Title: THE USE OF EXPERIMENTATION AS A PEDAGOGICAL TOOL IN SCIENCE TEACHING IN HIGH SCHOOL

Abstract:Science teaching is often seen as complex. It is necessary to use different methodologies to facilitate understanding. According to the literature in the area, experimentation is relevant for teaching science to unite theory with practice, facilitating student understanding and the practice of teaching. This study proposes to analyze the use of experimentation as a pedagogical tool used in the teaching-learning process of teaching Natural Sciences, with the aim of gathering and synthesizing similar characteristics in publications in relation to the use of experimental activities in teaching Science in high school. Seeking to identify the methodological conceptions of teachers who are publishing on the concept of experimentation in science teaching, relating the possible contributions to the teaching-learning process, in addition to verifying the main results achieved by this use, within the scope of science teaching. To achieve this, this study was based on a systematic review with qualitative meta-synthesis of works from the existing literature. Using the methodological process proposed by Kitchenham et al. (2007), on scientific productions: theses and dissertations that referred to the topic, published between 2019 and 2023. The field of this investigation was composed of 438 texts initially found, in the 2 databases: Portal Capes (253), Biblioteca Brazilian Digital Theses and Dissertations (BDTD) (185). The publication period analyzed was from 2019 to 2023, all of which were national literature. After data collection, 31 studies were selected and analyzed in full. As a result of this study, it was possible to infer that the use of experimentation as a pedagogical tool helps in the teaching-learning process in a significant way, arousing the interest of students, motivating them to seek problem resolutions in a critical and active way, configuring relevant to the teaching-learning process and, therefore, to effective teaching practice regarding the construction of scientific knowledge in the secondary education stage.




Title: Soil physicochemical responses to silvicultural treatments under Pericopsis elata and Entandrophragma cylindricum in Yangambi, DR Congo.

Abstract:Soils hosting the plantations of two forest species threatened with extinction, Pericopsis elata Harms Van Meeuwen (Fabaceae) and Entandrophragma cylindricum Sprague (Meliaceae), were compared to determine the effects of four silvicultural methods, Layon, Blanc-Etoc, Martineau and assisted forest management (FAM), setteled in 1938 in Yangambi, following Split Plot statistical layout. A resilient management method would combat deforestation through shifting agriculture and forest degradation, thus rationally preserving Yangambi Biosphere Reserve (RBY). It turned out that for the two acid-tolerant forest species as compared to mixed forest control (FM), acidifying parameter values have significantly characterised 0-10cm soil depth ranges under silvicultural treatments. Under Pericopsis elata, Martineau has increased effective exchange cation capacity (ECEC) with 10.7 meq/100g, Blanc Etoc increased exchangeable acidity to 5.60meq/100g, FAM increased available phosphorus to 15.46 ppm and silvicultural plantaions decreased calcium with 0.26-0.4 meq/100g. Under Entandrophragma cylindricum, silvicultural methods have increased pHKCl to 3.21-3.32, pHH2O 3.75-4.35 and increased potassium 0.105-0.135meq/100g. They decreased nitrogen to 0.13-0.15%, carbon 1.51-1.98% and phosphorus 5.16- 13.98ppm; while Blanc Etoc increased ECEC to 6.2 meq/100g and exchangeable acidity to 5.71 meq/100g. For the three soil depth ranges (0-10cm, 10-30cm and 30- 50cm), the silvicultural plantation soils under the two forest species are less weathered, so deficient in clay and silt. Soil parameters synchronized with the two species dendrometries will determine an appropriate silvicultural method.




Title: THE EFFECTIVENESS OF LIKARI APPLICATION (FIVE WORDS IN ONE DAY) IN IMPROVING STUDENTS’ JAPANESE VOCABULARY MASTERY.

Abstract:This study aimed to explore the effectiveness of using Likari application (five \nwords a day) in improving students` Japanese vocabulary. The main reason is because \nof the development of technology which is growing so rapidly. It makes learning applications become very popular media that help the students in learning Japanese. \nThis study involved 100 Senior High School students in Padang City who were taken \nby random sampling where they used Likari application during 60 days. This study was \ndesign as development research method used pre-test and post-test as instrument to \nmeasure the increasing of students` ability in mastering Japanese vocabulary. The \nresults of this study showed that the average scores of the students in mastering \nJapanese vocabulary was increased 40%. In addition, the results of interviews with \nstudents revealed that 90% of students felt more motivated and active in using the \napplication compared to conventional learning which was quite boring for students\nwhich popular called as generation Z. These findings indicated that Likari as a learning \napplication can be an effective solution in improving students` vocabulary mastery, \nespecially in learning Japanese.




Title: DIFFERENCES IN PULMONARY AND EXTRA-PULMONARY CAUSES OF HEMOPTYSIS

Abstract:Background: Hemoptysis is the coughing up of blood from the tracheobronchial tree. Hemoptysis is most often a manifestation of lung diseases. The etiology of hemoptysis can also be extra-pulmonary. A certain number of cases are idiopathic. The gold standard in the diagnosis is computed tomography, pulmonary angiography, and aortography. The treatment of hemoptysis is the treatment of the underlying disease and, if necessary, bronchoscopy. Methodology: This study examines 235 patients presenting with hemoptysis at the Emergency Center of Serbia, University Clinical Center, focusing on demographics, comorbidities, diagnostic procedures, and treatment outcomes. Patients underwent thorough clinical evaluation and laboratory tests, with an emphasis on distinguishing pulmonary from non-pulmonary causes. Descriptive and inferential statistics were employed to analyze the data, revealing significant findings. Results: Results showed a male predominance (62.1%) with an average age of 60.9 years. Comorbidities, particularly arterial hypertension, were prevalent. Chest imaging, including X-rays and CT scans, aided in diagnosing conditions such as pulmonary thromboembolism and malignancy. Logistic regression highlighted predictors for outpatient treatment, including higher hemoglobin levels and non-pulmonary etiology. Bronchoscopy was performed in 23.8% of cases, revealing varied findings, including active bleeding, inflammation, and bronchiectasis. Notably, uncontrolled arterial hypertension emerged as a leading cause of hemoptysis. Patients with pulmonary causes exhibited distinct clinical and laboratory profiles compared to those with non-pulmonary etiologies. Conclusion: This study underscores the heterogeneity of hemoptysis etiologies and the critical role of thorough evaluation in guiding treatment decisions. Understanding the differences in clinical characteristics and laboratory results between pulmonary and non-pulmonary causes informs optimal management strategies and balancing outpatient vs. inpatient care.




Title: TECHNOLOGY ENHANCED LEARNING TOOLS USAGE AND INSTITUTIONAL POLICY FRAMEWORKS AMONG TVET TEACHERS: THE MODERATING ROLE OF WORK EXPERIENCE

Abstract:The study investigated the role of work experience on institutional policy framework, access and utilization of Technology Enhanced Learning (TEL) tools among TVET teachers in Nigerian tertiary institutions. Two research questions and two null hypotheses guided the study. The sample for the study was 318 teachers from six tertiary institutions that offer Vocational and Technical Education programmes in Nigeria. Instrument for data collection was developed by the researchers and was validated by five experts in Vocational and Technical Education. The overall reliability index of the instrument was 0.81. Results from collected data revealed that many institutional policy frameworks run in TVET institutions do not promote technology enhanced learning; there is a positive relationship between access to TEL resources and years of experience; gender does not play a significant role in the use and access to TEL tools. It is recommended that TVET institutions should draw up policies that encourage TEL use; and engage teachers with TEL as they advance in their professional experiences, irrespective of gender.




Title: Comparing maternal and neonatal outcomes in patients with second trimester cervical insufficiency undergoing elective laparoscopic and transvaginal cerclage placement

Abstract:Background: Cervical insufficiency is due to congenital or acquired factors that lead to pathological dilation or relaxation of the cervix, which in turn leads to miscarriage or premature delivery. Cervical cerclage is one of the important methods to treat cervical insufficiency. It is divided into two methods namely transvaginal and transabdominal. Transabdominal approach is further divided into laparotomy and laparoscopy. When the gestational age is large, prophylactic cervical cerclage is mostly performed by transvaginal approach though very little cervical cerclage centers implement the laparoscopic approach. Objective: This study aimed to compare pregnancy outcomes after vaginal and laparoscopic cervical cerclage in patients with cervical insufficiency due to large influx of patients with larger gestation ages. We also compared the pregnancy outcomes for laparoscopic and transvaginal cervical cerclage at older gestational ages. Methods: This is a retrospective study of patients who underwent cervical cerclage surgery at our center from January 2019 to June 2022. Maternal outcomes were gestational age at delivery, miscarriage, prematurity, term pregnancy, cervical laceration, mode of delivery, and premature rupture of membranes. Neonatal prognosis includes neonatal survival rate, neonatal admission rate, neonatal respiratory support, Apgar score and neonatal weight. We analyzed the pregnancy outcomes of laparoscopic and transvaginal cervical cerclage, as well as the different pregnancy outcomes of the two cervical cerclage procedures after 12 weeks of gestation. Results: A total of 129 cases of singleton pregnancies were identified as eligible for inclusion in the study, and all of them underwent cervical cerclage during pregnancy. laparoscopic group (n = 86) and transvaginal group (n = 43). Results of laparoscopic group and transvaginal group: postoperative infection (4.65 vs 23.3%), gestational age at delivery (mean±SD) (36.23±3.13) vs (33.26±4.52), miscarriage (3.49% vs 16.28%), Premature birth (28-32 weeks) (1.16% vs 9.30%), Preterm birth (32-37 weeks) (26.74% vs 44.19%), Full-term pregnancy (67.44% vs 30.23%), Neonatal survival rate (97.67% vs 88.37%), neonatal admission rate (17.86% vs 53.49%) and neonatal respiratory support (3.49% vs 16.28%); P<0.05. The results of the laparoscopic group and the transvaginal group after 12 weeks of pregnancy: postoperative infection (7.14% vs 23.53%), premature birth (28-32 weeks) (32.14% vs 47.00%), premature rupture of membranes (0.00 vs 8.82%), time to termination of pregnancy (mean±SD) (36.38±2.38) vs (32.84±4.45), neonatal survival rate (98.21 vs 88.24%), neonatal admission rate (16.36 vs 60.00%); P<0.05. Conclusions: Laparoscopic cervical cerclage is a more effective treatment for patients with cervical insufficiency and is associated with better pregnancy and neonatal outcomes compared with transvaginal cervical cerclage. For patients with older gestational ages, laparoscopic cervical cerclage may have better satisfactory results.




Title: IMPACT OF ICT ON ECONOMIC GROWTH: CASE OF OECD AND MENA COUNTRIES

Abstract:This article examines the direct effects of Information and Communication Technologies (ICT) on economic growth in the presence of four important indicators: the rates of Internet, telephone, and mobile usage, as well as the proportion of technologically-related imports in total imports. In order to achieve our stated objectives, we undertake a rigorous evaluation of the interaction impact between the ICT factors, human capital, and financial development for the four specifications that are under consideration. A comparison analysis between the OECD countries and those of the MENA area was conducted between 2010 and 2023, employing the generalized moment's method in dynamic panels. Our findings demonstrate that the impact of ICT is predominantly influenced by financial and human capital growth. This study reveals that OECD countries have been more proactive and effective than MENA countries in embracing ICT to foster economic growth. Examining the case of MENA countries provides comprehensive insight for policymakers regarding the relevance of ICT in boosting economic growth through the advantages of technology expansion. JEL classification : O32, O33, O47, O57.




Title: The Effect of Digital Gaming Addiction on Speaking Self-Efficacy

Abstract:This study was conducted to determine the relationship between middle school students� Digital Gaming Addictions and their speaking self-efficacy. In this study, which was structured in the relational survey model, the relationship between students� digital game addictions and speaking self-efficacy was examined according to the class and gender variables. Within the scope of the research, the Digital Game Addiction Scale for Children consisting of 24 items and the Speaking Self-Efficacy Scale for Secondary School Students consisting of 24 items were applied to 805 students studying in the 5th and 6th grades in the autumn term of the 2023-2024 academic year and who voluntarily participated in the study. According to the results of the research, it was determined that secondary school students� digital game addictions were low, and their speaking self-efficacy was at a medium level. In addition, the relationship between students� digital game addictions and their speaking self-efficacy was statistically significant, negative and low level. Accordingly, as students� digital game addiction increases, their speaking self-efficacy decreases.




Title: THE EFFECTIVENESS OF LIKARI APPLICATION (FIVE WORDS IN ONE DAY) IN IMPROVING STUDENTS` JAPANESE VOCABULARY MASTERY

Abstract:This study aims to explore the effectiveness of using the LIKARI application (five words a day) in improving Japanese vocabulary. The development of technology is growing so rapidly that learning applications have become a very popular media among students. This study involved 100 high school students in Padang City who were taken by random sampling using the LIKARI application for 60 days. The research method used was pre-test and post-test to measure the increase in vocabulary. The results of the study showed that the average increase in Japanese vocabulary of high school students reached 40%. In addition, the results of interviews with students revealed that 90% of students felt more motivated and more active in using the application compared to conventional learning which is quite boring for today's students, namely generation Z. These findings indicate that learning applications can be an effective solution in improving language skills, especially Japanese




Title: The impact of escape rooms as an innovative strategy to enhance professional education: A systematic review and bibliometric analysis

Abstract:Escape Rooms have emerged as a novel approach in educational pedagogy, recognized for their potential to enhance students\' thinking skills and creativity. This study undertakes a comprehensive systematic review and bibliometric analysis of escape room research in the educational sector, drawing on the Embase, Scopus, PubMed, CINAHL, Web of Science (WoS), and MEDLINE databases to chart the evolution, impact, and future trajectory of this field. As Escape Rooms become a significant trend in the era of information technology, they offer a revolutionary way to improve learning experiences. By conducting a detailed bibliometric and co-citation network analysis of 156 articles published between 2017 and 2023, carefully selected for their relevance to Escape Room research in education, this study identifies key papers that are central to the discourse in the field. The analysis provides a thorough overview, covering publication trends, citation rates, distribution of research across various disciplines, impact of journals and authors, international collaborations, and influential works. The findings underscore the importance of Escape Rooms as an innovative teaching strategy, capable of boosting learning outcomes and student engagement. This research offers valuable insights and serves as a foundational guide for future investigations in this rapidly expanding area.