bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Differential Diagnosis or Etiology: A Case Report on Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis-like Neuropathy Associated with HIV Infection
Authors: Rodrigues Renato Barradas , Orsini Marco , Neves Sofia Vieira , de Rezende Pinto Wladimir Bocca Vieira , da Silva Catarino Antônio Marcos , Antunes Pereira Daniel , Oliveira Acary Souza Bulle
Published: September 2023

Background:

Retroviruses are described as a risk factor for chronic neuropathy. However,
it is still unknown if they can work as amyotrophic lateral sclerosis triggers. Over the years,
some cases of this association have been described with heterogenous disclosures.

Case Representation:

This study aimed to report a case of HIV and ALS-like neuropathy and briefly
discuss peculiarities of clinical aspects, such as physiopathology and treatment options. The patient
underwent neurological examination associated with blood tests, electromyography, analysis
of cerebrospinal fluid, and imaging studies.

Discussion:

A non-systematic review was performed in major databases regarding the topic. The
case presented mixed upper and lower motor neuron signs and was framed as a probable case of
ALS following the present criteria.

Conclusion:

After a short follow-up and viral load cleansing, neurological stabilization was
achieved.
Comparative Efficacy of Endogenous Stem Cells Recruiting Hydrogels
and Stem Cell-loaded Hydrogels in Knee Cartilage Regeneration: A
Meta- analysis
Authors: Feng Wanyun , Zhu Chaohua , Miao Ruoxiang , Li Danni , Xiong Xi , Wang Ruyu , Liu Guobin , Ma Jun
Published: September 2023

Background:

Cartilage defects remain a challenge in diseases such as osteoarthritis
(OA) and fractures. Scientists have explored the use of hydrogels in conjunction with stem cell
technology as a tissue engineering method to treat cartilage defects in joints. In recent years, research
into hydrogels containing stem cell technology for cartilage repair has mainly focused on
two categories: stem cell-loaded hydrogels and endogenous stem cell recruiting hydrogels. The latter,
utilizing cell-free products, represents a novel concept with several advantages, including easier
dose standardization, wider sources, and simpler storage. This meta-analysis aims to assess and
compare the therapeutic effects of endogenous stem cell recruiting hydrogels and stem cell-loaded
hydrogels in promoting articular cartilage regeneration in animal models, with the goal of exploring
endogenous stem cell recruiting hydrogels as a promising replacement therapy for knee cartilage
regeneration in preclinical animal studies.

Methods:

We systematically searched PubMed, Web of Science, Cochrane Library, and Embase
until January 2023 using key words related to stem cells, cartilage regeneration and hydrogel. A
random-effects meta-analysis was performed to evaluate the therapeutic effect on newborn cartilage
formation. Stratified analyses were also carried out by independently classifying trials according
to similar characteristics. The level of evidence was determined using the GRADE method.

Results:

Twenty-eight studies satisfied the inclusion criteria. Comprehensive analyses revealed
that the use of endogenous stem cell recruiting hydrogels significantly promoted the formation of
new cartilage in the knee joint, as evidenced by the histological score (3.77, 95% CI 2.40, 5.15; p <
0.0001) and the International Cartilage Repair Society (ICRS) macroscopic score (3.00, 95% CI
1.83, 4.18; p = 0.04), compared with the control group. The stem cell-loaded hydrogels also increased
cartilage regeneration in the knee with the histological score (3.13, 95% CI 2.22, 4.04; p =
0.02) and the ICRS macroscopic score (2.49, 95% CI 1.16, 3.82; p = 0.03) in comparison to the
control. Significant heterogeneity between studies was observed, and further stratified and sensitivity
analyses identified the transplant site and modelling method as the sources of heterogeneity.

Conclusion:

The current study indicates that both endogenous stem cell recruiting hydrogels and
stem cell loaded hydrogels can effectively promote knee joint cartilage regeneration in animal
trials.

Prospero Registration Number::

CRD42022348526.
Predicting the Risk of Breast Cancer Recurrence and Metastasis based on
miRNA Expression
Authors: Lv Yaping , Wang Yanfeng , Zhang Yumeng , Chen Shuzhen , Yao Yuhua
Published: September 2023

Background:

Even after surgery, breast cancer patients still suffer from recurrence and
metastasis. Thus, it is critical to predict accurately the risk of recurrence and metastasis for individual
patients, which can help determine the appropriate adjuvant therapy.

Methods:

The purpose of this study is to investigate and compare the performance of several categories of molecular biomarkers, i.e., microRNA (miRNA), long non-coding RNA (lncRNA), messenger RNA (mRNA), and copy number variation (CNV), in predicting the risk of breast cancer recurrence and metastasis. First, the molecular data (miRNA, lncRNA, mRNA, and CNV) of 483 breast
cancer patients were downloaded from the Cancer Genome Atlas, which were then randomly divided
into the training and test sets with a ratio of 7:3. Second, the feature selection process was applied by
univariate Cox and multivariate Cox variance analysis on the training set (e.g., 15 miRNAs). According to the selected features (e.g., 15 miRNAs), a random forest classifier and several other classification methods were established according to the label of recurrence and metastasis. Finally, the performances of the classification models were compared and evaluated on the test set.

Results:

The area under the ROC curve was 0.70 for miRNA, better than those using other biomarkers.

Conclusion:

These results indicated that miRNA has important guiding significance in predicting
recurrence and metastasis of breast cancer.
The Efficacy of Colchicine as an Adjunct Therapy in
Non-hospitalized COVID-19 Patients: A Randomized
Placebo-Controlled Trial
Authors: Hejazi Sepideh , Jahani Zohreh , Elyasi Sepideh , Salarbashi Davoud , Kabiri Mona
Published: September 2023

Background:

The therapeutic potential of oral colchicine administration may help
combat COVID-19 infection due to reduced disease severity and mortality risk.

Objective:

This randomized trial aimed to assess the effect of colchicine treatment on the inflammatory
and hematologic markers as well as clinical features in non-hospitalized patients
with mild-to-moderate COVID-19 disease.

Method:

In the present placebo-controlled randomized trial, 80 non-hospitalized COVID-19
patients were enrolled and followed for 14 days. Subjects randomly received oral colchicine
or placebo tablets once a day for two weeks. The fever and cough clinical signs, as well as Creactive
protein (CRP) and lymphopenia, were evaluated through the follow-up.

Results:

No significant between-group differences were observed in terms of the duration of
clinical symptoms, CRP, and lymphopenia at 0, 7, and 14 days of intervention. Although the
proportion of participants with fever, cough, positive CRP, and lymphopenia was higher reduced
in the colchicine group than the placebo during treatment, no significant differences
were found between groups. Due to no adverse effects detected in this trial, colchicine therapy
was well-tolerated and safe.

Conclusion:

Our findings revealed that colchicine adjuvant therapy had no beneficial effect
on clinical and para-clinical parameters in non-hospitalized COVID-19 patients during 14
days of intervention. The present trial does not support colchicine as a potential treatment
against COVID-19 disease.

Clinical trial Registration:

The present study protocol was approved by the IRCT
(IRCT20200408046990N2, https://en.irct.ir/trial/47468).
Characteristics of Complement Protein Deposition in Proliferative Glomerulonephritis with Monoclonal Immunoglobulin Deposition
Authors: Liu Meng-yao , Yu Xiao-juan , Wang Su-xia , Li Yuan , Xing Guo-lan , Chen Ming , Zhou Fu-de , Zhao Ming-hui
Published: September 2023

Background

Hypocomplementemia and complement co-deposition with monoclonal immunoglobulins in glomeruli are not rare in proliferative glomerulonephritis with monoclonal immunoglobulin deposits (PGNMID). Deposition of monoclonal immunoglobulins in glomeruli has been suggested to activate complement and cause kidney injury. However, the profiles of complement activation in PGNMID and their clinical and pathologic significance need to be clarified.

Methods

Forty-six patients with PGNMID were enrolled. Proteomic analysis of glomeruli using laser microdissection and mass spectrometry was performed for ten patients with PGNMID to determine the composition of glomerular deposits. Kidney deposition of complement components was detected by immunohistochemistry and immunofluorescence. Urinary and plasma levels of complement components were measured by an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Group differences were assessed using t tests or Mann–Whitney U tests depending on the distribution. Correlation analysis was performed using Spearman rank correlation or Pearson correlation.

Results

Laser microdissection and mass spectrometry–based proteomic analysis showed that complement components were the most enriched proteins deposited in the glomeruli of patients with PGNMID. Glomerular deposition of C3c, C4d, and C5b-9 was detected in most patients. Levels of urinary and plasma C3a, C5a, soluble C5b-9, C4d, Bb, and C1q as well as urinary mannose-binding lectin were significantly higher in patients with PGNMID compared with healthy controls. The intensity of C3c and C4d deposition in glomeruli correlated with serum creatinine and the percentage of crescents, respectively. Furthermore, levels of urinary complement components correlated positively with serum creatinine, urinary protein excretion, percentage of crescents, and global glomerulosclerosis in kidney biopsies, whereas plasma levels of most complement components did not show a significant correlation with clinicopathologic parameters. In multivariable analysis, a higher level of urinary C4d was identified as an independent risk factor of kidney failure.

Conclusions

The complement system was found to be overactivated in PGNMID, and levels of urinary complements correlated with disease severity. A higher level of urinary C4d was identified as an independent risk factor of kidney failure.
A Review on the Organization Model of Second Language Mental Lexicon Based on Word Association Test
Authors: Jie Wu , Xiuzhi Li
Published: September 2023

In the past two decades, the study of second language mental lexicon organization has become a research direction that has attracted much attention from scholars. The research on second language mental lexicon organization has achieved fruitful outcomes in both basic theoretical research and empirical research. The basic theoretical research mainly focuses on the lexical knowledge framework theory and the exploration of second language mental lexicon organization, while the empirical research explored the characteristics of second language learner’s mental lexicon organization based on the word association test as the main research method. In addition, future study needs to pay attention to the optimization of word association test, the use of multiple testing methods, the learners at the basic education level, and the attempt to integrate the findings with pedagogical practice research.
Review and Prospect of English Activity-based Approach in China (2018-2022)
Authors: Huang Yuqian
Published: September 2023

Using a combination of quantitative and qualitative research methods, this paper collects the literature on English activity-based approach published in 15 Chinese educational journals from 2018-2022, and has a review from four dimensions: development trend, research object, research content and research methods. The results show that: the number of studies is generally on an upward trend; the research objects are concentrated at the high school level, followed by middle school and the least at elementary school; the main contents of studies include conceptual research and design philosophy at the macro level, lesson design research, teaching strategies and literacy development at the micro level; the research methods are mainly non-empirical studies, and the empirical studies are mainly qualitative studies. This paper then analyzes the problems of the existing research and presents an outlook on the future development of English learning activity perspective research.
История изучения антропологических материалов с территории Республики Калмыкия
Authors:   Кalmyk Scientific Center of the RAS (8, Ilishkin St., 358000 Elista, Russian Federation), Bembeeva Lyubov A.
Published: September 2023

Introduction. The work reviews scholarly publications dealing with paleoanthropological material from Kalmykia’s kurgan burial sites. Goals. So, the study aims to shed light on the history of research of the latter. Materials and methods. The paper employs narrative and historical methods to examine articles and monographs summarizing outcomes of analyses of anthropological material from Kalmykia’s excavations. Results. One can distinguish two periods in the anthropological endeavors — Soviet and contemporary ones. Virtually all anthropologists who investigated the material from Kalmykia mention a wide variety of morphological types inherent to human populations that had inhabited Kalmyk steppes in ancient times. The considered works are characterized by somewhat differing approaches of Soviet-era and present-day anthropologists. Furthermore, the attempted analysis has revealed certain trends in studies of the Bronze Age.
IMPROVING STUDENTSâ€™ READING COMPREHENSION SKILL THROUGH INFERENCE
Authors: KARTAWIJAYA SUKARTA -
Published: September 2023

Penelitian ini adalah penelitian tindakan kelas, tujuan penelitian ini adalah to menemukan masalah-masalah dalam proses belajar dan mengajar dan menemukan solusi dari masalah tersebut. Penelitian ini di lakukan pada siswa kelas VIII A SMP N 3 Kerinci. Penelitian tindakan kelas ini dilaksanakan dalam dua siklus, dan setiap siklus terdiri dari tiga pertemuan.

Berdasarkan hasil penelitian, ditemukan bahwa perubahan-perubahan selama proses belajar dan mengajar. Hasil dari tes di siklus I adalah 60. 24% dan meningkat ke 97.43% di siklus II. Tes nya dilakukan berdasarkan teks percakapan, siswa diminta membuat tebakan. Perubahan-perubahan tidak hanya terjadi pada tes reading siswa tapi juga dari hasil observasi dan catatan juga menunjukkan bahwa sikap siswa juga mengalamai perubahan lebih baik. Ada beberapa factor-faktor yang mempengaruhi perubahan-perubahan siswa pada keterrampilan membaca yaitu termotivasi dan menyenangkan, berpartisipasi, topic dan kegiatan-kegitan menarik dan cara mengajar.
Berdasarkan hasil penelitian, dapat dikatakan bahwa dengan menggunakan inference bisa meningkatkan keterampilan membaca siswa khususnya kelas VIII A SMP N 3 Kerinci. Harapan, semoga penelitian ini bisa menjadi masukan untuk guru bahasa Inggris untuk mengimplementasi inference dalam mengajar membaca di SMP.
TYPES OF SYNTACTICAL ERRORS MADE BY ENGLSIH DEPARTMENTS STUDENTS IN WRITING ESSAY REGISTERED 2014/2015 ACADEMIC YEAR AT STAIN BATUSANGKAR
Authors: Putra Hendra
Published: September 2023

Hendra Putra,2015. Types of Syntactical Errors Made by English Department Students in Writing Essay Registered 2014/2015 Academic Years at Stain Batusangkar. Thesis. Graduate Program. State University of Padang.

Â 

This research deal with types of errors which consist of noun phrase, verb phrase, verb and verb construction, some transformation, word order, addition and omission made by the fourth semester students of the English Department of STAIN Batusangkar in writing essays.

This research was aimed at finding out and explaining types of errors made by English Department students in writing essay at STAIN Batusangkar in 2014/2015 academic year.

The source of data this research was writing test. The technique of data collection was simple random sampling. From the data, the researcher took 23 essays (20%) from the total of students. In analyzing the data, the researcher used some step, mainly reading, describing and classifying the data.

The research revealed that there were 314 errors from studentsâ€™ writing essay. Those errors were noun phrase 80 errors (25.48%), verb phrase 138 errors (43.95%), verb and verb construction 7 errors (2.23%), word order 14 errors (4.46%), some transformation 9 errors (2.87%), omission 43 errors (13.69%), addition 23 errors (7.32%).

Based on the finding above, it could be concluded that the students committed the errors in their essays. It might be caused by their grammatical mastery in English. It is also suggested to the lecturers to provide more detail explanations to the students related to the grammar problems so that the students will not make errors in their writing later on or at least it can minimize the errors produced by the students.
FOREIGN LANGUAGE EXAMINATION TECHNIQUES (CASE STUDY OF SANTRI IN PONDOK PESANTREN HARAKATUL QUR'AN PADANG SUMATERA BARAT)
Authors: Yusutria Yusutria , Rahmat Wahyudi
Published: September 2023

The patterns used in the habituation and behavior of foreign languages in the Harakatul Qur'Aan Islamic Boarding School Taluk Kabuang, Koto Tangah District, Padang were built, so that students have the ability to speak foreign languages, especially Arabic with an active period of 3 months. This research is a descriptive qualitative research with data collection from observations, interviews and documentation. There are several factors that influence foreign language habits and behavior including internal and external motivation, intelligence and environmental factors, habituation in communication and interaction with foreign languages accompanied by the provision of new vocabulary every morning, often holding activities that can create communication and interaction can work well and is accompanied by new vocabulary, evaluating and understanding new information.
Simulação realítsica como estratégia de treinamento para equipe de saúde
Authors: Rocco Kelen Mitie Wakassugui de , Pereira Maria Gorete Nicolete , Almeida Caroline Lourenço de , Haddad Maria do Carmo , Martins Eleine Aparecida da Penha
Published: September 2023

Objetivo: Avaliar a simulação realística como estratégia de capacitação de técnicos de enfermagem e condutores de ambulância na avaliação primária dos traumas. Método: Estudo quase experimental, tipo antes e depois, abordagem quantitativa, desenvolvido entre dezembro de 2021 a março de 2022. A população constitui-se de 98 profissionais de 14 municípios que compõem o Complexo Regulador do Serviço de Atendimento Móvel de Urgência, da região norte do Estado do Paraná. Foi aplicado um teste de conhecimento, com 10 questões, antes e depois da simulação. Os dados foram avaliados em relação à medida central e dispersão. Os acertos, no pré e pós-teste, foram comparados por percentual. A média e desvio padrão dos acertos foram avaliados empregando o teste de Shapiro-Wilk para identificação da distribuição normal, ou não, dos dados. Também foi realizado o teste de Wilcoxon para identificação de diferença entre as médias de acertos entre os momentos de pesquisa. Empregou-se o índice de significância de 0,050. Resultados: Das perguntas propostas, aquelas sobre cinemática do trauma, estágios da avaliação primária da vítima, planejamento do atendimento e imobilização da vítima de trauma, atendimento na avaliação e presença de choque atingiram 90% das respostas corretas esperadas após o treinamento. As perguntas sobre avaliação primária do paciente e manejo das vias aéreas também produziram resultados significativos. Conclusão: A assimilação de conhecimento através da simulação realística promoveu um incremento importante de acertos das questões.
INVESTIGATION of the RELATIONSHIP COGNITIVE FUNCTIONS with PHYSICAL ACTIVITY and STRENGTH in HEALTHY MIDDLE-AGED ADULTS
Authors: CANLI Umut , KURT Cem
Published: September 2023

Bu çalışmanın amacı sağlıklı orta yaşlı yetişkinlerde kuvvet ile seçici dikkati ve inhibisyon cevabını içeren kognitif fonskiyonlar arasındaki ilişkinin incelemesidir. Çalışmaya 31 kadın ve 12 erkek dahil edildi (N=43, Yaş: 42.31± 9.76 yıl; Vücut ağırlığı: 71.42±14.85 kg; Boy uzunluğu: 162.33±7.96 cm). Katılımcılar; farklı günlerde kavrama kuvveti, 1 maksimum tekrar Bench press, 1 maksimum tekrar Leg press, 1 maksimum tekrar Long pulley, 1 maksimum tekrar Leg ekstansiyon, 1 maksimum tekrar overhead press and kognitif fonksiyonlar açısından test edildiler. Indirekt 1 maksimum tekrar değerleri Technogym Selection 900 marka ağırlık makinası ve formül vasıtasıyla belirlendi. Katılımcıların dominant taraf kavrama kuvvetleri dijital dinamometre kullanılarak belirlendi. Katılımcıların; seçici dikkatleri d2 testi ve inhibisyon cevapları ise bilgisayar temelli Go/No-Go testi ile belirlendi. Çoklu linear regresyon analizi, katılımcıların kavrama kuvvetleri, 1 maksimum tekrar bench press, 1 maksimum tekrar leg ektansiyon, 1maksimum tekrar leg press, 1 maksimum tekrar long pulley ve 1 maksimum tekrar overhead press değerleri ile kognitif fonksiyon testleri arasında ilişki olmadığını gösterdi. Bu sonuçlara dayanılarak, sağlıklı orta yaşlı katılımcıların kuvvet düzeylerinin, kognitif fonksiyonların göstergesi olamayacağı söylenebilir. Sağlıklı orta yaşlı bireylerde, kuvvet düzeyi ile kognitif fonskiyonlar arasındaki ilişkinin açıklanabilmesi için daha büyük örneklem büyüklü çalışmalar ihtiyaç duyulmaktadır
relevancia de los Sistemas de Gestión de la Calidad en el sector de dispositivos médicos
Authors: Chuco Aguilar Victoria Judith
Published: September 2023

A medida que avanza la tecnología, se han ido fabricando dispositivos médicos cada vez más sofisticados, lo que ha provocado un aumento de la oferta en el mercado. Sin embargo, la proliferación de equipos de mala calidad pone en peligro la salud e, inclusive, la vida de los consumidores. Ante tal situación, la implementación de las normas ISO 13485 y las Buenas Prácticas de Manufactura permite asegurar la calidad en la fabricación de dispositivos médicos, lo cual repercutirá en la confianza del consumidor. Por ese motivo, el objetivo del presente artículo es destacar la relevancia de los Sistemas de Gestión de la Calidad en la industria de los dispositivos médicos.  Finalmente, se plantean las conclusiones a ser consideradas en futuras investigaciones.
Systematic Estimation of Noise Statistics for Nonlinear State Estimators by Parametric Uncertainty
Authors: Krog Halvor , Jäschke Johannes
Published: September 2023

An easy-to-implement noise estimation method for tuning state estimators
is proposed. It outperforms benchmark methods in terms of accuracy or
computational cost both in theory and in a case study. We assume
parametric uncertainty in the process model, which we transform into
noise statistics using the generalized unscented transformation (GenUT).
While most other methods estimate only the noise covariance, we also
estimate the mean. Our tuning method is suitable for input-output
models, demonstrated through a case study involving process simulators
and industrial data. We present a theoretical analysis of our method,
which is based on splitting one large GenUT to two smaller GenUTs. This
results in two theorems: i) mean approximations for the two systems are
equal and ii) covariance approximations are similar under certain mild
conditions. These theorems confirm the validity of our method, and we
discuss their potential to realize a numerically stable GenUT for
high-dimensional systems.
Comment on “Math. Meth. Appl. Sci. 2023;1–3.”
Authors: Khater Mostafa M. A.
Published: September 2023

In this scholarly analysis, we aim to address the inaccuracies and
unsupported claims presented in the paper “Math. Meth. Appl. Sci.
2023;1–3,”’authored by Elsayed M. E. Zayed and Shoukry El-Ganaini.
Their paper [1] asserts that the authors of “Math Meth Appl Sci.
2021;44:2682–2691”employed the Khater method to solve the
nonlinear fractional Cahn–Allen equation. It is imperative to emphasize
that this claim lacks validity. Contrarily, upon a meticulous
examination of our own work [2], we find that Mostafa M. A. Khater,
Ahmet Bekir, Dianchen Lu, and Raghda A. M. Attia employed the
modified Khater method, a robust computational technique
recently introduced by Prof. Mostafa M. A. Khater. This assertion is
substantiated by a substantial body of Prof. Mostafa M. A. Khater’s work
(as cited in references [3–6]). These findings unmistakably
contradict the assertions made in “Math. Meth. Appl. Sci. 2023, ”which
erroneously claim the utilization of the Khater method. It is
also of utmost importance to address the implications of these
inaccuracies. The claims put forth by Zayed and El-Ganaini not only
misrepresent the actual methodology used but also erroneously question
the authorship of the modified Khater method, implying that it
does not originate from Prof. Mostafa M. A. Khater. To counter this
assertion, we emphasize Prof. Khater’s extensive publication history,
which indisputably demonstrates his scholarly contributions employing
the modified Khater method in the years 2018 and
2019 (as thoroughly documented in references [3–6]). In
summary, our analysis underscores the discrepancies and ethical concerns
within the aforementioned paper, asserting that it not only
misrepresents the methodology employed but also inaccurately questions
the ownership of the modified Khater method. This casts doubt
on the integrity of the authors’ claims, suggesting an unwarranted
attempt to appropriate the contributions of another researcher.
Development and validation of the test of spelling competence (TCORT) in incoming university students
Authors:   Universidad Loyola Andalucía, Luesia Juan-F. , Plaza Juan-F. ,   Universidad Loyola Andalucía, Benítez Isabel ,   Universidad de Granada, Sánchez-Martín Milagrosa ,   Universidad Loyola Andalucía
Published: September 2023

This study aims to present a test to assess spelling competence (TCORT) in incoming Spanish university students and to obtain validity evidence to support its use. The starting point was a bank of 73 items covering the most relevant spelling areas of the Spanish language, and the 37 most representative items were selected from the information provided by six experts. Afterwards, a pilot study of the TCORT was carried out with 602 students. The final version consisted of 31 items, with sufficient internal consistency (α = .90; ω = .89) and an invariant unidimensional structure between sexes. It also correlated significantly with other variables, such as previous performance (r = .37, p <.01), verbal reasoning (r = .27, p <.01) and spelling, measured with another tool not adapted to the target population (r = .45, p <.01). Validity evidence based on the test content, internal structure and relations to other variables supported the use of the test to assess spelling competences in incoming university students. The usefulness of TCORT in providing relevant data to facilitate the creation of university policies aimed at promoting spelling competence training in university students is discussed.
Water vapour permeability of nylon pantyhose
Authors: Tomovska Elena , Hes Lubos , Zafirova Koleta
Published: September 2023

Comfort properties of clothing are one of the main indicators of clothing quality and have been widely investigated in the past decades. This research concentrates on the water vapour permeability of nylon pantyhose, by examining behaviours in the relaxed state, as well as under extension of knits of 100 %, comparative to wear conditions and above 100 %. Permetest apparatus was used to measure the water vapour permeability according to the standard ISO 11092. The results indicate that for very fine fabrics permeability stays constant under extension, while for fabrics above 44 dtex the water vapour permeability changes significantly with extension.
Plate-assisted bone-segment transport in the femur with 2 internal lengthening nails: a technical note and a case report
Authors: Olesen Ulrik Kähler , Herzenberg John E , Hindsø Klaus , Singh Upender Martin , Petersen Michael Mørk
Published: September 2023

A novel technique to resolve large bone defects, using 2 internal lengthening nails (ILNs), one antegrade and one retro-grade, aligned in a custom-made tube is presented. A 28-year-old, healthy, asymptomatic male presented with a slowly growing mass in the left femur.
ANALYSIS OF THE VALUE OF RELIGIOUS MODERATION IN LEARNING MODULE OF ISLAMIC RELIGIOUS EDUCATION AND CHARACTER
Authors: Muharom Fauzi
Published: September 2023

The study aims to analyze the value of religious moderation in module learning Islamic Religious Education and Character "Al-Hikmah" works Working Group for Elementary School Islamic Religious Education Teachers in District Wonogiri. Study this method study library research that uses books, written documents, and other relevant objects discussed as source research. As for object research used in the study, module learning Islamic Religious Education and Character "Al-Hikmah" Elementary School level grade 4 and grade 6. Research results show that modules learning Islamic Religious Education and Character "Al-Hikmah" in Elementary Schools in grades 4 and 6 contain material moderation religion, acceptable in a manner explicit nor a manner implicit. On the module learning Islamic Religious Education and Character "Al-Hikmah" class 4, there are 16 materials that contain payload moderation religious, and for module learning in grade 6, there are 14 containing material payload moderation religious.
Peran Kuliah Kerja Nyata sebagai Wujud Pengabdian kepada Masyarakat di Tengah Pandemi Covid-19 di Kecamatan Punggur Kabupaten Lampung tengah
Authors: Yuliadi Richo , Gunawan Gunawan , Zulkarnain Iskandar , Setiawan Andi , Atmaja Gunawan Dwi , Fitriani Yuyun , Destrilia Intan , Mirnawati Mirnawatia , Saputra Pindo Riski , Widodo Wahyu , Setioko Sigit
Published: September 2023

Kegiatan pengabdian ini dilakukan dengan tujuan untuk memaksimalkan peran mahasiswa KKN (Kuliah Kerja Nyata) di lingkungan masrakat pada masa pandemic Covid-19. Tim pengabdian kepada masyarakat STISIPOL Dharma Wacana melakukan sosialisasi PHBD (Pola Hidup Bersih dan Sehat) serta membagikan masker dan hand sanitizer kepada masyarakat kampung mojopahit, aparatur kampung, dan pedagang serta pembeli yang ada di pasar Kampung Mojopahit
Perception and Acceptance of Nollywood as Nigeria’s Cultural Ambassador among University Students
Authors: Adesemoye Steven Anu'
Published: September 2023

Nollywood is considered the site of popular culture and harbinger of cultural renaissance, especially amongst young adults confronted daily with the remote acculturation that foreign films offer. While many stakeholders believe that Nollywood, the second most prolific film industry, dispenses cultural knowledge and memory across borders, Nigerian tertiary students are suspected of preferring Western flicks or vacillating between foreign and local films. Consequently, this study was conceived to ascertain if Nigerian students perceive Nollywood as a cultural industry and Nigeria’s cultural ambassador. A 5-point Likert Scale of a 13-item questionnaire was administered to 283 Lagos State University of Science and Technology mass communication students. The descriptive, t-test, and ANOVA findings revealed that the students in this study consider Nollywood a cultural industry. Still, their perception showed that Nollywood’s performance is weak regarding cultural representations. Therefore, the study recommends that Nollywood films portray endogenous and authentic cultural values. However, the research suggested a further study involving more students across Nigeria, with mixed methods and advanced analyses.
Antimicrobial Potential Of Endophyte Bacteria In Angsana Plants (Pterocarpus indicus Willd)
Authors: Nurhasnah Nurhasnah , Roza Media , Sari Milya , Kencanawati Kencanawati
Published: September 2023

The discovery of antimicrobial active compounds is one of the pressing things in the world of medicine and the pharmaceutical industry, due to the increasing and widespread resistance of pathogenic bacteria to existing antimicrobials. Angsana plant (Pterocarpus Indicus Willd) has been shown to have efficacy as a drug, so it has the potential to be used as a source of natural antibiotics. This study aims to find out the types of endophytes in various parts of the Angsana plant (Pterocarpus indicus Willd) through macroscopic and microscopic identification and find out the activity of antimicrobial compound-producing endophye bacteria in Angsana plants. Bacterial purification techniques use streak plate and spread plate methods. Antimicrobial activity tests are carried out using diffusion methods by means of point inoculation. The results showed 29 isolates of endophye bacteria isolated from the Angsana plant (Pterocarpus indicus Willd). From the roots as many as 11 isolates, stems as many as 12 isolates, and leaves as many as 6 isolates. The result of Gram staining of Angsana plant endophyte bacteria, obtained 22 bacterial isolates including Gram positive and 7 is Gram negative. There were 21 bacil-shaped endophyte bacterial isolates, 7 coccus-shaped isolates and 1 coccobacil-shaped isolate. Isolate the endophyte bacteria of Angsana plants that have the potential to produce antimicrobial compounds as many as 20 isolates. Isolates of Angsana plant endophyte bacteria form a bland zone in    S. aureus (10 isolates), E. coli (17 isolates). Endophyte bacterial isolates that are able to inhibit the growth of bacteria S. aureus and  E. coli are 7 isolates
EFL Students’ Perception of Using AI Paraphrasing Tools in English Language Research Projects
Authors: Alammar Ammar , Abdel-Reheem Amin Eman
Published: September 2023

Researchers and educators have different opinions on the use of AI-driven automated paraphrasing tools (APTs). Such tools can improve students’ writing performance but may result in accusations of plagiarism if students do not use them appropriately. This study aimed to examine EFL students’ perceptions of using APTs in their academic writing process. It fills a gap in the literature by highlighting the roles, appropriateness, and effectiveness of APTs use and identifying their advantages and disadvantages. During a research project course, the participants used APTs while writing their research papers. A questionnaire and semi-structured interviews were used to identify students’ perceptions of using APTs and to determine the advantages, disadvantages, and drawbacks of using them. The findings showed that EFL students’ perceptions toward using APTs are favorable; they view them as useful tools that have a significant impact on their academic writing process. The study recommended that APTs are helpful to EFL students but that students must not overly rely on them. Students must learn how to paraphrase to check the appropriateness of the texts produced by APTs.
The Relationship between Reading Attitude and Student Grade Point Average
Authors: O. M. Hasan Mousa
Published: September 2023

Reading is crucial for individuals to achieve optimal functioning, as it facilitates the development of cognitive processes such as critical thinking and decision-making, which foster the ability to conceptualize and solve problems. This research study is significant to conduct because there is a dier need for a scholarly inquiry more focused on establishing the relationship between students’ attitudes toward reading and their academic performance while considering the influence of study skills across all levels of education. The main aim of the study was to examin the relation between the reading attitudes of students and their academic acheivment by gainning higher grades in the class. Thus, the main research question the study was; What is the relationship between reading attitude and students’ grade point average? The main research tool used in thse study was quantitative research method. The study was conducted in King Saud University for Health and Sciences (KSUHS) in Riyadh Saudi Arabia. Random sampling technique was used to select the sample. Sample size of the study was 146 students enrolled in first-year at KSUHS. The Pearson correlation value of E1, E2, E3, G1, E10, E13, E16, E21, G25, E1, E2, E22, E12, E7, E8, E14 lie between +1 and -1 which showed that variables have a significant relationship with each other. The hypothesis test values were (t=4.797, p<.01) which supported the hypothesis that a positive reading attitude contributes to higher grade point averages in the classroom due to which H1 was accepted. Correlation among the variables showed that grade point average is significantly correlated with Reading attitudes toward the English language.
The Role of L2 Vocabulary Knowledge in Writing Proficiency from the Perspective of Mediating Effect of Fluency
Authors: Tong Yanli , Hasim Zuwati , Abdul Halim Huzaina
Published: September 2023

The current study aims to probe the effectiveness and predictability of four aspects of lexical knowledge in writing proficiency of 312 Chinese university students of English as an ESL/EFL by pathways analysis of structure equation modeling. Furthermore, Bootstrapping and Monte Carlo statistical methods were used to analyze the mediation role of vocabulary fluency in the relationship between lexicons and writing proficiency. The results indicated that (a) the tested four aspects of lexicon knowledge (receptive/productive vocabulary breadth/depth) were all found to have a potential effect on writing; however, the effect of productive lexicons on writing proficiency is higher than that of receptive ones, and the effect of depth is better than that of breadth in both reception and production; (b) regression analysis demonstrated that overall lexical knowledge can account for 50 percent of the variance in writing; (c) vocabulary fluency plays a partial mediation role between vocabulary knowledge and writing ability; and (d) given the mediation role of lexicon fluency, the regression coefficient of both receptive vocabulary breadth and receptive vocabulary depth raised by 3 percent respectively; however, the regression coefficient of productive vocabulary has no changes. These findings suggest that vocabulary fluency can help language learners perform better in writing ability if only they have high vocabulary levels, especially productive vocabulary knowledge.
Unveiling the Subtle Art of Politeness: An Analysis of Jordanian Educators’ Deployment of Linguistic Strategies in the Official WhatsApp Group
Authors: Farouq F. Hussein Suzan , Ab Rashid Radzuwan
Published: September 2023

The advent of the digital landscape has significantly transformed the communication practices of educators. Within this evolving context, an intriguing aspect that warrants scholarly investigation is their politeness strategies within official institutional WhatsApp groups. It aims to shed light on the complexities of educators’ interactions in the digital environment by closely examining their linguistic choices. The application of politeness expressions among teachers themselves and in their interactions with superiors proves to be a beneficial strategy for achieving effective communication. Using an ethnographic method, the careful observation of 163 messages shared by 20 teachers in the official WhatsApp groups was conducted over six months. The comprehensive politeness framework proposed by Brown and Levinson (1987) provided the foundation for the discursive analysis, complemented by the insightful perspective of Holmes and Stubbe (2015). This study unravels Jordanian English language teachers’ strategic deployment of all four politeness strategies in the official WhatsApp group. Positive politeness emerges as teachers’ predominant strategy to cultivate a sense of closeness and maintain harmonious relationships among colleagues and superiors. Interestingly, teachers display heightened awareness of their linguistic choices when addressing leaders, employing positive politeness to convey deference. In contrast, when communicating with colleagues of equal status, they often opt for a more direct and explicit “bald-on-record” approach. It is noteworthy that superiors also exhibit a discerning awareness of their linguistic choices, employing an “off-record” strategy when addressing faculty members. This study has implications for enhancing a supportive work environment for educators by providing insights into effective communication, professional relationships, and positive teaching settings.
Students’ Attitudes toward Using Chatbot in EFL Learning
Authors: Saeed Ahmed Mohamed Samia , Mahmoud Ibrahim Alian Eman
Published: September 2023

The current study is an exploratory experiment on the attitudes of English as a Foreign Language students toward using chatbots in their learning. The study sheds light on the recent technical tools for language learning and finds out to what extent chatbots are effective in acquiring language skills, especially their usability, precision, assessment, and strengths. To answer the study’s main question, the researchers examined 64 English foreign language first-year secondary Egyptian students’ responses to a 20-item questionnaire through a survey research approach. The researchers chose students through purposive sampling. They used descriptive statistics to assess the data from the Likert-scaled items. The findings indicated that chatbots appeal to language learners because learners can utilize them without the help of the instructors, which in turn encourages them to become autonomous learners. They also believed that the Chatbot might simulate an interaction cycle so they could practice the target language. Additionally, the students felt that the Chatbot boosted their enthusiasm and confidence, which ultimately helped them feel active and more comfortable. Consequently, the data provide insightful information about properly integrating chatbots in English language learning inside and outside the classroom while considering its defects.
“Golden Curriculum” Instructional Design Competency Framework based on College English Award-Winning Instructional Design
Authors: Yan Jimiao , Johari Bin Sihes Ahmad , Zhang Yan
Published: September 2023

The importance of instructional design competency for university lecturers of English as a Foreign Language in delivering Higher-ordered, Innovative, and Challenging courses within the Golden Curriculum context in China cannot be underestimated. However, research in this area is limited, posing the need for teachers to reskill and upskill themselves to improve their teaching competencies. Therefore, this study aims to develop an instructional design competency framework based on a content analysis of 18 national award-winning instructional designs from the Star Teacher Contest between 2020 and 2022, using NVivo12 software. The framework encompasses four key elements: learning and learners, learning objectives, learning activities, and learning assessment. The findings emphasize the importance of understanding learning theories, employing scaffolding techniques, and catering to learners’ characteristics to support their academic progress. Moreover, the framework highlights the significance of fostering critical thinking and cross-cultural communication competencies, creating challenging yet feasible tasks, and using various assessment tools that incorporate real-life learning outcomes. By using this instructional design competency framework, teachers can enhance their teaching competencies and effectively implement the Golden Curriculum. Furthermore, educational institutions can use the framework to provide targeted support and training to teachers, enabling a successful integration of the Golden Curriculum into their English teaching programs.
Reinforcement of Gender Stereotyping in Malaysian Primary English Textbooks
Authors: Ayufiza Asmuni Puteri
Published: September 2023

Many primary school students have been exposed to gender stereotyping since they were young, with educators, parents, and their peers shaping their thoughts, behaviors, and their perceptions of gender. While several previous research studies have been done on the depiction of gender-stereotyped roles in Malaysian textbooks, very little has fully explored how stereotypical gender characteristics are assigned to the male and female gender, and how reinforcement of occupational gender roles is done through images and text in Malaysian primary English textbooks. This study seeks to investigate the reinforcement of gender stereotyping in Malaysian Primary English textbooks through images and text. The study addressed the following research question: What stereotypical gender characteristics are assigned to the male and female gender through the images and text incorporated in Malaysian English Primary textbooks? Using the Thematic Analysis approach by Braun and Clarke(2006) the results show that the themes obtained from the analysis were consistent with results from previous studies, which suggested that there was a biased characterization of the male and female gender, and those female characters were still underrepresented leading to the reinforcement of stereotypical gender roles. This study sheds new light on the reinforcement of gender stereotyping and provides important insights into the creation and development of primary English textbooks in Malaysia.
Written Corrective Feedback Scientometric Review (1987–2022)
Authors: Wang Xuan , Zuo Jingying , Wang Xinyi
Published: September 2023

Written corrective feedback is widely used in language learning and teaching, and related studies have attracted significant attention in recent years. Through analysis and visualization of 497 articles indexed in the Web of Science core collection over the past 35 years using CiteSpace, this scientometric review aims to explore the developmental stages, involved disciplines, geospatial fingerprint, main research streams, and emerging research trends of written corrective feedback. The following stages were identified based on the timeline of publications and citations: the sprouting phase (1987–2005), the fluctuating phase (2006–2016), and the explosive phase (2017–2022). The interdisciplinary trend toward written corrective feedback becomes increasingly prominent throughout each stage, and its primary disciplines range from linguistics and cognitive science to psychology and computer science. The primary research contexts for written corrective feedback research are ESL and EFL; countries with multiple coexisting language variants have prioritized research in this field. Existing studies have witnessed a shift from quantitative to qualitative research, and case studies focusing on individual differences are emerging as a newer research frontier. As one of the first few scientometric reviews of written corrective feedback since the phrase first appeared as a combined index term, this study is significant as a reference for comprehensively understanding the intellectual background, dynamics, and evolution of this research field.