bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Appraising Traditional and Purpose-built Person Fit Statistics’ Power to Detect Cheating
Authors: Student Sanford
Published: June 2023

Person-fit statistics (PFSs) have been suggested as a tool to detect cheating in large-scale testing, and this study investigates their potential for this application. Most PFSs are equally sensitive to scores that appear spuriously high or spuriously low. Xia & Zheng introduced four PFSs that are meant to be more sensitive to spuriously high scores and therefore may be more appropriate for detecting cheating. Comparing the power of these weighted PFSs against the power of traditional PFSs to detect cheating shows that there is no single best statistic in all or most scenarios, and in most scenarios, most examinees flagged as cheating by person fit analysis did not cheat. Implications for operational use of PFSs to detect cheating are discussed.
中小学英语学术词汇标准参照测验的开发及验证
Authors: August Diane , Artzi Lauren , Carlson Coleen , Francis David
Published: June 2023

本研究开发了一项英语学术词汇测验 (the Test of Academic Vocabulary in English, TAVE)，并报告了TAVE的设计和验证过程。该测验旨在衡量学生对学术词汇的掌握情况，不同年级题本之间进行了垂直等值，而且评定结果可以统一到同一个发展性的量尺 (a developmental scale) 之上。此外，测验分数可以向一个有意义的语料库 (a meaningful corpus) 中推广。本研究以先前的试点工作为基础，所用样本包含2,238名来自西南某大城市的3到8年级学生，当中既有英语学习者 (English learner, EL)，也有非英语学习者，并阐述了语料库与测验的开发思路及过程。结果表明，TAVE测验呈现单维结构且具有很高的信度和关联效度，测验也能很好地区分低年级之间学生的词汇掌握能力。本文研究意义在于提出了一种发展性的度量方法 (a developmental metric)，使得学生的测验分数可以推广到一个有意义的语料库中——该语料库涵盖了学术文本中的常见词汇，而且能获得学生对语料库各单词的掌握概率。本文实践意义在于提供了一个不同年级分数可比的测验工具，并能用它来追踪学生短期或长期上词汇量的变动。
Examining the Impact of Students' Familiarity with Information and Communications Technology on Education Equity Using Data from Students in Four Provinces and Cities in China
Authors: CHEUNG Kwok-cheung , Sit Pou-seong
Published: June 2023

Using mediation analyses, this study analyzes PISA 2015 scientific literacy computerized assessment data collected from students in Beijing, Shanghai, Jiangsu, and Guangdong, and examines the relationship between students' familiarity with information and communications technology and educational equity. The study also offers recommendations based on the results while providing empirical support for reducing digital educational inequities as well as differences in academic literacy performance between students of different socioeconomic and cultural statuses.
Designing and Validating a Criterion-Referenced Assessment of High Utility Academic Vocabulary in English for Elementary and Middle School Students
Authors: August Diane , Artzi Lauren , Carlson Coleen , Francis David
Published: June 2023

This study reports on the design and validation of a vertically equated assessment of academic vocabulary that generalizes to a meaningful corpus of words and is measured on a developmental scale: the Test of Academic Vocabulary in English (TAVE). The study builds on previous pilot work and uses a larger sample of students who are English learners (ELs) and non-EL students in grades 3 to 8 (n= 2,238) from a large urban Southwestern region, and describes the rationale and process of corpus and assessment development. A review of the findings from the study found the academic vocabulary construct to be unidimensional and to have both strong reliability and criterion validity. The TAVE was also able to discriminate performance by grade level in lower grades. For research, this study identifies a developmental metric where student scores not only generalize back to a meaningful corpus of words found in academic texts, but also offers specific expectations about which words students would know in the corpus. For practice, this study offers a tool that provides scores that are directly comparable across grades and could potentially be used to track growth across both the short and long term.
定义与测量语言水平的基于IRT的潜在类别方法
Authors: Tolar Tammy , Francis David , Kulesz Paulina
Published: June 2023

英语学习者(EL) 的状态对决定何时以及如何评估英语学习者的学业成就具有至关重要的意义。在美国， 被指定为英语学习者的学生每年都要接受英语水平(ELP) 的评估，这是一个复杂的构念，其概念的形成 近年来不断发展，以更准确地反映达成学科内容领域成就所需的语言要求，如各个州和州语言评估联盟 (如WIDA和ELPA21) 的标准所反映的那样。本文的目的是探讨使用学科内容领域成就测试来验证掌握语 言水平的标准的可能的作用和效用。具体来说，我们应用混合项目反应模型来识别两类EL学生：(1) 一 类EL学生他的英语语言艺术和数学成就测试题目具有与non-EL相似的难度和区分度参数和(2)另一类是测 试题目功能不同的EL学生。我们使用潜在类别IRT方法来识别两类EL学生，并评估ELP的不同分量表(读、 写、听、说) 对成员分类的影响。只有阅读和写作是成员分类的显著预测因子。基于ELP总分的划界分数 并不是学生成员分类的完美的预测指标，并表明需要在最高水平类别内进行更精细的区分。这项研究证 明了将语言水平的定义与使用语言水平的(评价) 环境联系起来的重要性，并提出了当语言水平标准与学 科内容领域成就所需的语言要求联系起来时，心理测量分析的可能的价值。
高等教育中的男性：美国正在经历一场性别危机?
Authors: LIU OU LYDIA , Bridgeman Brent , Fishtein Daniel
Published: June 2023

男性在美国大学占比不足（underrepresentation）的现象引起了广泛关注。截至2021年，男性学生仅占大学入学人数的40.5%。鉴于大学学位的经济和社会效益已经得到证明，男性中大学学位的缺少预计会对美国的经济与社会产生不利影响，同时也会导致个人错失各种机会。我们回顾了不同学位等级的性别构成，讨论男性占比不足带来的可能影响，并分析男性低入学率的潜在原因。我们还回顾了各院校用以吸引更多男性申请者的策略。尽管女性在大学入学人数中占比过高，但是促进性别平等的努力仍应继续；因为在学术和企业环境中，女性在高薪和高级职位的比例仍然不足。
Latent Variable Estimation in Factor Analysis and Item Response Theory
Authors: Thissen David
Published: June 2023

This essay sketches the historical development of latent variable scoring procedures in the item response theory (IRT) and factor analysis literatures, observing that the most commonly used score estimates in both traditions are fundamentally the same; only methods of calculation differ. Different procedures have been used to derive factor score estimates and latent variable estimates in IRT, and different computational procedures have been the result. Due to differences in the context of score usage, challenges have led to different solutions in the IRT and factor analytic traditions. The needs for bias corrections differ, as do the corrections that have been proposed. While the standard factor analysis model has naturally Gaussian likelihoods, IRT does not, but in IRT normal approximations have been used in various contexts to make the IRT computations more like those of factor analysis. Finally, factor analysis alone has been the home of decades of controversy over factor score indeterminacy, while IRT has not, even though the scores in question are the same. That is an artifact of history and the ways the models have been written in the IRT and factor analytic literatures. IRT has never been plagued with questions of indeterminacy, which helps to clarify the position that what is referred to as indeterminacy is not a problem.
教育高危群体在写作过程上的性别差异研究
Authors: Bennett Randy , Sinharay Sandip
Published: June 2023

本研究基于一个中学同等学力测验，考察了教育高危群体在写作过程上的性 别差异。研究涉及了来自美国23个州的合计三万多考生，每一考生均参与了 该语言测验的12副本考卷中的一个。研究借助键盘记录中抽取出的特征推断 背后的写作过程，并将之整合为7个过程指标。研究结果发现女性被试的作文 得分和语言测验总分均领先于男性，但领先程度很微弱。更重要的是，当控 制了语言测验总分、年龄和作文题目后，全部7个过程指标均显示出显著的性 别差异，其中，最突出的指标是流畅性和编辑性的不同方面。当前研究结果 在许多重要方面与先前一些对在校生和成人的研究结果相一致，也与在线和 纸笔写作任务的研究结果相吻合。关于对使用字符类语言(如汉语) 进行写作 的个体如何开展类似研究，文章结尾给出了一些建议。
以数据挖掘的方式探索区分高低数学素养表现学生之因素——以澳门社经弱势及优势背景学生为例
Authors: MAK Soi Kei , CHEUNG Kwok-cheung
Published: June 2023

澳门PISA 2012报告显示，它是教育优质且公平的经济体，然而社经弱势学生要取得成功普遍较优势学生困难，教育公平的系统中可能存在不公平现象。本研究分别从澳门PISA 2012社经弱势和优势学生的评核数据，挖掘出区分弱势低表现生和弱势高表现生，以及区分优势低表现生和优势高表现生的重要学习因素。本研究的发现能够更好地了解澳门相对于其它数学素养高表现地区教育优质和公平的原因，同时也揭露了教育公平系统出现轻微不公平现象的症结所在。
语言测试成绩与当地能力等级对接研究：以中国英语能力等级量表 (CSE) 为例
Authors: Papageorgiou Spiros , Wu Sha , Hsieh Ching-Ni , Tannenbaum Richard
Published: June 2023

在过去的十年中，人们对建立测试分数与外部语言能力等级量表或框架 —— 如欧洲共同语言参考框架 (Common European Framework of Reference, CEFR) —— 之间的对接关系的兴趣日益浓厚。对接本质上是一个验证假设的过程，即对考试分数与外部语言能力等级的对应关系假设进行验证。研究应认真落实和记录既定程序，并应收集多种来源的证据，以支撑关于对应关系的假设。本研究旨在建立一项国际英语能力测试与中国本地化英语能力标准——《中国英语能力等级量表》(China’s Standards of English Language Ability, CSE) —— 之间的对接关系，展示了提出并验证假设的步骤。将国际考试分数对接到本地化标准有助于使考试成绩解释与其预期使用环境的相关性更高。鉴于基于分数的决策对个人和机构的潜在影响，本研究也讨论了用本地化的能力等级来解释考试分数时应考虑的语境问题。文章结尾对同类对接研究的开展提出了一些建议。
中国新高考改革中的教育测量理论、方法和技术的应用创新
Authors: Liang Zhengyan , Huang Feifei
Published: June 2023

中国新高考改革为教育测量学的研究者和应用者提供了一个直接参与中国高考改革的契机。因而，对新高考的特点及其所面临的问题进行深入研究，并从理论、方法或技术上给出有针对性的解决方案，不仅利于中国新高考改革的顺利开展，还将拓展和丰富教育测量学的研究和应用。本文针对中国新高考改革中由计分方式和自主选科所带来的考试的稳定性问题、不同年度和“一年两考”分数等值问题，以及如何基于高考数据分析对基础教育教学进行反馈的问题，给出了研讨性的研究成果并提出了相应的建议。
扩张算法及其在认知诊断中的作用
Authors: Ding Shuliang , Luo Fen , Wang Wenyi , Xiong Jianhua
Published: June 2023

删减法和扩张算法均可以获得给定范围内被试不同非零知识状态的种类，而基于可达阵的扩张算法能够揭示Q矩阵和Q矩阵中非零列的构造，从而证明学生Q矩阵的列集合形成一个代数结构(格)。分别基于可达阵和测验Q矩阵使用扩张算法可得到测验Q矩阵的理论构念效度，这可用于对试卷质量进行评估。扩张算法还可用于认知模型的构造和测量、认知诊断模型的开发，扩张算法和它的逆算法(缩减算法)特别适用于对翻新数据的诊断分析和评估。
A Latent Class IRT Approach to Defining and Measuring Language Proficiency
Authors: Tolar Tammy , Francis David , Kulesz Paulina
Published: June 2023

English language learner (EL) status has high stakes implications for determining when and how ELs should be evaluated for academic achievement. In the US, students designated as English learners are assessed annually for English language proficiency (ELP), a complex construct whose conceptualization has evolved in recent years to reflect more precisely the language demands of content area achievement as reflected in the standards of individual states and state language assessment consortia, such as WIDA and ELPA21. The goal of this paper was to examine the possible role for and utility of using content area assessments to validate language proficiency mastery criteria. Specifically, we applied mixture item response models to identify two classes of EL students: (1) ELs for whom English language arts and math achievement test items have similar difficulty and discrimination parameters as they do for non-ELs and (2) ELs for whom the test items function differently. We used latent class IRT methods to identify the two groups of ELs and to evaluate the effects of different subscales of ELP (reading, writing, listening, and speaking) on group membership. Only reading and writing were significant predictors of class membership. Cut-scores based on summary scores of ELP were imperfect predictors of class membership and indicated the need for finer differentiation within the top proficiency category. This study demonstrates the importance of linking definitions of ELP to the context for which ELP is used and suggests the possible value of psychometric analyses when language proficiency standards are linked to the language requirements for content area achievement.
因子分析和项目反应理论的潜变量估计
Authors: Thissen David
Published: June 2023

本文对项目反应理论 (item response theory; IRT) 和因子分析 (factor analysis) 模型潜变量 (latent variable) 得分估计方法的历史发展进行综述，指出两种理论中常用的因子得分估计本质上是相同的，只是计算方法不同而已。不同的程序已经被用于推导因子得分和IRT潜变量的估计，并且产生了不同的计算过程。由于潜变量得分的使用情况不同，IRT和因子分析解决挑战的方案不同。对偏差纠正的需求不同，两种理论体系提出了不同的纠正方法。尽管IRT模型不具有因子分析模型的高斯似然，但采用正态近似方法使得IRT与因子分析模型的得分计算在很多情况下是非常相似的。最后，尽管两种理论因子得分估计问题上是相同的，但因子分析多年一直处于因子得分不确定性 (factor score indeterminacy) 的争议之中，而IRT却没有。这是历史的产物，也是IRT和因子分析文章中模型表达方式不同的结果。此外，IRT不存在不确定性问题的争议，有利于阐明以下立场，即不确定性并不是一个问题。
Analysis of a Mathematical Problem-Solving Test on Speed and Students' Strategies: A Mixed Item Response Theory Approach
Authors: Jiang Chunlian , Wang Chuang , Kim Do-Hong
Published: June 2023

The present study used the mixed item response theory (IRT) model to identify qualitatively distinct subgroups of sixth-grade students with respect to their performance on word problems on speed. A total of 345 Singaporean students and 361 Chinese students took a problem-solving test on speed. The mixed IRT analysis revealed two latent classes — the algebra proficient group and the algebra novice group. The algebra proficient group was more likely to use traditional algebraic and arithmetic strategies to solve the problems, whereas the algebra novice group was more likely to use model drawing, unitary, and guess-and-check strategies, in addition to using traditional arithmetic and algebraic strategies. Findings of the study indicate that a greater variety of problem-solving strategies could be encouraged in upper primary schools to help students make connections among these strategies, in particular, between these strategies and the abstract algebraic strategies, and finally to achieve a successful transition from arithmetic to algebra learning.
区分问题解决专家与新手的关键因素：数据挖掘方法
Authors: CHEUNG Kwok-cheung , Sit Pou-seong
Published: June 2023

数字化环境下的问题解决能力被广泛认为是21世纪的核心技能之一。许多重要因素会影响该能力表现：有些因素针对于特定的问题并与问题解决的过程相关，而其它非问题特定的因素则与问题解决者的知识、技能、态度、信念以及学习环境相关。本研究旨在分析经合组织 (OECD) 国际学生评估项目 (PISA) 2012 年研究中基于计算机的示例问题解决测验的过程数据，挖掘能将学生区分为“问题解决专家”与“问题解决新手”的关键因素。PISA 2012 的受试学生包括来自42 个经济体的11,599 名15 岁学生。研究使用了多级逻辑回归来 分析问题解决过程和学生问卷数据；其次级数据分析采用了涉及分类和回归树的数据挖掘方法。研究结果表明有五个可区分专家与新手的重要因素。
A Scheme for Financial Assistance
Authors: Peschcke-Køedt Nils Andreas Holm
Published: June 2023

This article studies how the League of Nations sought to create an international security framework of financial assistance from 1925 to 1930. By analyzing the internal files of the League of Nation’s archives, it provides an inside-out institutional analysis of the League’s Economic and Financial Organization and shows how key League and non-League actors with idealistic notions of the Convention’s ‘swiftness’ and ‘sureness’ bridged concerns of legal legitimacy. While earlier writing on the League has focused on the failure of its peacekeeping ambition, this article shows how it was pursued and argues that the Convention was conceived in a nexus of optimistic, liberal, and technocratic ideas of the global market’s deterrence potential.
From the Bottom Up
Authors: Shaakerimova Malika
Published: June 2023

In this article special focus is given to the casefiles of Soviet Central Asian nationals as they relate to the Care and Maintenance program under the International Refugee Organization (IRO). While refugees are often portrayed as void of agency or remain invisible, incidentally, these minorities’ voices and narratives are underrepresented in history of displacement and refugeedom too. The available records of this small group of refugees or displaced persons (DPs) are helpful in capturing their agency through exploring the ways they were navigating through the process of claiming assistance and protection in their particular circumstances.
Diplomatic Relations in the Interwar Period
Authors: Tilsted Jonas H.
Published: June 2023

This article studies interwar diplomacy. It does so, through the lens of the League of Nations Secretariat’s Political Section. It seeks to uncover how the section was created and how it was meant to operate. Using a prosopographical social network analysis the article dynamically maps the composition of the Political Section and what characterised the section. It studies how the employees worked and which form of agency they had. As such, the article has four key findings. First, the section was highly professionalised with more than 60% having a background in diplomacy providing the expertise and qualifications to handle diplomatic conflicts. Second, the section had high diversity in the nationality of the employees and a relatively low amount of British and French employees. Third, the employees of the Political Section generally had a high degree of agency regarding how they handled conflicts which they could use to expand their tasks and area of responsibility. Last, the ability to control information was the most important competence for the officials of the Political Section. On a methodological level, this paper provides an example of how social network analysis can be a useful tool in historical studies.
The Wilsonian Toolbox
Authors: Plambeck-Grotum Cecilie
Published: June 2023

Following the founding of the League of Nations and as the wave of idealism that came to be known as the Wilsonian Moment swept the planet, the Korean independence movement gathered to appeal against Japanese colonial rule. This article sets out to uncover how the idealism of Wilsonialism and the establishment of the League of Nations provided independence movements such as the Korean with a toolbox of arguments along with a platform on which to be heard. It also analyses how these arguments changed from the Koreans’ initial appeal in 1919 to an attempt made in 1932 following a period of increasing conflict surrounding Japan through the 1920s and early 30s. This article demonstrates how the inspirational effect of the Wilsonian Moment and the League of Nations had profound effects on marginalized movements such as the Korean and their ability to argue their case in the world in the face of political turmoil, international crises, and global power struggles.
Rajchman and the League of Nations' Health Intervention in Greece
Authors: Andersson Rasmus Wasim
Published: June 2023

This article offers insights into the development and implementation strategies of the League's health intervention in Greece. The first part uses Ludwik Rajchman, medical director of the League of Nations, as an analytical prism. It explores his active involvement, how he drew on a mainstream approach to social hygiene and how he recruited expertise globally. It is also argues that Rajchman likely drew inspiration from Australian hospital systems, which he studied in preparation for the intervention. The second part highlights the deliberate emphasis on technical aspects of the intervention for diplomatic reasons. Seeking funding from the Rockefeller Foundation, Rajchman aimed to portray the intervention as a technical rather than political endeavor. Moreover, emphasizing the technical nature of Rajchman's team allowed for presenting its efforts as noninvasive with respect to Greek sovereignty, positioning the intervention as a continuation of Greek government initiatives.
Cirugía de revascularización coronaria sin bomba con 2 arterias mamarias en la enfermedad del tronco ¿genera beneficio en la mortalidad a 10 años?
Authors: Espinoza Juan , Piccinini Fernando , Vrancic Mariano , Camporrotondo Mariano , Navia Daniel
Published: June 2023

Introducción: Los ensayos clínicos aleatorizados que compararon la cirugía de revascularización miocárdica (CRM) con laangioplastia transluminal coronaria (ATC) incluyeron todo tipo de técnicas quirúrgicas (con y sin bomba de circulación extracorpórea)y diversos conductos (arteriales y venosos). ¿Es razonable suponer que todas las técnicas quirúrgicas son igualesen términos de mortalidad tardía?Objetivos: Evaluar si la CRM sin circulación extracorpórea y con el empleo de ambas arterias mamarias tiene un beneficioadicional a la revascularización convencional utilizando una sola arteria mamaria en términos de sobrevida a largo plazo parala enfermedad del tronco de la coronaria izquierda (TCI).Material y métodos: Estudio observacional retrospectivo comparativo (n = 723) ajustado por riesgo. Se realizó análisis estratificadosegún el uso de arteria mamaria interna única (SITA, n = 144) o ambas arterias mamarias internas (BITA, n = 579).Se analizó la sobrevida a los 10 años de la intervención.Resultados: La supervivencia a los 10 años fue significativamente mayor en el grupo en que se utilizaron ambas arteriasmamarias (79,0% ± 3,4% vs 67,0% ± 4,9%, log-rank test, p <0,01). Este beneficio también se observó en el análisis ajustadopor riesgo (93,0% ± 4,6 vs 69,0% ± 5,7 respectivamente, p = 0,03). El uso de ambas arterias mamarias fue un predictorindependiente de sobrevida a 10 años (HR 0,57, IC 95% 0,37-0,87; p = 0,01).Conclusión: El uso de ambas arterias mamarias internas en pacientes con enfermedad del tronco coronario izquierdo sometidosa revascularización coronaria sin circulación extracorpórea se asoció con mayor sobrevida a los 10 años.
Utility of COX-2 as Immunohistochemical Prognostic Marker in Relation to Various Histopathological Parameters and TNM Staging in Colorectal Carcinoma
Authors: Mukherjee Sreetama , Vagha Sunita , Shukla Samarth , Kediya Anup , Tammewar Suvidha S
Published: June 2023

Introduction: The most prevalent neoplasm of the gastrointestinal system is colorectal carcinoma. After lung and breast carcinoma, malignant colorectal cancer appears to be characterised by inflammation. Among the numerous recognised indicators of inflammation, Cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) has been identified as playing a key role in the early phases of carcinogenesis. The link between higher expression of COX-2 and the early stages of carcinogenesis and cancer development implies that COX-2 might be a target for precancerous colorectal lesion imaging. Aim: To assess the expression of COX-2 in colorectal carcinoma and the association with various histopathological parameters and Tumour Node Metastasis (TNM) staging. Materials and Methods: The current study is an observational, cross-sectional, retrospective, and prospective study that will take place in the Histopathology and Immunohistochemistry unit of the Department of Pathology, Jawaharlal Nehru Medical College, Sawangi (Meghe), Wardha, Maharashtra, India. Sample collection will be done during the the period of august 2021 to july 2024. The study included approximately 60-65 resected specimens from confirmed and planned Colectomy, Hemicolectomy, and Proctocolectomy specimens received in the Department of General Pathology, JNMC. Observations and results will be collected from the immunohistochemistry study by using COX-2 as a prognostic marker in colorectal carcinoma and correlating it with the TNM staging. Statistical analysis will be made by chi-square test and regression analysis.
Pathophysiology of Allergic Rhinitis with Future Therapeutic Targets- An Update
Authors: Sandbhor Ajinkya , Jain Shraddha
Published: June 2023

Rhinitis is defined by a combination of two or more nasal symptoms (running, blocking, itching, and sneezing). Allergic Rhinitis (AR) occurs when these symptoms are due to Immunoglobulin E (IgE)-mediated inflammation following exposure to the allergen. The current review article has attempted to revisit the pathophysiologic basis of this disease in order to understand the likely therapeutic targets. Controlling histone acetylation with histone deacetylase inhibitors, Deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) hypermethylation with DNA methyl transferase inhibitors and post-transcriptional gene expression with micro Ribonucleic Acid (miRNA) mimetics which target epigenetic changes, may aid in the treatment of AR. The allergen-induced nasal hypersecretion in allergic patients can also be definitively blocked by vidian neurectomy. Probiotics are non pathogenic microorganisms that are assumed to exert a positive influence on host health and physiology which may aid in the treatment of AR. Reversing or targeting the epigenetic changes in susceptible individuals can help prevent sensitisation of the individual and better treatment outcome in patients with AR, help cure the symptoms and lack of drug dependance.
Morphometric Analysis of Greater Palatine Foramen and the Adjacent Structures: Forensic Odontology Study using CBCT
Authors: Christy Winnifred , Annapoorani S , Thambi T Jones Rajadeva , . Mahalakshmi
Published: June 2023

Introduction: Sexual dimorphism plays a pivotal role in many instances, including solving medicolegal problems, anthropological studies, sorting out victims of natural calamities and man-made calamities. Among various parameters available for sexual dimorphism, structures of the oral cavity play an important role. The use of Cone Beam Computed Tomography (CBCT) is convenient and provides accurate measurements with the help of digital software. Aim: To determine the role of Greater Palatine Foramen (GPF), its Greater Palatine Canal (GPC) and relation with the adjacent structures like Naso-Palatine Foramen (NPF) and Lesser Palatine Foramen (LPF) in elucidating the level of sexual dimorphism using CBCT images, while enhancing the information on anatomy of Greater Palatine Foramen (GPF). Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional forensic odontology study was conducted in the Department of Oral Medicine and Radiology, CSI College of Dental Sciences and Research, Madurai, Tamil Nadu, India, and was performed using 50 males and 50 females CBCT images of patients between age 18 to 45. The CBCT data were collected from January 2021 till January 2022, and the obtained data were analysed from March 2022 till April 15, 2022. These were analysed using Planmeca imaging software. Measurements of GPF length, angulation with respect to Hard Palate (HP), relation between NPC and GPF, distance between GPC and Mid Maxillary Suture (MMS). Its relation to LPF and dimensions of GPF at opening of oral cavity were done. Finally, all measures were subjected to statistical analysis using IBM Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS), version 28.0. Independent t-test was used for analysis of difference between male and female measurements. Results: The GPC length on right (male:13.2570, female:12.3628) and left (male:12.8089, female:12.2780), angulation of GPC left (male: 61.1379, female: 57.4964), angle between GPF and NPC left (male: 28.6208, female: 26.5024), distance between GPC and MMS left (male: 15.1625, female: 14.5350) and Anteroposterior (AP) dimensions of GPF on right (male: 5.5402, female: 4.2314) and left-side (5.4934, female: 4.4576), Transverse (TR) dimension of GPF on right (male: 2.6752, female: 2.0528) and left (male: 5.4943, female: 4.4576) showed statistically significant difference between male and female CBCT images, while the measures were significantly higher in males. Conclusion: The CBCT images provided reliable measurements of the areas of interest. The present study results highlight a statistically significant difference between male and female, where males showed higher measurements in most instances. A more precise morphological measurement of GPF in relation to adjacent structures such as NPC, MMS proves to have sexual dimorphism in humans.
Neonatal Scrub TyphusA Series of Five Cases
Authors: Vindhiya K , Margaret A Priya , Prathyusha LL , Kumar S Ramitha Enakshi
Published: June 2023

Scrub typhus is a rickettsial infection caused by Orientia tsutsugamushi. This is transmitted by trombiculid mite called chiggers. A number of cases of scrub typhus are being reported from North India. However, there has been a steady increase in the number of cases from Southern India, especially Tamil Nadu, Kerala, and Karnataka. The manifestation of the disease is due to the vasculitis and perivasculitic involvement. This vasculitis is responsible for oedema, skin rash and end organ ischaemic injury. A skin lesion called eschar is pathognomic of this condition, which is present in 40% of the cases. It is a close differential diagnosis for other common infectious diseases like- dengue fever, malaria, enteric fever and severe sepsis. Scrub typhus is rare in neonates. Herewith, the authors reported five cases of neonatal scrub typhus with varied clinical manifestations. All the five neonates (2 females and 3 males) had fever and high C-reactive Protein (CRP), two had hepatosplenomegaly, two presented with shock, one had paralytic ileus, one baby had features of aseptic meningitis and one had pericardial and pleural effusion. Two out of five babies had an eschar, which is pathognomonic of scrub typhus.Three babies were treated with doxycycline and two babies required Intravenous (i.v.) azithromycin. All of them recovered completely, except one baby, who succumbed to the illness. A high index of suspicion is required to diagnose scrub typhus in neonates early.Timely intervention will prevent morbidity and mortality.
Herbal Dentistry- A Narrative Review
Authors: Mehrotra Deepshikha , Manju R
Published: June 2023

The use of medicinal herbs in dentistry continues to expand rapidly across the globe. Herbal dentistry presents an attractive alternative to conventional synthetic materials. With a shift towards evidence-based dental practice, there is a need for dental clinicians to be fully aware of the alternatives and options currently available to them. This review article provides insight into the various herbal products currently available in dentistry. It provides a better understanding of the mechanism of action of the herbal products used to treat various dental problems. This narrative review identifies and summarises the most common medicinal herbs in various preventive and therapeutic spheres of dentistry. High anti-microbial, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and immunomodulatory activities along with wound healing ability and sedative-anxiolytic were identified to be the properties favouring use of these medicinal plants in dentistry. Although the natural alternatives discussed in the current narrative review have shown to be either superior or comparable to the synthetically available options, further long-term in-vivo clinical trials are required to substantiate this evidence and justify the replacement of later with herbal alternatives in dentistry.
Physicochemical, Microbiological and Sensory Properties of Honey from Yewaland, South-West Nigeria
Authors: Akoja S. S. , Mohammed O. A. , Coker O. J.
Published: June 2023

Consumers are concerned about the authenticity and general quality of honey in Yewaland, Nigeria. Physicochemical (moisture, protein, ash, fructose, sucrose contents; total titratable acidity, total soluble solids, specific gravity, viscosity, electrical conductivity, refractive index and pH), microbial tests (total plate and identification), and sensory properties of honey samples were evaluated. Samples were collected from bee breeders in the different areas of the region. The results ranged from 13.6-15.0% moisture, 0.2-5.2% protein, 0.24-0.38% ash, 40.5-45.6% fructose, 3.0-5.8% sucrose, 1.40-1.47 specific gravity, 1607-2037 viscosity, 6.3-14.9 \(\mu\)S/cm electrical conductivity, 40.3-75.5mg/l total soluble solids, 3.60-4.2 pH, 0.39-0.46 titratable acidity and 1.34-1.35 refractive index. Staphylococcus, shigella, and Bacillus spp were identified in some samples. The appearance of the samples was lighter. Samples from Oja-Odan and Iwoye had the best overall acceptance scores of 8.7 and 8.5 respectively. Thus honey samples were of good quality compared to the international standard and their acidic pH values reveal that they are unadulterated and have good shelf stability potentials. Their characterization will make it possible to obtain Nigerian quality labels.
Farmer’s Perception and Willingness to Pay for Mitigating Man-Animal Conflicts in Coimbatore Forest Circle
Authors: Unniravisankar P. , Sekhar C. , Das Keerthana , Vidhyavathi A. , Vijayabhama M. , Baranidharan K.
Published: June 2023

The study assessed the farmers and other stakeholder’s perception on man-animal conflict at Coimbatore forest circle. Around 37 per cent of the respondents outlined that the farm floor is less than one kilometre distance from the reserve forest. Whereas, 33 per cent of the farm floor was within the distance of one to two kilometres revealed that around 70 per cent of the farm floor is very closer to the forest floor and hence the visit of elephants and other animals to the farm field is quite often taking place. While examining the reason for man-animal conflicts, the same were ranked based on the mean score obtained by using the Likert scaling technique with five point continuum. Among the major reasons, the habitat fragmentation found to be number one stood with the opinion of “strongly agree” according to eighty per cent of the respondents. This was followed by shortage of food resources in the forest perimeter and the periodic human invasion into the forests for their various needs like small timber, fuel wood and bush meat related activities found to be the major reasons for unexpected conflicts between the wild animals and the human being. The same was supported by their respective mean scores of “agree” mode of scale developed for this purpose. The most affected crop is banana which is the one most preferred to the elephants which stood in the first rank and the second rank goes to the coconut, the banana and the coconut were the preferred crop to the elephants. in the absence of the two expressed in the rank one and two, the arecanut and sugarcane could attract the elephants around 32 per cent of the respondents were ready to pay some higher amount which ranges between rs 200 to 500. However, around 17 per cent of the respondents were not interested in paying any contribution towards such initiatives. Among the many protective measures practiced by the farmers, the fire crackers and the powerful torches illuminated on the animal face could alleviate the animals immediately and hence these two protective measures were common among the farmers. Besides, researchers has also used probit regression analysis to analyse the influence of different factors on the dependent variable, willingness to pay. Awareness of the respondents towards mitigation measures, effectiveness of existing mitigating measures, and proximity of farm land to reserved forest, percentage of farm income to household income, farm size and economic loss incurred due crop and property damages by the animals. among the seven variables, awareness of the respondents towards mitigation measures, effectiveness of existing mitigating measures, proximity of farm land to reserved forest, farm size and economic loss incurred due crop and property damage were the six factors found to be statistically significant indicated that these factors cause significant changes in the willingness to pay among the stakeholders.
Diversity on \(\wp_{fin}\) (X)
Authors: Atale Omprakash
Published: June 2023

In tight-span theory, a diversity is a generalization of metric space where the metric is defined over the set \(\wp_{fin}\) (X) which is composed of finite subsets of X. In this paper we are going to generalize the results of D. Silvestru and C. Gosa to derive some sharp inequalities for the diameter diversity. This sharp inequality can be used to study models with diversity in a collective manner.
Assessment of Bees’ Diversity within Ngel-Nyaki Forest Reserve at Taraba State, Nigeria
Authors: Garba L. C. , David D. L. , Elisha E. , Titus S. D. , Bulus J. H. , Yani J. P.
Published: June 2023

A field survey was conducted in Ngel-Nyaki Forest Reserve to assess the diversity of bees within the Reserve. Two methods of sampling techniques were used to sample bee species, opportunistic sampling and systematic sweep netting. Opportunistic sampling method was applied by sweep netting bees along 100 m plot where flowering plants were blooming. Collection was conducted by a single collector using an active search by walking randomly around the plot observing flowering plants and searching for bees foraging on the flowers then a sweep net was used for capturing bees. Sweep netting was conducted, line transect established within the plots for two hours, from 6:00am to 11:00am spending 20 minutes in each plot considering when the weather is conducive for bees’ activity. This was done using entomological sweep net.   Bees captured were killed in a killing bottle containing 70% ethanol. Specimens were pinned on a board and unique codes were assigned to each species before identification. Bees were identified to species level by using published systematic keys, Bees field guide and use of online materials. All data were computed using Microsoft® Excel® 2016 and percentage abundance composition of bees were calculated.575 bees spreading across 3 families and 12 species were sampled. The most abundant species was the honey bee (Apismellifera) (245; 42.53%),followed by memic bee (Megachile sp.)(89;15.45%),and the least was leafcutter bee(Osmiasp.) (2;0.35%). In terms of diversity by species, Shannon Diversity Index (H) and Shannon Equitability Index (EH) were 1.694893 and 0.736083respectively while diversity by plots using Shannon Diversity Index (H) and Shannon Equitability Index (EH) were 1.750688 and 0.977078 respectively. This study therefore, brings to the fore the diversity of bees within Ngel-Nyaki Forest Reserve and underline the need for sustainable actions to be taken to conserve beneficial rare species while managing the abundant ones.
The Impact of Learning Management System on Student Academic Performance of Computer Science Department of Federal Polytechnic Kaura Namoda, Zamfara State, Nigeria
Authors: Ifeanyi Ugbaga Nkole , Chinonso Simon
Published: June 2023

Aims: This study is aimed at exploring the impact of a Learning Management System (LMS) on the academic performance of the Computer Science Department, Federal Polytechnic Kaura Namoda, Zamfara State, Nigeria.

Study Design:  We adopted a hybrid of reliability test study and questionnaire.

Place and Duration of Study: Higher National Diploma (HND) in Computer Science Department, Federal Polytechnic Kaura Namoda, Zamfara State, Nigeria for 1st semester of 2021/2022 academic session.

Methodology: The study was conducted with 60 students, which is made up of 34 males and 36 females. This respondent was given a test at the commencement of the course and was also tested after using the LMS for learning, their pretest and posttest scores were recorded. Furthermore, out of the 60 questionnaires that were served to the participants and 53 numbers were retrieved, 88.30% of the response. Out of the remaining 7 respondents, 4 were not retrieved and 3 were not correctly filled. The questionnaire has questions to which participants are expected to respond on a measure of five-point Likert scale. The Likert scale was assigned numerical values of 1,2,3,4, and 5 respectively from the negative judgment to the positive opinion.

Results: From our reliability test on the data, it showed that the students had an average gain score of 12.5. This signifies that, on average, the participants who used the LMS platform had 12.5 points higher during the posttest than they had during the pretest. This reliability test score for the student measures their consistency on both tests. A score of 1 was used to indicate reliability while 0 is not reliable. From our data, it showed test score reliability for students to be above 0.95, indicating that student scores were consistent. Meanwhile, on the respondent's thoughts and feelings about the LMS, With LMS, the student can understand clearly the important learning goal with 4.06, with LMS students who say they are aware of important course during for completion of the course 3.81, 3.77 can easily be guided on the course title while using LMS and 3.92 can easily get abreast of how the task is to be performed to enable the student to learn. The LMS's impact on students' social interaction, showed that the new system has assisted student-teacher relationships and has made them communicate and ask questions freely from people in their area of study. It also showed that students' confidence and interaction with their peers have grown and their online discussion horizon has improved their social interaction.

Conclusion: The LMS has improved the academic performance of students of the Computer Science Department, Federal Polytechnic Kaura Namoda, Zamfara State, Nigeria. Their scores were higher compared to what they used to be and meanwhile, the duration of the study also significantly improved. They are now aware of the reason for collaborative and academic study.
Effects of Sidewall Brooding Polymer Cover Colours on the Indoor Climatic Condition and Physiological Response of Broiler Chickens
Authors: Adegbenro M. , Ayeni O. A. , Jongbo A. O. , Adeyeye O. A. , Akinfenwa R.
Published: June 2023

Aims: This study seeks to evaluate the growth performance and physiological response of broiler chickens brooded with blue, black, white and green side-curtains. It is essential to ensure that the thermal conditions within the poultry building are controlled most especially in the tropical climate where temperature is observed to exceed the thermoneutral zones of broiler chickens. During the brooding stage of broiler chicks, suitable temperature and relative humidity is crucial to ensure the welfare of the chicks.

Methodology: In this study, four (4) brooding polymer colours were used namely; white, blue, black and green. Two hundred and fifty (250) day-old-chicks were acquired from a reputable hatchery, only two hundred and forty was (240) used for this experiment. For each of the polymer colour treatments, there were sixty (60) birds which were further divided into six (6) replicates, that is ten (10) chicks per replicate in a Completely Randomized Design (CRD).

Results: The results of the study revealed that the highest average temperature during the brooding stage was observed in the green polymer and the lowest temperature observed in the black polymer covering in the early hours of the day. The lowest indoor humidity (8.97%) was observed in the second and fourth weeks, while the highest humidity (52.76%) was observed in the white polymer in the sixth week. The indoor temperature ranges between 33.16°C and 33.89°C. During the brooding stage, the highest temperature (33.89°C) was recorded in the first week, there were no significant differences among the treatments, the lowest indoor temperature (33.16°C) was observed in the third week (at the end of the brooding stage).

Conclusions: In conclusion, there was no significant difference in the cloaca temperature of the birds reared in the four (4) sidewall polymer covers, which implies that farmers can adopt any of the polymer covers.
Performance of Tomato Genotypes for Growth and Yield under Eastern Dry Zone of Karnataka, India
Authors: Jogi Mahantesh , Naik Vasudev , Ramachandra R. K. , Lingaiah H. B. , Indiresh K. M. , Samuel D. K. , Singh T. H.
Published: June 2023

The study assessed the growth, reproductive and yield attributes of 200 tomato genotypes assembled from AVRDC, Taiwan, IIVR, Varanasi, NBPGR, New Delhi and SAU of India and some Research centers of Karnataka. Field experiments were conducted in 2015-17 at Dept. of Vegetable Science, College of Horticulture, Bengaluru, Karnataka. The main aim was to assess some of growth and yield attributes of 200 tomato genotypes. These 200 genotypes collected from AVRDC, Taiwan, IIVR, Varanasi, NBPGR, New Delhi and SAU of India and some research centers of Karnataka. The growth parameters like plant height, maximum plant height noticed in genotype (13P3) 202.33 cm. The number of branches per plant maximum was observed in genotype (AR-56) i.e. 11.33 branches per plant. Wide variability was observed for fruit width in tomato. The highest fruit width reported (H-86) 8.15cm. Wide variability was observed for tomato fruit length also, the length of tomato fruit maximum noticed in genotype (EC-321426) 7.45 cm. The highest average fruit weight was observed in H-86 (131.94 g) and the lowest in 73P2 (20.00 g). The total tomato fruit yield recorded per plant ranged between 0.39 kg (Roma) and 6.48 kg (4P1). This study gives information on the agronomic variation in the 200 tomato genotypes assessed which can invariably serve as an index to selecting putative parents in breeding for new tomato variety that will combine desirable agronomic characteristics with high yield and its attributing characters.
Socio Economic Analysis and Marketing of Poovan and Nendran Banana in Thiruvananthapuram District of Kerala
Authors: Vijayan Sampath R. , Kumar Sanjay
Published: June 2023

The investigation was conducted in the year 2023 using a sample of one twenty respondent banana growers in the Thiruvananthapuram district of Kerala. Research data were collected using Simple tabular analysis the average and percentage analysis were used to determine the socio- economic condition of banana growers. The study revealed that total area under banana of the sample farmers was 230.58 ha, of which 59.58 percent was under Nendran and 40.42 percent was under Poovan banana. 87.5% from the total respondents were men and mostly between age group of 35–49. The remaining of the total respondent women. Only 13.33% of the growers were found between the age 20-34 years, while 64.16% were found in the age group of 35-49 years and 22.5% present under the age of 50-70. The literacy percentage of marginal, small, semi medium, medium size farm group was 90.83% respectively and illiteracy percentage is 9.16 %. Only 9.16 % of producers were having Graduation, 17.5% were having Intermediate and 28.33% having Middle. Whereas most of the respondent 35.83% primary education. In case of marketing in banana highest quantity of Nendran banana was disposed off in channels- II and for Poovan Banana is also disposed in channels -II. The study also revealed that the channel- I (25.15) i.e., producer - consumer was most efficient channel among the two marketing channels of Nendran Banana when compare to channel -II (7.19). Similarly for Poovan Banana higher in channel-I (19.76) when compare to channel-II (6.55).
Seed Priming: A Key to Sustainability in Drought Stress
Authors: Aslam Shaik , Chouhan Shambhu , Harish Vadugu , Lalotra Shivani
Published: June 2023

Abiotic stresses spot lights the field crops at all growth phases and results in significant yield losses in important crops, endangering the safety of the world's food supply. Numerous physiological, biochemical, and molecular tactics have been examined by crop researchers to battle drought stress/water limiting stress, but in the current environment, these measures are meager. It is so claimed that plants can be primed by various organic and inorganic stimulants for exceptional toughness under stressful circumstances. In order to confer tolerance, novel seed priming techniques are promising field of research in stress biology and crop stress management. Seed priming is the process of carefully hydrating seeds with germination stimulants so that pre- germinative metabolic activity can continue while the radicle's emergence is halted. The terms "hydro-priming," "osmo-priming," "halo-priming," "solid matrix priming," "bio-priming," and "hormonal priming" refer to various priming techniques. It will speed up and synchronize germination, improve plant growth and stand establishment, raise stress tolerance, improve fertilizer and water use efficiency, and have superior weed suppression effects. This review paper covers the physiological and biochemical changes through several seed priming techniques, Nano-priming and its significance in sustainable agriculture.
Optimizing Water Utilization to Enhance Pulse Production: A Review
Authors: Kurdekar Akshay Kumar , Ashoka P. , Sachan Dhruvendra Singh , Reddy K. Jaisimha , Jena Pooja , Saryam Manoher , Singh Bhanu
Published: June 2023

Pulses are a crucial group of crops that supply high-quality protein to complement the protein found in cereal crops for the large vegetarian population. Water scarcity and inefficient water management pose significant challenges to pulse production, which is crucial for food security and sustainable agriculture. This paper focuses on optimizing water utilization in pulse production to enhance crop yields and mitigate the impact on water resources. We explore various strategies and technologies that can improve water-use efficiency, including precision irrigation techniques, soil moisture monitoring, water-saving practices, and genetic improvement programs for drought-tolerant varieties. Additionally, we discuss the benefits of agroforestry systems and crop rotation in enhancing water infiltration and soil health. By implementing these measures, farmers can optimize water utilization, increase pulse yields, and contribute to sustainable agricultural practices. This research highlights the importance of addressing water scarcity in pulse production to ensure food security in the face of changing climatic conditions and growing population demands.
Standardization of Organic Production of Strawberry (Fragaria × ananassa) cv. Winter dawn
Authors: Rathore Praneeta , Joseph Annjoe V. , Bahadur Vijay , Topno Samir E.
Published: June 2023

The present investigation was carried out at Horticultural Research Farm, Department of Horticulture, Naini Agricultural Institute, Sam Higginbottom University of Agriculture, Technology and Sciences (SHUATS), Prayagraj during the Winter season of 2022. The experiment was laid in Randomized block design with 3 replications and 10 treatments viz. Poultry manure (8t/ha), Vermicompost (10t/ha), FYM (25t/ha) each alone, then combined with vermiwash (50 L/ha) and with Cow Pat Pit manure (5 kg/ha) and Control. Results revealed that treatment T5 [Vermicompost (10 t/h) + vermiwash (50 L/ha)] was superior over all other treatments with respect to plant growth (plant height, plant spread and number of leaves), however T7 [Poultry manure (8 t/ha) + Cow Pat Pit manure (5 kg/ha)] was found the best in yield, quality, sensory parameters and benefit: cost ratio. Based on this experiment [Poultry manure (8 t/ha) + Cow Pat Pit manure (5 kg/ha)] can be suggested for increasing the yield and quality of organically grown strawberry cv. Winter dawn.