Comprehension Scores Research Articles

Enhancing Students' Reading Comprehension Skills through the RADEC Model: A Focus on Elementary Education

This study proposes the utilization of the RADEC (Read, Answer, Discuss, Explain, Create) learning model, a structured approach that incorporates independent reading, collaborative discussions, peer explanations, and creative activities, as an intervention to enhance reading comprehension skills. Its objective is to investigate the impact of the RADEC learning model on the enhancement of reading abilities among fourth-grade students learning Indonesian. This study employs a non-equivalent post-test only control group design, with the experimental class using the RADEC model and the control class employing conventional teaching methods. The study included all 78 fourth-grade students from SDN 20 Kurao Pagang, divided into two classes. Random sampling yielded 22 participants in the experimental group and 23 in the control group. Data collection was conducted using evaluation tests, and the average reading comprehension scores were 82.72 for the experimental class and 63.58 for the control group. Data analysis began with initial assessments, including normality and homogeneity tests, followed by hypothesis testing using the t-test. Findings revealed a noteworthy enhancement in reading comprehension scores within the experimental group in contrast to the control group, as evidenced by a significance value of (0.000.05), indicating a statistically significant difference between the two groups. The results of this study highlight the potential of the RADEC learning model as an innovative solution for increasing students' reading interest and reading comprehension skills at the basic education level. These findings inform curriculum development, teacher training programs, and educational policies in Indonesia to enhance reading comprehension outcomes.

Evaluating the impact of safety pictogram training on comprehension scores and knowledge retention among engineering students

Safety pictograms are essential tools for identifying workplace hazards by providing critical information about health hazard risks, fire safety, emergency evacuation, and accident prevention. Effective safety pictogram training programs are necessary to enhance workers' knowledge of these pictograms. This study evaluates the effectiveness of a safety pictogram training program on the comprehension and retention of knowledge among engineering students. A total of 262 participants were asked to predict the meaning of 22 safety pictograms regulated by International Organization for Standardization (ISO) 7010 before and after a one-hour online training session. A follow-up test was administered six months later to assess long-term knowledge retention. Results showed that the average comprehension rate increased from 60.1 % before training to 68.3 % after training, with a retention rate of 66.0 % six months after training. The study found that training positively affected comprehension of emergency and mandatory action pictograms, while lower scores were observed for warning pictograms. Statistical tests revealed a significant effect of training on comprehension levels 16 out of 22 pictograms, with an average increase in comprehension of 11.2 %. Of these 16 pictograms, the comprehension level of 10 pictograms increased after training and remained at the same level six months later. However, the scores decreased slightly six months after the intervention, indicating the need for continued reinforcement or retraining. These findings have important implications for safety education and training programs, particularly in industries where safety hazards are widespread. The positive impact of training on comprehension scores highlights the ongoing need to improve safety pictogram comprehension to consistently meet standard acceptance criteria. Future training programs may need to focus on categories such as warning pictograms and fire equipment and fire action pictograms, which exhibited lower comprehension scores, to ensure better employee understanding.

Examining the effect of augmented reality experience duration on reading comprehension and cognitive load

AbstractThe purpose of this study is to examine the effect of the duration of students’ augmented reality (AR) experience on reading comprehension and cognitive load in reading activities carried out with an augmented reality storybook. The participants are 134 secondary school students aged between 11 and 12 attending a school in Antalya. They were divided into three groups. The same texts were designed with different AR durations producing three different AR storybooks. At the pre-test all groups read the coursebook texts in a traditional manner and then answered the comprehension items. At the post-test groups read the texts in accordance with their specific AR design and answered the items. In addition, the students completed the cognitive load survey after reading AR storybooks. The results of the within-group evaluations showed that the use of AR content had a strong effect on their reading comprehension. Therefore, it can be stated that augmented reality storybooks increase the reading comprehension performance of the children aged 11–12. In the comparisons between the groups, it is found that the comprehension scores of Group-2 (24–27 s) and Group-3 (37–39 s) were significantly higher than Group-1 (11–13 s). In addition, the cognitive loads of Group-2 and Group-3 are significantly lower than Group-1. On the other hand, it is found that the group with the lowest mental load was Group-2. These results suggest that the duration of AR content while reading a storybook has an impact on the students’ comprehension and cognitive load.

A total scoring system and software for complex modified GAPI (ComplexMoGAPI) application in the assessment of method greenness

Evaluating analytical methods with innovative metrics is essential to ensure the effectiveness of analytical procedures. Various approaches have been proposed to assess the performance of an analytical method and its environmental consequences, as sustainable environment and green chemistry ideology are of high importance nowadays. Considering greenness evaluation of developed analytical procedures, Green Analytical Procedure Index (GAPI), one of these metrics, utilizes five distinct colored pentagons to evaluate the environmental footprint of the analytical process at different stages. An additional tool named Complementary Green Analytical Procedure Index (ComplexGAPI) was introduced to expand on GAPI by adding additional fields pertaining to the processes performed prior to the analytical procedure itself. Nevertheless, the existing ComplexGAPI lacks a comprehensive scoring system for individual methods, which would allow for even easier comparison of procedures using this tool. In response to queries from ComplexGAPI users, this study introduces a refined tool named ComplexMoGAPI, merging the visual appeal of ComplexGAPI with precise total scores. The accompanying software streamlines the application, facilitating quicker and simpler evaluations. This software is available as an open source on bit.ly/ComplexMoGAPI. We believe that, following ComplexGAPI success, this ComplexMoGAPI tool will also gain attention and eventually trust and acceptance from the chemical community.

Evaluating Consolidation Centers of an Integrated Transportation Network under the Belt and Road Initiative

Following the Belt and Road, the Air Silk Road has also been proposed. The coordinated development of multiple transportation modes, including air, land, and water, will create a strong transportation force in node cities. However, the current insufficient supply of cargo in various regions and the lack of integration among different transportation modes result in low transportation efficiency, which in turn affects the further advancement of the Belt and Road. To investigate these issues and attempt to find a solution, we selected 44 candidate cities from the prefecture-level cities in China as nodes based on relevant government policies, and constructed an integrated transportation network. For each node city, we first calculated the values of six classical indicators and then used the CRITIC to assign weights to each indicator. Subsequently, we employed the TOPSIS method combined with Grey Relational Analysis (GRA) to compute the comprehensive score for each node city. Based on the spatial layout and government policies under the BRI, eight cities, including Wuhan, Chongqing, Tianjin, Shanghai, Guangzhou, Lianyungang, Hefei, and Dalian, were finally recommended as the consolidation centers of the integrated transportation network. It is hoped that the results of this analysis can provide some insights for the government to outline and build the consolidation centers of the integrated transportation network composed of railway, air, highway, and water routes, which in turn can offer insights for elevating the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) to a new level.

Estimation of Physiologic Ability and Surgical Stress (E-PASS) predicts postoperative complications after radical cystectomy.

This study evaluates the effectiveness of the Estimation of Physiologic Ability and Surgical Stress (E-PASS) scoring system in predicting postoperative complications following radical cystectomy (RC). In this single-center retrospective study, we analyzed data from patients who underwent open RC for muscle-invasive bladder cancer by a single surgeon between 2008 and 2023. Cases involving cystectomy for non-urothelial carcinoma or urinary diversion other than ileal conduit were excluded. We recorded patient demographics, body mass index (BMI), history of abdominal/retroperitoneal surgery, ASA score, performance status (PS), and pre-existing conditions, such as hypertension (HT), coronary artery disease (CAD), diabetes mellitus (DM), and chronic kidney disease (CKD). Intraoperative data included surgery duration, blood loss, and need for blood transfusion. Post-operative complications were classified using the Clavien-Dindo system. E-PASS score was calculated using the Preoperative Risk Score (PRS), Surgical Stress Score (SSS), and Comprehensive Risk Score (CRS). The study included 252 patients. Patients who experienced postoperative complications had higher age, BMI, prior surgical history, ASA score, PS, and rates of CAD, HT, DM, and CKD compared to those who did not. Surgery duration, blood loss, blood transfusion requirement, and E-PASS scores (PRS, SSS, CRS) were also higher in this group. The ROC curve for CRS revealed a predictive cutoff of 0.4911 (AUC = 0.905, p < 0.001). Independent risk factors for postoperative complications included high BMI (p = 0.031), longer surgery duration (p < 0.001), HT (p = 0.042), CKD (p = 0.017), and CRS > 0.4911 (p < 0.001). E-PASS system effectively predicts postoperative complications in RC patients.

The realization logic of rural revitalization: Coupled coordination analysis of development and governance.

Socialism with Chinese characteristics has entered a new stage. The principal social contradiction is the uneven development of urban and rural areas. The rural revitalization strategy has emerged as time has required. The realization of rural revitalization not only requires development to lay the foundation of the countryside but also requires governance to lead the development of the countryside. Development and governance are two indispensable aspects of rural revitalization. However, China's rural areas have long been in a state of development without governance, and this situation must change. Therefore, systematically exploring the relationship between development and governance is the key to solving the current shortcomings in rural areas. Based on the data from the statistical yearbook, the study constructed a set of evaluation indicators for rural development governance and revitalization and verified the model's effectiveness.The entropy method and the assessment model were used to calculate the comprehensive score of rural development, governance, and revitalization. The relationship between rural development and governance was analyzed using a coupled coordination model. The regression analysis model was used to explore the relationship between the coupling results of rural development, governance, and rural revitalization. From the comprehensive results, both development and governance show an upward trend, but the upward trend of development is better. From the analysis of coupling coordination between development and governance, the C value is in good condition, the T value fluctuates wildly, and the D fluctuates with the fluctuation of T. Judging from the comprehensive score of rural revitalization, it also shows an upward trend year by year. Judging from the regression analysis results of coupling coordination degree and rural revitalization comprehensive score, coupling coordination degree will significantly impact the rural revitalization evaluation value. The study found that current rural development and governance present a spiral coupling coordination relationship, and the degree of coupling coordination significantly correlates with rural revitalization. Based on the research conclusions, the study further proposes three paths to promote the coupling and coordination of development and governance. The first is an organizational isomorphism, which builds a coupled coordination system for rural development and governance. The second is to tilt resources and improve the supply of connected and coordinated factors for rural development and governance. The third is the operating mechanism to optimize rural development and governance's coupling and coordination path.

Digital and print media texts and their comprehension by young adults – preliminary research results

The purpose of this article is to identify differences in the comprehension of print and digital media texts among young adults. This is due to the paradigm of transactional communication models (Yaros 2009 et al.), which assumes interaction between the medium and the audience, which corresponds to current changes in the media environment (Herkman 2008) and the accelerated digitization of mass media. The discussion of interaction with electronic texts and hypertexts (Singer 2017; Mangen 2013; DeStefano 2007 and others) opens up new research horizons and topics. Researchers from abroad (Norway, UK, etc.) have reported conflicting results regarding the level of comprehension of print and digital media texts, due to the length of the text, type of digital medium, target groups, etc. The recent COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted the importance of digital communication in both media and other areas (education). In order to solve the formulated research problems, a descriptive-mapping and correlation research plan was developed, using a standardized method adapted to the digital environment. A total of 486 respondents were surveyed, 173 of whom met the criteria for participation in both measurements, with an average age of 21.82. The results (compiled using MS Excel and SPSS software) show that there is no difference in the level of comprehension of media texts presented in print and digital form. At the same time, we found that although the values of correlation coefficients indicate that a higher level of text difficulty can lead to lower text comprehension scores (negative “r” values), a higher level of text difficulty is not related to the level of text comprehension. The results are discussed, not only limitations but also broader contexts (e.g., non-cognitive factors) are considered, and some implications for media practice and education are proposed.

Reading Comprehension Levels and Skills of Filipino Grade 8 Students: A Basis for Catch-up Friday Activities

Despite the global emphasis on literacy, the Philippines continues to lag in reading proficiency, as evidenced by international assessments. A new program, "Catch-Up Fridays," has been introduced by the Department of Education, providing dedicated time for students to focus on improving their reading skills and addressing gaps in comprehension. This research aims to identify specific areas needing intervention to improve students' reading skills and to enhance their critical 21st-century skills such as critical thinking, problem-solving, and effective communication. Specifically, this study investigated the reading comprehension levels and skills of Grade 8 students at Baguio City National Science High School, focusing on the impacts of gender and the use of English as a primary language at home. Employing a quantitative descriptive research design, the study assessed 150 students using a questionnaire adapted from the Philippine Informal Reading Inventory (Phil-IRI). Results indicate that most of the students are at the instructional (48.67%) and independent (48.00%) reading levels, with a mean comprehension score of 79%. Gender analysis reveals males generally outperform females, while language analysis shows students using English at home have higher comprehension levels than their peers. The least mastered skill is using context clues, with inferential skills such as predicting outcomes and making inferences also needing improvement. The findings emphasize the need for targeted interventions to address least mastered skills, particularly for students at the frustration level, and highlight the importance of addressing gender disparities and supporting non-English-speaking students.

Combined Comprehensive Risk Score of the Estimation of Physiologic Ability and Surgical Stress and C-Reactive Protein-to-Albumin Ratio Is a Strong Prognostic Indicator of Long-term Outcomes in Colorectal Cancer.

In patients with colorectal cancer, both the C-reactive protein-to-albumin ratio and comprehensive risk score of the estimation of physiologic ability and surgical stress have demonstrated prognostic significance. To assess the clinical value of the combined use of C-reactive protein-to-albumin ratio and comprehensive risk score for predicting prognosis in patients with colorectal cancer. Multicenter retrospective study. The cohort was divided into 3 groups based on a combined score derived from the value of C-reactive protein-to-albumin ratio and comprehensive risk score (low/mid/high). Patients who underwent curative resection between 2010 and 2019 at multiple institutions were enrolled in this study. Overall and recurrence-free survival. A total of 2207 patients (801 in the low cohort, 817 in the mid cohort, and 589 in the high cohort) were included in this study. Multivariate analysis revealed that combined score was an independent prognostic factor for both overall and recurrence-free survival, irrespective of disease stage ( p < 0.05). Furthermore, Harrell's C-index indicated that the predictive power of the combined score was significantly superior to that of the C-reactive protein-to-albumin ratio or comprehensive risk score ( p < 0.001). This study had a retrospective design, and data on genetic markers were not included. The synergistic combination of C-reactive protein-to-albumin ratio and comprehensive risk score contributes to the robust definition of combined score, a potent prognostic factor, regardless of disease stage. This finding has the potential to provide novel insights into the management of patients with colorectal cancer who have undergone curative resection. See the Video Abstract . ANTECEDENTES:En pacientes con cáncer colorrectal, tanto la relación proteína C reactiva/albúmina como la puntuación de riesgo integral de la Estimación de la capacidad fisiológica y el estrés quirúrgico han demostrado importancia pronóstica.OBJETIVO:Evaluar el valor clínico del uso combinado de la relación proteína C reactiva/albúmina y la puntuación de riesgo integral para predecir el pronóstico en pacientes con cáncer colorrectal.DISEÑO:Estudio retrospectivo multicéntrico.AJUSTES:La cohorte se dividió en tres grupos según una puntuación combinada derivada del valor de la relación proteína C reactiva/albúmina y la puntuación de riesgo integral (bajo/medio/alto).PACIENTES:En este estudio se inscribieron pacientes que se sometieron a resección curativa entre 2010 y 2019 en múltiples instituciones.PRINCIPALES MEDIDAS DE VALORACIÓN:Supervivencia general y libre de recurrencia.RESULTADOS:En este estudio se incluyeron un total de 2207 pacientes (801 en la cohorte baja, 817 en la cohorte media y 589 en la cohorte alta). El análisis multivariado reveló que la puntuación combinada fue un factor pronóstico independiente tanto para la supervivencia general como para la supervivencia libre de recurrencia, independientemente del estadio de la enfermedad (p <0,05). Además, el índice C de Harrell indicó que el poder predictivo de la puntuación combinada era significativamente superior al de la relación proteína C reactiva-albúmina o a la puntuación de riesgo integral (p <0,001).LIMITACIONES:Este estudio tuvo un diseño retrospectivo y no se incluyeron datos sobre marcadores genéticos.CONCLUSIÓN:La combinación sinérgica de la relación proteína C reactiva/albúmina y la puntuación de riesgo integral contribuye a la definición sólida de la puntuación combinada, un potente factor pronóstico, independientemente del estadio de la enfermedad. Este hallazgo tiene el potencial de proporcionar conocimientos novedosos sobre el tratamiento de pacientes con CCR sometidos a resección curativa. (Traducción- Dr. Ingrid Melo ).

A fusion algorithm selection method for infrared image based on quality synthesis of intuition possible sets

Aiming at the heterogeneous features are often collaboratively optimized for fusion, and the existing feature attributes cannot be targeted to adjust algorithms to drive fusion effectively, resulting in poor fusion. We put forward infrared image fusion algorithm selection based on quality synthesis of intuition possible sets. Firstly, the fusion validity of difference feature of image is calculated. In view of intuition possible set orderings of multiple intervals of each difference feature, the degrees can be divided into three levels, and the corresponding possibility distribution subsets are obtained. Secondly, we introduce credibility and separability to weight the multiple subsets, and calculate negative entropy and credibility of each synthesized subset, in order to determine non-dominated subsets under each fusion algorithm. Thirdly, the score function of multiple fusion algorithms is constructed to select optimal fusion algorithm. Then we employ thirteen evaluation indicators and their comprehensive score to verify the effectiveness of our method.

Evaluation of flipped classroom teaching quality for civil engineering courses

The impact of civil engineering course education on civil engineers is profound and crucial. Due to the hierarchical and ambiguous nature of quality assessment for flipped classroom teaching, there is an urgent demand for a rational and effective approach to conduct such assessments. This would enable the targeted formulation of instructional improvement methods based on assessment outcomes, ultimately elevating the quality of pedagogy. This study combines the analytic hierarchy process and fuzzy evaluation method. The fuzzy evaluation method is utilized to identify four primary evaluation factor sets, fourteen secondary judgment factor sets, and five evaluation outcome sets, with subsequent quantification of the assessment results. The analytic hierarchy process is employed to ascertain the weight coefficients of the evaluation factors. The comprehensive assessment model for flipped classroom teaching quality is established. The assessment results indicate that the overall quality of flipped classroom teaching in the civil engineering major at Anhui University of Science and Technology, conducted through the platform of Superstar Learning Hub, falls within the ‘Good’ category. The fuzzy comprehensive evaluation score for extracurricular learning quality is the lowest, and the weight proportion attributed to flipped classroom infrastructure is the highest. Consequently, several targeted improvement measures are proposed to enhance the quality of flipped classroom teaching.

Measurement and characteristics of high-quality development level of innovation and entrepreneurship based on EM-AHP-TOPSIS

By constructing an evaluation system for the high-quality development of innovation and entrepreneurship, an evaluation index system was established in this study from five aspects: the background, process, input, output, and transformation of innovation and entrepreneurship, and analytic hierarchy process (AHP) and entropy method (EM) were adopted to perform combination weighting. Then, the core of each subsystem and the comprehensive score were calculated based on the TOPSIS method, the high-quality development level of urban innovation and entrepreneurship in 19 vice-ministerial cities like Beijing, Shanghai, Tianjin, Chongqing, Guangzhou, Shenzhen, and Chengdu in China was measured, and the innovation and entrepreneurship development level and structural characteristics were analyzed from five aspects. The results show that Shenzhen, Shanghai, Beijing, Nanjing, and Guangzhou take the lead in the high-quality development of innovation and entrepreneurship, while Xi’an, Chengdu, Hangzhou, Wuhan, Qingdao, Jinan, and Ningbo are in the medium level. Chongqing, Shenyang, Dalian, Harbin, Xiamen, and Changchun perform poorly in the development of innovation and entrepreneurship with problems of interregional large gradient difference in capacity and unbalanced development, which provides an important reference for understanding the current situation, advantages, and disadvantages of innovation and entrepreneurship education development in various economic zones.

American Ginseng Slice Drying and Optimization: Effect of Different Drying Methods on Drying Kinetics and Physicochemical Properties

This study compared four drying methods, namely hot-air and vacuum combined drying (HAVCD), hot-air drying (HAD), vacuum drying (VD), and vacuum freeze-drying (VFD), with the aim to select a high-quality and efficient drying method to dry American ginseng slices. Drying kinetics and various physicochemical properties, such as color, rehydration ratio, total ginsenoside content, total ginsenoside residual rate, hardness, and microstructure were explored. An improved multi-indicator test formula method was used to score the experimental results quantitatively. HAVCD resulted in comprehensive advantages, with the highest product score for the dried American ginseng slices. Therefore, HAVCD was subjected to a response surface methodology (RSM) analysis and process optimization. The interaction of hot-air temperature and vacuum temperature on the comprehensive score of American ginseng drying was highly significant (p &lt; 0.01). The optimized and validated process parameters obtained were a hot-air temperature of 57 °C, a vacuum temperature of 54 °C, and a moisture content at the conversion point of 39% (wet basis). Under these conditions, the best drying time was 170 min; the total ginsenoside content was 2.3 mg/100 g; the L* value was 91.68; the rehydration ratio was 3.10; and the comprehensive score was 96.77. The findings of this work indicated HAVCD as a promising drying method for American ginseng slices, considering the drying time and dried-product quality attributes.

Assessment of future multiple ecosystem services in Central Asia based on the earth system model

The assessment of future multiple ecosystem services (ESs) is of great significance to regional development. However, future data simulation and climate change impacts still need further research. This paper constructs an assessment framework for future ESs based on the earth system model, which can comprehensively analyze and trade-off carbon storage (CS), water yield (WY), soil conservation (SC), habitat suitability (HS), potential production of cereals (PPC), potential production of roundwood (PPR), and potential production of livestock (PPL). Furthermore, we carry out a case study in Central Asia. Based on IPSL-CM6A-LR model, we evaluated the levels of multiple ESs and their comprehensive tradeoffs in 2050 under five shared socioeconomic pathways (SSP126, SSP245, SSP370, SSP460, and SSP585). The results show that (1) with the increase in carbon emissions (from SSP126 to SSP585), the terrestrial CS and WY in Central Asia will first increase and then decrease in 2050. Notably, SC and HS experience a significant decline under SSP585 (7.76% and 2.20%, respectively), indicating environmental risks associated with high-emission scenarios. (2) Among the five pathways, the middle path (SSP245) strikes a better balance between development and environment. It demonstrates the highest levels of SC, HS, PPR, and PPL. Additionally, CS and PPC witnessed an increase of more than 4%. (3) SSP370 achieves the highest comprehensive trade-off score (1.087), slightly surpassing that of SSP245 (1.086). It exhibits the highest CS and WY among the five pathways. However, its SC, HS, PPR, and PPL are comparatively lower than those of SSP245, being at the intermediate level. We propose directions for the development of Central Asia: A middle pathway should be taken, as well as necessary climate and sustainable policies should be formulated.

A comprehensive, predictive mortality score for patients with bloodstream infections (PROBAC): a prospective, multicentre cohort study.

Bloodstream infections (BSI) are an important cause of mortality, although they show heterogeneity depending on patients and aetiological factors. Comprehensive and specific mortality scores for BSI are scarce. The objective of this study was to develop a mortality predictive score in BSI based on a multicentre prospective cohort. A prospective cohort including consecutive adults with bacteraemia recruited between October 2016 and March 2017 in 26 Spanish hospitals was randomly divided into a derivation cohort (DC) and a validation cohort (VC). The outcome was all-cause 30-day mortality. Predictors were assessed the day of blood culture growth. A logistic regression model and score were developed in the DC for mortality predictors; the model was applied to the VC. Overall, 4102 patients formed the DC and 2009 the VC. Mortality was 11.8% in the DC and 12.34% in the CV; the patients and aetiological features were similar for both cohorts. The mortality predictors selected in the final multivariate model in the DC were age, cancer, liver cirrhosis, fatal McCabe underlying condition, polymicrobial bacteraemia, high-risk aetiologies, high-risk source of infection, recent use of broad-spectrum antibiotics, stupor or coma, mean blood pressure <70 mmHg and PaO2/FiO2 ≤ 300 or equivalent. Mortality in the DC was <2% for ≤2 points, 6%-14% for 3-7 points, 26%-45% for 8-12 points and ≥60% for ≥13 points. The predictive score had areas under the receiving operating curves of 0.81 (95% CI 0.79-0.83) in the DC and 0.80 (0.78-0.83) in the VC. A 30 day mortality predictive score in BSI with good discrimination ability was developed and internally validated.

Comprehensive Evaluation of Apple Germplasm Genetic Diversity on the Basis of 26 Phenotypic Traits

We used 256 apple germplasm resources for a thorough examination of the genetic diversity associated with 26 phenotypic traits (i.e., genetic diversity analysis, cluster analysis, correlation analysis, principal component analysis, and membership function). The average coefficient of variation for 12 morphological traits was 66.39% (21.10–201.5%). The coefficient of variation was highest and lowest for the fruit arris and the width of the eye basin, respectively. Additionally, the diversity index ranged from 0.54 to 1.33. Moreover, the coefficient of variation for 14 numerical traits varied from 5.37% to 50%. The titratable acid content had the highest coefficient of variation, with a diversity index ranging from 2.01 to 2.08 (average of 2.045). A cluster analysis categorized 256 germplasms into four groups, among which Group I included germplasms with large fruits and the best comprehensive performance. Of the top 10 principal components revealed by the principal component analysis, principal component 1 was mainly related to fruit size and flavor. The top 10 germplasms were selected on the basis of comprehensive scores using the membership function method. Furthermore, a stepwise regression analysis identified 15 key traits for identifying apple germplasms, including the vegetative growth day, fruit weight, and the firmness of the fruit without skin. These results can serve as the foundation for future analyses of the phenotypic diversity of apple germplasms, while also providing a theoretical basis for screening, characterizing, and further improving excellent apple germplasms.

Rapid differential diagnosis of periprosthetic joint infection by microdroplet reaction on portable biochip and indicator

Periprosthetic joint infection (PJI) is a catastrophic complication after joint arthroplasty. A key step to treat PJI is accurate diagnosis. However, according to the existing guidelines, no biomarker has been used to diagnose PJI alone and autoimmune diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis (RA) often interfere with the diagnosis. Patients with PJI often still face issues such as misdiagnosis and delayed treatment after a comprehensive scoring diagnosis. Thus, a rapid quantitative detection method based on excellent biomarker is needed. Here, an all-printed photonic crystal (PC) biochip is reported. Through the fluorescence enhancement effect of the photonic crystals and the design of the hydrophilic and hydrophobic patterning structure, trace detection of lactoferrin (LTF) in a drop of viscous synovial fluid can be achieved within 10 min by the biochip. The detection limit is as low as 4.6 ng/mL. For more intuitive results, portable testing equipment is developed with indicator light displays of three colors (green = NPJI, yellow = RA, and red = PJI) to indicate the diagnosis depending on the biochip’s fluorescence intensity. Furthermore, 79 clinical synovial fluid samples are tested with PC biochips, and the PC results are in good agreement with the ELISA results. Due to the microdroplet reaction on PCs, biochips are suitable for the detection of the selected markers in the synovial fluid. The use of the three-color portable testing equipment avoids the need for professional testing devices. Overall, this strategy provides a new paradigm for the early and differential diagnoses of PJI.

Moisture distribution change and quality characteristics of ultrasound enhanced heat pump drying on carrot

Abstract The study aims at investigating the impact of ultrasound enhancement on the water change and quality characteristics of dried carrots by heat pump drying (HPD). The results showed that ultrasound had obvious strengthening effect on the drying and dehydration process of HPD, but there was an attenuation effect of ultrasound in the propagation process of materials, and the magnetic resonance imaging results could visually demonstrate the change and migration of moisture inside carrot slices. Higher drying temperature and ultrasonic power could cause more micropores and higher content of polyphenols, flavonoids and niacin of carrot slices. Conversely, the elevated drying temperature reduced rehydration ratio. β-carotene content showed a trend of increasing first and then decreasing due to excessive temperature and ultrasonic power. Based on AHP-CRTITC method, the highest comprehensive score was attained at drying temperature of 60 °C and ultrasonic power of 80 W. Therefore, the reinforcement effect of ultrasound on HPD process could significantly enhance dehydration rate and improve product quality.

Enhancing Reading Comprehension through Speed Reading: A Study of Eighth-Grade Students in an Indonesian EFL Classroom

This study investigates the impact of the Speed-Reading method on the reading comprehension of eighth-grade students at SMPN 8 Makassar. Utilizing a quantitative pre-experimental design, the research involved a one-group pretest-posttest approach, engaging 34 students. The intervention consisted of structured speed-reading sessions supplemented with visual aids, aimed at enhancing students' reading speed and comprehension. Data were collected through pre-tests and post-tests and analysed using SPSS to determine the effectiveness of the Speed-Reading method. The findings reveal a significant improvement in students' reading comprehension scores post-intervention. The mean pre-test score of 59.29 increased to 83.5 in the post-test, with statistical analysis confirming the significance of this improvement (p &lt; 0.05). These results align with previous studies, highlighting the Speed-Reading method's efficacy in fostering a more engaging and cooperative learning environment. The method not only boosts reading speed but also enhances comprehension, making it a valuable addition to EFL instructional strategies. The study concludes that the Speed-Reading method is an effective pedagogical tool for improving reading comprehension in EFL contexts. Its implementation can lead to substantial gains in students' reading abilities, suggesting its broader applicability across various educational settings. Future research should explore the long-term benefits and potential adaptations of Speed-Reading techniques to further validate and expand upon these findings.