bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Gender Differences in Emotional and Behavioral Problems of Adolescents: A Cross-sectional Study on Talented School Students in Iran (2019)
Authors: Mirmohammadkhani Majid , Paknazar Mohadeseh , Sodoteh Asl Nemat , Paknazar Fatemeh
Published: May 2023

Background: A considerable percentage of school-age children and adolescents have signs and symptoms of mental health problems. Gender differences can also be important in mental health status. In Iran, talented students are selected through an entrance exam to enter special schools called SAMPAD. Mental health problems in talented school students can also be affected by gender. Objectives: This study was conducted to determine the prevalence of mental health problems of Iranian students studying in SAMPAD junior high schools, aiming to identify gender differences in emotional and behavioral problems. Methods: The study population of this cross-sectional study consisted of male and female students aged 12 - 15 years, in the seventh, eighth, and ninth grades studying in SAMPAD schools of Semnan province, Iran, within the academic year of 2019 - 2020. Sampling was performed by the stratified-cluster random method. The tool used to assess students’ mental health was the standardized Persian version of the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire related to adolescence, which is used to screen mental health problems in 11-17-year-old adolescents. Results: A total of 112 (52 boys and 60 girls, mean age: 14.0 ± 0.8 years) and their parents participated in the study. The prevalence of mental health problems was estimated at 19.6% (95% CI: 12.3 - 27.0%) and 14.3% (95% CI: 7.8 - 20.8%) according to the student questionnaire and the parents’ questionnaire, respectively. Based on the questionnaire completed by the students, the lack of prosocial behaviors was higher in female students (25% compared to 7.7%, P = 0.017). Based on the questionnaire completed by the parents, it was still significantly higher in female students than in male students (31.7% compared to 7.7%, P = 0.001). The frequency of conduct problems was higher in boys than in girls, according to the parents’ questionnaire (26.9% compared to 10%, P = 0.026). Conclusions: Girls regarding strengthening prosocial behaviors and boys regarding conduct problems require attention and effective action in SAMPAD junior high schools. Screening programs and holding periodic consultations to timely diagnose the problems mentioned above are recommended to the school officials and parents of students.
Conflict in Hospital Setting: Managers’ and Staffs’ Viewpoints
Authors: Panahi Tosanloo Mohammad , Pourreza Abolghsem , Adham Davoud , Khosravi Bahman , Kazemi Rezvan , Naemani Faroogh , Sadeghi Ghorban , Khalili Ziba
Published: May 2023

Background: Conflict is a continuous challenge in hospitals. Due to the nature of the treatment team, identifying conflicts in hospitals is one of the managers’ primary and essential tasks. Objectives: The current study examined the level and causes of conflicts between hospital employees and managers. Methods: The current descriptive-analytical study was conducted in 2018 - 2019 on a random sample of 320 hospital staff and managers. Data were collected by self-administered questionnaires. Descriptive statistics, t test, and ANOVA were used in SPSS version 15 for data analysis. Results: The mean conflict scores showed that perceived conflict between staff and managers was the highest for nursing staff (4.17 ± 0.94), which was statistically significant. In contrast, paraclinical staff reported the least conflict with managers (2.94 ± 0.88). Nursing staff noted that the most critical cause of conflicts between employees and managers was “the unfair distribution of human resources”. In contrast, from managers’ perspective, “non-compliance with process/standards/regulations of the hospital” was the most important source of conflict. There were meaningful associations between marital status, job experience, and age, and conflict levels (P < 0.05). Conclusions: Various reasons can cause conflicts in different parts of the hospital. The findings provide a clear vision for managers about the causes of conflicts, which must be addressed successfully.
Optimization of Calcium Alginate Hydrogel Bioencapsulation of Acinetobacter junii B6, a Lipopeptide Biosurfactant Producer
Authors: Ahmadi Borhanabadi Mohammadhossein , Raeisi Estabragh Mohammad Amin , Dehghannoudeh Gholamreza , Banat Ibrahim M , Ohadi Mandana , Moshafi Mohammad Hassan
Published: May 2023

Background: Biosurfactants are derived from microbes, plants, and animals. Acinetobacter junii B6 is a lipopeptide biosurfactant producer previously investigated for its structure, physicochemical, and product aggregation properties. Objectives: In this study, we investigated and optimized the bioencapsulation of A. junii B6 in calcium alginate hydrogel. Methods: Acinetobacter junii B6 was encapsulated using calcium alginate hydrogel. The formulation of the hydrogel was optimized using a full factorial approach. Sodium alginate concentration, calcium chloride concentration, and hardening time were selected as the main factors, and surface tension was the response measure. A scanning electron microscope (SEM) was used to study the bead's morphology. Results: Scanning electron microscope image showed rounded and smooth beads. The most biosurfactant production and reduced surface tension (35.98 mN/m) were observed at concentrations of 1% calcium chloride, (1%) sodium alginate, and 15 minutes of hardening time. Acinetobacter junii B6 can be encapsulated in alginate hydrogels producing biosurfactant at optimum experimental design. Conclusions: This represents a practical method for optimizing the bioencapsulation of A. junii B6 to produce biosurfactants.
Association of Serum Zinc Levels and Some Risk Factors with Gestational Diabetes Mellitus in Women Referred to the Diabetes Clinic of Bu-Ali Hospital of Zahedan in 2021
Authors: Karajibani Mansour , Irani Bahare , Montazerifar Farzaneh , Khalafi Neshat , Dashipour Ali Reza
Published: May 2023

Background: Diabetes is the most common medical complication of pregnancy. Low serum zinc levels in pregnant women can cause uterine growth restriction and increase the risk of abortion and neural tube defects. Objectives: This study was designed to evaluate the association of serum zinc levels with gestational diabetes (GDM) in diabetic and healthy pregnant women referred to Bu-Ali Hospital in Zahedan. Methods: This case-control study was performed on 70 pregnant women, including 35 diabetics and 35 healthy subjects, referred to our diabetes clinic. The subjects were enrolled based on inclusion and exclusion criteria. Demographic, clinical, and obstetric characteristics of the subjects were gathered, and a diabetes screening test was performed for all of them. Then 3 mL of blood was taken from each person to determine serum zinc level by a calorimetric method. Statistical analysis using SPSS software was 16. Results: The means of serum zinc level in pregnant women with GDM and healthy pregnant women were 62.22 ± 5.57 and 89.17 ± 12.16 g /dL, respectively (P = 0.001). Except for the mean values of fasting, 1-hour, and 2-hour blood sugar levels (P = 0.001), there was no significant difference between diabetic and non-diabetic women in terms of age, weight, gestational age, number of deliveries, number of abortions, and body mass index. Conclusions: Our results indicated that most of the pregnant women had severe zinc deficiency, which could intensify pregnancy complications, boosting the risk of pregnancy complications for mothers and neonates. Therefore, screening for gestational diabetes and zinc deficiency and their treatment are recommended to improve pregnancy outcomes.
The Generations: Research and Application at the LTRC
Authors:   University of Melbourne, Bianco Joe Lo
Published: May 2023

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Testing interactional competence: Patterned yet dynamic aspects of L2 interaction
Authors:   The University of Tennessee, Huth Thorsten
Published: May 2023

Scholarship in language testing is increasingly embracing sociologically defined notions of language. This includes the notion of interactional competence (IC) which encompasses the various sequential, temporal, and embodied resources language learners utilize when interacting in the L2. This paper makes a contribution to scholarship that seeks to connect terminological and conceptual aspects of interaction research and research in language testing. To that end, this paper focuses on what is regular and structural about human talk-in-interaction, what it is that differentiates human interaction from prescriptively normative notions language professionals often apply to sentence-level lexis and grammar, and why including notions of interactional competencies is desirable in language testing. If language testing is to systematically target actual interactional abilities of L2 learners, then it is useful to examine what it is that makes interaction highly structured yet also dynamic to establish a conceptual basis for testing goals and practices.
Ducasse, A. M. Interaction in paired oral proficiency assessment in Spanish. Language Testing and Evaluation Series
Authors:   Centre for Research in English Language Learning and Assessment (CRELLA), University of Bedfordshire, Inoue Chihiro
Published: May 2023

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U. Knoch & S. Macqueen. Assessing English for Professional Purposes
Authors:   Deakin University, Hill Kathryn
Published: May 2023

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L. Cheng & J. Fox. Assessment in the Language Classroom: Teachers Supporting Student Learning.
Authors:   Queensland University of Technology, May Lyn
Published: May 2023

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L.F. Bachman & B. Damböck. Language Assessment for Classroom Teachers
Authors:   Zhejiang University, Luo Lan
Published: May 2023

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Fairness in language assessment: What can the Rasch model offer?
Authors:   University of Melbourne, Fan Jason , Knoch Ute ,   University of Melbourne
Published: May 2023

Drawing upon discussions of fairness in the field of language assessment, this systematic review study explores how the Rasch model has been used to investigate and enhance fairness in language assessment. To that end, we collected and systematically reviewed the empirical studies that used the Rasch model, published in four leading journals in the field from 2000 to 2018. A total of 139 articles were collected and subsequently coded in NVivo 11, using the open coding method. In addition, matrix coding analysis was implemented to explore the relationship between the topics that were identified and the language constructs that constituted the focus of the collected articles. Five broad themes were extracted from the coding process, including: 1) rater effects; 2) language test design and evaluation; 3) differential group performance; 4) evaluation of rating criteria, and 5) standard setting. Representative studies under each category were used to illustrate how the Rasch model was utilised to investigate test fairness. Findings of this study have important implications for language assessment development and evaluation. In addition, the findings also identified a few avenues in the application of the Rasch model which language assessment researchers should explore in future studies.
Does gender, test medium, or attitude matter? Analyzing test takers' responses to technology-mediated speaking tests
Authors:   State University of New York at Canton, Yu Eunjyu
Published: May 2023

In response to increasing concerns about fairness and justice in computerized oral proficiency testing, this study investigated the relationship between test taker attributes and test delivery media of two different technology-mediated speaking tests. Two hundred eight non-native English speakers in a major public US university participated in this study. The results of a multiple regression analysis showed that test takers’ attitudes toward the test delivery media was the most influential predictor of results on the technology-mediated speaking tests, followed by a gender-test delivery medium interaction effect. Further analyses of the qualitative information identified the perceived advantages and disadvantages of two different technology-mediated modes and a human-interlocutor-mediated mode. The results indicated that a live face-to-face interview mode was the most favored in measuring oral proficiency, followed by a computerized mode and an audio-tape-mediated mode. Implications are drawn for appropriate use of technology in measuring oral proficiency.
Noun phrase complexity in integrated writing produced by advanced Chinese EFL learners
Authors:   Zhejiang University, Xu Lirong
Published: May 2023

This study aims to investigate the relationship between the noun phrase complexity of advanced Chinese EFL learners’ integrated writing and the score assigned by expert raters. Their written performance was also compared with those of native English speakers (NS) at university level with particular reference to the use of noun phrases. One hundred and twenty integrated writing samples were collected from an English writing test administered in a southeastern province of China. Results showed that there was a moderately positive correlation between the use of complex nominals in test-takers’ writing and the corresponding score. More specifically, non-native speakers of English (NNS) and NS groups differed significantly in the majority of noun phrase complexity measures. The implications are discussed concerning noun phrase complexity as a more reliable measure of syntactic complexity for an integrated writing test.
P. Seedhouse & F. Nakatsuhara. The Discourse of the IELTS Speaking Test: Interactional design and practice
Authors:   Northern Arizona University, Chen Shi
Published: May 2023

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Trust the test: Score-user perspectives on the roles of language tests in professional registration and skilled migration
Authors:   Australian National University, Macqueen Susy , Pill John ,   Lancaster University, Knoch Ute ,   University of Melbourne
Published: May 2023

English language proficiency is a deciding factor in the life opportunities of many thousands of applicants for Australian skilled migration every year. This paper focuses on the perspectives of professional bodies that use English language tests in their decisions. Taking an interpretative approach, we explore the meanings that policy makers from these organisations ascribe (as score users) to test standards (cut-scores) so that we can better understand the uses of test scores in migration policy. The policy narratives we observed around the use of test scores describe the need to manage large numbers of applicants, to assure a level of English proficiency for high-risk professional communications, to provide an objective assessment that is separate from any assessment of professional competence and to maintain consistency of standards with other bodies. These views are contextualised with other relevant information, particularly that available from test providers, who are key players in the test-using interpretive community. We observe that particular tests and their standards become trusted and entrenched in policy, using the apparently simple semiotics of scores. Concomitantly, trust in tests is nurtured by test marketing. These tendencies warrant attention from test researchers, providers and score users.
Salaberry, M.R. & Burch, A.R. (Eds.) Assessing Speaking in Context: Expanding the Construct and its Applications
Authors:   Ocean University of China, Chen Ying , Lu Qi ,   Ocean University of China
Published: May 2023

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N. Jones & N. Saville. Learning Oriented Assessment: A Systemic Approach (Vol. 45)
Authors:   Queensland University of Technology, Yang Ruijin
Published: May 2023

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DIF investigations across groups of gender and academic background in a large-scale high-stakes language test
Authors:   Georgia Southern University, Song Xiamei , Cheng Liying ,   Queens' University, Klinger Don ,   Queens' University
Published: May 2023

High-stakes pre-entry language testing is the predominate tool used to measure test takers’ proficiency for admission purposes in higher education in China. Given the important role of these tests, there are heated discussions about how to ensure test fairness for different groups of test takers. This study examined the fairness of the Graduate School Entrance English Examination (GSEEE) that is used to decide whether over one million test takers can enter master’s programs in China. Using SIBTEST and content analysis, the study investigated differential item functioning (DIF) and the presence of potential bias on the GSEEE with aspects to groups of gender and academic background. Results found that a large percentage of the GSEEE items did not provide reliable results to distinguish good and poor performers. A number of DIF and DBF functioned differentially and three test reviewers identified a myriad of factors such as motivation and learning styles that potentially contributed to group performance differences. However, consistent evidence was not found to suggest these flagged items/texts exhibited bias. While systematic bias may not have been detected, the results revealed poor test reliability and the study highlighted an urgent need to improve test quality and clarify the purpose of the test. DIF issues may be revisited once test quality has been improved.
Developing assessment literacy of teachers of languages: A conceptual and interpretive challenge
Authors:   University of South Australia, Scarino Angela
Published: May 2023

The teaching and learning of (foreign) languages in the context of globalisation is at a juncture in Australian education where fundamental changes in the field present distinctive challenges for teachers. These changes necessitate a reconceptualisation of the constructs and alter the very nature of assessment: the conceptualisation of what it is that is to be assessed, the processes used to elicit evidence of student learning and the frames of reference that provide the context for making judgments about students’ language learning. In this paper I discuss the shift from communicative language teaching towards an intercultural orientation in language learning. Based on data from a three-year-study that investigated teacher assessment of language learning from an intercultural perspective in a range of specific languages in the K–12 context, I discuss the nature of the challenge for teachers as they develop their assessment practices. This challenge is characterised as both conceptual and interpretive. I conclude by drawing implications for developing the assessment literacy of teachers of languages.
A preliminary look at the impact of spell checker use during an L2 English writing assessment
Authors:   Educational Testing Service, Choi Ikkyu , Cho Yeonsuk ,   Educational Testing Service
Published: May 2023

Spell checkers are popular among writers but are seldom used or studied in second language (L2) writing assessment contexts. Little is known about how L2 test takers use spell checkers or how their responses are impacted by spell checker use. Making a first step towards addressing this knowledge gap was the goal of this study. We aimed to gain a preliminary understanding of L2 test takers’ spell checker use and its impact with a total of 61 adult English learners who responded to two computer-delivered English writing tasks. Half were randomly selected to be provided with a built-in spell checker. The resulting responses and keystroke logs from the test takers were analyzed to examine their spell checker use and its impact on the product and process of their writing. The test takers who chose to use the spell checker were highly comparable to those who did not use it in terms of their general English proficiency. A series of regression analyses indicated that the spell checker users, on average, wrote fewer words and made fewer spelling errors than those who did not use it. The spell checker users also tended to write at a slower pace for one of the two tasks.
Benchmarking video presentations for CEFR usage in Cuba
Authors:   Universidad de Oriente, Pérez Geisa Dávila , Splunder Frank van ,   University of Antwerp, Baten Lut ,   University of Leuven, Maele Jan Van ,   University of Leuven, Moreno Yoennis Díaz ,   Universidad de Oriente
Published: May 2023

This paper discusses language assessment by means of video recordings, particularly its use for benchmarking purposes regarding language proficiency in a Cuban academic context. It is based on videotaped oral presentation assignments of Cuban PhD students for peer and teacher assessment. In order to avoid bias and provide validity to the results, the PhD students’ videotaped oral presentation assignments have been rated by language testing experts from three different Flemish universities, which are included in the Interuniversity Testing Consortium (IUTC). A selection of these assignments will be transferred to the university Moodle platform, and this compilation may be used to enable the start of a Cuban corpus of internationally rated presentations of academic English. Therefore, the results obtained will provide language teachers with a growing database of video recordings to facilitate benchmarking activities and promote standardized assessment in the Cuban academic context.
Language assessment literacy and test validation: Highlighting the role of language teachers
Authors:   University of Education Heidelberg, Vogt Karin , Tsagari Dina ,   Oslo Metropolitan University
Published: May 2023

Τheories of validity and validation have always formed an essential part of academic work in the field of language testing and have constituted an area of much debate and contestation. On the other hand, both theorising and evidence-gathering processes have been the privilege of few professions in the field. Against the background of more recent developments such as a closer alignment of language teaching and assessment, increased attention to individual learning needs and accessibility of language testing and assessment, expanded conceptualisations of validity seem to be required, considering diverse stakeholders in the validation process. The paper will discuss several frameworks of validation, and their potential for including important stakeholder groups such as language teachers in language test validation will be explored with a view to their enhancing language assessment literacy (LAL). It will be argued that teachers’ roles as professional agents can enhance the quality of the validation argument and their LAL at the same time.
Anthony Green. Exploring Language Assessment and Testing: Language in Action
Authors:   University of Melbourne, Davidson Simon
Published: May 2023

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The challenges of providing expert advice in policy contexts
Authors:   University of Melbourne, Knoch Ute
Published: May 2023

Language testers can have various roles in relation to the use of language tests and policy. One such role may be to provide expert advice in policy formation or policy review contexts. Such instances are often not documented systematically, as advice may be provided in informal or closed meetings, or confidential documents, which are not available to the public. The challenges associated with providing such advice are also rarely recorded. In this paper, I describe three instances in which the Language Testing Research Centre (LTRC) at the University of Melbourne was invited to provide external policy advice. I specifically reflect on what prompted the invitations, what advice we were asked to provide, the complexity of providing advice in each instance, and whether the advice was taken up by the policy makers. The paper reflects on some of the common threads and concludes with implications for training new language testers.
International assessment and local contexts: A case study of an English language initiative in higher educatoin institutes in Egypt
Authors:   Cambridge English Language Assessment, Khalifa Hanan  , Khabbazbashi Nahal ,   Cambridge English Language Assessment, Abdelsalam Samar ,   Cairo University, Said Mohsen Elmahdy ,   Cairo University
Published: May 2023

Within the long-term objectives of English language reform in higher education (HE) institutes across Egypt and increasing employability in the global job market, the Center for Advancement of Postgraduate Studies and Research in Cairo University (CAPSCU), Cambridge English Language Assessment and the British Council (Egypt) have implemented a multi-phase upskilling program aimed at enhancing the workplace language skills of socially disadvantaged undergraduates, developing teachers’ pedagogical knowledge and application, providing both students and teachers with a competitive edge in the job markets through internationally recognised certification and the introduction of 21st century skills such as digital-age literacy and effective communication in HE, and, lastly, integrating international standards for teaching, learning and assessment within the local context. This paper reports on a mixed methods research study aimed at evaluating the effectiveness of this initiative and its impact at the micro and macro levels. The research focused on language progression, learner autonomy, motivation towards digital learning and assessment, improvements in pedagogical knowledge and teaching practices. Standardised assessment, attitudinal and perceptions surveys, and observational data were used. Findings suggested a positive impact of the upskilling program, illustrated how international collaborations can provide the necessary skills for today’s global job market, and highlighted areas for consideration for upscaling the initiative.
Aggregate Investor Sentiment and Time-Varying Price Discovery: Evidence from the Options Market
Authors: Zhou Yaping , Lv Dayong
Published: May 2023

Previous literature shows that the price-discovery ability of options market varies substantially over time. Using data of Shanghai Stock Exchange 50 exchange-traded fund options, this paper shows that options prices contribute relatively less to price discovery during low-sentiment periods, but the price-discovery ability of options market remains unchanged during high-sentiment periods. These results suggest that change in aggregate investor sentiment is an important source of the time variation in options’ price discovery ability. Moreover, the options market experiences greater bid-ask spreads when investor sentiment is lower, supporting a “transaction costs mechanism.” This paper fulfills related literature on the time variation in options’ price-discovery ability.
Restructuring The Higher Education In Light Of Population And Industrial Growth
Authors: Nani Dr.Ibrahim Othman , Basulaim Dr.Khaled Omer
Published: May 2023

مع اقترابنا من القرن الحادي والعشرين ، أصبح دور التعليم العالي أكثر تعقيدًا وظهور تكنولوجيا أكثر تعقيدًا في مجالات مختلفة من الحياة ، واستمر في مواجهة التحدي لصانعي سياسات التعليم العالي حيث تدريب الخريجين على الاستجابة الاجتماعية التغييرات والتطور السريع للمعرفة والمهارات.
وهذا يعني أن الجامعات يجب أن تكون مستعدة باستمرار لمراجعة هياكلها التعليمية ومناهجها ، حيث تصبح الأزمة أكثر حدة عندما تتزامن الحاجة إلى التغيير مع المنظمات الأكاديمية الجامدة والتقاليد التعليمية التي تعطي أهمية أكبر للتكوين أكثر من المحتوى المعرفي.
Virtual Vision: Applying Cultural and Critical Theory to Video Game Aesthetics in Lollipop Chainsaw
Authors: Carr Bryan
Published: May 2023

This essay contends that video games are multifaceted in nature and can be understood and analyzed from various critical and cultural approaches. Most video game studies are focused on effects and do not take into account the aesthetic and interactive appeals of games. The increased multimedia capabilities of contemporary games provide new opportunities for interactivity, audiovisual fidelity and creativity, and auteurs that can establish distinctive creative signatures. Through analysis of critical and cultural literature, three main areas of critical and cultural inquiry are identified - perspective and the degree to which players can control the visual aspects of a game, the nature of player characters and how players can identify with and interact with them, and the ways in which the game appropriates and reflects creative culture and social issues. The common thread of player interactivity and control is identified in all three perspectives and noted as a vital component of game analysis. This approach is illustrated through critical and cultural analysis of the game Lollipop Chainsaw, a recent action game from a noted video game creator that utilizes repurposed cultural content and has been the center of debate and discussion due to the sexualized portrayal of its lead character. The paper offers implications for applying critical and cultural studies and theory to interactive media and gaming. The study of games must take into account the degree of control and interactivity the player has and how that control manifests within the game, as this is a unique element of games that is intertwined with the aforementioned critical approaches. In doing so, the paper attempts to reconcile the ongoing discussion between pure ludologists and pure narratologists in the study of games.
Does a More Diverse Newspaper Staff Reflect Its Community? A Print and Digital Content Analysis of The Dallas Morning News
Authors: Everbach Tracy , Batsell Jake , Champlin Sara , Nisbett Gwendelyn S.
Published: May 2023

This qualitative analysis of print and digital content in The Dallas Morning News examines racial, ethnic, and gender diversity in a regional newspaper’s coverage after it made a commitment to diversify staff. It also serves as an example of collaboration between scholars and a professional news organization. Using a constructed week from fall 2017, the study employs a qualitative approach to research bylines, text sources, and visual subjects in the newspaper’s print and digital editions. Results show that content on both platforms did not match the diversity of the surrounding community, which is 40% Latinx. People of color and women are symbolically annihilated through the coverage, which results in stereotypical framing of these groups. The authors presented the study’s findings to the newspaper’s senior leadership team, offering recommendations to increase diversity of staff, sources, and subjects of news coverage to provide fairer coverage and better represent the surrounding community.
Innovativeness, Interactivity, and the Adoption of Streaming Television
Authors: Tefertiller Alec Charles , Sheehan Kim Bartel
Published: May 2023

Streaming television channels such as Netflix and Hulu have steadily grown in viewership, with many users abandoning traditional cable and broadcast sources of televised content. The purpose of this study was to assess whether personal innovativeness and perceived interactivity predict people’s intentions to stream video. Using an online survey (N = 790), it was determined that while innovativeness was a significant predictor, the perceived interactivity of the streaming experience best predicted streaming television viewing.
Framing Messages for Suicide Gatekeepers through Theory of Planned Behavior
Authors: Cox Megan
Published: May 2023

The rate of suicide among people in the United States is high among those ages 15 through 34. People in this age range are active online, and therefore, social media platforms give health communicators a method for reaching them with messages intended for suicide intervention. This paper proposes a framework for the construction of social media messages designed to influence behavioral intention and motivate action by suicide gatekeepers (those aware of a peer’s suicide ideation). The framework is conceptualized through the lens of the theory of planned behavior and its determinants of behavioral intention—attitudes, subjective norms, and perceived behavioral control. Three concepts are provided that may influence each of the determinants: framing with interdependence, emphasizing reciprocal relationships, and using empowering language.
It’s My Party, I’ll Endorse If I Want To:
Authors: Vizcarrondo Tom
Published: May 2023

This experimental study examines the impact of endorsements by party elites with a primary election for the U.S. Senate.  This experiment used a pretest-posttest design to identify and measure an endorsement’s effect on participants’ evaluations of the endorsed primary candidate and the unendorsed primary candidate, as well as their evaluations of the endorser and their political party.  Results showed that such endorsements impacted participants’ assessments of both the endorsed and unendorsed candidates, while the impact on perceptions of their political party approached a level of significance. Implications of these results are discussed, and recommendations for future research initiatives are presented.
Gestão escolar na educação inclusiva: a produção acadêmica stricto sensu paulista e uma realidade escolar
Authors: Carvalho Camila Lopes de , Lino Carolina Matteussi
Published: May 2023

A inclusão escolar de alunos com deficiência condiz com o processo de reconstrução da gestão enquanto atuação democrática, participativa e reflexiva. Os gestores vivenciam as mudanças em vigor e são exigidos de atuar auxiliando na construção de uma comunidade inclusiva. Isto posto, esse estudo objetivou identificar o estado da arte do tema da gestão escolar com foco no viés inclusivo, associando a produção acadêmica sobre essa questão à atuação do gestor escolar. Para isso, desenvolveu-se uma pesquisa qualitativa em duas fases. Na Fase 1, realizou-se uma revisão sistemática com a análise das produções acadêmicas dos programas de pós-graduação stricto sensu paulistas públicos sobre o tema da gestão escolar em interface com a inclusão educacional. Na Fase 2, delineou-se um estudo de caso aplicando questionário a um gestor de uma escola particular de uma cidade de São Paulo, Brasil, com acompanhamento de sua rotina durante 2 dias semanais, por 1 mês, para observação de aspectos referentes à atuação no processo de inclusão escolar. A análise dos dados ocorreu por categorização associada ao software Iramutec. As pesquisas acadêmicas mostraram-se uma área de recente investigação, focada predominantemente em avaliar qualitativamente entrevistas por análise de conteúdo. Já as ações gestoriais permaneceram direcionadas para a solução de conflitos e ações burocráticas, com fragilidades na formação inicial e continuada, não acessando pesquisas acadêmicas sobre o tema e apresentando ações insuficientes. Imprescinde a continuidade de estudos que orientem a intervenção gestorial, bem como uma autonomia docente para a busca dos mesmos.
Screening Eco-trauma in the Context of Post-socialism: “The Great Flood” and Local Identity Crisis in Chinese and Vietnamese Independent Films (the Cases of Taking Father Home and 2030)
Authors: Giang Hoang Cam
Published: May 2023

As two of the few socialist countries in the Global South today that share a deep root of Confucianism and have had intense contact with capitalism in the last two decades, Vietnam and China have many cultural, ideological, and political similarities. Significantly, China and Vietnam have a similarly long tradition of water control and pride in managing the power of rivers and water, as evidenced in mythological, fairy tales, and historical books. The Yangtze and the Mekong are the two largest rivers that profoundly influence and impact their respective cultural, spiritual, economic, and social lives. Since the 1990s, with the construction of the Three Gorges Dam and industrial plants next to the Yangtze and the mangrove deforestation next to the Mekong, in the context of Post-socialism, these two river deltas have faced unprecedented severe environmental challenges. On the other hand, the images of the two rivers and two river deltas appearing in official state-funded and commercial films are isolated from the actual situations mentioned. By examining two typical independent movies from China and Vietnam about the Great Flood, Taking Father Home (2005, Ying Liang) and 2030 (2014, Nguyen Vo Nghiem Minh), this essay highlights the eco-awareness of those affected, especially the sense of eco-trauma, related to the natural disasters in the Yangtze and Mekong deltas. This essay will in particular analyze how the globalization process in these two socialist countries causes multi-level harm in localities, both culturally and environmentally. Moreover, drawing from the concepts of indigenous cinema, we will highlight the aesthetic ability of independent films to question the limitations of commercial and state-sponsored movies, which always romanticize native natural landscapes on-screen and produce eco-ambiguity among the public.
Antibacterial Activity of the Sea hare, Dolabella auricularia, Egg String Extracts Against the Escherichia coli
Authors: Erespe Marites , Sorrosa Joy
Published: May 2023

An assay was conducted to determine the antibacterial activity of various concentrations of the Sea hare, Dolabella auricularia, egg string extracts against the bacterium, Escherichia coli, using disk diffusion method. The study was conducted at the Davao Oriental State College of Science and Technology (DOSCST), City of Mati, Davao Oriental. Escherichia coli showed susceptibility to the extract from a mixture of 0.6g powdered, dried-green, and dried-brown D. auricularia egg strings per ml ethanol.  Extract obtained from the freshly-laid green strings showed a mean of 8.51 mm zone of inhibition while the one from brown-dried egg strings had a mean of 7.71 mm. Results suggest that D. auricularia egg string extracts contain antibacterial factors which were evident if extracts are taken from dried egg strings and applied at a higher level of concentration of 0.6g/ml. The freshly-laid green egg strings showed to have more antibacterial factors than the mature, brown egg strings.
Status of Benthos and Reef Fish Communities in Pujada Bay, Davao Oriental, Mindanao
Authors: Nanual Bernadette , Nogodula Reynaldo , Jimenez Lea
Published: May 2023

Coral reef resources, particularly corals, macrobenthos and reef fish in Pujada Bay in the southeastern coast of Mindanao were assessed in 2002 to determine their status. A one-shot standard survey methods of corals and their associate fish was conducted in the reef sites of Guang-guang, Manguihay, Lawigan, Mamali and Macambol. Soft-bottom macrobenthos in these reef sites were monitored for one year. Hard coral cover in Pujada Bay was in a poor to fair category. Reef fish had low diversity and indicator species were low in abundance - the conditions indicative of a degraded reef. Reef fishes were dominated by low-valued species and high-value species had low incidence - a profile symptomatic of overfishing. The preponderance of herbivore fish species in some reef areas bespeaks of the important role of vegetation in supporting the productivity of the reef. The reef sites supported a diverse group of macrobenthos largely, mollusks. Reefs in Macambol showed a good coral-reef fish condition while that in Mamali was in a poor state. Despite the latter, the reef supported a good number of macrobenthos and reef fish. Protective, enhancement and rehabilitation activities are needed to stop if not reverse the dismal situation of the Bay. Good management of land-based activities must also be pursued alongside reef ecosystem management.
Structure Elucidation of Phlegmacin Ether from Culture Broth of the Fungus, Lambertella brunneola, Y. Harada
Authors: Tayone Wilanfranco
Published: May 2023

A pigment known as Phlegmacin A 8,8'-di-O-methyl ether was isolated and reported for the first time from the fungus, Lambertella brunneola, Y Harada which was cultured in a potato-sucrose medium. The compound was isolated and purified using Si02 column chromatography while the structure elucidation was based on Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) spectroscopic data and Mass Spectroscopy (MS) analyses. Inital analyses suggested that Phlegmacin Ether has a 7, 10' biaryl bridge. Apparently, it has an anti-cancer activity against HeLa and HepG2 cancer cells.
7-hydroxy-3-(1-hydroxyethyl)-5-methoxy-3-4-dimethylisobenzofuran-a(3H)-one and 4, 8-dihydroxy-6-methoxy-3,4,5-trimethyIisochroman-1-one using MOPAC Software
Authors: Tayone Wilanfranco
Published: May 2023

A benzofuranone type of compound known as 7-hydroxy-3-(1-hydroxyethyl)-5methoxy-3,4-dimethylisobenzofuran-1 (3H)-one (1) and 4,8-dihydroxy-6-methoxy-3,4,5trimethylisochroman-l-one (2) were studied for the molecular modeling using MOPAC.  Compound 1 was originally isolated from the fungus Leptosphaeria sp. KTC 727. Initial Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) analyses using I H, 13C, Correlation Spectroscopy (COSY), Heteronuclear Multiple Quantum Coherence (HMQC), Heteronuclear Multiple Bond Coherence (HMBC) and Mass Spectrometry (MS) suggested 1 and 2 as the candidate planar structures. Succeeding chemical experiments confirmed it to be 1 and not 2. This study provided new confirmatory evidence about the exclusion of 2 as possible candidate compound via theoretical computation approach using MOPAC software.
A Comparative Study of the Procedures of Drawing Up External Evaluation Reports on Secondary Education Institutions in Countries of the European Union and Romania
Authors:   “Lucian Blaga” University of Sibiu, Macrea Petronela , Dumitrașcu Dănuț Dumitru ,   “Lucian Blaga” University of Sibiu
Published: May 2023

The education management must be seen as a science operating on educational activities via an optimal global or strategic approach, and also as a model of performance management, applicable at the level of education institutions. The purpose of this study is to offer a summary on the theoretical basis of the concepts of performance management and quality assurance in education, through a comparative analysis of quality systems in education in European states and Romania. Starting from the hypothesis that, if each educational institution is grounded on a set of guidelines resting on values and principles, known and adhered to by all factors involved in the system, this entails quality education delivered via an efficient management, we have set up an analysis of procedures, instruments and ways of drawing up the external institutional evaluation report, in a comparative approach between European and Romanian secondary education systems.
Engaging Citizens in Effective Collective Action: How and Why?
Authors:   Politehnica University Timişoara, Potra Sabina , Miclea Şerban ,   Politehnica University Timişoara
Published: May 2023

Empowering civic groups may lead to better outcomes than a centralized decision-making in a society where the social power is concentrated in the hands of a few. But effective collective action is almost always conditioned by the collaboration with functional state institutions which are forced to cede a certain amount of authority, power and finance in favour of communities they no longer totally control. The question emerges: how can we understand and nurture citizen engagement projects for successful public services in a current political society? The present paper explores the public participation typology with the final scope of developing a new citizen engagement model.
Risk Management Planning in a Construction Project
Authors:   Bucharest University of Economic Studies, Manta Andreea – Mariana , Dima Cristina ,   Bucharest University of Economic Studies, Păcurari Marius Nicolae ,   Intesa SanPaolo Bank, Bucharest
Published: May 2023

This paper presents an example of a risk management plan for a construction project to be developed in difficult environmental conditions. This Risk Management Plan defines how risks associated with the construction project in a desert zone will be identified, analyzed, and managed. It outlines how risk management activities will be performed, recorded, and monitored throughout the lifecycle of the project and provides templates and practices for recording and prioritizing risks by the Risk Manager. Based on our studies, risk management is an essential part of construction project management and should be always applied using appropriate tools.
Sustainable Development and Market Trends in Romania
Authors:   Politehnica University Timişoara, Tămășilă Matei , Ivașcu Larisa ,   Politehnica University Timişoara, Artene Alin ,   Politehnica University Timişoara
Published: May 2023

The paper addresses sustainable development and shows the capacity of the Romanian market to achieve the goals set in the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. The new Agenda focuses on a holistic approach to sustainable development in order to achieve global development. Sustainable development is addressed nationally and internationally because businesses do not exist in isolation. Business is a complex network that interacts and completes itself. The use of material, human, financial and informational resources by companies contributes to the assessment of the organisational capacity for sustainable development. Based on the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and 169 associated targets, the paper presents a general assessment of Romania's situation on the three dimensions: economic, social and environmental. Following this evaluation, we can conclude that the Romanian market needs to be aligned with the requirements of the European Union, and the difficulties encountered in various directions must be improved by defining strategic directions in line with international objectives.
A Quantitative Study on Sustainability Reporting Over the Past 20 Years in the Water Utilities Sector
Authors:   Politehnica University Timişoara, Dufour Corina , Drăgici Anca ,   Politehnica University Timişoara
Published: May 2023

The purpose of reporting as communication or assessment tool has rendered it more attractive for organizations. The emergence of standardized frameworks which can be used for benchmarking was a step forward for sustainability reporting. In this context, water utilities are understudied with regards to sustainable development reporting. As such, the current work explores, from a quantitative perspective, reporting initiatives in the water utilities sector over the past 20 years, by using the GRI Sustainability Disclosure Database.
An Uncertainty-Driven GCN Refinement Strategy for Organ Segmentation
Authors: Soberanis Mukul Roger David , Navab Nassir , Albarqouni Shadi
Published: May 2023

Organ segmentation in CT volumes is an important pre-processing step in many computer assisted intervention and diagnosis methods. In recent years, convolutional neural networks have dominated the state of the art in this task. However, since this problem presents a challenging environment due to high variability in the organ’s shape and similarity between tissues, the generation of false negative and false positive regions in the output segmentation is a common issue. Recent works have shown that the uncertainty analysis of the model can provide us with useful information about potential errors in the segmentation. In this context, we proposed a segmentation refinement method based on uncertainty analysis and graph convolutional networks. We employ the uncertainty levels of the convolutional network in a particular input volume to formulate a semi-supervised graph learning problem that is solved by training a graph convolutional network. To test our method we refine the initial output of a 2D U-Net. We validate our framework with the NIH pancreas dataset and the spleen dataset of the medical segmentation decathlon. We show that our method outperforms the state-of-the-art CRF refinement method by improving the dice score by 1% for the pancreas and 2% for spleen, with respect to the original U-Net’s prediction. Finally, we perform a sensitivity analysis on the parameters of our proposal and discuss the applicability to other CNN architectures, the results, and current limitations of the model for future work in this research direction. For reproducibility purposes, we make our code publicly available at https://github.com/rodsom22/gcn_refinement