METHODOLOGICAL SUPPORT OF PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT OF TEACHERS OF PRESCHOOL EDUCATION INSTITUTIONS: PSYCHOLOGICAL AND PEDAGOGICAL FOUNDATIONS

With the help of encyclopedias, dictionaries, reference books the article reveals the definitive characteristics of such basic research concepts as: methodological assistance, methodological work and methodological support. Based on the development of psychological and pedagogical research, the concepts of methodological work and methodological support are analyzed and differentiated. The domestic regulatory documents are cited, which reflect the issues of methodological support for the teachers. The elaborations of the main directions and forms of methodical work with teachers (mass, group and individual) are presented, the classification of principles and functions of methodical support is given. The list of interactive forms of methodological support for preschool teachers and their impact on improving methodological support for teachers is outlined. The concept of the professional development of teachers, components of professional development, their essence and structure are highlighted, as well as ways of influencе of the methodological support on its improvement are outlined. The article, based on reputable modern researchers and practitioners, defines the directions, features and psychological and pedagogical conditions for providing methodological support for the professional development of teachers of preschool education institutions. The problems of implementing methodological support for teachers in preschool institutions are listed and analyzed, as well as prospects for improving its effectiveness are outlined.

A comparative study of different acceleration sensors in measuring energy consumption of human martial arts

At present, there are many acceleration sensors for measuring human martial arts in the market. However, due to the inaccurate measurement of some acceleration sensors, people who love martial arts are deeply troubled and unable to find an excellent acceleration sensor specifically for energy consumption detection of human martial arts. The development of this sensor is imminent, which is of great significance for the comparative study of energy consumption measurement of human martial arts in our country. In this study, 160 students aged 11–14 years were selected, and the subjects were divided into normal body mass group and abnormal body mass group. Of the 96 male adolescents, 32 were obese body mass, which was determined as male abnormal body mass Group; 64 male adolescents were normal body weight and male normal body weight group; female 64 adolescents were normal body weight and set as female normal body mass group. Using a built-in accelerometer and a mobile phone three-dimensional accelerometer, the subjects were subjected to a 3–8 km/h human martial arts exercise load test (each speed is continuously performed for 5 min). The two acceleration sensors collectively assess the accuracy of the prediction of the use of force in human martial arts experiments. The average power consumption of human art exercises uses a frequency of 60 times/min, 90 times/min and 120 times/min compared to two acceleration sensors. Test results show that the data points for the mobile accelerator eraser are scattered, and the distance between the data varies. The data points of the three-dimensional acceleration sensor are more concentrated and present a certain trend. The use of three-dimensional acceleration sensors to measure martial arts can fully reflect the energy consumption of human activities, and achieve an energy consumption measurement accuracy of more than 94%.

Sonic Sentimentality and the Unification of the Listening Space: Exploring the intersections of oral history and sonic art

This article aims to explore how the theoretical and pedagogical intersections of sonic art and creative oral history may work together to enhance the public response of socially engaged, interdisciplinary artwork. The main topics of discussion will include Panos Amelides’s paper ‘Acousmatic Storytelling’, the socio theoretical approach suggested by Salome Voegelin in her paper ‘Sonic Memory Material as “Pathetic Trigger”’, the behavioral study from the oral history sound installation by Dr Luis Sotelo Castro called Not Being Able to Speak is Torture, and the Deep Listening and Sonic Meditation practices and teachings of Pauline Oliveros, as well as compositions by Yves Daoust, Hildegard Westerkamp and Trevor Wishart. One consistent theme revealed through these investigations was that socially engaged, aurally focused artwork informed and woven by familiar and documented ‘life’ sounds or nostalgic sound events increases emotional triggers for the audience, creating a deeper engagement with the art piece or performance. Furthermore, an informed and host-led directive encouraging participatory and attentive listening through either meditation or discussion increases audience reception and takeaway, thus inspiring and unifying mass group empathy. This article suggests that the application of these techniques by electroacoustic composers, sonic artists, oral historians and interdisciplinary artists will create informed, passionate and empathetic listening spaces that live beyond the insular, creative experience itself.

Socio-ecological and medical problems of iodine deficiency among the population of Ukraine

Aim. Study of iodine supply in different segments of the population throughout Ukraine, establishment of the morbidity level caused by iodine deficiency, analysis of preventive measures and their effectiveness and development of adequate ways of mass, group and individual prophylaxis of iodine deficiency in the body, which will reduce morbidity in areas of endemic iodine deficiency. The article considers the most important results of long-term epidemiological studies of iodine supply in different categories of the population of almost all regions of Ukraine. Significant volume of work was performed with the support of the Ministry of Healthcare of Ukraine, UNICEF Ukrainian office, and the CDC in Atlanta (USA), which for more than 19 years has provided external quality control of the study of iodine status of the population of Ukraine. The data on iodine content in food and biological fluids of the population affected by the Chernobyl accident are given and the dependence of the irradiation dose of the thyroid on the body supply with stable iodine and on the optimization of the latter after the adoption of the State Programme for Iodine Deficiency Prevention for 2002–2005 is shown. The effectiveness of mass iodine prophylaxis by using universally iodized table salt is emphasized. The article presents data on suggested and implemented ways of mass, group and individual iodine prophylaxis, studies of their effectiveness and shows the positive dynamics of changes in providing the population with dietary iodine. The need for constant consumption of food products with sufficient iodine content, including iodized salt, is proven. Significant changes in the prevalence and incidence of thyroid pathology, socio-ecological and medical benefits of prevention of iodine-dependent disorders are described. The article was prepared as a scientific information material for family doctors, endocrinologists, obstetricians and gynaecologists, hygienists, the public, the Ministry of Healthcare of Ukraine in connection with the need for a legislative solution to the prevention of iodine-dependent disorders in Ukraine. Materials and Methods. To study the problem and assess the state of iodine deficiency in Ukraine the criteria recommended by the WHO and the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) were applied for the first time, a method for determining the iodine content in the body was developed and implemented, which allowed to join the international “Equip” system of iodine supply control in the world and in Ukraine. This made it possible to move from indirect to direct methods of determining the intake of iodine in the body. Conclusions. A detailed study of iodine supply in different segments of the population of Ukraine proved the negative effects of iodine deficiency on health; in particular, it was found that the overall decrease in productivity of the generation of children in iodine deficiency populations is 5%. Measures to eliminate iodine-dependent disorder among the population of Ukraine have been developed and implemented. The development and production of iodized food salt, adequate to the needs of the population, has been carried out. The result of these measures, developed and implemented to eliminate iodine-dependent disorders and to improve the nation’s intelligence, is, according to the official data, the improvement of iodine supply of the population, significant reduction in the number of thyroid disorders, especially among those affected with 131I, which, even just because of this indicator, has significant social-economic effect. Key Words: Chernobyl accident, iodine deficiency, iodized salt, population, prevention, regions.

Understanding learning outcomes: Comparing the effect of spacing instruction versus massed instruction

This study is comparing the effects of spacing instruction and massed instruction on Indonesian education students. To fulfill this objective, two intact classes were selected; one as a spacing group and another one as a massed group. Afterward, researcher administering a pre-test measured the skills of participants Islamic education. After that, only then did they receive treatment. In mass classes, the material is taught in an intensive 90-minute session, while the material is taught to space groups in three short sessions (each 30-minute session). After the instructions were carried out, a post-test was carried out in both groups, both mass classes and space groups. Then the post-test result data were analyzed using paired and independent sample t-test. The results showed that there was a significant difference between the post-test spacing group and the mass group. The results of this study indicated that the spacing group significantly outperformed the mass group at the final test. Finally, the implications of the study are discussed. Keywords: Learning Outcomes, Massed instruction, Spacing instruction, education skills;

Pre-hydration strongly reduces decompression sickness occurrence after a simulated dive in the rat

Introduction: Hydration status is considered a parameter likely to influence the risk of decompression sickness (DCS), but scientific evidence is scarce and conflicting. This experiment aimed to analyse the influence of pre-hydration on DCS occurrence in a rat model. Methods: Intra-peritoneal injections of saline solution were administered to rats (NaCl 0.9% 0 ml (Control), 0.1 ml (Group 1), or 1 ml·100g-1 body mass (Group 2) at each of 24 h, 12 h, and 30 min prior to simulated air dives (45 min at 1,010 kPa; compression and decompression rates 101 kPa·min-1; stops 5 min at 202 kPa, 5 min at 160 kPa, 10 min at 130 kPa). Evaluation of DCS occurrence and severity was made after decompression. Results: Pre-dive hydration reduced severe DCS from 47% (Control) to 29% (Group 1) and 0% (Group 2), and increased the proportion of animals without any signs of DCS from 40 (Control) to 57% (Group 1) and 93% (Group 2); Chi2 P = 0.041. Conclusions: This experiment demonstrated that pre-hydration can drastically reduce the DCS occurrence in an animal model. In the context of scuba diving, this result highlights the importance of elucidating the mechanisms linking hydration status and DCS risk.

THE NEW ROLE OF ARMED FORCES AS A RESPONSE TO ASYMMETRIC THREATS

The central theme of this issue is asymmetric threats with emphasis on the new role of the armed forces as one of several possible national responses. Asymmetric threats are not a new phenomenon. According to the literature, they are one of the oldest forms of threats, although in most cases the term asymmetric is not specifically mentioned. Asymmetry as a term referring to something that is not symmetrical or equivalent emerged later than the threats we today identify as asymmetric, and is consequently considered more modern. In reality, asymmetry is a form of threat that no one expects. It can relate to the organizational, personnel-related, and quantity-related aspects or some other aspect. It is important to note that an asymmetric threat emerges in a way that comes as a surprise. Our responses are therefore delayed, since such a threat was unexpected and we are not (yet) properly prepared to counter it. For this reason asymmetric threats are a big challenge. We can deal with them in different ways; one of them is certainly military. In asymmetric warfare, a very important effect is demonstrated with the use of minimal input, assertion of various interests – most often of an individual or group against a larger group or country – innovative approaches, and with high efficiency compared to the resistance of the target. When considering the role of the armed forces and their response to asymmetric threats, both the question and the answer to whether this should be the new role of the military are quite obvious. Asymmetric threats are a series of threats with a rich history, but it is their very innovation, effect of surprise, and inflicted damage that require a great deal of vigilance on the part of all whose fundamental mission is to ensure national security. In the past few years, Slovenia has faced various threats that could be classified as asymmetric, such as floods; ice storm; mass, group and individual illegal migration, and COVID-19. The state responded to them by activating various stakeholders, including the military. With its numerous past experiences acquired at home and abroad, the Slovenian Armed Forces has successfully joined state activities to normalize, assist in, restore and resolve the existing situation, and to provide order and security. Nevertheless, all stakeholders in the country who are involved in the efforts tackling the emerging asymmetric threats, including the Slovenian Armed Forces, are constantly faced with new challenges. These are manifested in various forms such as the need for new knowledge, other forms of cooperation, provision of specific logistical support, changes in legislation, modernization of the self-protective equipment for the employees and the efficiency of communication and other devices. In order to be better prepared and more responsive to asymmetric threats in the future, we still need to do more to face the above-mentioned challenges. There are several ways to do this. One of them is to write articles on the role of the armed forces in asymmetric threats. The authors of articles in this issue share a variety of experiences, views and ideas on how to proceed in order to be better prepared and more effective in the future.

Association of Low Bone Mass with Decreased Skeletal Muscle Mass: A Cross-Sectional Study of Community-Dwelling Older Women

This study aimed to investigate the characteristics of skeletal muscle mass, muscle strength, and physical performance among community-dwelling older women. Data were collected from 306 older adults, and the data of 214 older women were included in the final analysis. Participants’ calcaneus bone mass was measured using ultrasonography. Based on their T-scores, participants were divided into the following three groups: normal (T-score > −1), low (−2.5 < T-score ≤ −1), and very low (T-score ≤ −2.5) bone mass. Further, participants’ skeletal muscle mass, muscle strength (grip and knee extension strength), and physical performance [gait speed and timed up and go (TUG)] were measured. Arm skeletal muscle index (SMI, skeletal muscle mass/height2), leg SMI, and appendicular SMI in the very low bone mass group were low compared to those of the low bone mass group (p = 0.034, p = 0.011, and p = 0.009, respectively). Grip and knee extension strength, gait speed, and TUG were not significantly different between the groups. These findings suggest that older women with low bone density had decreased skeletal muscle mass. Therefore, maintaining or improving skeletal muscle mass may prevent low bone mass.

A Study of the Relationship between the Polymorphism and Mutation of rs682429 and rs3781590 in the LRP5 Gene and Bone Metabolism in Postmenopausal Type 2 Diabetic Women in Xinjiang

Objective. To explore the expression of the polymorphism and mutation of rs682429 and rs3781590 in the low-density lipoprotein receptor-related protein 5 (LRP5) genotype and to analyse the relationship of bone mineral density (BMD) and bone metabolism markers in postmenopausal women with type-2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) in Xinjiang, China, to provide a basis for prevention and treatment of the disease. Methods. A total of 136 postmenopausal women were included in the study. According to the results of an oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) and dual-energy X-ray (DEXA) determination of BMD, the study subjects were divided into 4 groups: group A: normal OGTT+normal bone mass group; group B: normal OGTT+osteoporotic (OP) group; group C: T2DM+normal bone mass group; group D: T2DM+osteoporotic (OP) group. Calcium (Ca), phosphorus (P), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), and clinical biochemical data were determined; haemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) was measured by HPLC; BMD of the femoral neck, hip, and lumbar spine (L1-4) was measured by dual-energy X-ray (DEXA); and the rs682429 and rs3781590 polymorphisms of the LRP5 gene were detected by time-of-flight mass spectrometry (TOF MS). Results. (1) The rs682429 polymorphism of the LRP5 genotype distribution was statistically significant (P<0.05) in group B compared with group A. (2) The triglycerides (TG) of women with the CT/TT genotype (mutant type) were higher than those of women with the CC genotype (wild type) (2.37±1.30 vs. 1.52±0.83, P<0.05) at the rs3781590 site of the LRP5 gene in group D. (3) Multiple linear regression analysis showed that TG (β=0.034, P<0.05) and body mass index (BMI) (β=0.013, P<0.05) were the influencing factors of BMD (L1-4) in T2DM patients. TG (β=0.022, P<0.05), BMI (β=0.009, P<0.05), and duration of menopause (β=0.005, P<0.05) were the influencing factors of BMD (hip). Conclusion. (1) The rs682429 polymorphism site in the LRP5 gene may be involved in bone metabolism in postmenopausal women from Xinjiang. (2) The rs3781590 mutation in the LRP5 gene from these subjects may be involved in lipid metabolism. (3) Among postmenopausal women with type 2 diabetes mellitus and bone mass abnormality in the Xinjiang Shihezi area, high BMI and TG are protective factors against increased BMD. Duration of menopause is a risk factor for increased BMD.

Early detection of superspreaders by mass group pool testing can mitigate COVID-19 pandemic

Background Most of epidemiological models applied for COVID-19 do not consider heterogeneity in infectiousness and impact of superspreaders, despite the broad viral loading distributions amongst COVID-19 positive people (1-1 000 000 per mL). Also, mass group testing is not used regardless to existing shortage of tests. I propose new strategy for early detection of superspreaders with reasonable number of RT-PCR tests, which can dramatically mitigate development COVID-19 pandemic and even turn it endemic. Methods I used stochastic social-epidemiological SEIAR model, where S-suspected, E-exposed, I-infectious, A-admitted (confirmed COVID-19 positive, who are admitted to hospital or completely isolated), R-recovered. The model was applied to real COVID-19 dynamics in London, Moscow and New York City. Findings Viral loading data measured by RT-PCR were fitted by broad log-normal distribution, which governed high importance of superspreaders. The proposed full scale model of a metropolis shows that top 10% spreaders (100+ higher viral loading than median infector) transmit 45% of new cases. Rapid isolation of superspreaders leads to 4-8 fold mitigation of pandemic depending on applied quarantine strength and amount of currently infected people. High viral loading allows efficient group matrix pool testing of population focused on detection of the superspreaders requiring remarkably small amount of tests. Interpretation The model and new testing strategy may prevent thousand or millions COVID-19 deaths requiring just about 5000 daily RT-PCR test for big 12 million city such as Moscow. Though applied to COVID-19 pandemic the results are universal and can be used for other infectious heterogenous epidemics. Funding No funding