bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Predictive Factors for Empty Follicle Syndrome in Infertile Patients Undergoing Assisted Reproductive Technology Treatment: A Retrospective Cohort Study and Brief Literature Review
Authors: Mitsui Junichiro , Ota Kuniaki , Yamashita Hidetoshi , Sujino Toshio , Hiraoka Kenichiro , Katsumata Shoko , Takayanagi Yuko , Nako Yurie , Tajima Makiko , Ohuchi Kumi , Hayashi Masaru , Ishikawa Tomonori , Kawai Kiyotaka
Published: April 2023

Background: Empty follicle syndrome (EFS) is a rare complication in which no oocytes are retrieved in oocyte pick-up (OPU) despite adequate controlled ovarian hyperstimulation (COH). Various studies and systematic reviews have reported that EFS is mainly caused by diminished ovarian reserve (DOR) because EFS tends to occur in patients with a poor response to COH. However, these factors do not explain all cases. Current knowledge of these pathological factors is limited, and treatment is unknown. This study aimed to find out the clinical predictors of EFS before OPU. Methods: In this study, 2342 cycles of 1148 cases that underwent OPU between January 2015 and November 2020 in two reproductive clinics were retrospectively enrolled. Ninety-one and 2251 cycles were classified as EFS (no cultivatable oocytes retrieved) and non-EFS (cultivatable oocytes retrieved), respectively. Results: The EFS and non-EFS incidence was 3.9% and 96.1%, respectively. The mean patient age in the EFS group was higher than that in the non-EFS group (40.3 ± 3.4 years vs. 37.9 ± 4.5 years, p < 0.001). Body mass indexes in the EFS and non-EFS groups were similar (21.7 ± 3.3 kg/m2 vs. 22.0 ± 3.5 kg/m2, p = 0.52). The anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH) levels, antral follicle count (AFC), and the number of follicles were lower in the EFS group than in the non-EFS group (1.0 ± 1.2 ng/mL vs. 2.7 ± 2.5 ng/mL, p < 0.001; 2.9 ± 2.2 vs. 8.5 ± 6.3, p < 0.001; 1.9 ± 1.4 vs. 6.0 ± 4.1, p < 0.001, respectively). However, unlike univariate analysis, logistic regression analysis showed no significant differences in age and AMH levels between the groups. The AFC and number of follicles were still significantly lower in the EFS than in the non-EFS group in multivariate analysis (odds ratio (OR), 1.301; 95% confidence interval (CI), 1.138–1.503; p < 0.05 and OR, 1.832; 95% CI, 1.488–2.3; p < 0.05, respectively). The EFS incidence rates for each follicle number just before OPU were 21.2%, 7.8%, 2.7%, and 1.2% with one, two, three, and four follicles, respectively. Not a single case of EFS was found among 410 cases with 10 or more follicles. Conclusions: The AFC and the number of follicles may be predictive of EFS.
Cervical Cancer Prevention: The Role of the Nurse and Medical Care in Primary and Secondary Cancer Prevention
Authors: Plagens-Rotman Katarzyna , Merks Piotr , Pisarska-Krawczyk Magdalena , Bojanowska Katrzyna , Jaguszewska Ewa , Lewek Anna , Madziar Klaudyna , Kapczuk Karina , Goździewicz Tomasz , Guszczyńska-Losy Milena , Durda-Masny Magdalena , Luwański Dawid , Kędzia Witold , Jarząbek-Bielecka Grażyna
Published: April 2023

Objective: Although these days the priority is to fight the Covid-19 pandemic, the importance of human papillomavirus (HPV) infection is not to be neglected. Mechanism: Cervical cancer is caused mainly by a chronic infection with one or more of the high-risk subtypes of HPV —most commonly a sexually transmitted disease acquired early in life. Most HPV infections go away on their own, but some can lead to a precancerous state that, if left untreated, can undergo complete neoplastic transformation. Findings in Brief: There is a hope that in the future the combination of screening tests with vaccinations against oncogenic strains of HPV will allow reductions in the percentage of those contracting cervical cancer. Conclusions: The importance of educational activities should be emphasized in developmental gynecology in the context of oncological prevention. The roles of both doctors and nurses are important here. During the Covid-19 Pandemic, these kinds of activities are not to be abandoned. In addition, efforts should be made to develop more practical and workable HPV and cervical screening strategies for use during a pandemic.
Possible Implications of Artificial Intelligence on Obstetrics and Gynecology and Medicine in the Next Few Decades
Authors: Dahan Michael H. , Ardman David , Tan Seang Lin
Published: April 2023

Artificial intelligence will change work for most people in significant and unexpected fashions in the next few decades. A change similar to that seen with the industrial revolution of the 19th century. Certain jobs will cease to exist while new employment will be created. The implication of this transformation in medicine and obstetrics and gynecology in particular needs discussion, as it stands it is anxiety-provoking. Artificial intelligence will have implications on the number of physicians needed in certain specialties, the workloads of those physicians, and the ease of accessing information. In the field of reproductive endocrinology, artificial intelligence is already being used to select embryos with the greatest potential for implantation. Who will develop that technology and the drivers for development will also be considered. Physicians, insurance companies, and other funders of health care need to be informed to anticipate and prepare for these changes. As such we will discuss anticipated changes in the near future to be initiated by artificial intelligence, we anticipate physician quality of life will improve while the demonstrated anxiety is unfounded.
The Reliability of Serum Neuregulin-4 as a Marker of Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome with Respect to Adiposity Parameters
Authors: Nori Wassan , Hussein Zina Abdullah , Hamdan Manal Nasih Ahmed
Published: April 2023

Background: Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) is a chronic endocrinopathy of unexplained etiology linked to obesity. Neuregulin 4 (NG-4) is an adipokine synthesized primarily by brown adipose tissue; that keeps glucose and lipids in hemostasis. Earlier research tested serum NG-4 correlation with metabolic parameters in PCOS; herein, we aimed to examine serum NG-4 validity as a marker for PCOS with respect to obesity parameters and the influence of obesity on NG-4 concentrations. Methods: A cross-sectional study recruited 120 women into two groups; PCOS cases (60/120) and healthy controls (60/120). For every participant, three sets of data were recorded; anthropometric data (age, height, and weight for calculation of body mass index (BMI), waist/hip ratio, and systolic and diastolic blood pressure) hormonal levels, including serum (luteinizing hormone/follicle-stimulating hormone (LH/FSH) ratio, prolactin, anti-Mullerian hormone (AMH), testosterone, and insulin) and biochemical biomarkers (fasting blood sugar, Homeostatic Model Assessment for Insulin Resistance (HOMA-IR), high and low-density lipoproteins (HDL and LDL), and NG-). Results: Serum NG-4 levels were significantly higher among PCOS vs. healthy controls. The univariant analysis confirmed a significant correlation of NG-4 to BMI, hormonal, and metabolic parameters. None of the obesity parameters were correlated with serum NG-4; only PCOS had an effect on serum NG-4 with p < 0.001 in multivariate analysis. At a cutoff value of 32 (ng/mL), NG-4 showed the highest sensitivity and specificity in discriminating PCOS cases with an area under the curve (AUC) of 0.97, p < 0.001. Conclusions: Serum NG-4’s strong relation to hormonal and biochemical parameters that define PCOS independent of BMI and waist-to-hip ratio makes it a reliable biomarker in diagnosing and following up PCOS cases.
Silibinin Inhibits Cell Invasion through the Inhibition of MMPs, p-p38, and IL-1β in Human Fibrosarcoma Cells
Authors: Jo Ah In , Kim Moon-Moo
Published: April 2023

Background and Aims: Normal cells become tumorigenic owing to mutations in oncogenes and tumor suppressor genes modulating cell division. Cancer cells break down extracellular matrix to metastasize other tissues. Therefore, the development of natural and synthetic substances that suppress metastatic enzymes such as matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-2 and MMP-9 is useful to inhibit metastasis. Silibinin is the main ingredient of silymarin extracted from the seeds of milk thistle plants having lung cancer-suppressing effects and liver protection. The purpose of this study was to investigate the inhibitory effect of silibinin on the invasion of human fibrosarcoma cells. Methods: The effect of silibinin on cell viability was measured in HT1080 cells using an MTT assay. The MMP-9 and MMP-2 activities were analyzed using a zymography assay. The expression of proteins in cytoplasm related to metastasis was examined by western blot analysis and immunofluorescence assay. Results: In this study, silibinin above 20 μM showed growth inhibitory effects. Silibinin above 20 μM remarkably inhibited the levels of MMP-2 and MMP-9 activation under phorbol myristate acetate (PMA) treatment conditions. Furthermore, silibinin at 25 μM reduced the levels of MMP-2, IL-1β, ERK-1/2, and p-p38 expression and silibinin above 10 μM inhibited cell invasion on HT1080 cells. Conclusions: These findings indicate that silibinin may have an inhibitory effect on the enzymes involved in invasion, hence it might influence the metastatic ability of tumor cells.
Immunotherapy with Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors for Advanced Colorectal Cancer: A Promising Individualized Treatment Strategy
Authors: Yang Ying , Meng Wen-Jian , Wang Zi-Qiang
Published: April 2023

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is one of the high incident and lethal malignant tumors, and most of the patients are diagnosed at an advanced stage. The treatment of CRC mainly includes surgery, chemotherapy, radiotherapy and molecular targeted therapy. Despite these approaches have increased overall survival (OS) of CRC patients, the prognosis of advanced CRC remains poor. In recent years, remarkable breakthroughs have been made in tumor immunotherapy, especially immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) therapy, bringing long-term survival benefits to tumor patients. With the increasing wealth of clinical data, ICIs have achieved significant efficacy in the treatment of high microsatellite instability/deficient mismatch repair (MSI-H/dMMR) advanced CRC, but the therapeutic effects of ICIs on microsatellite stable (MSS) advanced CRC patients is currently unsatisfactory. As increasing numbers of large clinical trials are performed globally, patients treated with ICIs therapy also have immunotherapy-related adverse events and treatment resistance. Therefore, a large number of clinical trials are still needed to evaluate the therapeutic effect and safety of ICIs therapy in advanced CRC. This article will focus on the current research status of ICIs in advanced CRC and discuss the current predicament of ICIs treatment.
Sodium-Glucose Cotransporter 2 Inhibitors First Strategy Improve Decongestion in Patients with Symptomatic Heart Failure and Reduced Ejection Fraction When Compared to Angiotensin Receptor Neprilysin Inhibitor First Strategy
Authors: Lee Wei-Chieh , Chang Wei-Ting , Hong Chon-Seng , Liao Chia-Te , Huang Po-Sen , Huang Shen-Chung , Lin Chih-Hsien , Chiang Chun-Yen , Chen Zhih-Cherng , Shih Jhih-Yuan
Published: April 2023

Background: Angiotensin receptor neprilysin inhibitor (ARNI) and sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 inhibitor (SGLT2i) are emerging medical treatments for decompensated heart failure (HF) with reduced ejection fraction. In clinical practice, the combination of ARNI and SGLT2i cannot be administered owing to the poor hemodynamic status in patients with HF with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF). This study aimed to compare different strategies of HF management for ARNI first or SGLT2i first in such a population. Methods: From January 2016 to December 2021, 165 patients were diagnosed with HFrEF and New York Heart Association functional class ≥II and already received optimal medical treatment. Ninety-five patients received the ARNI-first strategy, and 70 patients received the SGLT2i-first strategy according to the physician’s choice. Age, sex, hemodynamic condition, etiologies of HF, comorbidities, serum creatinine, N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide (NT-ProBNP), echocardiographic parameters, and clinical outcomes were compared between the ARNI and SGLT2i-first strategy groups. Results: In the SGLT2i-first group, the median interval between the addition of the second medication was longer (ARNI-first vs. SGLT2i-first; 74 [49–100] days vs. 112 [86–138] days; p = 0.044). Improvement in left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF), change in left atrial dimension, and change in left ventricular end-diastolic and end-systolic volume (LVESV) did not differ between the two groups. The incidence of HF hospitalization, cardiovascular mortality, and all-cause mortality did not differ between the two groups. A non-significant trend of lower NT-proBNP levels (ARNI-first vs. SGLT2i-first; 1383 [319–2507] pg/mL vs. 570 [206–1314] pg/mL; p = 0.055) and significantly higher discontinuation rate of diuretic agents (ARNI-first vs. SGLT2i- first; 6.8% vs. 17.5%; p = 0.039) were noted in the SGLT2i-first group. When early combination (≤14D) compared to late combination (>14D), better positive remodeling of LVESV presented significantly in early combination subgroups. Conclusions: In patients with symptomatic HFrEF, SGLT2i-first strategy may provide a higher possibility of discontinuing diuretic agents than the ARNI-first strategy. Changes in LV performance, progression of renal function, and clinical outcomes did not differ between the two groups. Early combination (≤14D) provided better LV remodeling.
Comparing and Contrasting the Effects of the SGLT Inhibitors Canagliflozin and Empagliflozin on the Progression of Retinopathy
Authors: Herat Lakshini Y. , Matthews Jennifer R. , Rakoczy Elizabeth P. , Schlaich Markus P. , Matthews Vance B.
Published: April 2023

Background: Diabetic retinopathy (DR) is a leading cause of end-stage blindness globally and is arguably one of the most disabling complications of both Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes. Sodium Glucose Cotransporter-2 (SGLT2) inhibitors have now been successfully introduced to clinical medicine and exert multiple beneficial effects in diabetic patients. Given the broad therapeutic application of SGLT2 inhibitors, we hypothesised that SGLT2 inhibition may alleviate the progression of DR. Therefore, we aimed to compare the effectiveness of two clinically available SGLT2 inhibitors, Empagliflozin and Canagliflozin, on the progression of Retinopathy and DR using well-characterised mouse models, Kimba and Akimba, respectively. Methods: Empagliflozin, Canagliflozin (25 mg/kg/day) or vehicle was administered to 10-week-old mice via drinking water for 8-weeks. Urine glucose levels were measured to ascertain SGLT2 inhibition promoted glucose excretion. Weekly body weight and water intake measurements were obtained. After 8-weeks of treatment, body weight, daily water intake, fasting blood glucose levels were measured and eye tissue was harvested. The retinal vasculature was assessed using immunofluorescence. Results: Empagliflozin treated Akimba mice exhibited metabolic benefits suggested by healthy body weight gain and significantly reduced fasting blood glucose levels. Treatment with Empagliflozin reduced retinal vascular lesions in both Kimba and Akimba mice. Canagliflozin improved body weight gain, reduced blood glucose levels in Akimba mice, and reduced the development of retinal vascular lesions in Kimba mice. Conclusions: Our data demonstrates that Empagliflozin has future potential as a therapeutic for Retinopathy and DR and should now be considered for human trials.
Effectiveness of Comic-Based Reading Materials in Enhancing the Reading Comprehension of Grade 6 Pupils
Authors: Tanala Anjo
Published: April 2023

This quasi-experimental study was conducted to determine the effectiveness of Comic-Based Reading Materials tin enhancing the reading comprehension of Grade 6 pupils in Sampiruhan Elementary School. The researcher crafted these Comic-Based reading materials, which are reading texts and/or literatures adapted from the DepEd R4A Pivot Modules in English transformed into comics-type reading materials. These served as the instrument of the study. The result of the study was analyzed using the outcome of the pupils’ pretest and posttest.

Two group of pupils served as the participants of the study. Each group was composed of thirty (30) pupils each chosen using a match-pairing from the result of their pretest. The participants’ baseline on reading comprehension were measure using a standardized test from the Phil-Iri. The comic-based reading materials crafted by the researcher was implemented to the experimental group while the comparison group utilized the common materials from the DepEd R4A Pivot Modules provided by the Department of Education. Independent and Paired Sample T-test were used to analyze the data and answer the inferential questions from the study.

After the implementation of the instrument, the researcher found out that the experimental group performed better on their posttest from their pretest. In addition, the experimental group also outscored the comparison group during their posttest. Between the scores of the two groups a significant difference was obviously observed. This revealed the effectiveness of the comic-based reading materials to the reading comprehension of grade 6 pupils. Hence, the hypothesis stating that there is no significant difference between the posttest of the two groups was rejected.
Enhancing E-Learning Material Creation: Exploring the Practices, Challenges, and Opportunities of the School Learning Resource Quality Assurance Team (SLRQAT) towards TIMER's Information Manuel of Educational Resources Project
Authors: Trazona John Aris R , Lapie Lustina P , Tan Consorcia S , Buenvinida Lerma P , Bandoy Marcial M
Published: April 2023

This study assessed the relationship between the practices, challenges and opportunities among School Resource Quality Assurance Team (SLRQAT) members of City Schools Division of Cabuyao when crafting e-learning materials during the school year 2021-2022. Three hundred ninety-eight (398) public elementary and secondary teachers were the respondents of the study. The researcher utilized the descriptive-correlational research design and self- made questionnaire to assess and measure the variables under study. The statistical tools used to analyze the data gathered were Mean, Standard Deviation, Pearson r and Multiple Linear Regression Analysis. Findings revealed that the profile of the respondents moderate the practices, opportunities and challenges of the SLRQAT members. While, the extent of practices and challenges among SLRQAT were moderated by such profile of the respondents. To ensure a more efficient output, recommendations were suggested based from the findings of the study regarding crafting e-learning materials.
مظاهر الترف في وسائل التسلية والترويح عن النفس في خراسان خلال العصر العباسي
Authors: حامد مدهر عمر , مطلك درويش أ.د. عبد الستار
Published: April 2023

يتناول البحث مظاهر الترف في وسائل التسلية والترويح عن النفس التي تخللت حياة المجتمع الخراساني خلال العصر العباسي (132هـ -656هـ)، وقد تنوعت تلك الوسائل وتعددت فمنها الألعاب البدينة مثل الفروسية والمصارعة والصيد، ومنها ما كان ذهنياً مثل الشطرنج الذي يعد من أبرز تلك الألعاب وأشهرها؛ وإلى جانب تلك الألعاب أنتشرت في خراسان وسائل أخرى للتسلية والترويح عن النفس لاسيما في المناسبات السعيدة ومن أبرز تلك الوسائل الحفلات الغنائية ومجالس الشعر، التي كانت تزخر بها قصور الأمراء والسلاطين وذوي الجاه والثراء، بل أن الأمر وصل إلى أبعد من خلال؛ إذ عرف بعض من هؤلاء لاسيما الأمراء بكتابة الشعر وقصائد الأغاني ودفعها للمغنين من أجل غناءها؛ كما تعد السفرات ورحلات التنزه التي كان يقوم بها أغلب الشعب الخراساني مستغلاً في ذلك وجود المتنزهات الواسعة في أغلب مدن هذا الإقليم، لا سيما وأن إقليم خراسان من بين الأقاليم المعروفة بكثرة بساتينها وتشابكها، هذا فضلاً عن الحدائق العامة والسلطانية التي كانت ملاذاً لكثير من العوائل في مناسباتهم المختلفة.
Deep Learning-based Object Detection for Image Processing Applications: A Comprehensive Review
Authors: mazmas hassan
Published: April 2023

Deep Learning-based Object Detection for Image Processing Applications: AComprehensive Review
Keto Mastery: Mastering the Art of Ketogenic Diets for Optimal Health
Authors: bkhtawer ansar
Published: April 2023

Keto Mastery: Mastering the Art of Ketogenic Diets for Optimal Health
Reconstructing subglacial lake activity with an altimetry-based inverse method
Authors: Stubblefield Aaron , Meyer Colin , Siegfried Matthew , Sauthoff Wilson , Spiegelman Marc
Published: April 2023

Subglacial lake water-volume changes produce ice-elevation anomalies that provide clues about water flow beneath glaciers and ice sheets. Significant challenges remain in the quantitative interpretation of these elevation-change anomalies because the surface expression of subglacial lake activity depends on basal conditions, rate of water-volume change, and ice rheology. To address these challenges, we introduce an inverse method that reconstructs subglacial lake activity from altimetry data while accounting for the effects of viscous ice flow. We use a linearized approximation of a Stokes ice-flow model under the assumption that subglacial lake activity only induces small perturbations relative to a reference ice-flow state. We validate this assumption by accurately reconstructing lake activity from synthetic data that are produced with a fully nonlinear model. We then apply the method to estimate the water-volume changes of several active subglacial lakes in Antarctica by inverting data from NASA's Ice, Cloud, and land Elevation Satellite 2 (ICESat-2) laser altimetry mission. The results show that there can be substantial discrepancies (20\% or more) between the inversion and traditional estimation methods due to the effects of viscous ice flow. The inverse method will help refine estimates of subglacial water transport and further constrain the role of subglacial hydrology in ice-sheet evolution.
The Association Between Psychological Distress and Alcohol Use in Modern College Students and the Mediating Properties of Loneliness
Authors: Sanders Steven Michael , Magness Damon R. , Meidinger-Behrens Emily K. , Lauren  , Prouty Hannah , Carbajal Ivan
Published: April 2023

Objective: The purpose of this study was to examine the link between psychological distress and drinking behaviors in college students along with the potential mediating role of loneliness. Method: A national sample of 374 undergraduate students in the United States (Mage = 24.2, SDage = 6.6) were administered instruments to measure depression, anxiety, alcohol use, and subjective feelings of loneliness and isolation. Results: Depression and anxiety were statistically significant positive predictors of alcohol use, where more depressive and anxious feelings predicted more drinking behaviors. Additionally, these relationships were mediated through subjective feelings of loneliness and isolation indicating at least part of the variance in drinking behaviors was explained by subject feelings of loneliness. Conclusions: Although longitudinal data with a larger sample is needed, the study suggests that one potential target for intervention to prevent the development of and to treat alcohol use disorders are subjective feelings of loneliness. Reducing the subjective feelings of loneliness experienced by college students may reduce the likelihood of problematic drinking behaviors when those same students experience psychological distress.
Temporal Stability of Bayesian Belief Updating in Perceptual Decision Making
Authors: Goodwin Isabella , Hester Robert , Garrido Marta
Published: April 2023

Bayesian inference suggests that perception is inferred from a weighted integration of prior contextual beliefs with current sensory evidence (likelihood) about the world around us. The perceived precision or uncertainty associated with prior and likelihood information is used to guide perceptual decision making, such that more weight is placed on the source of information with greater precision. This provides a framework for understanding a spectrum of clinical transdiagnostic symptoms associated with aberrant perception, as well as individual differences in the general population. Whilst behavioural paradigms are commonly used to characterise individual differences in perception as a trait-like characteristic, measurement reliability in these behavioural tasks is rarely assessed. To remedy this gap, we empirically evaluate the reliability of a perceptual decision-making task that quantifies individual differences in Bayesian belief updating in terms of the relative precision weighting afforded to prior and likelihood information (i.e., sensory weight). We analysed data from participants (n = 37) who performed this task twice. We found that the precision afforded to prior and likelihood information showed high internal consistency and good test re-test reliability (ICC = 0.86, 95%CI[0.72, 0.93]) when averaged across participants, as well as at the individual level using hierarchical modelling. Our results provide support for the assumption that Bayesian belief updating operates as a stable, trait-like characteristic in perceptual decision making. We discuss the utility and applicability of reliable perceptual decision-making paradigms as a measure of individual differences in the general population, as well as a diagnostic tool in psychiatric research.
Efficacy of Problem-Based Learning Strategy to Enhance EFL Learners’ Paragraph Writing and Grammar Skills
Authors: Alghamdy Rashed Zannan
Published: April 2023

Generally, this study investigates the impact of problem-based learning strategies in enhancing and improving English as a Foreign Language students’ paragraph writing skills. It explores the impact of Problem-Based Learning on EFL learners’ paragraph development and grammar abilities. The participants were 38 male students between the ages of 15 and 18. They were all in level ten in secondary school and attended a public learning institution in Al-Baha Saudi Arabia. Data was collected using both qualitative and quantitative approaches. The data collections were post-test and pre-test for the two age-based groups. Qualitative data was collected through video recordings of the participants. The findings from the study revealed that learners perform better in their post-tests compared with the pre-tests regarding grammar skills and paragraph writing. Thus, PBL success affects students’ motivation for improving their paragraph development and grammar skills. This is the reason for the better performances in the post-tests than in the pre-tests. Additionally, the results reveal that EFL students in the control group did not write together as would have expected. The group dynamics that would have been observed through their cooperation with one another were missing during the paragraph-writing activities. Resultantly, they did not share many of their ideas about the activities. A contrast was observed under Problem Based Learning because the students interacted and freely shared their ideas. The learning and progress of each learner were more conspicuous under problem-based learning than in the control group settings.
Gender Stereotypes in Moroccan EFL Textbooks’ Illustrations: Content and Critical Image Analysis
Authors: Benlaghrissi Hassane
Published: April 2023

Textbooks have always been influential in transmitting knowledge and values in modern education systems. However, they may transmit various gender-based stereotyped roles that could negatively affect learners in shaping their worldview. Accordingly, this study investigates gender stereotypes in the visual discourse of one English as a Foreign Language (EFL) textbook currently used in Moroccan secondary schools. It does so by looking at male/female appearance in the textbook illustrations. It also considers gender differences in occupations and roles. Moreover, the study employs a qualitative critical image analysis to selected images based on Giaschi’s (2000) model analysis. To this end, the research comprises quantitative content analysis and qualitative critical image analysis. The findings show less visibility of female characters in illustrations, ascribing them to gender-based traditional occupations and subordinate roles. Besides, the qualitative critical image analysis reveals that women still suffer from misrepresentation by depicting them as dependent, submissive, and needing help. The study contains, in the end, recommendations for promoting gender equality through textbooks in Morocco.
Teachers’ beliefs about educational quality: Examining the power of school settings through survey experiments
Authors: Olivos Francisco , Yuan Xiao
Published: April 2023

This study aims to characterize teachers’ beliefs on determinants of educational quality and the influence of school settings. A factorial survey experiment with a probabilistic sample of 1,285 Chilean primary school teachers is used to identify the causal attributions of the quality of teacher–student relations and learning methodologies in schools. Results indicate that teachers believe that decisional power and income satisfaction are the most important determinants of relational quality, while planning preparation and a multidisciplinary team of professionals are the most crucial for the quality of learning methodologies. Moreover, schools’ characteristics affect teachers’ causal beliefs about educational quality.
English Teachers’ Use of Multiple Modalities
Authors: Malkawi Nibal AbdelKarim Mousa , Attiyat Nazzem Mohammad Abdullah , Ismael Fatima Mohammad Hasan , Ismael Atika Mohammad Hasan , Rababah Mahmoud Ali Ibrahim
Published: April 2023

Integration of Information, Communication, and Technology helps instructors meet the global need for substituting technology-based teaching and learning tools and services for conventional teaching techniques. English teachers can customise learning for students, and thus it is important to explore new subjects and provide goal-focused training to students. Thus, motivating teachers to use technology and develop their teaching styles to emphasise good teaching is important. Teachers should stop seeing technology as an obstacle to learning. Self-efficacy theory relates to the expectancy-value framework, and motivation is based on the expectation of outcomes through a given course of action. Fundamental psychological needs can also be met with the help of motivation, which eventually increases the desire to undertake competent activities. This study revealed the importance of teachers’ technological skills to connect well with students and help them complete their tasks efficiently. Different theories, such as attribution and self-efficacy, have also been incorporated to understand the effectiveness of different tools and technologies. This method could improve students’ ability to learn new languages and their communication skills. This study recommends using information tools, as they effectively improve teaching methods and strategies. Information tools are considered strong and constructive tools that allow teachers to improve their strategies and communicate with students. Besides, it is also effective to incorporate lesson plans that can enhance the scope of students’ use of technologies to study and gather relevant ideas about various language and linguistic topics.
Challenges and Strategies Taken by English Language Educators in Tertiary Institutions during Emergency Remote Teaching and Learning (ERTL)
Authors: Mohamad Maslawati , Wahab Siti Mahirah Ab , Kummin Saadiah
Published: April 2023

The strike of COVID-19 pandemic has affected various sectors tremendously, including the education sector around the globe. This situation has forced the closure of most educational institutions, which include higher learning institutions. Since the Movement Control Order announcement, most teaching and learning processes in higher learning institutions were transferred online. The shift to online learning brings different challenges for teachers in higher learning institutions, including English teachers, regarding technological skills and assessment. In this study, the researchers adopted a multiple case study to explore the strategies of 34 English teachers from nine universities in Malaysia, Indonesia and Maldives to overcome the challenges during Emergency Remote Teaching and Learning. The data was collected through focused group interview sessions, individual open-ended responses via Google Forms and Whatsapp discussion threads. The recorded sessions were transcribed verbatim and analysed using NVIVO software to identify the common categories and themes. The findings showed that the teachers of English overcome problems concerning their technological skills by seeking help from their colleagues, attending courses, training and webinars and choosing suitable platforms for online learning, also conducting better online assessments. The faculty could also provide more webinars, online training, and courses to help teachers to perform better during online learning. This study is believed to shed some light on aspects that need to be considered while planning and executing a meaningful ESL online teaching and learning experience in higher learning institutions, particularly in developing countries.
Bottom-up Processing to Help Learners with Decoding: Planning, Implementing, and Reflecting on a Lesson
Authors: Jose Jayaron
Published: April 2023

The researcher carried out the action research to experiment and experience the effectiveness of applying the theoretical aspects of bottom-up processing to help learners with decoding in listening lessons. The experimental lesson included six adult intermediate students (n = 6) from different backgrounds at an English language teaching professional development training undertaken at International House, Bangkok, Thailand in July 2021. The researcher planned the lessons after the literature review on bottom-up processing and surveying students’ needs and interests. The pre-lesson preparation included collecting the group profile, setting lesson aims and learning outcomes, analyzing the target language assuming learners’ existing knowledge, anticipating problems and solutions, planning the lesson procedures with appropriate teaching, and learning materials. and considering the timetable fit. The study aimed to find out the effectiveness of a listening lesson focused on bottom-up processing through self-reflection, and feedback from the observer, co-teachers, and students. The study was largely based on the collection of qualitative data through means of the researcher’s post-lesson reflection, and feedback from the observation, co-teachers, and students, which functioned as research tools in the study. The data analysis found that bottom-up processing was learner-engaging and beneficial to students’ positive perception of improving their listening skills. In addition, they provided the researcher with insights into the steps of planning and administering a listening lesson focused on bottom-up processing identifying areas of achievement and improvement.
Schools and food charity in England
Authors: Baker William
Published: April 2023

This article critically examines the development of food charity in schools in England. Growing numbers of schools, often in partnership with charities and businesses, are directly providing food to parents who are struggling to feed their families. This article analyses how and why this is happening and its broader significance. The growth of food charity in schools is explained through a mixture of a retreating welfare state, an on-going cost of living crisis, the continued diffusion of charitable food aid as a socially accepted response to poverty and hunger in the UK, and schools having to adopt increasing responsibilities for making sure children’s basic needs are being met. Drawing on semi-structured interview data gathered from school staff, this article highlights how schools are becoming a new frontier for charitable food aid.
Unlocking the Potential of Translanguaging: Teachers’ perspectives to Maximize Learner Outcomes
Authors: Moafa Ruqayyah Nasser
Published: April 2023

That First Language (L1) facilitates Foreign Language Learning is a debatable issue in the field of language pedagogy. This field has evidence for and against using L1 in English as a Foreign Language (EFL) classrooms, showing positive and negative learning outcomes. Behind this controversy, the current study investigates teachers’ attitudes regarding using L1 in EFL classrooms in Saudi contexts and whether or not language teachers think it aids or improves students’ performance. The study sought to provide teachers of EFL with a perspective on monolingual and Translanguaging approaches. Thus, it investigated how English language instructors at Saudi universities view the role of Arabic in English language learning/teaching. The data were collected through questionnaires, class observation, and interviews. The participants were 104 teachers of English from different Saudi Universities with varied ethnic backgrounds, and subsequently, three participants were chosen to observe their classes twice and, afterward, follow-up semi-structured interviews. The data from the questionnaire was submitted to SPSS for data analysis, and the data from the interviews were transcribed and analyzed manually with the assistance of computational devices. A classroom observation checklist was used to triangulate the findings of the questionnaire. This study indicated that teachers believe frequent English exposure is the best way to teach it. In addition, the study suggests that the L1 is useful for explicit learning and reduces anxiety, thereby assisting students in adjusting to the Foreign Language environment.
High-Proficiency L1 and L2 English Learners’ Morphological Words in Writing
Authors: Lou Xixiang , Ma Guanghui
Published: April 2023

English differs from other languages in morphology, which may cause trouble in EFL learning. The interesting topic is whether ESL learners can obtain the same level of morphology in their English learning as native English speakers. The study explores whether high-proficiency EFL learners differ from native EL1 learners in writing using root words, inflected words, and derived words. This article reported on a comparative study between Advanced EFL learners (TOEFL Testees (n = 318)) and native English learners (writers of the Louvain Corpus of Native English Essays (n = 176)) by lexical frequency profile analysis on their use of root words, inflected words, and derived words in writing. The findings suggest that there are significant differences between the two groups. TOEFL writers used a much higher proportion of root words but a much lower proportion of inflected and derived words than native English learners. The findings will expose the differences between EFL learners and native L2 learners in word learning and contribute to L2 language teaching and learning theoretically and practically.
Exploring Gifted Secondary School Students’ Needs for English Learning in Saudi Arabia
Authors: Manasrah Muhammad , Alzobiani Iman , Alharthi Noha , Alelyani Norah
Published: April 2023

This exploratory paper investigated female gifted secondary school students’ needs for English Learning in Saudi Arabia. It has addressed a gap in the literature regarding English Learning needs analysis of gifted secondary school students in Saudi Arabia. It tries to answer the question: What are the needs of those students? The professional needs for English learning were collected through a need analysis questionnaire addressed to gifted secondary school students in Riyadh, Jeddah, and Al-Baha in Saudi Arabia. The data analysis techniques for the descriptive statistics were frequency count, percentage, means, and standard deviations. The results revealed that gifted students need to learn English primarily to access the vast body of international scientific knowledge and research, to get international certificates in English, and to deal with the media, technology, and the Internet. In addition, this study specified students’ perceptions about the characteristics that should be included in English class, the difficulties they faced while studying language, and their suggestions for better English learning strategies. Furthermore, gifted students preferred to learn English from activities that resemble daily life situations and to learn at their own pace. The research results indicated that gifted students face difficulties in class, such as making mistakes and feeling bored because they already know the information. They have demonstrated a need to insert virtual learning environments into the curriculum. The study recommended that the Ministry of Education enable gifted students to study a tailored gifted curriculum in English and activate enrichment in and out of activities.
Using Ideological Conflict to Create Carcinogen Risk in Arabic Scientific Discourse: A Corpus-Based Study
Authors: Khalil Huda H. , Al-Zubaidi Nassier A. G.
Published: April 2023

Many Arabic scientific debates are devoted to disputes on cancer and its causes. Scientists tend to inform people about the danger of consuming and being exposed to carcinogens. The paper aims to explore the proximization strategy that Arab scientists rely on to construct carcinogen risk to promote people’s preventive actions against carcinogens. The paper intends to answer the main question: how does the Arabic scientific discourse employ ideological conflict to construct carcinogen risk? It is hoped that the paper can provide insights into the linguistic construction of concepts through the ideological conflict between two different poles in the Arabic scientific discourse. It provides insights for Arab scientists by promoting their awareness of the potential of Arabic for presenting a fully intellectual reflection of scientific knowledge. It focuses on the construction of carcinogen risk that generates tension between the values held by people and the opposing values ascribed to carcinogens. This aim is achieved by employing Cap’s (2013) cognitive pragmatic theory of proximization. The theory comprises three proximization strategies: spatial, temporal and axiological. The axiological proximization strategy is applied to a corpus of Arabic scientific discourse. Both qualitative and quantitative methods are used in the analysis to produce more objective results. Anthony’s AntConc (2019) corpus linguistics software is used for conducting mathematical calculations through corpus linguistics. The paper has arrived at some conclusions that show how axiological proximization is employed to construct carcinogen risk which encourages people to take preventive actions.
Efficiency Degree of Emergency Digital Teaching during Covid-19 Pandemic on Achieving Students’ Quality Learning Outcomes in Saudi Univirsities
Authors: Alrafayia Omar Ali , Alshehri Awad H.
Published: April 2023

The current study aimed to determine the efficiency degree of emergency digital teaching during the covid-19 pandemic in achieving students’ quality learning outcomes. This study aims to enrich the theoretical literature on managing the teaching and learning processes during crises to help faculty and students adapt to emergency conditions. It clarifies the importance of planning and preparation for non-traditional learning environments based on modern technologies. To achieve this aim, the researcher used a descriptive method. A 23-item survey was developed and answered by 360 teaching staff in some Saudi universities who were part of the study population from 2021-to 2022. According to the research sample, emergency digital education during the covid-19 epidemic was of moderate efficiency on learning outcomes. The arithmetic mean of this dimension was (3.41). Meanwhile, the result exhibited a statistically significant effect at the significance level (α ≤ 0.05) for the years of experience variable. Furthermore, the results identified factors that could have influenced the efficiency degree of emergency digital teaching during the Covid-19 pandemic in achieving students’ quality learning outcomes. The second dimension averaged high, reaching (3.72). The study came out with executive recommendations based on its results
Analisis Wilayah dan Kontribusi Kakao Terhadap Pembangunan Daerah di Kabupaten Parigi Moutong
Authors: Zikria Virda
Published: April 2023

Kakao merupakan salah satu komoditas perkebunan selain kelapa sawit, karet dan kopi yang memiliki peranan penting dalam perekonomian nasional dalam menghasilkan devisa negara, menyerap tenaga kerja serta sebagai penyedia bahan baku industri cokelat. Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk mengidentifikasi wilayah basis produksi komoditas kakao serta peranan kakao dalam mendukung pembangunan wilayah Kabupaten Parigi Mautong. Data yang digunakan adalah data sekunder periode waktu tahun 2017-2021. Metode analisis data yang digunakan adalah analisis location quotient, lokalisasi, spesialisasi, analisis rasio layanan dasar dan regional multiplier. Hasil penelitian menunjukkan bahwa daerah basis komoditas kakao di Kabupaten Parigi Moutong ada 12 kecamatan sehingga usahatani komoditas kakao tidak terkonsentrasi atau tidak terpusat hanya pada satu wilayah namun tersebar di beberapa wilayah kecamatan yang ada di Kabupaten Parigi Moutong. Usahatani komoditas kakao di wilayah basis tidak menspesialisasikan pada usahatani kakao. Komoditas kakao berperan dalam pembangunan wilayah dan ekonomi Kabupaten Parigi Moutong.
Kontribusi Pendapatan Usahatani Kelapa Sawit Terhadap Pendapatan Keluarga Di Desa Sumber Bakti, Kecamatan Darul Makmur, Kabupaten Nagan Raya
Authors: Susiana Elita , Bagio  , Zikria Virda
Published: April 2023

Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk mengetahui seberapa besar kontribusi pendapatan usahatani kelapa sawit terhadap pendapatan keluarga di Desa Sumber Bakti Kecamatan Darul Makmur Kabupaten Nagan Raya. Penelitian ini dilakukan selama bulan November 2022 di Desa Sumber Bakti Kecamatan Darul Makmur Kabupaten Nagan Raya. Lokasi penelitian dilakukan di Desa Sumber Bakti Kecamatan Darul Makmur Kabupaten Nagan Raya, lokasi ini dipilih karena merupakan salah satu desa yang penghasilannya di dapatkan dari hasil produksi kelapa sawit. Metode penelitian yang digunakan dalam penelitian ini untuk menentukan jumlah sampel yaitu menggunakan metode survei yang kemudian didapat 56 orang sampel. Pengambilan data dilakukan dengan cara acak sederhana (Simple Random Sampling). Pengumpulan data yang digunakan menggunakan data primer melalui kuisioner dan data sekunder yaitu data yang diperoleh dari Pemerintahan Kabupaten Nagan Raya. Teknik yang digunakan untuk menganalis data dalam penelitian ini adalah menggunakan teknik analisis deskriptif dan disajikan dalam bentuk tabel. Kemudian menggunakan rumus kontribusi pendapatan. Hasil penelitian menunjukkan bahwa usahatani kelapa sawit yang berada di Desa Sumber Bakti Kecamatan Darul Makmur Kabupaten Nagan Raya dapat memberikan kontribusi pendapatan keluarga sebesar Rp. 5.950.154,47 per bulan dengan persentase 49,63%. Hal tersebut menunjukkan bahwa pendapatan usahatani kelapa sawit cukup menjadi sumber kontribusi mata pencaharian penting bagi petani.
Kinerja Penyuluh dan Hubungannya dengan Adopsi Teknologi dan Produktivitas Padi Sawah
Authors: Deras Stefanus , Tarsisia Luju Maria
Published: April 2023

Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk mengetahui kinerja penyuluh dari aspek kepuasan petani; tingkat korelasi antara kepuasan petani dengan tingkat adopsi teknologi padi sawah; dan ting-kat korelasi antara penerapan tek-nologi dengan produktivitas lahan padi sawah. Sampel sebesar 30 anggota kelompok tani ditentukan secara “non-probabilitas sampling.” Analisis data dilakukan dengan Importance Perfor-mance Analysis dan Customer Satisfac-tion Index. Untuk melihat korelasi digunakan rumus product moment.

           Hasil penelitian menunjukkan bahwa tingkat kepuasan petani secara keseluruhan dikategorikan sangat puas  dengan nilai sebesar 85,76%. Kepuasan petani terhadap kinerja penyuluh tidak tergantung pada penerapan inovasi yang direkomendasikan oleh penyuluh. Ini ditunjukkan oleh lemahnya nilai korelasi yang hanya sebesar 0,08. Korelasi antara adopsi inovasi dengan produktivitas padi sawah tergolong kuat dengan nilai korelasi (r) = 0,65. Hal ini juga berarti bahwa teknologi sistem tanam jajar legowo berpengaruh terhadap peningkatan produksi padi sawah.

 

kata kunci: kepuasan, kinerja, tanam jajar legowo, produktivitas