Subject Area Experts Research Articles

Development of a Questionnaire for Dental Utilization Based on the Andersen Model.

Background and aim Oral health is an integral part of overall general health. Understanding the variables that affect the use of dental services can help overcome the challenges and lessen disparities in oral health. There are no significant reliable questionnaires available for determining factors that influence dental care utilization.This study aimed to develop and validate a questionnaire based on the Andersen model of healthcare utilization to assess these factors. Materials and methods A preliminary questionnaire consisting of 34 items was developed based on the Andersen model of healthcare utilization.The questionnaire's final version consisted of24 items after five subject area experts analyzed its face validity and content validity. Content validity ratio (CVR) was used to evaluate the validity of the questionnaire. The Cronbach's alpha coefficient was then used to establish the internal consistency and test-retest for the reliability of the questionnaire. Results The final version of the questionnaire included 24 items based on CVR, and the data of the final version suited the model well. The internal consistency measured with Cronbach's alpha coefficient was above the threshold for each item. The Cronbach's alpha value for test-retest reliability was found to be 0.72, which was acceptable. Conclusions The current results show that the proposed questionnaire for dental utilization based on the Andersen model has satisfactory validity and reliability. This questionnaire can be used as an instrument to determine the various factors that affect the utilization of dental services.

Understanding the Interrelationships Between Organizational Performance Measurement System Implementation Variables

Performance measurement (PM) systems are increasingly being adopted to manage and improve organizations’ effectiveness. However, a review of the research shows that there are a significant number of unsuccessful PM systems with indications of challenges arising during the implementation phase. A study involving subject-area experts was conducted and the analytic network process (ANP), for evaluating the multi-criteria decision model, was used to quantify the effects of the dynamic interrelationships among the model variables as well as the systemic effect of the factors on PM system implementation success (IS). The results show that Leadership Support and the Implementation Approach are the most important factors for successful implementation of PM systems. Meanwhile, factors related to training, participation, and an effective information technology system help users of PM understand the measures and identify their perceived benefits, thereby contributing to performance goals and objectives. This study provides a comprehensive and rigorous analysis by employing an expert study to evaluate and quantify the effects of model variables and their interrelationships on PM system implementation success using the ANP methodology. Managers and researchers can use the prioritization of the factors and insights regarding key interrelationships to develop more specific strategies and better manage resources of the implementation effort.

Exploring the Perceptions of Teachers on the Utilization of Intelligent Tutoring System Introduction

School organization stands as a cornerstone in the holistic development of students, with its efficiency gauged by the relationship between inputs and corresponding outputs. In alignment with this principle, this study aims to bolster the role of educational technology, particularly the Intelligent Tutoring System (ITS), in elementary education. This descriptive-quantitative research endeavors to elucidate the perceptions of teachers regarding the integration and effectiveness of ITS in the educational landscape. The study employed a researcher-designed survey questionnaire to solicit feedback from educators regarding their experiences with ITS. A total of 80 teachers actively engaged with ITS participated in the survey. Data analysis was conducted using statistical methods, generating frequencies, weighted means, ANOVA, Kruskal Wallis Test, and Pairwise Mann-Whitney tests. The results uncovered a consensus among teachers across different subject areas and experience levels, indicating positive beliefs regarding the utilization of ITS. The findings suggest that teachers perceive ITS as a valuable tool for enhancing student learning outcomes, facilitating personalized instruction, and fostering a dynamic learning environment. Moreover, the study revealed that there were no significant differences in teacher perceptions based on subject area expertise or experience level, indicating a uniform belief in the potential of ITS across diverse educational contexts. The study further highlights the critical role of teachers in shaping the future of education through the effective integration of advanced technological tools like ITS. It underscores the importance of ongoing review and innovation in ITS implementation to ensure its continued impact on student learning and development. In an era marked by technological advancements and educational transformations, this research contributes to the broader discourse on leveraging intelligent tutoring systems to prepare informed and productive generations for the challenges of tomorrow's world.

Challenges in Using Modular Approach in Mathematics to Senior Students in Zambales Philippines

The study aimed to identify challenges faced by Grade 11 Senior High School students in using a modular approach for learning Mathematics in the San Felipe District, Division of Zambales, during the school year 2020–2021. A descriptive research design was employed, and data was collected through a questionnaire from 144 randomly selected student respondents. The findings revealed that the student respondents were typically female teenagers, with fathers working as farmers and mothers as housekeepers. The students rated the challenges of using the modular learning approach as "challenging" in terms of Subject Matter Content, Delivery and Retrieval, and Family Support. The researcher recommended implementing interventions to alleviate challenges among students, parents, teachers, and school administrators. Suggestions included promoting collaborative learning among neighbors, forming subject area expert committees to review module content, managing time effectively, ensuring clear and visual module materials, incorporating relevant activities, and conducting further studies to validate the findings.

Connecting Scientists With Students Using Social Media in an Undergraduate Science Course

Social media tools like Twitter allow scientists and other technical subject area experts to interact with the public in previously-unimaginable ways. Here we present a lesson plan in which undergraduates in a non-majors science course (introduction to marine biology) are asked to follow experts on Twitter from a carefully curated list and then complete a series of follow-up activities and reflections. This assignment is not only popular with students, but also supplemented their formal learning, allowed students to engage more deeply with subjects of personal interest, and has created life-long learning opportunities while improving science literacy. The lesson plan guidelines shared here can be adapted to other branches of science.

Historical Development of Technology Integration in Teaching Learning: From PCK to TPACK

Technology plays a crucial role in almost every aspect of our lives, including education. During the first two decades of 21st century, there is a paradigm shift in educational practices where technology became instrumental in increasing access and improving the quality of education with new models of educational environments. The aim of this study is to look at the historical development of technology integration in teaching learning from Shulman’s pedagogical content knowledge (PCK) to technological pedagogical content knowledge (TPACK) by Mishra and Koehler, 2006. Technology integrated learning environment has been regarded as the prerequisite for active, authentic, collaborative, and constructive learning (Howland, David Jonassen, and Rose M. Marra, 2013). Teachers’ knowledge of content and pedagogy separately is not sufficient for effective teaching. A fine interplay between pedagogy and content knowledge formulates new type of competencies i.e., pedagogical content knowledge (PCK), that are exclusive to teachers, rather than subject area experts or experts having an unquestionable understanding of students’ psychology (Shulman, Knowledge and Teaching: Foundations of the New Reform, 1987). After twenty years, Mishra and Koehler (2006) extended the model of Shulman to incorporate technology as the third domain and shaped technological pedagogical content knowledge (TPACK). TPACK combines teachers’ knowledge of general pedagogy, subject matter content, and technology (Harris and Hofer, 2009). This study tries to trace Historical Development of Technology Integration in Teaching Learning: From PCK to TPACK.

The image of Robinson Crusoe in the aspect of the problem of “one’s own — alien”

One of the topical problems of modern literary criticism is the study of dichotomy “one’s own — alien”. This dichotomy is a representation of a different culture, language and mentality of one people in the literature of another people. The article analyzes the evolution of the Robinson Crusoe’s image in the Russian worldview within the framework of the imagological problem. The novel “The Life and Strange Surprizing Adventures of Robinson Crusoe” by the English writer Daniel Defoe belongs to the most widely read works of world literature. Interest in it does not fade, both from readers and from experts in various subject areas. Despite the formal simplicity of this text’s architectonics, Defoe’s novel discovered a new artistic paradigm. The Robinson story has long gone beyond the boundaries of the adventure genre. The number of questions about survival, exploitation of resources, social and political interaction with other human communities does not decrease, and the search for answers is becoming global and broad. Various authors around the world view these issues through the lens of Defoe’s novel and his hero. Using the method of imagological analysis proposed by modern scholars (A.A.Kozlova, L.P.Ivanova, etc.), the author analyzes the process of perceiving Robinson Crusoe’s image in Russia in 18th–21st centuries, and demonstrates that in the 18th century, when Defoe’s novel was translated into Russian, Robinson was an “alien” name. Then this proper name became nationally precedent and formed as a concept of linguistic consciousness and culture. The author explores the factors that influenced the development of Robinson’s image, through which it became “one’s own” in Russian culture. Among other factors, there are the creation and development of universal image indicators in a concentrated form (symbolization), embodiment in other forms of art (semiotization), the development of additional prototype consciousness (connotonimization), integration into the system of heroes of Russian writers (interpolation).

Clinical findings from the landmark MEF2C-related disorders natural history study.

Introduction MEF2C‐related disorders are characterized by developmental and cognitive delay, limited language and walking, hypotonia, and seizures. A recent systematic review identified 117 patients with MEF2C‐related disorders across 43 studies. Despite these reports, the disorder is not easily recognized and assessments are hampered by small sample sizes. Our objective was to gather developmental and clinical information on a large number of patients.MethodsWe developed a survey based on validated instruments and subject area experts to gather information from parents of children with this condition. No personal identifiers were collected. Surveys and data were collected via REDCap and analyzed using Excel and SAS v9.4.ResultsSeventy‐three parents completed the survey, with 39.7% reporting a MEF2C variant and 54.8% reporting a deletion involving MEF2C. Limited speech (82.1%), seizures (86.3%), bruxism (87.7%), repetitive movements (94.5%), and high pain tolerance (79.5%) were some of the prominent features. Patients with MEF2C variants were similarly affected as those with deletions. Female subjects showed higher verbal abilities.ConclusionThis is the largest natural history study to date and establishes a comprehensive review of developmental and clinical features for MEF2C‐related disorders. This data can help providers diagnose patients and form the basis for longitudinal or genotype–phenotype studies.

Early career researchers have questions about peer review—we asked the ASLO editors for answers

Early career researchers have questions about peer review—we asked the <scp><i>ASLO</i></scp> editors for answers

Science Policy Through a Local Lens: The Role of State-Level Advisory Groups in the 21st Century

As new challenges arise in the 21st century, state and local governments play an increasingly critical role in science policy, contrasting the traditional focus on the federal government in this landscape. To meet these challenges, states require access to subject area expertise and evidence-based advisory resources as part of their policy toolkits. Many states have independent academies of science that have potential to provide scientific expertise to state governments. However, steps need to be taken to capitalize on these resources and integrate them with other key elements in the policymaking process. By prioritizing the development of relationships with state and local governments, academies of science and other state-level scientific entities could improve the utility of their advisory resources. We present case studies from Connecticut and Missouri, where such a model has allowed scientists to contribute to policymaking on state-level issues. We further discuss the benefits and limitations of this advisory model and explain how this approach can benefit states with different political compositions and legislative structures. By partnering more intentionally with state and local governments, academies of science can make more effective contributions to address the growing science policy issues of the 21st century and beyond.

Coronavirus disease 2019, reproductive health, and public policy: lessons learned after two years of the ongoing pandemic—the American Society for Reproductive Medicine’s Center for Policy and Leadership

ObjectiveTo describe the experience of the ASRM COVID-19 Task Force over the past 2 years and to discuss lessons learned during the pandemic that can be applied to future public health crises.DesignDescriptive narrative.SubjectsNone.InterventionCreation of the ASRM COVID-19 Task Force in March 2020.Main Outcome MeasuresNone.ResultsEffective pandemic management requires a joint effort on the part of physicians, scientists, government agencies, subject area experts and funders.ConclusionReproduction is a fundamental human right that should be protected at all times. Advanced preparation for future pandemics should include appointment of a standing group of experts so that a response is both informed and immediate when a public health crisis arises. This approach will help ensure that the ultimate objective – preserving the safety and well-being of patients and health care workers – is fulfilled. The recommendations put forth in this paper from the ASRM’s Center for Policy and Leadership can be used as a template to prepare for future public health threats.

Bibliometric Analysis of Publications of Universiti Teknologi Malaysia

This study analyses the scholarly publications of Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM) in conjunction with 50 years of UTM establishment. A bibliometric analysis is performed to analyse the UTM’s publication and research trends over the 50 years, especially during the post-research university (RU) period, publications impacts, subject area expertise and publications performance in comparison to other RU. Based on the analysis, engineering and computer science are the most prominent fields among the research fields in UTM in terms of a number of publications and citations thus far. Among the top 10 fields in UTM, materials science, chemical engineering, energy and chemistry areas are seen to have a high potential to further excel in citation provided that the publication numbers of these fields are further increased. The publications output for some UTM fields can still be considered low despite having a reasonable number of authors and talents. UTM is the top university in the number of publications from 2015 till 2020 in four fields, namely engineering, computer science, materials science, and chemical engineering, compared to other RU.

Adequacy of Existing Surveillance Systems to Monitor Racism, Social Stigma and COVID Inequities: A Detailed Assessment and Recommendations

The populations impacted most by COVID are also impacted by racism and related social stigma; however, traditional surveillance tools may not capture the intersectionality of these relationships. We conducted a detailed assessment of diverse surveillance systems and databases to identify characteristics, constraints and best practices that might inform the development of a novel COVID surveillance system that achieves these aims. We used subject area expertise, an expert panel and CDC guidance to generate an initial list of N > 50 existing surveillance systems as of 29 October 2020, and systematically excluded those not advancing the project aims. This yielded a final reduced group (n = 10) of COVID surveillance systems (n = 3), other public health systems (4) and systems tracking racism and/or social stigma (n = 3, which we evaluated by using CDC evaluation criteria and Critical Race Theory. Overall, the most important contribution of COVID-19 surveillance systems is their real-time (e.g., daily) or near-real-time (e.g., weekly) reporting; however, they are severely constrained by the lack of complete data on race/ethnicity, making it difficult to monitor racial/ethnic inequities. Other public health systems have validated measures of psychosocial and behavioral factors and some racism or stigma-related factors but lack the timeliness needed in a pandemic. Systems that monitor racism report historical data on, for instance, hate crimes, but do not capture current patterns, and it is unclear how representativeness the findings are. Though existing surveillance systems offer important strengths for monitoring health conditions or racism and related stigma, new surveillance strategies are needed to monitor their intersecting relationships more rigorously.

Simulation of intellectual system for evaluation of multilevel test tasks on the basis of fuzzy logic

The article describes the stages of modeling an intelligent system for evaluating multilevel test tasks based on fuzzy logic in the MATLAB application package, namely the Fuzzy Logic Toolbox. The analysis of existing approaches to fuzzy assessment of test methods, their advantages and disadvantages is given. The considered methods for assessing students are presented in the general case by two methods: using fuzzy sets and corresponding membership functions; fuzzy estimation method and generalized fuzzy estimation method. In the present work, the Sugeno production model is used as the closest to the natural language. This closeness allows for closer interaction with a subject area expert and build well-understood, easily interpreted inference systems. The structure of a fuzzy system, functions and mechanisms of model building are described. The system is presented in the form of a block diagram of fuzzy logical nodes and consists of four input variables, corresponding to the levels of knowledge assimilation and one initial one. The surface of the response of a fuzzy system reflects the dependence of the final grade on the level of difficulty of the task and the degree of correctness of the task. The structure and functions of the fuzzy system are indicated. The modeled in this way intelligent system for assessing multilevel test tasks based on fuzzy logic makes it possible to take into account the fuzzy characteristics of the test: the level of difficulty of the task, which can be assessed as “easy”, “average", “above average”, “difficult”; the degree of correctness of the task, which can be assessed as “correct”, “partially correct”, “rather correct”, “incorrect”; time allotted for the execution of a test task or test, which can be assessed as “short”, “medium”, “long”, “very long”; the percentage of correctly completed tasks, which can be assessed as “small”, “medium”, “large”, “very large”; the final mark for the test, which can be assessed as “poor”, “satisfactory”, “good”, “excellent”, which are included in the assessment. This approach ensures the maximum consideration of answers to questions of all levels of complexity by formulating a base of inference rules and selection of weighting coefficients when deriving the final estimate. The robustness of the system is achieved by using Gaussian membership functions. The testing of the controller on the test sample brings the functional suitability of the developed model.

Solving the problem of risk synthesis as part of infrastructure facility management

Aim . Infrastructure facility management involves many decision-making problems that require estimating alternatives in the absence of clear criteria. Sufficiently common are problems that require the consideration of various numbers of factors. Those factors normally belong to different fields of knowledge and require the involvement of subject-area experts. Thus, for instance, the estimation of infrastructure facilities may involve economists, experts in land law, environment, logistics, design engineers and other specialists. The problem is often complicated by the existence of many alternatives. In such cases, it is difficult to organize even the initial expert evaluation in order to reduce the number of options for subsequent consideration. The paper primarily aims to develop a model of evaluation of the criteria that have an effect on the advisability of modernization of an infrastructure facility allowing to take into account factors from various fields of knowledge, as well as to elaborate a method of simplifying the process of evaluation of large numbers of alternative options. Therewith, such estimates can be expressed in various formats: both quantitatively and qualitatively. Such approaches have found application as part of the problem of ranking of airports as part of selection of candidates for inclusion into the Moscow air cluster (MAC). The specificity of this problem consists in the large set of various factors to be taken into account, as well as the great number of options, over 30 airports within 300 kilometers of Moscow. Methods . The risk synthesis model was used that relies on expert data that characterize the criteria that have an effect on the sought risk, as well as the values of damage for each facility by the given criteria. The criteria were estimated using a method based on pairwise comparisons allowing experts to define fuzzy and incomplete estimates of the preferability of the compared options. Damage estimation was done using the method of conversion of qualitative estimates into quantitative ones, as well as scaling of quantitative data into quantitative estimates of damage. Results . Implementing the ideas set forth in this paper allowed defining the contribution of eleven criteria that have an effect on the goals associated with relieving the MAC workload. Based on those criteria, specific risks for airports within 300 kilometers of Moscow were evaluated, and integral risks of modernization of each airport were obtained. The airports were then rated in terms of the integral risk of modernization. Conclusion . The suggested method is universal and can be used for decision-making under uncertainty in those domains where it is required to involve experts of various qualification and level of subject-matter knowledge, as well as accounting for many factors along with a great diversity of options.

Toward an Integrated Model of Topical, Spatial, and Temporal Scales of Research Inquiry in Park Visitor Use Management

Parks and protected areas (PPAs) are facing complex, transboundary, social, and ecological pressures, including those related to visitor use. Effective visitor use management (VUM) in PPAs requires interdisciplinary thinking across multiple spatial and temporal scales. Yet, the majority of this VUM research is short-term and occurs at relatively discrete spatial scales. A few existing frameworks and conceptual models used in VUM encourage thinking across scales. No single, interdisciplinary conceptual model exists, however, despite longstanding recognition of the need for one. This need was highlighted as a research priority by PPA and VUM subject area experts from across the U.S. at a workshop at Clemson University in 2018. This manuscript draws from the discussions at that workshop and addresses this recognized need. We propose and describe a single multi-scalar conceptual model that integrates topical areas in PPA VUM. Thoughtful, multi-scalar research that transcends disciplines is essential to address contemporary issues across VUM topics. The proposed model and the subsequent discussion are meant to serve as a catalyst for VUM researchers to begin considering both spatial and temporal scales in their PPA-based inquiries.

A Framework for Sustainable Maintenance of Offshore Energy Structures

This paper proposes a structure for maintenance decision support suitable for application to renewable energy assets. The method combines subjective tacit knowledge of subject-area experts with well-structured Analytical Hierarchical Process (AHP) to elicit weights of criteria relevant for effects evaluation of possible failures modes towards support for component’s maintenance decisions. The Technique for Ordered Preference using Similarity to Ideal Solution (TOPSIS) algorithm is adopted for aggregating the evaluation scores and achieving priority indexing given the conflicting characteristics of some criteria. Part of the highlights of the Framework is the implementation of the group experts, as well as individual expert's elicitations in a complimentary manner that eliminates subjective opinions and achieves a repeatable evaluation score. The conclusion of the analysis is the prioritisation of the component’s failure; An indicative case study of offshore wind turbine jacket support structure is used to demonstrate the applicability of the approach and the analysis results-which shows priority failure modes for focused maintenance intervention as bending of Chord/Brace ( ), collapse of Chord/Brace ( ), buckling of Long piles ( ), and Truss( ), overturning of Skirt pile ( ), and fatigue of Long pile ( ), further demonstrates the capacity of the model to support maintenance decisions. Caution is exercised in the selection of criteria that would capture the objectives of the risk analyses by consulting wide range of industry experts. Keywords— AHP, Expert, Offshore energy, TOPSIS, Wind turbine Support Structure

Patient-reported Outcome Measures: The FACE-Q Skin Cancer Module: The Dutch Translation and Linguistic Validation.

Background:Patient-reported outcome measures are becoming a standard component in the evaluation of surgical treatments. In 2010, the FACE-Q skin cancer module was developed: an English psychometric validated questionnaire that measures both patient quality of life and satisfaction with the surgical experience. The questionnaire consists of 11 subscales with a total of 96 questions. An officially translated version in Dutch is needed for accepted use in the Netherlands.Methods:We translated the FACE-Q skin cancer module from English into Dutch in accordance with to the International Society for Pharmacoeconomics and Outcomes Research and World Health Organization guidelines. The translation occurs in three stages. First, a forward translation is performed by two independent professional translators, where discrepancies are solved by a third translator, a subject area expert. Secondly, a backward translation is performed and is compared with the original. Any discrepancies are solved by an expert panel. Version two is then pretested (cognitive debriefing) by 30 patients who have had a resection (Mohs surgery) of non-melanoma skin cancer in the face followed by reconstruction. The results of the pretesting exercise are evaluated and a final version of the translation was produced by the expert panel.Results:In the first step, a conceptually equivalent Dutch translation of the FACE-Q was translated. In the second phase, the comparison between the forward and backward translation led to multiple retranslations. In step three, 48 annotations were evaluated by the expert panel, which led to 26 minor changes in items or instructions.Conclusion:We created a conceptually and linguistically similar translation of the FACE-Q Skin Cancer Module through a thorough translation and linguistic validation process.

Relationship between Creative Thinking and Students Academic Performance in English Language and Mathematics: The Moderating Role of Gender

Aims: This study sought to explore the moderating role of gender in the relationship between creative thinking and academic performance in English Language and Mathematics among Junior High School students in the Aboom Circuit, Cape Coast.&#x0D; Study Design: The design for the study is correlational espousing the quantitative approach. The study was guided by two research hypotheses, which were tested using Pearson Product-Moment Correlation and Andrew F. Hayes Moderation Process. The instruments for the data collection were Kumar, Kemmler and Holman (1997) Creativity Styles Questionnaire-Revised (CSQ-R) and standardised-type test developed by experts in the various subject areas.&#x0D; Results: The study revealed significant relationship between creative thinking and academic performance of students (English Language: r=.432, n=140, p=0.05, p=.003, 2-tailed; Mathematics: r=.401, n=140 p=0.05, p=0.000, 2-talied). The study further revealed that gender moderated significantly in the relationship between creativity and academic performance (English Language: b=-.276, t=-2.398, CI= -.485, -.088; Mathematics: b=-.300, t=-2.198, CI= -.564, -.070). As such, male respondents had higher creative thinking effect in English Language and Mathematics than female respondents (b=.371, t=4.608, CI [.212, .530; b=.219, t=2.286, CI [.030, .407]).&#x0D; Conclusion: Creative thinking indeed relates to performance, as such, it was recommended that creative thinking should be nurtured among all students in J.H.S. In addition, stakeholders in education should consider including creative thinking in the curriculum and pay special attention to nurturing creative think in female students so that they could match up with their male counterparts.

Measuring impostor phenomenon among health sciences librarians.

ObjectiveImpostor phenomenon, also known as impostor syndrome, is the inability to internalize accomplishments while experiencing the fear of being exposed as a fraud. Previous work has examined impostor phenomenon among academic college and research librarians, but health sciences librarians, who are often asked to be experts in medical subject areas with minimal training or education in these areas, have not yet been studied. The aim of this study was to measure impostor phenomenon among health sciences librarians.MethodsA survey of 2,125 eligible Medical Library Association (MLA) members was taken from October to December 2017. The online survey featuring the Harvey Impostor Phenomenon scale, a validated measure of impostor phenomenon, was administered, and one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) was used to examine relationships between impostor phenomenon scores and demographic variables.ResultsA total of 703 participants completed the survey (33% response rate), and 14.5% of participants scored ≥42 on the Harvey scale, indicating possible impostor feelings. Gender, race, and library setting showed no associations, but having an educational background in the health sciences was associated with lower impostor scores. Age and years of experience were inversely correlated with impostor phenomenon, with younger and newer librarians demonstrating higher scores.ConclusionsOne out of seven health sciences librarians in this study experienced impostor phenomenon, similar to previous findings for academic librarians. Librarians, managers, and MLA can work to recognize and address this issue by raising awareness, using early prevention methods, and supporting librarians who are younger and/or new to the profession.