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Abstract Roland Joseph D. Tan Objective To describe the demographics, clinical profile, and outcomes of retinoblastoma patients seen in a tertiary hospital in northern Luzon. Materials and Methods This is a retrospective cross-sectional study of retinoblastoma patients at the departments of ophthalmology and pediatrics of a tertiary hospital in northern Luzon from 2005 to 2020. Results A total of 47 patients involving 53 eyes were included. Twenty nine (62%) are male and forty one (87%) had unilateral retinoblastoma. Mean age at consult was 24 ± 17 months, and mean interval from onset of symptoms to consult was 10 ± 11 months. Two (4%) had family history of retinoblastoma. Twenty-two (47%) patients had intraocular involvement. Leukocoria was the most common presenting symptoms at 62%. Overall survival was 53% with mean follow-up period of 24 ± 24 months. Difference in survival rates based on the extent of involvement was statistically significant (p

This study investigates the relationship between Academic Self-Efficacy (ASE) and preferred online learning modalities among graduate psychology students, with a focus on gender disparities. Employing a correlational crosssectional design, the research examines ASE in relation to gender and online learning preferences within a sample of 91 students. The study utilizes comparative measures to assess characteristics and differences. The main tool utilized in this study is the "Academic Self-Efficacy and Efficacy for Self-Regulated Learning" questionnaire, developed by Chemer, Hu, and Garcia (2001). This questionnaire consists of eight items, each weighted using a 7-point Likert scale, and is designed to gauge the respondents' current academic self-efficacy. Additionally, demographic information regarding gender and preferred online learning modalities was collected separately. To analyze the data obtained from the eight-item scale measuring academic self-efficacy, median scores were calculated for each respondent by arranging individual ratings from lowest to highest and averaging the two middle scores. Subsequently, these scores were encoded in SPSS for further analysis. The scale used in this study serves as a dependent measure or covariate, providing insights into the participants' self-efficacy levels and their relationship with other variables. The study reveals a notable gender disparity in ASE, with male students exhibiting higher self-efficacy levels compared to their female counterparts, consistent with previous research findings. Interestingly, despite the majority of students expressing a preference for mixed online learning modalities, no significant difference in ASE was observed between students in mixed online and asynchronous learning environments. This suggests that students' independent learning capabilities and adaptations to online learning modalities remain consistent regardless of the chosen mode. In conclusion, this study sheds light on gender-based differences in ASE among graduate psychology students and emphasizes the need to further explore such disparities within academic settings. Moreover, it underscores the importance of considering individual differences and preferences when designing online learning environments. These findings contribute to the broader understanding of ASE in online learning contexts and provide valuable insights for educators and policymakers aiming to enhance student engagement and success in online education. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Anaplasmosis and ehrlichiosis are tick-borne rickettsial diseases that cause significant economic losses in the livestock industry worldwide. Although bovine anaplasmosis is known to be endemic in the Philippines, epidemiological data is fragmented. Moreover, little is known about bovine ehrlichiosis in the country. In this study, the prevalence of Anaplasma marginale and Ehrlichia in cattle and water buffalo from provinces in the southern part of Luzon, Philippines, was investigated through PCR. Blood samples from 620 animals comprised of 512 cattle and 108 water buffalo and 195 tick samples were subjected to nested PCR targeting the groESL gene of Anaplasmataceae. Positive samples were further subjected to another nested PCR and conventional PCR to amplify the A. marginale groEL gene and the Ehrlichia dsbA gene, respectively. Selected A. marginale-positive samples were also subjected to nested PCR targeting the msp5 gene. Regardless of the animal host, the overall prevalence in blood samples obtained was 51.9% for Anaplasmataceae, 43% for A. marginale, and 1.1% for Ehrlichia. No water buffalo were positive for Ehrlichia. Meanwhile, 15.9, 6.7, and 2% of the tick samples, all morphologically identified as Rhipicephalus (Boophilus) microplus, were positive for Anaplasmataceae, A. marginale, and Ehrlichia, respectively. Sequence analysis of selected A. marginale msp5 amplicons showed that the isolates from the region share 94–98% identity to reported A. marginale from other countries. The phylogenetic tree showed clustering of isolates in the region and a close relationship with A. marginale isolates from other countries. Sequences of Ehrlichia amplicons from cattle and ticks were 97–100% similar to reported Ehrlichia minasensis isolates. This study showed the high prevalence of A. marginale in Luzon, Philippines, and provided the first molecular evidence of E. minasensis in the country.

Entrepreneurship has a rightful place in Home Economics. This research focused on the assessment of entrepreneurial skills of the Senior High School - Home Economics Students: a basis for a learning intervention plan. The researchers utilized the curriculum guide of Department of Education to assess the entrepreneurial skills in terms of making a business plan and implementing a small case business. It caters 287 SHS HE students taking the track and strand. Based on the results, it was found out that developing a business plan got 4.57 mean which means that the students were strongly agreed that they can prepare and produce a business plan. Meanwhile, 4.38 as strongly agree also in implementing a small business. The Lack of opportunities to attend trainings, seminars, and workshops related to entrepreneurship was a challenge experience of the students. The study recommends school to support the development of entrepreneurial skills of the students to further capacitate them in the industry demand. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sales figures and recollections of psychologists indicate textbooks play a central role in psychology students' education, yet instructors typically must select texts under time pressure and with incomplete information. Although selection aids are available, none adequately address the accuracy of texts. We describe a technique for sampling textbooks' content and evaluating accuracy. Preliminary studies indicated multiple errors in texts we examined. We present a proposed taxonomy of such errors. We speculate that errors are more likely when textbook authors use "deductive" rather than "inductive referencing," but acknowledge that authors frequently are under pressure to use the former. Discipline-wide efforts to assess textbooks' scholarly quality could facilitate improvements in accuracy, providing fundamental benefits to the discipline. (Contains 3 tables.)

Describes a study in which 383 children in grades 1 through 5 were individually interviewed to find out at what point they construct unit iteration out of transitive reasoning. Indicates that most children construct unit iteration out of transitive reasoning by fourth grade. Suggests a better approach to the teaching of measurement that presents problems and encourages children to modify their ways of thinking. (Author/ASK)

Provides an overview of the recent research concerning the application, benefits, and deficiencies regarding critical-reading skills and college instruction. Discusses how reading skills support cognitive processes necessary for acquiring psychological knowledge. Delineates the differences between narrative (story-like, believable) reading and paradigmatic (formal, logical) reading. (MJP)