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A novel approach for paper drying using airborne ultrasound technology is presented. A unique experimental setup is developed, and a systematic study is conducted using 23 factorial design of experiments and Analysis of Variance. Three controlling factors are considered in the experiments including the initial moisture content, basis weight and refining condition. The outcome of the experiments is compared to a previous work on direct-contact ultrasonic drying of paper. The results confirm that similar to direct-contact, for airborne ultrasonic drying, the basis weight/thickness of the sample is the most important factor in ultrasonic drying and it is followed by the effect of initial moisture content. Using linear regression model, a correlation for predicting the total time of ultrasonic drying is provided. Quality of the dried samples is evaluated, and the permeability measurements confirmed the effect of pore characteristics on ultrasonic drying. The analysis for energy consumption reveals that airborne ultrasonic drying is more efficient at higher moisture contents. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The apps for drawing are present in our children's life. Nevertheless, little is known about the impact of mobile technology on the freehand drawing educational activity. There are few works which are contextualised within short periods of time, with teachers who are not theirs and, in some cases, outside the children's classroom. In this paper, we are focussed on the use of technology on freehand drawing activity. Thus, we have compared the graphics produced by 4- and 5-year-old children with paper&crayon in comparison with those with tablet-finger. Children made the drawings during a planned free-drawing activity, in their ordinary classrooms, with their teachers and during five sessions. Assessment of drawings has evidenced tablet feasibility for making graphics. Nevertheless, with the passing of time, quality of graphics (tablet-finger vs paper&crayons), are nearly matched, demonstrating the low impact level technology has on this activity. In addition, if drawings are analysed specifically according to ages, results have shown that both groups have to develop adaptation strategies of visual perceptual skills and fine motor skills for the touch screen in order to obtain the same quality in the drawings made on both support types. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study compared syntactic complexity between undergraduate students' research papers and published research papers. A 2 (Groups: experts, students) × 4 (Sections: introduction, methods, results, discussions) mixed factorial analysis of variance (ANOVA) was conducted on each of the following variables: T-unit length, clause density, the frequencies of adverbial clauses, relative clauses, and nominal clauses. The analyses showed there were longer T-units and fewer adverbial clauses in the published papers than in the student papers. Section effects were robust. Qualitative analyses were further conducted to reveal how the student research paper is different from the published papers syntactically. Implications for education were discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A systematic-study is conducted using an innovative technology for paper drying by applying ultrasound mechanism. The advantages include greater energy efficiency, lower drying time and temperature, improvement of the product quality, and it is considered a green technology. The effects of initial moisture content, thickness, and refining condition are studied for different types of pulps (hardwood and softwood) using 23 factorial design of experiments. Analysis of Variance show that in the range of the studied parameters, thickness has the maximum effect on ultrasonic drying time followed by the initial moisture content. In addition, using a linear regression model, a relationships for the total time of drying is provided. The results confirmed that ultrasonic drying is more efficient at higher moisture content and higher thickness of the sample. These results are related to the structural characteristic of the samples such as porosity, pore distribution, and surface roughness. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The Integrated Palliative Care Outcome Scale (IPOS) validly and reliably measures symptoms and concerns of those receiving palliative care. Aim: To determine the equivalence of the paper version with an electronic version of the IPOS (eIPOS). Design: Multicentre randomised crossover trial (NCT03879668) with a within-subject comparison of the two modes (washout period 30 min). Setting/Participants: Convenience sample of specialist inpatient and palliative home care patients aged over 18 years with cancer and non-cancer conditions was recruited. Scores were compared using intraclass correlation coefficients (ICC), Bland-Altman plots and via a mixed-effects analysis of variance. Results: Fifty patients were randomised to complete paper-electronic (n = 24) and electronic-paper (n = 26) IPOS with median age 69 years (range 24–95), 56% male, 16% non-cancer. The ICCs showed very high concordance for the total score (ICC 0.99, 95% CI 0.98–1.00), lowest ICCs being observed for symptoms 'Appetite loss' and 'Drowsiness' (ICC 0.95, 95% CI 0.92–0.97). Nine of seventeen items had ICCs above 0.98, as did all subscales. No statistically significant mode, order, age, and interaction effects were observed for IPOS total score and subscales, except for 'Communication' (Fmode = 5.9, p = 0.019). Fifty-eight percent preferred the electronic version. In the group 75+ years, 53% preferred the paper version. Only three entries in the free-text main problems differed between the versions. Conclusion: The very high equivalence in scores and free text between the IPOS and the eIPOS demonstrates that eIPOS is feasible and reliable in an older palliative population. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this study is to employ a response surface methodology (RSM) to optimize experimental parameters in microfluidic paper-based analytical devices (µ-PADs). The independent parameters include concentrations and volumes of acetylcholinesterase, acetylthiocholine iodide, and 5,5-dithiobis-(2-nitrobenzoic acid). Their effect on mean color intensity was tested and optimized. From the analysis of variance, high regression and fitting values were obtained between the experimental and RSM predicted mean color intensity. Under optimum conditions, satisfactory linearity (R2 > 0.9990) in the range of 0.25–16 mg/L was obtained for the studied pesticides. The limit of detection (LOD) varies from 0.13 to 0.27 mg/L; high precision (RSD of 3.8–8.0%), reproducibility (RSD of 7.2–11.0%), and recovery (78–97%) were achieved. The RSM approach has been demonstrated to be more efficient than the traditional approach. It resulted in a µ-PAD system with less amount of reagent usage and better LOD compared with a univariate approach. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Appropriate paper-based technology (APT) is used to provide postural support for children with cerebral palsy (CP) in low-resourced settings. This pilot study aimed to evaluate the impact of APT on the children's and families' lives. A convenience sample of children with CP and their families participated. Inclusion was based on the Gross Motor Function Classification System levels IV and V. APT seating or standing frames were provided for six months. A mixed methods impact of APT devices on the children and families included the Family Impact Assistive Technology Scale for Adaptive Seating (FIATS-AS); the Child Engagement in Daily Life (CEDL) questionnaire; and a qualitative assessment from diary/log and semi-structured interviews. Ten children (median 3 years, range 9 months to 7 years). Baseline to follow-up median (IQR) FIATS-AS were: 22.7 (9.3) and 30.3 (10.2), respectively (p=.002). Similarly mean (SD) CEDL scores for "frequency" changed from 30.5 (13.2) to 42.08 (5.96) (p=.021) and children's enjoyment scores from 2.23 (0.93) to 2.91 (0.79) (p=.019). CEDL questionnaire for self-care was not discriminatory; seven families scored zero at both baseline and 6 months. Qualitative interviews revealed three key findings; that APT improved functional ability, involvement/interaction in daily-life situations, and a reduced family burden of care. APT devices used in Kenyan children with non-ambulant CP had a meaningful positive effect on both the children's and their families' lives. Assistive devices are often unobtainable for children with cerebral palsy (CP) in low-income countries. APT is a low cost and sustainable solution to make seating and standing devices for disabled children in Kenya. The regular use of a postural support device enhanced the children's motor skills, ability to function and participate in everyday activities, reduced the burden of care for the families and promoted the children's social interaction. The postural support devices were highly valued and utilised by the children and families in this study. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: The medical record is critical for documentation and communication between healthcare professionals. This study compared the completeness of orthopaedic documentation between the electronic medical record (EMR) and paper medical record (PMR). Methods: A review was undertaken of 400 medical records (200 EMR, 200 PMR) of patients with operatively managed traumatic lower limb injury. The operative report, discharge summary and first and second out-patient reviews were evaluated using criteria designed by a senior orthopaedic surgeon and senior physiotherapist. The criteria included information deemed critical to the post-operative care of the patient in the first 6 weeks post-surgery. Results: In all cases, an operative report was completed by a senior surgeon. Notable findings included inferior documentation of patient weight-bearing status on the operative report in the EMR than PMR group (P = 0.018). There was a significant improvement in the completion of discharge summaries in the EMR compared with PMR cohort (100% vs 82.5% respectively; P < 0.001). In the PMR group, 70.0% of discharge summaries were completed and adequately documented, compared with 91.5% of those in the EMR group (P < 0.001). At out-patient review, there was an improvement in documentation of weight-bearing instructions in the EMR compared with PMR group (81.1% vs 76.2% respectively; P = 0.032). Conclusion: The EMR is associated with an improvement in the standard of orthopaedic medical record documentation, but deficiencies remain in key components of the medical record. What is known about the topic?: Medical records are an essential tool in modern medical practice and have significant implications for patient care and management, communication and medicolegal issues. Despite the importance of comprehensive documentation, numerous examples of poor documentation continue to be demonstrated. Recently, significant changes to the medical record in Australia have been implemented with the conversion of some hospitals to an EMR and the implementation of the My Health Record. What does this paper add?: Standards of patient care should be monitored continuously and deficiencies identified in order to implement measures for improvement and to close the quality loop. This study has highlighted that although there has been improvement in medical record keeping with the implementation of an EMR, the standard of orthopaedic medical record keeping continues to be below what is expected, and several key areas of documentation require improvement. What are the implications for practitioners?: The implications of these findings for practitioners are to highlight current deficiencies in documentation and promote change in current practice to improve the quality of medical record documentation among medical staff. Although the EMR has improved documentation, there remain areas for further improvement, and hospital administrators will find these observations useful in implementing ongoing change. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: This study aimed to evaluate the effects of uncoated paper on skin moisture, pressure injury risk and pressure injury incidence in neurological intensive care unit patients. Methods: A randomized controlled design was used. The experimental group (n = 68) received usual care (repositioning every 2 h and use of an air mattress) and application of uncoated paper on the sacral area for 5 days, whereas the control group (n = 67) received only usual care. A repeated measures analysis of variance was used to determine changes in the skin moisture and risk of pressure injury between the groups. A chi‐squared test was used to determine the change in the incidence of pressure injuries for sacral area. Data were collected from 20 October 2017 to 6 March 2018. Results: There were statistically significant differences in the skin moisture and risk of pressure injuries between the experimental and control groups. However, a significant difference was not observed in the incidence of pressure injuries between the groups. Conclusion: The use of uncoated paper may be a valid nursing intervention for the prevention of pressure injuries in neurological intensive care unit patients. SUMMARY STATEMENT: What is already known about this topic? The neurological intensive care unit patients with motor deficits, loss or deterioration of sensory function and decreased consciousness have high risk of pressure injuries.Although various guidelines consider excessive skin moisture as an important cause of pressure injuries, few targeted interventions exist to manage excessive skin moisture. What this paper adds? The uncoated paper application was effective in reducing skin moisture in neurologic intensive care unit patients.In addition, application of uncoated paper application has an effect on risk of pressure injury in neurologic intensive care unit patients. The implications of this paper: The use of uncoated paper may be a valid nursing intervention for the prevention of pressure injuries in neurological intensive care unit patients.Nurses should recognize that pressure injuries are potentially preventable adverse events and use various preventive interventions including skin moisture management. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Urine is the best specimen for the diagnosis of congenital cytomegalovirus, but collection and processing of liquid urine are impractical for screening. Urine dried on filter paper was processed by the same convenient, low-cost method used by newborn screening to test blood spots and showed high sensitivity and specificity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Users' experiences in mental health assessment are multifaceted, including their emotional experiences. Yet, studies of mobile apps for psychiatric assessment have centered on diagnostic accuracy and perceived usability, with little consideration of the impact of user emotional experiences. In this study, we focused on users' perceived usability and emotions and compared the user experience of a paper-and-pencil and an app-based collection of mental health screening questionnaires: EarlyDetect. The System Usability Scale (SUS) and modality-directed emotion questionnaires were administered using paper-and-pencil or iPad. Modality was assigned pseudo-randomly on patients' first visit at a referral-based mental health clinic. We found that patients assigned to the iPad app reported a significantly higher SUS score than patients assigned to paper-and-pencil, qualified by a modality-by-gender interaction where modality effects were significant for men but not for women. Moreover, enjoyment was positively linked to perceived usability, whereas boredom, frustration, and anxiety were negatively linked to usability. Our findings illustrate the added value of studying user experience applied to psychiatric assessments, where both emotions and gender-specific user experience should be taken into consideration. We further discuss the implications for psychiatric assessments via app versus traditional data collection. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this study was to examine the effects that reading on screens (using digital devices with different screen sizes) and on paper have on reading time and comprehension. The study group was comprised of126 secondary students from a private school. To ensure balance, the participants were assigned into test groups, formed according to the size of the reading device, based on class levels, gender, and average school grade. In the data collection process, a narrative text was transferred to both print and electronic media. Access to the text was provided on paper and three digital devices. There were no time limitations. After reading, participants were given comprehension tests that consisted of twenty multiple-choice questions. Female participants' on-screen comprehension scores were found to be relatively higher compared to their paper comprehension scores. They also acquired better scores as the screen size increased. Conversely, male participants had higher comprehension scores on tablets and smart phones. Participants who read the text on smart phones and tablets completed the tasks in less time compared to other groups. However, the effects of reading modality on comprehension and reading time were not found to be statistically significant in either the male or female groups. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: The primary aim of this study was to investigate the immediate and delayed effects of kinesiotape (KT) on postural control and patient-reported outcome measures under challenging conditions in individuals with anterior cruciate ligament reconstructions. Methods: Thirty-two anterior cruciate ligament-reconstructed patients for whom 6 months had passed since their operation were randomly assigned to either the KT (n = 16, aged 21.8 [5.5] y) or the placebo KT (n = 16, aged 24.0 [5.1] y) groups. Initially, both groups stood barefoot on a force platform while performing postural tasks in 4 randomized conditions (eyes open, eyes closed, cognitive task, and foam). Before the experiment, patients would bring the 4 conditions, which were written on folded papers, one by one, and in this way, the order of conditions for the examiners was determined. The patients' evaluations were conducted immediately and 48 hours after KT application. Postural control measures, with area and displacement of the center of pressure (CoP) in anterior--posterior and medial--lateral directions, and mean total velocity displacement of CoP (MVELO CoP) served as dependent variables. In addition, the International Knee Documentation Committee score was measured pretreatment and 48 hours posttreatment. Results: Significant group-by-time interactions were observed for displacement of COP in medial--lateral direction (P = .002) and MVELO CoP (P = .034). MVELO CoP significantly decreased (mean difference = 0.60, P = .009) immediately after KT application compared with preapplication measures. In the placebo group, a statistically significant decrease in MVELO CoP (mean difference = 0.869, P = .001) was observed at 48 hours post-KT compared with preapplication values. International Knee Documentation Committee scores significantly improved at 48 hours post-KT application in both groups (P < .05). Conclusions: Though observed at different time points, both KT (immediately after the intervention) and placebo KT (48 h after the intervention) were found to improve postural control measures. It appears that the changes in postural control may be more related to proprioceptive enhancement due to KT rather than the specific KT pattern. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Precooling and sulfur dioxide fumigation were proved as effective methods for the preservation of longan (Dimocarpus longan Lour.) fruits. However, inadequate precooling and sulfur dioxide fumigation resulted in unexpected losses and short shelf life. A L9(34) orthogonal test was conducted to screen out ideal dosage of sodium metabisulfite (factor A), precooling method (factor B), and precooling duration (factor C) to improve the storability of longan fruit stored for 48 hr at room temperature (RT) (25℃). The overall qualities of all of the treated longan fruits after a 48‐hr storage (OQST) and during the 5‐day shelf at 25℃ (OQSF) were better than those of the control fruits. The treated fruits showed brighter fresh color (higher L*, b*, C*, and h° values but lower a* value), higher flavonoid, and chlorophyll contents. Moreover, the SO2 residue was concentrated in pericarp but little in aril for any of the 12 treatments. The multivariate variance analysis showed that factor A was dominant to determine both of the OQST and OQSF, while factor B affected the OQST, and factor C affected the OQSF. In total, "0.22% sodium metabisulfite + 4 hr precooling + uncovered precooling" was considered to be an ideal treatment. These results would contribute to improving longan postharvest preservation technology. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Research on soil microplastics is currently at an early stage, and there is no widely approved sampling protocol. Even so, any basic research should minimize errors to ensure that they are not amplified in future research. This paper examines some weaknesses of the original research paper 'Soil microplastic pollution under different land uses in tropics, southwestern China' recently published in this journal. The authors neglected to report the equipment used for soil sampling and did not use field blank samples. There is also a soil layer that was incorrectly named. The type and pore size of filter paper used for filtration during pre-analytical soil sample preparation is very important. In this paper the nature of the filter paper used, and its larger pore sizes are questionable by today's scientists. In addition, the authors in the original paper also overlooked reporting the statistical package used for statical analysis and ensuring if all data sets obey normality, homogeneity, and equality before running the one-way ANOVA test. This statistical step is widely considered mandatory, especially in the soil science community. So, this makes it difficult to trust the results documented. Furthermore, in the original paper, the needle and stereo microscope instruments used to sort microplastic-like materials prior to proper analysis are not reliable. [Display omitted] • A dissecting needle and stereo microscope shouldn't be used to sort out soil microplastics. • Gold-coated filter paper with smaller pore size is better than nitrocellulose filter paper. • The 0–10cm is the top soil layer and 10–20cm is the subsoil layer not a deep soil layer. • The statistical package used for analysis must be documented accordingly. • If the dataset is a normal distribution prior to ANOVA testing, it must be confirmed and reported. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: Clinical care ratios are used to quantify and benchmark the activity of allied health professionals. This study aims to review previous recommendations and identify what variables may influence them. Method: Data was collected from the core allied health professions (audiology, nutrition and dietetics, occupational therapy, physiotherapy, podiatry, prosthetics and orthotics, psychology, social work and speech pathology) across eight Australian hospitals. Data for 113 staff who were casual or from smaller professions (audiology, podiatry, prosthetics and orthotics and psychology) were excluded due to insufficient numbers for analysis. The remaining data were analysed according to profession, seniority (tiers 1, 2 and 3) and employment status (permanent versus casual staff). A two-way ANOVA was performed to assess the association of clinical care ratios with tier, profession, employment status and gender. Results: Data from 1246 staff from the five larger professions at participating hospitals were analysed. There were no interactions between profession and gender (P = 0.185) or employment status (P = 0.412). The relationship between clinical care ratio and profession was modified by tier (interaction term, P = 0.014), meaning that differences in clinical care ratios between professions depended on the tier. Conclusion: This research has confirmed that clinical care ratios are a useful tool in workload management and determining staffing levels for allied health professionals. The recommendations from this research provide a starting point that can be finessed with reference to profession, model of care, workforce structure, governance and training requirements. This will lead to increased staff wellbeing and improved patient outcomes. What is known about this topic? Clinical care ratios are a useful tool to quantify, monitor and compare workloads of allied health professionals. What does this paper add? This paper confirms that clinical care ratios are a useful workforce planning tool and that when developing roles and models of care, clinical care ratios need to be incorporated into staffing requests and considered as part of workload management tools. What are the implications for practitioners? Clinical care ratios enable the quantification and benchmarking of direct and clinical support activity components of a workload and can be used when planning new services and reviewing current services. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: This study aimed to investigate the feasibility of implementing a psychological first aid intervention for psychological distress, resilience capacity, quality and meaning of life among survivors affected by earthquake adversity in Northern Syria. Methods: A quasi‐experimental, pre‐posttest, two‐group research design was utilized. A convenience sample of 95 survivors (46 in the study group and 49 in the control group) was recruited for the psychological First Aid intervention at a 1:1 ratio. The psychological first aid intervention was delivered in 10 sessions, twice weekly, followed by 3‐month follow‐up. Results: A statistically significant improvement in the mean scores of resilience capacity, quality and meaning of life among survivors, along with a significant reduction in psychological distress, was registered among the study group compared with the control group. Conclusion: Our work verified the suitability of implementing psychological first aid following the catastrophic temblors which struck Northern Syria. Given that the psychological first aid intervention is grounded in psychological safety, cognitive reframing, mobilization of social support and installation of hope, the feasibility of its path following public health emergency, traumatic events or even a personal crisis can be favourable. Summary statement: What is already known about this topic? On 6 February 2023, a massive earthquake devastated large portions of war‐torn northwest Syria and southern Turkey, leaving millions in these regions battling to reconstruct their lives.In northwest Syria, strong aftershocks left more than 4500 people dead, injured hundreds more and demolished at least 10 000 structures.Disasters such as earthquakes can have a significant impact on the mental health and well‐being of those affected. Survivors may experience high levels of psychological distress and other negative mental health recovery outcomes.There is a need for psychologically supportive interventions such as the psychological first aid intervention to help survivors cope with the aftermath of such disasters.What this paper adds? A statistically significant improvement in the mean scores of resilience capacity, quality and meaning of life among survivors, along with a significant reduction in psychological distress, was registered among the study group compared to the control group.Our work verified the suitability of implementing the psychological first aid intervention following the catastrophic temblors which struck Northern Syria.The implications of this paper: Being ready for disasters is critical; health care professionals, including nurses, are one of the most frequently requested actors in disaster interventions.Nurses are an indispensable part in ascertaining the psychological repercussions of disasters on survivors, families and communities.Due to their training and professional experience, nurses can take the lead in reducing health‐threatening risks. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: The aim of this study is to investigate the effectiveness of the bladder stimulation technique (BST) to collect urine samples from newborns and its effects on physiological parameters and comfort of the newborn. Design: This was a randomized controlled trial conducted in a NICU. A total of 64 newborns were divided into 2 groups: 32 newborns in the experimental group and 32 newborns in the control group. Methods: Newborns in the experimental group (EG) were subjected to the BST, and in the control group (CG), urine collection was via sterile urine bags, which is routine practice. Procedural success was defined as the collection of urine samples within 3 min of beginning the stimulation technique in the experimental group and of placing the sterile urine bag in the control group. Results: The success rate of the procedure in 3 min was 62.5% in the EG and 28% in the CG (P = 0.006, absolute difference: 35%, 95% confidence interval 27% to 42%, NNT: 3). According to the comparison of the overall mean COMFORTneo scale and pain and distress subscale scores at the 1‐ and 3‐min marks, there was a significant difference between the EG and CG (p < 0.05). The mean scores in the EG were higher than those in the CG. The mean oxygen‐saturation was significantly lower in the EG than in the CG (p < 0.05), and the increase in heart rate was significantly higher in the EG (p = 0.018). Conclusions: BST is a more successful method within 3 min for collecting urine samples from newborns compared to sterile urine bags. However, the newborns' comfort levels minimally decreased at 3 min, and they had moderate pain and distress, while the BST was being implemented. This increase in physiologic parameters was statistically significant but not clinically significant. Summary statement: What is already known about this topic? Urinary tract infection is a commonly diagnosed bacterial infection in young infants with fever. However, the symptoms of this infection are non‐specific, so urine samples are needed to accurately diagnose and exclude it.There are multiple methods available for collecting urine samples, each with its own advantages and disadvantages.The bladder stimulation technique is a noninvasive and efficient method for collecting urine samples. However, few studies have examined the pain and distress effects of this technique, and these studies have reported varying results. What this paper adds? This study found that bladder stimulation techniques were more effective than sterile urine bags in collecting urine samples within 3 min from newborns.The bladder stimulation technique led to decreased saturation and comfort levels, increased heart rate, and increased pain and distress in the newborns during urine sampling; these increases in physiologic parameters were statistically significant but not clinically significant. The implications of this paper: The bladder stimulation technique is an effective noninvasive method for quickly collecting urine samples.Considering the pain and distress‐increasing properties of the technique, it may be recommended before invasive interventions (bladder catheterization and suprapubic aspiration) when urine sample collection with urine bags is not possible; it can be used in cases where urgent urine collection is required. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: The research was conducted to measure the effect of health literacy‐grounded web‐based education program on health literacy, nutrition and exercise behaviours in adolescents. Background: The increasing prevalence of obesity in adolescents is explained by a sedentary lifestyle and unhealthy diet. Health literacy is essential for adolescents to maintain their healthy behaviours. Methods: The research was conducted as a parallel group randomized controlled trial. The study was completed by 114 adolescents (experimental = 42, control = 72). The Personal Information Form, the Health Literacy Scale for School‐Age Children and the Nutrition and Exercise Subscales were used to collect data. A web‐based education program was implemented. Two‐way mixed design ANOVA with Bonferroni test was used to examine the group, time and group * time interaction of the measurements. Results: There was no statistically significant difference between the experimental and control groups regarding health literacy level, nutrition and exercise behaviours pre‐test mean scores (p > 0.05). In the post‐test, the mean scores of health literacy and nutrition behaviours in the experimental group were higher than the control group (p < 0.001). However, there was no significant difference in exercise behaviours (p > 0.05). The power and effect size in mean scores changes for health literacy (99.8%, η2 = 0.039) and nutrition (99.8%, η2 = 0.039) were moderate. Conclusion: The study concluded that health literacy‐grounded web‐based education program increased the health literacy levels of adolescents and improved their nutritional behaviours; however, there was no sufficient change in exercise behaviours. Summary statement: What is already known about the topic? The health literacy level of adolescents is inadequate or limited.Obesity and sedentary lifestyle are more common problems among adolescents.Interventions such as wellness coaching and health education were used to improve nutrition or exercise behaviours. What this paper adds? Health literacy‐grounded web‐based education program helps to increase the health literacy levels of adolescents.Health literacy‐grounded web‐based education program was found effective in improving nutrition behaviours. The implications of this paper: Nurses could implement web‐based education programs to prevent the negative consequences of unhealthy behaviours of adolescents.Nurses could provide opportunities to access health‐related information via web‐based interventions.Nurses could collaborate with school administrators to integrate nutrition and exercise behaviours into comprehensive and coordinated school‐based programs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this article, we are going to extend the definition of literal neutrosophic random variables to literal refined neutrosophic random variables and we will study its new properties. We derive and present various concepts including refined neutrosophic probability distribution function in the continuous case, refined neutrosophic cumulative distribution function of continuous refined neutrosophic random variables, refined neutrosophic expected value, refined neutrosophic variance, refined neutrosophic standard deviation, refined neutrosophic mean deviation, refined neutrosophic rth quartiles, refined neutrosophic moments generating function, and refined neutrosophic characteristic function. Additionally, the paper includes many solved examples and applications. This paper opens the road to generalizing many concepts in neutrosophic probability theory specially neutrosophic reliability theory, neutrosophic stochastic processes, and neutrosophic queuing theory. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and Developmental Language Disorder (DLD) have traditionally been considered separate disorders, although some similarities and overlaps in certain aspects of language have been detected. In this paper, we compare the deficits in receptive grammar in these two disorders. We analyse the proportion of grammatical errors in relation to semantic complexity in 84 children divided into four groups: children with autism language impairment (ALI), with autism language normal (ALN), with DLD, and with typical development (TD), all groups with the same age of receptive vocabulary. The results show significant differences in the comprehension of grammatical structures, both simple (canonical and non-reversible) and complex (non-canonical and reversible). Children with ASD and DLD show different language profiles depending on the syntactic complexity. In the simplest structures, no differences are found between the groups, starting at an equivalent vocabulary age of 7:8 years. However, there are differences between the ALI and DLD groups with respect to the TD group in the more complex structures, starting at an equivalent vocabulary age of 3 years. Therefore, both groups ALI and DLD present the greatest difficulties compared to ALN and TD. The paper discusses the importance of attending to these differences, since the repercussion of comprehension difficulties increases as children grow. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper describes a catalog of simultaneous observations of the Earth's magnetosheath by ESA's Cluster and NASA's MMS missions. The catalog is built from a visual inspection of summary plots provided by the two missions complemented by an analysis of high‐resolution magnetic field data. The catalog includes 117 events when Cluster 4 and MMS 4 crossed simultaneously the magnetosheath between January–April, 2017–2021. The dynamical and turbulent features of the magnetosheath are strongly influenced by θBn, the angle between the interplanetary magnetic field (IMF) and the shock normal direction. To facilitate such investigations, we also determine the bow shock geometry for each event based on two different approaches: (a) a minimum variance analysis of in‐situ magnetic field measurements, and (b) a geometrical approach which considers a bow shock model parameterized by OMNI data. A description of spacecraft trajectory during each event is also provided. Additional data describe the relative distances between Cluster 4 and MMS 4, a classification of each event as either quasi‐parallel or quasi‐perpendicular, and the distribution of events per magnetospheric flank. The time intervals for the Cluster ‐ MMS conjunctions are included in the catalog, as well as all associated figures and tables discussed in this paper are made available through an independent online data repository, and can be freely downloaded and used by any interested researcher. Key Points: We use in‐situ measurements from Cluster 4 and MMS 4 to build a catalog/database of simultaneous observations of the Earth's magnetosheathEmpirical models and minimum variance analysis of the magnetic field allow for an estimation of the bow‐shock orientation for each eventWe also provide details on the relative spacecraft position and an analysis of the bow‐shock geometry [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: In example‐based learning, examples are often combined with generative activities, such as comparative self‐explanations of example cases. Comparisons induce heavy demands on working memory, especially in complex domains. Hence, only stronger learners may benefit from comparative self‐explanations. While static text‐based examples can be compared easily, this is challenging for transient video‐based modelling examples used in complex domains because simultaneous processing of two videos is not feasible. Objectives: To allow for such comparisons, we combined video‐based modelling examples with static representations (i.e., summarizing tables) of the observed optimal and a suboptimal solution of the problem‐solving process. A comparative self‐explanation prompt asked learners to compare the different solution approaches. Our study investigated the impact of video‐based modelling examples versus independent problem‐solving on cognitive load and problem‐solving skill development. Moreover, we investigated the effects of comparative versus sequential self‐explanation prompts, depending on learners' prior knowledge. Methods: In an experiment, 118 automotive apprentices learned a car malfunction diagnosis strategy. Apprentices were divided into three groups: (1) modelling examples with comparative self‐explanation prompts, (2) modelling examples with sequential prompts, and (3) no examples or prompts. Diagnostic knowledge and skills were assessed before and after the intervention. Cognitive load was measured retrospectively. Results and conclusions: Despite no observed effects on cognitive load, modelling examples enhanced diagnostic knowledge and diagnostic skills with scaffolds, though not independent diagnostic skills without scaffolds. The need for more practice opportunities to foster independent diagnostic skills is assumed. Additionally, comparative prompts seem promising for learners with higher prior knowledge. Takeaways: Video‐based modelling examples were more beneficial for learning than practising to apply the diagnostic strategy. Static representations allow for comparisons of video examples and comparative prompts are promising for learners with higher prior knowledge (cf. expertise‐reversal effect). Further research, especially on the effects on cognitive load, is necessary. Lay Description: What is already known about the topic?: Text and video examples that model how to solve a problem are widely used in education.Text examples often include self‐explanation prompts that ask learners to compare several examples.For video examples, such comparison prompts have seldom been investigated, because comparisons are difficult to implement for transient videos. What does this paper add?: This paper shows that video examples combined with static summaries of processes that have been shown in the video example are effective and allow for comparisons of video examples.Such comparisons seem to be more promising for learners with higher prior knowledge. Implications for practice: Practitioners could combine video examples with static summaries of the processes shown in the video examples to allow for comparisons. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Mindfulness practices enhance executive function skills and academic achievement, spurring interest in integrating mindfulness interventions into education. Embedding mindfulness practice into a digital math game may provide a low‐cost, scalable way to induce mindfulness and boost game‐based learning, yet this approach remains unexplored. Objectives: We investigated the learning benefits of integrating mindfulness exercises in a digital math learning game and examined how students' trait mindfulness might moderate the outcomes. Methods: Two classroom studies were conducted with 404 5th and 6th grade students from six public schools in the U.S. (nStudy 1 = 227, nStudy 2 = 177). The two randomized controlled experiments assigned students to one of the three conditions: passive control (playing the digital learning game Decimal Point), story‐enriched active control, or mindfulness‐enriched condition. Trait mindfulness, learning gains, and in‐game problem‐solving (including problem‐solving duration, error count and correctness after reminder) were assessed. Study 2 included a manipulation check to better understand the effects of the mindfulness intervention. Results: Findings showed no significant differences in learning gains, problem‐solving duration or error count among the conditions. Students' trait mindfulness did not moderate these outcomes. Mindfulness reminders in the mindfulness‐enriched game led to more correct answers after errors than jokes in the story‐enriched game. Study 2 revealed that we failed to induce higher state mindfulness through the mindfulness inductions. Conclusions: Mindfulness prompts could be especially beneficial for students experiencing frustration during gameplay, warranting more exploration for digital game‐based instruction. We highlight barriers and future directions for fostering mindfulness through computer‐based instruction in classrooms. Lay Description: What is currently known about this topic?: Researchers focus on digital games as productive learning environments for math, with potential for higher learning gains compared with traditional methods. However, results are mixed, and not all games lead to improved math outcomes.Executive function (EF) skills are crucial for math learning, and mindfulness‐based interventions show promise in enhancing EF skills in school‐aged students.Embedding mindfulness practice into a digital math game may provide a low‐cost, scalable way to induce mindfulness and, in turn, boost EF skills and game‐based learning, yet this approach remains unexplored What does this paper add?: This paper presents the results of two randomized control trials investigating the feasibility and benefits of incorporating mindfulness exercises into a digital math game designed for middle school students. Benefits are compared to those of a story‐enriched and regular version of the same digital math learning game.The paper also explores variations in the effects of the mindfulness‐enriched game based on students' initial trait mindfulness levels.We observe that listening to mindfulness inductions at the beginning of game sessions do not induce mindfulness, and therefore does not benefit math learning.We find that mindfulness prompts received after recurrent errors can be beneficial for students' problem solving. Implications of study findings for practitioners: Our study provides important information on how digital learning game designers should attempt to induce mindfulness in a digital game to promote learning.Digital learning game designers should consider incorporating mindfulness exercises into their games strategically. Presenting mindfulness inductions in audio format at the beginning of game sessions may not induce mindfulness or benefit math learning. Instead, designers should focus on integrating mindfulness prompts at moments when students encounter frustration within the learning game.Beyond embedding audio mindfulness exercises in the game, learning designers should also consider alternative technological and game features to induce mindfulness within a learning game. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Behavioural intention (BI) has been predicted using other variables by adopting the technology acceptance model (TAM). However, few studies have examined whether BI can predict learning performance. Objectives: The present study used an extended TAM to investigate whether students' BI is a predictor of their listening learning performance (LLP) through vocabulary learning performance (VLP) in the context of mobile vocabulary‐assisted listening learning by using two mobile learning tools. Methods: A total of 129 college students with a pre‐intermediate level of English were recruited as participants, and a 10‐week mobile vocabulary‐assisted, listening‐learning course was conducted in 2022. In each task of this course, the students had to learn target words from a listening passage on Quizlet and then engage in listening activities on Randall's ESL Cyber Listening Lab. Quantitative responses obtained through an online questionnaire were analysed through partial‐least‐squares structural equation modelling. Results: The analysis results indicated that BI significantly predicted LLP through VLP. Perceived ease of use (PEU) and perceived usefulness (PU) were significant antecedents of BI. However, PEU did not significantly predict PU because of the difficulty of navigating between the two technological tools used in this study. The extended model demonstrated its effectiveness in explaining listening learning performance, as evidenced by an explained variance (R2) of 69%. Conclusion: The extended model validates the influence of BI on learning performance and it can also draw teachers' focus toward the significance of enhancing students' BI to improve their listening learning performance. Pedagogical implications based on the results are provided in this paper. Lay Description: What is already known about this topic?: TAM was used to study learners' acceptance of mobile‐assisted language learning.TAM incorporates latent variables to explore mobile‐assisted language learning.Investigating factors influencing BI is a primary research focus in extended TAM literature.Mobile tools could improve listening learning and vocabulary retention. What this paper adds to that: Learning performance was considered as a dependent variable in an extended TAM.BI might predict students' learning performance in vocabulary and listening in an extended TAM.Teachers used two mobile tools to design mobile vocabulary‐assisted listening tasks.Pre‐learning the target words facilitate students' listening learning performance. Implications for practice and/or policy: We show the importance of BI on predicting listening learning performance.The impact of BI on other factors became another focus of TAM research.Results highlight pre‐learning target words' importance for better listening performance.Existing mobile tools improve listening performance, avoiding new system development. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Telomerase is extensively expressed in various cancer cells and recognized as a target for cancer drug discovery. In the present study, a simple and amplification-free fluorescence assay based on polyamidoamine starburst dendrimer (PAMAM dendrimer)-activated paper device is proposed for sensitive detection of telomerase activity through hybridization of Cy5 modified single strand DNA probes with telomerase extension products. The paper substrate is fabricated by hand drawing according to a template, which is low cost, instrument free and easy operation. PAMAM is rich in amino groups on its surface and employed to immobilize the telomerase substrate (TS) primer. Highly sensitive detection of telomerase activity in HeLa cell lysate of 10 cells is achieved since the PAMAM dendrimer-activated paper surface can provide high density of binding sites for immobilization of TS primer. The experimental results also demonstrate that the assay can be employed to evaluate telomerase activity levels of various cell lines and screen telomerase inhibitors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Extensive application of radioactive materials to medical and military purposes justifies the necessity of training military nurse students regarding the management of radiation injury. The current study aimed at comparing the effect of two methods (lecture and webbased) of training on the management of radiation-injured patients among military nurse students from 2013 to 2014. Materials and Methods: The current semi-experimental study was conducted on 60 military nursing students in two military nursing schools in Tehran, Iran selected purposively. Subjects of the study were divided into two groups of 30 as lecture and web-based teaching. The effect of education was measured on three levels of knowledge, comprehension, and application; before, immediately after, and four weeks after completion of teaching. The data were analyzed with SPSS software version 21, using Repeated Measures (RM)-ANOVA and t-test. Results: Mean and standard deviation of scores in all learning levels (knowledge, comprehension, and application) in both groups had a significant difference between before and after the intervention (P<0.001). No significant difference was observed in the total mean scores of the two groups before intervention. In the post-test, immediately after training, mean scores of the web-based group had a greater increase, but no significant difference was observed (P=0.12). In the retention stage (four weeks after training), it was observed that the lecture-based method was more effective (P=0.01). Conclusion: According to the obtained results, learning increased in both methods . Therefore, it is recommended to use the combined teaching method to educate nursing students. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In a complex financial market, people pay more attention to the portfolio selection model in some fuzzy environment. Some properties and definitions of semivariance and entropy are given and proved in this paper. Then, the fuzzy tri-objective mean-semivariance-entropy portfolio model is proposed based on credibility theory when the return rates are fuzzy numbers. We present a novel layer-by-layer tolerance evaluation method to solve the proposed model in this paper. Finally, a numerical example is given to illustrate the effectiveness of the model and method proposed in this paper. There are two improvements in our proposed method: one is that the evaluation function idea is considered in the process of laying objective functions; the other is that the preference degree and subjective wills are presented by tolerant amounts of objective function values. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Studies on effective distribution practices specific to the paper industry are largely non-existent. Therefore, through our exploratory research, we first identify key elements of physical distribution in existing literature. Secondly, we empirically investigate the extent to which these elements influence non-cost-based (such as inventory turnover, order fulfillment etc.) measures of distribution performance in the paper industry. Using a sample of 95 National Paper Trade Association member firms, we create three performance groups (low, medium, and high). Then, we use analysis of variance (ANOVA) to test for any differences in the adoption of the physical distribution elements among these groups. Further, through partial least squares regression analysis, we attempt to identify those elements of physical distribution which may be most critical in explaining the differences in distribution performance. Our results provide general support for the importance of the key elements identified in this study. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To determine whether paper tape prevents foot blisters in multistage ultramarathon runners. Design: Multisite prospective randomized trial. Setting: The 2014 250-km (155-mile) 6-stage RacingThePlanet ultramarathons in Jordan, Gobi, Madagascar, and Atacama Deserts. Participants: One hundred twenty-eight participants were enrolled: 19 (15%) from the Jordan, 35 (27%) from Gobi, 21 (16%) from Madagascar, and 53 (41%) from the Atacama Desert. The mean age was 39.3 years (22-63) and body mass index was 24.2 kg/m² (17.4-35.1), with 31 (22.5%) females. Interventions: Paper tape was applied to a randomly selected foot before the race, either to participants' blister-prone areas or randomly selected location if there was no blister history, with untaped areas of the same foot used as the control. Main Outcome Measures: Development of a blister anywhere on the study foot. Results: One hundred six (83%) participants developed 117 blisters, with treatment success in 98 (77%) runners. Paper tape reduced blisters by 40% (P< 0.01, 95% confidence interval, 28-52) with a number needed to treat of 1.31. Most of the study participants had 1 blister (78%), with most common locations on the toes (n = 58, 50%) and heel (n = 27, 23%), with 94 (80%) blisters occurring by the end of stage 2. Treatment success was associated with earlier stages [odds ratio (OR), 74.9, P < 0.01] and time spent running (OR, 0.66, P = 0.01). Conclusion: Paper tape was found to prevent both the incidence and frequency of foot blisters in runners. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This is the second in a series of studies assessing the usability and reliability of a novel voice-based delivery system of mental health screening assessments. The previous study demonstrated the reliability and patient preference of a voice-based format of the Patient Health Questionnaire 9 (PHQ 9) for measuring major depression compared to a traditional paper format. Through this study, we further examined the Amazon Alexa tool in the administration of the General Anxiety Disorder 7 (GAD 7). With a replicated methodology to the first study, 40 newly administered patients completed the GAD 7 in one format at their first session and the alternate format at their follow up. Results from the new in clinic population replicated the findings observed in the first PHQ 9 study: GAD 7 assessment scores for the Alexa and paper version showed a high degree of reliability (α = 0.77), patients showed higher overall positive attitudes for the voice-based GAD 7 format, and subscales for attractiveness, stimulation, and novelty were significantly higher for the voiced-based format. Results also demonstrated 42 (84%) of the 50 patients who completed the voice-based format responded as being willing to use the device from home. With new recommendations of universal screening of anxiety disorders for patients below the age of 65 and rapid changes in virtual mental healthcare, convenient screenings are more important than ever. We believe this novel clinical assessment tool has the potential to improve patient behavioral healthcare while mitigating the workload of healthcare professionals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: This study examines the effect of a Theory of Mind (ToM) intervention on ToM abilities and social–emotional functioning in adolescents with developmental language disorder (DLD) or who are deaf/hard of hearing (D/HH). It emphasizes the importance of self‐reflection and measurement for personal growth. The research design incorporates both subjective and objective measures to evaluate the intervention's efficacy. Aims: To investigate the impact of the ToM intervention on ToM abilities and social–emotional functioning in adolescents with DLD or who are D/HH. It hypothesizes that participants in the intervention groups will show improved ToM and social–emotional functioning compared with those in the control groups. Methods & Procedures: Adolescents with DLD or who are D/HH were recruited through collaboration with educational institutions. The study utilized a pre‐/post‐test design, assigning participants to either the intervention or the control group. The ToM intervention involved targeted activities to enhance ToM abilities. ToM abilities and social–emotional functioning were assessed using standardized tests and self‐report questionnaires. Statistical analyses compared outcomes between the intervention and no intervention groups. Outcomes & Results: The findings reveal subjective improvements in social–emotional functioning among the D/HH intervention group. However, no significant effects on objective ToM measures were observed. These results highlight the need for further investigation and refinement of interventions in these areas. Future research should focus on improving intervention strategies and exploring additional objective measures to gain a comprehensive understanding of the intervention's impact on ToM and social–emotional functioning in this population. Conclusions & Implications: The ToM intervention shows subjective benefits in improving social–emotional functioning among D/HH adolescents. However, it does not yield significant effects on objective ToM measures. These findings emphasize the ongoing need to refine interventions targeting ToM abilities and social–emotional functioning in this population. Future studies should explore alternative strategies and incorporate additional objective measures to enhance understanding and outcomes. WHAT THIS PAPER ADDS: What is already known on this subject: Before this study, it was known that ToM interventions have the potential to enhance ToM abilities. However, the specific effects of such interventions on subjective and objective measures for ToM and social–emotional functioning in adolescents with DLD or who are D/HH remained unclear, necessitating further research. What this paper adds to the existing knowledge: This study adds to the existing knowledge by demonstrating subjective improvements in social–emotional functioning among adolescents who are D/HH and underwent a ToM intervention. However, no significant effects on objective ToM measures were observed. These findings highlight the need for refining interventions and exploring additional measures to better understand the intervention's impact. What are the potential or actual clinical implications of this work?: The subjective improvements in social–emotional functioning observed in this study have important clinical implications. They suggest that ToM interventions can positively impact the social well‐being of adolescents who are D/HH. However, the lack of significant effects on objective ToM measures emphasizes the need for further research and intervention refinement to address specific areas of improvement in this population. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Pictures drawn by people with aphasia (PWA) are often more challenging to understand than those drawn by healthy people. There are two types of objects: those that tend to be drawn symbolically (symbolically drawn objects—SOs) and those that are likely to be drawn realistically (realistically drawn objects—ROs). Aims: To compare the identification rate and number of misunderstanding types between SOs and ROs drawn by PWA and healthy controls (HCs). To reveal trends in the misunderstandings of drawings by PWA, and to identify the language or cognitive abilities related to the identification rate of pictures drawn by PWA. Methods & Procedures: We designed a drawing task involving SOs and ROs. A total of 18 PWA and 30 HCs completed the task, and respondents identified the drawings. The identification rate and number of misunderstandings were analysed with two‐way analysis of variance (ANOVA) including group (PWA and HCs) and object type (SOs and ROs). The misunderstandings were divided into four categories varying in semantic and morphological similarity; these ratios were examined with a chi‐square test. The relationships of language and cognitive abilities with the identification rate were investigated with multiple regression analyses. Outcomes & Results: There was a significant effect of the interaction between group and object type on the identification rate (F(1.1387) = 3.90, Mean Squared Error (MSE) = 4139.67, p = 0.04): the identification rates for ROs were lower in the PWA than in the HCs. For the number of misunderstanding types, an interaction was observed between group and object type (F(1.56) = 8.26, MSE = 26.93, p < 0.01): the number of misunderstanding types for ROs in the PWA was greater than that in the HCs. The misunderstanding patterns differed between ROs and SOs (χ2(3) = 694.30, p < 0.001, V = 0.37). ROs were semantically related, whereas SOs were morphologically related. The identification rates of ROs and SOs were correlated only with Kanji writing scores (ROs: β = 3.66, p = 0.01; SOs: β = 6.57, p < 0.01). Conclusions & Implications: In drawings by the PWA, SOs had a higher identification rate, while ROs had a lower identification rate and a greater variety of misunderstandings. SOs may increase drawing motivation. Interventions to improve the identifiability of SOs and ROs should reflect each character. Identification rates were correlated only with Kanji writing scores. The PWA, whose native language was Japanese and had preserved Kanji writing abilities, and their communication abilities may be increased through drawing. WHAT THIS PAPER ADDS: What is already known on the subject: PWA often have impaired drawing abilities and draw pictures that third parties misinterpret. Some objects tend to be drawn symbolically, and some are drawn realistically. However, it is not clear whether there is a difference between these types of drawings depicted by PWA in identifiability and the tendency to be misunderstood by ordinary people. In addition, the relationships between language or cognitive abilities and the identification rate of drawn pictures are not clear. What this paper adds to the existing knowledge: The identification rate differed between SOs and ROs. In drawings by PWA, SOs had a higher identification rate, while ROs had a lower identification rate and the greatest variety of misunderstandings. Approximately half of the misunderstandings were related to the target object. SOs tended to be confused with morphologically related objects, while ROs tended to be confused with semantically related objects. Identification rates were correlated only with Kanji writing scores. What are the potential or actual clinical implications of this work?: To motivate PWA's drawing, it is suitable to begin with SOs. Examining drawing ability from the perspective of SOs and ROs increases the chance of identifying drawing ability. PWA whose native language is Japanese and have preserved Kanji writing abilities may be able to increase their communication abilities through drawing. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Training parents to implement language and communication intervention strategies is an effective approach to promote language development for children with language delay. Aims: This study introduces an online parent training program conducted in Hubei province, China, which was designed to help parents of language‐delayed children with a diagnosis of autism spectrum disorder (ASD), developmental language disorder (DLD) or global developmental delay (GDD) apply language intervention strategies into daily interactions and promote their children's language development at home. Methods & Procedures: The Bethel Hearing and Speaking Training Center Family Training for Early Communication & Language Development (Bethel Family Training Program, BFT) (Bethel HSTC, 2020) was designed to improve the language and communication skills for children with language delay in a naturalistic way. The caregivers (including parents, grandparents and other main caregivers) participated in an 8‐h online program, including lectures on milestones in child language development, common misunderstandings of child language development, and three basic family language intervention strategies ('Looking together, playing together, and talking together') incorporating active learning through video analysis and discussion. Tongji Hospital in Hubei then continued with 3 months of online home intervention monitoring to all the caregivers via weekly online Q&As led by BFT certified speech therapists' team. The Gesell Developmental Schedules (GDS) was carried out before the online parent training program and after the 3‐month online home intervention monitoring. Outcomes & Results: 146 families whose children aged 12–68 months with language delay participated in the online training program. The results of the GDS assessments conducted before and after the program showed that not only did the developmental quotient (DQ) of language improve, but so did the DQ of social behaviour and adaptive behaviour (p < 0.001). There is no between‐group difference in the application of three strategies between the ASD group and the DLD or GDD group (p > 0.05). Furthermore, both caregivers' ability to apply 'looking together, playing together, talking together' strategies and the effective interaction time played important roles in improving the child's language abilities. Conclusion & Implications: The online parent training focusing on improving daily interaction with children through speech–language stimulation strategies promoted the development of language skills. It is an economic and practical approach for children with language delay who have limited access to local language intervention programs. WHAT THIS PAPER ADDS: What is already known on the subject: Parent‐implemented language intervention is an effective approach at improving children's language development. Telepractice is an appropriate model of service delivery for audiologists and speech–language therapists and may be the primary mode of service delivery or may supplement in‐person services. What this paper adds to the existing knowledge: This paper explores the effectiveness of an online parent training program and provides new evidence that online training on language support strategies (looking together, playing together, talking together) followed by home intervention monitoring works for Mandarin‐speaking children and it is equally effective for children with ASD and non‐ASD diagnosis. What are the potential or actual clinical implications of this work?: Developmental behavioural paediatricians and speech–language therapists in countries and areas that lack sufficient training resource for every child will have the option to deliver parent training and home intervention monitoring online, which will save time and cost considerably while offering convenience. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: A practical test that measures the information and communication technology (ICT) skills students need for effectively using ICT in primary education has yet to be developed (Oh et al., 2021). This paper reports on the development, validation, and reliability of a test measuring primary school students' ICT skills required for effectively using ICT (the ECC‐ICT test). Objectives: Based on existing literature, three ICT use domains were identified for effectively using ICT: Effective, collaborative, and creativeuse of ICT. For these three domains, 24 corresponding teaching objectives were identified from a widely used digital literacy framework. Thirty‐four test items cover these teaching objectives in an online test. Methods: A mixed‐method approach was used for the ECC‐ICT test. Four pilot rounds (n=25) implemented qualitative interviews for cognitive validity and refining the test items, followed by a qualitative usability study(n=6). Confirmatory factor analysis and ANOVA provided quantitative insight into the large‐scale test administration(n=575). Results and Conclusions: Composite reliability of our conceptual 3‐factor confirmatory model showed that the test reliably measured primary school effective use of ICT (ω = 0.82), collaborative use of ICT (ω = 0.80) and creative use of ICT (ω = 0.64). Convergent validity (ranging from 0.41 to 0.46) was acceptable. Internal consistency (ranging from 0.84 to 0.91) and discriminant validity (HTMT values below 0.90) are good. ANOVA results show that mean test scores are higher for students in higher grade levels (p < 0.001). The post hoc Bonferroni results show that most grade‐by‐grade comparisons are significant (p < 0.001). Lay Description: What is already known about this topic: Information and communication technology (ICT) skills are finding their way into national curriculums as teachers implement more digital learning environments.Teachers currently do not have a measurement instrument for the ICT skills primary education students need to learn in a personalised way. What this paper adds: This paper gives teachers a test that reliably measures the effective, collaborative, and creative ICT skills required for primary school students to learn using ICT.To our knowledge, this test is the first of its kind.Al materials to reproduce the test are available digitally for teachers. The implications of study findings for practitioners: For policy, this test can be used to check if a student is ready to use ICT in a self‐regulated setting.With this test, teachers can assess and support students' growth on the effective, collaborative, and creative ICT skills required for primary school students using ICT. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Virtual reality (VR) offers much potential for learning, but it challenges learners' orientation. Objectives: This paper investigates whether it is possible to use light or movement cues to facilitate orientation in a search task in a desktop‐VR environment so that participants can better attend to the learning content presented simultaneously. Methods: In two pre‐registered online experiments, we investigated the effects of cueing (light and movement) on search time, learning, and several evaluation variables. Participants were asked to find tools in a virtual workshop, while information about the respective tool was narrated. Experiment 1 (N = 60) used a within‐subject design, that is, the objects were alternately highlighted by light, movement or not. For Experiment 2 (N = 159) the narration was substantially shortened, and a between‐subject design was used. Cognitive load and presence were measured additionally. Results and conclusions: In Experiment 1, only the movement cue decreased search time, indicating automatic guidance of learners' attention. There was no effect of cueing on learning, which may be due to the average search time being substantially shorter than the narration, leaving sufficient time to attend to the narration exclusively. In Experiment 2 search times were significantly faster for both cueing methods, but only the light cue resulted in better learning outcomes, which could be explained by the slightly lower presence in the movement cue condition. Implications: Results imply that it is important to develop cues that automatically guide attention without reducing presence. Lay Description: What is already known about this topic: Virtual reality (VR) offers a lot of opportunities for the integration of educational scenarios.VR is challenging for learners with regard to orientation in a 360° environment.Regarding learning outcomes, research on the effects of cues to highlight important content in a 360° environment is still rare.Presence, defined as the feeling of being there in a VR environment, is an important prerequisite for learning in VR. What this paper adds: The influence of light and movement cues on search times and learning outcomes in a desktop‐VR environment was tested.Movement cues can reliably reduce search times (indicating successful orientation), whereas light cues only reduced search times in predictable scenarios.In a predictable scenario, light cues enhanced learning outcomes compared with movement cues.Movement cues reduced presence, which is one potential reason why movement cues did not improve learning. Implications for practice and/or policy: Using light cues might assist orientation and enhance overall performance in predictable scenarios (i.e., when learners know what kind of cue to expect).In an unpredictable setting with variable cues, light cues did not facilitate orientation, whereas movement cues did.However, movement cues reduced presence, which may have negatively affected learning outcomes. It is important to develop cueing methods that also work in more unpredictable settings, but that do not reduce presence. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nomex Honeycomb core is the foundational building block for manufacturing aerospace composite components. Its usage requires machining honeycomb in complex aerodynamic profiles where the quality of the core is governed by accuracy and precision of cut profiles. The assessment of accuracy and precision is directly related to forces induced in the cutting tool and cutting efficiency. These two parameters form the basis of a multi‐objective function that this paper aims to optimize for the milling operation. The parameter of depth of cut considered in this paper has not been analyzed in a multi‐objective optimization study of the Nomex Honeycomb core previously. A Taguchi‐based array of Design of Experiments followed by Analysis of Variance and correlation analysis is utilised. The results indicate that the most significant factor is the feed rate, with a percentage contribution of 72% for the cutting forces and depth of cut, with a percentage contribution of 85% in the case of cutting efficiency. The two parameters are optimized using Desirability Function Analysis and Grey Relational Analysis. The results are validated through experimental runs with an error within 5% of the statistical predictions, with the percentage improvement in cutting forces for optimum runs as compared to the worst experimental run at 47.8%. The percentage improvement in cutting efficiency likewise is 11%. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purpose of this study was to compare student performance on two proctored quizzes and one practice test taken in paper-based or computer-based testing mode using an equal number of algorithmic, conceptual, and definition questions to examine the effect of testing mode when students take multiple tests in class. Data were collected from 221 students enrolled in a general chemistry course at a Midwestern university. After learning the material in lecture, students completed two quizzes: Quiz 1 and Quiz 2. One quiz was delivered on paper and another quiz was taken on computer. Each quiz tested student understanding of different chemistry concepts and the quizzes were proctored on different days. Several days after Quiz 2, students took a practice test that tested the knowledge of Quiz 1 and Quiz 2 with different yet similar questions, and again, the testing mode of the practice test was either paper-and-pencil or computer. After each quiz and the practice test, students received feedback on their performance. Differences in performance between the quizzes and the practice test were measured with normalized gains and the differences between the normalized gains for each condition were analyzed using an Analysis of Variance. The results showed no significant testing mode effects among the four conditions overall, or for algorithmic, conceptual, or definition type of questions. Altogether, the results of the present study do not provide evidence to suggest that instructors need to be concerned about testing mode (paper versus computer) when designing and administering chemistry tests. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Quality of work life depends on a combination of variables in the work environment that has an important impact on organizational commitment, work participation, and job performance. Therefore, measuring two variables of quality of work life and organizational commitment is important for all employees of organizations, including emergency nurses, who are important members of the health service community. This study aimed to determine the relationship between quality of work life and organizational commitment among Iranian emergency nurses. Materials and Methods: A descriptive and correlational study was conducted in 2016. The study population included all emergency nurses working in one of the hospitals of Kerman Province, Iran. The data collection tool was the personal and occupational questionnaire, Walton quality of work life questionnaire, and Allen and Meier organizational commitment questionnaire. Data analysis was performed by using descriptive tests, the Pearson correlation and ANOVA statistics tests in SPSS V. 23. Results: The results showed that the quality of work life has a positive and significant relationship (r=0.49, P=0.017) with organizational commitment. More specifically, quality of work life is related to emotional commitment (r=0.44, P=0.001), normative commitment (r=0.40, P=0.003) and continuous commitment (r=0.33, P=0.015). Conclusion: Since the higher quality of work life brings more commitment for employees, managers can improve the essential components of working life quality of nurses by adopting appropriate solutions, and providing the necessary conditions for improving the quality of service provision and productivity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nowadays, the trend to benefit from environmentally friendly waste and recycle it instead of incineration processes that can cause pollution in the environment to have a clean and green environment that is free from pollution and can work for a long time without consumption and damage. This study is designed to manufacture prosthetics limbs from PMMA (polymethyl methacrylate) reinforced with different weight percentages of waste paper layers (0%, 3%, 6%, 9%, and 12%) by the "hand lay" method. The tensile, flexural, impact, compression, and hardness of these composites are tested before and after adding weight percentages waste paper layers to determine the mechanical properties behavior. The average values of all the samples are collected and analyzed by one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) to interpret the results. When discussing the results of mechanical tests, it is found that the addition (12%-waste paper layers) to (PMMA) increased the average values (tensile, flexural, impact, compression, and hardness) by 142.1%, 532.3%, 146%, 99.2%, and 6.37%; respectively, compared to the mean values of other samples. It is clear from this work there is an improvement in the properties of PMMA after strengthening with waste paper layers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: In this study, the application of two-step nanofiltration (NF) process was investigated in the purification of biologically treated pulp and paper wastewater for the purpose of reuse. In the first step, the effect of operating conditions such as pH, temperature, transmembrane pressure and volume reduction factor (VRF) on the membrane fouling was investigated using FM NP010 membrane. Membrane fouling was minimized by optimizing the operating conditions using Taguchi experimental design method. The smaller-the-better signal-to-noise (S/N) ratio was used to analyze the results of experiments. Flux decline caused by fouling was selected as response parameter. The best results were obtained at third level of pH (10), first level of temperature (25°C), first level of transmembrane pressure (12bar) and third level of VRF (4) which provided minimum flux decline caused by fouling (11%). Based on the analysis of variance (ANOVA), the results indicated that transmembrane pressure has significant effect on membrane fouling, while VRF shows very little effect on membrane fouling. Membrane fouling was further examined in terms of atomic force microscopy (AFM) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) analysis. Under the optimized conditions, 91% chemical oxygen demand (COD), 92% total hardness and 98% sulphate removal were achieved using FM NP010 membrane. Also the obtained permeate is colorless and free from suspended solids. However, chloride and conductivity were partially removed. In the second step, FM NP030 membrane was used to provide better permeate quality like actual process water. Membrane fouling was also investigated in terms of flux decline, contact angle measurements and SEM analysis in this step. As a conclusion, the water produced by two step NF treatment of biologically treated pulp and paper industry meets the quality of actual process water. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Urochloa brizantha is the main forage grass to raise cattle in Brazil, but salt stress can reduce yield. Physiological and molecular mechanisms of adaptation to salt stress remain poorly understood in this species. The objective of this study was to evaluate the responses of three cultivars of U. brizantha to in vitro salt stress. Seeds of three cultivars (Piatã, Marandu, and Xaraés) germinated in filter paper and then transferred to growth on culture media in vitro containing 0, 50, 100, and 200 mg L-1 of sodium chloride (NaCl). Biometric parameters and proline content were determined after 28 days. The data were subjected to analysis of variance and the separation of means was performed by the LSD test (p<0.05). Semiquantitative expression of the Δ1-pyrroline-5-carboxylate synthase (P5CS1) gene was performed. In all cultivars, increase of NaCl concentration in the media affected roots and shoots growth. Xaraes cultivar presented the greater biomass reduction while Marandu cultivar was the least affected. Salt stress increased by approximated 0.6 folds transcription of the P5CS1 gene in all cultivars. However, Marandu cultivar presented a higher proline content and least biomass reduction suggesting a better response to in vitro to salt stress. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: New graduate nurses often have certain potential safety hazards for patients due to insufficient knowledge and lack of clinical practice ability. To address these challenges, China has implemented a standardized training strategy. The improvements in the quality of this training involve not only the intervention of teaching methods but also the consideration of personality traits. Methods: The application software based on the BFI-2 Chinese scale was utilized to administer personality tests to nursing students; nursing students were invited to scan the QR code and voluntarily fill in a questionnaire, including basic information, personality test results, and a professional self-efficacy test scale; offline paper-based theoretical examination results of nursing students were collected before and after training. The data was then analyzed using SPSS software version 26.0, which involved descriptive analysis, one-way between-groups analysis of variance (ANOVA) and Spearman correlation analysis. Results: Based on the data, there were no observable differences in the theoretical results before and after training across different personality traits. In terms of skill assessment, conscientiousness exhibited the highest score at 78.91 ± 2.98 points, while negative emotionality showed the lowest score at 74.59 ± 2.12 points. These differences between different personality traits are statistically significant (P < 0.001). In terms of professional self-efficacy, conscientiousness scored the highest at 98.48 ± 12.69, while negative emotionality scored the lowest at 85.89 ± 11.71, with significant differences between different personality traits (P < 0.001). Professional self-efficacy was negatively correlated with agreeableness (r = -0.150, P = 0.044) and positively correlated with conscientiousness (r = -0.310, P < 0.001). Skill scores were negatively correlated with negative emotionality (r = -0.257, P < 0.001) and positively correlated with conscientiousness (r = 0.182, P = 0.014). Conclusions: This study shows that personality traits affect the skills test results and professional self-efficacy of nursing students. Conscientiousness scored the highest in this study, while negative emotionality scored the lowest. Therefore, personalized training plans are recommended to improve the quality of care for such nursing students and to further enhance patient safety. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper reviews the role of ANOVA correction model in the homogenization of climatic time series. In the present context ANOVA has only weak connection to its original meaning (analysis of variance), so we propose the new name "Benova" to replace the confusing old name. In the linear model of Benova corrections (hereafter Benova) the information of statistically detected inhomogeneities and metadata are jointly considered for all time series of a given climatic region. Benova has indisputable advantages on the accuracy of homogenization results, and this has both theoretical and practical evidence. The study presents two principal versions of Benova: in simple Benova the climate signal is presumed to be spatially invariant, while in weighted Benova the spatial variation of climate is considered. In Benova models usually only breaks (i.e., sudden shifts of section mean) are considered, but this restriction has practical reasons, rather than theoretical limits, and the study shows an extended version of the method with which trend‐like inhomogeneity biases can also be removed. Benova can be used for a group of time series covering varied time periods, the operations can be performed in any time resolution, and statistical characteristics others than climatic means can also be homogenized by the method. Benova can be used together with any break detection method. The study discusses the likely reasons of the relatively slow spread in practical application. PRODIGE was the first homogenization method which used Benova corrections. Until now, all homogenization methods including Benova corrections include also the same kind break detection method, i.e., penalized maximum likelihood method with step function fitting. The brief descriptions of two modern methods of this method family, that is, ACMANT and Bart methods, are also provided. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Salak (Salacca edulis Reinw.) in bunch form can be attractive to consumers because its own unique shape. The use of primary and secondary packaging can maintain fruit quality. This study aims to evaluate quality change of salak in bunches including physical damage, mechanical damage, physiological and microbiological damage. Salak bunches were stored for 22 days, with observations every 3 days to analyze fruit damage, TSS, weight loss, and fruit hardness. The study used a single-factor completely randomized design, involving 3 treatments: wooden crates (K1), cardboard without net foam (K2), and cardboard with net foam (K3). Data were analyzed descriptively, analysis of variance, and DMRT at the 5% level. Primary packaging was effective in reducing mechanical damage to fruit after 13 hours of transportation, with mechanical damage reaching 0 (zero) due to net foam. The type of packaging used had a significant effect on quality change of salak during storage, namely physical, physiological and microbiological damage, weight loss, hardness, and TSS. Cardboard packaging with net foam was the best treatment, showing low physiological and microbiological damage until the 16th day of storage, which amounted to 4.05, as well as a low rate of change in quality for 22 days. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Little is known about how children learn to control eye-gaze technology, and clinicians lack information to guide decision-making. This paper examines whether typically developing 2–3 year olds can infer for themselves the causal mechanisms by which eye-gaze technology is controlled, whether a teaching intervention based on causal language improves performance and how their performance compares to the same task accessed via a touchscreen. Methods and materials: Typically developing children's (n = 9, Mean Age 28.7 months) performance on a cause and effect game presented on eye-gaze and touchscreen devices was compared. The game was presented first with no specific instruction on how to control the devices. This was followed by a subsequent presentation with explicit instruction about how the access methods worked, using a causal language approach. A final presentation examined whether children had retained any learning. Results: Performance in the eye-gaze condition without instruction (42.5% successful trials) was significantly below performance in the corresponding touchscreen condition (75%). However, when causal language instruction was added, performance with both access methods rose to comparable levels (90.7% eye-gaze and 94.6% touchscreen success). Performance gains were not retained post-intervention. Conclusions: Although 2–3 years in the study could make use of eye-gaze technology with support, this study found no evidence that these children could infer the causal mechanisms of control independently or intuitively. The lack of spatial contiguity and the comparative lack of feedback from eye-gaze devices are discussed as possible contributory factors. IMPLICATIONS FOR REHABILITATION: There are challenges in young children inferring for themselves the causal link between eye movements and control of an eye-gaze device. Explicit instruction may improve children's performance in a specific task, but it is debatable whether this translates to the establishment of causal mechanisms for control of the device. Clinicians should be cautious of making assumptions about what children are learning from activities claiming to teach cause and effect or other foundational eye-gaze control skills. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

ABSTRACT Measurement errors are ubiquitous in all experimental sciences. Depending on the particular experimental platform used to acquire data, different types of errors are introduced, amounting to an admixture of additive and multiplicative error components that can be uncorrelated or correlated. In this paper, we investigate the effect of different types of experimental error on the recovery of the subspace with principal component analysis (PCA) using numerical simulations. Specifically, we assessed how different error characteristics (variance, correlation, and correlation structure), loading structures, and data distributions influence the accuracy to estimate an error‐free (true) subspace from sampled data with PCA. Quality was assessed in terms of the mean squared reconstruction error and the congruence to the error‐free loadings, using the pseudorank and adjusting for rotational ambiguity. Analysis of variance reveals that the error variance, error correlation structure, and their interaction with the loading structure are the factors mostly affecting quality of loading estimation from sampled data. We advocate for the need to characterize and assess the nature of measurement error and the need to adapt formulations of PCA that can explicitly take into account error structures in the model fitting. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Addressing the challenges of non-stationarity, nonlinearity, and noise interference in vibration signals of wind turbine rolling bearings, this paper proposes a fault diagnosis method combining differentiated creative search (DCS), ensemble empirical mode decomposition (EEMD), and singular spectrum analysis (SSA)—termed as DCS-EEMD-SSA. Initially, the DCS algorithm adaptively selects parameters for EEMD to decompose the fault signals. The decomposed signals are then filtered and reconstructed based on criteria such as variance contribution ratio, correlation coefficients, and permutation entropy. Subsequently, DCS adaptively selects parameters for SSA to further decompose the reconstructed signals into multiple subsequences. By analyzing the w-correlation graphs, signals of the same cycle are merged. The merged signals undergo envelope spectrum analysis, based on the highest variance contribution ratio, to diagnose faults in the wind turbine rolling bearings. The effectiveness of the proposed method is demonstrated through analysis of a publicly available rolling bearing dataset from Case Western Reserve University, showing its capability in accurately diagnosing faults in wind turbine rolling bearings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper examines Croatian national culture value dimensions, employee leadership behavior preferences, and their relationships. The analysis confirms Croatia's cultural homogeneity revealing no statistically notable cultural difference between its two main regions (Adriatic and Continental Croatia). The research highlights cultural inclination towards Individualism, indicating a value for personal autonomy, individual aspirations, and a family-centric orientation. Croatia demonstrated a weak tendency to Uncertainty Avoidance, pointing to a cultural openness towards risks, changes, and new challenges. Some significant relationships between cultural value dimensions and preferences for leadership behaviors are found. Through its significant results, this study contributes to the understanding of Croatian societal values and leadership preferences. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Surface integrity is a critical factor that affects the fatigue resistance of materials. A surface mechanical rolling treatment (SMRT) process can effectively improve the surface integrity of the material, thus enhancing the fatigue property. In this paper, an analysis of variance (ANOVA) and signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) are performed by orthogonal experimental design with SMRT parameters as variables and surface integrity indicators as optimization objectives, and the support vector machine-active learning (SVM-AL) model is proposed based on machine learning theory. The entire model includes three rounds of AL processes. In each round of the AL process, the SMRT parameters with relative average deviation and high output values from cross-validation are selected for the additional experimental supplement. The results show that the prediction accuracy and generalization ability of the SVM-AL model are significantly improved compared to the support vector machine (SVM) model. A fatigue test was also carried out, and the fatigue property of the SMRT specimens predicted by the SVM-AL model is also higher than that of the other specimens. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]