Journal of Hunan University Natural Sciences

This study aims to develop a digital tool to enhance mathematical argumentation skills. This study employs a Research and Development (R&D) approach. The development of this digital tool follows the ADDIE model, which consists of stages of analysis, design, development, testing, and evaluation. The subjects of the study were 120 second-semester students from the Mathematics Education Study Program at a university in Indonesia. The object of this study is a digital tool for argumentation. The research instruments included validation sheets, questionnaires for feedback from lecturers and students and tests. The research findings indicated that the digital tool for mathematical argumentation is valid, practical, and effective in improving students’ mathematical argumentation skills. The creation of this digital tool is based on the integration of the Toulmin schema components and indicators of mathematical argumentation skills. This digital tool can be a good alternative to effectively address students’ limitations in constructing, understanding, and presenting mathematical arguments. The novelty of this study is the development of a valid, practical, and effective digital device for mathematical argumentation to enhance students’ mathematical argumentation skills.

Keywords: digital tools, mathematical argumentation, proof

https://doi.org/10.55463/issn.1674-2974.51.10.14

Many non-profit organizations face a difficult challenge related to engaging volunteers and maintaining their engagement. Therefore, this study aimed to fill a gap in current research on volunteer retention in nonprofit organizations by examining the factors that motivate them and increase their retention levels.  This study was conducted on non-profit organizations in Saudi Arabia through quantitative research using Multistage Cluster Sampling. The findings indicated that only understanding and social behavior exhibited a statistically significant impact on the retention of volunteers. By contrast, value, career, enhancement, and protective motivation did not demonstrate any statistically significant impact. The findings assist decision makers in non-profit organizations in comprehending the psychology of volunteers and elucidating their behavior.

Keywords: non-profit organizations, volunteers, motivations, retention

https://doi.org/10.55463/issn.1674-2974.51.10.13

This study presents the geographic distribution of emerging pharmaceutical contaminants in Colombian rivers and the most appropriate technology for their removal. The aim of this research was to study the presence of emerging pharmaceutical contaminants in the watersheds of Colombia, and to identify efficient environmental management options prior to their discharge into water bodies. For this purpose, a systematic review was carried out by searching for scientific articles published between 2017 and 2021 in the Gale, Science Direct, Springer Protocols, Taylor and Francis Online, and Google Academic databases. The search terms used were “emerging pollutants”, “emerging contaminants”, and “pharmaceutical emerging contaminants”, followed by Colombia. Research articles in English and Spanish that reported pharmaceutical-type compounds and/or affected watersheds and/or human health effects and/or treatment were included. This was supplemented with information from the country’s Regional Autonomous Corporations, the Ministry of Environment and Sustainable Development, and governmental environmental institutions. Subsequently, water sources in Colombia containing emerging contaminants were identified. Finally, a phase was conducted to identify treatment proposals for the management of emerging pharmaceutical contaminants in Colombia. A dynamic database was created with this information and managed using ArcGIS and R software. In Colombia, 117 emerging pharmaceutical contaminants have been reported in the watersheds.  The most common drug was carbamazepine, followed by clarithromycin, erythromycin, and diclofenac. The watersheds with the highest concentrations of emerging pharmaceutical contaminants were Antioquia, Caquetá, Cundinamarca, Nariño, and Valle del Cauca. Reverse has been identified as the most effective treatment for the removal of emerging pharmaceuticals.

Keywords: emerging contaminants, chemical water pollution, watersheds, water treatment, environmental management

https://doi.org/10.55463/issn.1674-2974.51.10.12

The purpose of this study is to analyze the key factors of socioeconomic, psychological behavioral, and credit card practices that contribute to credit card debt accumulation among Malaysian consumers. The aim is to understand debt patterns and develop evidence-based recommendations for improved financial management and policy intervention. It acknowledges a lack of understanding and a single definitive credit card debt. The study observed frameworks from impulsive buying theory, terror management theory, and neoclassical theory. The study uses a quantitative method based on a survey conducted on 384 respondents from various demographics in Malaysia and analyzed using SPSS software. This study found that impulsive buying, self-esteem, financial education, marketing and promotion, and interest rates play key roles in fostering consumer credit card debt. These findings have important implications for consumers, financial institutions, and policymakers in establishing responsible lending practices. Understanding the intricate relationship between these factors sheds light on the psychological underpinnings of consumers’ financial decisions. The sensitivity of consumer behavior towards credit card debt underscores the pivotal role that policymakers can play in shaping a financial environment conducive to economic growth and the protection of consumers.

Keywords: credit card debt, impulsive buying, financial knowledge, marketing & promotion and interest rate

https://doi.org/10.55463/issn.1674-2974.51.10.11

The purpose of this article is to establish the importance and interaction between the concepts of Investigative Competence and Formative Research in Higher Education Institutions (HEI); for this purpose, a documentary review is carried out that addresses the complexity that underlies competency-based training, specifying various positions that guide the insertion of the same in higher education. Subsequently, we delve into the notions and conceptual bases of competencies to contrast them with research training in HEIs and to specify the role of the teacher in the development of research competence. The scientific novelty consists of the systematization of the concept of investigative competence, in its origins and development, which allows us to propose a construct whose relevance to the current historical moment is centered on an integral humanistic perspective that entails the transformation of the social context where socio-educational knowledge is generated, produced, and applied from a social pedagogical vision. To do so, the concept of competency is discussed from its initial application in the world. The role of formative research that students receive as part of their learning process of research competencies is highlighted in that some challenges that HEIs have to assume in the face of the demands of contemporary society emerge, where the research profile of graduates requires mastery of various skills, abilities, knowledge, and multifaceted techniques that must be accounted for in their professional performance. Aspects of interest in teacher-student interaction and the knowledge and practices involved in research didactics are described, and an outline is offered highlighting this knowledge as a perspective, where context, school, and research practice are oriented towards the understanding of formative research as a route for the formation of professionals whose graduate profile allows a complete and contextualized professional performance.

Keywords: competence, research, higher education, professional training

https://doi.org/10.55463/issn.1674-2974.51.10.10