Y); ii) PLS modeling was successfully applied to 49 predictors involving response variables; iii) CFA modeling has been successfully carried out on PPA and IPV one by one, because the combined modeling has not succeeded in producing an adequate model in the form of goodness of fit. Keywords: accreditation, assessments, early childhood education, statistical modeling

ОЦІНКА ФІНАНСОВИХ МОЖЛИВОСТЕЙ ЗДІЙСНЕННЯ ІНВЕСТИЦІЙНОЇ ДІЯЛЬНОСТІ АВТОТРАНСПОРТНИМИ ПІДПРИЄМСТВАМИ В УМОВАХ ВИКЛИКІВ СЬОГОДЕННЯ

The article examines the financial possibilities of carrying out investment activities of motor transport enterprises of the Kyiv region for the period of 2019-2023. Special attention is paid to the study of sources of financing investment activities, among which own and loan funds are considered, as well as their impact on the ability of enterprises to implement investment activities. The assessment of the financial capabilities of enterprises included the analysis of such indicators as net profit, retained earnings and the level of indebtedness. It was established that most of the investigated enterprises did not have a sufficient level of own sources for financing investments. In particular, more than a third of enterprises accumulated losses or had an insignificant level of retained earnings at the end of 2023, which limited their ability to independently finance development. Regarding loan funds, the results of the study showed a low level of involvement of additional financing by motor vehicle enterprises. This creates additional restrictions for attracting loan resources and restrains investment activity in the industry. One of the important aspects of the research is the analysis of financial stability and liquidity of enterprises, which demonstrates their ability to fulfill short-term obligations. Analysis of the dynamics of the current liquidity ratio showed that 58% of enterprises had enough current assets to repay current liabilities, while 17% of companies had stable liquidity problems. This is an indicator of the low readiness of enterprises to use short-term loans to support investment activities. The obtained results allow us to conclude that the financial capabilities of motor transport enterprises for carrying out investment activities are limited due to the low level of own resources and low activity in attracting loan funds. To improve investment activity, enterprises need to increase internal reserves and consider new financing tools, including venture capital and government support programs.

Information and diagnostic tools for monitoring units of agricultural machinery

The issues of assessing the increase in the efficiency of domestic agricultural machinery according to the criteria of suitability for maintenance and diagnostics and the development of measures to improve it are relevant, as they have a significant impact on the reliability and total cost of ownership and resource of saving during operation. It should be noted that not only the costs of maintenance and repair, but also the time spent in an inoperative state, technical readiness, productivity and other indicators of the efficiency of use for its intended purpose, including resource-saving impacts, depend on the level of equipment adaptability. The purpose of the research was to describe the state of the issue and justify the need to develop information and diagnostic tools for assessing the general technical condition of energy-intensive tractors. The analysis and description of the developed tools for diagnosing agricultural machinery have been done in the work. Similar control and diagnostic equipment produced by third-party manufacturers for agricultural machinery was considered. The distinctive features of our own developments were determined and the need to diagnose specific parameters was also reflected. As a result of the work 3D modeling of the device data was carried out. Then they were designed in special software and the first prototypes were assembled. The tests have proven the possibility of developing such digital diagnostic of device. The data obtained on the base of their effectiveness was reflected and justified. A number of improvements to these systems have been proposed. The results of the operation of all information and diagnostic devices were summed up. Further development of this area of work has been proposed for more modern and high-quality maintenance of units and assemblies of agricultural machinery.

ГОТОВНІСТЬ ОСОБОВОГО СКЛАДУ ДО ПРОЦЕСУ ВПРОВАДЖЕННЯ ДЕРЖАВНОЇ ГЕНДЕРНОЇ ПОЛІТИКИ: СУТНІСТЬ, ЗМІСТ, КРИТЕРІЇ, ПОКАЗНИКИ ТА РІВНІ СФОРМОВАНОСТІ

The article demonstrates its relevance and reveals the results of theoretical and empirical research on the implementation of this work. The investigation made it possible to specify the essence and meaning of the concept of “readiness of the military service of the National Guard of Ukraine before the implementation of the state gender policy” as an integral internal special creation, includes: the true essence, significance and ways of implementing the state gender policy among the military middle class, awareness of the specificity and special role of justice as a result of the implementation of this policy in the process of life of the child, a focus has been formed on the adoption of similar values and the regulation of healthy behavior based on them, which is active in the antidote diet and any manifestations of discrimination based on gender signs. It has been established that the readiness of a special warehouse before the implementation of state gender policy involves a rich component of dynamic structures, the structure of which includes: motivational-valuable, cognitive and behavioral components, and the level of readiness is important It is formed in a special warehouse of essential components. It is stated that the main criterion for the readiness of a special warehouse before the implementation of the state gender policy is the formation of the significance of the most important components of this readiness. Under the indicators of readiness for a special warehouse before the implementation of the state gender policy, we can understand the stage of formation of motivational-valuable, cognitive and behavioral components. The criteria for the level of formation of the readiness of a special warehouse before the implementation of the state gender policy are the characteristics of the manifestation of components on the skin level (high, medium and low). Based on the specified array of previous information, a description of the levels (high, medium, low) of the formation of the skin structural component of readiness was made. It is determined that the guidance material is the basis for dividing the methodology for assessing the level of readiness of the military service (special warehouse) before the implementation of the state gender policy.

Comprehensive evaluation of efficiency to identify deficiencies in muscle activity in different modes in team sports

Aim: To concern the scientific substantiation of a complex ergometer tests of aerobic and anaerobic character and quantitative criteria for assessing the condition of female handball players` respiratory and power supply systems in the maximum. Materials and Methods: Descriptive analysis, correlation analysis, factor analysis. In order to solve those tasks within the framework there were measured the indicators of two hundred young female handball players at the pre-basic training stage. Results: The outcomes of the research allow us to recommend the program for handball players` potential capabilities assessment that will help to characterize the state of power supply systems of the body under aerobic and anaerobic conditions. At the same time, the results of the testing can be used to identify strengths and weaknesses in the structure of handball players` special readiness indicators and to individualize the process of players’ preparation at the subsequent stages. Conclusions: As a result of experimental data, the quantitative criteria and the scale for the assessment of handball players’ working capacity in ergometer maximum tests of aerobic-anaerobic character have been developed. On the basis of these tests, it is possible to analyze objectively the individual characteristics of children before making a final decision.

Efficiency of using interactive means of theoretical training of swimmers 8-10 years old

Purpose: substantiating and developing the structure and content of theoretical training of swimmers at the stage of initial training and determining the effectiveness of traditional and interactive means of theoretical training on the level of theoretical training of athletes.&#x0D; Material and methods. A sociological survey by means of a questionnaire was conducted among qualified swimmers and trainers-teachers in order to establish the actual problems of the theoretical training of swimmers.&#x0D; The total number of interviewed qualified swimmers was 32 people, the average age of the interviewed athletes was 17.40±0.48 years, 68% were male, 32% were female. The experience of playing sports is 10.62±0.47 years.&#x0D; The total number of interviewed coaches was 17 people. Among the interviewees were 3 coaches of the highest category, 1 of them is an honored coach of Ukraine, 6 people are coaches of the first category, 8 people are coaches of the second category; the average age of the interviewees was 43.49 ± 0.44, 65% were male, 35% were female.&#x0D; Young swimmers aged 8–10, who were practicing at the stage of initial training, took part in the pedagogical experiment. The total number of athletes was 19 people. Two experimental groups were formed, in the preparation of which both generally accepted means and methods of theoretical training were used, as well as the author's interactive means using the game method.&#x0D; Mathematical and statistical processing of the research results was carried out using such criteria as: Shapiro-Wilkie (to check the normality of the distribution of the studied indicators of swimmers), Student's t-test (for independent and dependent samples in the case of normal data distribution), Mann-Whitney U-test and Wilcoxon (in the absence of a normal distribution of data); correlation analysis between the competitive result and the level of theoretical preparedness of swimmers at the stage of initial training.&#x0D; The results. Educational and training classes according to the developed program with the use of the author's interactive means of theoretical training contributed to a reliable (p&lt;0.001) increase in the general level of theoretical training of swimmers at the stage of initial training by 161.00%. At the same time, educational and training classes with the use of theoretical training tools provided by the state curriculum turned out to be less effective and contributed to an increase in the overall level of theoretical training of young swimmers by only 39.87%.&#x0D; Conclusions. Theoretical training is an integral part of the system of training athletes. The use of interactive means of theoretical training with the use of the game method (computer games) in the process of theoretical training of young swimmers significantly increases its effectiveness, in contrast to classes in which only traditional means and methods were used (study of special literature, story, conversation, demonstration of stands, documentaries) theoretical training. At the same time, it was established that there are no gender differences between the indicators of theoretical readiness of boys and girls swimmers 8-10 years old. In addition, a high correlation was found between the general level of theoretical preparedness of swimmers of the main group and the time to cover the competitive distance of 50 m, which indicates that with an increase in the level of theoretical preparation, the time to cover the competitive distance decreases.

Assessment of China’s Macro-Readiness for Integrated Innovative Management Technologies Employment

Introduction. Economic entities should constantly apply various forms of innovation, including managerial and organizational innovations, to ensure the processes of developing and acquiring adaptive capacity. One of these innovations is integrated management technologies covering several interacting heterogeneous technological, economic, organizational, social, and psychological processes or several management functions.&#x0D; Aim and tasks. The study aims to elaborate a procedure for assessing a country’s macro-readiness to apply integrated innovative management technologies and qualitatively characterise its level.&#x0D; Results. An assessment of macro-readiness to apply integrated innovative management technologies was conducted using the case of China. In order to obtain a generalized evaluation of the country’s macro-readiness to apply integrated innovative management technologies, synthetic taxonomic indicators based on readiness components and a general synthetic indicator were generated. The synthetic human capital and research indicator changed from low (0.243) in 2016 to high (0.647) in 2020. The same trend is inherent in the synthetic indicator of ICT availability and use, which increased from 0.367 to 0.920, and in the synthetic indicator of institutional and business environment, which increased from 0.310 to 0.876. Although it has improved from 0.205 to 0.451, the synthetic indicators of financial resources and development have not yet reached a high level.&#x0D; Conclusion. The suggested procedure for assessing macro-readiness to apply integrated innovative management technologies is based on constructing a synthetic indicator of readiness, combining the taxonomic indicators of human, digital, financial, and institutional readiness. This procedure, implying the determination of their qualitative levels, enables us to determine a country’s readiness to support business entities’ adoption of new management technologies. The assessment of China's readiness for applying integrated innovative management technologies using the developed approach revealed that the ICT component is the best developed, while the financial component is the most underdeveloped.

Energy Analyses and Optimization Proposals for Hotels in Sicily: A Case Study

The recent post-pandemic period has economically affected many business sectors. One of these is the hotel industry. As a result of this economic crisis, it is necessary to act on the economic costs of running energy-intensive buildings such as a hotel. The thermal and electrical energy consumption of an accommodation facility weighs heavily on the economic balance. Governments around the globe have moved to help those activities in need. To improve the sustainability of the hospitality sector from an environmental and economic point of view, the introduction of energy retrofit solutions is mandatory. Following European sustainability laws, the impact and efficiency of the building were calculated using smart readiness indicators. The purpose of this paper is to present a case study of a 5-star hotel located in southern Italy characterized by high energy consumption. Precisely these consumptions are due to air conditioning, lighting, hot water, catering, and all other utilities. The entire building and the systems serving it were characterized by means of software that studies consumption with dynamic models, Trnsys. The same software made it possible to model the case study by replacing the existing air conditioning system with one supplied by renewable energies. Two energy retrofit hypotheses were chosen to obtain the best economic and environmental results. First, the choice was to install solar cooling powered by flat solar panels, and the second choice was solar cooling powered by evacuated tube collectors. This paper reports the technical and economic characteristics of both proposed solutions, quantifying the energy and economic savings to identify the best solution.

FOOD INTAKE WAS TEMPORALLY ASSOCIATED WITH STAFF MEALTIME CARE APPROACHES AND BEHAVIORS OF RESIDENTS WITH DEMENTIA

Abstract Nursing home residents with dementia commonly experience low food intake, resulting in functional and nutritional consequences. Prior work supports associative relationships of resident behaviors and staff approaches with food intake, yet research on temporal relationships is limited. This study examined temporal associations of resident behaviors and staff approaches with food intake. Videotaped mealtime observations (N=160) involving 36 staff and 27 residents (53 staff-resident dyads) in 9 nursing homes were analyzed. Sequential analysis was conducted for resident behaviors and staff approaches as antecedents of resident successful food intakes in 5-, 10-, and 15-second time windows. Increased resident-initiated food intake was associated with preceding resident positive verbal behaviors, but not other resident behaviors or staff approaches. Decreased resident-initiated food intake was associated with preceding resident functional impairments and resistive behaviors, but not other behaviors or approaches. Increased staff-initiated food intake was associated with preceding staff person-centered verbal approaches, but not resident behaviors or other staff approaches. Decreased staff-initiated food intake was associated with preceding resident positive/neutral nonverbal behaviors and functional impairments, and staff task-centered care approaches. Findings confirm the importance of certain strategies in promoting food intake, including facilitating resident positive verbal communication, supporting functional impairments, responding to resistive behaviors, maximizing the use of person-centered care, and minimizing the use of task-centered care. Resident positive/neutral nonverbal behaviors which reflect resident active engagement during mealtime, do not facilitate staff-initiated food intake and may be an indicator of resident independence and readiness to initiate food intake. Further investigation is needed using larger diverse samples.

The effects of speed and terrain characteristics on the distribution of force and plantar pressure during the gait of children with different levels of physical activity

&amp;lt;p&amp;gt;&amp;lt;strong&amp;gt;Introduction. &amp;lt;/strong&amp;gt;The adoption of correct walking patterns is an indicator of the locomotor system readiness to establish optimal interaction between body force and the surface, and the way of creating pressure exerted by the feet during the walking cycle. The aim was to examine how the speed and characteristics of the terrain affect the distribution of force and plantar pressure during the gait of children with different levels of physical activity.&amp;lt;/p&amp;gt; &amp;lt;p&amp;gt;&amp;lt;strong&amp;gt;Methods.&amp;lt;/strong&amp;gt; A prospective comparative study included 150 students aged 11&amp;amp;ndash;12 years and their parents from Banja Luka. According to the protocol, each group of subjects walked at average and maximum speed on flat and 5% inclined terrain. For the purposes of the research, the Physical Activity Questionnaire PAQ-C (The Physical Activity Questionnaire for Older Children), a survey questionnaire for parents, measurement of anthropometric parameters and Zebris strips (Zebris Medical GmbH, Germany) were used for gait analysis.&amp;lt;/p&amp;gt; &amp;lt;p&amp;gt;&amp;lt;strong&amp;gt;Results.&amp;lt;/strong&amp;gt; When walking at maximum speed in inactive subjects, the maximum force on the left (F(148) = 14.878, p &amp;amp;lt; 0.001) and right (F(148) = 8.204, p &amp;amp;lt; 0.001) heel decreased, while in moderately and highly active subjects it grew moderately. In highly active subjects, the highest value of maximum pressure was registered (d = -1.41 for the left leg and d = 1.36 for the right leg). When the slope of the terrain changes in inactive subjects, the maximum force on the front part of both feet decreased (F(148) = 5.043, p = 0.008, d = 0). The influence of terrain characteristics was such that walking on a 5% incline almost as a rule had greater effects on inactive children, while moderately and highly physically active children gave an adequate response when walking on the 5% incline.&amp;lt;/p&amp;gt; &amp;lt;p&amp;gt;&amp;lt;strong&amp;gt;Conclusion.&amp;lt;/strong&amp;gt; Urbanization and new developments in society impose the need to involve children in organized activities so that children acquire the skills and demonstrate the competence they face in their environment.&amp;lt;/p&amp;gt;

HARMONISATION OF THE EUROPEAN EDUCATION AREA

Objective. The purpose of this article is to study the impact of science and education on the efficiency of social production and quality of life in the context of global integration processes. Methods. The methods used in the study are literature review, statistical data analysis, and empirical research. To obtain the results, we analysed data on the quality of education and research in Ukraine and other European countries. Results. The study found that the quality of education and research is crucial for the competitiveness of society in the context of globalisation and rapid changes in the economy and technology. Scientific achievements and educational standards are key indicators of a state's readiness to meet the challenges of the present and its ability to attract investment, attract talented young people, and ensure sustainable economic dynamics. Conclusions. The obtained results emphasise the critical role of education and research in the process of achieving sustainable development of society. The need for targeted improvement of education and support for research is recognised as a key factor in achieving a high quality of life, competitiveness, and prosperity of the country. Prospects. Future research could expand the understanding of the interaction between education, science, and the economy in a globally competitive environment. The impact of digital transformation on educational and scientific processes should also be investigated, and practical models of cooperation between universities and the private sector should be developed to stimulate innovation and societal development.

Age-Related Differences in the Qualities and Properties of Personality in Relation to the Readiness of Ukrainian Winterers for Life in the Antarctic

The article reveals the age-related differences in the qualities and properties of the personality in the manifestations of indicators of psychological readiness of winterers to extreme living conditions at the Ukrainian Antarctic “Akademik Vernadsky” Station. The wintering of Ukrainian polar explorers conducting scientific research on the coast of Antarctica is associated with a long stay in a limited area in difficult climatic conditions, which can lead to strong emotional and physical stress. It has been proved that stress resistance, adaptability, and psychological readiness for life activities, which are determined by the presence of relevant qualities and personality traits, are important factors in such extreme working conditions. The aim of the article is to present the theoretical foundations and practical results of research on age-related differences in qualities and personality traits regarding the psychological readiness of Ukrainian winterers for life in Antarctic conditions using the example of 10 expeditions to the Ukrainian Antarctic “Akademik Vernadskyi” Station. Methods. A set of methods of psychological research on the qualities and personality traits of winterers of different age groups was used. 71 winterers took part in the experiment, they are participants of Ukrainian Antarctic expeditions during the year from 2011 to 2021. The results of the research. There were 3 age groups of winterers – mature, middle and young. The components of the professional profile of a winter worker are clarified. As the result of the questionnaire, the qualities and attributes of the personality that contribute to or hinder the performance of professional activities of winter workers are determined. The results of empirical research on the presence of personality qualities and attributes in winterers of different age groups, which are defined as those that ensure the effectiveness of professional activities during wintering, are presented. Conclusion. It is proved that the greatest number of positive qualities and personality traits, according to the defined professional profile of a winter worker, are demonstrated by representatives of mature age – winter workers aged 46-64 years. It is recommended to include winterers of a certain age in the Ukrainian Antarctic expeditions in a sufficient number (not less than 30% of the total composition of the expedition members), which will ensure the appropriate level of psychological stability of the teams of winterers.