bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Current Complexities of English Teaching in Costa Rica
Authors: Sevilla Morales Henry
Published: December 2017

AbstractCurrent complexities of English teaching in Costa Rica’s public secondary education are discussed. Using an autoethnographic research approach, critical incidents of an EFL teacher are examined in light of Complexity Theory. Findings suggest that classrooms are unpredictable sites of struggle where multiple rationalities coexist (and often conflict), which must be understood before random decisions are made. For applied linguistics, the study is relevant at three levels: it expands the bulk of literature on the subject, it calls for more attention to the complexities of EFL, and it opens an avenue for reflection and future research directions. ResumenSe analizan ciertos aspectos de las complejidades actuales sobre la enseñanza del inglés de secundaria en la educación pública de Costa Rica. Mediante la autoetnografía, se analizan incidentes críticos de un docente de inglés como lengua extranjera, a la luz de la teoría de la complejidad. Los hallazgos indican que el aula es un espacio de enfrentamientos entre las distintas racionalidades que coexisten, que deben comprenderse ante cualquier toma de decisiones. El estudio atiende tres aspectos: expande la bibliografía sobre el tema, resalta las complejidades de la enseñanza de lenguas extranjeras y abre espacios de reflexión y rutas para investigaciones futuras.
Are Parents Who Feel the Need to Watch Over Their Children’s Care Better Patient Safety Partners?
Authors: Cox Elizabeth D. , Hansen Kristofer , Rajamanickam Victoria P. , Brown Roger L. , Rathouz Paul J. , Carayon Pascale , DuBenske Lori L. , Buel Linda A. , Kelly Michelle M.
Published: December 2017

OBJECTIVES:

Many parents report needing to watch over their child’s hospital care to prevent mistakes. In this study, we assessed whether needing to watch over care predicts parent performance of recommended safety behaviors to reduce medication errors and health care–associated infections.

METHODS:

At admission, we surveyed 170 parents about their need to watch over care, demographics, and hospitalization factors. At discharge, parents were surveyed about medication awareness and hand hygiene behaviors. Logistic regression was used to examine how parents’ need to watch over care predicted each behavior, adjusting for demographics and hospitalization factors.

RESULTS:

Thirty-eight percent of parents reported needing to watch over care. Most parents (77%) reported frequently or very frequently asking providers for drug names or doses. Fewer parents asked to check drug or infusion accuracy (29%) or to show or read aloud medication labels (21%). Few parents reminded providers to clean hands (4%), but most stated they would be comfortable asking (82%) and likely to speak up if a provider did not (78%). After adjustment, parents needing to watch over care were significantly more likely to ask providers to check drug or infusion accuracy (adjusted odds ratio = 4.59, 95% confidence interval 2.14–9.94) and for drug name or dose (adjusted odds ratio = 3.04, 95% confidence interval 1.25–7.39).

CONCLUSIONS:

Parents who report the need to watch over care are more likely to perform behaviors specific to safe medication use (but not hand hygiene) compared with those not reporting this need. Opportunities exist to engage parents as safety partners by leveraging their need to watch over care toward system-level safety initiatives.
Watcher Initiative Associated With Decrease in Failure to Rescue Events in Pediatric Population
Authors: McClain Smith Melanie , Chumpia Maryanne , Wargo Lindsey , Nicol Julie , Bugnitz Mark
Published: December 2017

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES:

Improved situation awareness may prevent unplanned ICU transfers. Transfers with serious safety issues may be classified as unrecognized situation awareness failure events (UNSAFE) and are associated with intubation, vasopressors, or >3 fluid boluses within 1 hour before or after ICU arrival. Our aim was to decrease the proportion of unplanned ICU transfers that met UNSAFE criteria by 50% in 1 year.

METHODS:

We adapted a previously described huddle-based intervention. In May 2015, we started a daily safety brief with hospital-wide representation; concurrently, nurses and residents separately identified watcher patients (ie, patients at risk for UNSAFE transfers) to be reported in the daily safety brief. Watcher patients frequently differed between the groups, so in July 2015, we started twice-daily watcher huddles on a pilot floor. During these huddles, nurses and residents jointly identified watcher patients on the basis of defined criteria and deployed mitigation plans. By March 2016, we implemented these huddles hospital-wide. We reviewed the electronic medical record to categorize all unplanned ICU transfers as safe or UNSAFE. Our outcome was the proportion of unplanned ICU transfers that met UNSAFE criteria.

RESULTS:

In the 16-month pre-intervention period, 49 of the 322 unplanned ICU transfers were UNSAFE (median 15.5%); in the 12-month post-intervention period, 13 of the 329 unplanned ICU transfers were UNSAFE (median 3%). These findings represent an 81% reduction in the proportion of UNSAFE transfers.

CONCLUSIONS:

Watcher huddles incorporated into the daily inpatient routine can significantly decrease UNSAFE transfers.
Trends in Executive Functioning in Extremely Preterm Children Across 3 Birth Eras
Authors: Burnett Alice C. , Anderson Peter J. , Lee Katherine J. , Roberts Gehan , Doyle Lex W. , Cheong Jeanie L.Y. ,   for the Victorian Infant Collaborative Study Group
Published: December 2017

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES:

To determine if executive functioning outcomes at school age are different for extremely preterm (EP; <28 weeks’ gestation) or extremely low birth weight (ELBW; <1000 g birth weight) children born in 1991 to 1992, 1997, and 2005 relative to their term-born peers.

METHODS:

Population-based cohorts of all EP/ELBW survivors born in the state of Victoria, Australia, in 1991 to 1992, 1997, and 2005, and contemporaneous controls (matched for expected date of birth, sex, mother’s country of birth [English speaking or not], and health insurance status) were recruited at birth. At 7 to 8 years of age, parents of 613 children who were EP/ELBW and 564 children who were controls rated their children’s executive functioning on the Behavior Rating Inventory of Executive Function (BRIEF). The proportion of children with elevated BRIEF scores (in the clinically significant range) in each birth group and era was compared by using logistic regression. Sensitivity analyses explored these associations after excluding children with intellectual impairment.

RESULTS:

Across the eras, EP/ELBW children had higher rates of elevated scores than controls in almost all BRIEF domains. The 2005 EP/ELBW cohort had increased executive dysfunction compared with earlier cohorts, particularly in working memory and planning and organization. This effect persisted after accounting for demographic factors and weakened slightly when those with intellectual impairment were excluded.

CONCLUSIONS:

These results indicate a concerning trend of increasing executive dysfunction for EP/ELBW children who were born more recently. This may have adverse implications for other functional domains, such as academic achievement and social-emotional well-being.
Necrotizing Enterocolitis
Authors: Rich Barrie S. , Dolgin Stephen E.
Published: December 2017

Necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) is a frequently encountered condition in the premature neonate, which can have devastating effects. The signs and symptoms of NEC are variable and can be confused with those of sepsis. An abdominal radiograph is often obtained for diagnosis, and findings that indicate NEC include pneumatosis and portal venous gas. The treatment of NEC includes gastrointestinal rest, gastric decompression, broad-spectrum intravenous antibiotics, and systemic support. A finding of pneumoperitoneum signifies intestinal perforation, which requires surgical intervention. Long-term sequelae of NEC include short-gut syndrome, intestinal stricture, and neurodevelopmental delays. The presentation of intestinal stricture can be puzzling. It can appear at presentation as a bowel obstruction or, conversely, as increased stool output or diarrhea. The clinician should have a high level of suspicion for intestinal stricture in a patient with a history of NEC.
Assessment of evaporative cooling efficiency in greenhouses equiped with wetted porous plates
Authors: Alves-Damasceno Flavio , Barreto-Mendes Luciano , Yanagi Junior Tadayuki , Luiz de Oliveira Jofran , Osorio-Saraz Jairo Alexander
Published: December 2017

El objetivo principal de este estudio fue validar experimentalmente un modelo mecánistico para predecir la eficacia de enfriamiento (η) de placas porosas construidas con arcilla expandida. El material de arcilla expandida fue físicamente caracterizado encontrando su masa específica, área superficial y volumen. El modelo fue validado con datos de temperatura de bulbo seco (Tdb, ° C) y humedad relativa del aire (humedad relativa,%) que fueron continuamente monitoreados en dos puntos diferentes, en contra y a favor de la dirección del aire que pasa a través de la placa porosa. La recolección de datos se llevó a cabo de forma consecutiva durante un período de 10 días entre las 11:00 y 4:00 p.m. Los valores medios de η, simulados y observados, fueron 74,8 ± 7,4% y 68,3 ± 8,3%, respectivamente. Basado en el modelo desarrollado, se observó que η fue mayor del 40% para Tdb> 30 ° C y HR constante en 45%. La simulación indicó que el aumento de la temperatura del aire puede afectar negativamente la producción en invernaderos en Estados como Minas Gerais, Brazil, si no se revisan algunos criterios de diseño en el sistema de enfriamiento por evaporación.
Requerimientos para laboratorios híbridos en Ingeniería de Manufactura
Authors: Velosa Jose Divitt Edward , Castillo-García Fernando José , Espíldorab Eva , Cobo Luis
Published: December 2017

El artículo presenta una propuesta de combinación de laboratorios en ingeniería, denominada laboratorios híbridos (LH), esto es, una mezcla de laboratorios presenciales (HO), virtuales local (LV) y remotos (LR). Para ejemplificarlos esta propuesta se desarrolló un módulo para la enseñanza de procesos en manufactura (mecanizado CNC). A partir de este estudio se proponen las características genéricas de diseño, estructura y la forma de incorporación en un sistema general. Las experiencias de laboratorio se desarrollan por medio de una metodología apoyada en la herramienta ‘Despliegue de la Función Calidad (QFD en inglés). Las características encontradas de estos laboratorios LH, son la base para una posible estructura modular general, replicable y escalable, en un sistema flexible de desarrollo de prácticas de laboratorio.
A new mathematical model for coal flotation kinetics
Authors: Guerrero-Pérez Juan Sebastián , Barraza-Burgos Juan Manuel
Published: December 2017

Este estudio describe el desarrollo y formulación de un nuevo modelo matemático para la cinética de flotación de carbón. La velocidad de flotación se considera una función de parámetros químicos, operacionales y petrográficos para la flotación global de orden n. La ecuación de velocidad de flotación se obtuvo por análisis dimensional usando el método de Rayleigh. Este método muestra la dependencia de la cinética de flotación sobre los parámetros de operación tales como velocidad del aire y tamaño de partícula; parámetros químicos tales como dosis de reactivos y contenidos de sólidos; y composición mineral y maceral del carbón. La ecuación de velocidad de flotación integra el coeficiente cinético y las características intrínsecas del carbón con consistencia dimensional, y se expresa por tres números adimensionales que tienen significado químico físico. El modelo también muestra similitudes con los modelos tradicionales de fenómenos de transporte representados por números adimensionales y predice la constante cinética de flotación de un carbón Colombiano mostrando buena correlación entre los valores experimentales y calculados.
Incidence of the mechanized sowing speed in irrigated rice
Authors: González-Betancourt Mauricio , Alonso-Fernández Ana Milena , Mayorga-Ruíz Zaira Liceth
Published: December 2017

Se determinó la incidencia de la velocidad mecanizada de siembra en el desarrollo y crecimiento del arroz en El Espinal-Tolima. Utilizando un diseño completamente al azar y una densidad de semilla de 104.5 ± 3.3 kg/ha, se sembraron parcelas en tres repeticiones a 3.31 ± 0.05 km/h, 5.13 ± 0.18 Km/h y 6.98 ± 0.24 km/h. La población de las plantas, el peso de la planta, la materia seca, el contenido de humedad y el rendimiento mostraron diferencias estadísticamente significativas con respecto a la velocidad de siembra. Se encontró que la velocidad de siembra tiene una relación proporcional con: a) el porcentaje de plantas agrupadas en sus raíces, b) los tallos no productivos, c) el combustible consumido, d) las semillas descubiertas, e) la capacidad de campo efectiva. La velocidad de siembra de 5.13 ± 0.18 km/h logro plantas con mayor número de panículas por m2 y rendimiento, lo cual es óptimo.
Survey on IoT solutions applied to Healthcare
Authors: Castro Diego , Coral William , Cabra José , Colorado Julián , Méndez Diego , Trujillo Luis
Published: December 2017

El internet de las cosas, también conocido como IoT por sus siglas en inglés (Internet of Things), es un nuevo paradigma tecnológico que permite la interconexión de objetos (las cosas), servicios y/o personas por medio de internet. IoT introduce nuevas herramientas que enriquecen el trabajo en diferentes sectores industriales. Este artículo presenta un estudio del trabajo desarrollado en todo el mundo en tecnologías con base en el concepto de IoT en el marco de la industria del cuidado de la salud, incluyendo métodos, estadísticas y casos de éxito. En la última sección, se discute sobre el trabajo realizado en este ámbito en el contexto colombiano, incluyendo aplicaciones exitosas y proyectos que se encuentran en desarrollo.
Indicadores de desempeño energético: Una ruta hacia la sustentabilidad. "Caso de estudio una industria torrefactora de café"
Authors: Ibarguen-Valverde Jenny Lorena , Angulo-Lopez Jorge Eduardo , Rodriguez-Salcedo Judith , Prías-Caicedo Omar Freddy
Published: December 2017

El resultado de la producción masiva de bienes y servicios; ha llevado a nuestra civilización a enfrentar un importante reto: convertir las economías industrializadas en sistemas industriales sustentables. Los indicadores de desempeño energético logran mejorar la capacidad energético-productiva de cualquier organización, contribuyen a generar valor económico, alcanzar la competitividad y mitigar el impacto ambiental. En el presente trabajo se establecieron indicadores de desempeño de energía térmica en una de las nueve industrias torrefactora de café que cubren el 90% del mercado nacional. La metodología empleada se basó en el modelo de Gestión Integral de la Energía. Se Identificaron como variables que impactan negativamente en el uso y consumo de energía: el mantenimiento, fugas de calor y falta de calibración de la presión y aire en el quemador conforme a la potencia requerida; y se determinó la magnitud del ahorro y/o gasto en exceso de energía térmica y toneladas de CO2.
Modelado de compras verdes mediante redes de Petri coloreadas
Authors: Guevara-Ortega Luz Maribel , Rodríguez Urrego Leonardo
Published: December 2017

Los países desarrollados han implementado políticas de desarrollo sostenible específicamente en Consumo y Producción Sustentable. El proceso de compras verdes suele ser considerado crítico para el adecuado rendimiento de la cadena de suministro porque gestiona y garantiza la adquisición de los productos/servicios para que la empresa cumpla con sus actividades misionales, generando beneficios económicos, mitigando los efectos de sus actividades en el medio ambiente y en la sociedad. Este artículo presenta un modelo para el proceso de compras verdes, basada en una herramienta para la modelación de sistemas de eventos discretos complejos llamada Redes de Petri Coloreadas (RdPC).
Addiction, Chronic Illness, and Responsibility
Authors: Hardcastle Valerie Gray , Hardcastle Cheshire
Published: December 2017

Some theorists have argued that we should understand the notion of free will from a functional perspective: free will just is our ability to choose effectively and adaptively in an ever-changing environment. Although far from what many philosophers normally mean by free will, those who adopt this biological-evolutionary perspective can clearly define and defend a notion of personal responsibility. One consequenceof this point of view is that addicts become responsible for their actions, for at each choice point, there is a real sense in which the addict could have elected not to use or abuse. As a result, it has been argued that addiction is not a disease, that addictive behavior is voluntary, and that sometimes it is even rational. This paper defends a different way of thinking about addiction, one that aligns it with other complex chronic illnesses. The perspective put forth here suggests that these discussions about responsibility and free will represent an over-simplified and neuropsychologically inaccurate portrait of basic human capacities for behavioral choice.
Reflexões sobre “a mulher”, o olhar e a questão racial na teoria feminista do cinema
Authors: Ferreira Ceiça (Conceição de Maria)
Published: December 2017

Desde os anos de 1970, as representações das mulheres no cinema tem sido objeto de crítica das teóricas feministas, que destacam a relevância do cinema narrativo clássico como produto e produtor do imaginário patriarcal. Contudo, ancorada numa perspectiva psicanalítica, essa vertente teórica apresenta algumas limitações, como a ênfase na mulher branca como modelo de feminilidade e a construção binária do prazer visual. Neste artigo, a partir de estudos que discutem a experiência histórica das mulheres negras, busca-se problematizar a intersecção de gênero e raça como determinante nos sistemas de representação, na construção do prazer visual e nos modos de recepção fílmica, o que indica novas possibilidades para o reconhecimento das mulheres negras na teoria feminista do cinema.
O tempo é o remédio: otimismo e memória religiosa em duas narrativas
Authors: Dos Santos Aline De Caldas Costa , Da Silva Edvania Gomes
Published: December 2017

Este artigo parte do problema da materialização de uma memória coletiva cristã em diferentes narrativas de otimismo. O estudo se insere e busca contribuir para com os estudos multidisciplinares sobre comunicação, cultura, memória e discursos. O recorte deste artigo recai sobre o tema “confiança no tempo”, observado junto a uma narrativa literária e em um pequeno conjunto de narrativas virtuais da rede social Facebook. O estudo é exploratório, realizado por meio de revisão bibliográfica e análise do discurso. O trabalho está dividido em duas etapas: a primeira se dedica às questões ligadas ao conceito de sujeito, de acordo com Foucault, observadas no poema Os trabalhos e os dias, de Hesíodo; a segunda etapa expõe um corpus de narrativas virtuais, analisadas a partir do conceito de efeito metafórico, segundo Pêcheux, somada à identificação dos sujeitos sinalizados na primeira etapa. Os resultados mostraram que existem duas posições de sujeito otimista e diversos deslizamentos de sentido, os quais se materializam por meio da relação entre os dados do corpus e a memória coletiva cristã.
“MULHERES DIFÍCEIS”: A anti-heroína na ficção seriada televisiva americana
Authors: Castellano Mayka , Meimaridis Melina
Published: December 2017

Tendo em vista a expressiva quantidade de séries televisivas centradas em anti-heróis com destaque nas últimas décadas, tais como The Sopranos, Mad Men e Dexter, este artigo busca pensar a figura da anti-heroína. Para isso, apresentamos uma perspectiva histórica sobre a representação das mulheres nesse tipo de produção, destacando papéis recorrentes e suas implicações sociais. Para problematizar o contexto contemporâneo, quando personagens femininas mais complexas começam a aparecer, tomamos como objeto central da análise o drama UnREAL e partimos do pressuposto de que, embora apontem uma diversificação nas formas de representação da vivência feminina na ficção, as anti-heroínas são construídas através da aproximação ora com elementos tradicionalmente associados ao universo masculino, ora com habituais estereótipos de gênero.
Comunicação, Neurociência e a Recepção Não-Declarada
Authors: Batista Leandro Leonardo , Marlet Ramon Queiroz
Published: December 2017

O presente artigo tem como objetivo principal a apresentação teórico-metodológica de um emergente subcampo de estudo dentro do âmbito da comunicação, denominado "Neurociência da Comunicação", o qual liga mecanismos neurocognitivos subjacentes a resultados diretamente observáveis para entender os processos pelos quais as mensagens exercem influências sobre indivíduos e grupos. Tal abordagem se torna interessante como fator agregador aos estudos tradicionais de recepção, principalmente quando tais mecanismos encontram-se fora da percepção consciente do individuo, como é o caso das emoções, por exemplo. Assim sendo, buscaremos explorar suas delimitações conceituais, metodologias de pesquisa e resultados obtidos, além de sinalizarmos uma série de possibilidades futuras de pesquisa considerando sua inserção no atual contexto acadêmico nacional.
O “documentário de memória” no sul do Brasil (1995-2010)
Authors: Tomaim Cássio Dos Santos
Published: December 2017

Mapeado os documentários produzidos no sul do Brasil (1995 a 2010), constatou-se uma relação entre o aumento da produção desse tipo de cinema na região e o interesse pelo “documentário de memória”. A pesquisa objetiva investigar quais os aspectos da cultura da memória, traço identitário deste cinema. Podemos falar em uma vocação para a memória nos documentários da região? Que vocação é essa? Procedeu uma análise textual das sinopses de 102 filmes, visando identificar os principais termos que configuram o modo de apresentação dos documentários, assim como os tipos de personagens que habitam as representações fílmicas. A forte marca do “documentário de memória” nessa produção é reflexo do presentismo (HARTOG, 2014), muitos documentários enunciam um compromisso do presente em “resgatar”, “registrar”, “revelar” histórias, sendo a maioria dedicada a representar pessoas, sejam personalidades ou pessoas comuns, mas nesse cinema também se destaca a importância dada aos patrimônios e às instituições como objetos da representação.
Da redação aos blogs: a busca por novos arranjos econômicos e alternativas ao trabalho jornalístico
Authors: Nonato Cláudia
Published: December 2017

Este artigo é baseado na pesquisa Jornalistas, blogueiros, migrantes da comunicação: em busca de novos arranjos econômicos para o trabalho jornalístico com maior autonomia e liberdade de expressão (LIMA, 2015), realizada a partir da proposta teórico-metodológica de aproximação entre Comunicação e Trabalho, sob a perspectiva da Teoria do Valor (Marx) e da Ergologia (Schwartz). Tal abordagem se justifica pelo fato de a comunicação ser fundamento da atividade humana e dos processos de trabalho. Desse modo, a pesquisa buscou comprovar duas hipóteses: a) os profissionais do jornalismo com vasta experiência na profissão estão migrando para novas mídias, principalmente para blogs independentes; b) jornalistas experientes migram para os blogs em busca de maior autonomia, liberdade de expressão e realização profissional. Para chegar aos resultados, foram analisadas as entrevistas e rotinas de produção de 15 jornalistas blogueiros, separados metodologicamente entre dependentes e independentes (de veículos de comunicação).
InterLex WinSalsa
Authors: Adams Clementina
Published: December 2017

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User-Centered Methodological Framework for the Design of Hypermedia-Based CALL Systems
Authors: Shin Jae-eun , Wastell David G.
Published: December 2017

The aim of this research is to improve the educational quality of hypermedia-based CALL systems. It is argued that many of the deficiencies of current systems can be attributed to an insufficient consideration of the needs of users and to the lack of an explicit educational philosophy guiding their design. Accordingly, a methodological framework has been developed which draws on recent developments in the field of human-computer interaction regarding interactive system design and a general constructivist approach to the design of computer-based learning material. The methodological framework involves a number of key features including use of learning scenarios to identify user requirements (Carroll, 1995), the development of prototypes embodying different design options, and a series of formative workshops to evaluate the prototypes. This article reports progress so far in the use of the methodology. The overall results provide broad support for the general approach of basing design on a constructivist model and confirm the general validity of the user-centered, scenario-based methodological approach.
Internet-Based Real Time Language Education
Authors: Wang Yuping , Sun Chengzheng
Published: December 2017

Through the examination of the development of distance education for foreign languages, this article puts forward a theory on the emergence of a fourth generation of distance language education, challenging the generally accepted three-generation theory. It is argued that with the use of Internet-based real time technology distance language learning becomes synchronous for the first time and that the immersion of distance and campus-based education into a new education system is inevitable.
Using the Internet in Elementary College German
Authors: Hager Michael , Rieper Annika , Schmitt Elisabeth , Shastri Maya
Published: December 2017

This article explores the opportunities offered by the Internet for technology-based instruction in the beginning language classroom. We discuss CALL as it is relevant to our purpose and then introduce the main aspects of a task-based approach. Finally, we present our sample exercises which are based on a combination of these two aspects of teaching and learning.
Using a Variety of Technologies to Create and Maintain a Long-Distance Materials Development Team
Authors: Byleen Elizabeth , Byrd Pat
Published: December 2017

Over a two year period, a group of editors and authors used a variety of technologies to create a cohesive team that produced a textbook series with instructor manuals along with a supporting web site. Small groups can be analyzed in terms of their (a) situation, (b) leadership, (c) individual vs. group goals, (d) norms, (e) roles, and (f) cohesiveness. The development of the group for this materials publication project is described in terms of these six areas and the ways in which communication technologies were used to facilitate achieving the group's goals.
Using the Web in Elementary French and German Courses
Authors: Green Anne , Youngs Bonnie
Published: December 2017

We present here an analysis of both quantitative and qualitative data collected for a study of the impact of World Wide Web use in Elementary French and German courses (first and second semester) in Fall 1998 and Spring 1999. Specifically, the control groups attended class with the instructor four days per week. The treatment groups attended class with the instructor 3 days per week and completed a web activity each week on their own time to "replace" the fourth class meeting. The main research question was: would the treatment group's performance in the areas of reading, writing, listening, speaking and cultural understanding be similar to that of the control group in French and German, over two semesters of first year language study at the university level? We found that there was no pattern of statistically significant differences between the treatment and the control groups in any of these areas.
Negotiation of Meaning in Nonnative Speaker-Nonnative Speaker Synchronous Discussions
Authors: Fernandez-Garcia Marisol , Martinez-Arbelaiz Asuncion
Published: December 2017

Research on negotiation has thus far focused on oral conversations/ interactions. This study expands on this line of research by investigating whether learners engage in negotiation when exchanging ideas in synchronous computer-mediated interaction. Four groups of learners of Spanish discussed a number of content questions about a reading assignment using an Open Transport (OT) Chat. The analyses of the transcripts of the interactions showed that instances of negotiation as operationalized in Varonis and Gass (1985b) do occur in the electronic medium. A limited repertoire of types of primes reoccurred, due in part to the nature of the medium and the academic context of foreign language learning in which the interactions took place. Of special concern was the tendency to use the native language in the response of the majority of the routines since this tendency does not result in target language modified output, which is claimed to be fundamental for second language acquisition (SLA) (Swain, 1985).
Learner Control and Error Correction in ICALL
Authors: Heift Trude
Published: December 2017

This article reports the findings of a study on the impact of learner control on the error correction process within a web-based Intelligent Language Tutoring System (ILTS). During three one-hour grammar practice sessions, 33 students used an ILTS for German that provided error-specific and individualized feedback. In addition to receiving detailed error reports, students had the option of peeking at the correct answer, even before submitting a sentence (browsing). The results indicate that the majority of students (85%) sought to correct errors on their own most of the time, and that 18% of students abstained entirely from looking up answers. Furthermore, the results identify language skill as a predictor for students belonging to the group of Browsers, Frequent Peekers, Sporadic Peekers, and Adamants.
CALLMedia Digital Technology
Authors: Liontas John
Published: December 2017

Ongoing technological advancements in the design and use of multimedia digital technology for improving comprehension of culturally authentic texts necessitate a clear understanding of the theory and pedagogy behind their use. Achieving effective and responsible use of computer-assisted language learning (CALL) with digitized multimedia-based instructional learning materials (termed here CALLmedia D-learning) is therefore essential to the organization of such learning. This paper deals with the theoretical considerations and didactic concerns involved in the integration of new interactive digital technologies into the instructional process. It first summarizes the benefits derived from CALLmedia digital technology with regard to language instruction, learners, and teachers. It then advances specific arguments for its integration with "conventional" instructional classroom practices. Based on recent research on learning with CALL and multimedia, it concludes by considering practical pedagogical implications for multimedia-based digital learning and related research using such technology.
Virtual Misadventures
Authors: Weinberg Alysse
Published: December 2017

What are the advantages and problems related to using multimedia technology in an advanced French listening comprehension course? What are some of the typical vicissitudes, trials and tribulations encountered when teachers decide to introduce multimedia activities in their classes? This article illustrates the advantages and difficulties of using multimedia from the point of view of both the teacher and the learners. We first give a brief presentation of the context in which our experiment took place. We outline the difficulties encountered by the professor who had to select material, create activities, and administer the daily management of the course, touching on hardware and support issues. We then investigate the reaction of the students to the new media and the teaching approach.
Asian Languages and Technology
Authors: Nagata Noriko
Published: December 2017

Introduction to the special issue.
Using Internet Relay Chat in Teaching Chinese
Authors: Xie Tianwei
Published: December 2017

The aim of this project is to explore the feasibility of using Internet Relay Chat (IRC) to facilitate Chinese language teaching and learning. This article describes procedures for organizing and conducting chat sessions and discusses the benefits and problems of using IRC. It is argued that IRC promotes communication in the target language and that it enhances students' reading and writing skills. However, some general problems such as keyboarding skills as well as some special difficulties with typing Chinese characters exist. More research is still needed.
Teaching Business Chinese Online
Authors: Zhang Hang
Published: December 2017

A comprehensive approach to teaching Business Chinese online is being developed in the Language Learning Laboratory at the University of Illinois. The courseware consists two complementary parts: a Business Chinese Workbook and a Business Chinese Simulation. The Workbook offers step by step language instruction with sample texts and dialogues, focused exercises, grammar explanations, and vocabulary, while the Simulation presents real-world situations for problem solving through language use. Technical challenges and difficulties in constructing and administrating the courseware on the web are discussed.
Computer-mediated Materials for Chinese Character Learning
Authors: Hsu Hui-Mei , Gao Liwei
Published: December 2017

Four sets of computer mediated materials for Chinese character learning, Write Chinese, Chinese Characters Primer, Animated Chinese Characters and USC Chinese Character Page are described.
Introducing Two Chinese/Japanese/Korean (CJK) Web Utilities
Authors: Luo Jing
Published: December 2017

The author introduces websites created to enable users to read Chinese, Japanese, and Korean font.
Developing Multimedia Lesson Modules for Intermediate Japanese
Authors: Kabata Kaori , Yang X.
Published: December 2017

While the recent development of multimedia technology has opened up many possibilities, we have a lot to learn when it comes to how we can best take advantage of the technology. In this paper, we present a Japanese project that we have been developing since 1999. We discuss its main characteristics and the basic structure of the modules, as well as the results from an evaluation study. From the initial stage of developing the project to the evaluation study, we have noticed a number of both minor and major issues one should address in developing such a learning tool. Our purpose, therefore, is to share what we have learned with those who plan to launch a similar project dealing with foreign language learning.
BANZAI
Authors: Nagata Noriko
Published: December 2017

This paper presents BANZAI, a new intelligent language tutor program developed by the author over the past two years. The BANZAI application is programmed in Java and runs in a web browser over the Internet. It is designed to develop learners' grammatical and sentence production skills in Japanese as well as to instill cultural knowledge about Japan. It handles Japanese characters so learners can read and produce sentences in kana and kanji. More importantly, BANZAI employs artificial intelligence (AI) and natural language processing (NLP) technology, which enables the program to read, parse, and correct sentences typed by learners. The NLP analyzer consists of a lexicon, a morphological generator, a word segmentor, a morphological parser, a syntactic parser, an error detector, and a feedback generator. The first section of this paper provides an overview of BANZAI's capability. The second and third sections briefly describe each component of the NLP analyzer and explain how the system handles student errors. The fourth section illustrates actual lessons and sample exercises provided by BANZAI. The program has been integrated into the Japanese curriculum at the University of San Francisco since the autumn of 2000. Questionnaire results indicate an enthusiastic student response.
Bug Diagnosis By String Matching
Authors: Chen Liang , Tokuda Naoyuki
Published: December 2017

We have developed an entirely new template-automaton-based knowledge database system for an interactive intelligent language tutoring system (ILTS) for Japanese-English translation whereby model translations as well as a taxonomy of bugs extracted from ill formed translations typical of nonnative learners are collected. Unlike conventional rule-based systems whose complicated solution search procedure and labor-intensive processing have led to so-called knowledge engineer bottlenecks of the expert systems, the new dynamic programming-based heaviest common sequence (HCS) matching algorithm is both efficient and robust in which error diagnosis is implemented by selecting, from among many candidates' paths in the system template, a path having an HCS of a highest similarity with a student's free-format translation input. This best matched path to the given ill formed sentence is used to provide contingent feedback messages. We have laid down a theoretical framework for the global HCS matching algorithm which is applied to the dual form of acyclic weighted digraphs by topologically sorting the template automaton structured according to augmented transition networks. An extensive evaluation test of the diagnostic engine has ensured the validity, efficiency, and robustness of the algorithm in providing error-contingent feedback to a wide spectrum of learners even with different educational backgrounds.
Natural weathering of polypropylene geotextiles treated with different chemical stabilisers
Authors: Carneiro J. R. , Lopes M. L.
Published: December 2017

Weathering (mainly due to solar radiation) may cause unwanted changes in the properties of geosynthetics, affecting their performance and shortening their lifetime. In this work, four nonwoven polypropylene geotextiles were exposed to natural weathering in Portugal during a maximum period of 3 years. The geotextiles were structurally identical, but had different known amounts of a hindered amine light stabiliser and carbon black in their composition. The damage suffered by the geotextiles (caused by weathering) was evaluated qualitatively (by visual inspection) and quantitatively by monitoring changes in their mechanical properties (tensile and static puncture tests). The results, among other findings, showed that: (1) weathering led to the deterioration of the mechanical properties of the geotextiles, (2) the behaviour of the geotextiles was highly dependent on their chemical composition, (3) the weathering resistance of the geotextiles was highly enhanced by the hindered amine light stabiliser and/or by carbon black, (4) a higher amount of the hindered amine light stabiliser (an increase from 0.2% to 0.4%, w/w) led to better weathering resistance and (5) the presence of carbon black (1.08%, w/w) in combination with the hindered amine light stabiliser (0.2%, w/w) resulted in the best protection against weathering.
Steady flow in mechanically stabilised earth walls using marginal soils with geocomposites
Authors: Bui Van D. , Chinkulkijniwat A. , Horpibulsuk S. , Yubonchit S. , Limrat I. , Arulrajah A. , Jothityangkoon C.
Published: December 2017

Marginal soils, which possess suitable mechanical properties but fail to meet the fine particle content and plasticity index requirements for mechanical stabilised earth (MSE) walls, are of particular interest to the construction industry as a potential replacement for granular backfill materials. A numerical analysis of the unsaturated flow was conducted to assess the potential impact of each unsaturated flow parameter on the hydrological conditions in an MSE wall with a geocomposite. The studied results indicate that using marginal soil as the backfill material results in a widespread high-water-content area inside the backfill zone, even when the geocomposite was properly installed. The hydraulic conductivity of the soil at the upstream side has an important effect on the phreatic surface level inside the protected zone. Care must be taken when using a marginal soil with a high fine particle content as a backfill material since the high-water-content area could spread widely inside the protected zone. Moreover, for severe cases in which the upstream water flow rate is greater than the drainage capacity of the drainage medium, using a material with a low or intermediate hydraulic conductivity could result in a more severe increase of the phreatic surface level inside the protected zone.
Gas advection-diffusion in geosynthetic clay liners with powder and granular bentonites
Authors: Bouazza A. , Rouf M. A. , Singh R. M. , Rowe R. K. , Gates W. P.
Published: December 2017

Gas diffusion and gas permeability tests were performed sequentially on powder and granular partially hydrated needle-punched geosynthetic clay liners (GCLs) over a range of gravimetric water content using a gas flow unified measurement system under 2 kPa and 20 kPa vertical stresses. Most of the changes in diffusion and advection occurred at intermediary levels of saturation or gravimetric water contents where diffusive and advective gas migration in the granular GCL tended to be higher than in the powder GCL. When the GCLs were relatively dry, their gas diffusion and gas permeability remained constant due to the large interconnected air voids present in the bentonites. For relatively wet conditions, the difference in their gas diffusion and gas permeability was minimal as the bentonites developed a relatively uniform gel structure. The results suggest that at a nominal overburden pressure of 20 kPa, GCLs such as the ones studied need to be hydrated to more than 160% gravimetric water content or >80% apparent degree of saturation before gas diffusion and permeability drop to 1.0 × 10−11 m2/s and 2 × 10−13 m/s, respectively.
Laboratory protocols of finger-stick whole blood HIV self-test Exacto® Test HIV in French-speaking sub-Saharan Africa v1
Authors: Tonen-Wolyec Serge , Batina-Agasa Salomon , Muwonga Jérémie , Fwamba N’kulu Franck , Boumba Bouassa Ralph-Sydney , Bélec Laurent
Published: December 2017

The CE IVD, lateral flow, immunochromatographic HIV rapid test [Exacto® PRO Test HIV, Biosynex, Strasbourg, France], was adapted as a prototype finger-stick whole-blood HIV self-test (Exacto® Test HIV, Biosynex). The test uses a combination of a specific antibody binding protein that is conjugated to colloidal gold dye particles and synthetic antigens (gp41, gp36) able to detect antibodies against HIV-1 or HIV-2 in whole-blood, serum or plasma, which are bound to the solid phase membrane. The Exacto® Test HIV fulfilled the following criteria: i) Capillary blood-based test detecting early HIV infection with analytical sensitivity in primary HIV infection previously evaluated at 92%; ii) Sterile safety lancet; iii) Simplified blood sampling system; iv) Simplified buffer delivery system; v) Specimen presence control by blood deposit assessment and migration control band; vi) Results in 10 minutes. The virological validation of HIVST was assessed in Democratic Republic of Congo, according to WHO recommendations of December 2016. The sensitivity and specificity of the Exacto® Test HIV read by observers were calculated according to the results the serological testing algorithms or the molecular biology for HIV RNA load measurement as reference diagnosis methods for HIV infection.
Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM) protocol for the observation of the ultrastructure of secretory spines v1
Authors: Alberto Sandoval-Molina Mario , Araceli Zavaleta-Mancera Hilda , Morales-Rodríguez Simón , Krzyszfor Janczur Feret Mariusz
Published: December 2017

The presence and structure of EFNs in Opuntia robusta had not been investigated. We used light, scanning-electron, and transmission-electron microscopy to examine morphology, anatomy, and ultrastructure of the secretory spines in areoles in female and hermaphrodite individuals of O. robusta. Young cladodes develop areoles with modified and secretory spines as EFNs only active during the early growth phase of female and hermaphrodite individuals. EFNs are non-vascularized structures, with no stomata, that consist of three distinct tissues: a basal meristematic tissue; a middle elongation region; and an apical secretory cone (asc) formed by large globular epidermal cells, of sac shape, containing nectar and medullar elongated cells. TEM observations indicated the presence of Golgi apparatus, vesicles and plastids in the medullar and sup-epidermal cells of the asc, transporting nectar to the epidermal secretory cells. The nectar is transported through plasmodesmata, and then stored on the asc cells, to be secreted by breaking through the globular cells and pores
Acceleration of small bowel motility after oral administration of dai-kenchu-to (TJ-100) assessed by cine magnetic resonance imaging v1
Authors: Inoue Akitoshi , Furukawa Akira , Yamamoto Hiroshi , Ohta Shinichi , Dai Hung Linh Nguyen , Syerikjan Tulyeubai , Kaida Sachiko , Yamaguchi Tsuyoshi , Murata Satoshi , Obata Toru , Tani Masaji , Murata Kiyoshi
Published: December 2017

Ten healthy male volunteers took 5 g dose of either TJ-100 or lactose without knowing the identity of the substance. Each volunteer underwent two MR examinations after taking the other substance (TJ-100 or lactose) on separate days; they drank 1200 mL tap water and underwent cine MR examinations after 10 min. A steady-state free precession sequence was used for imaging, which was performed three times at 0, 10, 20, 30, 40, and 50 min. Bowel contraction frequency and distention score were assessed. Wilcoxon signed-rank test was used, and differences were considered significant for P values <0.05.
Psychological intervention needs: validation of a survey with Portuguese university students
Authors: Pinto Joana , Martins Marco
Published: December 2017

This work presents and discusses the psychometric characteristics of the Portuguese version of The Survey of Student Needs (SSN), a self-report questionnaire that assesses psychological intervention needs. A total of 659 university students participated, 76.5% women, with a mean age of 21.96 years. The results of Exploratory Factor Analysis (EFA) report a factorial solution of three factors explaining 38.49% of the variance. Considering the internal consistency of this factorial structure, Cronbach’s alpha values of .88 were found in factor 1, .81 in factor 2, and .84 in factor 3. The results of the Confirmatory Factor Analysis (CFA) suggest that the factorial solution proposed by the EFA presents better fit indices to the empirical data when compared to three alternative models (X2/df=3.096, CFI=.842, GFI=.851, RMSEA=.056, P[rmsea≤.05]<.000). In conclusion, this study indicates that the SSN is a valid and reliable instrument applicable to the research and intervention contexts of this field.
Fiabilidad y validez del cuestionario EVADIE: Diferencias por género, edad y antigüedad || Reliability and validity of EVADIE questionnaire: Differences by gender, age and seniority
Authors: Vázquez-Varela Elia
Published: December 2017

El objetivo del estudio es la validación del cuestionario para la Evaluación de la Atención a la Diversidad como Dimensión Educativa en las Instituciones Escolares (EVADIE), al cual se han incorporado l2 ítems referentes a las medidas ordinarias y 9 ítems de las medidas extraordinarias en la atención a la diversidad en la etapa de enseñanza secundaria. La muestra estuvo formada por 452 docentes de Educación Secundaria Obligatoria (M = 47.08; DT = 8.42). Se realizó un análisis factorial exploratorio y confirmatorio obteniendo una adaptación de la escala original de 65 ítems agrupados en siete factores con excelentes coeficientes de fiabilidad (α de Cronbach entre .78 y .89), una varianza total explicada del 48.18% y un ajuste adecuado a los datos (χ2 / df = 2.057, GFI = .842, CFI = .901, RMSEA = .054). Asimismo, el profesorado de educación secundaria obligatoria que presenta una mejor predisposición en la atención a la diversidad es de género femenino, edad inferior a 55 años y con menos de 18 años de antigüedad en la docencia. Por último, este cuestionario se destaca como un instrumento válido y fiable para abordar la atención a la diversidad en los centros de Educación Secundaria Obligatoria.