bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Prevalence and prognostic significance of pulmonary hypertension in adults with left ventricular diastolic dysfunction
Authors: Ratwatte Seshika , Playford David , Strange Geoff , Celermajer David S , Stewart Simon
Published: December 2024

Aims

Pulmonary hypertension (PHT) appears to be very common in heart failure with preserved ejection fraction but details on its prevalence, severity and prognostic implications have not been well defined. We, therefore, aimed to document PHT and its impact on mortality among adults with left ventricular (LV) diastolic dysfunction (LVDD).

Methods

We analysed the profile and outcomes of 16 058 adults with LVDD (and with preserved LV ejection fraction, >50%) from the National Echocardiography Database of Australia. Subjects were classified according to their peak tricuspid regurgitation velocity (TRV), reflecting PHT risk, and we then evaluated the relationship between conventional thresholds of increasing risk of PHT and subsequent mortality, during median follow-up of 3.1 (IQR 1.6–5.2) years.

Results

Mean age was 73±12 years and 9216 (57.4%) were female. Overall, 2611 (16.3%) had normal TRV levels (<2.5 m/s) indicative of no PHT, compared with 3471 (21.6%), 8450 (52.6%) and 1526 (9.5%) with TRV levels indicative of borderline (2.5–2.8 m/s), intermediate (2.9–3.4 m/s) and high-risk for PHT (>3.4 m/s). The 1-year and 5-year actuarial mortality (1701/1546 and 4232/8445 deaths, respectively) increased from 6.5% and 34.0% to 27.7% and 78.5%, respectively (p<0.0001), from normal to severely elevated TRV. Adjusted risk (HR) of mortality increased 1.28-fold (95% CI 1.15 to 1.41), 1.51-fold (95% CI 1.38 to 1.65) and 3.47-fold (95% CI 3.13 to 3.85) in those with borderline, intermediate and high risk of PHT versus normal TRV. This observation persisted when excluding atrial fibrillation cases, and when male and female cohorts were assessed separately. Mortality rates increased perceptibly at the second decile distribution of TRV (2.37–2.55 m/s) with a marked increase in mortality from the fifth decile (2.91–3.00 m/s) upwards.

Conclusion

We demonstrate the negative prognostic impact of elevated TRV levels in many adults with isolated LVDD. A threshold of increased mortality was observed at TRV levels equivalent to ‘borderline risk’ of PHT.

Trial registration number

ACTRN12617001387314
Level of compliance to smoke-free laws by restaurants in Karachi: an observational study
Authors: Zafar Mahrukh , Naz Sabahat , Batool Rahat , Vancy AbidAli , Khan Javaid A , Iqbal Romaina
Published: December 2024

Introduction

Exposure to secondhand smoke is a significant public health concern. Our study assessed the level of implementation of smoke-free laws in restaurants in Karachi, Pakistan.

Methods

We conducted a cross-sectional study in District East, Karachi. We randomly selected 40 restaurants based on their meal cost: 17 low (<400 PKR/meal), 12 medium (400–600 PKR/meal) and 11 high-end (>600 PKR/meal). We assessed tobacco control law implementation using an observational checklist that included questions about the presence of no-smoking signs, presence of smokers, people/children near smokers and remains of tobacco products and developed a compliance score for smoke-free laws: compliant (all criteria met), partially compliant (1–2 criteria met) and non-compliant (none met). We asked questions about knowledge, attitudes and practices regarding smoke-free laws with each restaurant’s staff. We reported frequencies and percentages for observations and questionnaire responses by restaurant category.

Results

Of the 40 restaurants, 70% (n=28) were either non-compliant or partially compliant, with 82% of low-end and 67% of medium-end were either non-compliant or partially compliant. None of the high-end restaurants were non-compliant; however, 55% partially complied with the smoke-free laws. More than half (53%, n=21) had no no-smoking signs. Smokers were observed on terraces or near children in 20% (n=8) of restaurants, and ashtrays or cigarette packs/butts were found in 40% (n=16). Fifty per cent of restaurant staff (n=20) believed that there was no tobacco control law in Pakistan, only 10% (n=4) knew the particulars of the law and 18% (n=7) were aware of any penalties for violations. In addition, 60% (n=24) reported no visits from legislative or administrative bodies to enforce compliance.

Conclusion

Our study reveals disparities in the compliance of smoke-free laws between low-end and high-end restaurants, highlighting the need to enforce these laws across all restaurant categories effectively.
The Universal Classification system for assessing the embodied carbon of concrete in Canada
Authors: Kanavaris Fragkoulis , Munro Matthew , Giotis Georgios
Published: December 2024

Concrete is known to be the most prevalent human-made material globally owing to its durability, versatility, and affordability that, however, contributes significantly to global CO2 emissions. Consequently, efforts have intensified to reduce concrete’s embodied carbon, with emerging or conventional alternative technologies aiming to mitigate emissions and produce “sustainable” and “low carbon” concrete, a set of terms that have been used inconsistently leading to potential greenwashing and confusion in the industry. Simultaneously, there is a pressing need for tools and policies to guide the design of low-carbon concrete structures and infrastructure. This paper introduces an embodied carbon classification system as a practical solution to address industry confusion and facilitate sustainable practices in the concrete construction sector. It consists of a universally applicable tool that can be used by designers, manufacturers, asset owners, contractors, and policy makers to enable a robust evaluation of the embodied carbon concrete, develop pathways to concrete decarbonization, and set interregional definitions and targets for low-carbon concrete materials.
Effects of antifreeze admixtures on masonry performance at subfreezing temperatures
Authors: Alfarra Jawdat , Wegner Leon D. , Boulfiza Moh
Published: December 2024

Concrete brick prisms prepared with Type S masonry mortar that included sodium nitrite and/or nanocellulose as potential antifreeze admixtures were cured for 28 days at −10 °C before measuring compressive and flexural bond strengths. Addition of sodium nitrite allowed masonry prisms cured at −10 °C to reach 88% and 86% of the compressive and flexural bond strengths, respectively, of control specimens cured at room temperature. Nanocellulose was only effective when used in combination with sodium nitrite, improving the compressive and flexural bond strengths by an additional 3% and 27%, respectively. Results are primarily attributed to the ability of the sodium nitrite to lower the freezing point, allowing hydration to continue in subfreezing conditions, as confirmed by results of companion tests on mortar samples. Both additives also reduced the required w/ c ratio and porosity. The findings offer a sustainable alternative to energy-intensive protective heating methods, potentially lengthening the construction season into colder periods.
Genomic structural variation and herbicide resistance
Authors: Johnson Nicholas A. , Lemas John , Montgomery Jacob , Gaines Todd , Patterson Eric
Published: December 2024

The coinciding increase in genomics resources for weedy plant species and herbicide resistance evolution has led to a rapid expansion of our understanding of the relationship between genomic structural variation and herbicide resistance mechanisms. Since the first discovery of 5-enolpyruvylshikimate-3-phosphate synthase ( EPSPS) copy number variation conferring glyphosate resistance in Amaranthus palmeri, we have seen rapid convergent evolution of the same herbicide-resistance mechanism in eleven diverse weed species by a variety of unique structural variant-generating mechanisms. These mechanisms include extrachromosomal circular DNA replication, unequal crossing over, and subtelomeric duplication. More recently, target-site duplication has been found to cause resistance for other herbicides with different modes of action, including acetyl-CoA carboxylase (ACCase) inhibitors and glutamine synthetase inhibitors. Additionally, the first transposon-generated structural variants that confer herbicide resistances are beginning to be discovered. This review summarizes our current understanding of structural variation in agronomic weed genomes as it relates to herbicide resistance and emphasizes necessary future research to clarify the size, nature, and mechanisms that give rise to genomic structural variation. While we limit our review to herbicide resistance traits, this work also highlights the importance of structural variation as a critical component of total genetic diversity and its importance for the rapid evolution of novel traits.
The influence of light colour on the behaviour of Atlantic cod in an experimental setting
Authors: Blackmore Robert Joseph , Montevecchi William A. , Hawkins Ryan F.B. , Bitton Pierre-Paul
Published: December 2024

Fishing technologies often exploit the visual sensitivity of target species to alter their behaviours. Atlantic cod ( Gadus morhua Linnaeus, 1758) are an economically important species, commonly targeted by fisheries in the North Atlantic, yet the behaviour of adult Atlantic cod in reaction to the simultaneous presentation of various light stimuli has not been assessed in an isolated setting to determine if there is a preference for certain light qualities. To assess the influence that artificial light may have on the behaviour of Atlantic cod, we investigated the movement of wild-caught cod in a laboratory setting with green, blue, and white light with a blank control presented in paired choice tests. We predicted that green light would have the greatest influence on cod behaviour and that they would preferentially spend more time in proximity to that light condition. The findings show that cod behaved consistently across trials and across experimental sessions, and that the right side of the arena was preferred regardless of the colours of light presented. These findings indicate that cod do not prefer to spend more time in proximity to certain colours of light in an artificial environment, which has direct implications for animal husbandry, fisheries research, and behavioural ecology.
Credible Negotiation for Multi-agent Reinforcement Learning in Long-term Coordination
Authors: Gu Tianlong , Zhi Taihang , Bao Xuguang , Chang Liang
Published: December 2024

The coordination of multi-agent is one of the critical problems in Multi-Agent Reinforcement Learning (MARL). The traditional methods of MARL focus on finding a stochastically acceptable solution called Nash Equilibrium (NE) for all agents from the Markov game in which multiple equilibria exist. However, learning a fair equilibrium is crucial for the sustainability and stability of collaboration in the long-term coordination game, especially when the leadership competition exists. In this paper, we propose the bi-level reinforcement learning method N-Bi-AC, whose solution is a Pareto improvement for traditional NE, to choose a fair Equilibrium. There are two parts in our method, the first is that we propose the Negotiator to determine the leader in stage game, and the other is to update the Q-value of agents in the game by using a bi-level actor-critic learning method based on the Joint Mixed Strategy Equilibrium Q-learning algorithm (JMSE Q-learning). The convergence proof is given, and the learning algorithm is compared with the state-of-the-art algorithms. We found that the proposed N-Bi-AC method successfully converged to a fair Nash Equilibrium, which guarantees the fairness of agents in different matrix game environments.
A Comparative Analysis of Instruction Fine-Tuning Large Language Models for Financial Text Classification
Authors: Fatemi Sorouralsadat , Hu Yuheng , Mousavi Maryam
Published: December 2024

Large Language Models (LLMs) have demonstrated impressive capabilities across diverse Natural Language Processing (NLP) tasks, including language understanding, reasoning, and generation. However, general-domain LLMs often struggle with financial tasks due to the technical and specialized nature of financial texts. This study investigates the efficacy of instruction fine-tuning smaller-scale LLMs, including Mistral-7B, Llama3-8B, and Phi3-mini, to enhance their performance in financial text classification tasks. We fine-tuned both instruction-tuned and base models across four financial classification tasks, achieving significant improvements in task-specific performance. Furthermore, we evaluated the zero-shot capabilities of these fine-tuned models on three unseen complex financial tasks, including argument classification, deal completeness classification, and causal classification. Our results indicate while base model fine-tuning led to greater degradation, instruction-tuned models maintained more robust performance. To address this degradation, we employed model merging techniques, integrating single-task domain-specific fine-tuned models with the base model. Using this merging method resulted in significant enhancements in zero-shot performance, even exceeding the original model’s accuracy on certain datasets. Our findings underscore the effectiveness of instruction fine-tuning and model merging for adapting LLMs to specialized financial text classification tasks.
Linear and Nonlinear Optical Characteristics of Basic Fuchsin-Doped Polyvinyl Alcohol Films for Flexible Optoelectronics
Authors: Al-Muntaser A. A. , Alzahrani Eman , Al-Ghamdi S. A. , Al-Harthi Amani M. , Aldwais Saleh , Saeed Abdu
Published: December 2024

Polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) containing different levels of basic fuchsine (BF) was prepared using the solution casting method. Characterization via Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy detailed changes in functional groups within the PVA/BF composites, indicating the hydrogen bonding between OH group of PVA and BF molecules. Optical investigations spanning the 190–2500 nm range demonstrated UV blocking properties in prepared PVA/BF composites (from 2.05 to 2.56 eV and from 4.08 to 6.32 eV). Moreover, the studies on optical band gap indicated a decrease with increased BF concentrations, reflecting altered electronic transitions within the prepared composites. The study also employed the single oscillator model provided by Wemple-DiDomenico to elucidate refractive index variations. After incorporating BF dye into the PVA polymer, the values of the dielectric constant as the frequency approaches infinity (ε
∞), the dielectric constant of lattice (ε
L), dispersion energy (Ed), and oscillator energy (Eo) in PVA/BF composite samples showed an increase. Moreover, the nonlinear optical properties, including optical susceptibility and nonlinear refractive index were investigated and discussed. These findings underscore the versatility of PVA doped with BF for various applications including optical filters, and solar cell devices.
Quantitative Assessment of Sector Coupling Battery Energy Storage Systems and Their Contribution to the Resilience of the Power System
Authors: Wigger Henning , Sill Torres Frank , Bartels Julian , Feller Lars , Brand-Daniels Urte , Vogt Thomas
Published: December 2024

The integration of renewable energy sources (RES) is essential for steering our energy systems towards sustainability. This transition, though, coupled with emerging trends such as digitalisation and decentralisation, introduces a number of new challenges and vulnerabilities to our energy infrastructure. To strengthen our energy systems against the uncertainties arising from intermittent RES and decentral organised power grids, battery energy storage systems (BESSs) integrated into sector‐coupling strategies might play a crucial role. Such BESSs can enhance system resilience by providing increased flexibility in the face of disruptive events. Yet, the assessment of their resilience contribution is still a nascent field, particularly within the context of multi‐energy systems. To address this gap, our study presents an assessment scheme utilising the open source energy system model electricity grid optimisation. We apply this scheme to evaluate the impact of sector‐coupled BESS installations with a local district heating network in a mid‐sized German city. Our analysis encompasses various scenarios, considering diverse BESS sizes, quantities, seasonal influences, system scales, siting, and the severity of disruptive events. The principal findings are threefold: for energy systems that exhibit high inherent robustness, such as those with existing adaptive capacities and redundancies, hybrid BESS (hBESS) has a low impact on the resilience against single disruptive events. In contrast, for less prepared systems or during simultaneous events, hBESSs can substantially strengthen the resilience of the energy infrastructure, particularly regarding the ‘security of supply’ and ‘cost efficiency’. For instance, during short‐lasting disruptive events, hBESS can potentially avert up potential power outages from 1.4% to 45% increasing the security of supply. However, the resilient design principle ‘spatial diversity’ could not improve the system’s resilience in all scenarios. This holistic approach is essential for identifying resilient strategies capable of effectively countering unforeseen disruptive events, thereby ensuring the continued stability and sustainability of our energy systems.
Experimental Investigation on the Mechanical and Physical Properties of Particleboard From Residual Materials With Lowland Bamboo Chip Composition
Authors: Muche Balemlay Alehegn , Gebremedhen Hailu Shimels
Published: December 2024

In Ethiopia, there is a significant amount of agricultural residues produced, and finding sustainable ways to recycle them can help to avoid the negative impacts of improper disposal in landfills. The objective of this study is to evaluate the mechanical and physical properties of particleboard (PB) made from reused coffee husk (CH), maize cob (MC) residues, and lowland bamboo (LB) chips. The particles used ranged from 0.75 mm to 3 mm length, and boards were manufactured with different weight ratios of these materials. The particles were bonded together using a 12% urea‐formaldehyde resin (UFR), and a hot‐pressing machine was utilized to create the PB. Experimental tests were conducted on the PB to assess its mechanical properties (bending, compressive, and impact strength), both in dry and wet conditions, and also physical properties (density, water absorption, moisture content, and thermogravimetric analysis) and evaluated following the standards set by JIS A 5908 and ASTM D 1037. In comparison, PB crafted from 75% bamboo, 12.5% CH, and 12.5% MC exhibited superior mechanical and physical characteristics as compared with other types of PBs. Conversely, 12.5% bamboo, 75% CH, and 12.5% MC showed the weakest performance in both wet and dry conditions. The efficacy of the proposed solution was confirmed through testing against the commercial eucalyptus tree particleboard (EPB) and industry standards. In both dry and wet conditions, the mechanical properties of PB were enhanced by increasing the bamboo particle content and reducing the CH and MC particles. The experimental findings revealed that the proposed solution had superior bending, compressive, and impact strength compared with commercial products by 13.05%, 23.06%, and 14.07% in dry conditions and 23.03%, 15.45%, and 21.25% in wet conditions, respectively, and meeting IS3087 standards. This suggests that the proposed solution comprising 75% bamboo, 12.5% CH, and 12.5% MC particles could serve as a viable alternative to commercial EPB, thereby safeguarding the environment from the adverse effects of eucalyptus trees.
Molecular Detection of Shiga Toxin–Producing Escherichia coli O177 Isolates, Their Antibiotic Resistance, and Virulence Profiles From Broiler Chickens
Authors: Ramatla Tsepo , Motlhaping Tshepang , Ndlovu Nkanyezenhle , Mileng Kealeboga , Howard Jody , Khasapane George , Ramaili Taole , Mokgokong Prudent , Nkhebenyane Jane , Ndou Rendani , Lekota Kgaugelo , Thekisoe Oriel
Published: December 2024

The World Health Organization (WHO) describes Shiga toxin–producing Escherichia coli (STEC) as a bacterium that can cause severe food‐borne diseases. Common sources of infection include undercooked meat products and faecal contamination in vegetables. This study aimed to isolate, identify and assess the virulence and antibiotic resistance profiles of STEC isolates from broiler chicken faeces. Faecal samples were cultured, and polymerase chain reaction (PCR) was utilized to identify the isolates. Subsequently, the confirmed isolates were screened for seven virulence markers using PCR. The antibiotic susceptibility of the isolates to 13 different antibiotics was determined using the disk diffusion method. PCR was also employed to screen for antibiotic resistance genes. The uidA gene, which encodes the beta‐glucuronidase enzyme, was detected in 62 (64.6%) of the 91 presumptively identified E. coli isolates. Of these, 23 isolates (37.1%) were confirmed to be E. coli O177 serogroup through amplification of wzy gene. All E. coli O177 isolates possessed the virulence stx2 gene, while 65% carried the stx1 gene. Among the E. coli O177 isolates, three harboured a combination of vir + stx2 + stx1 + hlyA genes, while one isolate contained a combination of eaeA + stx2 + stx1 + hlyA genes. All E. coli O177 isolates carried one or more antimicrobial resistance (AMR) genes, with 17 isolates (73.7%) identified as multidrug resistance (MDR). This is the first study to report the presence of E. coli O177 serotype from broiler chickens in South Africa. The findings reveal that broiler chicken faeces are a significant reservoir for MDR E. coli O177 and a potential source of AMR genes. These results underscore the importance of continuous surveillance and monitoring of the spread of AMR infectious bacteria in food‐producing animals and their environments. The study also emphasizes that monitoring and control of poultry meat should be considered a major public health concern.
Diagnostic Accuracy of Screening Tests for Diabetic Peripheral Neuropathy: An Umbrella Review
Authors: Mogilevskaya María , Gaviria-Carrillo Mariana , Feliciano-Alfonso John Edwin , Barragan Ana M. , Calderon-Ospina Carlos A. , Nava-Mesa Mauricio O.
Published: December 2024

Peripheral neuropathy is a common cause of morbidity in diabetes. Despite recent advancements in early diagnosis methods, there is a need for practical, highly sensitive, and cost‐effective screening methods in clinical practice. This study summarizes evidence from systematic reviews and meta‐analyses on the diagnostic accuracy of validated screening methods for diabetic peripheral neuropathy. Two independent reviewers assessed methodological quality and bias using AMSTAR and ROBIS tools. Seven reviews with 19,531 participants were included. The monofilament test showed inconsistent sensitivity (S: 0.53–0.93) and specificity (Sp: 0.64–1.00), along with high variability in its application. Neuropad exhibited high S (86%, 95% CI 79–91). However, variations in the interpretation of results across the included studies may have impacted its Sp (65%, 95% CI 51–76). The Ipswich touch test exhibited adequate diagnostic accuracy (S: 0.77, Sp: 0.96, DOR: 75.24) but lacked comparison with gold standard tests. In vibration perception studies, the biothesiometer outperformed the tuning fork (S: 0.61–0.80 vs. 0.10–0.46). In general, heterogeneity was observed due to varied reference tests, thresholds, and patient differences. The development of automated analysis methods, as well as determination of predictive value of the combination of screening tools, is needed for further studies. Based on the study results, we suggest that clinicians should select screening tools tailored to their patient population, clinical setting, and available resources, as no single test can be universally recommended for all clinical scenarios.
Minimal Residual Disease as an Early Endpoint for Accelerated Drug Approval in Myeloma: A Roadmap
Authors: Landgren Ola , Devlin Sean M.
Published: December 2024

Improvements in multiple myeloma treatments have extended patient survival to a decade or more. Treatment response rates >90% have introduced new challenges for drug development, including a need for early endpoints with greater sensitivity. The FDA, based on data from two independent academic research groups and industry, evaluated minimal residual disease (MRD) negativity as an intermediate endpoint for progression-free and overall survival, culminating in a unanimous vote by the Oncologic Drugs Advisory Committee in April 2024 supporting MRD-negative complete response as an early endpoint reasonably likely to predict clinical benefit in multiple myeloma that may be used to support accelerated approval.

Significance:

The acceptance of MRD-negative complete response as an endpoint that is reasonably likely to predict clinical benefit will allow for the design of streamlined clinical trials for accelerated approval, enabling significantly faster patient access to novel therapies. Cooperative efforts were required to obtain and analyze clinical trial data from multiple sponsors and to determine the best approach to analysis with a relatively limited number of available datasets. The process to evaluate MRD as an intermediate endpoint, undertaken jointly by myeloma researchers and industry, with feedback from the FDA, serves as a roadmap for other areas of oncology to develop intermediate endpoints.
Age-Specific Predictors of Changes in Subjective Life Expectancy: A 10-Year Longitudinal Study
Authors: de Paula Couto Clara , Kornadt Anna E. , Rothermund Klaus
Published: December 2024

Introduction: Subjective life expectancy (SLE) is considered an indicator of future time perspective and has implications for developmental outcomes in different areas of life. Previous studies rarely took a lifespan approach, although it would allow for a better understanding of whether the factors affecting SLE vary with participants’ chronological age. Therefore, in this study, we aimed to investigate the predictors of changes in SLE across the lifespan, focusing on views of aging and preparation for old age. Methods: SLE was assessed across a 10-year longitudinal interval in a sample of German adults participating in the Ageing-as-Future study (n = 514; age range at T1: 30–80 years). Personalized views of aging (future self-views) and preparations for old age assessed at T1 were used to predict changes in SLE across the longitudinal interval. Results: Positive future self-views predicted greater stability in SLE across the 10-year interval; this effect was only obtained for younger adults. High levels of preparation for old age predicted greater stability in SLE, but only for older participants. Conclusion: Psychological variables capturing beliefs and behaviors regarding old age and aging have been shown to play a pivotal role in development in old age. The current study demonstrates that these variables influence an important aspect of future time perspective, namely, the subjectively expected time left to live. Examining psychological and behavioral predictors of SLE is relevant, as it broadens the understanding of which factors play a role in expanding or shrinking the perceived remaining lifetime.
Acute Myelin Oligodendrocyte Glycoprotein-IgG Optic Neuritis without Optic Nerve Enhancement
Authors: Jeyanathan Bava , Micieli Jonathan
Published: December 2024

Introduction: Optic neuritis (ON) is a common neuro-ophthalmological condition and remains a significant indicator of inflammatory conditions affecting the central nervous system. Varying etiologies exist for ON including multiple sclerosis, NMOSD, and MOGAD. Differential diagnosis is achieved using both radiological and serological testing. MRI characteristics of MOG-ON include T2 hypersensitive lesions, nerve swelling, and gadolinium enhancement of the affected optic nerve. While acute MOG-ON usually presents with optic nerve enhancement, recognizing atypical presentations is critical in accurate diagnosis and effective management. Case Presentation: We herein present a case of a 67-year-old woman presenting with sudden decrease in vision in the right eye. The patient underwent a 3T MRI of the orbits and brain 5 days post vision loss which returned normal right optic nerve appearance at presentation (no edema, enhancement or increased T2 signal). Further serological testing of the MOG antibody returned positive (1:100) while APQ4 antibodies were negative. This yielded a diagnosis of MOG-IgG-ON. Subsequently, the patient was treated with IV methylprednisolone 1 g daily for 5 days followed by prednisone 1 mg/kg, resulting in marked improvement in vision. Conclusion: This case highlights the complexity involved in diagnosing ON, especially in the context of MOGAD. Absence of optic nerve enhancement in this patient calls attention to the possibility of subclinical inflammation and/or detectable enhancement later in clinical course. Our findings, along with existing literature, highlight the need for clinicians to consider atypical MRI presentations in MOG-ON cases. Recognizing that normal MRI does not exclude MOG-ON is important for optimizing diagnostic accuracy and effective treatment interventions.
Differentiated Instruction as A Strategy in Teaching Introduction to the Philosophy of the Human Person (IPHP) for Grade 11 Students
Authors: Macaraeg Rubell M. , Acuavera Lorna L.
Published: December 2024

The research study aimed to investigate the effectiveness of differen-tiated instruction as a strategy in teaching Introduction to the Philosophy of the Human Person (IHLP) of one hundred sixty-nine (169) students. The researcher followed a prescribed lesson plan and focused on one ob-jective to meet the expected competency using the students Multiple In-telligences in dividing each class into small groups best suited the study.The study utilized a quantitative research method with a descriptive design to assess the effectiveness of differentiated instruction. To deter-mine the performance of the respondents on the pre-test and post-test using the differentiated instruction, quasi-experimental design is utilized to establish a causal relationship between an independent variable, the differentiated instruction and the dependent variable which is the stu-dents’ performance. T-Test and ANOVA is used to identify the significant differences between the pre-test, post-test, and demographic profile.The findings of the study revealed that majority of student-respondents are female adolescents, belong to a middle-income class fam-ily, are body/kinestic, logic/math, and music styled-learners. The stu-dents performed very satisfactory during pre-test. Differentiated instruc-tion as an intervention strategy was applied to tailor instruction to the learning needs of students based on the Pre-test scores and the students performed very satisfactory during post-test. The ANOVA computation revealed a significant difference between the performance of students during pre-test and post-test. However, no significant difference in the pre-test scores of students when grouped according to sex, age, family monthly income and learning style. A significant difference in the post-test scores of students when grouped according to sex was established. The proposed enhancement to intervention strategies aimed for a differ-entiated output.
Exploring The Values and Practices Through Filipino Family Types among Grade 7 Students
Authors: Bersamina El Niño L. , Hermosa Jherwin P.
Published: December 2024

This research delves into the intricate dynamics of Filipino family types, DepEd core values, and Filipino family practices. In the Philip-pines, family structures have undergone significant transformations over the years. Traditional Filipino family structures, deeply rooted in cultural heritage and communal ties, have coexisted alongside the emergence of modern family structures influenced by urbanization, globalization, and shifting societal norms. Understanding the impact of these family structures on individuals, particularly students, is an area ripe for exploration.The found a positive correlation between nuclear families and ad-herence to DepEd values and practices. Extended families show a posi-tive correlation with pro-environmental attitudes, while single-parent families exhibit mixed results, including a negative correlation with cultural preservation. The study's significance lies in its contribution to understanding Filipino family dynamics and its potential to positively impact Filipino society by promoting cultural understanding and stronger family relationships.This study's significance lies in its contribution to understanding Filipino family dynamics, offering insights for future research, and promoting cultural understanding and stronger family relationships. It holds the potential to positively impact Filipino society by enriching educational experiences and fostering a deeper appreciation for diverse family structures and cultures.
A Meta-Analysis of Salary Benchmarking of Engineers, BIM Modelers, and BIM Managers in the Philippines
Authors: Siman Bennegreg P.
Published: December 2024

This study provides a detailed meta-analysis of salaries for engineers, BIM modelers, and BIM managers in the Philippines, emphasizing how geographical location, experience level, industry sector, qualifications, and market trends influence compensation. The analysis incorporates data from a variety of sources, including academic publications, industry reports, and government statistics, to provide a detailed understanding of salary variations within different professions. Findings show significant salary differences based on their geographical location. Professionals in Metro Manila have considerably larger wages than those in provincial re-gions. Experience level is also important when it comes to salary increas-es which can be observed when professionals advance from entry-level to senior roles. Salary levels are also influenced by the industry, with tech-nology, building, and infrastructure development sectors offering highest compensation. Additional qualifications and certificates enhance salary opportunities, reflecting the value of particular skills and expertise. The purpose of this study is to write a meta-analysis of salary benchmarks for BIM modelers, engineers, and BIM managers in the Philippines emphasiz-ing how factors such as geographical location, experience level, industry sector, qualifications, and market trends influence compensation. The analysis includes seven studies that were published between 2019 and 2024 to capture recent salary patterns in these professions. The study shows the importance of understanding these important variables in de-veloping successful compensation methods, optimizing talent acquisition, and promoting retention in the engineering and construction sectors in the Philippines. The insights provided are expected to allow stakeholders to make informed decisions to build a competitive and thriving workforce in these critical industries.
Master’s Degree Program at Osias Colleges, Incorporated… In the Prospect of Educators and Corporate World Employees
Authors: Santiago Lilia M.
Published: December 2024

This tracer study examines the Master’s Degree graduates from the Master of Arts in Education (MAEd) and Master in Business Administra-tion (MBA) programs to assess their current profiles, contributions of their respective programs, and their ratings of the degrees earned. Utiliz-ing a survey questionnaire adapted from the University of Santo Tomas, data were collected from both MAEd and MBA graduates through web-based sampling. The descriptive research design was employed to ad-dress the study's questions.The findings reveal that the majority of respondents are females in upgraded positions, such as Teacher III, Head Teacher, Master Teacher, and Principal. Most MBA graduates are employed as Senior High School teachers, with some holding high positions like Corporate Budget Spe-cialist and Senior Financial Planning Specialist. The study highlights that the Master’s Degree Program significantly contributes to the academic profession, particularly in meeting professional needs, enhancing learn-ing efficiency, and fostering people skills and values formation. Gradu-ates rated their professors highly, particularly regarding subject matter knowledge, pedagogical expertise, quality of instruction, and teacher-student relationships. The study recommends that Osias Colleges, Inc. (OCI) Management and Faculty continue to foster a lifelong learning mindset and maintain ongoing communication and networking with alumni to enhance educa-tional outcomes and professional development. This approach will sup-port continuous growth and ensure that graduates are well-prepared for their careers.
Quality Practice Teaching Experience in Cooperating Schools: Building Foundations for Effective Teacher Education
Authors: Santiago Lilia M.
Published: December 2024

A study was conducted in the Tarlac City Schools Division, Philippines, to evaluate the practice teaching experiences of student interns in line with Republic Act No. 7722, known as the "Higher Education Act of 1994," which underscores the significance of quality pre-service teacher education in enhancing educational standards.
The research aimed to assess the preparedness of student teachers by examining various factors including orientation activities, relationships with the school community, accessibility of practicum sites, and the quality of support services. The methodology involved descriptive analysis of orientation sessions conducted by supervisors and cooperating educators, which included familiarization with school facilities, rules, classroom routines, and instructional material development. Additionally, the study evaluated student interns' involvement in lesson planning and teaching demonstrations while identifying challenges through questionnaires, interviews, and portfolio reviews.
Findings revealed that student interns rated their overall practice teaching experience as "Very Good" across multiple dimensions such as orientation activities and community engagement. The interns effectively utilized instructional materials and were acknowledged for their exceptional performance during their internships. This study provides valuable insights into the effectiveness of practice teaching programs and contributes to the preparation of future educators in the Philippines, supporting the national objective of improving educational quality to meet global standards.
Critical Performance Roles of School Heads and Teachers' Collaboration in Public School
Authors: Malolos Laila L.
Published: December 2024

The study aimed to determine the critical performance roles among school heads and teachers’ collaboration in public schools. A quantita-tive descriptive correlation research design was used and the modified standardized survey instrument based on Total Leaders 2.0 by Spady (2010) was utilized in the 31 public schools with 538 teachers, school heads, and principals serving as the respondents. The test of the signif-icant difference between the assessment of the school heads and teach-ers as to critical performance roles among school heads indicates there is no significant relationship between groups and within groups by schools. There is a significant difference between the assessment of the school heads and teachers as to teachers’ collaboration. The perceived level of assessment of school heads and teachers as to teachers’ collabo-ration noted a significant. There is a significant relationship between the level of manifestation of critical leadership performance roles among school heads level of manifestation of teachers’ collaboration. Finally, the level of manifestation of critical leadership performance roles among school heads singly or in combination does not significant-ly explain the level of manifestation of teachers’ structural collabora-tion. The results show that critical performance roles positively pre-dicted Instructional Programs and Interpersonal Collaboration than in and of other variance.
A Q-Theoretic Solution to A’ingae Postlabial Rounding
Authors: Dąbkowski Maksymilian
Published: December 2024

I describe and analyze a process of postlabial rounding in A’ingae (isolate, iso 639-3: con): after labial consonants, the diphthong /ae/ may surface as [oe]. However, a postlabial monophthongal /a/ always surfaces faithfully as [a]. To capture these facts, I propose an analysis couched in Q-Theory, where one vocalic target of a diphthong corresponds to fewer subsegments than a monophthong. This predicts that diphthongs might show an emergence-of-the-unmarked (TETU) effect, while monophthongs surface faithfully. The prediction is borne out by A’ingae postlabial rounding, contributing a novel argument for the Q-Theoretic representations. Finally, I show that similar asymmetries between diphthongs and monophthongs have recurred throughout the language’s history, further strengthening the proposal.
Notes on Lev Vygotsky's “The Psychology of Art”: the metamorphoses of its evaluation by Russian psychologists
Authors: Sobkin Vladimir S.
Published: December 2024

Background. The relevance of the work is connected with the significance of L.S. Vygotsky's early studies both for the formation of the foundations of the cultural-historical approach in psychology and theoretical and methodological principles of modern research on the psychology of art.
Objectives. The aim is to determine the peculiarities of the approach to the study of aesthetic response in Vygotsky's work "The Psychology of Art". Identification of substantive aspects concerning Vygotsky's research "method" is important for studying the psychological uniqueness of artistic experience. The theoretical and ideological contexts that determine the ambiguity of assessments of "The Psychology of Art" by Russian psychologists are established.
Study Participants. The original text of Vygotsky's dissertation "The Psychology of Art. Analysis of Aesthetic Reaction" (archive of the Vygodsky family), subsequent editions of "The Psychology of Art", critical articles by leading Russian psychologists on the "The Psychology of Art".
Methods. Critical historical theoretical analysis, comparative textual analysis of the original text of Vygotsky's dissertation "The Psychology of Art. Analysis of Aesthetic Response" (archive of the Vygotsky family), subsequent editions of "The Psychology of Art", critical articles by leading Russian psychologists regarding "The Psychology of Art".
Results. It is shown that in "The Psychology of Art" when studying the peculiarities of aesthetic reaction and cathartic experience Vygotsky uses not only the principles of structural, functional and genetic analysis of the artwork, but also a wide range of psychotechnical techniques aimed at interpreting the meaning of the artwork. At the same time, the peculiarity of his use of methodological principles of reactological and psychoanalytical approaches, models of mental experiment in analyzing psychological features of the artwork impact are revealed. It is revealed that the subsequent critical evaluations of "The Psychology of Art" were clearly influenced not only by the theoretical attitudes of various authors, but also by ideological connotations ("ideological filters", "mechanisms of social protection of the text", etc.). A shift in the substantive critical assessments of the work was recorded: from the dynamic analysis of artistic experience ("waste of energy", "explosive reaction") to the tasks of personal meaning to resolve affective contradictions arising in the perception of different levels of the organization of the artwork. It is shown that it is the attitude to the socio-biological type of human development that determines the pathos of the study of "The Psychology of Art" as a "social technique of feelings".
Conclusions. In "The Psychology of Art" the main range of questions about the mechanisms of sign mediation of emotional mental processes and meaning-making is fundamentally worked out.
Husserl: Psychological Epoché and Pure Psychology
Authors: Rojcewicz Richard
Published: December 2024

The experience error is the fallacy of attributing to our experience of a thing what we know to be true of that thing from an objective point of view. This paper argues that the “method of purification” advocated by Edmund Husserl for psychology is nothing other than avoidance of the experience error. The purity of psychology is not philosophical (transcendental) purity. Psychology remains in the natural attitude; it is pure if it is true to the subjective, psychical, genuinely lived content of experience and thus is purely descriptive. But that is easier said than done. Due to the dominance of the modern scientific outlook, the experience error is so insidious that, as the paper argues in a final section, Husserl himself was not immune to it.
Another Phenomenological Method for the Analysis of Psychological Data
Authors: Giorgi Amedeo
Published: December 2024

From the phenomenological perspective, intentionality is an important concept for understanding consciousness. The idea was introduced into psychology by Brentano in the 19th century who got it from Scholasticism. Husserl modified its meaning and made it a key concept in his philosophy. This paper shows one way in which intentionality can help clarify psychological phenomena.
Diversity patterns of herpetofauna communities along a habitat alteration gradient in an Afrotropical large wetland – a test of the Intermediate Disturbance Hypothesis
Authors: Behangana Mathias , Milembe Fionah , Kibuule Micheal , Byaruhanga Achilles , Luiselli Luca
Published: December 2024

Whilst wetlands are vital ecosystems supporting natural cycles and biodiversity, intensive agricultural practices and land use have led to widespread degradation, particularly in tropical Africa. In Uganda’s ‘cattle corridor’, an agro-pastoral landscape stretching across 84 000 km2, natural wetlands have been largely destroyed, and their degradation exacerbated by climate change. The Rufuuha wetland, located in southwestern Uganda, provides a study model to examine biodiversity across different habitat sectors: (i) intact, (ii) degraded, and (iii) restored areas. We studied the amphibian and reptile communities in Rufuuha wetland, which had been heavily degraded due to local community activities, such as agriculture and cattle grazing, before restoration efforts began in 2015. We found significant differences in species richness and diversity between the three areas. While species richness was similar across the areas, diversity and evenness were highest in the intact sector, followed by the restored and degraded areas. There was no support for the Intermediate Disturbance Hypothesis, whereas evenness clearly detected changes in the community structure of herpetofauna along the habitat gradient that species richness did not. Amphibians were well-represented in the survey, showing clear patterns related to habitat quality, while reptile sampling was less comprehensive. Our study demonstrates that restoration efforts can positively impact biodiversity in Afrotropical wetlands. However, it is not yet clear whether the same biodiversity levels as in the intact areas can be reached also in the restored areas. Further studies, particularly on reptiles, are needed to better understand the full ecological impacts of habitat restoration in this region.