bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Design And Development of a Compact Carbon Gas Emission Monitoring Device for Private Vehicles
Authors: Teodoro Christine Ann , Facunla Rowel , Milan Ferdinand , Deo John Robert , Vinoya Christine Marie
Published: February 2024

Poor air quality is a major concern in urban areas, with a large percentage of the population exposed to high levels of pollutants. Using sensor and monitoring technology, devices can automatically and periodically monitor indoor air quality. Containment measures should be taken when dangerous airborne chemicals are detected. Air pollution, both indoors and outdoors, causes health problems. The Philippines faces challenges in air quality reporting due to the high cost of monitoring equipment. A project is underway to collect real-time data using sensors and an Arduino Uno-based monitoring system. The power management design's PCB layouts were completed using two software applications: Eagle CAD for the nano power boost charger circuit and Ultiboard for the boost converter circuit. The layout design adhered to the IPC2221A standards, ensuring accurate component footprints and copper trace width, which were determined based on the current flow through the trace in the PCB design. The circuit boards were carefully sized to be smaller than 4“x4” to enable smooth integration into an air quality monitoring device. The integrated design functioned as a wireless sensing application, effectively monitoring air quality. The carbon gas monitoring system had the capability to detect and collect various gases, including Carbon Dioxide, Nitrogen Monoxide, Carbon Monoxide, and Dust Density. Additionally, it was equipped to measure temperature and humidity. Achieving this required using the Arduino Uno application for programming and incorporating an additional sensor, resulting in a cost-effective design solution. The prototype successfully integrated air quality sensors, microcontrollers, and communication modules. The system's performance was evaluated against existing testing centers, and the results were presented.
PED-AI: Pedestrian Detection for Autonomous Vehicles using YOLOv5
Authors: Malbog Mon Arjay , Marasigan Rufo Jr. , Mindoro Jennalyn , Mortos Yuneza Claire , Ilustre Lois Fernando
Published: February 2024

Pedestrian detection is crucial for autonomous vehicles, surveillance, and pedestrian safety. This abstract introduces a novel pedestrian detection method using the YOLOv5 algorithm, known for its real-time object detection prowess. The approach aims to enhance pedestrian detection accuracy across diverse lighting conditions. Methodologically, the process involves data preparation, YOLOv5 model training, and subsequent evaluation. The architecture of YOLOv5, which employs anchor boxes and a single-pass convolutional neural network, allows for quick and accurate pedestrian identification. YOLOv5's design, which includes anchor boxes and a single-pass convolutional neural network, enables speedy and accurate pedestrian recognition. Study tests confirm the efficacy of the YOLOv5-based approach. In the first scenario, the model detected pedestrians in daylight with 75% accuracy, but it also produced 11 false negatives or a 25% miss. Although Scenario 2's accuracy was higher at 85%, there were still 11 false negatives, which suggested that there was a persistent detection gap. In spite of these outcomes, the YOLOv5 model demonstrates the possibility of accurate pedestrian detection in real-world settings. While it greatly improves applications like self-driving cars and pedestrian safety, lowering false negatives remains a primary goal for increasing overall accuracy. The investigation's findings show that YOLOv5 can function in a variety of lighting conditions, but also highlight the necessity for further work in order to meet stringent detection requirements.
CocoSense: Coconut Tree Detection and Localization using YOLOv7
Authors: Marasigan Rufo, Jr. , Malbog Mon Arjay , Festijo Enrique , Juanico Drandreb Earl
Published: February 2024

Coconut farming in the Philippines often needs help with challenges in efficient tree monitoring, directly affecting its productivity and sustainability. Although prevalent, traditional methodologies, such as field surveys, exhibit labor intensiveness and potential data inaccuracy constraints. This study sought to leverage the capabilities of the YOLOv7 object detection algorithm to enhance coconut tree monitoring. Our objectives centered on (1) precise detection of coconut trees using orthophotos, (2) their enumeration, and (3) generating accurate coordinates for each tree. The DJI Phantom 4 RTK unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) was used to capture high-resolution images of the study area in Tiaong, Quezon. Post-acquisition, these images underwent processing and annotation to generate datasets for training the YOLOv7 model. The algorithm's output shows a remarkable 98% accuracy rate in tree detection, with an average localization accuracy of 86.30%. The results demonstrate the potential of YOLOv7 in accurately detecting and localizing coconut trees under diverse environmental conditions.
Green synthesis approach using deep eutectic solvents to enhance the surface functional groups on porous carbon for CO2 capture
Authors: Hussin Farihahusnah , Ho Zhongyi , Hazani Nur Nadira , Kassim Mohd Azlan , Aroua Mohamed Kheireddine
Published: February 2024

This study explores the potential of green solvents using amino acids-based deep eutectic solvents to alter surface functionality of activated carbon thus enhancing the carbon dioxide (CO2) adsorption capacity. Green solvent is prepared by mixing an amino acid (L-Arginine) with ethylene glycol to form amino acid-based deep eutectic solvents. Amino acid-based deep eutectic solvents were used to modify the surface functionalities of activated carbon derived from palm shell waste. The change in surface functional groups and surface morphology of the modified activated carbon samples were characterized by Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy and Scanning electron microscopy-energy dispersive X-ray analysis. Then, CO2 removal performance was performed using a packed-bed CO2 adsorption reactor to evaluate CO2 breakthrough time and adsorption capacity. CO2 adsorption experiments were measured at a certain temperature (25–45°C), at a fixed feed flow rate and CO2 concentration of 200 mL/min and 15%. It was observed that modified activated carbon showed the highest breakthrough time (15.2 min) compared to raw palm shell (5.2 min) at an adsorption temperature of 25°C. CO2 breakthrough times significantly decreased with increasing adsorption temperature because of physical adsorption.
Chat Hour in Improving Fluency and Confidence among the IPGKBA Teacher Trainees
Authors: Md Fuad Nurul ‘Izzati , Anuar Nurhezrin , Tengku Zaman Tengku Enaliza , Abdul Karim Noor Mazni
Published: February 2024

‘Chat Hour’ is an initiative organised by the English Language Department, Institute of Teacher Training, International Languages Campus (IPGKBA) Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. It was conducted online via YouTube by TESL teacher trainees. The main purpose of this programme is to provide TESL students the opportunity to improve their fluency when speaking in public as well as to provide them the opportunity to practice English confidently. This program tried to bring up the aspirations stated in the Ministry of Education (MOE) Malaysia English Language Roadmap (20152025), which presents the importance of higher education institutions to provide an English-rich environment in order for tertiary students to have greater engagement with the language, outside the bounds of the formal settings in the classroom. The findings of this study show that the ‘Chat Hour with IPGKBA’ provided a positive experience, which contributed to improving their fluency and confidence when using the language. This study provides insight into the teacher trainees’ perception towards the ‘Chat Hour’ programme in terms of developing their fluency and confidence.
A Systematic Literature Review of Research Trends on Critical Thinking Skills
Authors: Wicaksono Anggit Grahito , Sunarno Widha , Saputro Sulistyo , Prayitno Baskoro Adi
Published: February 2024

Human resources that can face the challenges of increasingly rapid and dynamic development must have high intellectual skills. High intellectual skills are characterized by critical thinking skills, creativity competitiveness, and the ability to communicate ideas and solve any problems. Intellectual skills, especially critical thinking skills, are the demands of human resources in the 21st century. In recent years, the development of critical thinking skills-based research has been rapid. Critical thinking skills research has produced many theoretical and empirical findings. Many trends and issues have emerged, proving the complexity and dynamics of critical thinking skills research. This study aims to provide an overview of the latest research on critical thinking skills. The development of recent research on critical thinking skills in recent years can be illustrated through a bibliometric approach. The bibliometric approach was applied to uncover the most common keywords and terms and their interactions through compound word analysis. The Scopus database was selected for the period 2011 to 2021; 2,855 documents were obtained, and then the publications each year, the most researched topics, and the development of interest in these topics were identified. The research results show that from 2011 to 2020, there was a significant increase in research on critical thinking skills, while there was a decline from 2020 to 2021. Research topics that are closely related to critical thinking skills are higher-order thinking skills. The topic of critical thinking has a close relationship with education, curriculum, and educational measurement. Research on critical thinking skills with innovative learning models, such as inquiry learning and discovery learning models, has not been widely studied. Even though a lot of research on critical thinking skills has been carried out, there is still a need to develop research on critical thinking skills in various frameworks.
The Use of Visual Aids to Improve Deaf Students’ English Vocabulary: A Literature Review
Authors: Yasin Maisarah Mat , Mohamad Maslawati
Published: February 2024

This literature review examines the efficacy of employing visual aids to enhance the acquisition of English vocabulary among deaf students. It investigates the vital role of visual aids in conveying meaning, enhancing memory and cognitive functions, and fostering engagement. The review discusses their effectiveness in promoting contextual comprehension, improving learning outcomes, and the integration of visual aids with sign language for deaf learners. The study also addresses the challenges that deaf students encounter, such as learning English as a foreign language, lack of exposure, and the complexities of abstract concepts. The implications of this research highlight the need for collaborative efforts between ESL teachers and sign language experts to develop accurate and culturally relevant visual aids. The review concludes by emphasizing the importance of context-based learning, hands-on experiences, and multisensory approaches to cater to the diverse learning needs of deaf students. This synthesis contributes valuable insights for educators, researchers, and policymakers seeking to enhance vocabulary learning experiences for deaf students through the effective integration of visual aids.
Technology-Enhanced Collaborative Writing (TECW): Malaysian ESL Teachers’ Challenges and Strategies
Authors: Abdul Jalil Norshamshizar , Mohamad Maslawati
Published: February 2024

Researchers have increasingly turned their attention toward Technology-Enhanced Collaborative Writing (TECW) as a valuable tool for second language acquisition. Despite the rapid adoption of technology in education, there exists a notable research gap concerning the challenges and strategies encountered by Malaysian ESL (English as a Second Language) teachers when incorporating technology into their collaborative writing classrooms. This paper seeks to bridge this gap by shedding light on the specific challenges faced by ESL teachers in Malaysia and the strategies they employ to integrate technology effectively into collaborative writing instruction. The research employs the Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology 2 (UTAUT 2) Model to measure these challenges, employing qualitative data collection methods through interviews with four ESL teachers situated in Kuala Lumpur’s Keramat District, all of whom are participants in the Bring-Your-Own-Device (BYOD) pilot program. These findings emphasize the strategies needed for ESL teachers to elevate the quality of their instruction aspects. Ultimately, this research hopes to provide valuable insights to guide teachers in crafting context-specific guidelines for TECW procedures and offers a foundational framework for enhancing ESL instruction in the Malaysian context.
Pre-Service Teachers’ Educational Video Mediated Experience vis-a-vis Learning Engagement in the New Normal
Authors: Ocampo Darrel M. , Junaidi Ahmad
Published: February 2024

Technology-mediated instruction using online instructional materials, particularly educational videos, reinforces teaching-learning. However, students’ engagement becomes an issue in this learning environment. This paper ascertained the relationship between educational video utilization and learning engagement in technology-mediated learning. This study also investigated the perceived impacts of educational video utilization and the extent of respondents’ learning engagement in technology-mediated learning. This study employed a quantitative nonexperimental method through a descriptive correlational research method. The data were obtained from the survey questionnaire administered to 284 students in one University in Bicol Region, Philippines. It was analyzed and interpreted using different statistical treatments such as frequency count, percentage technique, weighted mean, PPMC, and t-test. Findings revealed that educational video utilization impacted the three aspects (cognitive, emotional, and behavioral) as perceived by the respondents. There was a large extent of learning engagement of the respondents in three areas: knowledge development, social interaction, and motivation. Furthermore, the result showed a significant correlation between the two variables; hence, it is recommended that language teachers utilize educational videos during the teaching-learning process to increase learning engagement in technology-mediated learning.
Impact of TikTok Application to the Second Language Acquisition of Grade 10 Students
Authors: Alvarez Jay-jay C. , Cuebillas Chito I. , Solano Sharmaine B. , Sulana Jessabel M. , Toledano Ginalyn M. , Cañeza Donna Claire B. , Ocampo Darrel M.
Published: February 2024

This research explores the Impact of the TikTok Application on Second Language Acquisition among Grade 10 students at the Central Bicol State University of Agriculture – Sipocot Laboratory High School. Employing a descriptive correlation method, the study aimed to discern the perceived impact of TikTok on second language acquisition, assess its utilization concerning grammar, vocabulary, and pronunciation, and establish a significant relationship between TikTok use and language acquisition. Various statistical treatments were used, i.e., weighted mean and ranking technique and Pearson’s R. The data were collected from 40 Grade 10 students using a researcher-made survey questionnaire and Google Form. The results indicated a consistently high utilization of TikTok across grammar, vocabulary, and pronunciation domains, with an overall weighted mean of 3.29, interpreted as ‘always.’ Significantly, the relationship between TikTok usage and its perceived impact on second language acquisition was affirmed (grammar p-value = 0.000 <0.001, vocabulary p-value = 0.000 <0.001, pronunciation p-value = 0.000 <0.001), suggesting a strong correlation. This study concludes that TikTok positively influences language learning in the specified domains, as evidenced by students’ favorable attitudes. Lastly, this study recommends that language teachers utilize the TikTok application as a tool to improve students’ language skills in grammar, vocabulary, and pronunciation.
Integrated Inclusive School Network Cluster as a Resource Center for Inclusive Education in Surakarta
Authors: Kartono Drajat Tri , Budiati Atik Catur , Suryadinata Theofilus Apolinaris , Bawono Bachtiar Suryo , Andriani Lutfi
Published: February 2024

An outreach or community service program was conducted in Surakarta City, Indonesia, by developing Inclusion House in collaboration with the Yayasan Lembaga Pendidikan Al-Firdaus (YLPAF, Al-Firdaus Foundation for Education), which oversees the Al-Firdaus Inclusion School. YLPAF also has a Puspa (Children’s Service Center), which carries out the main task of being a model for an inclusive education resource center. However, YLPAF faces challenges related to inclusive education resource centers in carrying out its duties because the inclusive school network that formed at this time still needs to be improved. This community service is carried out with a focus on Inclusion House, creating an integrated, inclusive school network where YLPAF is the learning resource center. The community service team from UNS acts as a facilitator in the formation of an integrated, inclusive school network in the city of Surakarta. This inclusive school network, formed through community service, connects YLPAF as a resource center for inclusive education with kindergarten, elementary schools, and a natural school. The commitment of schools ratified in a MoU contains a cooperation agreement in assessing special needs students and establishing communication regarding curriculum adaptation and classroom management in the inclusive education cluster network organization.
Philosophical, Juridical, and Historical Review of TUN Dispute Resolution Including State Civil Officer Disputes Post Administrative Efforts
Authors: Arzhi Jiwantara Firzhal
Published: February 2024

This research aims to determine and analyze the philosophical, juridical, and historical review of State Administrative Court (PTUN) dispute resolution, including state civil officer disputes after administrative efforts. The method used in this research is normative-empirical legal research with a statutory approach, conceptual approach, case approach, and sociological approach. With the concept of Administrative Efforts, there is a legal problem, namely the disharmony in the regulation of administrative efforts as regulated in Article 48 of Act Number 5 of 1986 with those regulated in Articles 75 to Article 78 of Act Number 30 of 2014 and the Circular Letter of the Supreme Court Republic of Indonesia Number 1 of 2017 letter E number 3 and Supreme Court Regulation Number 6 of 2018. Based on the results of the research, combining State Administrative (TUN) dispute resolution after Administrative Efforts based on Act No. 5 of 1986 and Act Number 30 of 2014, a judicial system has been implicitly formed. The integrated administrative justice system is perfect because all TUN and/or Government Administration dispute resolution is first through administrative efforts. The regulation of administrative efforts in Act No. 5/1986 and the regulation of administrative efforts in Act No. 30 2014 cover each other and complement each other, with Administrative Efforts as a premium remedium and PTUN institutions as the ultimum remedium.
Umgang mit eigenen Krisenerfahrungen in der Selbsterfahrung: Eine
standardisierte Befragung in psychiatrischen Einrichtungen in Berlin und
Brandenburg
Authors: Brieger Anna Rina , von Peter Sebastian , Ponew Angel , Lust Christian , Speerforck Sven , Stützle Stefan
Published: February 2024

Ziel der Studie Die vorliegende Arbeit untersucht erstens, ob die
Fachkräfte ihre Krisen- und Behandlungserfahrungen in ihrer
Selbsterfahrung thematisierten. Zweitens wird beleuchtet, ob und inwieweit sie
konzeptuell zwischen den Formaten Selbsterfahrung und Psychotherapie
unterscheiden.

Methodik Im Rahmen einer Onlineumfrage wurden 108 Fachkräfte mit
psychotherapeutischer Qualifikation zu ihrer Selbsterfahrung befragt.
Zusammenhänge zwischen der Bearbeitung eigener Krisen in der
Selbsterfahrung, der Krisenhäufigkeit und dem erlebten Nutzen der
Selbsterfahrung wurden mittels Korrelationen analysiert. Zur Analyse
konzeptueller Unterschiede zwischen Selbsterfahrung und Psychotherapie wurden
den Teilnehmenden neun inhaltliche Aspekte vorgelegt, die sie bezüglich
ihrer Bedeutsamkeit für beide Formate einschätzten. Die
Mittelwerte der Einschätzungen wurden zwischen verschiedenen Subgruppen
mittels t-Tests verglichen.

Ergebnisse Die Teilnehmenden gaben überwiegend an, eigene
Krisenerfahrungen in der Selbsterfahrung bearbeitet und von der Selbsterfahrung
profitiert zu haben. Zwischen beiden Größen zeigte sich ein
signifikanter Zusammenhang. Hinsichtlich der konzeptionellen Abgrenzung der
Formate ergab sich ein differenziertes Bild: Die Teilnehmenden ordneten
persönlich-biographische Kategorien eher der Psychotherapie zu,
berufliche Kategorien eher der Selbsterfahrung.

Diskussion Angesichts der unter psychosozialen Fachkräften
verbreiteten Stigmatisierung von Personen mit psychischen Gesundheitsproblemen
war es überraschend, dass viele Teilnehmende eigene Krisenerfahrungen in
der Selbsterfahrung thematisierten und dabei positive Erfahrungen machen
konnten. Ebenso war die stärkere Zuordnung
persönlich-biographischer Inhaltsaspekte zur Psychotherapie im Vergleich
zur Selbsterfahrung überraschend, vor allem in Bezug auf die Bedeutung
des psychotherapeutischen Wirkfaktors Beziehung.

Schlussfolgerung Selbsterfahrung sollte ein stigmafreier Raum sein, in dem
angehende Therapeut*innen ohne Angst ihre persönlichen
Belastungen thematisieren und dadurch als Personen wachsen können.
Manfred Pflanz (1923–1980) – zentraler Akteur bei der
Institutionalisierung von Sozialmedizin und Medizinsoziologie
Authors: Delventhal Christina , Roelcke Volker
Published: February 2024

Der Internist, Sozialmediziner, Medizinsoziologe und Epidemiologe Manfred Pflanz
(1923–1980) war ein zentraler Akteur in der institutionellen
Formierungsphase von Sozialmedizin und Medizinsoziologie in Westdeutschland in
den 1960er und 70er Jahren. Der Beitrag beschreibt seine Biografie und
Arbeitsschwerpunkte, seine programmatischen Vorstellungen zu Sozialmedizin und
Medizinsoziologie sowie seine Aktivitäten im Kontext von Politikberatung
im Bereich des Gesundheitswesens. Er liefert damit auch einen Einblick in die
Entstehungsbedingungen, die zeitgenössischen Arbeitsprogramme und die
internationale Einbettung dieser sich teilweise überschneidenden
Arbeitsfelder.
Evidenz für die minimalinvasive Ösophagusresektion
Authors: Nienhüser Henrik , Schmidt Thomas
Published: February 2024

In den letzten zwei Jahrzehnten hat die minimalinvasive Chirurgie in allen Bereichen einen extremen Zuwachs an Bedeutung erlangt. Hierbei sind insbesondere in der onkologischen Chirurgie Operationsverfahren etabliert worden, ohne dass hierfür die notwendige Evidenz generiert wurde, die eine gleichwertige Qualität zu den offenen Verfahren nachgewiesen hat. Hierfür wurde erst in den vergangenen Jahren durch randomisiert-kontrollierte Studien und nachfolgende Metaanalysen die entsprechende Evidenz geniert. In diesem Artikel wird die Evidenz für die minimalinvasive Ösophagusresektion beschrieben und ein Überblick über die aktuelle Literatur in den jeweiligen Verfahren zusammengefasst.
Incidence and factors associated with stent dysfunction and pancreatitis after gastroduodenal stenting for malignant gastric outlet obstruction
Authors: Yamashige Daiki , Hijioka Susumu , Nagashio Yoshikuni , Maruki Yuta , Fukuda Soma , Yagi Shin , Okamoto Kohei , Hara Hidenobu , Hagiwara Yuya , Agarie Daiki , Takasaki Tetsuro , Chatto Mark , Ohba Akihiro , Kondo Shunsuke , Morizane Chigusa , Ueno Hideki , Sone Miyuki , Saito Yutaka , Okusaka Takuji
Published: February 2024

Background and study aims Endoscopic gastroduodenal stent (GDS) deployment is currently a standard treatment for malignant gastric outlet obstruction (mGOO) in patients with limited life expectancy; however, stent dysfunction (SD) and complicated pancreatitis often occur after GDS deployment. We investigated incidence and contributing factors of SD and complicated pancreatitis.

Patients and methods We retrospectively reviewed 203 patients who underwent initial GDS deployment for palliation of mGOO symptoms between October 2017 and July 2022, including 109 who underwent GDS deployment across the duodenal papilla (sub-cohort).

Results SDs, including tumor ingrowth (n = 26), kinking (n = 14), and migration (n = 13), occurred in 68 patients (33.5%). Cumulative SD incidence was 41.1% (95% confidence interval, 32.6–49.4%). SD incidence increased to 0.4%, 0.16%, and 0.06% per day at < 8, 8–16, and>16 weeks, respectively. On multivariate analysis, Niti-S pyloric/duodenal stent deployment (sub-distribution hazard ratio [sHR] 0.26, P = 0.01) and survival length ≥ 90 days (sHR 2.5, P = 0.01) were respectively identified as favorable and risk factors significantly associated with SD. Pancreatitis developed in 14 patients (12.8%) in the sub-cohort, which had significantly higher parenchymal diameter (P < 0.01) and lower main pancreatic duct (MPD) caliber (P < 0.01) than the non-pancreatitis cohort. On multivariate analysis, MPD caliber < 3 mm independently predicted pancreatitis (odds ratio 6.8, P = 0.03).

Conclusions Deployment of the Niti-S pyloric/duodenal stent, with conformability even for angulated strictures, significantly reduced the incidence of SD. Stent selection, life expectancy, and MPD caliber should be taken into consideration during decision-making for GDS deployment for mGOO.
The Prevalence of Dysphagia in Children with Laryngomalacia Pre and Postsupraglottoplasty: A Systematic Review with Meta-Analysis
Authors: Rossoni Eduarda Pinto , Miranda Vanessa Souza Gigoski de , Barbosa Lisiane De Rosa
Published: February 2024

Introduction Laryngomalacia is the most common congenital laryngeal alteration, with spontaneous resolution in most cases. However, in the face of more severe presentations of the disease, it is necessary to perform supraglottoplasty surgery. Studies have been dedicated to researching changes in swallowing in children with laryngomalacia before and after surgical intervention.

Objectives To identify the prevalence of oropharyngeal dysphagia in children with pre and postsupraglottoplasty laryngomalacia.

Data Synthesis A search strategy was developed with terms and entreterms to designate a population pediatric with laryngomalacia, exposure supraglottoplasty, and outcome frequency of dysphagia, adapted to the requirements of the main databases in the health area. The analysis of the records found was performed by two independent examiners and, in the end, 6 articles were included in the study. The articles found enabled a sample of 330 children with laryngomalacia, 311 of whom underwent supraglottoplasty. Among the included studies, 5 were grouped and meta-analyzed. After supraglottoplasty surgery, a 59% reduction in the prevalence of oropharyngeal dysphagia was identified, with high heterogeneity I2 = 93%.

Conclusion Despite the heterogeneity of the sample, the supraglottoplasty procedure significantly reduces the prevalence of dysphagia in children with laryngomalacia.
Outcomes of Endoscopic Stapedectomy: Systematic Review
Authors: Elsamnody Ahmed Nabil , Yousef Amr Hamdino , Taha Mohamed Salah
Published: February 2024

Introduction Stapes surgery was traditionally performed with the use of microscopy either through postauricular, endaural or transcanal approaches. Endoscopic stapedectomy ushered a revolution as a new technique with less complications.

Objective To review the outcomes of endoscopic stapes surgery with an emphasis on intraoperative and postoperative clinical and audiological results.

Data Synthesis A literature review on the PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus, the Cochrane Library, and Embase databases was conducted. Endoscopic stapes surgery or stapedotomy were the main keywords used, and we searched for studies and research published from January 2015 to October 2021. Articles on endoscopic stapes surgery were included, and qualitative and descriptive analyses of the studies and outcomes data regarding audiometric changes and postoperative complications were conducted. Articles including patients with cholesteatoma were excluded. A total of 122 studies were retrieved for qualitative and descriptive analyses and to measure the outcomes of endoscopic stapedotomy; only 12 studies met the inclusion criteria, and the rest was excluded. The meta-analysis revealed a statistically significant difference in hearing improvement. The gain in air-bone gap ranged from 9 dB to 16 dB. A low rate of operative and postoperative complications was reported.

Conclusions Endoscopic stapes surgery appears to be a reasonable alternative to microscopic stapes surgery, with shorter operative times, low complication rate, and significant hearing improvement. The endoscopic technique enabled a better visualization and less scutum drilling, which was confirmed by all included studies.
The Effect of Simultaneous Contralateral White Noise Masking on Cortical Auditory Evoked Potentials Elicited by Speech Stimuli
Authors: Felix Luiza Dandara de Araújo , Menezes Pedro Lemos , Oliveira Lisiane Vital de , Batista Carlos Henrique Alves , Carnaúba Aline Tenório Lins , Andrade Kelly Cristina Lira de
Published: February 2024

Introduction Noise obscures speech signal, causing auditory masking. The effects of this masking can be observed through the cortical auditory evoked potentials (CAEPs). White noise, in turn, has an effect on the auditory cortex, interfering, for example, with lexical decision making.

Objective To analyze the effect of simultaneous masking by contralateral white noise on CAEPs elicited by speech stimuli.

Methods Cross-sectional observational analytical study carried out with 15 participants of both sexes, who were submitted to CAEPs in two conditions: 1) without noise; 2) with white noise at 100 dBSPL intensity, contralaterally and simultaneously. To compare these conditions, the Student t test or the Wilcoxon test were used, depending on the sample normality. Differences with p values < 0.05 were considered significant.

Results: When white noise was presented contralaterally and simultaneously to the CAEPs with speech stimulus, an increase in P1, N1 and P2 wave latencies was observed. P1 and P2 amplitudes and N1-P2 peak to peak amplitude also increased, unlike N1 amplitude, which decreased. The differences were significant for P1 and P2 wave latencies and for P2 wave amplitude.

Conclusion The simultaneous masking effect was observed from the morphological alterations of the CAEPs with speech stimulus when white noise was presented in the contralateral ear. There was a significant increase in P1 and P2 wave latencies, as well as in P2 wave amplitude.
Fast-Tracking of Publication Times of Otolaryngology Papers During the COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors: Shraga Yohai , Ungar Omer J. , Duek Irit , Muhanna Nidal , Oron Yahav
Published: February 2024

Introduction The outbreak of COVID-19 has produced an unprecedented number of trials and articles.

Objective To study the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on otolaryngology-head and neck surgery (ORL-HNS) journal processing times.

Methods Original papers search of published in selected ORL-HNS journals in terms of times from submission-to-acceptance (S-A), acceptance-to-first online publication (A-P), and submission-to-online publication (S-P). Papers were divided into those published in the pre-COVID-19 era and those during the COVID-19 era. The latter were further divided into unrelated to COVID-19 and related to COVID-19.

Results A total of 487 articles from 5 selected ORL-HNS journals were included, of which 236 (48.5%) were published during the pre-COVID-19 era and 251 (51.5%) were published during the COVID-19 era. Among them, 180 (37%) papers were not related to COVID-19, and 71 (14.5%) were related to COVID-19. The S-A duration of COVID-19-related articles was significantly shorter compared with that of papers submitted in the pre-COVID-19 era and to papers submitted in the COVID-19 era but unrelated to COVID-19 (median 6 to 34 days compared to 65 to 125 and 46 to 127, respectively) in all 5 journals. The most prominent reductions in S-A and S-P times were documented in the laryngology and otology/neurotology disciplines, respectively.

Conclusions Processing times of the included papers were significantly shorter in most of the selected ORL-HNS journals during the COVID-19 era compared with the pre-COVID-19 era. COVID-19-related papers were processed more rapidly than non-COVID-19-related papers. These findings testify to the possibility of markedly expediting S-P times and hopefully set a precedent for postpandemic publishing schedules.

Level Of Evidence: 5
Voice and Temporal Auditory Processing in Elderly People: A Correlation Study
Authors: Souza Santos Mariana Batista de , Muniz Lílian Ferreira , Gomes Adriana de Oliveira Camargo , Teixeira Cleide Fernandes , Advíncula Karina Paes , Lira Zulina Souza de , Moares Bruno Teixeira de , Lucena Jonia Alves
Published: February 2024

Introduction The voice and hearing can be affected to different degrees by aging, which can cause communication difficulties for elderly people. Vocal production requires effective temporal auditory processing at central levels within the nervous system, which can be compromised by the aging process.

Objective To analyze the correlation between voice and temporal auditory processing in older adults.

Materials and Methods A total of 40 elderly people aged 60 years or older were subdivided into 2 groups according to the presence or absence of vocal symptoms measured by the Voice Symptom Scale. All of the participants were submitted to auditory temporal tests, vocal self-assessment, and acoustic and perceptual auditory analyses of voice.

Results Most of the subjects assessed had decreased voice intensity and normal variability in terms of vocal quality. The performance was normal in the Pitch Pattern Sequence test and altered in the Random Gap Detection test. In the Masking Period Pattern test, the detection thresholds for the target signal were increased in the presence of masking in different temporal target signal positions. Only pitch differed between the two groups. There were differences between the genders regarding frequency, shimmer, the overall severity of the alteration, and roughness. There was a correlation regarding temporal resolution ability and the overall severity of the alteration and roughness of the voice.

Conclusion There is a central auditory impairment in temporal resolution which is correlated with vocal alterations in the elderly.
Role of Virtual Bronchoscopy in Evaluation of Suspected Foreign Body in Children's Tracheobronchial Tree
Authors: Prajapati Rachana M. , Raval Jayman B. , Aiyer Ranjan G.
Published: February 2024

Introduction The presence of foreign bodies in the airways remain a diagnostic challenge to healthcare professionals. They can become life threatening emergencies that require immediate intervention or go unnoticed for weeks and even months. Prevention is best but early recognition remains a critical factor in treatment of foreign body inhalation in children.

Objective To study the diagnostic advantages of virtual over rigid bronchoscopy in the evaluation of children with suspected foreign body in the tracheobronchial tree and plan for early management.

Methods A crossectional study conducted at a tertiary care hospital & medical college in India. A total 24 patients (0-12-years-old) who presented with complaints of sudden onset of coughing, choking, and breathing difficulty were included during the 2-year duration, from January 2018 to December 2019. All patients underwent virtual and rigid bronchoscopy.

Results In 8 patients, foreign bodies detected by virtual bronchoscopy were confirmed by rigid bronchoscopy. There was one case in which virtual bronchoscopy showed no foreign body, but rigid bronchoscopy detected it. In 15 cases virtual and rigid bronchoscopy did not show foreign bodies. The sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative predictive value of virtual bronchoscopy were 88.88, 100, 100, and 93.75%, respectively.

Conclusions Virtual bronchoscopy is less invasive and does not require general anesthesia but cost and availability are limitations. It can be used as method of investigation in children with suspected foreign body aspiration.
Utilizing virtual arts in reforming market players’ behavior to invest in sustainability projects
Authors: Xu Aidi , Zhang Jie
Published: February 2024

This study investigates the influence of the expansion of the virtual arts market on private sustainable investment in China spanning the years 1985 to 2021, employing the autoregressive distributed lag model. The results indicate that a 1% rise in the virtual arts market correlates with a short-term surge of around 0.46% in private sustainable investment, with a lasting increase of 0.38%. Furthermore, factors such as social inclusion, privatization, economic size, financial development, and renewable deployment significantly shape private sustainable investment patterns. Noteworthy policy recommendations arising from these findings include the integration of sustainability topics into educational curricula, the establishment of online platforms dedicated to sustainable virtual arts, the cultivation of green financing markets, and the promotion of collaborations among virtual arts institutions with a specific emphasis on sustainability.
Observing and forecasting the retreat of northern Australia’s rainy season
Authors: Cowan Tim , Hinds Emily , Marshall Andrew G. , Wheeler Matthew C. , de Burgh-Day Catherine
Published: February 2024

According to the Australian Bureau of Meteorology, the northern Australian wet season extends through to April, which also formally marks the end of Australia’s tropical cyclone season. Mid-autumn is when the tropical dry season transition period begins, when crop farmers prepare land for annual crops or pasture–fodder harvest, or when beef cattle producers make decisions regarding stock numbers and feed rationing. Potentially knowing if the last rains of the wet season will be later or earlier than normal would be valuable information for northern sectors such as agriculture, infrastructure and tourism. The Bureau of Meteorology provides seasonal forecasts of the Northern Rainfall Onset – the date when a location has accumulated 50 mm of rain from 1 September – yet there is currently no prediction of the rainy season retreat (the Northern Rainfall Retreat, NRR). In this study, we draw on three different NRR definitions and investigate how they vary with the El Niño–Southern Oscillation and the Madden–Julian Oscillation (MJO). In general, retreats occur ~1 week later than normal across the far northern tropics following La Niña events, but little change from normal occurs for El Niño. Although most retreats occur when the MJO is weak, if the MJO is active, retreats are mostly observed in phases 6 and 7, when convection is passing through the western Pacific. Utilising the Bureau of Meteorology’s sub-seasonal to seasonal forecast system, ACCESS-S2, we show that the model has some skill in forecasting the NRR across the far northern regions at a lead time of ~2.5 months, but poor skill in the subtropics and arid locations. Verification of the 2023 NRR forecasts, highlights the challenges of predicting the timing and magnitude of daily rainfall at such a long lead time.
Structures and organizations of PSI–AcpPCI supercomplexes from red tidal and coral symbiotic photosynthetic dinoflagellates
Authors: Li Xiaoyi , Li Zhenhua , Wang Fangfang , Zhao Songhao , Xu Caizhe , Mao Zhiyuan , Duan Jialin , Feng Yue , Yang Yang , Shen Lili , Wang Guanglei , Yang Yanyan , Yu Long-Jiang , Sang Min , Han Guangye , Wang Xuchu , Kuang Tingyun , Shen Jian-Ren , Wang Wenda
Published: February 2024

Marine photosynthetic dinoflagellates are a group of successful phytoplankton that can form red tides in the ocean and also symbiosis with corals. These features are closely related to the photosynthetic properties of dinoflagellates. We report here three structures of photosystem I (PSI)–chlorophylls (Chls)a/c-peridinin protein complex (PSI–AcpPCI) from two species of dinoflagellates by single-particle cryoelectron microscopy. The crucial PsaA/B subunits of a red tidal dinoflagellateAmphidinium carteraeare remarkably smaller and hence losing over 20 pigment-binding sites, whereas its PsaD/F/I/J/L/M/R subunits are larger and coordinate some additional pigment sites compared to other eukaryotic photosynthetic organisms, which may compensate for the smaller PsaA/B subunits. Similar modifications are observed in a coral symbiotic dinoflagellateSymbiodiniumspecies, where two additional core proteins and fewer AcpPCIs are identified in the PSI–AcpPCI supercomplex. The antenna proteins AcpPCIs in dinoflagellates developed some loops and pigment sites as a result to accommodate the changed PSI core, therefore the structures of PSI–AcpPCI supercomplex of dinoflagellates reveal an unusual protein assembly pattern. A huge pigment network comprising Chlsaandcand various carotenoids is revealed from the structural analysis, which provides the basis for our deeper understanding of the energy transfer and dissipation within the PSI–AcpPCI supercomplex, as well as the evolution of photosynthetic organisms.
The interplay between the circadian clock and abiotic stress responses mediated by ABF3 and CCA1/LHY
Authors: Liang Tong , Yu Shi , Pan Yuanzhong , Wang Jiarui , Kay Steve A.
Published: February 2024

Climate change is a global concern for all life on our planet, including humans and plants. Plants’ growth and development are significantly affected by abiotic stresses, including adverse temperature, inadequate or excess water availability, nutrient deficiency, and salinity. The circadian clock is a master regulator of numerous developmental and metabolic processes in plants. In an effort to identify new clock-related genes and outputs through bioinformatic analysis, we have revealed that CIRCADIAN CLOCK ASSOCIATED 1 (CCA1) and LATE ELONGATED HYPOCOTYL (LHY) play a crucial role in regulating a wide range of abiotic stress responses and target
ABSCISIC ACID RESPONSIVE ELEMENTS-BINDING FACTOR3
(
ABF3
), a key transcription factor in the plant hormone Abscisic acid (ABA)-signaling pathway. Specifically, we found that CCA1 and LHY regulate the expression of
ABF3
under diel conditions, as well as seed germination under salinity. Conversely, ABF3 controls the expression of core clock genes and orchestrates the circadian period in a stress-responsive manner. ABF3 delivers the stress signal to the central oscillator by binding to the promoter of
CCA1
and
LHY
. Overall, our study uncovers the reciprocal regulation between ABF3 and CCA1/LHY and molecular mechanisms underlying the interaction between the circadian clock and abiotic stress. This finding may aid in developing molecular and genetic solutions for plants to survive and thrive in the face of climate change.
Humorous but hateful
Authors: Altahmazi Thulfiqar H.
Published: February 2024

The paper explores the interplay of impoliteness, ethnic/religious humor and multimodality in online contexts. The argument advanced in the paper is that anti-Muslim memes are instantiations of ethno-religious humor that creatively incorporate linguistic impoliteness and visual dysphemism in manners that potentially propagate Islamophobia online. The analysis of a specialized corpus of memes suggests that multimodal impoliteness in these memes is mainly triggered by marked implicitness, reinforced by visual reference to targets. The humor-generating incongruity in these memes is often based on the anomalous juxtaposition of verbal and visual cues expressing ethnic and religious stereotypes, in ways that make the values expressed in these stereotypes easily acceptable. Such multimodal impoliteness creatively incorporates entertainment with emotional coercion, aiming at like-minded participants in the potential presence of targets. This constitutes a form of plausibly deniable incitement, meant to instigate attitude change and intimidate the victims, which consequently blurs the conceptual distinction between jocular abuse, impoliteness and hate speech.
Dialect-specificity and learners’ L2 perceptual resilience after study abroad
Authors: Schoonmaker-Gates Elena
Published: February 2024

The present study examined the perception of two regional variants of Spanish (theta /Ɵ/ andzheísmo/sheísmo[ʒ, ʃ]) by nonnative speakers of Spanish with and without study abroad experience. The study’s goals were to determine whether learners who study abroad accept regional variants more frequently than at-home learners, and whether this effect is limited to cues participants are exposed to while abroad. Participants were L1 English speakers asked to determine whether they considered real and nonce word pairs with matching and mismatching regional variants to be instances of the same word. The findings reveal higher acceptance rates of mismatching variants by L2 learners who had studied abroad than of classroom learners but results for specific location of study abroad that suggest learners likely build perceptual resilience while abroad that goes beyond the specific cues they are exposed to.
Interrogatives of reason in Tibeto-Burman languages of Sichuan
Authors: Ding Hongdi , Dong Sicong
Published: February 2024

This is a typological study of thewhy-interrogative expressions in Tibeto-Burman languages, or the non-Chinese Sino-Tibetan languages, in Sichuan, southwest China. After examining 22 languages/dialects, the interrogative category of reason is grouped into three types, viz. the distinctwhy-type, thehow-type, and thewhat-type, according to the interrogative categories from which they are derived. It is discovered that thewhat-type is the dominant strategy for languages in Sichuan to derive the reason category. It is also common for Tibeto-Burman languages to use verbal interrogatives, namely interrogative verb phrases and interrogative words with verbal origins, dominantly in the sense of ‘to do what’ and ‘to become what’, to ask for reason. After a focused investigation of the verbal interrogatives, it is found that Tibeto-Burman languages in Sichuan distinguish purpose from cause via word/phrase distinction, sentential positions and semantic differences. A path of grammaticalization of the verbal interrogatives is thus proposed and analyzed. Finally, the derivation maps of interrogatives inCysouw (2005)andHölzl (2018)are complemented with a refined distinction between purpose and cause.
A role for Vps13-mediated lipid transfer at the ER–endosome contact site in ESCRT-mediated sorting
Authors: Suzuki Sho W. , West Matthew , Zhang Yichen , Fan Jenny S. , Roberts Rachel T. , Odorizzi Greg , Emr Scott D.
Published: February 2024

Endosomes are specialized organelles that function in the secretory and endocytic protein sorting pathways. Endocytosed cell surface receptors and transporters destined for lysosomal degradation are sorted into intraluminal vesicles (ILVs) at endosomes by endosomal sorting complexes required for transport (ESCRT) proteins. The endosomes (multivesicular bodies, MVBs) then fuse with the lysosome. During endosomal maturation, the number of ILVs increases, but the size of endosomes does not decrease despite the consumption of the limiting membrane during ILV formation. Vesicle-mediated trafficking is thought to provide lipids to support MVB biogenesis. However, we have uncovered an unexpected contribution of a large bridge-like lipid transfer protein, Vps13, in this process. Here, we reveal that Vps13-mediated lipid transfer at ER–endosome contact sites is required for the ESCRT pathway. We propose that Vps13 may play a critical role in supplying lipids to the endosome, ensuring continuous ESCRT-mediated sorting during MVB biogenesis.