Search results for: Larissa Pliska

Authors: Larissa Pliska, Isabel Neitzel, Michael Buschermöhle, Olga Kunina-Habenicht, Ute Ritterfeld

Abstract:

Visual preferences, which can be assessed using eye tracking technologies, are considered one of the defining hallmarks of autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Specifically, children with ASD show a decreased preference for social images rather than geometric images compared to typically developed (TD) children. Such differences are already prevalent at a very early age and indicate the severity of the disorder: toddlers with ASD who preferred geometric images when confronted with social and geometric images showed higher ASD symptom severity than toddlers with ASD who showed higher social attention. Furthermore, the complexity of social images (one child playing vs. two children playing together) as well as the mode of stimulus presentation (video or image), are not decisive for the marker. The average age of diagnosis for ASD in Germany is 6.5 years, and visual preference data on this age group are missing. In the present study, we therefore investigated whether visual preferences persist into school age. We examined the visual preferences of 16 boys aged 6 to 11 years with ASD and unimpaired cognition as well as TD children (1:1 matching based on children's age and the parent's level of education) within an experimental setting. Different stimulus presentation formats (images vs. videos) and different levels of stimulus complexity were included. Children with and without ASD received pairs of social and non-social images and video stimuli on a screen while eye movements (i.e., eye position and gaze direction) were recorded. For this specific use case, KIZMO GmbH developed a customized, native iOS app (KIZMO Face-Analyzer) for use on iPads. Neither the format of stimulus presentation nor the complexity of the social images had a significant effect on the visual preference of children with and without ASD in this study. Despite the tendency for a difference between the groups for the video stimuli, there were no significant differences. Overall, no statistical differences in visual preference occurred between boys with and without ASD, suggesting that gaze preference in these groups is similar at elementary school age. One limitation is that the children with ASD were already receiving ASD-specific intervention. The potential of a visual preference task as an indicator of ASD can be emphasized. The article discusses the clinical relevance of this marker in elementary school children.

Keywords: Autism spectrum disorder, eye tracking, hallmark, visual preference.

Authors: Larissa Roots

Abstract:

Vibrations of circular cylindrical shells made of layered composite materials are considered. The shells are weakened by circumferential cracks. The influence of circumferential cracks with constant depth on the vibration of the shell is prescribed with the aid of a matrix of local flexibility coupled with the coefficient of the stress intensity known in the linear elastic fracture mechanics. Numerical results are presented for the case of the shell with one circular crack.

Keywords: Layered shell, axisymmetric vibration, crack.

Authors: Gustavo Rodrigues, Hans Weber, Larissa Driemeier

Abstract:

The prevision of post-impact conditions and the behavior of the bodies during the impact have been object of several collision models. The formulation from Hertz’s theory is generally used dated from the 19^th century. These models consider the repulsive force as proportional to the deformation of the bodies under contact and may consider it proportional to the rate of deformation. The objective of the present work is to analyze the behavior of the bodies during impact using the Finite Element Method (FEM) with elastic and plastic material models. The main parameters to evaluate are, the contact force, the time of contact and the deformation of the bodies. An advantage of using the FEM approach is the possibility to apply a plastic deformation to the model according to the material definition: there will be used Johnson–Cook plasticity model whose parameters are obtained through empirical tests of real materials. This model allows analyzing the permanent deformation caused by impact, phenomenon observed in real world depending on the forces applied to the body. These results are compared between them and with the model-based Hertz theory.

Keywords: Collision, finite element method, Hertz’s Theory, impact models.

Authors: Giwrgos S. Gkarmpounis, Aikaterini G. Rokkou, Marios N. Moschakis

Abstract:

Increased energy consumption in the academic buildings, creates the need to implement energy saving measures and to take advantage of the renewable energy sources to cover the electrical needs of those buildings. An Academic Library will be used as a case study. With the aid of RETScreen software that takes into account the energy consumptions and characteristics of the Library Building, it is proved that measures such as the replacement of fluorescent lights with led lights, the installation of outdoor shading, the replacement of the openings and Building Management System installation, provide a high level of energy savings. Moreover, given the available space of the building and the climatic data, the installation of a photovoltaic system of 100 kW can also cover a serious amount of the building energy consumption, unlike a wind system that seems uncompromising. Lastly, HOMER software is used to compare the use of a photovoltaic system against a wind system in order to verify the results that came up from the RETScreen software concerning the renewable energy sources.

Keywords: Energy saving measures, homer software, renewable energy sources, RETScreen software, energy efficiency and quality.

Authors: Yelena Agranovich, Larissa Ageyeva, Violetta Tyan, Aigul Syzdykbayeva

Abstract:

The modernization of the education system in the Republic of Kazakhstan aims to enhance the quality of teacher training and improve the key competencies of educators. The current professional standard for "Teacher" defines the general characteristics of teacher activities, their key competencies, and criteria corresponding to qualification categories structured incrementally to implement continuous professional development (CPD). CPD represents a process of constant improvement of a teacher's professional competencies and personal qualities throughout their career. This process encompasses various forms of training, self-education, and enhancement aimed at improving the quality of the educational process and adapting to the ever-changing conditions and requirements of the educational environment. CPD does not conclude upon completing formal education but continues to support teachers at all stages of their professional activity. The essence of CPD lies in the continuous integration of new knowledge and skills that enable teachers to adapt to changes in the education system, technologies, and teaching methods. This developmental process helps teachers stay abreast of the latest scientific advancements, innovations, and modern pedagogical practices. Continuous learning enables teachers to remain flexible and prepared for innovations, thereby creating prerequisites for improving the quality of education and fostering student development. This study aims to address the following objectives: analyzing international CPD practices, defining conceptual foundations, and identifying mechanisms for implementing CPD in Kazakhstan. The main principles of CPD are defined as longitudinality, systematicity, and fragmentation. The implementation of CPD is based on various theoretical approaches, including axiological, systemic, competence-based, activity-oriented, and learner-centered approaches. The study analyzes leading CPD models for educators. The target sample includes countries such as Australia, Japan, South Korea, England, Singapore, Sweden, Finland, and Kazakhstan.

Keywords: Advanced training, continuous professional development for teachers, CPD models, professional development, teacher, teacher training.