University Research Research Articles

Evaluation of the Impact of Chemical Mutagens on the Phenological and Biochemical Characteristics of Two Varieties of Soybean (Glycine max L.).

Mutagenic effectiveness and efficiency are the most important factors determining the success of mutation breeding, a coherent tool for quickly enhancing diversity in crops. This study was carried out at Lovely Professional University's agricultural research farm in Punjab, India, during the year 2023. The experimental design followed a randomized complete block design (RCBD) with three replications. The experiment aimed to assess the effect of three chemical mutagens, sodium azide (SA), ethyl methyl sulphonates (EMSs), and methyl methane sulfonate (MMS), at three different concentrations (0.2%, 0.4%, and 0.6%), in SL958 and SL744 soybean varieties to select the mutant exhibiting the highest yield. The data were collected and analysed using a two-way ANOVA test through SPSS software (version 22), and the means were separated using Duncan's multiple range test (DMRT) at the 5% level of significance. Between the two varieties, the highest seed germination percentage (76.0% seedlings/plot) was recorded in SL958 (0.4% SA), while the lowest (30.33% seedlings/plot) was observed in 0.6% MMS as compared to the control (53% and 76% in SL744 and SL958 at 10 days after sowing, respectively). Several weeks after sowing, the average plant height was observed to be higher (37.84 ± 1.32 cm) in SL958 (0.4% SA) and lower (20.58 ± 0.30 cm) in SL744 (0.6% SA), as compared to the controls (SL958: 26.09 ± 0.62 cm and SL744: 27.48 ± 0.74 cm). The average leaf count was the highest (234.33 ± 3.09 tetrafoliate leaves/plant) in SL958 (0.4% SA) while it was the lowest (87 leaves/plant) in 0.6% MMS as compared to the control (SL744 180.00 ± 1.63 and SL958 160.73 ± 1.05). The highest total leaf areas recorded in the SL958 and SL744 M1plants were 3625.8 ± 1.43 cm2 and 2311.03 ± 3.65 cm2, respectively. Seeds of the SL958 variety treated with 0.4% SA resulted in the development of tetrafoliate leaves with a broad leaf base and the maximum yield (277.55 ± 1.37 pods/plant) compared to the narrow pentafoliate leaves obtained through the treatment with EMS. Meanwhile, in the SL744 variety, the same treatment led to tetrafoliate leaves with a comparatively lower yield of 206.54 ± 23.47 pods/plant as compared to the control (SL744 164.33 ± 8.58 and SL958 229.86 ± 0.96). The highest protein content (47.04 ± 0.87% TSP) was recorded in the SL958 (0.4% SA) M2 seeds followed by a content of 46.14 ± 0.64% TSP in the SL744 (0.4% SA) M2 seeds, whereas the lowest content (38.13 ± 0.81% TSP) was found in SL958 (0.6% MMS). Similar observations were recorded for the lipid and fibre content. The 0.4% SA treatment in SL958 proved to be efficient in generating the highest leaf area (tetrafoliate leaves) and a reasonable yield of M1 (the first generation after mutation) plants.

Financial Literacy and Banking Sector: A Bibliometric Analysis of Scientific Research Papers

Financial literacy is the knowledge and skills to manage money effectively, including budgeting, saving, investing, and borrowing. It empowers individuals to make informed financial decisions aligned with their goals, essential for navigating financial complexities and achieving financial well-being. This article aims to do a systematic literature review on financial literacy in the banking sector to identify the research gap in the Nepalese context. The study is based on the systematic literature review using the Bibliometric analysis of scientific research articles published online through Dimension.ai. The data were searched by covering the year from 1992 to 2024 with the keyword ‘Financial Literacy & Banking Sector’. A total of 283 articles were found in Dimension.ai then it was analyzed from the Virtual Object System (VOSviewer). The findings of the review show that the data on financial literacy in the banking sector revealed a significant increase in publications and citations over recent years, with notable contributions from India and key institutions like the Indian Council of Social Science Research (ICSSR) and Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU). However, the recent decline in the percentage of cited publications indicates a need for improved research quality. The findings of this study give new knowledge about the prevailing status of scientific studies on financial literacy and its impact on the banking service. However, in the Nepalese context, no studies are found in Dimension.ai. So, it is recommended that researchers focus on producing high-quality, impactful studies and foster greater academic collaboration to enhance visibility and influence. Supporting underrepresented regions in financial literacy research can further diversify and strengthen the field.

Education, innovation and research in wooden architecture and construction in the Alps

The essay explores the importance of teaching and research in the building cultures of specific territories, with a particular focus on the use of wood in construction. Through interviews with experts from research centres and universities, such as Andreja Kutnar from InnoRenew CoE in Slovenia, Frédéric Pichelin from the Bern University of Applied Sciences in Switzerland, and Florian Court from the Haute École du Bois et de la Forêt association in France, the essay highlights how such institutions are promoting innovation and sustainable development in the wooden construction sector. Kutnar emphasises the importance of interdisciplinary and holistic research to develop renewable materials and improve the quality of the built environment. Pichelin discusses how innovation can emerge from the integration of new technologies and biobased materials, while Court addresses the challenge of industrialising wood production processes while preserving unique local characteristics. The essay also examines future challenges for wooden architecture in the Alps, such as climate change and the need for sustainable resources, highlighting projects like VETA/NOVA developed by the Bern University of Applied Sciences, which aims to develop guidelines for the restoration of historic wooden buildings. Finally, it discusses the possibility of translating global prerogatives into a local context, influencing the contemporary architectural identity of the Alps and its multidimensional impact on the territory.

How bibliometric evaluation makes the academia an ‘Iron Cage’: Evidence from Chinese academics

Abstract In response to the escalating reliance on bibliometrics for research evaluation within Chinese universities, this study delves into the far-reaching impact of this trend. Through comprehensive interviews with 15 academics from research-intensive universities encompassing diverse demographics, including gender, age, academic rank, and knowledge domains, the research sheds light on the consequences of bibliometric evaluation at individual and organizational levels. The findings expose how bibliometric evaluation practices can disrupt scholarly autonomy, undermine self-efficacy, erode motivation for innovative research, and trigger opportunistic behaviors among university academics. These outcomes, akin to the ‘Tragedy of the Commons,’ not only hinder institutional progress but also corrode the fabric of collegiality, and result in the performance paradox. The dominance of administrative logic over academic logic has transformed individual researchers and universities into participants in a system of administrative conformity, altering the essence of academic pursuit. Despite China’s earnest efforts to reform university research evaluation, the Chinese bibliometric evaluation sustains a cycle of self-reinforcement that impedes reform progress, particularly in terms of peer review. It is suggested that adopting a nurturing, nuanced approach to bibliometric evaluation is imperative for maintaining a harmonious academic ecosystem and fostering genuine societal advancement.

Leveraging Peer Resources to Promote Undergraduate Education and Well-being

Princeton University is a private research university with approximately 250–280 juniors and seniors majoring in economics. In the past decade, the university has made significant strides in expanding and diversifying its undergraduate student body by admitting more students overall as well as by admitting more first-generation, minority, transfer, and international students. With this expansion comes the responsibility to build community and broaden access to valuable social and knowledge capital to help all students thrive in their academic and post-graduation careers. Traditionally, there has been an uneven playing field in access to such capital, with insiders passing academic, career, and social advice to younger students in restricted access circles like athletic teams, eating clubs, student organizations, and fraternities. This paper describes university, economics department, and student-led efforts to foster peer mentorship more broadly to promote the academic and social well-being of all students.

“I Thought That They Were Very Cut and Dry”: Preservice Elementary Science Teachers Learning About and Learning with Models and Modeling

ABSTRACT While recent research has examined students’ and teachers’ understanding of models and modeling, few studies have focused on how teacher educators can support preservice elementary science teachers in envisioning enriched learning processes and outcomes for their students while engaging in modeling practices. Informed by reflective practices through a case-based pedagogy, this qualitative case study investigated how preservice teachers take up learning about and learning with models and modeling practices as a multimodal knowledge-building process and reflect on their understanding of models and modeling in science education. This study is not just about teachers’ understanding of models and modeling; it is about cultivating a broader perspective, acknowledging the multiplicities of modalities that modelers bring to the table in their engagement with modeling practices. Conducted in a science methods course at a southeastern U.S. research university, this study used various qualitative data sources, including teachers’ written reflective responses to a case and commentary about a modeling-based lesson, modeling artifacts, and the video and audio recordings of the modeling-based lesson that was part of their methods course. Discussion of the findings highlights how reflective practices through a case-based pedagogy can expose preservice teachers to a better understanding of what meaningful and equitable modeling practices might look like in classroom settings by showing them what models are for, how they function, who gets to develop models, and whose knowledge contributes to modeling practices while building knowledge in science classrooms.

Unleashing generative AI: funding implications and insights from China

ABSTRACT The funding of scientific research is a critical concern for universities. Although the peer-review grants system promotes competition and research excellence, it is resource-intensive and disadvantageous for junior faculty members. Conversely, the block grants system offers an alternative, enabling universities to nurture talent and sustain long-term research. The rise of generative artificial intelligence (GAI) is transforming university research and intensifying funding competition, necessitating a re-evaluation of the balance between peer-review and block grants systems. This paper advocates for a mixed funding system, with a greater emphasis on the block grants system, to establish an effective approach in supporting diverse research pursuits in the GAI era. By recalibrating the balance between peer-review and block grants, this proposed system aims to alleviate administrative burdens while providing a dependable foundation for early-career scholars. However, empirically substantiating this argument is challenging due to the recent emergence of GAI with insufficient data. To address this, we examine China’s science and technology system, which has recently experienced a significant increase in research grant applications. This case study offers insights into GAI’s potential effects on research funding. Our analysis contributes to the ongoing debate on optimal research funding strategies in the face of rapid technological change.

Digital Platforms in the Focus of National Law

The paper contains an overview of the research workshop Digital platforms: new environment for collaboration at the Institute of Legislation and Comparative Law under the Federal Government (ILCL) on 23 April 2024, and findings of the expert survey Digital platforms in the focus of national law. Presentations by participants were systematized by the authors of the overview around the most relevant subjects related to digital platform operations: general issues of digital platform regulation; digital platforms’ impact on human rights; digital platforms in public administration; digital platforms in private law, criminal law and specific branches. The workshop was attended by researchers representing the Institute of Legislation and Comparative Law, Kutafin Moscow State Law University, National Research University–Higher School of Economics, Moscow State University, Russian Academy of National Economy and Public Administration under the President of Russia, Plekhanov Russian University of Economics, Orenburg State University, Siberian Federal University, Gubkin Russian State University of Oil and Gas, Saint Petersburg University of the Interior Ministry, MTS Joint-Stock Company, etc. Legal themes under discussion included the legal nature of digital platforms; digital platforms’ impact on the economy, public administration, human rights and the underlying changes to their amount and content; associated risks; digital platforms and anti-trust regulation; networking effect of digital platforms; labor relations and platform employment; labor right protection and digital platforms; dangers of discrimination related to digital platforms.

Evaluation of the Bio-Speedy Meningitis/Encephalitis Panel in the Diagnosis of Central Nervous System Infections

Infections of the central nervous system (CNS) can lead to severe outcomes if not accurately diagnosed and treated. The broad spectrum of pathogens involved in CNS infections can make diagnosis challenging. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) -based multiplex molecular diagnostic panels can rapidly and simultaneously detect multiple neuropathogens in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF). This study was aimed to assess the Bio-Speedy Meningitis/Encephalitis RT-PCR MX-17 panel (Bioeksen, İstanbul, Türkiye), a novel multiplex PCR test, in diagnosing CNS infections. The panel can detect a range of pathogens, including Escherichia coli K1, Haemophilus influenzae, Listeria monocytogenes, Neisseria meningitidis, Streptococcus pneumoniae, Streptococcus agalactiae, enterovirus (EV), herpes simplex virus (HSV) 1 and 2, HHV-6, HHV-7, HHV-8, human parechovirus (HPeV), varicella zoster virus (VZV), cytomegalovirus (CMV) and Cryptococcus gatti/neoformans in CSF samples. This retrospective study included 128 CSF samples from 128 patients sent to Bursa Uludağ University Health Application and Research Center Microbiology Laboratory between June 2022 and July 2023 to search for CNS infectious agents. Patient clinical, radiological and laboratory data were collected from the Hospital Information Record System (HIRS). Bacterial pathogens were identified through culture, while viral pathogens were detected in CSF samples using the Fast Track Diagnostics (FTD) multiplex RT-PCR panel (Fast Track Diagnostics Ltd., Luxembourg) for HSV-1, HSV-2, VZV, EV, mumps virus and HPeV. The stored CSF samples were then tested using the BioSpeedy panel and the results were compared with those of the culture and the FTD panel. Pathogens that were detected were considered positive if they were consistent with the patient's symptoms and CSF characteristics according to infectious disease and pediatric infectious disease specialists. Pathogens detected but not supported by the patient's symptoms and CSF characteristics were classified as uncertain clinical relevance (UCR). Out of the 128 patients tested for CNS infectious agents, 44 (34.4%) were diagnosed with a CNS infection. The overall pathogen detection rate with all methods was 43.2% (19/44). The Bio-Speedy panel identified pathogens in 29.5% (13/44) of the patients, followed by the FTD panel (20.5%, 9/44) and culture (9.1%, 4/44). Four bacteria were identified with culture, three of which were also detected by the Bio-Speedy panel. Additionally, six bacteria were identified with Bio-Speedy panel, that were not identified by culture. The FTD panel identified nine viruses, four of which were also identified by Bio-Speedy. In total, the Bio-Speedy panel detected 13 of the 19 positive pathogens (nine bacteria and four viruses: [S.pneumoniae (n= 3), VZV (n= 3), N.meningitidis (n= 2), H.influenzae (n= 2), L.monocytogenes (n= 1), E.coli (n= 1) ve EV (n= 1)]. However, the Bio-Speedy panel identified 15 pathogens [S.pneumoniae (n= 1), E.coli (n= 1), C.gatti/neoformans (n= 1), CMV (n= 8), HHV-6 (n= 3) ve HHV-7 (n= 1)] considered as UCR. The Bio-Speedy identified the causative pathogens in the highest percentage (29.5%) of patients with confirmed CNS infections. Nevertheless, test results should be interpreted based on patient characteristics to ensure appropriate patient management. Using multiple methods and multiplex tests may improve diagnostic accuracy for CNS infections.

Doyens of Wielkopolska University Orthodontics, Professors Tadeusz Ziółkiewicz, Barbara Perzyna and Danuta Kazmierczak

The history of the development of medical and dental sciences, is inextricably linked to outstanding, distinguished figures. In orthodontics, which is largely directed at improving facial aesthetics, the main figures were the late Professors, heads of orthodontic university research and teaching units: Tadeusz Ziółkiewicz, Barbara Perzyna and Danuta Kazmierczak. Each of these Professors has made a golden record both in the university community and in the medical community of the Wielkopolska region of our country.

Learnings from the past to inform future ecosystem restoration projects: an Australian perspective

Coastal and marine ecosystems provide valuable ecosystem services and functions. Unfortunately, these habitats have experienced increasing anthropogenic and climate‐related pressures, leading to significant degradation and loss not only in Australia but also globally. Hence, the urgency for coastal and marine ecosystem restoration has never been more pronounced. We present a synthesis of 151 projects on coastal and marine restoration in Australia spanning mangrove, seagrass, tidal marsh, kelp, shellfish reef, and coral ecosystems. Our findings reveal increased restoration efforts over the past 30 years, with an increased focus on coral and shellfish reef habitats. Across Australia, most efforts were in southeastern Australia, with a noticeable gap in the Northern Territory. Restoration strategies focused on enhancing propagule availability (74%) and substrate availability (42%), with additional efforts toward implementing top–down (7%) and bottom–up (4%) controls to boost natural recruitment. Projects were carried out with the participation mostly of research universities (45%), followed by state government entities (42%), philanthropy (34%), and private companies (16%). Funding came primarily from governmental sources, such as state government entities (50%), the commonwealth (44%), and philanthropy (19%). Restoration outcomes are centered on monitoring growth and survival resulting from both single and multiple restoration actions. Our findings highlight key factors influencing natural recruitment across habitat types, where sedimentation and species reproductive biology play a critical role. While acknowledging that our results represent only a small fraction of Australia's coastal and marine restoration efforts, our intent is to contribute insights that can support large‐scale restoration actions not only in Australia but also on a global scale.

Privileging whiteness in higher education institutions: critical discourse analysis of white racial frames in diversity strategic plans

ABSTRACT I examine diversity strategic plans at a large public research university to investigate how whiteness remains pervasive in the institution, even amidst diversity and equity planning. Using critical discourse analysis guided by Feagin’s theory of white racial frame, I interrogate how whiteness persists in university values, policies, and messages within diversity strategic planning, and discuss the consequences for equitable change within the university when the scope of planning is limited by whiteness.

Navigating the high school to university transition with social media: intensity of use, sense of belonging, and meaningful change

PurposeThis study aims to explore the use and perceptions of social media among university students before and during their transition from high school to higher education.Design/methodology/approachThis exploratory, cross-sectional study uses an online survey of 312 undergraduate students at a large public research university in the USA.FindingsActive participation was prevalent for connecting with peers, while passive use was high when learning about university-related topics. While at university, social media was most useful for finding campus events and connecting with classmates, but least effective for connecting with instructors. Most participants experienced meaningful change in their social media use from high school to university, which is often attributed to personal growth. Social media intensity correlated weakly but positively with usefulness and sense of belonging.Research limitations/implicationsThe study’s sample from a single university limits generalizability. While similar institutions might show comparable results, variations due to student demographics and differing institutional practices could emerge. The retrospective approach for reporting high school behaviors also poses a limitation. Future research could longitudinally follow students from university search to enrollment and attendance.Practical implicationsThe study recommends universities adjust social media strategies by prioritizing social content, using student ambassadors and customizing feeds. Universities should support students both online and offline, recognizing diverse pathways to belonging.Originality/valueThis study examines the transition period by asking university students to retrospectively reflect on high school experiences and also report current experiences. It also offers insights into student perceptions of whether their social media use has changed in meaningful ways.

Comparison of Fentanyl With Midazolam As Adjuvants to Levobupivacaine in Spinal Anesthesia for Cesarean Sections: A Randomized Controlled Trial.

Background and objectives Spinal anesthesia stands as a cornerstone for patients undergoing lower segment cesarean section (LSCS), offering advantages like faster onset and high block density. Levobupivacaine, known for its high potency and long-acting nature, has a slower onset. The safety of intrathecal fentanyl or midazolam is evaluated as an adjuvant to levobupivacaine in parturients. This study aims to compare the duration of postoperative analgesia provided by fentanyl or midazolam added to 0.5% hyperbaric levobupivacaine in elective cesarean sections. Secondary objectives include evaluating the onset and duration of sensory and motor blockade and the incidence of nausea and vomiting. Identifying the more effective adjuvant will help optimize spinal anesthesia protocols, improve postoperative outcomes, and enhance patient comfort and recovery. Methods This study was conducted at SRM Medical College Hospital and Research Centre, Chennai, India, over six months (May 1, 2023, to October 1, 2023). A total of 90 patients undergoing elective LSCS received spinal anesthesia in a prospective randomized double-blinded controlled trial. Patients were allocated to three groups: Group A received levobupivacaine with fentanyl, Group B received levobupivacaine with midazolam, and Group C received levobupivacaine with normal saline. Block characteristics, postoperative analgesia, hemodynamic stability, and complications were assessed. Assessments were conducted at specified time points: intraoperatively, every five minutes for the first 30 minutes, every 10 minutes for the next hour, every two hours for six hours, and every four hours up to 24 hours postoperatively. Statistical analysis utilized one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA). Results Group B (levobupivacaine with midazolam) exhibited a shorter time to sensory block onset (88 seconds) compared to Groups A and C (both 145 seconds) (p < 0.001). Group A (levobupivacaine with fentanyl) showed a shorter time to maximum motor block (p = 0.045) than Groups B and C. The sensory block duration was significantly longer in Group A (127.5 minutes) compared to Group B (60 minutes) and Group C (69 minutes) (p < 0.001). Motor block duration was also prolonged in Group A (251 minutes) compared to Group B (147 minutes) and Group C (177 minutes) (p = 0.045). The first analgesic requirement was delayed in Group A (248 minutes), whereas Groups B (115 minutes) and C (90 minutes) (p < 0.001) required more frequent analgesia. Group A experienced a higher incidence of postoperative nausea and vomiting. Conclusion Midazolam accelerated sensory block onset, while fentanyl prolonged anesthesia duration without significantly affecting motor block. Fentanyl delayed the first analgesic requirement, whereas midazolam reduced postoperative nausea, vomiting, and shivering.

Regional economic impact of university research expenditures

ABSTRACT Governments around the world provide significant funds for research activities at higher education institutions. Despite universities’ increased emphasis on external research funds and increased national funding for university research, little is known about the economic impacts specific to research expenditures. We use IMPLAN, an input-output model, to analyze the local economic impacts of externally sponsored university research expenditures in two geographic areas using a technological university in the Midwestern United States as a case study. For the rural micropolitan area, we find that one million dollars in university external research expenditures is associated with $711,000 in value added, 10 jobs, and $159,000 in tax revenue. The effects per million dollars of expenditures are typically larger in the medium metropolitan area; one million dollars in university external research expenditures is associated with $945,000 in value added, 9 jobs, and $164,000 in tax revenue. We also estimate value added, employment, and tax multipliers of 1.67, 1.86, and 1.74 for the micropolitan area and 2.02, 2.25, and 2.09 in the medium metropolitan area. Last, we show that 15-18% of generated tax revenue goes to the state and 75–77% goes to the federal government. Our results highlight the local and statewide economic returns to national public policy to invest in university research activities and how characteristics of the local economy influence the magnitude of those returns. The variation in the impacts also suggests that policy makers should be aware of differences across both geographic areas and impact measures (e.g. employment versus output).

Celebrating 40 Years of Chemical Research in Chinese Universities

Celebrating 40 Years of Chemical Research in Chinese Universities

University Campus Boundary Space Analysis and Research on Green Renewal Methods

University Campus Boundary Space Analysis and Research on Green Renewal Methods

The acquisition of foreign science and technology literature resources in specialized libraries amidst the challenges posed by science and technology blockade

Confronted with significant challenges in procuring foreign scientific and technological literature resources due to a global science and technology blockade, professional libraries are facing severe limitations imposed by the United States on China. These export control measures have severely hampered domestic scientific research institutions and universities from accessing foreign scientific and technological documents, thereby impeding China's progress in the field of scientific and technological innovation. To effectively address this predicament and enhance the ability to secure resources of foreign language scientific and technological literature, professional libraries should focus on the following five aspects: Firstly, diversify funding sources while expanding channels for procuring foreign periodicals; Secondly, increase procurement of English-language scientific and technological literature from non-American countries while organizing and categorizing these materials; Thirdly, strengthen access to non-English language scientific journals; Fourthly, promote collaborative construction and sharing of scientific and technological documents; Fifthly, develop localized versions of foreign digital resources. Ultimately, it is emphasized that bolstering one's own capabilities is key to overcoming barriers in accessing scientific and technological literature. Therefore, China should prioritize national-level development of digital academic platforms.

Knowledge Mapping for the University: Analysis of Approaches and an Example of Its Use

The purpose of the article is to analyze the current research, development and application of knowledge maps for visualizing heterogeneous, disparate, and often hidden knowledge in universities, and discuss the features of the development of maps in higher education institutions.Materials and methods. The market for intellectual services is actively developing in Russia and worldwide, and the methods of express assessment of human capital are extremely relevant. The intellectual capital of universities is one of the most important assets in the dynamic market of educational and consulting services. Research institutes and universities are modern centers of knowledge and technology, where lecturers and researchers accumulate, transfer and produce knowledge, multiplying and replenishing explicit and implicit intellectual assets. Knowledge management helps educational and research organizations to solve the problems of managing intellectual capital, gain a competitive advantage, improve management efficiency, and reduce risks caused by the concentration of knowledge among a small number of experts. The article is devoted to the problem of analyzing new opportunities for promoting and monetizing the intellectual capital of universities through visualization and knowledge mapping. Knowledge maps of university lecturers are a relevant tool to improve the quality of research and marketing communications, as well as positioning in the market of consulting and intellectual services. Knowledge maps of educational institutions and research teams are of particular research interest, since there is no characteristic business desire to protect knowledge from transfer and reproduction in this field.The result of the study is a typology of knowledge maps, which helps to identify patterns, structures and elements necessary for the development of knowledge bases in universities. The authors based on the results of a pilot study give examples of specific maps. Based on an analysis of existing approaches to the typology of knowledge maps and Bloom’s taxonomy, a hierarchical model reflecting different levels of understanding when interpreting and using knowledge maps was developed. The main research methodology relies on fairly well developed and widely used in the world practice knowledge engineering methods – knowledge extraction, structuring and formalisation. A separate analysis of potential consumers (or stakeholders) of knowledge maps was carried out based on stakeholder theory.Conclusions. The article discusses the methodological aspects of the development and features of the practical application of knowledge maps in higher educational institutions. Knowledge analysis makes it possible to develop the organizational “memory” of a university, collecting strategic knowledge and identifying critical knowledge, and generally enriches the knowledge structure. Knowledge maps as a category of special visual tools used to analyze the knowledge and competencies of university lecturers can improve the process of managing employee competencies, management decision making, and thereby reducing cognitive load. Such maps increase the image and marketing performance of a university in the educational services market, and make the professional landscape of knowledge more transparent.

The effects of verbal cues on EMG activity during a quadriceps setting exercise.

A quadriceps setting (quad set) exercise is commonly utilized following knee injury, but there is great variation in cues that clinicians provide to patients when performing the exercise. To determine if internal, external, or visual cues results in the greatest quadriceps electromyographical (EMG) activity during a quadriceps setting exercise in healthy individuals. Descriptive laboratory study. University research laboratory. Thirty healthy individuals volunteered for this study. Participants were given one of five cues in a randomized order: internal cue "tighten your thigh muscles," internal cue "push your knee down," external cue "push into the bolster," external cue "push into the strap," or visual biofeedback using the cue "raise the value on the screen as high as you can." Normalized vastus lateralis EMG activity. Both visual biofeedback (83.2±24.9%) and "press into the strap" (76.8±24.4%) produced significantly greater (p< 0.001) EMG activity than the push knee down (53.2±27.0%), tighten thigh (52.7±27.3%), or push into the bolster (50.8±26.3) conditions. There was no significant difference (p= 0.10) between the visual biofeedback and "press into the strap" conditions as well as no significant difference (p> 0.38) between the push knee down, tighten thigh, or push into the bolster conditions. If the clinical aim during a quadriceps setting exercise is to obtain the greatest volitional muscle recruitment, the use of visual biofeedback or pressing into a strap is recommended.