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This study compared parenting across four non-Western cultures to test cross-cultural commonality and specificity principles in three aspects: measurement properties, parenting normativeness, and their associations with child outcomes. Both mothers and fathers (N = 1509 dyads) with preschool-aged children (M = 5.00 years; 48% girls) from urban areas of four countries (Malaysia, N = 372; China, N = 441; Turkey, N = 402; and Japan, N = 294) reported on four parenting constructs (authoritative, authoritarian, group harmony socialization, and intrusive control) and their sub-dimensions using modified culturally relevant measures. Teachers reported on children's internalizing, externalizing, and prosocial behaviors. The commonality principle was supported by two sets of findings: (1) full measurement invariance was established for most parenting constructs and sub-dimensions, except that intrusive control only reached partial scalar invariance, and (2) no variations were found in associations between parenting and any child outcomes across cultures or parent gender at the construct level for all four parenting constructs and at the sub-dimensional level for authoritarian and intrusive control sub-dimensions. The specificity principle was supported by the other two sets of findings: (1) cross-cultural differences in parenting normativeness did not follow the pattern of economic development but yielded culture-specific patterns, and (2) at the sub-dimensional level, the authoritative parenting and group harmony socialization sub-dimensions were differently associated with child outcomes across cultures and/or parent gender. The findings suggested that examining specific dimensions rather than broad parenting constructs is necessary to reflect cultural specificities and nuances. Our study provided a culturally-invariant instrument and a three-step guide for future parenting research to examine cross-cultural commonalities/specificities.

Situated in a Japanese university ELT context, this qualitative exploratory interview-based study offers insights into how ten teachers responded to the challenges of transitioning to emergency remote teaching (ERT). The research was conducted to understand the implications of pandemic-instigated educational changes on teaching practices and perspectives towards effective teaching. An activity theory perspective accounts for the complex interlinking internal and external factors influencing teachers' experiences during and since the ERT. Data were obtained through semi-structured interviews with the ten teachers following the initial period of ERT and through reflective writing by the same teachers 12 months later. Key findings from a content analysis were that perspectives towards effective teaching were generally reinforced and that following reflection on pedagogical practices and professional learning directions many teachers were able to respond effectively to ongoing educational changes. We argue that the implications of the study may reveal important areas of comparison with other systems of activity in heightened states of transition and reveal pathways to the development of new practices.

This self-study research aims to report and reflect on the practitioner-researcher's experience as an English teacher in a Japanese university. The study also aims to explore the dynamics of teacher identity construction. The theoretical perspective of this study is based on global Englishes and social constructivist theories, which discuss autonomy, affect, and identity factors in an English-language classroom. Qualitative data are collected from the reflective journal of the English teacher as well as from the written accounts of the students who completed the first semester of the compulsory English communication course. These data (15 teacher reflective journal entries and 50 student written accounts) are examined through content analysis to answer the following three research questions: What are the professional identities of the Taiwanese English teacher? How do the teacher's classroom practices reflect her professional identities? How are these identities constructed throughout the research period? The results indicate that the differences in the teacher's experiences have led to paradoxical identities and that the teacher and her students have a coherent positive perception of the teacher as a caring partner and acculturator. The implications of this research are expected to yield suggestions for teacher professional development and the researcher's personal growth.

Modelling ability is one of the essential elements of the latest educational reforms, and Trends in International Mathematics and Science Study (TIMSS) is a curriculum-based assessment which allows educational systems worldwide to inspect the curricular influences. The aims of this study were to examine the role of modelling ability in the generalized Grade 8 (G8) curriculum via TIMSS 2011 and to compare the G8 students' modelling ability among the four top-performing countries (i.e., Japan, Korea, Singapore, and Taiwan) in Asia before the latest educational reforms. This study developed Modelling Ability Analytic Index-TIMSS (MAAI-T) to analyse TIMSS 2011 G8 items. There are two dimensions of MAAI-T, stages of modelling process (i.e., selection, construction, validation, analysis and application, and deployment) and levels of model complexity (i.e., Levels 1 through 4, from single factor to extended relation). The findings showed: TIMSS 2011 G8 items centred on the stage of modelling selection, and analysis and application and mainly measured Level 3 (simple relation among factors). The highest-performing country (Singapore) demonstrated Level 3 in all stages and Level 4 of model selection and deployment; while the lowest-performing country (Korea) demonstrated Level 3 only in the stages of model selection, validation, and analysis and application.

This review aimed to investigate the effect of crew ratios of on-scene advanced life support (ALS)-trained personnel on patients with out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA). We systematically searched PubMed, Ovid EMBASE, and the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials databases from the inception date until September 30, 2022, for eligible studies. Two reviewers independently screened the studies for relevance, extracted data, and quality. We compared the effect of the ratio of on-scene ALS-trained personnel >50 % to those with a ratio ≤50 % among prehospital personnel on the clinical outcomes of OHCA patients. The primary outcome was survival-to-discharge and secondary outcomes were any return of spontaneous circulation (ROSC), sustained ROSC (≥2 h), and favourable neurological outcome at discharge (cerebral performance category scores: 1 or 2). Pooled odds ratios (ORs) were calculated, and the certainty of evidence was assessed. From 10,864 references, we identified four non-randomised studies, including 16,475 patients. Two studies were performed in Japan and two in Taiwan. There were significant differences in survival-to-discharge (OR: 1.24, 95 % confidence interval [CI]: 1.07–1.44, I2: 7 %), any ROSC (OR:1.22, 95 % CI: 1.04–1.43, I2: 74 %) and sustained ROSC (OR: 1.39, 95 % CI: 1.16–1.65, I2: 40 %), but insignificant differences in favourable neurological outcome at discharge. The overall certainty of evidence was rated as very low for all outcomes. Prehospital ALS care with a ratio of on-scene ALS-trained personnel >50 % could improve OHCA patient outcomes than crew ratios ≤50 %. Further studies are required to reach a robust conclusion. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, the authors reviewed the empirical augmented reality (AR) and online education studies, and those focused on designing or development of AR to help students learn, published in SSCI, SCI-EXPANDED, and A&HCI journals from 2003 to 2012. The authors in this study found that the number of AR and online education studies has significantly increased since 2009. Based on this review, it is found that contributors from Spain, Romania, Taiwan, and Germany had the most publications on AR and online education during 2003 to 2012. Moreover, the analysis of these selected papers reveals that most empirical AR and online education studies were conducted at universities, as well as in computer science courses. Furthermore, the quantitative research method was used more in the reviewed papers. The findings and analysis from this review may provide potential directions and insights for future AR and online education research.

The aim of physics education is to generate understanding of physics and there is considerable anecdotal evidence that passing examinations in physics is not the same as understanding the subject. This paper describes how the areas of difficulties in understanding of physics were determined for pupils in Taiwan aged 13-15. Test material which placed little load on working memory was then developed for several of these areas and the pupil performance was related to measured working memory capacity. Those with higher working memory capacities were found consistently to understand the ideas of physics better. The implications are discussed. (Contains 7 tables and 1 figure.)

Type 1 recombinant enterovirus G (EV-G), which carries the papain-like cysteine protease (PLCP) gene of torovirus between its 2C/3A regions, and type 2 recombinant EV-G, which carries the torovirus PLCP gene with its flanking regions having non-EV-G sequences in place of the viral structural genes, have been detected in pig farms in several countries. In a previous study, we collected 222 fecal samples from 77 pig farms from 2104 to 2016 and detected one type 2 recombinant EV-G genome by metagenomics sequencing. In this study, we reanalyzed the metagenomic data and detected 11 type 2 recombinant EV-G genomes. In addition, we discovered new type 2 recombinant EV-G genomes of the two strains from two pig farms samples in 2018 and 2019. Thus, we identified the genomes of 13 novel type 2 recombinant EV-Gs isolated from several pig farms in Japan. Type 2 recombinant EV-G has previously been detected only in neonatal piglets. The present findings suggest that type 2 recombinant EV-G replicates in weaning piglets and sows. The detection of type 1 recombinant EV-Gs and type 2 recombinant EV-Gs at 3-year and 2-year intervals, respectively, from the same pig farm suggests that the viruses were persistently infecting or circulating in these farms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Felis catus papillomavirus (FcaPV), especially type 2 (FcaPV2) is considered as one of the causative agents in squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) in cats. However, our previous study detected FcaPV3 and FcaPV4, but not FcaPV2 in feline SCCs collected in Japan, suggesting that the prevalence of FcaPV2 in SCC may vary depending on geographic locations. To evaluate this hypothesis, two conventional PCR reactions targeting E1 and E7 genes were performed to detect FcaPV2 in feline SCC samples collected in Taiwan and Japan. While 46.9% (23/49) of feline SCC cases from Taiwan were PCR positive for FcaPV2, only 8.6% (3/35) cases from Japan were positive. Our result suggests that the prevalence of FcaPV2 in feline SCCs may depend on the region. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This present study documents the incidence of plastic digestion by shortfin mako shark (Isurus oxyrinchus), caught by the Taiwanese small-scale tuna longline fishery in the Northwest Pacific Ocean (between the northeast coast of Taiwan and Japan). In 20 stomachs of shortfin mako, nearly 10% of samples contained at least one piece of plastic debris. The ingested plastic debris was found in the forms of films (5.0 cm) and fragments (3.0 mm) and was identified as polypropylene (PP) based on its polymer characteristics. The results from the analysis provide evidence for the anthropogenic origin and potential intake pathway of direct engulfment of ingested plastics. Our results also confirmed the low incidence of plastic ingestion in shortfin mako, suggesting that pelagic marine species may be relatively less affected by plastic pollution. Future research efforts are thus needed to assess the long-term impact of plastic pollution on marine species. • A low incidence of plastic ingestion (nearly 10%) was found in shortfin mako. • One obtained plastic-like fragment was in the microplastic size range (<5 mm). • The ingested plastics were identified as polypropylene. • Polymer characteristics were identified using SWIR and ATR-FTIR spectroscopy. • Plastics seemed to be directly engulfed from the marine environment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Tuna has made a significant contribution to Indonesian and world fisheries. Indonesian tuna fisheries were introduced from Japan, Taiwan and Korea. Longline fishing was introduced in 1962, and purse seine gear was first used in 1974. Many foreign vessels have reflagged to the Indonesian flag. The Indonesian government developed its own tuna fisheries and closed the chartering program in 2006. Through these efforts, Indonesia became the number one tuna production country in 2004 and has further targeted an increase in marine capture fisheries catch of 0.5%/year from 2010 to 2014. Tuna resources remain under pressure globally. The tuna regional fisheries management organizations attempt to manage tuna fisheries by strengthening conservation of stocks. To enhance international cooperation, Indonesia ratified the 1982 Convention on the Law of the Sea in 1985 and the Agreement for the Implementation of the Provisions of the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea of 10 December 1982 relating to Conservation and Management of Straddling Fish Stocks and Highly Migratory Fish Stocks in 2005 and became a member of Indian Ocean Tuna Commission and Commission for the Conservation of Southern Bluefin Tuna and a cooperating non-member of Western and Central Pacific Fisheries Commission in the 2000s. Consequently, Indonesia adopted domestic regulations to comply with management measures. For future sustainable development, Indonesia needs to build its capacity, improve its compliance with the tuna RFMOs’ conservation and management measures, strengthen data collection, develop its products to increase their quality and diversification, and enhance its international cooperation. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Displacement time histories from double-integrated accelerograms typically cannot be used to recover near-field terms because of noise in the acceleration traces. To minimize this problem, empirical mode decomposition (EMD) is used to derive a baseline correction scheme. The scheme is tested against several models composed of a single frequency or two frequencies and offsets in acceleration. It is verified against real displacement time history using Global Positioning Systems (GPS) measurement. For single- and double-frequency-content models, obvious discontinuities are found at drift times for lower intrinsic mode function (IMF) components. A drift model, however, can be clearly found from summing higher IMFs and the residuals of simple frequency-content waveform models. On the other hand, results show that the lesser frequency-content signal has the greater decomposed result. Therefore, a suitable corner frequency for low-pass filtering is first implemented to reduce frequency content. In this case, the trend in the given drift model is easily found by summing higher IMFs for a complex frequency content model (model 3 of this study). A suitable corner frequency for low-pass filtering is attained using a grid-search method. A new semiautomatic EMD-derived baseline correction scheme is tested. The corrected coseismic deformation value (CDV, denoted hereafter as from preevent displacement to the final offset during strong motion), peak ground displacement, and displacement time history from this method have good agreement with 1-Hz continuous GPS measurement for the 2011 Tohoku earthquake. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article presents a study which reviews the species Phyllotreta Chevrolat, a worldwide alticine genus, in Taiwan and Japan. The study uses Leica M165 stereomicroscope and Nikon ECLIPSE 50i microscope to assess the genitalia of the species, and to identify and control the said agricultural insect pests. Results show that three species have been found in Taiwan such as P. chotanica Duvivier, P. downesi insularis, and P. downesi insularis.

Abstract: Between January 1996 and December 2003, our department treated 16 patients (10 men and 6 women; average age 57.5 years) by performing a laminectomy for thoracic myelopathy caused by ossification of the ligamentum flavum (OLF). We followed up all patients for 36 to 86 months (mean follow-up time, 57.3 months). The mean (±standard deviation) Japanese Orthopaedic Association score increased from 5.0±1.4 points before the operation to 7.7±1.9 points at the last follow-up (p <0.01). The average values for pre-operative and post-operative kyphosis of the involved vertebrae were 5.8°±4.1° and 8.8°±6.0°, respectively; the mean increase in kyphosis was only 3.0°±2.4°. An intraoperative dural tear was the main complication and none of the patients developed severe neurological complications. We conclude that laminectomy was both effective and safe in the treatment of thoracic OLF, but it must be performed with great care because of frequent dural adhesions to the OLF. The increase in kyphosis after the laminectomy was minimal when most of the facet joints were left intact and when the patient followed a back extensor exercise program post-operatively. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

This article reviews DIA activities in Japan, paying particular attention to its efforts to promote the harmonization of regulations. It features the clinical trials and GCP in the East Asia workshop of 1996, which was the first to have representatives from other Asian states share regulatory reform possibilities brought about by the ICH guidelines. Analyzing these harmonization initiatives by DIA and later by other organizations in East Asia. such as APEC and ASEAN. this article reveals a dynamic process in and outside Japan concerning the transformation of its regulatory environment, and confirms the important role DIA plays as a profession-driven organization. In addition, this article argues that DIA, as a mediator and promoter of pharmaceutical affairs, created a platform that facilitates more collaboration between industry and the government. It not only contributed internationally to the excellence of pharmaceutical regulations; upon rapid changes of pharmaceutical regulation and production in East Asia, it should take a more active role in its future efforts for harmonization. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, plates for downward flux and upward flux were used to measure atmospheric dry deposition fluxes for particulate mass and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in TERC (Tsukuba), Japan. Ambient particles concentrations were also collected using a high-volume air sampler, and ambient particle size distributions between 0.01 μm and 13.1 μm were measured using a low-pressure cascade impactor to characterise the PAHs levels and dry deposition. The results indicated that the average cumulative fraction of dry deposition flux for particles and PAHs which attached with them was caused by the particle size of greater than 1.2-6.3 μm (97%). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the past 10 years since the implementation of the E5 guideline, bridging studies have been one of the most controversial ICH concepts for East Asian states. This article reveals the dynamics of bridging studies by comprehensively reviewing their evolution and policy impacts in Japan and Taiwan from a comparative perspective. This article addresses the following. First, the concept of bridging studies has proved to be a diplomatic resolution rather than a scientific consensus. Although it facilitated the making of the E5 guideline, it left the problem of putting it into practice. Second, Japan did not whole-heartedly welcome bridging studies; it believed that a transition to spontaneous global trials would soon follow and exhausted its regulatory means to pursue it. Third, Taiwan captured this controversial concept as an ICH outsider, and showed the ICH the feasibility of bridging studies. It further attempted to extend their feasibility to create a multistate trial scheme, thereby keeping its visibility to the ICH. In addition, based on these findings, this article provides a regulatory outlook on pan-Asian clinical trial schemes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article presents the discovery of methanol extracts in Taxus canadensis in Japan. The plant is also known as Canadian Yew, which is traditional used by Indians in giving relief to pain. In the research, it was found that new taxanes are within the extracts of the plant which is potent for therapeutic use. Taxane is widely known for its effects in treating cancer by inhibiting the metastasis of the cell.

The article reports on the results of studies which examined the effectiveness and possible side effects of the use of Kampo, a clinically documented herbal preparation that is used to treat chronic liver disease which includes hepatitis B and C and cirrhosis. The clinical animal and invitro studies of the herb showed that it had anti-inflammatory, anti-fibrosis, and chemopreventive effects and only a slight risk for the side effect of pneumonitis.

Background: The number of articles of clinical and basic research for osteonecrosis of the femoral head (ONFH) is increasing, yet, to our knowledge, there is still a lack of bibliometric analysis on ONFH articles. The purpose of this study was to identify the top 100 cited (T100) articles related to ONFH research and to analyze the characteristics and qualities of these articles., Methods: The T100 articles on ONFH were retrieved from the Web of Science database. The information about each article including citations, titles, authors, journals, countries, institutions, and keywords was recorded for bibliometric analysis., Results: The T100 articles related to ONFH were mainly published from 1991 to 2010 ( n = 70) and were originated from 24 countries. The USA, China, and Japan were the most productive countries in this regard. The most prolific institution was the University of Pennsylvania from the USA with 6 publications and 742 citations. The most cited article was published in 1995 by Professor Steinberg ME. The five most frequently occurring keywords were "femoral head," "osteonecrosis," "core decompression," "total hip arthroplasty," and "follow up." The keywords like "bone tissue engineering" and "extracorporeal shock wave" have emerged in recent years., Conclusions: The USA, China, and Japan contributed greatly in terms of the T100 articles. The outcomes of core decompression and total hip arthroplasty gathered the most research interests. In recent years, bone tissue engineering and extracorporeal shock wave have become new trends. However, the mechanism of ONFH is still unclear., Competing Interests: The authors declare that there is no conflict of interest regarding the publication of this article., (Copyright © 2021 Yumin Zhang et al.)