bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Assisting Struggling Early ESL Readers. What Can English Teachers Do?: A Review Paper
Authors: Md Nordin Ermi Ruziyana , Ismail Norhiza , Abdullah Tina
Published: June 2023

The teaching and learning of reading to struggling readers have become a distinguished area to be researched recently. Past studies discovered the effectiveness of the teaching and learning process involving early struggling readers in foreign countries. However, in Malaysia, the study of intervention in the teaching of reading to ESL readers is scarce. Hence, this paper reviews interventions and the findings of the effectiveness of the interventions in teaching reading to struggling ESL readers to provide the framework for Malaysian researchers and English educators dealing with struggling early ESL readers. This paper addresses issues that will help the struggling reader succeed. Several themes have emerged from research on identifying teaching strategies that support struggling readers in the classroom. Increased student engagement occurs when pairwork, reading with a reading specialist and playing reading games took place during the reading interventions to assist struggling readers. Moreover, explicit instruction in phonological awareness and ample opportunities to practise reading, both at home and at school, improve reading skills.
A Discoursal Investigation on Accelerated Hostility between China Daily and the New York Times
Authors: Jiaxing Liu , Wan Fakhruddin Wan Farah Wani
Published: June 2023

Since COVID-19 outbreak hit China in December 2019, there has been a “narrative battle” between China and the US. Roughly 89% U.S. adults consider China a competitor or enemy, rather than a partner, according to a Pew Research Center survey in Otc. 2020. Faced with accusations internationally, there appears rising attacks and unfavourable feelings towards Asian people in the US during COVID-19, which leads to social exclusion and discrimination to Asian, especially the Chinese in the US. In the meantime, the COVID-19 pandemic has worsened a rising tide of nationalism in China, amplifying pre-existing nationalist and protectionist trends. According to a survey from Carter Center and RIWI (2021), 62% of Chinese internet-using population shows unfavorable feeling towards the US. As media plays a significant role in society in shaping public opinions, it is of significant to explore how the media reports accelerate the anti-sentiments towards each other. Although scholars have started to explore media reports during the pandemic, very less is known about how the COVID-19 pandemic is reported, discussed, and presented in the Chinese and American media from critical discouse analysis (CDA). This study will comparatively evaluate 36 editorials from China Daily (CD) and New York Times (NYT) with regards to ideological square framework. Based on data analysis, the study indicates that not only the headings, but also the media substance constructs a type of conflicting relations. Through positivizing “us” and negativizing “them”, both media accelerate the unfavorable feeling towards each other. This study suggests that both media should rationally report the pandemic, and people should work together to preserve our lives and live in peace.
Semi-Parametric Functional Calibration Using Uncertainty Quantification Based Decision Support
Authors: van Beek Anton , Giuntoli Andrea , Hansoge Nitin K. , Keten Sinan , Chen Wei
Published: June 2023

While most calibration methods focus on inferring a set of model parameters that are unknown but assumed to be constant, many models have parameters that have a functional relation with the controllable input variables. Formulating a low-dimensional approximation of these calibration functions allows modelers to use low-fidelity models to explore phenomena at lengths and time scales unattainable with their high-fidelity sources. While functional calibration methods are available for low-dimensional problems (e.g., one to three unknown calibration functions), exploring high-dimensional spaces of unknown calibration functions (e.g., more than ten) is still a challenging task due to its computational cost and the risk for identifiability issues. To address this challenge, we introduce a semiparametric calibration method that uses an approximate Bayesian computation scheme to quantify the uncertainty in the unknown calibration functions and uses this insight to identify what functions can be replaced with low-dimensional approximations. Through a test problem and a coarse-grained model of an epoxy resin, we demonstrate that the introduced method enables the identification of a low-dimensional set of calibration functions with a limited compromise in calibration accuracy. The novelty of the presented method is the ability to synthesize domain knowledge from various sources (i.e., physical experiments, simulation models, and expert insight) to enable high-dimensional functional calibration without the need for prior knowledge on the class of unknown calibration functions.
Numerical Analysis on Detonation Wave and Combustion Efficiency of Pulse Detonation Combustor With U-Shape Combustor
Authors: Debnath Pinku , Pandey K. M.
Published: June 2023

The research work is carried out for deflagration and detonation combustion processes at different equivalence ratios of hydrogen–air mixtures in a pulse detonation combustor (PDC). Furthermore, the U-shape channel curvature radius and thickness effect on detonation wave propagation are also investigated. This numerical simulation has been done using a SIMPLE algorithm with the finite volume discretization method and laminar finite rate chemistry for volumetric reaction in the Ansys Fluent platform. The numerical result shows that the U-bend radius of R = 3.5 cm can enhance the faster deflagration-to-detonation transition. So far, the fully developed detonation wave was found near the curvature area of the detonation tube having a width of W = 8 cm. This enhanced detonation wave velocity reaches 2775 m/s, which is higher than the C-J detonation velocity. Furthermore, the entropy generation has been analyzed in two modes of the combustion process. The entropy generation number of 0.76 and 0.7 is obtained from the deflagration and detonation combustion processes. However, the entropy production rate is less in the detonation combustion process, but thermal entropy generation is more in the deflagration combustion process with a magnitude of 3.5 kJ/kg K for an equivalence ratio of φ = 1.5. A combustion efficiency of 78% is found in the detonation combustion process, which is comparatively higher than the deflagration process.
New genera, new species and new records of eriophyoid mites in China
Authors: Liu Liangxin , Tan Mengchao , Tan Fei , Wang Guoquan
Published: June 2023

Two new genera and seven new species of eriophyoid mites from China are described and illustrated. They are Alveacaphyllisa clethra gen. nov. & sp. nov. on Clethra barbinervis Sieb. et Zucc. (Clethraceae), Acaricalus liquidambarus sp. nov. on Liquidambar formosana Hance (Altingiaceae), Abacarus dendrocalamus sp. nov. on Dendrocalamus hamiltonii Nees et Arn. ex Munro (Poaceae), Tetra spina sp. nov. on Dalbergia hupeana Hance (Fabaceae), Paraepitrimerus rhododendrus sp. nov. on Rhododendron delavayi Franch. (Ericaceae), Diabsentophyes saurauia gen. nov. & sp. nov. on Saurauia sp. (Actinidiaceae), Diptacus liquidambarus sp. nov. on Liquidambar formosana Hance (Altingiaceae). In addition, images of the characteristics of five new record species are provided, they are: Setoptus semiornatum Pye, 2011 rec. nov. on Pinus sp. (Pinaceae), Calacarus capsica Chakrabarti & Mondal, 1979 rec. nov. on Capsicum annuum Linn. (Solanaceae), Calepitrimerus glacialis Keifer, 1961 rec. nov. on Cryptomeria japonica var. sinensis Miq., 1870 (Cupressaceae), Phyllocoptruta citricola Chakrabarti & Sarkar, 2011 rec. nov. on Citrus maxima (Burm.) Osbeck (Rutaceae) and Diptilomiopus davisi Keifer, 1969 rec. nov. on Macadamia ternifolia F. Muell. (Proteaceae).
Genotypes selected for early and late avian lay date differ in their phenotype, but not fitness, in the wild
Authors: Lindner Melanie , Ramakers Jip JC , Verhagen Irene , Tomotani Barbara M , Mateman A Christa , Gienapp Phillip , Visser Marcel E
Published: June 2023

Global warming has shifted phenological traits in many species, but whether species are able to track further increasing temperatures depends on the fitness consequences of additional shifts in phenological traits. To test this, we measured phenology and fitness of great tits (
Parus major
) with genotypes for extremely early and late egg lay dates, obtained from a genomic selection experiment. Females with early genotypes advanced lay dates relative to females with late genotypes, but not relative to nonselected females. Females with early and late genotypes did not differ in the number of fledglings produced, in line with the weak effect of lay date on the number of fledglings produced by nonselected females in the years of the experiment. Our study is the first application of genomic selection in the wild and led to an asymmetric phenotypic response that indicates the presence of constraints toward early, but not late, lay dates.
In situ sensing physiological properties of biological tissues using wireless miniature soft robots
Authors: Wang Chunxiang , Wu Yingdan , Dong Xiaoguang , Armacki Milena , Sitti Metin
Published: June 2023

Implanted electronic sensors, compared with conventional medical imaging, allow monitoring of advanced physiological properties of soft biological tissues continuously, such as adhesion, pH, viscoelasticity, and biomarkers for disease diagnosis. However, they are typically invasive, requiring being deployed by surgery, and frequently cause inflammation. Here we propose a minimally invasive method of using wireless miniature soft robots to in situ sense the physiological properties of tissues. By controlling robot-tissue interaction using external magnetic fields, visualized by medical imaging, we can recover tissue properties precisely from the robot shape and magnetic fields. We demonstrate that the robot can traverse tissues with multimodal locomotion and sense the adhesion, pH, and viscoelasticity on porcine and mice gastrointestinal tissues ex vivo, tracked by x-ray or ultrasound imaging. With the unprecedented capability of sensing tissue physiological properties with minimal invasion and high resolution deep inside our body, this technology can potentially enable critical applications in both basic research and clinical practice.
Preventing skin toxicities induced by EGFR inhibitors by topically blocking drug-receptor interactions
Authors: Friedman Nethanel , Weinstein-Fudim Liza , Mostinski Yelena , Elia Jhonatan , Cohen Sherri , Steinberg Eliana , Frankenburg Shoshana , Peretz Tamar , Eisenberg Galit , Lotem Michal , Benny Ofra , Merims Sharon
Published: June 2023

Epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) inhibitors are used to treat many advanced-stage epithelial cancers but induce severe skin toxicities in most treated patients. These side effects lead to a deterioration in the quality of life of the patients and compromise the anticancer treatment. Current treatment strategies for these skin toxicities focus on symptom reduction rather than preventing the initial trigger that causes the toxicity. In this study, we developed a compound and method for treating “on-target” skin toxicity by blocking the drug at the site of toxicity without reducing the systemic dose reaching the tumor. We first screened for small molecules that effectively blocked the binding of anti-EGFR monoclonal antibodies to EGFR and identified a potential candidate, SDT-011. In silico docking predicted that SDT-011 interacted with the same residues on EGFR found to be important for the binding of EGFR inhibitors cetuximab and panitumumab. Binding of SDT-011 to EGFR reduced the binding affinity of cetuximab to EGFR and could reactivate EGFR signaling in keratinocyte cell lines, ex vivo cetuximab-treated whole human skin, and A431-injected mice. Specific small molecules were topically applied and were delivered via a slow-release system derived from biodegradable nanoparticles that penetrate the hair follicles and sebaceous glands, within which EGFR is highly expressed. Our approach has the potential to reduce skin toxicity caused by EGFR inhibitors.
Neutrophil extracellular trap production and CCL4L2 expression influence corticosteroid response in asthma
Authors: Tsai Ching-Hui , Lai Alan Chuan-Ying , Lin Yu-Cheng , Chi Po-Yu , Chen Yun-Chi , Yang Yao-Hsu , Chen Chien-Han , Shen Sheng-Yeh , Hwang Tsong-Long , Su Ming-Wei , Hsu I-Ling , Huang Yu-Chi , Maitland-van der Zee Anke H. , McGeachie Michael J. , Tantisira Kelan G. , Chang Ya-Jen , Lee Yungling L.
Published: June 2023

The association between neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs) and response to inhaled corticosteroids (ICS) in asthma is unclear. To better understand this relationship, we analyzed the blood transcriptomes from children with controlled and uncontrolled asthma in the Taiwanese Consortium of Childhood Asthma Study using weighted gene coexpression network analysis and pathway enrichment methods. We identified 298 uncontrolled asthma-specific differentially expressed genes and one gene module associated with neutrophil-mediated immunity, highlighting a potential role for neutrophils in uncontrolled asthma. We also found that NET abundance was associated with nonresponse to ICS in patients. In a neutrophilic airway inflammation murine model, steroid treatment could not suppress neutrophilic inflammation and airway hyperreactivity. However, NET disruption with deoxyribonuclease I (DNase I) efficiently inhibited airway hyperreactivity and inflammation. Using neutrophil-specific transcriptomic profiles, we found that
CCL4L2
was associated with ICS nonresponse in asthma, which was validated in human and murine lung tissue.
CCL4L2
expression was also negatively correlated with pulmonary function change after ICS treatment. In summary, steroids fail to suppress neutrophilic airway inflammation, highlighting the potential need to use alternative therapies such as leukotriene receptor antagonists or DNase I that target the neutrophil-associated phenotype. Furthermore, these results highlight CCL4L2 as a potential therapeutic target for individuals with asthma refractory to ICS.
Implication of the σ
E
Regulon Members OmpO and σ
N
in the Δ

ompA
299–356

-Mediated Decrease of Oxidative Stress Tolerance in Stenotrophomonas maltophilia
Authors: Ku Ren-Hsuan , Li Li-Hua , Liu Yi-Fu , Hu En-Wei , Lin Yi-Tsung , Lu Hsu-Feng , Yang Tsuey-Ching
Published: June 2023

The cell envelope is a morphological hallmark of Gram-negative bacteria. It consists of an inner membrane, a peptidoglycan layer, and an outer membrane.
Supplemental Material: Magma migration and surface uplift in Pamir–western Tibet driven by deep lithospheric dynamics
Authors: Tang Gong-Jian , al. et
Published: June 2023

The analytical methods and zircon U-Pb ages, Hf-O isotopes for the (ultra)potassic rocks in Pamir–western Kunlun, and summary of published data of the ages of the (ultra)potassic rocks from the Pamir-western Tibet, and AFT and ZHe ages. Tables S1–S4 and Figures S1 and S2. 
Recurrence of syncope after valve replacement in severe aortic stenosis
Authors: San Román J Alberto , Ybarra-Falcón Cristina , García-Gómez Mario , Ramos Noemí , Amat-Santos Ignacio J , Sevilla Teresa , Revilla Ana , Carrasco-Moraleja Manuel , Lopez Javier , Cabezón Gonzalo , Rollán María Jesús , Vilacosta Isidre
Published: June 2023

Objective

The recurrence of syncope after valve intervention in severe aortic stenosis (SAS) and its impact on outcome are unknown. We hypothesised that syncope on exertion will disappear after intervention, whereas syncope at rest might recur. Our aim has been to describe the recurrence of syncope in patients with SAS undergoing valve replacement and its impact on mortality.

Methods

Double-centre observational registry of 320 consecutive patients with symptomatic SAS without other valve disease and/or coronary artery disease who underwent valve intervention and were discharged alive. All-cause mortality and cardiovascular mortality were considered events.

Results

53 patients (median age 81 years, 28 men) had syncope (29 on exertion, 21 at rest, 3 unknown). Clinical and echocardiographic variables were similar in patients with and without syncope (median vmax4.44 m/s, mean gradient 47 mm Hg, valve area 0.7 cm2, left ventricular ejection fraction 62%). After a median follow-up of 69 months (IQR: 55–88), syncope on exertion did not recur in any patient. In contrast, 8 of the 21 patients with syncope at rest had postintervention syncope at rest (38%; p<0.001): 3 needed a pacemaker, 3 were neuromediated or hypotensive and 2 arrhythmic. Only recurrence of syncope was associated with cardiovascular mortality (HR 5.74; 95% CI 2.17 to 15.17; p<0.001).

Conclusions

Syncope on exertion in patients with SAS did not recur after aortic valve intervention. Syncope at rest recurs in a high proportion of patients and identifies a population with increased mortality. According to our results, syncope at rest should be thoroughly evaluated before proceeding to aortic valve intervention.
Peer-based intervention for acute stress reaction: adaptations by five militaries
Authors: Adler Amy B , Gutierrez I A , McCuaig Edge H , Nordstrand A E , Simms A , Willmund G D
Published: June 2023

Military service members need to be able to operate under conditions of extreme stress to ensure the success of their team�s mission; however, an acute stress reaction (ASR) can compromise team safety and effectiveness by rendering an individual unable to function. Building on an intervention originally developed by the Israel Defense Forces, several countries have developed, tested, and disseminated a peer-based intervention to help service members manage acute stress in others. This paper reviews how five countries (Canada, Germany, Norway, the UK and the USA) adjusted the protocol to fit their organisational culture while retaining essential elements of the original procedure, suggesting there can be interoperability and mutual intelligibility in the management of ASR by military allies. Future research should examine the parameters of effectiveness for this intervention, the impact of intervention on long-term trajectories, and individual differences in managing ASR.
Defining Anonymity Properties of Datasets with the Compliance Assertion Language (COMPASS)
Authors: Göbel Richard , Kitzing Stephanie
Published: June 2023

Organizations that manage Personally Identifiable Information cannot share this information directly due to legal restrictions. Meanwhile, there are several solutions that support the anonymization of these types of data to make these available to a wider audience. For these solutions, it is important that the corresponding anonymization modules guarantee legal properties. In general, due to the scale and complexity of the software, it is difficult to prove that it does not violate these properties in some cases. This article proposes a new approach that addresses this challenge. The approach provides a software component that checks the output of an anonymization module against editable legal constraints—the Privacy-Enhancing Verification Component (PE-VC). An organization can formulate these constraints separately from the software using the new Compliance Assertion Language. Because the PE-VC is a carefully developed and verified module that can be used without modification for different anonymization modules, an auditor only needs to check the specified assertions and not the software itself. This approach ensures a much higher level of confidence in the correctness of the output of an anonymization software.
Protoplanetary Disk Chemistry
Authors: Öberg Karin I. , Facchini Stefano , Anderson Dana E.
Published: June 2023

Planets form in disks of gas and dust around young stars. The disk molecular reservoirs and their chemical evolution affect all aspects of planet formation, from the coagulation of dust grains into pebbles to the elemental and molecular compositions of the mature planet. Disk chemistry also enables unique probes of disk structures and dynamics, including those directly linked to ongoing planet formation. We review the protoplanetary disk chemistry of the volatile elements H, O, C, N, S, and P; the associated observational and theoretical methods; and the links between disk and planet chemical compositions. Three takeaways from this review are:
▪The disk chemical composition, including the organic reservoirs, is set by both inheritance and in situ chemistry.▪Disk gas and solid O/C/N/H elemental ratios often deviate from stellar values due to a combination of condensation of molecular carriers, chemistry, and dynamics.▪Chemical, physical, and dynamical processes in disks are closely linked, which complicates disk chemistry modeling, but these links also present an opportunity to develop chemical probes of different aspects of disk evolution and planet formation.
Molecular Biology of Cytoplasmic Incompatibility Caused by Wolbachia Endosymbionts
Authors: Hochstrasser Mark
Published: June 2023

Among endosymbiotic bacteria living within eukaryotic cells, Wolbachia is exceptionally widespread, particularly in arthropods. Inherited through the female germline, it has evolved ways to increase the fraction of bacterially infected offspring by inducing parthenogenesis, feminization, male killing, or, most commonly, cytoplasmic incompatibility (CI). In CI, Wolbachia infection of males causes embryonic lethality unless they mate with similarly infected females, creating a relative reproductive advantage for infected females. A set of related Wolbachia bicistronic operons encodes the CI-inducing factors. The downstream gene encodes a deubiquitylase or nuclease and is responsible for CI induction by males, while the upstream product when expressed in females binds its sperm-introduced cognate partner and rescues viability. Both toxin-antidote and host-modification mechanisms have been proposed to explain CI. Interestingly, male killing by either Spiroplasma or Wolbachia endosymbionts involves deubiquitylases as well. Interference with the host ubiquitin system may therefore be a common theme among endosymbiont-mediated reproductive alterations.
Versatility and Complexity: Common and Uncommon Facets of LysR-Type Transcriptional Regulators
Authors: Baugh Alyssa C. , Momany Cory , Neidle Ellen L.
Published: June 2023

LysR-type transcriptional regulators (LTTRs) form one of the largest families of bacterial regulators. They are widely distributed and contribute to all aspects of metabolism and physiology. Most are homotetramers, with each subunit composed of an N-terminal DNA-binding domain followed by a long helix connecting to an effector-binding domain. LTTRs typically bind DNA in the presence or absence of a small-molecule ligand (effector). In response to cellular signals, conformational changes alter DNA interactions, contact with RNA polymerase, and sometimes contact with other proteins. Many are dual-function repressor–activators, although different modes of regulation may occur at multiple promoters. This review presents an update on the molecular basis of regulation, the complexity of regulatory schemes, and applications in biotechnology and medicine. The abundance of LTTRs reflects their versatility and importance. While a single regulatory model cannot describe all family members, a comparison of similarities and differences provides a framework for future study.
Selected Legacy of Dr. Ralph White and Model-Based BMS
Authors: Subramanian Venkat R.
Published: June 2023

In this talk, a few selected contributions of Professor White will be briefly summarized. His contributions towards modeling and numerical simulation of batteries, and electrochemical systems will be reviewed. In addition, my personal perspective on the relevance of his contributions to the current and next-generation batteries/electrochemical-systems/students/researchers will be presented.Selected examples of model-based BMS, mechano-electrochemical models, phase-field models, dendrite growth in 2D, and precise and efficient simulation of the same will be presented.
Effects of Predefined Thermomechanical Procedure on the Microstructure and Mechanical Properties of the Two-Way Shape Memory Effect in the NiTi Alloy
Authors: Tahaei Ali , Aghajani Ali , Abbasi Mahmoud , Bagheri Behrouz , Merlin Mattia , Garagnani Gian Luca
Published: June 2023

In the current paper, a predefined thermomechanical procedure has been applied to the two-way shape memory effect (TWSME) in a NiTi alloy to study the effect of two different applied load conditions on the induced martensitic state. The microstructure of the strips was studied using optical microscopy (OM), scanning electron microscopy (SEM) fitted with an EDS microprobe, and microhardness tests at the end of both the training and thermal cycles. Inducing internal stresses along specified directions during training cycles results in the formation of oriented martensitic variants rather than expected twinned martensitic variants upon cooling. It was found that the microstructure is made up of interlocking martensitic lathes, including the fine martensite colony next to the coarse martensite lathes. Furthermore, the results of the average hardness tests for bending at one point and three points were 241 and 247 HV0.2, respectively. It was shown that only the cubic austenitic phase (B2) and the martensitic monoclinic phase (B19′) experience transformation. The results reveal that homogeneous bending in three locations leads to achieving the best difference between high- and low-temperature curvatures after training.
Effect of the Application of Gluconacetobacter diazotrophicus and Its Interaction with Nitrogen and Phosphorus Fertilization on Carrot Yield in the Field
Authors: Ceballos-Aguirre Nelson , Cuellar Jorge Andrés , Restrepo Gloria María , Sánchez Óscar Julián
Published: June 2023

Carrot production is expensive since approximately 51% of the total costs are allocated to the nutrition of the crop. Bacterial inoculants are a promising alternative for crop fertilization. This research aimed to evaluate the effect of Gluconacetobacter diazotrophicus on the performance of carrot cultivar “Royal Chantenay” and its interaction with nitrogen and phosphorus fertilization. An experimental design of sub-subdivided plots was applied, where the largest plot consisted of the reference strain (ATCC 49037) and a native Colombian isolate of the bacterium (GIBI029); two concentrations of the bacterium were applied in the subplots (8.8 × 107 and 18 × 107 CFU/mL), and the levels of nitrogen and phosphorus were sorted within each one of them. The best positive effect was observed with the application of G. diazotrophicus ATCC49037 and GIBI029 at a concentration of 18 × 107 CFU/mL without the application of phosphorus or nitrogen in which yields of 37,417 and 30,606 kg/ha were obtained, respectively, exceeding the national average production in Colombia. In contrast, conventional treatment had a yield of 27,909 kg/ha. Additionally, higher quality was evidenced in the product weight with values of 126.48 g (ATCC49037) and 104.98 g (GIBI029), compared with the conventional treatment (93.19 g). G. diazotrophicus was shown to exhibit growth-promoting properties not only in crops such as sugarcane but also in economically important vegetable crops. The results obtained may contribute to the development of a novel microbial inoculant for vegetables under agroecological conditions in tropical areas.
Multi-institutional Prognostic Modeling in Head and Neck Cancer: Evaluating Impact and Generalizability of Deep Learning and Radiomics
Authors: Kazmierski Michal , Welch Mattea , Kim Sejin , McIntosh Chris , Rey-McIntyre Katrina , Huang Shao Hui , Patel Tirth , Tadic Tony , Milosevic Michael , Liu Fei-Fei , Ryczkowski Adam , Kazmierska Joanna , Ye Zezhong , Plana Deborah , Aerts Hugo J.W.L. , Kann Benjamin H. , Bratman Scott V. , Hope Andrew J. , Haibe-Kains Benjamin
Published: June 2023

Artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) are becoming critical in developing and deploying personalized medicine and targeted clinical trials. Recent advances in ML have enabled the integration of wider ranges of data including both medical records and imaging (radiomics). However, the development of prognostic models is complex as no modeling strategy is universally superior to others and validation of developed models requires large and diverse datasets to demonstrate that prognostic models developed (regardless of method) from one dataset are applicable to other datasets both internally and externally. Using a retrospective dataset of 2,552 patients from a single institution and a strict evaluation framework that included external validation on three external patient cohorts (873 patients), we crowdsourced the development of ML models to predict overall survival in head and neck cancer (HNC) using electronic medical records (EMR) and pretreatment radiological images. To assess the relative contributions of radiomics in predicting HNC prognosis, we compared 12 different models using imaging and/or EMR data. The model with the highest accuracy used multitask learning on clinical data and tumor volume, achieving high prognostic accuracy for 2-year and lifetime survival prediction, outperforming models relying on clinical data only, engineered radiomics, or complex deep neural network architecture. However, when we attempted to extend the best performing models from this large training dataset to other institutions, we observed significant reductions in the performance of the model in those datasets, highlighting the importance of detailed population-based reporting for AI/ML model utility and stronger validation frameworks. We have developed highly prognostic models for overall survival in HNC using EMRs and pretreatment radiological images based on a large, retrospective dataset of 2,552 patients from our institution.Diverse ML approaches were used by independent investigators. The model with the highest accuracy used multitask learning on clinical data and tumor volume.External validation of the top three performing models on three datasets (873 patients) with significant differences in the distributions of clinical and demographic variables demonstrated significant decreases in model performance.

Significance:

ML combined with simple prognostic factors outperformed multiple advanced CT radiomics and deep learning methods. ML models provided diverse solutions for prognosis of patients with HNC but their prognostic value is affected by differences in patient populations and require extensive validation.
Demographics and Client Satisfaction on the Establishment of Driver’s License Renewal Office
Authors: Donato Noreen Grace D. , Ramos Jelyn A.
Published: June 2023

This research study is an effort to determine the relationship between demographics and client satisfaction on the  establishment of Driver’s License Renewal Offices. A Purposive Sampling survey method was utilized in collecting data using a revised Client Survey Questionnaire based on the Land Transportation Office Client Satisfaction Measurement Survey Form.  The demographics of respondents were taken into account in terms of gender and age bracket. This research study utilized the Descriptive Statistics and Hypothesis Testing using the P-Value approach in deriving the conclusion that there is no significant difference on Demographics and Client Satisfaction and the Land Transportation office should support the program of establishing additional Driver’s License Renewal Offices nationwide.  Furthermore, this study has come to the conclusion that  the majority of the clients at Driver’s License Renewal Offices have a high level of client satisfaction and demographics do not have a high contributing factor on assessing the level of client satisfaction.  Regardless of sex and age, an efficient service delivery can be recognized and acknowledged.
Preparedness among Reserve Officers' Training Corps Graduates on the Rigors of ROTC and Defense Security: Basis for Policy Enhancement
Authors: Gantalao Jilmar S.
Published: June 2023

The Philippines Reserve Officers' Training Corps aims to provide military education and training for students to mobilize them for national defense preparedness. This study aimed to assess the rigor of the Philippine Reserve Officers' Training Corps, and defense and security preparedness among ROTC graduates in selected universities in the Philippines, and determined the significant difference in the perceived level of preparedness on the rigor of the Philippine RTOC among Military Science courses graduates in selected universities such as: physical organization of cadets, combat training of individual soldiers, regional annual administrative and tactical inspection, drill and ceremonies, infantry, rescue, field artillery, and; civil operation activities as assessed by the three groups of respondents. Moreover, the study also determined the significant difference in the perceived level of preparedness on defense and security such as: internal security operations, territorial defense, disaster response, international defense, security engagements, international humanitarian assistance, peacekeeping operations, and support to national development as assessed by the two (2) groups of respondents. This study utilized a descriptive correlational research design. The study covered 200 respondents; composed of 100 Military Science 42 Graduates, and 100 Military Science 43 graduates conducted during the School Year 2022 – 2023.  Generally, the respondents were Highly Prepared for the rigor of the Reserved Officers Training Corps. On the other hand, the respondents were Highly Prepared on defense and security as embedded in the Reserved Officers Training Corps. Further studies may be conducted using empirical evidence to further the implementation of ROTC mandates, supplementation to an early career in AFP, and the impact of ROTC on both high school and college graduates in the Philippines.
Learning Purposive Communication: A Personal Narrative Experience of Non-Teacher Education Students
Authors: Salendab Fahad Abdul , Laguda Jorge Loja
Published: June 2023

This research explored the learning experiences of non-teacher education students enrolled in Purposive Communication at Sultan Kudarat State University-Kalamansig Campus. The study employed a qualitative design and non-probability purposive sampling. This study included six(6) non-teacher education students participants, such as students taking BS in Information Technology, BS in Biology, and BS in Fisheries. For data collection and collection, a semi-structured interview guide question was used. Colizzi’s thematic analysis was employed to analyze the data. The learning experiences of non-teacher education students in purposive communication revealed that they enjoyed learning Purposive communication through hybrid learning. Various performance tasks were provided for the students to perform, and these tasks are based on real-life experience. In performing these tasks, English was evident as a medium of instruction. Non-teacher education students can integrate responsive examples in the community and the global arena.

Further, the most common challenges experienced by non-teacher education students were technical issues, distractions, time management, understanding course expectations, lack of in-person interaction, adapting to unfamiliar technology, and uncertainty about the future. It is recommended that the institution implement a monitoring strategy that would sustain the teaching methods employed by the teachers to make the teaching-learning process effective and productive in Purposive communication. The institution must provide sound-based classroom management during the new normal education and religiously implement hybrid learning to maintain the learning process. The institution should provide learning tools for poor but deserving non-teacher education students to assist them in learning Purposive communication even in times of educational crisis.
Bilingualism and Development of Literacy in Children: A Systematic Review
Authors: Oshchepkova Ekaterina S. , Kartushina Natalia A. , Razmakhnina Ksenia O.
Published: June 2023

Background. The importance of biliteracy in bilingual children’s development has been widely investigated and discussed for the last several decades, suggesting beneficial effects of writing and reading in two languages for bilingual children as well as for adult second language learners. Objective. To analyze research on the link between bilingualism and literacy development in two or more languages and the factors that may influence a successful or problematic biliteracy acquisition. RQ (1): What is the relationship between bilingualism and literacy of bilingual children? RQ (2): What strategies are used to develop biliteracy? Design. The review analyzes 50 studies of literacy development in bilingual children. The selected articles have been separated based on their methodology: 25 articles gave a critical analysis of more than 1,100 studies on the topic, strengthening the theoretical basis of existing research, and 25 other articles were empirical research articles demonstrating practical evidence for the former. Results. Our analysis revealed that literacy in bilinguals, or biliteracy, can be seen as a necessary condition for fluent development of bilingualism, though it is not a necessary condition (which is explained by the difference between structures of specific languages and writing systems, instruction in literacy, and cognitive baggage invoked by the task used to measure the skill) (Bialystok, 2002). Research suggests that bilingualism impacts children’s ultimate acquisition of literacy via the beneficial effects of bilingualism overall: advanced biliteracy boosts the development of phonological and phonemic awareness and metacognitive abilities. Thus, biliteracy can be considered as an advantage in terms of maintaining bilingual acquisition in general and developing writing skills in particular. Conclusion. There is a lack of studies on the development of writing skills in different educational contexts, across countries and cultures, which must be addressed and complemented by new empirical research. Research will enable policymakers to improve educational programs in accordance with the needs of bilingual children, who are the majority in the current global population.
Psychometric Analysis of Two Brief Versions of the CERQ in the Argentinean Population: CERQ-18 and CERQ-27
Authors: Dominguez-Lara Sergio , Moretti Luciana , Flores-Kanter Pablo Ezequiel , Muñoz-Navarro Roger , Medrano Leonardo A.
Published: June 2023

Background. Emotion Regulation (ER) involves any explicit or implicit process that may alter the emotion felt, its duration and expression, and is a transdiagnostic factor of vulnerability involved in the etiology and maintenance of different emotional disorders. The Cognitive Emotion Regulation Questionnaire (CERQ) assesses nine cognitive strategies involved in ER and is a valuable tool. Its popularity and wide use led to the development of two abbreviated versions: a version with 18 items (two items per factor) and a 27-item version (three items per factor). Objective. To analyze the psychometric properties of both versions in the Argentinean population. Design. The research design was instrumental. The factor structure of the CERQ-18 and CERQ-27 as well as the reliability of the scores and the construct of each dimension were evaluated. In addition, we gathered validity evidence for its relationship with other variables by associating the CERQ scores with Difficulties in Emotion Regulation Scale (DERS) scores. Results. The CERQ-18 presented more consistent evidence regarding its internal structure (adequate fit indices and factor loadings of moderate magnitude) and reliability. Given that the association of the two versions with the DERS is similar, we recommend that the 18-item version be used. Conclusion. The CERQ-18 has quite similar psychometric properties to the CERQ27 in the general population of Argentina and the findings contribute to an understanding of its internal structure.
What Makes the Detection of Movement Different Within the Autistic Traits Spectrum? Evidence From the Audiovisual Depth Paradigm
Authors: Poulain Rachel , Batty Magali , Cappe Céline
Published: June 2023

Atypical sensory processing is now considered a diagnostic feature of autism. Although multisensory integration (MSI) may have cascading effects on the development of higher-level skills such as socio-communicative functioning, there is a clear lack of understanding of how autistic individuals integrate multiple sensory inputs. Multisensory dynamic information is a more ecological construct than static stimuli, reflecting naturalistic sensory experiences given that our environment involves moving stimulation of more than one sensory modality at a time. In particular, depth movement informs about crucial social (approaching to interact) and non-social (avoiding threats/collisions) information. As autistic characteristics are distributed on a spectrum over clinical and general populations, our work aimed to explore the multisensory integration of depth cues in the autistic personality spectrum, using a go/no-go detection task. The autistic profile of 38 participants from the general population was assessed using questionnaires extensively used in the literature. Participants performed a detection task of auditory and/or visual depth moving stimuli compared to static stimuli. We found that subjects with high-autistic traits overreacted to depth movement and exhibited faster reaction times to audiovisual cues, particularly when the audiovisual stimuli were looming and/or were presented at a fast speed. These results provide evidence of sensory particularities in people with high-autistic traits and suggest that low-level stages of multisensory integration could operate differently all along the autistic personality spectrum.
Spiranthes minamitaniana (Orchidaceae), a new orchid species from Japan based on morphological and phylogenetic data
Authors: SUETSUGU KENJI , HIROTA SHUN K , SUYAMA YOSHIHISA
Published: June 2023

The delimitation of species within the genus Spiranthes (Orchidaceae) is problematic due to the intricate interplay of phenotypic plasticity, ecological variation, and hybridization, making identification that relies solely on morphology inadequate. In light of morphological and phylogenetic data, we have described a self-pollinating species, S. minamitaniana within the Spiranthes sinensis species complex. Spiranthes minamitaniana shares several morphological features with S. hachijoensis, such as glabrous inflorescence rachis, ovaries, and sepals, a degenerated rostellum, pollinia without a viscidium, and papillate lip basal callosities. However, it can be distinguished by several morphological traits, including semicircular, weakly- or non-3-lobed stigma, and more conspicuous anther cap. Although S. minamitaniana is morphologically most similar to S. hachijoensis, phylogenetic analysis strongly suggested that S. minamitaniana has independently acquired a selfing reproductive mode and constitutes a separate genetic cluster from it. As such, this taxon is morphologically and phylogenetically distinct from other closely related species. Consequently, this taxon is morphologically and phylogenetically distinct from other closely related species.
Disaggregated Nano-Hydroxyapatite (DnHAP) with Inhibitory Effects on Biofilms and Demineralization
Authors: Huang Y. , Han Q. , Peng X. , Ren B. , Li J. , Zhou X. , Li M. , Cheng L.
Published: June 2023

Nano-hydroxyapatite (nHAP) is considered a biocompatible agent that promotes the remineralization of dental hard tissue; however, its antibacterial efficacy is under scientific discussion. Therefore, this investigation aimed to specify the inhibitory effects of disaggregated nano-hydroxyapatite (DnHAP) on regrown biofilms and demineralization. Regrown biofilm models of single-species ( Streptococcus mutans), dual-species ( S. mutans and Candida albicans), and saliva-derived microcosm biofilms were established in vitro. Repeat treatment with DnHAP was applied to biofilms. The viability, lactic acid, biofilm structure, biomass, the inhibitory effect of demineralization, and virulence factors’ expression were determined. In addition, the biofilm microbial community was analyzed by 16S ribosomal RNA gene sequencing. DnHAP inhibited metabolism, lactic acid production, biomass, and water-insoluble polysaccharide production ( P < 0.05) of regrown single/dual-species biofilms. Concerning the saliva-derived biofilms, samples treated with DnHAP showed lower biofilm metabolic activity without significant differences from samples treated with sterile deionized water ( P > 0.05); in addition, saliva-derived biofilms treated with DnHAP exhibited lower lactic acid production ( P < 0.05). The demineralization of bovine enamel was the lowest in the DnHAP group, as detected by transverse microradiography, and the lesion depth and volume decreased significantly ( P < 0.05). The application of DnHAP did not change the diversity of regrown saliva-derived microcosm biofilms. In conclusion, this investigation showed that DnHAP could be a promising solution for the management of regrown biofilms to combat dental caries.
The Challenges of the Present Rooted in the Past
Authors: Vieira A.R.
Published: June 2023

The speech of the AADOCR President-Elect Alexandre R. Vieira given at the opening ceremony of the 52nd Annual Meeting and Exhibition in Portland, March 15, 2023.
Dual Task Performance in Adolescents With Idiopathic Scoliosis
Authors: Yagci Gozde , Metin Gulnihal , Erel Suat , Erbahceci Fatih
Published: June 2023

Daily life activities commonly include many combinations of dual tasks. Although dual task ability has been studied in healthy young adults, dual task performance in adolescents with idiopathic scoliosis (IS) has not been explored. Our objective in this study was to investigate dual task performance in adolescents with IS. We paired 33 adolescents diagnosed with IS and 33 healthy control participants (age range: 11–17 years) and administered to both groups the Stroop Color and Word test as a measure of cognitive ability, and both the Expanded Timed Up and Go (ETUG) test and the Tandem Gait test as measures of motor tasks. During the motor tasks, we had participants spell five-letter words in reverse and count down by seven from a randomly presented number between 50 and 100 to assess their dual task (cognitive-motor) performance. All cognitive, motor, and dual cognitive-motor test scores differed significantly between the IS and healthy control groups. The time taken to complete all these tasks was longer for participants with IS compared with controls ( p < .05). These results revealed diminished performances on dual cognitive-motor tasks among adolescents with IS when compared to peers without IS. Dual task performance is a new research paradigm in the scoliosis rehabilitation field, and it should be further investigated in future studies.