bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Performance Evaluation of Conventional and Neural Network-Based Decoder for an Audio of Low-Girth LDPC Code
Authors: Patel Dharmeshkumar , Bhatt Ninad
Published: October 2023

Noise in a communication system degrades the signal level at the receiver, and as a result, the signal is not properly recovered or eliminated at the receiver side. To avoid this, it is necessary to modify the signal before transmission, which is achieved using channel coding. Channel coding provides an opportunity to recover the noisy signal at the receiver side. The low-density parity-check (LDPC) code is an example of a forward error correcting code. It offers near Shannon capacity approaching performance; however, there is a constraint regarding high-girth code design. When the low-girth LDPC code is decoded using conventional methods, an error floor can occur during iterative decoding. To address this issue, a neural network (NN)-based decoder is utilized to overcome the decoding problem associated with low-girth codes. In this work, a neural network-based decoder is developed to decode audio samples of both low- and high-girth LDPC codes. The neural network-based decoder demonstrates superior performance for low-girth codes in terms of bit error rate (BER), peak signal-to-noise-ratio (PSNR), and mean squared error (MSE) with just a single iteration. Audio samples sourced from the NOIZEUS corpus are employed to evaluate the designed neural network. Notably, when compared to a similar decoder, the decoder developed in this study exhibits an improved bit error rate for the same signal-to-noise ratio.
Effect of Tea Polyphenols, α-Lipoic Acid and Their Joint Use on the Antioxidant and Lipid Metabolism Performance of Hybrid Grouper (♀Epinephelus fuscoguttatus × ♂E. lanceolatu) Fed with High-Lipid Diets
Authors: Suo Xiangxiang , Yan Xiaobo , Tan Beiping , Pan Simiao , Li Tao , Liu Hao , Huang Weibin , Zhang Shuang , Yang Yuanzhi , Dong Xiaohui
Published: October 2023

This study investigated tea polyphenols (TP), α-lipoic acid (ALA) and their joint use on the antioxidant and lipid metabolic performance of hybrid grouper (♀Epinephelus fuscoguttatus × ♂E. lanceolatu) took food with high-fat diets. Six high-lipid diets with isonitrogen (50% of dry matter) and isolipid (17% of dry value) were designed, in which a total content of 1,000 mg/kg additives were added to each group except for the control group (FL). The additives addition ratios in each group were ALA (AL), TP (PL), ALA : TP = 1 : 1 (EL), ALA : TP = 1 : 2 (OL), ALA : TP = 2 : 1 (TL). Each diet was divided into three repeat groups with 30 tails (6.84 ± 0.01 g) in each group and fed for 8 weeks. The consequences were as follows: (1) the highest weight gain rate, specific growth rate, as well as the lowest feed conversion ratio and ingestion rate were discovered in the OL team, which were opposite to the TL group. (2) The body fat content and muscle fat content in the fish oil group were the lowest (

P
<
0.05

), while those of the TL group were the highest. (3) Serum catalase, glutathione peroxidase, total antioxidant capacity, and superoxide dismutase activities were the highest, and the content of reactive oxygen species was the lowest in the OL group. (4) The OL group has the highest hepatic lipase activity and the lowest very low-density lipoprotein content of the liver. In contrast, the TL group had the highest fatty acid synthetase (FAS) activity (

P
<
0.05

). (5) The oil-red aspects of liver tissue displayed lipid particles in other groups were reduced to different degrees compared with FL group, and the OL group showed the best lipid-lowering effect. (6) Compared with the FL group, the relative expressions of FAS, acetyl-CoA carboxylase (acc), and apolipoprotein b-100 (apoB100) genes in the liver were decreased. The relative expressions of lipoprotein lipase (lpl) and peroxisome proliferators-activated receptors-α (pparα) genes related to lipid catabolism were increased, among which the OL group had the most significant change (

P
<
0.05

). (7) According to the 7-day challenge test of Vibrio alginolyticus, the OL group had the highest survival rate. To sum up, both ALA and TP have positive effects on relieving the lipid metabolism disorder of hybrid grouper. If they are jointly used, adding ALA : TP in a ratio of 1 : 2 (OL) may have the best effect, and an addition ratio of 2 : 1 (TL) may inhibit the hybrid grouper growth and increase the feeding cost.
A Field Investigation of the Thermal Comfort of Older Adults in Cold Winter Climates
Authors: Baquero María Teresa , Vergés Roger , Gaspar Katia , Forcada Nuria
Published: October 2023

Population ageing, extreme weather, and high energy costs are the current and future global scenarios. The present study analyses the factors affecting the thermal comfort of older adults and evaluates their thermal perceptions and preferences in nursing homes in a Continental Mediterranean climate during winter, through environmental measurements and surveys on site. The sample consists of 1065 occupants. Results of this study revealed that the neutral temperature of older adults in nursing homes in cold winter climates is 24.9°C, 2.3°C higher than what PMV predicts. Results also highlight that older adults feel more comfortable in those spaces with higher CO2 concentrations than recommended by regulation. The analysis of factors affecting thermal comfort revealed that the most relevant factors affecting the thermal comfort of older adults in cold winter climates are (i) the type of room, which indirectly implies the metabolic rate of the occupants, the type of ventilation, and the CO2 level; (ii) the occupancy density; and (iii) the relative humidity of the room. These results will help to develop more accurate thermal comfort and indoor environmental quality regulations for older people that improve their health and quality of life. The modification of temperature setpoints in nursing homes based on the results of this study could influence energy use and should be carefully considered by policy makers and facility managers.
Citric Acid Catalyst-Assisted Bioactive Glass with Hydrogen Peroxide for In Vitro Bioactivity and Biodegradability Using Sol-Gel Method
Authors: Aklilu Tsion Chuni , Ewnete Bethelhem Gashaw , Dachasa Kena , Sanbaba Kanate , Tesfaye Demeke , Wondimu Tadele Hunde , Kim Jung Yong , Tulu Ketema Tafess , Lemma Shimelis , Ejeta Balisa Mosisa , Bakare Fetene Fufa
Published: October 2023

In this study, carbon-free and completely soluble hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) was utilized in place of conventional surfactants as a pore-forming agent. Citric acid was also used in low concentration for the hydrolysis reaction. A sol-gel method was used to prepare bioactive glass (BG) specimens of H2O2-untreated BG, 1M, 2M, and 3M H2O2-treated BGs. X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), energy-dispersive spectroscopy (EDS), and nitrogen adsorption/desorption isotherm with the Brunauer–Emmett–Teller (BET) method were used for analyzing the samples’ phase, surface morphology, chemical composition, constituent composition, pore size, and specific surface area respectively. In vitro bioactivity, as well as biodegradability tests, was performed on samples by immersing them in simulated body fluid (SBF) solution. According to the results, BG particles treated with 2 M H2O2 exhibited higher specific surface area (SSA), which is 189.55 cc/g, and better in vitro bioactivity and biodegradability.
Portuguese Pancreatic Club Perspectives on Endoscopic Ultrasound-Guided and Surgical Treatment of Pancreatic Neuroendocrine Tumors
Authors: Ribeiro Tiago , Castanheira-Rodrigues Sara , Bastos Pedro , Cristino Humberto , Fernandes Alexandra , Rodrigues-Pinto Eduardo , Bispo Miguel , Rio-Tinto Ricardo , Vilas-Boas Filipe
Published: October 2023

Pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors (panNETs) are a group of neoplasms with heterogenous biological and clinical phenotypes. Although historically regarded as rare, the incidence of these tumors has been increasing, mostly owing to improvements in the detection of small, asymptomatic tumors with imaging. The heterogeneity of these lesions creates significant challenges regarding diagnosis, staging, and treatment. Endoscopic ultrasound (EUS) has improved the characterization of pancreatic lesions. Furthermore, EUS nowadays has evolved from a purely diagnostic modality to allow the performance of minimally invasive locoregional therapy for pancreatic focal lesions. The choice of treatment as well as the treatment goals depend on several factors, including tumor secretory status, grading, staging, and patient performance status. Surgery has been the mainstay for the management of these patients, particularly for localized, low-grade, large panNETs >2 cm. Over the last decade, a significant body of evidence has been accumulated evaluating the role of EUS for the ablative therapy of panNETs, namely by the use of chemoablative agents and radiofrequency. Although endoscopic techniques are not routinely recommended by international guidelines, they may be considered for the treatment of smaller lesions in patients who are unwilling or unfit for pancreatic surgery. In this review, we summarize the existing evidence on the interventional techniques for the treatment of patients with panNETs, focusing on the EUS-guided and surgical approaches.
Methods Article for a Study Protocol: Study Design and Baseline Characteristics for Aldosterone Synthase Inhibition in Chronic Kidney Disease
Authors: Tuttle Katherine R. , Rossing Peter , Hauske Sibylle J. , Cronin Lisa , Hussain Joanna , de Zeeuw Dick , Heerspink Hiddo J.L.
Published: October 2023

Introduction: Aldosterone synthase (AS) inhibition may overcome increased aldosterone production in response to renin-angiotensin system inhibition. BI 690517 is an AS inhibitor under investigation for chronic kidney disease (CKD). Methods: This multinational, phase II, double-blind study (NCT05182840) investigated the efficacy and safety of daily oral BI 690517, with or without empagliflozin 10 mg, in participants with CKD. The primary endpoint was change from baseline in urine albumin:creatinine ratio (UACR) at week 14. Between February 18, 2022, and December 30, 2022, 714 adults already treated by angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor (30.5%) or angiotensin receptor blocker (69.8%) were randomized (1:1) to an 8-week run-in to assign background empagliflozin (n = 356) or placebo (n = 358). Participants in each group were then randomized (1:1:1:1) to a 14-week treatment period with BI 690517 (3 mg, 10 mg, or 20 mg) or placebo. Of the 714 participants who entered run-in, 586 were randomized to the treatment period. They were predominantly men (66.6%) of white race (58.4%) with a mean (standard deviation [SD]) age of 63.8 (11.3) years. Type 2 diabetes was present in 414 participants (70.6%). The baseline mean (SD) estimated glomerular filtration rate was 51.9 (17.7) mL/min/1.73 m2, and median (interquartile range) UACR was 426.3 mg/g (205.3–888.5). Conclusion: This study will inform dose selection for further clinical development and determine whether BI 690517, with or without background empagliflozin, has a favorable safety profile and potential for additive kidney protection in participants with CKD already treated with a renin-angiotensin system inhibitor.
Exposure to Low Doses of Phthalates in Male Rodents: Effects on Reproductive and Cognitive Behaviors
Authors: Ducroq Suzanne , Grange-Messent Valerie , Mhaouty-Kodja Sakina
Published: October 2023

Background: The nervous system is a sensitive target for exposure to environmental endocrine-disrupting compounds (EDC). This vulnerability is particularly important during the critical windows of development and puberty and lasts even at later stages of life. Among these environmental EDC, phthalates have largely been described for their neurotoxic effects. These effects have been reported for a large majority of studies using high to very high doses of these substances, which are not relevant for environmental exposure. Summary: The aim of this review was to analyze specifically the male rodent studies using low doses of phthalates. This analysis focuses on reproductive and cognitive behaviors, given the described antiandrogenic effects of phthalates and the known regulation of these behaviors by sex steroids. We also analyze the other neural effects in the hypothalamus and hippocampus/cortex, the brain regions governing these behaviors. A particular focus is on the neurovascular unit, which is newly investigated in the field of endocrine disruption. Key Messages: Exposure to low doses of phthalates can induce modifications in reproductive and cognitive behaviors. Whether these changes are triggered by common initiating cellular and molecular mechanisms in the brain areas controlling these behaviors still needs to be extensively investigated. In this context, given the high sensitivity of the neurovascular unit to sex steroid regulation and its impairment by low doses of phthalates, it could represent a possible initiating trigger for behavioral alterations to assess for phthalate exposure.
Problems facing university students during Corona pandemic
Authors: Banisaeed Rihab Ahmad , Al-Momani Mohammad Omar
Published: October 2023

University students face many problems and difficulties that hinder their academic and scientific careers. The researchers, in various locations, seek to find solutions to them, especially in light of the global pandemic of Corona, which has exacerbated these problems. Therefore, this study aimed to identify the problems facing university students at Al-Balqa Applied University in Jordan during the Corona pandemic from their viewpoints. Also, this study aimed to identify the relationship between these problems and some variables, such as gender, type of major and academic degree. The researcher used the descriptive approach and developed a questionnaire. The study sample comprised 700 male and female students in the second semester of the academic year (2021/2022). The study concluded that the students’ levels of problems got a high degree in all domains and on the instrument as a whole. Besides, there were statistically significant differences following the gender variable in favor of males. The study concluded that there were statistically significant differences following the type of academic major variable and in favor of students of scientific majors. There were no statistically significant differences due to the student’s academic degree variable (intermediate diploma, bachelor’s degree).
Teaching strategies for cultivating preschoolers’ sharing behavior based on gender roles in Chinese culture
Authors: Xiao Yu , Yasin Maizura , Ahmad Nor Aniza , Saharuddin Norzihani
Published: October 2023

Chinese boys and girls manifest distinct sharing behavior compared with children of other nationalities following different cross-national pathways. Undoubtedly, the Chinese traditional culture projects distinct expectations of female and male roles. Kindergarten teachers are responsible for delivering cultural norm knowledge to children and shaping their behaviors and beliefs. This study aims to provide an insight into how kindergarten teachers cultivate preschoolers’ sharing behavior considering the traditional gender-role culture in China. This study adopted the multiple case study approach and involved six participants working in a Chinese public provincial kindergarten in Hebei Province. The data collection techniques used comprise semi-structured interviews and document analysis. This study’s findings showed teachers develop both boys’ and girls’ sharing awareness through an other-oriented strategy. They also elicit sharing practices through benefits-oriented and habits-forming strategies. However, different treatments of boys and girls could be observed in some respects. These findings demonstrate that children’s sharing behaviors are shaped through the same strategy with a subtle gender bias. They further imply that the gender-role knowledge of Chinese kindergarten teachers impacts how they cultivate preschoolers’ sharing behavior.
The impact of active learning and learning style on blended learning: Insights from higher education students
Authors: Razali Fazilah , Sulaiman Tajularipin , Ayub Ahmad Fauzi Mohd , Majid Noraziela Abdul
Published: October 2023

Blended learning is a progressive teaching technique combining online and face-to-face instruction to encourage active learning and improve academic achievement. However, various problems, such as different attitudes and learning styles between educators and students, influenced the implementation of blended learning effectively. Therefore, there is a need to identify the factors that impact blended learning to improve students’ performances and enhance blended learning. In this study, the proposed framework examines the mediation effect of active learning on the relationship between learning styles and accessibility of learning through blended learning. The study sample consisted of undergraduate students from Universiti Putra Malaysia. In addition, this study also utilized a random sampling method. In total, 224 responses were collected and analyzed using a partial least square structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM). The findings revealed that active learning fully mediated the relationship between learning style and blended learning. Active learning also mediated the relationship between accessibility and blended learning with complementary mediation. Moreover, this study offers several practical suggestions for essential parties, including the government and the education sector, to optimize blended learning approaches in Malaysia.
Scale’s impact in education system’s performance: Cases in Draa-Tafilalet, Morocco
Authors: Akdim Mariam , Sabiri Aboubakr , Akdim Hamid , Selmaoui Sabah , Alami Anouar , Benjelloun Nadia , Zaki Moncef
Published: October 2023

This study aimed to apprehend the scale’s role in education planning and performance. The national scale approaches tend to neglect local specificities. The relevance of the provincial and local scales is underlined in Draa-Tafilalet region (Morocco). By comparing the provincial data and indicators to study the education system's efficiency, we argue that these are pertinent scales to further understanding the needs, causality and key parameters of education. Collected data is analyzed using the data envelopment analysis (DEA). Useful indicators to compare the spatial variability of the education system’s efficiency were produced and discussed at a provincial scale and interpreted considering the local socioeconomic characteristics in each province. The five provinces of the region (Errachidia, Ouarzazate, Tineghir, Midelt, Zagora, and Midelt) are considered as adapted decision-making unit (DMU) in the study. The results show the provincial scale is relevant to apprehend the education system’s performance. It is also important in education planning. The spatial differences in education efficiency at this scale show evidence of weak education impacts among rural populations in the recently created provinces such as Tineghir, Midelt, and Zagora. The criterion of education efficiency measured by DEA ranks Tineghir in the last position. This province needs special attention in planning and development.
Through parents’ eyes: Exploring parental involvement’s experiences on online learning
Authors: Fitriani Somariah , Sari Yessy Yanita
Published: October 2023

The engagement of parents in their children’s education has been the subject of several studies for decades, but socio-cultural theories that highlight parents’ mentoring of their children’s social learning have received less attention. This semi structure interview study intended to explore parents’ experiences of their involvement on children online learning. The study was conducted to obtain the data from six parents whose children attended primary schools. The data garnered from online and offline interviewing were transcribed and then interpreted by employing thematic content analysis. The study revealed four themes including parents’ emotional state and parental burnout, technological awareness, pedagogical experiences and benefits of online learning from parents’ perspectives. This study underlines the value of parental cooperation in fostering children’s learning and lowering mothers’ stress levels, particularly in online learning due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Investigating employee performance in higher education: The role of satisfaction and commitment
Authors: Yasmin Zafira , Suryadi Edi , Santoso Budi , Suparno Suparno
Published: October 2023

The rapid transformation of education requires performance and innovation. This study aimed to examine the interconnectedness between organizational commitment (OC), job satisfaction (JS), and employee performance (EP) in higher education in Indonesia. EP is measured by how well you handle critical emergencies, how well you solve creative problems, how well you manage work stress, how well you handle uncertain and unpredictable work situations, and how well you adapt to other people. OC is measured by the strong desire to be an employee, the desire to work hard, acceptance of organizational values, acceptance of organizational goals, and work loyalty. JS is measured by the work itself, wages, promotion opportunities, supervision, and colleagues. The population in this study were all 150 employees of the Archive Bureau in Educational Colleges in Indonesia. In this study, researchers used the saturated sampling method as the basis for sampling, where all 150 members of the population were used as samples. A deeper comprehension of the connections between the variables was achieved by quantitatively applying structural equation modeling based on AMOS 21. The findings indicate that organizational commitment and job satisfaction positively influence employee performance in higher education in Indonesia. Indeed, job satisfaction among employees can enhance their performance. This study helps organizations perform better during COVID-19, particularly in higher education. The researcher suggests that additional researchers conduct larger-scale research on improving performance in areas like innovation and productive behavior.
Indonesian students’ reading literacy ability in the cooperative integrated reading and composition learning: A meta-analysis
Authors: Fuad Muhammad , Suyanto Edi , Muhammad Ulul Azmi , Suparman Suparman
Published: October 2023

A few of meta-analysis studies regarding the intervention of cooperative learning have been conducted. However, it has not been performed on the studies related to the intervention of cooperative integrated reading and composition (CIRC) learning for Indonesian students’ reading literacy. This study aims to approximate and examine the effect of CIRC learning on students’ reading literacy ability across group size of intervention, educational level, and geographical location. A meta-analysis was performed to conduct this study. The search of document using the database of Google Scholar found 97 documents. The selection of document established 10 documents published from 2015–2021 consisting of one conference paper and nine journal articles. Hedges’ equation was employed to measure the effect size. The data analysis used the Z test and Q Cochrane test. The results revealed that the CIRC learning had a strong positive effect (g=2.041; p<0.05) on students’ reading literacy ability. It indicates that the CIRC learning is effective for enhancing students’ reading literacy ability. Furthermore, some moderating factors such as group size of intervention, educational level, and geographical location did not affect students’ heterogeneous reading literacy ability. This study suggests language teachers to use the CIRC learning in enhancing students’ reading literacy ability.
Reimagining the future of a business education program using appreciative inquiry
Authors: Barcelona Alvin , Caminong Joliber , Dela Cruz Sam Rhoy
Published: October 2023

Rethinking the future of education has fueled momentum for large-scale change after the significant effects of the global pandemic. This momentum for change may require large amounts of positive affect by affirming and appreciating what works well during difficult times rather than identifying and understanding problematic areas. This study made use of appreciative inquiry in reimagining the future of a Business Education program in a private tertiary institution in the Philippines. Using naturalistic approach, 35 business education students and three teachers were interviewed using positive questions that amplify the positive core of the college. The participants unleashed the strengths of the college such as the implemented flexible modular setup, availability of the repository of educational resources, efficient communication during online learning, empowered student council, and group collaborations. Through inquiry and dialogue, participants co-created the reimagined future of the College of Business Administration which is a more flexible and inclusive means of delivering the Business Education Curriculum and upgraded and holistic learning experiences for the learners. Through the use of appreciative inquiry, the participants collectively leveraged the best practices of the college and their envisioned future to design high-impact strategies that can move the college decisively to its reimagined future.
The development of ecosystem misconception diagnostic test
Authors: Ristanto Rizhal Hendi , Suryanda Ade , Indraswari Lintang Anindhitya
Published: October 2023

Misconception is a problem that is often found in learning biology concepts. Ecosystem concept is one of the biology concepts in which misconceptions are found a lot. As a learning problem, misconceptions need to be addressed as soon as possible. The purpose of this research is to produce a valid and reliable diagnostic test instrument for misconceptions in the form of a three-tier multiple choice test which is presented through Google Form platform. This development research applied the research and development method with a 4D development model. The developed diagnostic test instrument was validated by two expert validators and obtained a mean score of 3.27 (very feasible). Through the results of item validation, from 40 questions there are 30 valid items with an average correlation coefficient value of 0.67 and 10 invalid items with an average correlation coefficient value of 0.10. The diagnostic test instrument was also tested for readability to students and got an average value of 3.41 (very feasible) and was tested for readability to teachers and got an average value of 3.74 (very feasible). This shows that the developed product is very valid and reliable to be used as a diagnostic test instrument for misconceptions.
Working in uncertainty: Organizational behavior of contingent college teachers in the Philippines
Authors: Palma Eva Joy Canto , West George R.
Published: October 2023

Several researchers have previously written about factors that contribute to the organizational commitment of employees. However, there are only few empirical studies on the impact of organizational commitment on organizational citizenship behavior (OCB), especially among non-permanent employees and how these behaviors have been impacted by perceived organizational support (POS). This study investigated the contextual relationships of organizational commitment and OCB, along with the mediation effect of POS on those relationships in the context of contingent teachers in Philippine state universities and colleges. A survey was conducted in selected state universities and colleges in the Philippines with contingent teachers for academic year 2019-2020 as respondents. Findings of the study showed that the targeted population generally rate their OCB higher than their organizational commitment or any of the subcategories thereof. They also rated OCB higher than the perceived support that they receive from their given organizations. Results also found that POS, although correlating with OCB, did not mediate any of associated relationships. The results indicate that contingent faculty members develop and maintain commitment to their organizations from sources other than the perceived support that they receive from their organizations.
Compositional skills error analysis: The case of the university environmental engineering first-year students
Authors: Bodbod Isabelita C. , Travero Arnel Sembrano , Cablinda Ronelo G.
Published: October 2023

The compositional skills are analyzed to determine whether college students have improved their writing ability after the two years additional in the senior high school curriculum. This study examines the errors committed by first-year engineering students. There were 90 student respondents written outputs collected and subjected to Grammarly software. The researchers analyzed the data using the Scheffe test, comparing the difference between clarity, engagement, and delivery. Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) was employed to test whether there is a significant difference among other variables. Findings revealed that clarity is the most common error committed by the student-respondents. The errors committed between male and female respondents do not show a difference. The K-12 graduates’ compositional errors do not differ significantly from that in the Alternative Learning System (ALS) passers or the old basic education curriculum graduates. It is in delivery that students vary. This finding implies that college students' compositional skills still need strengthening. Instructors are encouraged to provide comprehensive activities and writing exercises to both genders, regardless of their curriculum. It is recommended that University language instructors identify specific interventions to help students struggling with writing. Therefore, providing enough written opportunities and practices is vital to make college students enhance their compositional skills.
Implementing augmented reality to improve students’ biology learning outcomes: Gender-based effect
Authors: Tamam Badrud , Corebima Aloysius Duran
Published: October 2023

The current study examined the difference in students’ biology learning outcomes based on gender following the implementation of Augmented reality (AR). A gender equality study is useful as a foundation for establishing gender-sensitive learning. Gender equality promotes higher productivity and development outcomes, therefore it has favorable effects on economic and technological growth, as well as social fairness. We administered a quasi-experimental non-equivalent pretest-posttest control group design. The research population is all of class X public high school in Pamekasan Regency, Indonesia. The research samples were 56 senior high school students in class X. The classes that will be used as research samples are first tested for equality. The equivalence test analysis will use analysis of variance (ANOVA) by utilizing the SPSS 23.00 for windows program. Participants’ learning outcomes were measured using an essay test. The revised Blooms taxonomy indicators were used as the reference to construct the tests. The test covered the indicators of applying (C3), analyzing (C4), and synthesizing (C5). The participants’ answered were evaluated using a 4-point scale rubric adopted from Hart. One-way ANCOVA (analysis of covariance) was performed, involving the pretest scores as the covariate. The results showed that there was no difference in biology learning outcomes between male and female students involved in this study (p>0.05). These findings demonstrate that the implementation of augmented reality can close the gender gap in biology education. Augmented reality can be a solution to improve the learning environment in biology classrooms and facilitate gender-based learning demands.
An analysis of factors affecting student wellbeing: Emotional intelligence, family and school environment
Authors: Muhibbin Ahmad , Patmisari Patmisari , Mahadir Naidu Noor Banu , Prasetiyo Wibowo Heru , Hidayat Muhammad Luthfi
Published: October 2023

This research aims to identify the role of family and school environments in predicting emotional intelligence and student well-being. It also examines whether or not emotional intelligence acts as a mediator. A total of 500 senior high school students from 16 private high schools in Pemalang District, Indonesia, completed this survey in the 2020-2021 academic year. Data analysis was carried out using Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) analysis with Partial Least Square (SEM-PLS). The results show that family environment affects the fulfilment of student well-being. Emotional intelligence was not an essential mediator in the relationship between the family environment and student well-being. The school environment also had a decisive role in fulfilling student well-being. Emotional intelligence was an essential mediator between the school environment and student well-being. Student well-being should be realized. It is necessary to address the welfare of teachers in the school environment and the awareness of parents in the family to assist students. Teachers’ and students’ interests are closely related. When the welfare of teachers is prioritized, it will improve harmonious relationships in the school environment. Likewise, when parents accompany their children at home, the children will feel more prosperous.
Improve critical thinking skills using traditional musical instruments in science learning
Authors: Rahmat Anggi Datiatur , Kuswanto Heru , Wilujeng Insih , Pratidhina Elisabeth
Published: October 2023

Experiment activity is an essential part of science learning. Suling (flute), a traditional musical instrument from West Java, can be used as a learning media for sound wave concepts. Technology-based mobile can be used as an experimental tool is Phypox. This study aims to report using a combination of Suling and Phypox in experiment activities. The designed activity aims to engage students in critical thinking. The instrument for measuring critical thinking consists of five questions based on the critical thinking aspect: interpretation, analysis, evaluation, inference, and explanation. The study used a one-group pre-and post-test design on 32 8th-grade students at one of the junior high schools in West Java Province, Indonesia. The study procedure is a pre-test, discussion of Suling’s concepts, introduction to Phypox application, experiment activity, presentation, and post-test. Data analysis uses the normalized gain to compare the pre-and post-test. Experiment activities help students to understand frequency, open organ pipes concepts, and investigate the speed of sound produced by Suling. The study found a significant change in the pre-and post-test scores of students after experimenting, so it could be interpreted that the experimental activities using Suling and Phypox affected critical-thinking students.
Artificial intelligent based teaching and learning approaches: A comprehensive review
Authors: Nguyen Thuong TK. , Nguyen Minh T. , Tran Hoang T.
Published: October 2023

The goal of this study is to investigate the potential effects that Artificial intelligence (AI) could have on education. The narrative and framework for investigating AI that emerged from the preliminary research served as the basis for the study’s emphasis, which was narrowed down to the use of AI and its effects on administration, instruction, and student learning. According to the findings, artificial intelligence has seen widespread adoption and use in education, particularly by educational institutions and in various contexts and applications. The development of AI began with computers and technologies related to computers; it then progressed to web-based and online intelligent education systems; and finally, it applied embedded computer systems in conjunction with other technologies, humanoid robots, and web-based chatbots to execute instructor tasks and functions either independently or in partnership with instructors. By utilizing these platforms, educators have been able to accomplish a variety of administrative tasks. In addition, because the systems rely on machine learning and flexibility, the curriculum and content have been modified to match the needs of students. This has led to improved learning outcomes in the form of higher uptake and retention rates.
Entrepreneurial Migration
Authors: Bryan Kevin A. , Guzman Jorge
Published: October 2023

We track the movement of high-potential startups using cross-state business registrations and estimate the utility of cities to moving startups using a revealed preference approach. 6.6% of these startups move across state borders during their first five years. Startup hubs like Silicon Valley and Boston tend to lose startups to other cities. Our findings show that startups prefer traditional hubs when they move soon after being founded, but later prefer cities with lower taxes. This pattern is not due to vertical sorting or industrial specialization.
Nose-picking in Vietnam
Authors: Arai Yuko
Published: October 2023

This study focuses on nose picking, an observable occurrence in Vietnam. Elias (2010) said that in the civilizing process, self-regulation is a gathering force and the act of nose picking is not performed in public. To better understand the reasons why nose picking is an observable occurrence in Vietnam, the author analyzes content from Thanh Nghị, a magazine published from 1941–1945 during the French colonial era and created by Vietnamese intellectuals to further the spread of French civilizational ideals. This study has two purposes: first, it clarifies the role of Thanh Nghị as an intellectual proponent of French colonialism. Second, it explores different aspects of the civilizing process. By achieving these aims, the study illustrates the effectiveness of the civilizing process in colonial society.
The Siren’s Seed
Authors: Frojmovic Eva
Published: October 2023

In two liturgical Pentateuchs from Northern Europe from around 1300, images of sirens appear unexpectedly and in ways that vary from common siren iconography. Perhaps these human–animal hybrids, or mixta, in their elusive sexuality and transgressive boundary-crossing articulate Jewish cultural concerns with gender politics. Feminist bestiary studies and feminist studies of vocality (the siren’s song) provide new insights into medieval gender politics and its subversions.
Indo-Pacific Strategy: Korea and the World
Authors: Choi Won-Mog
Published: October 2023

On December 28, 2022, the Korean version of the Indo-Pacific Strategy (“In-Tae Strategy”), which will be the foundation for Korean foreign diplomacy for decades to come, was announced. The Strategy focuses on promoting its vision of freedom, peace, and prosperity through the establishment of the following three principles: inclusivity, trust, and reciprocity. The key to the successful implementation of Korea’s Indo-Pacific Strategy is to strengthen comprehensive cooperation with neighboring countries that have shared values and establish an “inclusive approach” that does not exclude China based on the approach of mutually beneficial pragmatism. Recovery of “trust” is also essential for the improvement of relations with Japan. Management of risks arising from any United States-China conflicts is an unavoidable task for Korea. In this light, policy makers and the people of Korea need to understand that the participation in the United States-led Indo-Pacific Economic Cooperation Framework (IPEF) is not merely to take sides with the United States in the system of competition between the United States and China. While attempting to remove the legacy of ideological diplomacy under President Moon Jae-in’s administration, the current administration of Korea should not pursue another ideological diplomacy under the name of “value alliance.” The process of materializing abstract principles of Korea’s Indo-Pacific Strategy into concrete policies must be thoroughly rooted in good neighbor and practical diplomacy in the true sense.
Practicing Medicine on Shaky Grounds
Authors: Lentz Sarah
Published: October 2023

The aim of this article is to reveal for the first time a broader participation of craft surgeons from German-speaking Central Europe in the enslavement trade. Using the Dutch and Danish enslavement trades as examples, the patterns and structures behind the recruitment of such ship’s surgeons will be illuminated. That this activity also had repercussions for the German-speaking hinterland will be illustrated using the example of a Prussian surgeon who published a manual for aspiring medical personnel on practicing aboard slaving vessels, based on his own experiences. His case demonstrates that in Germany, too, some medical practices were first tested aboard slaving vessels and subsequently found their way into general medical discourse.
LSTM-Based Data Integration to Improve Snow Water Equivalent Prediction and Diagnose Error Sources
Authors: Song Yalan , Tsai Wen-Ping , Gluck Jonah , Rhoades Alan , Zarzycki Colin , McCrary Rachel , Lawson Kathryn , Shen Chaopeng
Published: October 2023

Accurate prediction of snow water equivalent (SWE) can be valuable for water resource managers. Recently, deep learning methods such as long short-term memory (LSTM) have exhibited high accuracy in simulating hydrologic variables and can integrate lagged observations to improve prediction, but their benefits were not clear for SWE simulations. Here we tested an LSTM network with data integration (DI) for SWE in the western United States to integrate 30-day-lagged or 7-day-lagged observations of either SWE or satellite-observed snow cover fraction (SCF) to improve future predictions. SCF proved beneficial only for shallow-snow sites during snowmelt, while lagged SWE integration significantly improved prediction accuracy for both shallow- and deep-snow sites. The median Nash–Sutcliffe model efficiency coefficient (NSE) in temporal testing improved from 0.92 to 0.97 with 30-day-lagged SWE integration, and root-mean-square error (RMSE) and the difference between estimated and observed peak SWE values dmax were reduced by 41% and 57%, respectively. DI effectively mitigated accumulated model and forcing errors that would otherwise be persistent. Moreover, by applying DI to different observations (30-day-lagged, 7-day-lagged), we revealed the spatial distribution of errors with different persistent lengths. For example, integrating 30-day-lagged SWE was ineffective for ephemeral snow sites in the southwestern United States, but significantly reduced monthly-scale biases for regions with stable seasonal snowpack such as high-elevation sites in California. These biases are likely attributable to large interannual variability in snowfall or site-specific snow redistribution patterns that can accumulate to impactful levels over time for nonephemeral sites. These results set up benchmark levels and provide guidance for future model improvement strategies.
Public transport as public space: Introduction
Authors: Tuvikene Tauri , Sgibnev Wladimir , Kȩbłowski Wojciech , Finch Jason
Published: October 2023

Introducing this special issue on public transport as public space, we discuss challenges in approaching public transport as public space and outline how incorporating approaches from different disciplines associated with urban studies is essential for this ambition. We offer an account of the multi-dimensional aspects of public transport as public space, including concepts of public space, questions of encounters and conviviality, linkages between micro- and macro-practices, regulations, discrepancies, conflicts and associated negative encounters, historicised experiences and political perspectives. We stress the need to expand existing perspectives on public space by embracing mobile spaces such as public transport. This entails scrutinising spaces inside public transport vehicles and stations as well as analysing the various ways across the sometimes physical and sometimes invisible barriers defined in written rules, separating public transport space from the remainder of the city’s public spaces, notably that of the street. Thus, the special issue: explores questions about the spatiality of publicness; attends to public space as a normative ideal; considers critical aspects of passengering as related to conviviality and contested encounters; and, addresses how the publicness of public transport is affected by modernisation, post-colonialism and urban politics. As we strongly feel that these questions require learning from across disciplines, the special issue includes contributions from diverse fields across the realm of urban studies and humanities alike.
Aligning an Editing and Revising Writing Strategy to Technology Supports for Students With Learning Disabilities
Authors: Goldman Samantha R. , Carreon Adam , Smith Sean J.
Published: October 2023

Editing and revising is a necessary, yet complex, stage of the writing process that is challenging for students with and without disabilities. One solution to improve overall writing outcomes is with strategy instruction, such as the Strategic Instruction Model for writing. More specifically, strategies such as the Error Monitoring Strategy, that support editing and revising. Additionally, with the increase in access to devices, and the continued development of tools that support writing, these strategies should be aligned to technologies to further support students with learning disabilities and other struggling writers. Simply providing teaching strategies to students and providing them with devices is not enough to improve writing outcomes. Rather, explicit instruction in the strategy and the tool, along with how to use them together, is necessary.The purpose of this article is to offer an example of how educators can combine effective writing strategy instruction with readily and easily available technology tools to support the needs of students who struggle with writing.
Transnasal cooling: New prospect of selective hypothermia in acute ischemic stroke
Authors: Chen Xi , Xu Shuaili , Li Ming , Wu Di , Ji Xunming
Published: October 2023

Rapid and selective therapeutic hypothermia is a promising neuroprotective method for acute ischemic stroke. A recent study developed a simple but efficient technique of transnasal cooling, in which air at ambient temperature was passed through standard nasal cannula to induce evaporative cooling of the brain. Selective brain temperature decrease was achieved within 25 minutes in piglets. It is a major step forward to initiate early brain cooling. However, it is still necessary to devise a more comprehensive strategy to enhance the benefits of selective brain cooling in the era of effective reperfusion.
Early oesophageal carcinoma with a defect of the oesophageal muscularis propria: a rare case report
Authors: Liu Zhaohui , Lin Runhua , Deng Jiwen , Li Kaixue , Sun Dayong , Wu Ruinuan
Published: October 2023

We herein report a rare case of early oesophageal cancer combined with an oesophageal muscularis propria defect discovered under endoscopic submucosal dissection. The surgeon did not damage the muscularis propria during endoscopic resection; however, we observed the mediastinal cavity as well as the later occurrence of subcutaneous emphysema. Consequently, the patient was considered to have a muscularis propria defect. This phenomenon has not been reported in the literature to date.