Mean Reading Research Articles

Automated assessment of brain MRIs in multiple sclerosis patients significantly reduces reading time.

Assessment of multiple sclerosis (MS) lesions on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is tedious, time-consuming, and error-prone. We evaluate whether assessment of new, expanding, and contrast-enhancing MS lesions can be done more time-efficiently by radiologists with assistance of artificial intelligence (AI). Baseline and three follow-up (FU) MRIs of thirty-five consecutive patients diagnosed with MS were assessed by a radiologist manually, and with assistance of an AI-tool. Results were discussed with a consultant neuroradiologist and time metrics were evaluated. The mean reading time for the resident radiologist was 9.05min (95CI: 6.85-11:25). With AI-assistance, the reading time was reduced by 2.83min (95CI: 3.28-2.41, p < 0.001). The reading decreased steadily from baseline to FU3 for the resident radiologist (9.85min baseline, 9.21 FU1, 8.64 FU2 and 8.44 FU3, p < 0.001). Assistance of AI further remarkably decreased reading times during follow-ups (3.29min FU1, 3.92 FU2, 3.79 FU3, p < 0.001) but not at baseline (0.26min, p = 0.96). The baseline reading time of the resident radiologist was 5.04min (p < 0.001), with each lesion adding 0.14min (p < 0.001). There was a substantial decrease in the baseline reading time from 5.04min to 1.59min (p = 0.23) with AI-assistance. Discussion of the reading results of the resident with the neuroradiology consultant (as usual in clinical routine) was exemplary done for FU-3 MRIs and added another 3min (CI:2.27-3.76) to the reading time without AI-assistance. We found that AI-assisted reading of MRIs of patients with MS may be faster than evaluating these MRIs without AI-assistance.

Validating the Use of Continuous Glucose Monitors With Nondiabetic Recreational Runners.

Continuous glucose monitors (CGMs) are becoming increasingly popular among endurance athletes despite unconfirmed accuracy. We assessed the concurrent validity of the FreeStyle Libre 2 worn on 2 different sites at rest, during steady-state running, and postprandial. Thirteen nondiabetic, well-trained recreational runners (age = 40 [8]y, maximal aerobic oxygen consumption = 46.1 [6.4]mL·kg-1·min-1) wore a CGM on the upper arm and chest while treadmill running for 30, 60, and 90minutes at intensities corresponding to 50%, 60%, and 70% of maximal aerobic oxygen consumption, respectively. Glucose was measured by manually scanning CGMs and obtaining a finger-prick capillary blood glucose sample. Mean absolute relative difference, time in range, and continuous glucose Clarke error grid analysis were used to compare paired CGM and blood glucose readings. Across all intensities of steady-state running, we found a mean absolute relative difference of 13.8 (10.9) for the arm and 11.4 (9.0) for the chest. The coefficient of variation exceeded 70%. Approximately 47% of arm and 50% of chest paired glucose measurements had an absolute difference ≤10%. Continuous glucose Clarke error grid analysis indicated 99.8% (arm) and 99.6% (chest) CGM data fell in clinically acceptable zones A and B. Time-in-range analysis showed reduced accuracy at lower glucose levels. However, CGMs accurately detected trends in mean glucose readings over time. CGMs are not valid for point glucose monitoring but appear to be valid for monitoring glucose trends during steady-state exercise. Accuracy is similar for arm and chest. Further research is needed to determine whether CGMs can detect important events such as hypoglycemia during exercise.

The no-retina-touch technique: vitrectomy and platelet-rich plasma in the treatment of lamellar macular hole. New insights into pathogenesis.

To explore the use of autologous platelet-rich plasma (PRP) as a potential therapeutic adjuvant strategy for treating degenerative lamellar macular holes (LMHs). A prospective interventional case series. Seven consecutive patients (8 eyes) with a diagnosis of LMH underwent a pars-plana vitrectomy with PRP injection under air tamponade. Anatomical results based on spectral domain optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT) and functional results, in terms of best corrected visual acuity (BCVA) and reading performance, were analyzed. At 12 months postoperatively, 7 out of 8 eyes (88%) presented a complete closure of the LMH. The ellipsoid zone (EZ) was restored in 3 eyes (37.5%). The mean (±SD) postoperative BCVA was 0.39 (±0.56) LogMAR, resulting in a statistically significant visual acuity improvement (p = 0.007). The mean (±SD) maximum reading speed (MaxRS) improved to 133.48 (±41.47) wpm, with a significant increase compared to the baseline (p = 0.029). The mean (±SD) reading acuity score (RA score) resulted in 0.44 (±0.04) LogRAD, with an improvement in reading acuity that did not reach statistical significance (p = 0.129). The utilization of the PRP technique with a no-retina-touch approach safeguards the delicate retinal tissues, minimizing the possibility of iatrogenic trauma or post-operative complications, while maintaining a high rate of efficacy in enabling the improvement of the foveal defect in lamellar macular holes.

Effect of different freezing temperatures on the physical, technological, and organoleptic properties of aged semimembranosus muscles from farmed fallow deer (Dama dama)

Although venison could play an important role in human nutrition, this meat remains undervalued and still contributes very little to the formal meat industry. Moreover, information on processing methods of fallow deer meat and overall quality is still very limited. The objective of this study was to determine how physical, technological, and organoleptic properties differ between 14-day-aged vacuum-packaged fallow deer meat stored either chilled or frozen at different temperatures (-10°C, -18°C, -40°C and -80°C) for six months. Physical, technological, and organoleptic analyses were conducted on semimembranosus muscles (SM) obtained from farmed fallow deer bucks (n = 10). Freezing significantly increased meat redness, yellowness, chroma values, cooking loss and tenderness compared to fresh meat but did not affect pH values, lightness, thawing, or grilling loss. Mean pH readings were 5.5–5.6, being highest in the samples measured one day after slaughter. Freezing at -80°C had the most pronounced effect on some sensory attributes, namely, the highest game meat aroma intensity, sour odour, sour flavour and the lowest chewiness. The findings indicate that a freezing temperature of -18°C and subsequent slow thawing might be preferential in terms of maintaining fallow deer meat quality.

Evaluation of a Social Determinant of Health: Academic Achievement Through Physical Education Policy Regarding Time

Physical activity can meaningfully influence educational outcomes, yet, remains insufficient among youth (World Health Organization, 2018). Youth who are not physically active are more likely to encounter chronic health issues including obesity, depression, and anxiety (Bartelink et al., 2019, Bélair et al., 2018, Krebs, 2003).School-sponsored physical education (PE) is one way for students to participate in physical activity. However, state policies allotting time for PE vary nationally. Furthermore, many schools respond to pressures of increasing student standardized test scores by replacing structured time in PE with more time in tested subjects (Center on Education Policy, 2007, 2008). This study explores national associations of PE time policies and academic achievement on standardized tests through a fixed effects panel data analysis. The change in PE policies, as measured by mandated PE time, significantly predicted mean reading and math performance. Findings enhance the limited literature on PE policy associations with academic achievement.

Implementation Takes Time: Reduction of Literacy Problems in Schools Implementing an Early-Literacy Intervention

Early-literacy interventions might prevent reading problems in the long term, but effects are rarely examined at scale. In this study, we examined whether the large-scale implementation of the Dutch early-literacy intervention Build! reduced the percentage of readers with difficulties and improved mean reading skills at the school level. Transfer effects to spelling and reading comprehension were also examined. Over the course of 6 years, schools not implementing Build! (61–126 schools, depending on the outcome measure) were compared to 72 to 145 schools that introduced Build! during the project. Per year, intervention schools were modeled as using or not using the intervention. Using difference-in-difference models, we examined changes in literacy skills from the moment the intervention was introduced. Findings indicated that there was no immediate effect of the intervention. However, after the intervention had been used for 2 years, the percentage of children with difficulties in reading, spelling, and reading comprehension started to decrease and the mean reading and spelling ability increased. Results suggest that large-scale evaluations of interventions should be continued for several years, as effects might show several years after the implementation of the intervention.

Evaluating cancer patient-reported experience measures against health literacy best practices.

Positive patient experiences can lead to better adherence to cancer treatment and greater patient health outcomes. The primary aim of this descriptive study was to determine whether commonly used cancer PREMs have been developed according to health literacy best practices. The secondary and third aims were to examine the development of PREMs and to assess their comprehensiveness against principles of patient-centered care. To assess adherence to best practice literacy principles regarding readability and understandability of commonly used cancer PREMs, three validated readability calculators and a validated instrument were utilized. To better understand how PREMs were developed, data about survey items, patient involvement, and expert consultation were collected. Finally, the Picker framework was used to evaluate the comprehensiveness of PREMs against principles of patient-centered care. Thirty-five PREMs studies met inclusion criteria for the study. The mean reading grade level of cancer PREMs was 9.7 (SD = 0.75, range = 8.2-11.2) with best practice recommendation being a grade 6 reading grade level. Twenty-eight PREMs were rated on understandability, with a mean score of 74% (SD = 10.6, range = 46-93%, with optimal score of greater than 80%). The mean number of items across PREMs was 49 (SD = 31, range = 13-136). Recommendations for the number of items to include in a questionnaire is 25-30 items. Most PREMs (n = 33, 94.3%) asked ≥ 1 double-barreled question. All PREMs addressed ≥ 2 patient-centered care principles. Cancer PREMs included in this study did not meet evidence-informed thresholds for readability and understandability. As such, it is possible that there may be gaps in how we understand the care experiences of low health literacy populations. Future development of PREMs should engage patients with low health literacy to ensure their perspectives are accurately captured and that PREMs are designed to meet the needs of all patients.

Education of mercy as a traditional Russian value based on a modern teenage book

Introduction. The problem of studying ways and means of educating the younger generation of high moral ideals is an acutely urgent task of modern science, since it is a response to the challenges of the time, laid down in the basis of state policy to preserve and strengthen traditional Russian spiritual and moral values. The purpose of the article is to present the results of a study of the educational impact of a modern children's and youth book on the example of Elena Mamontova's novella "The White Owl" on understanding and strengthening such a traditional Russian spiritual and moral value as mercy. Materials and methods. The tools for socio-pedagogical research were 26 children's books – winners of literary prizes over the past ten years, from 2013 to 2023, and presented on official websites. Among them, the books most in demand by the children's readership were highlighted. The selection was carried out using the methods of analyzing readers' reviews, readers' forms of children's libraries and literary analysis of the ideological and artistic merits of the works. Based on the ideological and substantive criterion, the expert evaluation method selected E. Mamontova's novel "The White Owl" as having a spiritual and moral educational potential. Results. The author summarized the results of the experimental study. The subjects, 22 students of the 7th grade, teenagers of 13-14 years old, first independently, and then together with the teacher discussed traditional Russian values, primarily charity. After the initial independent reading of the book, 82% were able to understand the main idea of the work – the importance of mercy, which indicates the accessibility of the ideological and artistic system of the teenage book to readers. At the same time, special work in the lesson deepened and enriched the students' ideas about mercy: 100% realized the concept of mercy not just as a synonym for kindness, but as the ability to forgive out of compassion, humanity, and show leniency. 60% of the subjects somehow compare themselves with the characters of the story, noting a similar experience in their lives, which indicates a meaningful reading. In addition, some young readers, after special work with the book, were able to go beyond the specific situation and see the problem of mercy in a broad life perspective, talking about the fate of future generations. Conclusion. On an experimental basis, a conclusion is formulated about modern adolescent literature as an important resource for the spiritual development of the younger generation and the strengthening of its national identity. The conclusion is confirmed by the analysis of students' feedback on E. Mamontova's story "The White Owl", which contains moral lessons that allow preserving Russian national identity and help to educate a spiritually developed personality of a teenager.

Effective technologies for the development of semantic reading skills in students of basic general education

Introduction. In the context of an increase in the amount of information that general education students receive, the use of innovative technologies for developing semantic reading skills is relevant. Possession of the skills of meaningful reading and working with information serves as the foundation for acquiring knowledge in modern society. With the growing emphasis on the digital economy and digital technologies, developing strong reading skills has become essential. The purpose of the study is to analyze the effectiveness of using quantum technologies to develop semantic reading skills and the ability to work with information for the development of reading literacy of students in basic general education. Materials and methods. 97 5th grade students of the Petrozavodsk Presidential Cadet School (Russian Federation, Republic of Karelia). Methods: pedagogical experiment, comparative analysis, diagnostics of the level of semantic reading (quantum technologies), observation, self-assessment of students, statistical processing using the t-test for related samples, Wilcoxon signed-rank test. The results of the study. It is revealed that the development of semantic reading skills through quantum technologies is effective for 5th grade students. As a result of the analysis of the effectiveness of the formative experiment, a change in the indicators characterizing the development of semantic reading skills and the positive dynamics of academic performance in the experimental groups (p &lt; 0,001) was revealed. Conclusion. The use of quantum technologies for the development of semantic reading skills has confirmed its effectiveness at the level of basic general education, which has had a positive impact on student academic performance. The results obtained can be used by teachers of basic general education both in extracurricular activities and in various academic subjects.

Toward a Method of Paying Attention: The Ethics of Magnification in William S. Burroughs's Naked Lunch

Abstract: Utilizing Donna Haraway's trope of the scanning electron microscope, this article shows how, by magnifying bodily porosity, multiplicity, and vulnerability, William Burroughs's Naked Lunch trains its readers in a certain ethical and affective posture toward people who use drugs, which the author calls "paying attention." As a method of reading addiction literature, "paying attention" means reading closely but not in order to diagnose. It also means prioritizing description over interpretation, while "paying attention" to real people who use drugs means striving to remain in open and reciprocal (rather than closed and hierarchical) relationship with them. In other words, we are moved to empathy and self-modification through a process of self-recognition in their struggle and approaching the question of "recovery" collaboratively and only insofar as they have defined what such positive change looks like for them.

Exploring Undergraduate Students’ Perceptions Toward Extensive Reading Course

The importance of extensive reading is undeniable. Through implementing extensive reading, students can obtain many benefits toward their English proficiency. Although much research has been conducted towards implementing ER, few study underlying the students’ perceptions as the subject of ER implementation. Thus, this research aims at exploring the students’ perceptions towards their ER course. Further, this research also aims at exploring the students’ outcomes gained from the ER course. This study used qualitative descriptive design, the participants in this study are undergraduate students who have experience on extensive reading course at private university in Makassar. The sampling technique used in this study was purposive sampling involving 7 participants. In-depth interview data collection technique was used in this study and the results obtained were analyzed using thematic analysis. The results show that the extensive reading course improved the students' reading fluency, reading comprehension, vocabulary acquisition, writing ability, and reading motivation, among other five areas. The way ER principles are applied throughout the training has an impact on those benefits. Easy reading materials, a variety of available materials, authority in material selection, frequent reading, speed reading, silent reading, meaningful reading, enjoyable reading, teacher direction, and the teacher as a role model are the concepts that are put into practice

Grammatical Skills Development of Bangladeshi Students through Task-Based Language Teaching

The research aims at exploring whether the implementation of Task-Based Language Teaching can improve students’ grammatical skills and will furthermore investigate its feasibility as a teaching approach. A first year class of English Department at Bangladesh Army University of Science and Technology (BAUST) was used and an action research was carried out. Hence, the study targets to use Task-Based Language Teaching (TBLT) in the communicative grammar learning environment using various meaningful reading tasks. The research problem in this research is the poor scores of students’ grammatical mastery observed in the pre-test. The research paper is based on the use of simple present tense. The focus of this study is the use of TBLT which is believed to guide students to experience communicative grammar learning with various meaningful and pragmatic tasks in the grammar class. The research findings revealed improvement of grammar skill for the students that have at least an initial level of grammatical competence, but no difference was detected for the students of no grammar competence, indicating the need for further investigation. Therefore, this research expects to improve not only students’ grammatical mastery but also the need for better classroom condition and overall skill development.

Decoding Radiology Reports: Artificial Intelligence-Large Language Models Can Improve the Readability of Hand and Wrist Orthopedic Radiology Reports.

The purpose of this study was to assess the effectiveness of an Artificial Intelligence-Large Language Model (AI-LLM) at improving the readability of hand and wrist radiology reports. The radiology reports of 100 hand and/or wrist radiographs, 100 hand and/or wrist computed tomography (CT) scans, and 100 hand and/or wrist magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans were extracted. The following prompt command was inserted into the AI-LLM: "Explain this radiology report to a patient in layman's terms in the second person: [Report Text]." The report length, Flesch reading ease score (FRES), and Flesch-Kincaid reading level (FKRL) were calculated for the original radiology report and the AI-LLM-generated report. The accuracy of the AI-LLM report was assessed via a 5-point Likert scale. Any "hallucination" produced by the AI-LLM-generated report was recorded. There was a statistically significant improvement in mean FRES scores and FKRL scores in the AI-LLM-generated radiograph report, CT report, and MRI report. For all AI-LLM-generated reports, the mean reading level improved to below an eighth-grade reading level. The mean Likert score for the AI-LLM-generated radiograph report, CT report, and MRI report was 4.1 ± 0.6, 3.9 ± 0.6, and 3.9 ± 0.7, respectively. The hallucination rate in the AI-LLM-generated radiograph report, CT report, and MRI report was 3%, 6%, and 6%, respectively. This study demonstrates that AI-LLM effectively improves the readability of hand and wrist radiology reports, underscoring the potential application of AI-LLM as a promising and innovative patient-centric strategy to improve patient comprehension of their imaging reports.Level of Evidence: IV.

Assessment of the accuracy and reliability of clinical thermometers for body temperature measurements at the hospital: a laboratory study

Abstract This study aims to assess the accuracy and reliability of two different types of thermometers: contact thermometers (CT) and non-contact thermometers (NCIRT) at Maharaj Nakorn Chiang Mai Hospital. The comparison method was carried out in a hospital laboratory setting and followed a specific calibration procedure. The mean readings, errors, and measurement uncertainties were reported and categorized according to the manufacturer’s labeling models. The maximum permissible errors were defined by international standards and clinical acceptances for contact and NCIRTs, respectively. The results showed that thermometers of temperature probes (PTs) provided the highest level of accuracy. When compared to a reference standard thermometer (STD), the mean errors were only 0.04 °C at the calibration point of 37.0 °C. For digital CTs, the mean error at the calibration points of 37.0 °C was 0.24 °C. Most CT models exhibited high accuracy and reliability. However, the forehead (IRFTs) and ear (IRETs) readings significantly differed from the STD, with over half of all units not meeting the ISO 80601–2–56/ASTM E1965–98 standard requirements. These results suggest that CTs and PTs are highly accurate and reliable devices for measuring body temperature. However, both IRFTs and IRETs could be useful in certain situations, such as screening many people in a short amount of time, but their accuracy should be interpreted with caution and confirmed using a more precise method if necessary.

Large language models' responses to liver cancer surveillance, diagnosis, and management questions: accuracy, reliability, readability.

To assess the accuracy, reliability, and readability of publicly available large language models in answering fundamental questions on hepatocellular carcinoma diagnosis and management. Twenty questions on liver cancer diagnosis and management were asked in triplicate to ChatGPT-3.5 (OpenAI), Gemini (Google), and Bing (Microsoft). Responses were assessed by six fellowship-trained physicians from three academic liver transplant centers who actively diagnose and/or treat liver cancer. Responses were categorized as accurate (score 1; all information is true and relevant), inadequate (score 0; all information is true, but does not fully answer the question or provides irrelevant information), or inaccurate (score - 1; any information is false). Means with standard deviations were recorded. Responses were considered as a whole accurate if mean score was > 0 and reliable if mean score was > 0 across all responses for the single question. Responses were also quantified for readability using the Flesch Reading Ease Score and Flesch-Kincaid Grade Level. Readability and accuracy across 60 responses were compared using one-way ANOVAs with Tukey's multiple comparison tests. Of the twenty questions, ChatGPT answered nine (45%), Gemini answered 12 (60%), and Bing answered six (30%) questions accurately; however, only six (30%), eight (40%), and three (15%), respectively, were both accurate and reliable. There were no significant differences in accuracy between any chatbot. ChatGPT responses were the least readable (mean Flesch Reading Ease Score 29; college graduate), followed by Gemini (30; college) and Bing (40; college; p < 0.001). Large language models provide complex responses to basic questions on hepatocellular carcinoma diagnosis and management that are seldomly accurate, reliable, or readable.

Posterior corneal surface stability after femtosecond laser-assisted in situ keratomileusis in patients with myopia and myopic astigmatism.

To evaluate the variation and stability of the posterior cornea surface parameters (posterior cornea curvature [PCC], posterior cornea astigmatism [PCA], and posterior cornea elevation [PCE]) after femtosecond laser-assisted in situ keratomileusis (LASIK) in patients with myopia and myopic astigmatism over a period of 6 months or longer. This retrospective study comprised 284 right eyes. Patients aged 18 years or older with myopia up to -12.00 D and/or astigmatism up to -6.00 DC and who underwent femtosecond LASIK were recruited. Patients were divided into three subgroups: low myopia (-0.50 to -3.00 D), moderate myopia (>-3.00 to ≤-6.00 D), and high myopia (>-6.00 D), according to their pre-LASIK spherical equivalent (SE). The variables included for analysis were PCC (central 0-3.0 mm, pericentral 3.0-6.0 mm, and peripheral region 6.0-9.0 mm), PCE, PCA, internal anterior chamber depth, intraocular pressure, and central cornea thickness at the pre- and post-LASIK stages. The central PCC remained unchanged across all three myopia subgroups at 1 month when compared to the pre-LASIK stage and remained stable at 6 months. The pericentral regions became flatter across all myopia subgroups at 1 month postsurgery (P < 0.001) and remained unchanged at 6 months. This trend was not seen in the peripheral cornea regions, which remained unchanged at 1 and 6 months post-LASIK when compared to pre-LASIK mean readings. There were minimal changes in post-LASIK posterior cornea astigmatism throughout follow-up. There was no incidence of post-LASIK surgery ectasia in this study population. Post-LASIK, the different cornea subregions behaved differently. Overall, the posterior cornea surface remained stable post-LASIK across all myopia subgroups throughout follow-up.

READING ACROSS BOUNDARIES: CULTURAL CONFLICTS AND REMEDIES

Reading, according to Butterflies et al. (2020), is a cognitive process involving the decoding of written symbols to extract or construct meaning. However, from a pragmatist perspective, this notion is outdated and insufficient. Reading is no longer merely a passive act of decoding thoughts. Instead, it should be perceived as an active and dynamic interaction between the reader and the text. A student interpretation of a text is significantly influenced by their schemata, which includes cultural background knowledge, personal experiences, and prior understanding. This perspective does not discount the crucial role of linguistic knowledge in reading comprehension. Instead, it highlights the fact that cultural knowledge is equally essential for achieving a complete and genuine understanding of the text. Linguistic and cultural knowledge are interconnected and should not be viewed in isolation. When these elements are separated, the reader fails to grasp the full significance and richness of what they are reading, resulting in an incomplete and superficial interpretation. This paper argues that to fully comprehend a text, both linguistic and cultural contexts must be considered together, providing a holistic and meaningful reading experience for students.&lt;p&gt; &lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt; Article visualizations:&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src="/-counters-/soc/0736/a.php" alt="Hit counter" /&gt;&lt;/p&gt;

Applanation Ultrasound versus Optical Biometry in the measurement of Axial Length in a Normal Eye

Objectives Accurate measurement of the axial length (AL) of the eye is important to make sure that the patient is emmetropic postoperatively. Multiple studies conducted around the globe compare AL using optical and ultrasound biometry. However, results are still inconclusive, as some studies stated that there is no difference in both modalities, whereas other studies considered optical biometry to be more superior. We aim to compare AL measurements using applanation ultrasound and optical biometry AL Scan, in Islamabad, in order to find out which modality is more superior. Methods This was a prospective cross-sectional study that was conducted at the department of Ophthalmology, PAF Hospital, E9 Islamabad. The study was conducted over a period of eight months, from April to November 2023. Participants were enrolled using non-probability, consecutive sampling. The axial length of each eye was measured by both optical and ultrasound biometer. Results There were 80 eyes of 40 participants including both males (77.5%) and females (22.5%) aged between 16-58 years. The axial length using the optical biometer showed a greater value ranging from 22.01 to 30.18mm with a mean value of 23.89 ± 1.31mm whereas the axial length measured using applanation ultrasound was 21.62 to 30.00mm with a mean of 23.53 ± 1.29mm. The mean difference between both was 0.36 ± 0.21mm which was statistically significant (P &lt;0.005). Conclusion There is a statistically significant difference between the mean readings of the AL measured by the IOL master and ultrasound biometer, so both the devices cannot be used interchangeably.

Development and validation of the Thai version of MNREAD acuity charts.

To develop and validate MNREAD acuity charts in the Thai language (MNREAD-TH). In total, 180 Thai sentences were generated using words specific to the primary 1-3 students. Each sentence contained 60 characters divided into three lines with even left and right margins and was evaluated by instructors in the education program in Thai. The selected 118 sentences were tested in 20 adults and 20 children by measuring reading time and recording the errors. Sentences with extremely high or low mean reading speeds were excluded. The remaining sentences were selected for contributing to the MNREAD-TH charts. For validation, the charts were tested in another 20 normal-sighted adult groups. In total, 118 sentences were tested on 20 adults (range: 23-58 years) and 20 primary school students (age: 8-9 years). The mean (SD) reading speeds in adult and children's groups were 134.09 (12.45) and 71.33 (10.77) words/min (wpm), respectively. After removing the sentences that deviated by ±1 SD from the mean reading speed, repeatedly had difficulty words, and had low subjective scoring, 60 matched sentences between the groups were selected to develop three versions of the MNREAD-TH chart. The intraclass correlation coefficients between charts were 0.85 for reading acuity, 0.94 for maximum reading speed, and 0.79 for critical print size. The MNREAD-TH charts can be reliably used for evaluating reading performance in Thai people for both children and adults with either normal sight or low vision. These charts are standardized and helpful in clinical trials involving reading.

Urdu Fiction: Deconstructive reading and new perspectives of meaning

Urdu Fiction: Deconstructive reading and new perspectives of meaning