bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Influence of Path-Goal Theory of Leadership Styles and the Moderating Role of Task Structure in Leadership on Teachers’ Satisfaction, Motivation, and Performance
Authors: Pacia Denward R. , Guevarra Perla M.
Published: July 2023

This study investigated the influence of path-goal theory of leadership styles and the moderating role of task structure in leadership on teachers' satisfaction, motivation, and performance in the Division of San Pablo City public secondary schools. The research design adopted for this study was a descriptive-correlational study involving survey questionnaires administered to 579 junior high school teachers across 13 public secondary schools. Data analysis utilized mean, standard deviation, Pearson's correlation coefficient, and multiple regression analysis. Findings indicate that teachers perceived their school heads as demonstrating directive, supportive, participative, and achievement-oriented leadership styles. Task structure in leadership was generally perceived favorably. Teachers exhibited moderate job satisfaction, positive work motivation, and very satisfactory performance across various domains. Correlation analysis revealed significant positive relationships between path-goal theory of leadership styles, work motivation, and teachers' performance. However, no significant relationship was found between leadership styles, task structure in leadership, and job satisfaction. Task structure in leadership showed a weak negative correlation with job satisfaction and a moderate negative correlation with aspects of work motivation but no significant relationship with teachers' performance. Regression analysis demonstrated that path-goal theory of leadership styles directly influenced work motivation and teachers' performance, while job satisfaction had a strong baseline level independent of leadership styles. Task structure in leadership moderated the relationship between leadership styles, job satisfaction, and teachers' performance but did not moderate work motivation. This study contributes to understanding leadership practices that positively influence teachers' motivation and performance, offering implications for enhancing school leadership and improving educational quality.
The Capacity Assessment of Lower-Class Municipalities in Agriculture Services Towards Full Devolution
Authors: Laurio Nenette M. , Malto Erwin H.
Published: July 2023

In response to Mandanas Ruling, President Duterte signed Executive Order 138 which mandates the local government unit to formulate their Devolution Transition Plans (DTP) from FY2022 to FY2024. The DTP charted the capacity development agenda of every Local Government Unit and National Government Agency to prepare for full devolution in FY2024.

This study covers 11 municipalities in the province of Masbate that belonged to the 4th and 5th classes in terms of income. It aims to identify the capacity development agenda to create a baseline for the capacity development program of the lower-classes municipalities towards full devolution. Specifically, this study highlighted the current state of capacity, the desired state, the alignment of these capacity development agenda to DILG, and, finally, the priority capacity interventions in response to the full devolution of the Agriculture sector.

This study used qualitative and descriptive research approaches. An extensive document scrutinising of the Devolution Transition Plans was structured in each municipality. The study concede that lower-class municipalities have a low capacity to assume devolved services mandated in Section 17 of RA 7160 and other devolution laws in the sector of Agriculture and Extension Services. There are capacity gaps with the proposed specific capacity development agenda. The capacity development agenda were categorized into six (6) capacity pillars. These are the useful baseline in crafting the National Agencies’ Capacity Development Program.
An Impact of Distance Learning for Elementary School Students in SDN 11 Teluk Betung Pesisir Selatan
Authors: Juita Erna , Dasrizal Dasrizal , Suryadi Suryadi , Nita Rahma Wira , Sandra Heru Kartika
Published: July 2023

This study aims to determine how the impact of distance learning experienced by teachers and students during the COVID-19 pandemic. This study uses qualitative research methods, where in collecting information data with interview techniques, in order to find data on relevant matters. The subjects of this study were students of SDN 11 Teluk Betung Pesisir Selatan. The results showed that the distance learning process did not run optimally and there were several obstacles for teachers and students in distance learning.
Rising Amidst Turbulence: A Phenomenological Exploration of Online Sellers’ Lived Experiences During the COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors: Argabioso Nierene M. , Orencia Abrian Joy B.
Published: July 2023

Environmental turbulence manifested by uncertainties and complexities has been extensively studied recently, especially that the 21st century is marked by significant phenomena like the shift to Digitalization and the COVID-19 Pandemic. With the rapid growth of e-commerce in the Philippines, increasing interest in research about it is also observed, but only few studies focused on online sellers. Being part of the MSMEs, which comprises 99.17% of the industry, it is now high time to explore the lived experiences of online sellers during the COVID 19 Pandemic. An interpretative phenomenological analysis based on hermeneutics was used to make sense of the responses of six participants from the Greater Metro Manila Area, gathered from semi- structured interviews based on Moustakas’ data gathering and analysis methods. There were eleven themes collected, and from these themes the textural and structural description were synthesized through the universal structure. Reciprocity of exchange was mainly the reason in establishing their online businesses while personal challenges were mostly what have been experienced. On how they experienced the phenomenon, most responses manifested new strategies of resilience, and how they see the future of their business is focused more on their envisioned future.
Examining the Teaching Competencies and their relation to the Mathematics Performance of Primary School Students
Authors: Libiado Flordeliza D , Canuto Peter Paul L
Published: July 2023

The teachers' role is to influence, engage, commit, and support the students toward a positive outlook of Mathematics as a discipline. This suggests that students' understanding, acknowledgment, and achievement in the discipline primarily depend on the teachers. Considering teachers' role and students' achievement, the study aims to determine the teaching competencies affecting teachers' performances and their association with the students' mathematics performance. The study utilized a survey questionnaire, and the obtained data were analyzed using descriptive and inferential analysis. The respondents involved 51 primary school teachers from Grades 4-6 in Tinoc District, Tinoc, Ifugao, Philippines. Results shows that the teachers always observed the teaching competencies in their Mathematics teaching. Conclusively, assessment of learning is the most observed competency, followed by personality traits, teaching pedagogy, and instructional material (IMs) utilization. Results also shows no significant difference in the teaching competencies based on demographic factors. Moreover, results indicates a lower average (45.80%) Mathematics performance of the primary school students. Consequently, further analysis reveals a non-association between the teaching competencies and the students' mathematics performance. These results infer that the students' mathematical ability is at the beginning level, and mathematical concepts are not fully grasped. It also indicates that teachers are not able to affect the students' performances regardless of always observing the competencies. Nonetheless, a firm view of the teacher’s ability to impact the students' understanding and achievement in mathematics is still sustained.
A Formative Evaluation of The Implementation of The K to 12 English Program of Public Elementary Schools
Authors: Ramos Andy B. , Ulep Johnrell P.
Published: July 2023

The scope of the K–12 program's implementation of the Language Arts and Multiliteracies Curriculum was investigated by means of the curriculum's design, content, techniques, and approaches, as well as its resources and facilities for learning and evaluation. Quantitative and qualitative research designs were used in the study. Twenty (20) teachers and administrators, along with 226 elementary school pupils, participated in the data collection. The results showed that the English program for grades 6 through 12 was widely implemented. Learning facilities and resources were noted as a major issue. The issues with teachers' and students' readiness and preparation were of a relatively significant nature. As a result, the issues in the remaining areas, such as those with teaching strategies and techniques and curriculum enhancement, were a little more significant. The degree of implementation and achievement level have been proven to be significantly correlated. Therefore, even though the overall mean score indicated a passing rate, the lack of resources and facilities contributed in some measure to the achievement test result showing a sizable portion of students did not fulfill the norm. The Department of Education should therefore give immediate attention to resources and facilities since they are the most pressing issue affecting how the curriculum is implemented.
Transformative learning in the online classroom: A marketing educator’s autoethnographic account
Authors: Vergara Raymond Allan G.
Published: July 2023

This autoethnographic account is a critical reflection on my experience teaching online classes during the pandemic. It is a narrative of my transformation through the 28 months of teaching events marketing courses through the online distance learning modality. I learned that as a marketing educator, my role is to help students develop positive perspectives, attitudes, and behaviors about learning by providing the conditions conducive for a meaningful learning experience. However, as an educator, a student’s learning experience is not my sole responsibility because the learning experience is co-created with the student. My role is an educator is to provide them with opportunities, tools, and knowledge to help them make the most out of their learning experience.
Extent of Disaster Management Program Implementation and Prepared-ness Level in Selected Public Secondary Schools in Zambales, Philippines
Authors: Viado Alexander C. , Department Jo A. Espiritu
Published: July 2023

The research aimed to assess the implementation of various components of disaster management programs including Vulnerability Assessment, Planning and Preparedness, Institutional Framework and Coordination, Resource Management and Allocation, Early Warning Systems, Response Mechanisms and Emergency Operations, Public Education and Training Disaster Drills and Exercises. Additionally, the study aimed to determine the level of disaster preparedness among school personnel and students, identify any significant differences in program implementation among schools, and explore the relationship between program implementation and disaster preparedness. The data collection involved surveys, questionnaires, and interviews with school principals, teachers, and learners during the third quarter of the 2016-2017 school year. The sample consisted of six schools, and the gathered data were analyzed using appropriate statistical tools.The findings indicated that most of the disaster management activities were implemented in the schools within Zone IV, contributing to an effective implementation of the programs. Teachers were moderately prepared in planning and warning system activities but showed preparedness in other areas such as vulnerability assessment, planning and preparedness, institutional framework and coordination, resource management and allocation, early warning systems, response mechanisms and emergency operations, public education and training disaster drills and exercises.  Similarly, students displayed moderate preparedness in warning system activities and preparedness in other aspects. Overall, the students in Zone IV were considered prepared for potential disasters in their community and school.
Attitudes Towards Philippine English: The Case of ESL Teachers in Selected Provinces in Central Luzon, Philippines
Authors: Babanto Marty G. , Babanto Merlito D. , Bante Maribeth A. , Camua Rhea D. , De Leon Mary Anne S. , Guinto Gerald G. , Macalino Marvin S. , Mangulabnan Gerly O. , Mercado Mary Flor A. , Natividad Roberto R. , Fabian-Perona Edlynne , Santos Paulo Joseph P. , Torres Mark Lan B. , Anicas Roel P.
Published: July 2023

Language attitudes refer to individuals' views, judgments, and emotions regarding a language or linguistic variety. These attitudes are shaped by various factors such as cultural, social, historical, and political contexts. In the case of Philippine English, attitudes regarding this linguistic variant have shifted, reflecting evolving views and ideals within Philippine culture. Thus, the study aimed to provide insights into the social, cultural, and linguistic factors that shape attitudes towards Philippine English and contribute to a better understanding of language attitudes in multilingual societies. Both quantitative and qualitative methods were employed in the study, specifically the concurrent triangulation or convergent parallel design. The researchers used convenience sampling to identify 40 ESL teachers in selected provinces in Central Luzon, Philippines. The research instrument that the proponents utilized for this study is the survey questionnaire, and the data were analyzed through descriptive statistics and thematic analysis. Based on the quantitative findings, the data revealed that most ESL teachers strongly agree with the acceptance and utility of Philippine English in ESL instruction. Furthermore, the qualitative data presented that Philippine English promotes cultural understanding, student engagement, language empowerment, and a sense of belonging. It also enhances language skills, promotes cultural relevance and understanding, boosts communication and confidence, facilitates real-life application, and contributes to the professional growth of teachers. Finally, incorporating Philippine English in ESL instruction contributes to a more inclusive, engaging, and effective language learning experience for students. The researchers recommended offering professional development opportunities for ESL teachers, addressing the concerns of teachers who express disagreement and doubt regarding the utility of Philippine English, supporting teachers in adapting their teaching methods to effectively incorporate Philippine English, and encouraging ongoing professional growth and development among teachers in the field of Philippine English for ESL education.
Filipino-Based Learning Activity Sheets (LAS): Impacts on Grade 10 Students' Conceptual Understanding of Plate Boundaries and Earthquake
Authors: Cajurao Erdee C , Cajurao Irene P. , Romero Junan N. , Bolivar Janna T. , Merida4 Mona Cris E.
Published: July 2023

This study aimed to examine the impacts of Filipino-based Learning Activity Sheets (LAS) on Grade 10 students' conceptual understanding of plate boundaries and earthquakes in science under the modular distance learning modality. Using a pre-experimental one-group pretest-posttest design, 30 students from Tomas V. Rivera National High School in Cawayan, Masbate were randomly selected to participate in the study. The results showed a significant improvement in students' conceptual understanding of plate boundaries and earthquakes, with a positive mean gain of 6.8 and 7.1, respectively, from the pretest to the posttest scores. Specifically, the students' level of conceptual understanding improved from 23.7% to 96.8%, with a 97% correct response rate on the posttest results. Moreover, paired sample t-test analysis revealed that the posttest scores of the students were significantly higher than their pretest scores at the 5% level of significance. These findings suggest that Filipino-based LAS significantly enhances students' conceptual understanding and mastery of concepts related to plate boundaries and earthquakes in Grade 10 Science under modular distance learning mode.
Profitability of Robusta Coffee (Coffea canephora L.) at farm level in Quirino, Philippines
Authors: Martinez Juniora Blessie Ann N.
Published: July 2023

This research study was conducted to determine the profitability of the robusta coffee at farm level from the crop year 2015-2017 in Quirino province, the top two coffee-producing in Cagayan Valley. It specifically aimed to: describe the production and financial management practices of the coffee farmers, analyze the profitability of coffee crop production, identify gaps/constraints encountered by the farmers, and determine innovative solutions to enhance the coffee industry. Three producing municipalities namely, Aglipay, Diffun, and Maddela were selected purposively for the study. Primary data were collected from the coffee farmers and key informants. Secondary data were also obtained from various government and private agencies. The study used a descriptive research method with a structured survey questionnaire as the primary research tool. The study revealed that the average net profit margin in the farmer’s level from the crop year 2015-2017 was 63.21% which was lower than the industry standard. The problems and constraints identified were: the high cost of farm inputs, climate change, inadequate post-harvest facilities, and limited transportation facilities. This resulted in loss of crops, limited access to the market, and high transportation costs. The study recommends that the support and assistance from the local government and national agencies such as capacity building, technology transfer, and shared service facilities will help improve the profitability of coffee.
The Level of the English Proficiency Affecting the Academic Performance of the Freshmen College Students at Gordon College, Olongapo City
Authors: Panado Ana Lee M.
Published: July 2023

The objective of the study is to determine  the level of proficiency in the four English  language skills of freshmen students of selected courses at Gordon College and established its relationship to academic performance. The design used was descriptive method with the questionnaire as the main instrument in gathering the data. The researcher devised new research questionnaire that would suit to present study. The researcher made a 50-item English Proficiency Test which covered the four language skills in English which are reading, listening, writing, and grammar. It was concluded that:  1. Typical freshman student-respondent is a female, 17 years old, whose parent is college graduate or a college undergraduate, enrolled as BSHRM, BCSC/IT or BSBA and products of private or public high schools.  2. The level of performance of a student-respondent in reading is excellent (10.27), in listening (8.33) and writing (8.1) above average   and in grammar (7.69) average.  3. The academic performance in English is above average.  4. There is significant difference in the level of proficiency of student-respondents in the four (4) language skills.  5. There is significant difference in the level of proficiency in the four (4) language skills when respondents are grouped according to age, course, parent’s highest educational attainment and type of high school graduate from but no significant difference when grouped according to sex. 6. There is significant relationship between the level of performance in the four (4) language skills and academic performance in English subjects of the student-respondents.
The Collaborative-Individual Learning in Improving the Critical Thinking Skills of Secondary Students in the Philippines
Authors: Viado Ana Laigue , Department Jo A. Espiritu
Published: July 2023

Critical thinking is at the forefront of learning, it builds self-empowerment and confidence. The study aimed to evaluate the influence of collaborative-individual learning on the critical thinking abilities of secondary students in the Philippines. The research sought to answer several questions, including the initial level of critical thinking skills, how the collaborative-individual learning approach was implemented, the level of critical thinking skills after the intervention, whether there was a significant difference before and after the intervention, and which group of students benefited the most from the approach. The study involved 215 Grade 10 students and utilized a single subject experimental design. Pre-tests and post-tests were conducted, and statistical tools such as item analysis, frequency distribution, mean difference, standard deviation, and t-tests were employed. The findings indicated that the students' critical thinking skills improved significantly after the application of collaborative-individual learning. School C demonstrated the highest level of interest and implementation. Based on the results, the study recommends incorporating collaborative-individual learning in teaching Economics and other subjects to enhance students' critical thinking skills. School administrators are encouraged to promote the use of this strategy.
Ectoparasitic Effects of Citronella Grass (Cymbopogon nardus) and Lemongrass (Cymbopogon citratus) Shampoo Against Mites (Dermanyssus gallinae) of Native Chickens (Gallus gallus domesticus)
Authors: Antonio Lindy Joy , Estudillo Sinamar E.
Published: July 2023

This study was conducted to produce an herbal shampoo using the extracts of citronella grass, lemongrass, and mixed of both grasses. It was conducted to find out which among the produced herbal shampoos was the effective against red mites of native chicken and their time observed to kill mites. In addition, it was conducted to determine the cost analysis of using the different grasses as a shampoo. Sixty laying native chickens naturally infested with mites were used in the study the chickens were grouped randomly and distributed to five (5) treatments. Herbal shampoos were prepared before bathing the native chickens; the bathing process was begun and lasted for four (4) weeks with seven (7) days interval. Over all the positive control or the commercial shampoo Wash Out Intense® was the most effective among all other treatments with 92.83% efficacy. The notable efficacy of the commercial shampoo was followed by the herbal shampoo produced which was the citronella shampoo then the lemonella shampoo followed by lemongrass shampoo, with 76.14%, 71.14%, and 68.80% efficacy respectively. The treatment that shows the lowest observed time to kill mites was the positive control (Wash Out Intense®) which consist the effective components to kill mites, it was then followed by T3 the citronella shampoo, T5 the lemonella shampoo and lasty T4 the lemongrass shampoo. Lastly the cost analysis of making shampoo using citronella, lemongrass and mixed of both grasses’ extracts revealed that were less economical than the commercial shampoo available.
Comparative Outcomes of a Transthyretin Amyloid Cardiomyopathy Cohort Versus Patients With Heart Failure With Preserved Ejection Fraction Enrolled in the TOPCAT Trial
Authors: Kim Morris M. , Prasad Mark , Burton Yunwoo , Kolseth Clinton M. , Zhao Yuanzi , Chandrashekar Pranav , Nazer Babak , Masri Ahmad
Published: July 2023

Background

Transthyretin cardiac amyloidosis (ATTR‐CM), found in 6% to 15% of cohorts with heart failure with preserved ejection fraction, has long been considered a rare disease with poor prognosis. New treatments have made it one of the few directly treatable causes of heart failure. This study sought to determine whether patients with ATTR‐CM, particularly those treated with tafamidis, have comparable survival to an unselected cohort with heart failure with preserved ejection fraction.

Methods and Results

We compared the clinical characteristics and outcomes between a single‐center cohort of patients with ATTR‐CM (n=114) and patients with heart failure with preserved ejection fraction enrolled in the TOPCAT (Treatment of Preserved Cardiac Function Heart Failure With an Aldosterone Antagonist) trial (n=1761, excluding Russia and Georgia). The primary outcome was a composite of all‐cause death, heart failure hospitalization, myocardial infarction, and stroke. Subgroup analysis of patients with ATTR‐CM treated with tafamidis was also performed. Patients with ATTR‐CM had higher rates of the primary composite outcome compared with patients enrolled in the TOPCAT trial (hazard ratio [HR], 1.44 [95% CI, 1.09–1.91];
P
=0.01), with similar rates of all‐cause death (HR, 1.43 [95% CI, 0.99–2.06];
P
=0.06) but higher rates of heart failure hospitalizations (HR, 1.62 [95% CI, 1.15–2.28];
P
<0.01). Compared with patients enrolled in TOPCAT, patients with ATTR‐CM treated with tafamidis had similar rates of the primary composite outcome (HR, 1.30 [95% CI, 0.86–1.96];
P
=0.21) and all‐cause death (HR, 1.10 [95% CI, 0.57–2.14];
P
=0.78) but higher rates of heart failure hospitalizations (HR, 1.96 [95% CI, 1.27–3.02];
P
<0.01).

Conclusions

Patients with ATTR‐CM treated with tafamidis have similar rates of all‐cause death compared with patients with heart failure with preserved ejection fraction, with higher rates of heart failure hospitalizations.
Exploring Trade-Offs in Spiking Neural Networks
Authors: Bacho Florian , Chu Dominique
Published: July 2023

Spiking neural networks (SNNs) have emerged as a promising alternative to traditional deep neural networks for low-power computing. However, the effectiveness of SNNs is not solely determined by their performance but also by their energy consumption, prediction speed, and robustness to noise. The recent method Fast & Deep, along with others, achieves fast and energy-efficient computation by constraining neurons to fire at most once. Known as time-to-first-spike (TTFS), this constraint, however, restricts the capabilities of SNNs in many aspects. In this work, we explore the relationships of performance, energy consumption, speed, and stability when using this constraint. More precisely, we highlight the existence of trade-offs where performance and robustness are gained at the cost of sparsity and prediction latency. To improve these trade-offs, we propose a relaxed version of Fast & Deep that allows for multiple spikes per neuron. Our experiments show that relaxing the spike constraint provides higher performance while also benefiting from faster convergence, similar sparsity, comparable prediction latency, and better robustness to noise compared to TTFS SNNs. By highlighting the limitations of TTFS and demonstrating the advantages of unconstrained SNNs, we provide valuable insight for the development of effective learning strategies for neuromorphic computing.
Physical Time as Human Time
Authors: Kastner Ruth E.
Published: July 2023

I dissent from the standard assertion of a “Two-Times Problem,” in which physical time is taken as being at odds with the human sense of a “flow of time.” I provide a brief overview of the case to be made for the contrary view: namely, that physical theory is indeed consistent with a genuine temporal dynamism that takes into account the quantum level in connection with spacetime emergence, the latter being supervenient on specific quantum processes.
Taxonomy of three new Neidium Pfitzer species of the Arapiuns and Tapajós Rivers Basin (Santarém, Pará, Brazil)
Authors: PEREIRA ANDREIA CAVALCANTE , ALVES JANNAH THALIS DA SILVA , VIDAL REGIANE GABRIELE ROCHA , KOCIOLEK JOHN PATRICK , TORGAN LEZILDA CARVALHO , MELO SÉRGIO
Published: July 2023

During our investigations on the taxonomy of diatoms of clear water habitats in the western Pará region, we found three interesting, previously undocumented Neidium species. This study was based on samples taken from different habitats (plankton and sediment) in the Arapiuns and Tapajós Rivers, as well as three lakes. Based on light and scanning electron microscope observations, three new Neidium are distinguished from one another and their congeners by differences in valve outline, stria density, striation pattern, number and position of longitudinal canals and external proximal raphe endings. Furthermore, we provide formal descriptions of these new species and compare them with others similar species. We also discuss variation in several features of taxa currently assigned to the genus Neidium.
Pleione xiushanensis (Orchidaceae), a new species from Mt. Wulingshan Region, China
Authors: QIN QI , YANG YUBING , LV XINYUN , ZUO YOUWEI , XIA CHANGYING , DENG HONGPING
Published: July 2023

Pleione xiushanensis, a new orchid plant from the Mt. Wulingshan Region of China, is illustrated and described based on morphological comparisons and phylogenetic analyses. The species is similar to P. bulbocodioides and P. pleionoides but differs from the former in that its lip lacks central lamellae and from the latter in that its lip exhibits fuchsia punctata. Additionally, the lip of P. bulbocodioides and P. pleionoides has 2 or 4 denticulate lamellae, but the lip of the new species has 2 internal integer lamellae and 2 external denticulate lamellae. Our phylogenomic evidence based on the nrITS sequence resolved P. xiushanensis as sister to P. jinhuana. P. jinhuana has 2 denticulate lamellae and shows margin erosion at the apical edge of the lip, but P. xiushanensis has 4 denticulate lamellae and shows no margin erosion of the lip.
Description of Antaeola rhinosa sp. nov. (Lepidoptera: Tortricidae: Olethreutinae) from Thailand
Authors: MUADSUB SOPITA , PINKAEW NANTASAK
Published: July 2023

The genus Antaeola has remained monotypic since its description by Diakonoff in 1973. A new species, Antaeola rhinosa sp. nov., is described and illustrated from Thailand. The new species can be distinguished from A. antaea (Meyrick) by facies and features of the male and female genitalia.
Long-Term Trends and Interannual Variability of Southwesterly Flows around Southern Taiwan during 44 Mei-Yu Seasons
Authors: Chiu Yen-Chao , Chien Fang-Ching
Published: July 2023

This study investigates the characteristics and long-term trends of southwesterly flows around southern Taiwan (SWs) during mei-yu seasons (15 May–15 June) from 1979 to 2022. The results show that the number of SWs in general exhibited an increasing trend over this 44-yr period, with a decadal oscillation starting from a relatively small number in the 1980s and reaching a relative peak in the 2000s. This tendency posts a potential threat to Taiwan because of the increasing trend of heavy rainfall associated with the higher moisture flux of the SWs events. The SWs activity was influenced by the long-term increasing trend of geopotential height gradients and their decadal variability near Taiwan. When the intraseasonal oscillation was evident, the weather system mainly affecting the occurrence of SWs was the low pressure system to the north of Taiwan; when it was weak, the intensity and location of the western North Pacific subtropical high to the south of Taiwan was relatively more important. In addition, the SWs index, which was highly correlated with the precipitation during mei-yu seasons, can effectively reflect the interannual variability of precipitation in Taiwan in periods of different lengths. These findings indicate that the SWs index can be used as a monsoonal precipitation index for Taiwan, especially southern Taiwan.
Phrasal Synchronization of Gesture With Prosody and Information Structure
Authors: Türk Olcay , Calhoun Sasha
Published: July 2023

This study investigates the synchronization of manual gestures with prosody and information structure using Turkish natural speech data. Prosody has long been linked to gesture as a key driver of gesture–speech synchronization. Gesture has a hierarchical phrasal structure similar to prosody. At the lowest level, gesture has been shown to be synchronized with prosody (e.g., apexes and pitch accents). However, less is known about higher levels. Even less is known about timing relationships with information structure, though this is signaled by prosody and linked to gesture. The present study analyzed phrase synchronization in 3 hr of narrations in Turkish annotated for gesture, prosody, and information structure—topics and foci. The analysis of 515 gesture phrases showed that there was no one-to-one synchronization with intermediate phrases, but their onsets and offsets were synchronized. Moreover, information structural units, topics, and foci were closely synchronized with gesture phrase medial stroke + post-hold combinations (i.e., apical areas). In addition, iconic and metaphoric gestures were more likely to be paired with foci, and deictics with topics. Overall, the results confirm synchronization of gesture and prosody at the phrasal level and provide evidence that gesture shows a direct sensitivity to information structure. These show that speech and gesture production are more connected than assumed in existing production models.
The ‘Little Ice Age’ advance of Nigardsbreen, Norway: A cross-disciplinary revision of the chronological framework
Authors: Gjerde Marthe , Hoel Oddmund Løkensgard , Nesje Atle
Published: July 2023

This study presents a cross-disciplinary revision of the Little Ice Age (LIA) advance of Nigardsbreen glacier, an outlet from Jostedalsbreen ice cap in western Norway. The associated glacier foreland is characterised by a well-preserved moraine series succeeding the 1748 CE LIA culmination, and a robust age control of individual moraines exists from abundant historical written and pictorial information as well as extensive lichenometric studies. The retreat dynamics of Nigardsbreen ever since the LIA maximum extent was attained is considered well-known. The timing of initiation of the LIA advance and dynamics of the glacier growth prior to reaching its maximum extent, however, is less understood as any moraines predating 1748 CE have been subsequently overridden. Potential archives available for exploring the glacier advance are therefore mostly confined to historical data such as for example, tax records, paintings, and church books, which has resulted in a present-day consensus of the LIA onset of Nigardsbreen c. 1710 CE. However, we show that a lack of adequate critical analysis on the accuracy of published historical data has allowed erroneous ages of glacier terminus positions to manifest in literature, resulting in for example, overestimated glacial advance rates. Here, we combine a novel data set of local tax load directly reflecting glacial impact on farming productivity with a cross-disciplinary assessment of published historical data, including rejection of several data points of former glacier extents. As a result, we present a revised glacier length curve for the LIA advance of Nigardsbreen towards its maximum extent.
Multiple imputation approaches for epoch-level accelerometer data in trials
Authors: Tackney Mia S , Williamson Elizabeth , Cook Derek G , Limb Elizabeth , Harris Tess , Carpenter James
Published: July 2023

Clinical trials that investigate physical activity interventions often use accelerometers to measure step count at a very granular level, for example in 5-second epochs. Participants typically wear the accelerometer for a week-long period at baseline, and for one or more week-long follow-up periods after the intervention. The data is aggregated to provide daily or weekly step counts for the primary analysis. Missing data are common as participants may not wear the device as per protocol. Approaches to handling missing data in the literature have defined missingness on the day level using a threshold on daily weartime, which leads to loss of information on the time of day when data are missing. We propose an approach to identifying and classifying missingness at the finer epoch-level and present two approaches to handling missingness using multiple imputation. Firstly, we present a parametric approach which accounts for the number of missing epochs per day. Secondly, we describe a non-parametric approach where missing periods during the day are replaced by donor data from the same person where possible, or data from a different person who is matched on demographic and physical activity-related variables. Our simulation studies show that the non-parametric approach leads to estimates of the effect of treatment that are least biased while maintaining small standard errors. We illustrate the application of these different multiple imputation strategies to the analysis of the 2017 PACE-UP trial. The proposed framework is likely to be applicable to other digital health outcomes and to other wearable devices.
Does Narcissism Influence Entrepreneurial Intentions? A Theory of Planned Behaviour Perspective
Authors: Yadav Rahul , Batra Safal
Published: July 2023

Recent research on entrepreneurship has established that individuals with certain personality traits are more likely to take up entrepreneurial careers as compared to others. However, it is still unclear whether and how the dark side of individuals’ personality impacts entrepreneurial career intentions. Accordingly, this study, building on the theory of planned behaviour, seeks to explore the mechanisms through which narcissism—a dark personality trait—impacts entrepreneurial intention. The authors contend that narcissism shapes the individual’s attitude and worldview of the prevailing subjective norms, which collectively translate into evaluating entrepreneurship as a favourable career choice. This study empirically validates the hypotheses using a sample of 220 postgraduate students in an Indian business school. The findings offer crucial implications for individuals trying to make career choices; and demonstrate that it would be helpful for individuals to explore the dark side of their personality before arriving at an appropriate career choice.
Expanding Law- and Policy-Relevant Discourse Within Special Education Research
Authors: Strassfeld Natasha M. , Brady Kevin , Dieterich Cynthia
Published: July 2023

The field of special education stems from the efforts of parents, adults and children with disabilities, invested policymakers, and other civil rights advocates within legal and policy forums. Yet, over time, as intervention- and scientific-based research within special education were moved to the forefront, the focus on how special education practices are shaped by law and policy were siloed within academic discourse in special education journals. To better understand the use of legal and policy analysis as a methodology within special education journals, the authors systematically analyzed the submission criteria for the top-10 U.S. -based special education journals. Stemming from these findings, this article argues why it may be necessary to consider expanding the field of special education research to include more peer-reviewed academic journals with a predominant focus on special education and disability law and policy, as an understanding of how law and policy shape the academic and personal lives of students with disabilities and their families remains pertinent. Finally, the article offers a framework for creating new academic journals in this space that may offer opportunities to generate dialogue between academics, practitioners, and policymakers across an interdisciplinary discourse.
‘My cousin said to me . . .’ Patients’ use of third-party references to facilitate shared decision-making during naturally occurring primary care consultations
Authors: Lian Olaug S , Nettleton Sarah , Grange Huw , Dowrick Christopher
Published: July 2023

In this paper, we explore the ways in which patients invoke third parties to gain decision-making influence in clinical consultations. The patients’ role in decision-making processes is often overlooked, and this interactional practice has rarely been systematically studied. Through a contextual narrative exploration of 42 naturally occurring consultations between patients (aged 22–84) and general practitioners (GPs) in England, we seek to fill this gap. By exploring how and why patients invoke third parties during discussions about medical treatments, who they refer to, what kind of knowledge their referents possess, and how GPs respond, our main aim is to capture the functions and implications of this interactional practice in relation to decision-making processes. Patients refer to third parties during decision-making processes in most of the consultations, usually to argue for and against certain treatment options, and the GPs recognise these utterances as pro-and-contra arguments. This enables patients to counter the GPs’ professional knowledge through various knowledge-sources and encourage the GPs to target their specific concerns. By attributing arguments to third parties, patients claim decision-making influence without threatening the GPs’ authority and expertise, which their disadvantaged epistemic position demands. Thereby, patients become able to negotiate their role and their epistemic position, to influence the agenda-setting, and to take part in the decision-making process, without being directly confrontational. Invoking third parties is a non-confrontational way of proposing and opposing treatment options that might facilitate successful patient participation in decision-making processes, and so limit the risk of patients being wronged in their capacity as knowers.
Home Literacy Practices for Young Children With Cochlear Implants
Authors: Campbell Erin E. , Bervinchak Deborah , DesJardin Jean , Ceh Kristin , Lehnert Kathleen , Grammer Deborah , Francis Howard W.
Published: July 2023

This study investigated relationships among home reading practices, shared book reading (SBR) behaviors, and child literacy outcomes in young children with cochlear implants in Baltimore, Maryland. Parents ( N=18) completed a home reading questionnaire and recorded themselves reading books with their children at home. Shared book reading sessions were coded for interactive reading behaviors. Children’s early language skills and literacy skills were also assessed. We explored variability in these behaviors with regard to demographic characteristics and type of book; these exploratory analyses revealed that parents used more literacy teaching techniques when reading the wordless picture book and that parent interaction and engagement and literacy teaching techniques were more frequent with younger children than with older children. While many families frequently used interactive reading behaviors, our analysis did not find significant relationships between the parent behaviors and children’s literacy scores. However, there was an interaction between the amount of reading and cochlear implant experience such that more cochlear implant experience was associated with better reading outcomes only for the group of children who received more reading time. In a sample of young children with cochlear implants, reading time, cochlear implant experience, and child language skills were better predictors of reading outcomes than parents’ frequency of SBR behaviors alone.
Imagining aesthetic leadership
Authors: Duhamel François , Niess Alexander , De Geuser Fabien
Published: July 2023

The study of aesthetic leadership has recently gained importance in the organizational literature, wherein some authors focused on the perception and manipulation of “beautiful” artifacts and others focused on relational processes, “dwelling in the senses” (Ropo et al., 2017). In contrast to those views, we argue that aesthetic leadership highlights the role of imagination, beyond artifacts and sense perceptions. To give due consideration to imagination in aesthetic leadership, we show how Kant and Arendt’s philosophies can be transposed to organizational studies to formulate three roles for imagination in leadership: 1. Achieve representative thinking in leadership processes; 2. Allow leadership to create social commitment to put those representations into action; and 3. Sustain a capacity of projective agency as the capacity of inventing alternative but feasible futures.
Perceptions of leaders toward inclusion of children with neurodevelopmental disorders in spiritual formation programs: A case of Christ Is The Answer Ministries in Kenya
Authors: Baraza Phidel A. , Bellon Emmanuel
Published: July 2023

A well-informed perception of leaders is critical in how members of worship congregations experience spiritual formation. This study focuses on six selected worship congregations of Kenya’s Christ Is The Answer Ministries (CITAM). The Straussian grounded-theory design was employed to analyze interviews and focus group discussions. The findings indicated that inclusive spiritual formation for children with neurodevelopmental disorders (NDDs) in worship congregations is nonexistent due to leaders’ perceptions regarding NDDs. The study recommends training worship congregational leaders to address the spiritual formation needs of children with NDDs.
Simulation of urban non-motorized traffic: A agent-based modeling approach based on big data of bike sharing and social force model
Authors: Huang Wenke , Guo Yuanyuan , Guo Cong , Tang Fengliang , Zhao Yingping , Xia Zihui , Zhang Runhao
Published: July 2023

Encouraging cycling, one of the urban non-motorized transport modes, has been well recognized as an environment-friendly way that alleviates urban traffic congestions and solves the first/last mile issue. However, concerns about the efficiency and safety of urban cycling have been widely made by urban planners due to the unclear right-of-way and discontinuous non-motorized corridor for cycling. This study uses the dynamic location data of the Meituan Bike (formerly Mobike) in the Hi-tech Park area of Shenzhen to analyze the spatial-temporal variations of bikeshare use, aiming at identifying the traffic corridors of cycling. Combined with agent-based modeling technique and social force model, this research proposes a new approach of simulating the urban non-motorized traffic, and hence provides valuable insights for building bicycle lanes for cycling corridors. The results show that (1) the usage of bike sharing during weekdays is 2.5 times that on weekdays, and the cycling corridors are usually the main and secondary roads that are in the vicinity of the metro stations; (2) adding bicycle lanes can reduce the traffic density of the non-motorized volume by 6% in an overall, and save the travel time of cyclists and pedestrians by 6.4% and 3.7%, respectively.