Successful Acquisition Research Articles

Novel Wearable Device for Mindful Sensorimotor Training: Integrating Motor Decoding and Somatosensory Stimulation for Neurorehabilitation.

Sensorimotor impairment is a prevalent condition requiring effective rehabilitation strategies. This study introduces a novel wearable device for Mindful Sensorimotor Training (MiSMT) designed for sensory and motor rehabilitation. Our MiSMT device combines motor training using myoelectric pattern recognition along sensory training using two tactile displays. This device offers a comprehensive solution, integrating electromyography and haptic feedback, lacking in existing devices. The device features eight electromyography channels, a rechargeable battery, and wireless Bluetooth or Wi-Fi connectivity for seamless communication with a computer or mobile device. Its flexible material allows for adaptability to various body parts, ensuring ease of use in diverse patients. The two tactile displays, with 16 electromagnetic actuators each, provide touch and vibration sensations up to 250 Hz. In this proof-of-concept study, we show improved two-point discrimination after 5 training sessions in participants with intact limbs (p=0.047). We also demonstrated successful acquisition, processing, and decoding of myoelectric signals in offline and online evaluations. In conclusion, the MiSMT device presents a promising tool for sensorimotor rehabilitation by combining motor execution and sensory training benefits. Further studies are required to assess its effectiveness in individuals with sensorimotor impairments. Integrating mindful sensory and motor training with innovative technology can enhance rehabilitation outcomes and improve the quality of life for those with sensorimotor impairments.

Design of a Workshop for Focused Transesophageal Echocardiography During Noncardiac Surgery in Nurse Anesthesia Education.

The use of transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) by certified registered nurse anesthetists (CRNAs) during noncardiac surgery is relatively uncommon despite its unique potential to diagnose causes of hemodynamic instability. To address this problem, educational endeavors designed to provide practical TEE skills to CRNAs are needed. The aim of the current study was to evaluate the feasibility, acceptability, efficacy, and utility of a 2-day focused TEE workshop in nurse anesthesia education that employed a protocol involving a limited number of views and used goal-directed, qualitative assessments of critical physiologic parameters. This was a prospective, observational study involving 14 second-year nurse anesthesia students. The cohort was evaluated following completion of this workshop by simulator-based testing involving hypothetical clinical scenarios, and this test data was analyzed according to the percent successful acquisition and interpretation of TEE views to determine immediate objective teaching efficacy. The acceptability, perceived efficacy, and perceived utility of the workshop were assessed by online survey, and survey responses were qualitative and quantitative in nature. Participants acquired appropriate TEE views associated with clinical scenarios 99% of the time and correctly interpreted the pathology in those views 93% of the time. Participants uniformly perceived significant educational value in this workshop and intend to incorporate TEE in their future clinical practice. A 2-day workshop to teach focused TEE to nurse anesthesia trainees directed by a streamlined protocol is feasible, acceptable, and perceived as useful by participants, and provides practical experience and entry-level competency in this point-of-care ultrasound modality.

Pavlovian-to-instrumental transfer in intertemporal choice

Abstract We often forego a larger future reward in order to obtain a smaller reward immediately, known as impatient intertemporal choice. The current study investigated the role of Pavlovian-to-instrumental transfer (PIT) as a mechanism contributing to impatient intertemporal choice, following a theoretical framework proposing that cues associated with immediate gratification trigger a Pavlovian approach response, interfering with goal-directed (instrumental) inhibitory behavior. We developed a paradigm in which participants first learned to make instrumental go/no-go responses in order to win rewards and avoid punishments. Next, they learned the associations between Pavlovian cues and rewards varying in amount and delay. Finally, we tested whether these (task-irrelevant) cues exerted transfer effects by influencing instrumental actions while participants again completed the go/no-go task. Across two experiments, Pavlovian cues associated with larger (versus smaller) and immediate (versus delayed) rewards were evaluated more positively, reflecting the successful acquisition of Pavlovian cue–outcome associations. These findings replicated the previously reported classical transfer effect of reward amount on instrumental behavior, as large (versus smaller) cues increased instrumental approach. In contrast, we found no evidence for the hypothesized transfer effects for reward delay, contrary to the proposed role of PIT in impatient intertemporal choice. These results suggest that although both reward amount and delay were important in the evaluation of cues, only the amount associated with cues influenced instrumental choice. We provide concrete suggestions for future studies, addressing instrumental outcome identity, competition between cue–amount and cue–delay associations, and individual differences in response to Pavlovian cues.

THE STUDY OF S. S. UVAROV’S ACTIVITY IN SUPPORTING PRE-SERVICE TEACHERS DURING THE INTRODUCTION OF LANCASTER SCHOOLS IN THE RUSSIAN EMPIRE AT THE BEGINNING OF THE XIX CENTURY

The article actualizes the issues of the emergence of a new method of teaching at the lowest level of education in Russia at the beginning of the XIXth century, namely the Bell - Lancaster method of mutual learning, which at that time was considerably popular in European countries. The research aims to analyze, on the study of archival documents, the position and actions of S. S. Uvarov on the issue of sending students of the Main Pedagogical Institute from St. Petersburg to England to study on the spot the features of applying the method of mutual learning and to promote his own ideas for the development of education. The methodological basis of the research is the study of a specific historical and pedagogical phenomenon in the context of a biographical approach. The author substantiates the idea that the role of the trustee of St. Petersburg Educational District in the selection, methodological training of students, their accompaniment on a trip abroad was extremely high, and was also aimed not only at the successful acquisition of knowledge and skills by students, but also at promoting their own ideas for the development of education in the country. The documents prepared personally by S. S. Uvarov are highlighted and characterized, as well as the actions taken by him and aimed at changing the promoted decision on the introduction of the mutual learning method in the Russian Empire. The historical evidence accompanying the consideration of the idea of opening the Second category Main Pedagogical Institute as a special institution for teacher training is shown. The evidence is indicated and argued that S. S. Uvarov formulated a document that allowed accompanying students who went to study abroad.

Self-assembly of a unique triangle-like tungstovanadate containing pentagonal {(WO7)W3(SnR)2} cluster.

In aqueous solution, a novel triangle-like tungstovanadate estertin derivative K10H10.5[(W4O15(H2O)2){(SnCH2CH2COO)2(V0.75W10.75/V0.25O39)}{{(SnCH2CH2COO)2(μ-OH)}2(SnCH2CH2COO)(VW10O37)}2]·31H2O ((SnR)8-V3W35, R = CH2CH2COO) was assembled by a conventional synthetic method. (SnR)8-V3W35 is composed of one [VW11O39]7- ({VW11}) and two [VW10O37]9- ({VW10}) units connected by eight [Sn(CH2)2COO]2+ groups and a {W4O19} cluster. Interestingly, there exists a pentagonal bipyramid WO7 polyhedral center surrounded by two SnCO5 and three WO6 octahedra, forming a pentagonal {(WO7)W3(SnR)2} cluster in this polyoxometalate (POM), which is also the first example of a pentagonal structure formed by transition metals (TMs) and main group organometals in the POM family. Furthermore, the structure of this organic-inorganic hybrid POM also exhibits the largest number of organotin groups introduced into the POM system. It was characterized with various physico-chemical and spectroscopic methods, including X-ray single crystal and powder diffraction analysis, 119Sn and 51V NMR, IR, thermal gravimetric analysis (TGA), etc. In addition, the catalytic activity of (SnR)8-V3W35 as a mimic of peroxidase was evaluated using o-phenylenediamine (OPD) as a peroxidase substrate. The major factors influencing the oxidation reaction such as pH, the dosage of (SnR)8-V3W35, and concentrations of OPD and H2O2 were mainly studied. (SnR)8-V3W35 exhibits good peroxidase-like catalytic activity. From another perspective, the successful acquisition of (SnR)8-V3W35 further proves the instability and easy reassembly characteristics of TM-sandwich-type tungstovanadates, which also provides a new assembly strategy for synthesizing POM-estertin derivatives.

Evaluation of a same-metal PCB-based three-electrode system via impedance studies using potassium ferricyanide.

We report for the first time the successful acquisition of electrochemical impedance spectroscopy data using an unconventional same-metal PCB-based three-electrode system. Conventional three-electrode systems primarily require expensive and bulky electrodes, and a high volume of analytes to conduct electrochemical impedance spectroscopy studies. The miniaturized PCB-based three-electrode system used in this work requires only trace amounts of analytes in the order of 10-20 μL owing to the design of the electrode sensor. Prominent standard redox probe potassium ferricyanide was used for impedance spectroscopic characterization studies. The results obtained were in congruence with existing literature; additionally the PCB-based three-electrode system demonstrated significantly higher repeatability, reproducibility, and consistency across different models of electrochemical instrumentations. Interestingly, the electrochemical impedance spectroscopy data of the PCB-3T sensor exhibited a consistent semi-circular impedance curve on a Nyquist plot and two distinct phase change regions on a Bode plot indicative of a simplified Randles cell model with an excellent circuit fit. Additionally this model provides an accurate impedance model for analysing trace analytes of potassium ferricyanide. Based on the circuit fitting model, potassium ferricyanide samples of varying concentrations at 1 mM, 5 mM, 10 mM, 15 mM and 20 mM demonstrated characteristic EIS charge transfer resistance corresponding to 435, 300, 233, 72 and 55 kΩ, respectively, and solution resistance of 260, 254, 218, 169 and 157 Ω, respectively. Therefore, the proposed novel same-metal three-electrode sensor can be employed in effective analysis and detection of samples with high accuracy and high sensitivity for trace amounts of analytes.

Unraveling Motivation in English Language Learning: Insights from Non-EFL University Students

Motivation plays a pivotal role in the success of second language acquisition, as indicated by numerous studies. While it has long been acknowledged that motivated learners tend to achieve better outcomes, various taxonomies have emerged to differentiate motivation types. The two widely recognized classifications are intrinsic/extrinsic and integrative/instrumental. This cross-sectional research aims to comprehensively discuss and analyze the four types of motivation exhibited by students at one of the private university in Indonesia enrolled in English for International Communication (TOEIC-based) classes. A structured questionnaire based on Gardner's Attitudes/Motivation Test Battery (AMTB) was utilized as the research instrument. The study spanned one year, during which students were exposed to a minimum of two TOEIC-based classes. The research sample, consisting of 446 students, was thoughtfully selected through purposive sampling techniques. This sample was further stratified, with 254 students drawn from the third-fourth semesters and 192 students from the fifth-sixth semesters. The findings, presented in numerical format, revealed that a majority of students demonstrated high levels of motivation across all motivation classifications. This research sheds light on the motivation dynamics of the students, providing valuable insights for educators and language learning practitioners.

The Latin Language as a Factor in the Formation of Professional and Intercultural Competencies of Medical Students in Higher Education

The article is devoted to such an important socio-cultural aspect of human life as obtaining professional and intercultural competencies in the process of educational activity. According to the author, Latin is a fusion of philological information and language skills, as well as legal norms, history, traditions, ethnic characteristics of behavior and thinking of native speakers of the language and culture. The author believes that in the long term, the task of foreign language education in an institution of higher professional education is the formation of a multilingual, well-educated person who is able to apply his knowledge in the process of professional intercultural communication. The above factors determine the relevance of the chosen topic. The subject of the study is professional and intercultural competencies formed with the direct participation of the Latin language. The object is the Latin language as an academic discipline of the curriculum of medical specialties. In the course of the research, the author aims to study the role of the Latin language in the process of professional development of medical university students as an integral part of the general humanitarian direction. For the successful realization of this goal, scientific sources of literature were analyzed. The methodological basis of the study is determined by the purpose of the work and is presented by the following methods: random sampling, definitional analysis, comparison and classification. Special attention in the successful acquisition of professional competencies of future specialists is paid to the interdisciplinary approach in training. As a result of the successful formation of competencies, students acquire not only knowledge of medical and biological terminology, but also the ability to use the acquired knowledge in simulated or real clinical conditions, as well as gain practical experience in operating with medical vocabulary in their future professional activities.

Can Tacit Know-How Be Acquired via Testimony?

Abstract The role of testimony in the transmission and generation of knowledge has been debated vigorously in contemporary epistemology. More recently, types other than propositional knowledge are also being discussed, among them know-how. No special attention, however, has been paid so far to tacit forms of know-how. In this article, I am arguing for the thesis that testimony, if understood in an inclusive way, can play a central role in the transmission and generation of tacit know-how. This thesis is embedded in a virtue-theoretic framework: next to testimony, successful acquisition of tacit know-how crucially depends on the relationship between teacher and student and the virtues they both display.

Parents’ Journeys of Mastery and Knowledge Construction After Their Infant’s First Stage of Surgery for Complex Congenital Heart Disease

ABSTRACT Background A growing body of conceptual evidence over the last decade has increased our understanding of parents’ experiences of having an infant with complex congenital heart disease. These concepts include parents’ feelings of uncertainty, fear, excitement, and mastery. However, little is known about parents’ experiences, confidence, and knowledge acquisition during transition from hospital to home with their infant after the first stage of complex cardiac surgery. A theoretical framework to assess, plan and implement child and family centered care would assist children’s cardiac nurses responsible for parental education, discharge planning and coordination. Aim To explore parents’ experiences of the transition from hospital to home with their infant, following the first stage of cardiac surgery. Design A prospective mixed methods longitudinal design. Semi-structured interviews were undertaken, including administration of the Maternal Confidence Questionnaire at four timepoints: before discharge following stage one cardiac surgery (T0), 2 weeks’ post discharge (T1), 8 weeks’ post discharge (T2) and after stage two surgery (T3). Qualitative data were thematically analyzed. Descriptive statistics were used to characterize the sample and non-parametric repeated measures analysis of variance was used to analyze changes over time in maternal confidence scores. Results Sixteen parents of 12 infants participated. Four “patterns of transition experience” emerged, the fourth “Mastery”, is discussed in this paper. Mastery can be contextualized in terms of the parents’ journeys of knowledge construction, gaining confidence and reflection. Learning was dynamic and transformational, but successful learning and acquisition of knowledge was also dependent upon the parents’ ability to absorb, integrate and adjust at any given time. Confidence at T0 was significantly lower than at T1 (p = .011), T2 (p = .018) and T3 (p = .012). There were no significant differences between scores at T1, T2 and T3. Liminality, as a concept, described the between and betwixt time that parents experienced as they were preparing for discharge from hospital; excitement to be going home balanced with the fear of being alone and confidence in looking after their fragile infant. Conclusion Parents of infants with complex congenital heart disease obtain knowledge, confidence, and mastery dependent upon their transition experience and their personal journey through pre-liminal, liminal, and post-liminal phases of discharge from hospital to home. A conceptual framework “Parenting through Transitions – hospital to home” emerged that could assist in structuring assessment of parents’ knowledge and support needs within a coordinated discharge process. Identifying individualized support would promote adaptation and adjustment during transition from the pre to post liminal phase, following their infant’s first stage of complex cardiac surgery.

Probing the Electronic Properties of Cu and CuO Thin Films via XANES utilizing Powder XRD System

This research introduces an alternative approach on materials characterization by developing an in-house X-ray Absorption Spectroscopy (XAS) system utilizing powder X-ray Diffraction (XRD) machine. The performance of the in-house XAS system was investigated by analysing the position of Cu K-edge and the absorption spectrum shape within the X-ray Absorption Near Edge Structure (XANES) region. Copper (Cu) based samples were used to test the performance of the system where Cu and Copper Oxide (CuO) thin film deposited on polyimide tape and silicon wafer (100) prepared through the deposition process carried out using RF Magnetron Sputtering machine. Phase confirmation analysis were conducted by XRD and the deposited films’ thickness were measured by Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM). The laboratory-based XAS measurement was carried out using Rigaku SmartLab X-ray Diffractometer configured for Bragg-Brentano (BB) measurement mode. Molybdenum (Mo) target was used to produce white X-rays by energizing it near 20 keV ±0.01 keV. XRD measurements on XRD and SEM analysis proves successful deposition of pure Cu and CuO thin films and the film thickness measured is 1.432 μm and 0.680 μm respectively. The conclusive findings of the laboratory-based XAS measurements indicate successful acquisition of XAS data with similar spectrum shape of experimental Cu and CuO XANES in comparison with theoretical data. Next, experimental XANES shows clear observation of Cu K-edge peaks for Cu thin film at 8.9737 keV, while Cu K-edge for CuO thin films is not observable. Lastly, there is also presence of significant XANES broadening and which then effect consequent peak shiftings.

Phonetic accommodation in non-native directed speech supports L2 word learning and pronunciation

This study assessed whether Non-native Directed Speech (NNDS) facilitates second language (L2) learning, specifically L2 word learning and production. Spanish participants (N = 50) learned novel English words, presented either in NNDS or Native-Directed Speech (NDS), in two tasks: Recognition and Production. Recognition involved matching novel objects to their labels produced in NNDS or NDS. Production required participants to pronounce these objects’ labels. The novel words contained English vowel contrasts, which approximated Spanish vowel categories more (/i-ɪ/) or less (/ʌ-æ/). Participants in the NNDS group exhibited faster recognition of novel words, improved learning, and produced the /i-ɪ/ contrast with greater distinctiveness in comparison to the NDS group. Participants’ ability to discriminate the target vowel contrasts was also assessed before and after the tasks, with no improvement detected in the two groups. These findings support the didactic assumption of NNDS, indicating the relevance of the phonetic adaptations in this register for successful L2 acquisition.

Influence of sociocultural institutions on the socioeconomic development of society in the era of post-industrialism

Methods. The results were obtained through the use of methods: logical and historical – when studying the process of evolution of theoretical views on the role of sociocultural factors in the process of absorbing knowledge; the method of classifications – when distinguishing the main approaches to determining the main sociocultural factors affecting the process of knowledge transfer and assimilation; general and specific – when establishing the similarities and differences in the existing approaches regarding the decisive socio-cultural factors influencing the success of the knowledge acquisition process. Results. It has been proven that the process of knowledge acquisition and transfer at the company level and at the individual level, depending on national characteristics, is influenced by some other socio-cultural factors that the company can control. It has been established that in modern scientific literature there is no unified approach to determining the decisive socio-cultural factors that positively or negatively affect the process of knowledge acquisition. Among such factors, scientists point out experience, motivation, social connections and social capital, cultural diversity, continuity of learning, trust, openness to change, etc. Such a variety of approaches gives rise to the need to study all the indicated socio-cultural factors of influence on the success of knowledge acquisition in their unity and interrelationship. Novelty. It has been proven that the success of the acquisition process at the company level depends on the ability, desire, and success of knowledge transfer. The ability to acquire knowledge depends on the intellectual level, level of education, experience, and skills of the subject absorbing knowledge; the desire to acquire knowledge depends on motivation, incentives and interest, openness to knowledge, awareness of the value of knowledge, a culture of knowledge; the success of knowledge transfer depends on the effectiveness of learning methods that shape the culture of learning, organizational procedures of knowledge transfer, successful communications, distance, duration of relationships, cooperation, shared beliefs, social ties and social exchange, social integration based on trust, and also on those social filters that a person receiving knowledge puts between himself and knowledge. Practical value. Awareness of the above-mentioned factors can provide an understanding of the complex dynamics that shape the perception of knowledge at the country level and the level of the organization. It is important to recognize the multifacetedness of these influences, how they interact with each other, as well as the vector and extent of these influences, which can be considered a direction for further research.

Towards a successful secure software acquisition

Towards a successful secure software acquisition

Analysis of Grand Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd.'s Successive Acquisitions of Two Companies Within Two Years

Since the 21st century, the phenomenon of acquisition and merger of enterprises has become more and more intense. The benefits of the enterprises acquisitions include cost savings, increased revenue, and improved market competitiveness. However, there are risks involved, so it's critical to select the ideal acquisition company and execute an effective acquisition plan. In this paper, Grand Pharmaceutical has acquired two enterprises in the past two years as an example of analysis and research, using scientific valuation methods, to draw a successful conclusion of the acquisition, to provide experience for the future acquisition of enterprises. Grand Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd.s acquisition is forward-looking, and no major company has committed to exploring the amino acid market before, thus filling the gap in the industry and market. In addition to interests, entrepreneurs must also be concerned with market rules and legal norms. When making acquisitions, an enterprise should design a solid development plan while also abiding by market regulations and engaging in competitive activity within appropriate bounds. These results shed light on guiding further exploratio of enterprises M&A.

Motion Rejection and Spectral Unmixing for Accurate Estimation of In Vivo Oxygen Saturation Using Multispectral Optoacoustic Tomography.

Multispectral optoacoustic tomography (MSOT) uniquely enables spatial mapping in high resolution of oxygen saturation (SO2), with potential applications in studying pathological complications and therapy efficacy. MSOT offers seamless integration with ultrasonography, by using a common ultrasound (US) detector array. However, MSOT relies on multiple successive acquisitions of optoacoustic (OA) images at different optical wavelengths and the low frame rate of OA imaging makes the MSOT acquisition sensitive to body/respiratory motion. Moreover, the estimation of SO2 is highly sensitive to noise, and artifacts related to the respiratory motion of the animal were identified as the primary source of noise in MSOT. In this work, we propose a two-step image processing method for SO2 estimation in deep tissues. First, to mitigate motion artifacts, we propose a method of selection of OA images acquired only during the respiratory pause of the animal, using ultrafast ultrasound (US) images acquired immediately after each OA acquisition (US image acquisition duration of 1.4 ms and a total delay of 7 ms). We show that gating is more effective using US images than OA images at different optical wavelengths. Second, we propose a novel method that can estimate directly the SO2 value of a pixel and at the same time evaluate the amount of noise present in that pixel. Hence, the method can efficiently eliminate the pixels dominated by noise from the final SO2 map. Our postprocessing method is shown to outperform conventional methods for SO2 estimation, and the method was validated by in vivo oxygen challenge experiments.

Uyghur–Chinese early successive bilingual children's acquisition of voluntary motion expressions

Abstract This study explores the implications of Talmy's (2000) motion event typology and its subsequent articulations in relation to Slobin's (1996, 2006) thinking-for-speaking hypothesis for the early successive bilingual acquisition of Uyghur (verb-framed) and Mandarin Chinese (equipollently-framed). Specifically, it examines how 4-, 6-, 8- and 10-year-old bilingual children acquire motion expressions in their L1 and L2 respectively, and how cross-linguistic influence shapes their L2 acquisition process. Results show that, in their L1 Uyghur, bilinguals follow general developmental trajectories observed for children acquiring verb-framed languages. While sensitive to the equipollent Chinese system from early on, due to L1 and other factors, bilinguals fully converge on the Chinese pattern only at age 10, a feat in place in monolinguals from age 3. Our findings highlight that bilingual children do eventually come to develop language-specific thinking-for-speaking patterns in their L2, but they traverse a distinct developmental path.

Design and Development of an Intelligent Decision Support System for HR Recruitment

In the current era of globalized business environments, the effective management of human resources (HRM) plays a critical role in attracting and retaining skilled employees as companies expand into international markets. This study aims to tackle the challenges encountered in the HR recruitment process by designing and developing an intelligent decision support system based on the Mamdani fuzzy inference system. The proposed system harnesses the capabilities of fuzzy logic and advanced analytics to enhance the efficiency, accuracy, and efficacy of candidate selection. By automating tasks, the system streamlines the recruitment process and enhances candidate-job matching through the utilization of linguistic variables such as Technical Skillset, Experience, Certifications, Qualification, and Projects completed. The Mamdani fuzzy inference system facilitates adaptable decision-making based on imprecise or uncertain inputs, capturing expert knowledge and domain-specific heuristics. This approach optimizes the candidate ranking process, contributing to the successful acquisition of talented individuals and fostering organizational growth. By adopting this technology-driven HRM approach, organizations can surmount the limitations of manual methods, elevate their recruitment processes, and make more well-informed hiring decisions. The proposed Mamdani fuzzy inference system presents a robust and efficient solution that capitalizes on the potential of information technology to augment human resource management practices and gain a competitive edge in talent acquisition.

A new promising new choice for modern medical CT scanners: Cerium-doped gadolinium yttrium gallium aluminum garnet ceramic scintillator

Cerium-doped gadolinium yttrium gallium aluminum garnet (GYGAG) ceramics show great promise as scintillators for modern medical CT scanners. They exhibit exceptional scintillation efficiency, fast decay, low afterglow, and high X-ray stopping power. However, the performance of GYGAG ceramic scintillators in modern medical CT scanners has not been thoroughly investigated, as previous research has primarily focused on optimizing material performance. To address this research gap, we prepared a high-quality GYGAG ceramic scintillator and compared its performance to that of a widely used commercial GOS ceramic scintillator in medical CT scanners. The GYGAG scintillator showed comparable afterglow intensity, but significantly higher light yields and faster scintillation decay. Additionally, we developed two-dimensional GYGAG scintillator arrays integrated into a CT detector and assessed their spatial resolution and low-contrast detectability. The successful acquisition of CT images of an adult head phantom demonstrates the promising potential of GYGAG ceramic scintillators as alternatives for modern medical CT scanner detectors.

Acquisition of Communicative Skills by Foreign Students in a Multicultural Learning Environment

The study's relevance was determined by the lack of attention towards specific aspects of foreign students' acquisition of communicative skills in a multicultural setting and the need to record the psychological and pedagogical circumstances of academic activities that facilitate successful intercultural communication skills acquisition. This study aimed to provide evidence for theoretical claims and describe the experiment that aimed to validate the psychological and pedagogical conditions under which foreign students can acquire communicative skills within a multicultural environment at Kazakh University. To investigate the cognitive, emotional, and personality-based behavioural components of communicative skills, a range of valid methods were selected. The study was conducted using a mixed method. The research comprised 22 students from China, 14 students from the Republic of Korea, 19 students from Afghanistan, 20 students from the Republic of Iran, and 9 students from Vietnam, all pursuing their education in Kazakhstan at two universities. The research results showed that high levels of empathy and ethnic tolerance were obtained by 26.4% of the experimental group and 28.2% of the control group students respectively. It was found that conflict situations were more likely to arise as a result of competition, which was confirmed by 36.8% of the experimental group and 34.8% of the control group. The results obtained have significantly broadened the parameters of foreign students' learning and work activity's communicative and personality aspects.