bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
How to start a LINE: 5′ switching rejuvenates LINE retrotransposons in tobacco and related Nicotiana species
Authors: Hartig Nora , Seibt Kathrin M. , Heitkam Tony
Published: March 2023

By contrast to their conserved mammalian counterparts, plant long interspersed nuclear elements (LINEs) are highly variable, splitting into many low‐copy families. Curiously, LINE families from the retrotransposable element (RTE) clade retain a stronger sequence conservation and hence reach higher copy numbers. The cause of this RTE‐typical property is not yet understood, but would help clarify why some transposable elements are removed quickly, whereas others persist in plant genomes. Here, we bring forward a detailed study of RTE LINE structure, diversity and evolution in plants. For this, we argue that the nightshade family is the ideal taxon to follow the evolutionary trajectories of RTE LINEs, given their high abundance, recent activity and partnership to non‐autonomous elements. Using bioinformatic, cytogenetic and molecular approaches, we detect 4029 full‐length RTE LINEs across the Solanaceae. We finely characterize and manually curate a core group of 458 full‐length LINEs in allotetraploid tobacco, show an integration event after polyploidization and trace hybridization by RTE LINE composition of parental genomes. Finally, we reveal the role of the untranslated regions (UTRs) as causes for the unique RTE LINE amplification and evolution pattern in plants. On the one hand, we detected a highly conserved motif at the 3′ UTR, suggesting strong selective constraints acting on the RTE terminus. On the other hand, we observed successive rounds of 5′ UTR cycling, constantly rejuvenating the promoter sequences. This interplay between exchangeable promoters and conserved LINE bodies and 3′ UTR likely allows RTE LINEs to persist and thrive in plant genomes.
Self-Expectations, Socially Prescribed Expectations, and Wellness in 14- to 15-Year-Old Athletes, Ballet, and Music Students in Norwegian Talent Schools—An Interview Study
Authors: Stornæs Annett Victoria , Sundgot-Borgen Jorunn , Pettersen Gunn , Rosenvinge Jan H. , Nordin-Bates Sanna M.
Published: March 2023

Talent-school settings may generate stress via demanding expectations. To investigate students representing Norway’s growing phenomenon of early adolescent talent schools, we interviewed twenty-seven 14- to15-year-old boys and girls about their experiences with self- and socially imposed expectations. Students were recruited from two sports schools (n = 14) and one school each with talent classes for ballet (n = 7) and music (n = 6). Using reflexive thematic analysis, we found four main themes representing the performers’ accounts of (a) self-oriented expectations of persistent hard work, evoking self-doubts, and never-give-up attitudes; (b) coaches’/teachers’ socially prescribed expectations, stimulating hard work, and pursuit of approval and opportunities; (c) parental expectations, reflected as helpful support, concerns of letting parents down, and negotiating independence; and (d) struggles with balancing expectations, reflected by demanding workloads, difficulties with prioritizing recovery, and ill-being. Early interventions targeting unhealthy self- and socially imposed expectations in high-expectation settings may be required to safeguard youth performers’ healthy development.
Proteasome Interactome and Its Role in the Mechanisms of Brain Plasticity
Authors: Buneeva Olga A. , Kopylov Arthur T. , Medvedev Alexei E.
Published: March 2023

Proteasomes are highly conserved multienzyme complexes responsible for proteolytic degradation of the short-lived, regulatory, misfolded, and damaged proteins. They play an important role in the processes of brain plasticity, and decrease in their function is accompanied by the development of neurodegenerative pathology. Studies performed in different laboratories both on cultured mammalian and human cells and on preparations of the rat and rabbit brain cortex revealed a large number of proteasome-associated proteins. Since the identified proteins belong to certain metabolic pathways, multiple enrichment of the proteasome fraction with these proteins indicates their important role in proteasome functioning. Extrapolation of the experimental data, obtained on various biological objects, to the human brain suggests that the proteasome-associated proteins account for at least 28% of the human brain proteome. The proteasome interactome of the brain contains a large number of proteins involved in the assembly of these supramolecular complexes, regulation of their functioning, and intracellular localization, which could be changed under different conditions (for example, during oxidative stress) or in different phases of the cell cycle. In the context of molecular functions of the Gene Ontology (GO) Pathways, the proteins of the proteasome interactome mediate cross-talk between components of more than 30 metabolic pathways annotated in terms of GO. The main result of these interactions is binding of adenine and guanine nucleotides, crucial for realization of the nucleotide-dependent functions of the 26S and 20S proteasomes. Since the development of neurodegenerative pathology is often associated with regioselective decrease in the functional activity of proteasomes, a positive therapeutic effect would be obviously provided by the factors increasing proteasomal activity. In any case, pharmacological regulation of the brain proteasomes seems to be realized through the changes in composition and/or activity of the proteins associated with proteasomes (deubiquitinase, PKA, CaMKIIα, etc.).
Genetic Architecture of Parkinson’s Disease
Authors: Shadrina Maria I. , Slominsky Petr A.
Published: March 2023

Year 2022 marks 25 years since the first mutation in familial autosomal dominant Parkinson’s disease was identified. Over the years, our understanding of the role of genetic factors in the pathogenesis of familial and idiopathic forms of Parkinson’s disease has expanded significantly – a number of genes for the familial form of the disease have been identified, and DNA markers for an increased risk of developing its sporadic form have been found. But, despite all the success achieved, we are far from an accurate assessment of the contribution of genetic and, even more so, epigenetic factors to the disease development. The review summarizes the information accumulated to date on the genetic architecture of Parkinson’s disease and formulates issues that need to be addressed, which are primarily related to the assessment of epigenetic factors in the disease pathogenesis.
tert-Butyl Ethers of Renewable Diols as Oxygenated Additives for Motor Gasoline. Part I: Glycerol and Propylene Glycol Ethers
Authors: Samoilov V. O. , Stolonogova T. I. , Ramazanov D. N. , Tyurina E. V. , Lavrent’ev V. A. , Porukova Yu. I. , Chernysheva E. A. , Kapustin V. M.
Published: March 2023

The study investigates tert-butoxy alkanols (otherwise defined as polyol tert-butyl ethers) that have vicinal tert-butoxy and hydroxy groups in their molecules from the perspective of their usability as oxygenated additives for motor gasoline. A series of propylene glycol mono-tert-butyl ether (PTBE) and glycerol di-tert-butyl ether (di-GTBE) samples were prepared: PTBE by direct acid-catalytic alkylation of diols with tert-butanol, and di-GTBE by alkylation of epichlorohydrin. Adding PTBE and di-GTBE to base motor gasoline was found to improve its antiknock performance: the average blending research octane number to blending motor octane number ratios (bRON/bMON) equaled 120/111 and 124/104 for PTBE and di-GTBE, respectively. Furthermore, the effects of the ether additives on the properties of ethanol-blended base gasoline were characterized. Finally, the study describes the effect of polyol tert-butyl ether additives on the cloud point depression of ethanol-blended gasoline (low-temperature phase stabilization) and demonstrates a positive synergistic effect of adding the ethers mixed with ethanol.
Erratum to: On Ramsey Numbers for Arbitrary Sequences of Graphs
Authors: Karas V. S. , Raigorodskii A. M.
Published: March 2023

An Erratum to this paper has been published: https://doi.org/10.1134/S1064562422340014
Erratum to: On Thermal Boundary Layer in a Viscous Non-Newtonian Medium
Authors: Kisatov M. A. , Samokhin V. N. , Chechkin G. A.
Published: March 2023

An Erratum to this paper has been published: https://doi.org/10.1134/S1064562422340026
Beta-blocker effect on ST-segment: a prespecified analysis of the EARLY-BAMI randomised trial
Authors: Fabris Enrico , Hermanides Renicus , Roolvink Vincent , Ibanez Borja , Ottervanger Jan Paul , Pizarro Gonzalo , van Royen Niels , Mateos-Rodriguez Alonso , Dambrink Jan Henk , Albarran Agustin , Fernández-Avilés Francisco , Botas Javier , Remkes Wouter , Hernandez-Jaras Victoria , Kedhi Elvin , Zamorano Jose , Alfonso Fernando , García-Lledó Alberto , van Leeuwen Maarten , Nijveldt Robin , Postma Sonja , Kolkman Evelien , Gosselink Marcel , de Smet Bart , Rasoul Saman , Lipsic Erik , Piek Jan J , Fuster Valentin , van 't Hof Arnoud WJ
Published: March 2023

Objective

The effect of early intravenous (IV) beta-blockers (BBs) administration in patients undergoing primary percutaneous coronary intervention (pPCI) on ST-segment deviation is unknown. We undertook a prespecified secondary analysis of the Early Beta-blocker Administration before primary PCI in patients with ST-elevation Myocardial Infarction (EARLY-BAMI) trial to investigate the effect of early IV BB on ST-segment deviation.

Methods

The EARLY-BAMI trial randomised patients with ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) to IV metoprolol (2×5 mg bolus) or matched placebo before pPCI. The prespecified outcome, evaluated by an independent core laboratory blinded to study treatment, was the residual ST-segment deviation 1 hour after pPCI (ie, the percentage of patients with >3 mm cumulative ST deviation at 1 hour after pPCI).

Results

An ECG for the evaluation of residual ST-segment deviation 1 hour after pPCI was available in 442 out of 683 randomised patients. The BB group had a lower heart rate after pPCI compared with placebo (71.2±13.2 vs 74.3±13.6, p=0.016); however, no differences were noted in the percentages of patients with >3 mm cumulative ST deviation at 1 hour after pPCI (58.6% vs 54.1%, p=0.38, in BB vs placebo, respectively) neither a significant difference was found for the percentages of patients in each of the four prespecified groups (normalised ST-segment; 1–3 mm; 4–6 mm;>6 mm residual ST-deviation).

Conclusions

In patients with STEMI, who were being transported for primary PCI, early IV BB administration did not significantly affect ST-segment deviation after pPCI compared with placebo. The neutral result of early IV BB administration on an early marker of pharmacological effect is consistent with the absence of subsequent improvement of clinical outcomes.
Predictive value of serum calprotectin (S100A8/A9) for clinical response after starting or tapering anti-TNF treatment in patients with rheumatoid arthritis
Authors: Tweehuysen Lieke , den Broeder Nathan , van Herwaarden Noortje , Joosten Leo A B , van Lent Peter L , Vogl Thomas , van den Hoogen Frank H J , Thurlings Rogier M , den Broeder Alfons A
Published: March 2023

Objectives

Calprotectin (S100A8/A9) has been correlated with disease activity in rheumatoid arthritis (RA). The aim of this study was to investigate the predictive value of serum calprotectin for clinical response after starting and tapering anti-tumour necrosis factor treatment in RA.

Methods

Serum samples and clinical outcomes were derived from two longitudinal RA studies.

At baseline (starting or tapering of adalimumab or etanercept), calprotectin levels were determined by ELISA. In the Biologic Individual Optimised Treatment Outcome Prediction (BIO-TOP) study, treatment effect was assessed after 6 months using the European League Against Rheumatism (EULAR) response criteria. In the Dose Reduction Strategies of Subcutaneous TNF Inhibitors (DRESS) study, patients were classified at 18 months as being successfully dose reduced, discontinued or not able to reduce the dose. Area under the receiver operating characteristic curves (AUC) were generated to evaluate the predictive value of calprotectin and logistic prediction models were created to assess its added value.

Results

In the BIO-TOP study, calprotectin levels were higher in responders (n=50: 985 ng/mL (p25–p75: 558–1417)) compared with non-responders (n=75: 645 ng/mL (p25–p75: 415–973), p=0.04).

AUC for predicting EULAR good response was 0.61 (95% CI 0.50 to 0.71). The prediction model with calprotectin (AUC 0.77, 95% CI 0.68 to 0.85) performed similarly to the baseline model (AUC 0.74, 95% CI 0.65 to 0.82, p=0.29). In the DRESS study, calprotectin levels were similar between the three groups (n=47; n=19; n=36) and calprotectin was not predictive for clinical response after tapering.

Conclusions

Serum calprotectin has some predictive value for clinical response after starting anti-TNF treatment, although it has no added value to other clinical factors. In patients with low disease activity, serum calprotectin is not predictive for clinical response after tapering anti-TNF treatment.

Trial registration number

NTR4647 (BIO-TOP study) and NTR3216 (DRESS study); Pre-results.
‘Pro-tobacco propaganda’: a case study of tobacco industry-sponsored elementary schools in China
Authors: Fang Jennifer , Yang Gonghuan , Wan Xia
Published: March 2023

Background

China is the largest producer and consumer of tobacco products worldwide. While direct marketing and advertisement of tobacco products is restricted, indirect marketing still exists under the guise of sponsorship and corporate social responsibility (CSR). This case study is focused on tobacco industry-sponsored elementary schools in Chinese rural areas.

Methods

Field visits were conducted in Yunnan province to interview students, teachers, school principals and parents to understand their perceptions of the tobacco industry and its sponsorship of schools. Interviews with tobacco control activists were conducted in Beijing to discuss national tobacco control efforts targeting tobacco industry sponsorship. Interview data were transcribed and coded, with key themes developed using thematic analysis.

Results

While health consequences of smoking are generally known, attitudes towards the tobacco industry and its CSR activities remain positive among the general public. Educators and parents do not perceive any impacts on schoolchildren from exposure to ‘pro-tobacco propaganda’ created by the industry’s CSR activities. Attitudes among tobacco control activists were drastically different, with consensus that CSR activities constitute indirect marketing attempts that should be banned.

Conclusion

National tobacco control legislation banning all forms of indirect marketing including CSR is needed in order to protect the health of future generations.
Modified percutaneous tracheostomy in patients with COVID-19
Authors: Sun Beatrice J , Wolff Christopher J , Bechtold Hannah M , Free Dwayne , Lorenzo Javier , Minot Patrick R , Maggio Paul G , Spain David A , Weiser Thomas G , Forrester Joseph D
Published: March 2023

Background

Patients hospitalized with COVID-19 are at risk of developing hypoxic respiratory failure and often require prolonged mechanical ventilation. Indication and timing to perform tracheostomy is controversial in patients with COVID-19.

Methods

This was a single-institution retrospective review of tracheostomies performed on patients admitted for COVID-19 between April 8, 2020 and August 1, 2020 using a modified percutaneous tracheostomy technique to minimize hypoxia and aerosolization.

Results

Twelve tracheostomies were performed for COVID-related respiratory failure. Median patient age was 54 years (range: 36–76) and 9 (75%) were male. Median time to tracheostomy was 17 days (range: 10–27), and 5 (42%) patients had failed attempts at extubation prior to tracheostomy. There were no intraprocedural complications, including hypoxia. Post-tracheostomy bleeding was noted in two patients. Eight (67%) patients have been discharged at the time of this study, and there were four patient deaths unrelated to tracheostomy placement. No healthcare worker transmissions resulted from participating in the tracheostomy procedure.

Conclusions

A modified percutaneous tracheostomy is feasible and can be safely performed in patients infected with COVID-19.

Level of evidence

Level V, case series.
Solutions of one-dimensional inverse heat conduction problems: a review
Authors: Roy Apoorva Deep , Dhiman S.K.
Published: March 2023

Estimations using the inverse conduction approach to predict temperature and heat flux at the exposed surface lead to indirect measurements away from the exposed surface within the solid. The approach is extremely useful when access to direct measurements is not possible due to various working conditions, and thereby provides estimates without disturbing the flow under the real flow condition over the surface. The approach is useful not only for heat transfer applications but also for numerous engineering applications, including fluid mechanics and furnace applications. The approach requires the time history of effective parameters at the strategic locations away from the exposed surface to be known. In the present paper, a review of sequential development of various inverse heat conduction methods is presented to get solutions in different geometries.
Faster spectral density calculation using energy moments
Authors: Hartse Jeremy , Roggero Alessandro
Published: March 2023

Accurate predictions of inclusive scattering cross sections in the linear response regime require efficient and controllable methods to calculate the spectral density in a strongly-correlated many-body system. In this work we reformulate the recently proposed Gaussian Integral Transform technique in terms of Fourier moments of the system Hamiltonian which can be computed efficiently on a quantum computer. One of the main advantages of this framework is that it allows for an important reduction of the computational cost by exploiting previous knowledge about the energy moments of the spectral density. For a simple model of medium mass nucleus like $$^{40}$$

40

Ca and target energy resolution of 1 MeV we find an expected speed-up of $$\approx 125$$

≈
125

times for the calculation of the giant dipole response and of $$\approx 50$$

≈
50

times for the simulation of quasi-elastic electron scattering at typical momentum transfers.
The non-singular Trautman–Kopczyński big-bang model and a torsional spinor description of dark matter
Authors: Cardoso J. G.
Published: March 2023

A view is taken up whereby the non-singular Trautman–Kopczyński big-bang creation of the Universe produced a highly torsional hot state at early stages of the cosmic evolution which particularly brought about the formation of a dark matter cloud. It is thus assumed that the combination of Einstein–Cartan’s theory with the torsionful version of the two-component $$ \varepsilon $$
ε
-formalism of Infeld and van der Waerden supplies a natural local description of dark matter in terms of uncharged spin-one massive fields. In the case of either handedness, the pertinent spinor field equation arises directly from a suitable form of the world Bianchi identity. It appears that each such field equation bears a term that is thought of as carrying part of the information on the mass of the fields. The whole information turns out to be extracted by well prescribed derivatives of certain couplings involving the fields and spinor torsion pieces in such a way that the mass of dark matter is really thought of as arising from the interaction between the fields and spinor torsion.
Holographic entanglement entropy and complexity for D-wave superconductors
Authors: Xu Yuanceng , Shi Yu , Wang Dong , Pan Qiyuan
Published: March 2023

Using the RT formula and the subregion CV conjecture, we numerically investigate the holographic entanglement entropy (HEE) and holographic subregion complexity (HSC) for two holographic d-wave superconducting models with backreactions. We find that the HEE and HSC can probe these two d-wave superconducting phase transitions. The HEE of the superconducting phase is always lower than that of the normal phase. For the HSC, however, it behaves differently and interestingly, which depends on both the strip-width $$L_{x}$$

L
x

and backreaction $$\kappa $$
κ
. More specifically, when the backreaction is larger than a particular critical value, or the strip-width of the boundary subsystem is smaller than a particular critical value, the HSC in the superconducting phase is larger than that in the normal phase, and vice versa.
Weyl invariance, non-compact duality and conformal higher-derivative sigma models
Authors: Grasso Darren T. , Kuzenko Sergei M. , Pinelli Joshua R.
Published: March 2023

We study a system of n Abelian vector fields coupled to $$\frac{1}{2} n(n+1)$$

1
2

n

(
n
+
1
)

complex scalars parametrising the Hermitian symmetric space $${\textsf{Sp}}(2n, {\mathbb {R}})/ {\textsf{U}}(n).$$

Sp
(
2
n
,
R
)
/
U
(
n
)
.

This model is Weyl invariant and possesses the maximal non-compact duality group $${\textsf{Sp}}(2n, {\mathbb {R}}).$$

Sp
(
2
n
,
R
)
.

Although both symmetries are anomalous in the quantum theory, they should be respected by the logarithmic divergent term (the “induced action”) of the effective action obtained by integrating out the vector fields. We compute this induced action and demonstrate its Weyl and $${\textsf{Sp}}(2n, {\mathbb {R}})$$

Sp
(
2
n
,
R
)

invariance. The resulting conformal higher-derivative $$\sigma $$
σ
-model on $${\textsf{Sp}}(2n, {\mathbb {R}})/ {\textsf{U}}(n)$$

Sp
(
2
n
,
R
)
/
U
(
n
)

is generalised to the cases where the fields take their values in (i) an arbitrary Kähler space; and (ii) an arbitrary Riemannian manifold. In both cases, the $$\sigma $$
σ
-model Lagrangian generates a Weyl anomaly satisfying the Wess–Zumino consistency condition.
Holography on the lattice: the string worldsheet perspective
Authors: Bliard Gabriel , Costa Ilaria , Forini Valentina
Published: March 2023

We review the study, on the lattice, of the Green–Schwarz gauge-fixed string action describing worldsheet fluctuations about the minimal surface holographically dual to the null cusp Wilson loop, useful to evaluate the cusp anomaly of $${\mathcal {N}}=4$$

N
=
4

super Yang–Mills (sYM). We comment on discretization, numerical explorations and challenges for the nonperturbative study of this benchmark model of gauge-fixed worldsheet actions.
Experimental study of dripping, jetting and drop-off from thin film flows on inclined fibers
Authors: Pour Karimi Atefeh , Rietz Manuel , Rohlfs Wilko , Scheid Benoit , Kneer Reinhold
Published: March 2023

Gravity driven film flows on vertical fibers are known to exhibit a variety of flow dynamics including the formation of droplet trains induced by the hydrodynamic (Kapitza) and Plateau–Rayleigh instability mechanisms. Through an experimental study, it is shown how inclination of the fiber from the vertical influences these dynamics. The formation of waves, regime transitions from dripping to jetting regimes, as well as the onset of drop-off in the form of droplet detachment from the fiber are illustrated and described in dependence of the fiber inclination angle and the liquid mass flow rate. Additionally, the influence of fiber diameter and nozzle geometry on regime transitions and the onset of drop-off from the substrate are examined. It is shown that the onset of drop-off is strongly related to the transition from a regime characterized by a regular wave pattern to a regime characterized by an irregular wave pattern. It is also demonstrated that this regime transition depends not only on flow rate and fiber geometry, but also strongly on the inclination angle. Interestingly, a stabilizing effect of increasing the fiber inclination is detected for constant fiber geometry and film flow rate.
Metallacarboranes for proton therapy using research accelerators: a pilot study
Authors: Pinheiro Teresa , Alves Luís C. , Corregidor Victoria , Teixidor Francesc , Viñas Clara , Marques Fernanda
Published: March 2023

The feasibility of using an external beam microprobe facility to explore the biological effects generated by proton irradiation in cultured cells is demonstrated. An in-air irradiation set-up was developed that allows energy tuning and enables estimating the flux and dose deposition in cells. A pilot study on the effect of boron-rich metallacarboranes as radiosensitizers towards human glioblastoma cells was carried out. This served as a proof of concept for the enhancement effect of proton irradiation induced by the presence of boron, which undergoes a nuclear 11B(p,α)αα reaction. Details of the experimental set-up and physical parameters measured are presented. Also, preliminary results of cell’s irradiation and uncertainties are discussed anticipating the advances that have been achieved by our group in this field.
Dual-aware Domain Mining and Cross-aware Supervision for Weakly-supervised Semantic Segmentation
Authors: Guo Yuhui , Liang Xun , Wu Bo , Zheng Xiangping , Zhang Xuan
Published: March 2023

Weakly Supervised Semantic Segmentation with image-level annotation uses localization maps from the classifier to generate pseudo labels. However, such localization maps focus only on sparse salient object regions, it is difficult to generate high-quality segmentation labels, which deviates from the requirement of semantic segmentation. To address this issue, we propose a dual-aware domain mining and cross-aware supervision (DDMCAS) method for weakly-supervised semantic segmentation. Specifically, we propose a dual-aware domain mining (DDM) module consisting of graph-based global reasoning unit and salient-region extension controller, which produces dense localization maps by exploring object features in salient regions and adjacent non-salient regions simultaneously. In order to further bridge the gap between salient regions and adjacent non-salient regions to generate more refined localization maps, we propose a cross-aware supervision (CAS) strategy to recover missing parts of the target objects and enhance weak attention in adjacent non-salient regions, leading to pseudo labels of higher quality for training the segmentation network. Based on the generated pseudo-labels, extensive experiments on PASCAL VOC 2012 dataset demonstrate that our method outperforms state-of-the-art methods using image-level labels for weakly supervised semantic segmentation.
School zoning and equal education access in Indonesia
Authors: Sulistyosari Yunike , Wardana Amika , Dwiningrum Siti Irene Astuti
Published: March 2023

The implementation of the school zoning policy in the student admission system of the lower secondary schools since 2017 aims to promote equal educational access for all pupils in Indonesia. The new policy has been constantly under scrutiny, confusing the grounds, particularly for parents whose kids failed to get admitted. Based on a qualitative study in the typical Indonesian regency of Temanggung, Central Java, the article underscores that the geographical based of school zoning system might have never assured equal education access for all pupils as the available seats in all state-owned public schools combined do not meet the number of prospectus students in the regency per annum. Moreover, there are some different understandings among government officials, particularly regent educational officers, schools’ principals, and teachers, regarding the primary goals of the policy as well as attention to its long-term unintended impacts. Under this zoned student admission system, some traditionally reputable and favorite state-owned public schools have to admit students with diverse academic motivation and performance, including the lower one, which eventually leads them to struggle to maintain academic quality and reputation.
Learning experience on career planning for community colleges in Malaysia
Authors: Nor Ahmad Rosli Mohd , Rasul Mohamad Sattar , Amat Salleh , Talib Jasmi Abu , Ab Raji Nurul Atiqah , Hossain Md Mosharaf
Published: March 2023

This study explored a learning experience in technical and vocational curriculum based on a career planning program. The aspect of career has always been ignored in the community college curriculum as it was considered less important in the education of students. Many studies showed that exposure to career since the early days of schooling are very effective in shaping the career maturity of students. This study has been conducted based on Backward Design curriculum model which used learning outcomes (graduation) as a tool to create a learning experience in the curriculum. This qualitative study was conducted on 15 respondents graduated from community college and are successful in their careers with a high income. Data was collected using Delphi techniques interview and each session had been transcribed. Thematic analysis has been conducted in 1st round Delphi techniques interview and Fuzzy Delphi Method (FDM) analysis has been used in second round of the Delphi Techniques. Findings indicate that there are three items learning experiences for pre-self-employment information (interests, self-efficacy, and intrinsic motivation) and four items of learning experiences for pre-employment career that influence the career planning. The item has been ranking base on priority for each items value of threshold (d) in FDM. Finally, in the conclusions and recommendations sectors the data identified by the research are described in detail and analyzed so that to ensure that the chain relationship of market research > curriculum design > vocational education and training will be effective and successful.
Exploring gender-wise, sector-wise, and grade-wise difference among secondary school students’ reading habits
Authors: Samuel Aqeela , Abid Nisar , Azeem Asmaa , Bashir Rukhsana
Published: March 2023

This study was conducted to examine students’ perceptions regarding reading habits and to explore gender-wise, sector-wise, and grade-wise differences in secondary school students’ reading habits. The students (N=538) who participated in this cross-sectional survey were selected through a non-proportional stratified random sampling technique from district Lahore. The researchers developed a questionnaire comprised of four subscales (perceptions, purpose, preferences, and problems in reading) to measure students reading habits. They ensured the validity of the instrument from experts and calculated the reliability that was Cronbach’s alpha=0.802. Data were analyzed by using different statistical techniques (mean, standard deviation, and independent samples t-tests). The results of descriptive statistics indicated that students gave more preferences to reading than perceptions about reading, the purpose of reading, and problems in reading. However, the least contributing factor was problems in reading. Whereas the findings of independent samples t-tests showed a significant difference in students’ perceptions about reading habits based on gender and class. However, an insignificant difference was found in students’ perception of reading habits based on sector-wise (public and private) schools. Books of students’ interests may be provided in libraries to encourage them to read. Moreover, teachers may also arrange more reading activities to enhance students’ reading skills.
An empirical study to evaluate the student competency of vocational education
Authors: Daryono Rihab Wit , Ramadhan Muhammad Agphin , Kholifah Nur , Isnantyo Fajar Danur , Nurtanto Muhammad
Published: March 2023

The low work readiness of vocational education (VE) graduates is caused by a mismatch of competencies with job demands. The unemployment rate for VE graduates is increasing due to low competency mastery and job absorption. The purpose of this study is to determine the competency needs of architectural engineering graduates according to the current demand for the construction industry. The research sample consisted of 193 respondents consisting of VE teachers and practitioners from the construction industry in Indonesia. The Covariance-Based Structural Equation Modeling (CB-SEM) analysis is used for the evaluation of the structural models of architectural engineering competency demands. The results of the analysis test using Confirmatory Factor Analysis (CFA) show that the construct validity of the evaluation model is in a good category. The evaluation model testing met the statistical criteria of goodness of fit. The model substantially explains 89.75% of the various competencies that must be mastered by architectural engineering graduates and suitable for use in Indonesia and other countries.
Evaluating factors affecting attitudes of IT-intensive and non-IT-intensive students towards e-assessment
Authors: Tran Bao Linh , Nguyen Lan Phuong
Published: March 2023

Despite the significant shift to distance computer-based test as an inevitable outcome of Industry 4.0 and the public lockdown of COVID-19, little effort has been made to research this new testing mode. To address this issue, this study targets two groups of information technology (IT)-intensive and non-IT-intensive students with an aim of investigating factors that effectively encourage each group to adopt online assessment and whether their majors cause any differences in the students’ attitudes. Based on the student perception of e-assessment questionnaire (SPEAQ) with some slight modifications, a final 28-item survey was formed and distributed to 400 students. Results have shown that the factors of security, and affective factors were the top factors to impact both groups of students, while the impact of validity and practicality varied among the two groups and reliability and teaching-learning were at the bottom. Besides, there were no noticeable differences in the attitudes of students coming from different majors.
The reality of polarizing professional human resources in the Jordanian higher education institutions
Authors: Al-Momani Mohammad Omar , Murtada Mariam Ayed , Aljedayah Karimah Suleiman , Al-Mzary Maaly Mefleh , Obeidat Lubna Mahmoud , Rababa Elham Mahmoud
Published: March 2023

The study aimed to identify the reality of polarizing professional human resources from the point of view of academics in Jordanian higher education institutions (JHEI), following the variables: gender, educational qualification, academic qualifications, years of service, and type of institution. The study followed a descriptive-analytical approach. The study sample comprised 674 faculty members working in various institutions of the JHEI. The researcher used a questionnaire comprising 24 items as a study instrument. The study’s findings revealed that the JHEI for polarizing professional human resources were ordinary. and that academic institution administrations encourage personnel to submit distinguished ideas. Also, they seek to adopt a philosophy of change as needed, while the administrations do not care about measuring the job satisfaction of employees. Periodically, it was found that JHEI encourage feedback from students to improve the quality of services and adopt modern technological means to provide their services.
Types of smartphone usage and problematic smartphone use among adolescents: A review of literature
Authors: Chan Sii Jiing , Yeo Kee Jiar , Handayani Lina
Published: March 2023

This review aimed to provide an overview of the influence of social and process smartphone use on problematic smartphone use (PSU) among adolescents aged between 10-24 years old. Social smartphone use comprises three types of smartphone features: social networking sites, chatting/texting/instant messaging, and video/phone calls. On the other hand, categories of process smartphone use include watching videos/television/movies, web surfing, playing games, listening to music/podcasts/radio, and educational learning. There were 42 studies with a total of 139,389 adolescents met the criteria for inclusion after a thorough search of academic databases. Overall, the evidence from the studies included in this review revealed that chatting/texting, video/phone calls, watching videos/television/movies and music/podcasts/radio were positively and significantly linked to and predicted problematic smartphone use. Social networking sites use, instant messaging, gaming, web surfing and educational learning yielded inconsistent results. They could have a positive or negative relationship with PSU and play a role in predicting PSU. More research is needed for music/podcasts/radio and video/phone calls because the results are still scarce.
Elements of digital media in vocabulary remote-learning achievement
Authors: Pinem Yune Andryani , Rahmawan Andi Dian
Published: March 2023

The urge of finding the most suitable method of remote teaching in a pandemic situation has become the center of recent studies. Equipped with instructional scaffolding, the absence of a teacher as a mentor in an asynchronous online class could be replaced by more interesting media for students’ self-study. This study was to look at games, songs, and a movie as media to enhance students’ achievement in English vocabulary. Further, elements in each media were observed along with students’ perceptions to explain the affected area in detail. This descriptive quantitative study used paired samples t-test toward students’ post-test scores of a control group (n=100) and an experimental group (n=100) in vocabulary. Students’ perception of taking media as learning tools in experimental class was measured in a questionnaire to explain the results. Results showed that the significantly experimental group outperformed in the final score. Trend on students’ perception in an experimental group toward these teaching media involved shared and specific features in media design, psychological and pedagogic elements. Further, it turned out that some primary and subsidiary features in games exceeded two other media (songs and movies) in vice versa generating some recommendations for future improvement.
In a road of trying times: Unraveling the lived experiences of students in the new normal
Authors: Soriano Roselle Matammu , Catabay Marites Quibol , Quijano Michelle Gumiran
Published: March 2023

The majority of educational systems worldwide have shifted to remote learning as a preventative strategy against the spread of coronavirus disease (COVID-19). This phenomenon is producing a lot of difficulties, as articulated by students in developing nations. Thus, this qualitative study sought to explore and understand the difficulties encountered by college students in Quirino State University in Philippines under the new normal of education. A total of 85 participants were purposely and conveniently selected to participate in an electronic survey through Google Forms. Further, to qualify and clarify responses from the respondents, the researchers conducted phone call interviews. The data were evaluated qualitatively using the NVIVO software. The findings revealed that the student’s difficulties in the new normal can be summed in 10 significant themes, namely: i) Vague module content; ii) Poor internet connectivity; iii) Lack of teacher’s guidance and motivation; iv) Financial problems;v) Stress/psychological pressure; vi) Insufficient learning materials; vii) Overloaded academic activities; viii) Conflict with household chores; ix) Personal factors; and x) Poor and inadequate learning environment. On the other hand, students’ coping strategies had four major themes, namely: i) Managing time wisely; ii) Having self-discipline; iii) Taking time for a break; and iv) Seeking help from others.
Uncovering pedagogical gaps in a chemistry classroom: Implications for teaching and learning
Authors: Ong Eng Tek , Swaran Singh Charanjit Kaur , Wahid Rosdy , Saad Muhamad Ikhwan Mat
Published: March 2023

This study was carried out to uncover the pedagogical gaps by characterizing the teaching practices of chemistry within a teacher education institution and subsequently, identifying the prevalent, non-prevalent and unobserved teaching practices. Accordingly, this implementation study employed the classroom observation method. The one-semester implementation of 11 chemistry lessons of a university lecturer was observed using a psychometrically-validated observation checklist comprises 50 items or indicators that measure six principles (dimensions). The use of the observation checklist entails checking whether each indicator is observed or otherwise during classroom observations. With a frequency of more than 25% to be considered prevalent, the findings indicate that the lecturer prevalently “maintained a scaffolding of instructional alignment” (62.5%), “offered quality learning environments, resources, and technology” (57.1%), and “promoted positive beliefs, attitudes, and behavioral patterns” (54.5%). However, it was a non-prevalent practice in “encouraging intellectual curiosity” (8.3%), and “promoting an atmosphere of critical thinking and inquiry” (14.3%). The practice of “offering a varied learning atmosphere” was, regrettably, non-existent (0%). The pedagogical gaps uncovered are discussed in terms of the needed customized staff development on teaching and learning in teacher education, particularly the content coverage of pedagogy (or teaching models), and the pedagogical coverage of pedagogy.
School culture and the quality of learning: The experience in Special Region of Yogyakarta
Authors: Surahman Buyung , Salmon Indra Pratama Putra
Published: March 2023

Structural-based education is a significant challenge for elements of education in Indonesia. However, in the province of the Special Region of Yogyakarta, an alternative cultural approach strategy is applied during challenges from the structural model. This research uses the ethnographic method. The results showed that the quality of learning in research was based on structural learning strategies and value-based development efforts, which were then applied and applied in a learning culture (behavior, knowledge, and artefacts). These efforts are combined into a pattern of developing a learning culture and the pattern of gradual change, which also becomes a study. This research aims to bring up the concept of developing cultural learning strategies through values and practices while implementing structural educational policies. This study has limitations in the form of gaps in structural education problems that have not been confirmed, which are more inclined to the policy and political context, so the study requires a study pattern with a broader scope related to structural education problems that are still difficult to resolve, such as the development of equal access policies, education, and corruption.
Enhancing the ability to write poetry and creative thinking skills with rural nature-inspired contextual approach
Authors: Kristiantari Maria Goreti Rini , Widiana I Wayan , Artawan Gde
Published: March 2023

There are still many students who face difficulty in expressing ideas for writing poetry, and not a few students are less motivated in writing literary works in the kind of poetry. The aim of this study was to analyze the effect of learning with a rural nature-inspired contextual approach on the ability to write poetry and creative thinking skills of elementary school students. Quasi-experimental study is used in this study with a non-equivalent pre-test post-test control group design. The research population was all fifth-grade students, totaling 231 students. The sample was taken by random sampling technique, totaling 44 students. Data were collected using a test technique. The test instruments were in the form of a description test and a five-scale non-test instrument. Both instruments have been analyzed for their feasibility quality by testing their validity and reliability. The data analysis technique used MANOVA with the help of SPSS. The results showed that the significance value of the MANOVA test results was 0.000 (<0.0). It means that there is a difference in both partial and simultaneous studies in writing poetry and students’ creative thinking skills who learn by applying a contextual approach inspired by rural nature. So, there is a positive effect of learning with a rural nature-inspired contextual approach on the ability to write poetry and creative thinking skills.
Psychometric properties of teacher classroom assessment literacy instrument using Rasch model analysis
Authors: Mohd Khalid Nor Hafizi , Yusof Ibnatul Jalilah , Latif Adibah Abdul , Md Jani Md Daud
Published: March 2023

A teacher classroom assessment literacy (TeCAL) instrument was developed to measure the level of teacher classroom assessment literacy in schools. TeCAL contains 66 multiple choice items with four options based on four constructs namely purpose, measurement, evaluation and use. Thus, this study aims to identify the psychometric properties of TeCAL using Rasch measurement model (RMM) analysis through Winstep software version 3.72.3. The findings show that the compatibility values of mean square (MNSQ) infit and outfit items ranged from 0.64 to 1.46 and 0.40 to 2.23, respectively. The value of MNSQ outfit was outside the set range, but still met the other fit statistics indicator which has a positive point measure correlation (PTMEA) value. In addition, the findings show that the empirical raw variance explained by measures is 38.2%. It was very close to the modeled value of 38.4% with the empirical unexplained variance in 1st contrast being 7.5% less than the maximum controlled 15%. Largest standardized residual correlations identified 10 pairs of dependent items to be less than 0.7. The person and item reliability index values were 0.94 and 0.89 with separation index values of 2.90 and 3.80, respectively. Overall, this psychometric analysis is crucial to ensure that the TeCAL instrument has good quality and meaningful to use.
Effect of reciprocal teaching strategy on physics student’s academic self-concept
Authors: Mafarja Nofouz , Zulnaidi Hutkemri , Fadzil Hidayah Mohd
Published: March 2023

This research determined the impact of reciprocal teaching strategies on students’ academic self-concepts in physics. Reciprocal teaching is a collaborative strategy in the form of dialogue between teachers and students about a text containing eight techniques. Provide predictions, question generation, clarifications, connections, visualizations, summaries, calculations, and feedback to measure students’ academic self-understanding in physics. Two groups were experimental groups (n=60) and learned physics through an interactive teaching strategy. The other group, a control group (n=60), studied physics in a traditional way, judged the effectiveness of each other’s teachings, and compared the control group with a controlled trial. Results indicated that mutual education was more effective than traditional approaches in improving students’ academic self-concept. The results showed that mutual teaching is a more effective strategy than traditional methods to improve students’ academic self-concept. There was a significant difference between the experimental group and the control group. In this study, we proposed using the reciprocal teaching strategy in secondary school physics classes to improve students’ physics learning. Teachers should also receive maintenance and maintenance training to integrate reciprocal teaching into the classroom environment.