Computer Tools in Education

Solving multicriteria problems of rating alternatives based on pairwise comparisons. Part II

Nikolai Krivulin, Denis Yakovlev — Wed, 20 Aug 2025 00:00:00 +0000

A number of well-known multicriteria problems of evaluating alternatives based on pairwise comparisons are considered. In these problems, given matrices containing results of paired comparisons of criteria and alternatives, one needs to find an absolute rating (priority, weight) of each alternative for decision making. Solutions to the problems are presented obtained using the method of analytical hierarchy process, the method of weighted geometric means, and the method of log-Chebyshev approximation of pairwise comparison matrices. The results obtained show that for some problems, solutions found by different methods may significantly differ from each other. In such cases, the decision to choose the best alternative may be based on additional analysis and comparison of the results of the problem solution obtained by all the methods used.

Comparison of Methods for Generating Synthetic Non-Stationary ECG-Like Signals for Testing Time Series Analysis Algorithms

Mikhail Kalmykov, Yulia Shichkina — Wed, 20 Aug 2025 00:00:00 +0000

In this paper, various approaches to the generation of synthetic signals simulating a human electrocardiogram (ECG) are considered, with an emphasis on non-stationarity and the presence of various waveforms. Three main types of methods are proposed: 1) rule-based, based on the sum of Gaussians for modeling waves P, Q, R, S, T; 2) stochastic models based on Markov chains, allowing to emulate transitions between different physiological states; 3) neural network generators without strict rules (for example, a recurrent LSTM network with random weights). It is shown how each of the models can be modified to introduce nonstationarity (variations in the duration of cardiac cycles, switching states) and adding local recording artifacts (noisy areas). The proposed methods can be used in testing clustering and time series analysis algorithms when it is necessary to test the methods’ resistance to noise, rare events, and state changes.

Modelling a career guidance system using social network data analysis

Anastasiia Ivashchenko, Arteom Vyatkin, Fedor Bushmelev, Maxim Abramov — Sun, 28 Dec 2025 01:47:10 +0000

The paper addresses the problem of automating career guidance through the analysis of digital footprints of VKontakte users. The aim of the study is to enhance the accessibility and accuracy of diagnosing professional interests by means of the "AI Proforientator" mini-application on the VK Mini Apps platform. The methodology is based on a multi-label classification approach: each of the six RIASEC professional types is represented by a separate binary output with sigmoid activation, and the model is trained using the Binary Cross-Entropy loss function. Training data included users who had completed the Holland test, along with their community subscriptions collected through the Psychological Tests app. The technical implementation follows a client–server architecture with REST API, covering data preprocessing, interaction with the ML server, and result delivery. The developed system provides a full processing cycle: extraction and validation of subscriptions, probabilistic prediction of professional personality types according to Holland’s six categories, and presentation of results to the user. The model achieved a Top-1 accuracy of 47.1% and a Top-2 accuracy of 72.3%, confirming its applicability to career guidance diagnostics. The system automates the initial career guidance process and can be employed both by individual users and organisations to support educational trajectories, optimise recruitment, and improve staff development. The novelty of the work lies in the comprehensive integration of neural network methods for multi-label classification with a client–server application embedded in a social network, ensuring a personalised and scalable approach to career guidance.

Development of automated document preparation system using Apache POI library

Anton Mamonov, Soltan Salpagarov, Denis Matyushkin, Dmitry Mironov, Oleg Kroytor — Wed, 20 Aug 2025 00:00:00 +0000

The article discusses the development of a software system for document workflow automation, combining the generation of document packages based on templates and dynamic creation of input interfaces. The solution is implemented in Java using the Apache POI library, provides processing of DOC/DOCX formats, integration with external data (CSV), support for multi-user scenarios, and conversion of results to PDF. The system eliminates manual operations, minimizes formatting errors, and increases flexibility in document interaction. Practical implementation at the Faculty of Physics, Mathematics and Natural Sciences of RUDN University demonstrated an 80% reduction in time costs when processing more than 500 documents monthly.

Developing and Using Fill-in-the-Blank Tasks for Online Courses on the Stepik Platform

Alfiya Bagoutdinova — Wed, 20 Aug 2025 00:00:00 +0000

The article examines the experience of creating and using "Fill-in-the-blanks"tasks in the online courses "Linear Algebra and Analytical Geometry"and "Probability Theory and Mathematical Statistics."These courses were specifically developed as a supplement to in-person classes for students of the Institute of Management, Economics, and Finance at Kazan Federal University and are hosted on the Stepik educational platform. A significant portion of the practical tasks in these courses is presented in the "Fill-in-the-blanks"format, which is highly effective. The key feature is that a single test item can incorporate several questions interspersed with text. This format allows not only for assessing the student’s f inal answer but also for tracking their entire reasoning process when solving a problem. The paper provides specific examples from the courses that illustrate the capabilities of fill-in-the-blanks tasks and offers recommendations for their effective use. Empirical data confirm the positive impact of the courses’ implementation, including a 9.5% increase in the average score and a reduction in the proportion of unsatisfactory grades on topics that were previously challenging.This article will be useful for educators interested in developing effective assignments to enhance the quality of education and student motivation in online or hybrid learning environments.

Automation of Initial Approximations Choice for Solving Nonlinear Equations by Numerical Methods

Daria Vinokurova — Wed, 20 Aug 2025 00:00:00 +0000

The choice of initial approximations for finding the roots of nonlinear equations affects the convergence of methods. This paper presents the algorithm for finding initial approxi mations for computing the roots of nonlinear equations for various numerical methods. This algorithm is used for compiling educational tasks. The implementation is written in the Python programming language. The article provides pseudocode for the algorithm. The possibilities of the specified algorithm and auxiliary functions are considered, and the process of the program operation is described in detail. The results of a comparative analysis of the number of iterations required to find roots using the initial approximati on search algorithm and the manual method of selecting root localization intervals are presented. The proposed approach has demonstrated its efficiency on 520 different nonli near equations.

Programming Competitions on the Yandex.Contest Platform: Who Needs Them and How to Create Them

Olga Polovikova, Larisa Smolyakova — Wed, 20 Aug 2025 00:00:00 +0000

This study emphasizes the need for the IT students to gain experience in solving practical problems. Active participation in competitive programming, regardless of initial skills, helps students gain such experience. The article presents an approach to creating contests using Testlib library on the free domestic platform Yandex.Contest. The software modules cover the main stages of the competition life cycle, from generating tests for tasks to summarizing results. The use of a checker and postprocessor allows the implementation of the evaluation system logic, taking into account the points and penalties scored by the participants. The task configuration settings allow organizers to impose limits on memory usage and code execution time. The interactor program forms a separate set of requirements for the method of solving tasks, which is an important condition for holding competitions within the educational process. By creating a bank of tasks for competitions, taking into account the material covered and curriculum, it is possible to «integrate» competitions into the educational process, alternating between individual and team stages. The proposed approach has been tested in practice: twice a semester junior students from one of the institutes of Altai State University participate in a competition, honing their skills in writing program code quickly and accurately. Experience with such competitions has shown that students and teachers are willing to embrace new forms of learning.