bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Perspectiva histórica da Lei 10.639/03 – Movimentos, cenários e percursos
Authors: Brito Tiburtino Camata Manuela , Gonçalves da Costa Eliane
Published: December 2021

Este artigo tem como objetivo expor o percurso histórico da Lei 10639/03, a qual institui a obrigatoriedade do ensino de história e cultura africana e afro-brasileira nas escolas e o ensino de literatura. Pretende-se elencar alguns apontamentos na questão da lei em si e sua efetivação, observando os discursos e as práticas que têm se constituído para as mudanças curriculares atuais. A metodologia constou de revisão bibliográfica de Nilma Lino Gomes (2005, 2011), Petronio Domingues (2007), Abdias do Nascimento (1982) e Kabenguele Munanga (2005), além da leitura da legislação.
Mediação da ação teatral via extensão universitária
Authors: Cione Tavares Ferreira da Silva Anita
Published: December 2021

Este estudo investiga a mediação da ação teatral em atividades de Extensão Universitária, considerada sob a ótica de uma abordagem horizontal e da dialógica a respeito de estratégias e posturas do artista educador ao ministrar o ensino de teatro em atividades de extensão. A partir da observação de diretrizes presentes nos documentos normativos extensionistas e fundamentada na obra de autores como Paulo Freire e Augusto Boal, a prática de campo desenvolvida na pesquisa de doutorado da autora é analisada. Através da abertura um curso de extensão da Universidade Federal da Bahia, e baseada na utilização de técnicas de linguagem teatral voltadas para a discussão social por meio da cena, a autora ofereceu oficinas de teatro a adolescentes do município de Seabra, Bahia, onde foram propostos jogos, improvisações e debates. Esta prática originou princípios de abordagem para o ensino de teatro, e evidenciou que os procedimentos utilizados dentro destas pedagogias críticas possuem instrumentos norteadores e eficientes para a mediação da ação teatral na Extensão Universitária.
Sobre Luísas
Authors: Araujo de Oliveira Wallace , Arruda Ribeiro Ribamar
Published: December 2021

Em uma pandemia cujo protagonista é o coronavírus (COVID-19), as restrições sanitárias nos inspiraram a reinvenções artísticas, dentre elas, um teatro-cinema coletivo de onde nasce a obra Sobre Luísas. Por meio de um processo criativo e alternativo no ano de 2021, outros protagonismos foram possíveis, inspirando a estratégias de concepção em que o respeito pelos limites e cuidados protocolados se fizesse presente com as respectivas participações. Assim, de um dos ciclos de Os Ciclomáticos Companhia de Teatro, a arte é defendida e ressignificada ao longo desse difícil tempo, valendo sobremaneira o registro e o compartilhamento da obra desenvolvida.
Socio-economic status and lifestyle of female greenhouse workers
Authors: Rakitskii V. N. , Yatsenko L. A. , Gabbasova N. V. , Mamchik N. P. , Kalashnikov Yu. S.
Published: December 2021

The aim of the study was to assess the socio-economic factors and some components of the lifestyle of female workers in greenhouse farms in the Voronezh region for the period 2018-2019. Materials and methods. The research material was the results of a questionnaire survey of 451 female worker of agricultural enterprises in the Voronezh region. The results were processed using Microsoft Excel 2010. Results. The study showed female workers in greenhouse farms in the area in most cases had a low level of income (less than 8 thousand roubles/family member), only 60.31% of female workers had good living conditions. Most of the female workers (79.82%) had specialized secondary education. Characteristics of the marital status of greenhouse workers in the studied production groups showed that only half of the workers were officially married (55.21%). Informal relationships and divorces were found much more often in vegetable and mushroom female growers. A registered marriage was seen less frequently than in the control group. The income level of fewer than 8 thousand rubles per family member was of decisive importance for the possibility of marriage. It was also associated with a low level of quality of relations between partners. According to the survey, the majority of female workers had good family relations (71.62%). Inappropriate and awful relationships were observed only in families with less than 8 thousand rubles per capita income, and excellent - only at a higher income level. The majority of the surveyed women was found to have bad habits: 88.16 - 90.74% of women indicated alcohol consumption, without significant differences between the studied groups; significantly more often smoking cigarettes was observed among vegetable and mushroom growers in comparison with the control group - 34.29% and 28.57%, respectively, versus 13.89%. Conclusion. The determining factors of the quality of life were the levels of per capita income and education, which influence all aspects of the lifestyle, including bad habits.
On occupational diseases in medical workers in the Republic of Bashkortostan
Authors: Karamova Lena M. , Valeeva Elvira T. , Vlasova Natalya V. , Khafizova Alsou S.
Published: December 2021

Introduction. The work of medical workers belongs to the most complex, responsible types of human activity. It is associated with the impact of a complex of adverse factors: chemical, biological, physical, the severity and intensity of labour. Due to the high occupational risk, the problem of the formation and preservation of the health of medical workers is urgent. The aim of the work is to determine the dynamic characteristics of occupational morbidity and its structure among medical workers of the Republic of Bashkortostan for 2013-2020. Materials and methods. The occupational morbidity rate among medical workers during 2013-2020 was studied with the materials of the professional centre of the Republic: a notification on the establishment of a final diagnosis of chronic occupational disease and a consolidated annual report on the activities of central occupational pathology. Statistical processing of the results was carried out using the «Statistika 8» application software package. Results. The average annual incidence of occupational morbidity is 0.92±0.12 cases per 10 thousand health workers. They occupied an average of 7.0% of all occupational diseases established over the years in the Republic. The incidence rate tends to decrease. Among occupational patients of health workers, 73.9% are nurses, 15.3% are healthcare staff, 10.8% are doctors. Allergic diseases dominate the nosological structure of occupational diseases. They make up 63.3% of the total pathology, half of which is in bronchial asthma. Discussion. In medical workers, infection occurs through direct contact with a sick patient or biological material. Allergic responses occur to the presence of drugs and disinfectants. Occupational disease tuberculosis was diagnosed at the age of 43.3±6.4 years and experience of 16.6 years; hepatitis at the age of 38.2 years and experience 15.0 years; bronchial asthma - at the age of 49.4 years and an experience of 26.4 years; allergic reactions - at the age of 47.6±6.3 years and the experience of 25.8±3.7 years. Conclusion. There were identified features in incidence and its structure among doctors and paramedical workers. The basis of the concept of prevention of occupational diseases among health workers should be a system of primary prevention measures to reduce the impact of adverse factors of the working environment and the labour process, maintaining occupational and general health.
The main disadvantages of the sanitary and hygienic characteristics of working conditions which complicate the expertise of the relation between the disease and occupation
Authors: Valeeva Elvira T. , Shaikhlislamova Elmira R. , Bakirov Ahat B. , Gazizova Naila R. , Sagadieva Regina F. , Malikova Albina I.
Published: December 2021

Introduction. Examining the disease’s connection with the occupation being the cornerstones in occupational health cannot be based on template solutions. When considering the aetiology of the disease, the entire document was the sanitary and hygienic characteristics of working conditions, the quality of which often determines the patient’s fate. Materials and methods. A retrospective analysis of the sanitary and hygienic characteristics of 647 inpatient medical records from 2013 to 2020, aimed at examining the relationship of the disease with the occupation: 562 cards with an established diagnosis, 85 - with an unspecified final diagnosis of an occupational disease. The contingent of the surveyed: 98.0% - employees of various industries and enterprises of the Republic of Bashkortostan, 2.0% - residents of other regions of the country, as well as the republic working in the Far North on a shift basis. Results. When preparing the characteristics in 73.0% of cases, the employees of Federal Service for Supervision in Protection of the Rights of Consumer and Man Wellbeing were based only on the data of a special assessment of working conditions, in which there was no complete information about the working conditions of the employee, which often leads to the inability to establish an occupational disease to the patient. In 7.0% of cases, the values of harmful industrial factors in the presented characteristics were on the border with the hygienic standard, which, with significant work experience and the presence of clear signs of occupational disease in the patient, also puts expert doctors in a difficult position. The situation mentioned above may be the cause of a legal dispute on the part of the employee if he refuses to establish an occupational illness and the employer if the issue is resolved positively for the employee. The reasons for delaying the terms of the examination were the need to request additional documents in connection with the data provided in the characteristics on the nature of the influencing harmful factors, based only on literary sources. Non-compliance with the deadlines for submitting the attributes to the Center of Occupational Pathology was observed in almost 100.0 % of cases. In 75.0% of cases, employees signed it without receiving explanations of quantitative and qualitative indicators. Conclusion. There is an urgent need to review the methodological approaches to compiling sanitary and hygienic characteristics of working conditions, develop an algorithm for its preparation, and the level of responsibility of all stakeholders for the quality of the document.
Species composition of certain strains of microorganisms in the development of upper respiratory tract disease in agricultural workers
Authors: Masyagutova Lyaylya M. , Gizatullina Lilia G. , Gainullina Maxmuza K. , Vlasova Natalya V. , Rafikova Linara A. , Khairullin Rustem U. , Aralbaev Khalil F. , Ivanova Rasima Sh.
Published: December 2021

Introduction. Microbiocenosis is a self-regulating system of relationships between the body and microflora. Ensuring the technological process of agricultural production involves contact with conditionally pathogenic and pathogenic microflora. The spread of antibacterial drug resistance is a matter of concern. Materials and methods. There was studied the microbiocenosis of the upper respiratory tract in agricultural enterprises: in the absence of inflammatory diseases; the clinical picture of diseases of the ENT organs, and the susceptibility of the isolated strains to antibacterial drugs. Results. Working conditions of employees correspond to classes 3.1 - 3.3. Typical representatives are strains of Streptococcus, Staphylococcus, Micrococcus, Neisseria, Corynebacterium. The etiological share of S. Aureus, C. Albicans, E. Coli, Kl. Pneumoniae, Ps. Aeruginosa, predominates in the formation of inflammatory diseases. Staphylococcus are most susceptible to Cefotaxime and Sparfloxacin, followed by Cefepime, Levofloxacin and Amikacin. Strains of Kl. pneumoniae are susceptible to Cefotaxime and Sparfloxacin; strains of Pseudomonas aeruginosa - to Cefepime and Ceftazidim; C. Albicans and C. crusei - to Amphotericin B and Fluconazole. Conclusion. The complex industrial factors of agricultural production contributes to the violation of the ratio of microbial associations even against the background of clinical health, which is a risk factor for the development of inflammatory processes. S. Aureus strains; Candida Albicans; Klebsiella Pneumoniae play the leading role. Pseudomonas aeruginosa and E. Coli. The isolates demonstrate multidrug resistance to antimicrobial drugs.
Accumulation of cadmium in organs of experimental animals and its effect on the content of essential elements in the chronic intoxication
Authors: Fazlieva Anna S. , Karimov Denis O. , Daukaev Rustem A. , Kurilov Mihail V. , Ziatdinova Munira M. , Valova Yana V. , Afonkina Svetlana R. , Zelenkovskaya Evgeniya E.
Published: December 2021

Introduction. This article presents the results of studying the effects of cadmium chloride and its accumulation in experimental animals’ liver, kidneys, and blood. The impact of cadmium consumption on basic bioelements (zinc, copper, calcium) in organs was assessed. Materials and methods. Experimental groups of white outbred rats were exposed daily for three months to a cadmium chloride solution containing 1, 10 and 100 μg of cadmium. Cadmium exposure was assessed at 1, 4, 12, 30, 60 and 90 days. The concentrations of cadmium, calcium, copper and zinc were measured by atomic absorption spectrometry. Results. Whole blood cadmium concentration was not statistically different from the control group. The accumulation of cadmium in the blood was observed only after three months of exposure to a dose of 100 μg. The accumulation of cadmium in the liver occurred after one and two months of intoxication, depending on the dose. In the kidneys, an increase in cadmium occurred in all experimental groups after one month of injection. The metal content depended on the level of exposure, but no difference was observed between the liver and kidney. The concentration of zinc and calcium decreased in the kidneys and liver. Conclusion. Changes in calcium and zinc, accompanied by elevated levels of cadmium in the liver and kidneys, suggest that cadmium may interfere with the biological processes in which these elements are involved.
Comprehensive epidemiological analysis of the risk of malignant neoplasms: experience of the implementation
Authors: Efimova Natalia V. , Rukavishnikov Viktor S. , Myl’nikova Inna V.
Published: December 2021

Introduction. The high level of morbidity and mortality from malignant neoplasms among the population is one of the pressing health problems. The aim of the study is to assess cancer risk according to the array of epidemiological indicators and identify risk zones in the Irkutsk region. Materials and methods. The work was carried out according to the official statistical reporting data. The analysis included 37 locations of malignant neoplasms under ICD-X. Data analysis was carried out in three stages using cluster analysis methods and relative risk assessment. Results. Two priority groups of risk areas have been identified. The highest levels of incidence, prevalence, and mortality are noted in cluster 1. Cluster 1 includes industrial cities with accumulated technogenic impact. 2 cluster includes mainly northern territories, where the highest level and growth of mortality, morbidity, morbidity and neglect are noted. Rural areas in the central part of the Irkutsk region, where the bulk of the Buryat population traditionally lives, are characterised by relatively low morbidity and mortality rates from malignant neoplasms. This feature determines the need for targeted research to identify protective genetic and environmental factors. Conclusion. Tested in this work, the three-stage approach to analysing epidemiological indicators of oncological pathology can be used to identify critical problems in other territories.
ORTAOKUL 8. SINIF ÖĞRENCİLERİNİN FEN LABORATUVARI KAVRAMINA YÖNELİK METAFORİK ALGILARI
Authors: ÖMÜR Dilara , ŞAHİN ÇAKIR Çiğdem
Published: December 2021

Bu çalışmanın amacı, ortaokul 8. Sınıf öğrencilerinin fen laboratuvarı kavramıyla ilgili algılarını metaforlarla ortaya çıkarmaktır. Bu araştırma nitel araştırma yöntemlerinden birisi olan olgu bilim (fenomonolojik) desenine göre yürütülmüştür. Bu çalışmanın araştırma grubunu Trabzon’un Çarşıbaşı ilçesinde bir ortaokulda ve Rize’nin Çayeli ilçesindeki bir ortaokulda öğrenim gören toplam 39 8. sınıf öğrencisi oluşturmuştur. Araştırmada veriler metafor formu ile elde edilmiştir. Metafor formunda öğrencilere ‘Fen laboratuvarı…………….gibidir/benzer. Çünkü…………..’ şeklindeki metafor ifadesi sunulmuştur. Öğrencilerin metafor ifadesinin ilk bölümünde fen laboratuvarı kavramını bildikleri bir kavrama benzetmeleri, ikinci bölümde ise öğrencilerin birinci bölümde yaptıkları benzetmenin gerekçesini çünkü ile başlayan bölümde ifade etmeleri istenmiştir. Metafor formundan elde edilen veriler içerik analizi ile çözümlenmiştir. Verilerin analizi sonucunda öğrencilerin toplam 39 metafor ürettikleri belirlenmiştir. Bu metaforlar kodlanmış ve bu kodlardan 6 farklı kategoriye ulaşılmıştır. Öğrencilerin fen laboratuvarı kavramına yönelik metaforlarından en fazla karadelik (3) ve lunapark (3) metaforlarını ifade ettikleri görülmüştür. Bulgular kategorilere göre incelendiğinde öğrencilerin en fazla çeşitlilik sunma (10) kategorisinde metafor oluşturdukları görülmüştür. Öğrencilerin genel olarak fen laboratuvarı kavramını olumlu olarak algıladıkları görülmüştür. Araştırmanın sonucunda ortaokul öğrencilerinin fen laboratuvarı algılarının öğretim kademelerine ve cinsiyete göre nasıl olduğuna yönelik araştırmaların yapılması önerilmiştir.
Türkiye'de Kimyasal Gübre İkamesinde Biyo-gübre Kullanımının Tahmini Kazanımları
Authors: BİLGİLİ Mehmet Emin , HIZLI Hatice
Published: December 2021

Bu çalışmada Türkiye'de 2002-2020 yılları arasında nüfus durumu, tarım alanları, tüketilen kimyasal gübre miktarı verileri ve sığır sayıları kullanılarak; sığır gübresinin biyogazda kullanılmasıyla elde edilebilecek elektrik enerjisi ve kimyasal gübre ikamesinde biyogübre kazanımları tartışılmıştır. Çalışmada Tarım ve Orman Bakanlığı, Türkiye İstatisitk Kurumu, Biyokütle Enerji Potansiyeli Atlası verileri ve literatürden yararlanılmıştır. Tarım arazilerinin yıllara göre ortalama ve standart sapma cinsinden dağılımı (24 490 105 ± 1 203 002) ha, tüketilen kimyasal gübre (5 352 716 ± 600 762) ton ve Azot ile Fosfor içeren biyogübre toplamı (434 826 ± 90 520) ton olarak hesaplanmış ve değişim ilişkisi regresyon denklemleri ve R2 değerleri gösterilmiştir. Ayrıca kimyasal gübrenin %40'ının ithal edildiği ve bu miktarın %20'sinin biyogübre ikamesi ile karşılanabileceği tahmin edilmiştir. Türkiye'deki uzun yıllık ortalamalara göre biyogazdan üretilebilen elektrik enerjisinin %6 kayıp miktarına rağmen Ülkedeki elektrik enerjisi tüketiminin %5'ini karşılama potansiyeline sahip olduğu hesaplanmıştır. Biyogübrenin tarımsal ürün artışına faydalarının yanısıra toprakta organik madde katkısı sağlayabilmektedir. Biyogazdan biyogübre elde etme miktarı tesisten tarım alanına kadarki süreçte %1 katı miktar kaybı dikkate alınarak hesaplanmıştır. Kırsal alanlarda, çevresel kirlilik bakımından biyogübre üretimi ile sorun çözülebilir. Ekonomik anlamda, yenilenebilir enerji kaynaklarından biri olan (hayvansal atıklar) biyokütleden biyogübre ve enerji kazanımı gibi faydalar sıralanabilir. Bu bağlamda, konu çalışanlarına ve karar vericilere veri tabanı olarak sunulabilir. Sonuç olarak biyogübrenin ithal kimyasal gübre ikamesi ile enerji, ekonomi ve ekoloji açısından kazanımlarının tahminleri istatistiksel olarak gösterilmiştir.
MANUAL DE FUNCIONES PARA EL LABORATORIO ECOPHARM S.A
Authors: Cortez Méndez Rodrigo José , Portilla Castell Yoenia , Defranc Balanzategui Pavel Omar , Fernández Moran Allyson Michelle
Published: December 2021

Este artículo tiene como objetivo presentar la implementación de un Manual de Funciones en la empresa Laboratorio ECOPHARMA S.A. El manual de funciones es un instrumento de trabajo que contiene el conjunto de normas y tareas que desarrolla cada funcionario en sus actividades cotidianas dentro de una empresa. La metodología utilizada se basó en un estudio cuanti-cualitativo, de tipo descriptiva – explicativa. La población objeto de estudio estuvo constituida por 04 trabajadores del área de la empresa ECOPHARMA S.A, tomando como muestra a toda la población. Como técnica de recolección de datos se utilizó la encuesta, la entrevista y la observación directa. Los instrumentos fueron el guion semiestructurado, el cuestionario conformado de 10 preguntas cerradas tanto politómicas como dicotómicas, y la nota de campo. Los resultados evidenciaron que el 75.00% de los empleados consideran que la empresa Laboratorio ECOPHARMA S.A. no dispone de funciones establecidas y al 75,00% estima que no hay un adecuado control interno ni de funciones, como consecuencia pueden estar realizando la duplicidad de estas. Resultados que coinciden con las respuestas tanto de las entrevistas, como de la observación directa donde los informantes manifestaron que la empresa no cuente con una estructura ni un manual de funciones específico para cada área. Por lo que existe la necesidad de implementar un manual de funciones donde se establezcan las funciones laborales de los empleos que conforman la compañía y también los requerimientos exigidos para el desempeño del mismo.
Aligning the Language Criteria of a Group Oral Test to the CEFR: The Case of a Formal Meeting Assessment in an English for Occupational Purposes Classroom
Authors: Shak Priscilla , Read John
Published: December 2021

The Malaysian Education Blueprint (MEB) 2015-2025 has set in motion efforts from all stages of education to align programs, courses, and syllabuses to the Common European Framework of Reference (CEFR) benchmark. This exercise has brought on major revamps in all aspects of English language education in the nation. This study will present such an undertaking in a public university in Malaysia and detail how the language criteria for an oral group test of an English for Occupational Purposes course have been aligned to the stipulated CEFR level. The actual assessment task involved groups of four or five students conducting a meeting of their established company. Data for the study came from an analysis of the audio recordings of nine group meetings, along with post-assessment interviews and focus group discussions involving three EOP instructors. Based on the data analysis, this study recommends a revised set of language criteria for the assessment. Furthermore, it demonstrates how an alignment of the scoring criteria with the descriptors of the targeted CEFR scale can be achieved through a systematic comparison of the language functions (LFs) produced in the meeting task to the targeted CEFR descriptor scales. The revised language component for the meeting assessment could help ease instructors’ assessment of students interactional skills and allow them to gauge better their students’ attainment of the skills required in a formal meeting context.
Aligning a University English Language Proficiency Measurement Tool with the CEFR: A Case in Malaysia
Authors: Baharum Nurul Najwa , Ismail Lilliati , Nordin Nooreen , Razali Abu Bakar
Published: December 2021

The Common European Framework of Reference (CEFR) describes the capability of learners’ language skills at six reference levels. It is internationally recognised as the standard language proficiency framework for describing language learning, teaching and assessment. Many countries, including Malaysia, have attempted and invested tremendous efforts to adopt the CEFR as a reference for language ability at all levels of education. However, there are many ways of adopting CEFR, and it is a continuous process of alignment between curriculum and assessment. In this regard, this study is carried out to examine how a Malaysian university attempts to demonstrate this alignment by correlating the scores obtained from English language proficiency courses in the university, called the English Language Competence Score Average (ELCSA), to a CEFR-aligned English language proficiency test (Linguaskill). The results showed an overall significant positive correlation that varied in strength. The overall correlation was 0.371, a positive but weak correlation whereby the strongest correlation was seen between ELCSA and CEFR Writing score with a correlation of 0.417, which is positive and moderate in strength. Therefore, it could be identified that a score of 3.25 and 3.5 on the ELCSA can be considered equivalent to a Linguaskill score of 160 (CEFR Band B2). It could be considered that the B2 CEFR level could be subdivided into lower and higher B2. However, there is a need to correlate ELCSA with other CEFR-aligned tests and perform further revisions to the English language proficiency programme at the university to successfully benchmark the programme and its assessment tool, ELCSA, with the CEFR.
Teacher Readiness in Assessing Students for Malay Language Writing: An Exploratory Study
Authors: Said Rozita Radhiah , Jusoh Zuraini , Md. Sabil Azhar , Othman Shamsudin
Published: December 2021

This study explores the knowledge, understanding, and mastery of writing skills assessment among Malay language secondary school teachers in Malaysia. A total of 182 respondents from 91 secondary schools from seven different zones in Malaysia were selected using a purposive sampling technique. Survey design with a five-point Likert scale questionnaire instrument used in the study consisted of 117 items related to writing skills assessment. Statistical analysis is explained using standard deviation and mean score. The results of the study indicated that the determinants of the mastery level of writing skills assessment recorded the highest mean (M=3.92, SD=0.494). Then, it is followed by the second construct, which involves the implementation aspects of the evaluation was also rated highly (M=3.91, SD=0.482). The results also showed a significant and positive relationship between all respondents’ knowledge and their understanding of writing assessment implementation and their mastery of writing skills assessment. The findings showed that the role of teachers as school-based appraisers is established and consistent with the guidelines outlined by the Ministry of Education Malaysia. Future research focusing on the implementation of writing skill assessment is suggested to ensure that the evaluation done is systematic and reliable.
Perspectives of Test Examiners of the Localized Speaking Assessment Framework: A Case Study in Vietnam
Authors: Truong Thi Nhu Ngoc , Abd Samad Arshad , Phan Thi Thanh
Published: December 2021

The present study explores the test examiners'' perspectives on the role and qualitative aspects of the current localized speaking assessment framework used in Vietnam. A case study with two experienced test examiner-cum-English lecturers was conducted. Inductive content analysis was used to analyze the qualitative data findings obtained from individual semi-structured interviews. Drawbacks, merits, and standardization issues of the current localized speaking assessment frameworks, i.e., the Vietnamese Standardized Test of English Proficiency (VSTEP), were also discussed, especially in comparison to internationally recognized examinations and frameworks such as the International English Language Testing System (IELTS) and the Certificate in Advanced English (CAE) as well as the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR). The study informed both English educators and policymakers to improve localized speaking assessment to suit the local teaching needs while still meeting the requirements of widely accepted international proficiency tests.
Framing the English Language (EL) CEFR-informed Curriculum Structure: The UKM Experience
Authors: Che Musa Normazidah , Nizam Azwan Shaiza , Wan Mohamad Wan Nur’ashiqin , Othman Zarina
Published: December 2021

One of the main concerns that have been raised in the realm of the graduate employability workforce in Malaysia is for graduates to be competent in speaking English. The concern on the graduates’ standard in speaking English has been amplified to meet a global standard. It has triggered the Malaysian Ministry of Education to adopt the CEFR benchmark. This paper presents the framework of a CEFR-informed curriculum for Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM) English Language (EL) courses at UKM and its basis. The paper outlines the method used in framing the curriculum structure based on the ADDIE model. It particularises the curriculum structure into four (4) main implementation phases that address the different proficiency levels in the targeted CEFR levels.
Teaching CEFR-aligned Writing to Young Learners: Practices and Voices of Teachers
Authors: Mohd Alias Mohd Dzaquan Imran , Abdul Raof Abdul Halim , Abdullah Tina
Published: December 2021

The introduction of the Common European Framework of Reference (CEFR)-aligned English syllabus into the Malaysian education system is a welcome initiative taken by the government as a part of “memartabatkan Bahasa Melayu, memperkukuhkan Bahasa Inggeris” to empower Malaysian citizens to compete in this era of globalization (Ministry of Education, 2015). The new initiative has also brought forth shifts in teaching approach and technique, and assessment method. Teachers must incorporate in their teaching, among others, formative assessment and differentiation techniques. It prompted a study to be carried out to obtain insights into the practice of teachers teaching CEFR-aligned syllabus. Five primary school teachers teaching five different writing classes to nine-year-olds participated in the study. Classroom observation protocol and guided reflective interview were used to obtain data for the study. The findings revealed that the classes were mainly teacher-centered, and teachers hardly used differentiation techniques. Several formative assessment elements were exhibited but not comprehensively. Teachers’ lack of training in CEFR and ineffective training system may be the cause of this observation.
Relating a Sustained Monologue Speaking Production Test to CEFR: Towards Alignment
Authors: Azman Hazita , Othman Zarina , Mohd. Shamsuddin Chairozila , Wahi Wahiza , Abd Aziz Mohd Sallehuddin , Wan Mohamad Wan Nur’ashiqin , Othman Shazleena , Mohd Amin Mohd Hafiszudin
Published: December 2021

This article evaluates a sustained monologue speaking production test to validate its link to the CEFR model. The monologue test is a low-stakes production test that engages the test taker in sustained monologue tasks targeted at B2-C1 of the CEFR levels. The evaluation of the test included determining the extent to which the monologue speaking tasks and the single assessment criterion-related rating scale developed for the test are valid and reliably aligned to CEFR benchmarked descriptors. The socio-cognitive framework for test evaluation was adopted, and an explanatory sequential mixed-methods research design was implemented. The evaluation revealed some contentious points of contrast between the test items and the language demand that each item prompted in production. Consequently, selected items were improved or deleted to ensure the appropriate competency levelled at B2-C1 are correctly prompted. Additionally, the findings underlined the imperative need for test developers to adhere to five inter-related sets of procedures in the justification of a claim that the monologue speaking test is aligned to the CEFR. These include familiarisation, specification, standardisation and benchmarking, standard-setting, and validation. It emerged that thorough familiarity with the CEFR by test item writers and examiners is a fundamental requirement for a test closely related to CEFR construct and levels. Thus, familiarisation training of CEFR and its illustrative descriptors is a mandatory prerequisite for ensuring test items and assessment of the elicited production correspond to the levels and ratings described in the CEFR model.
The Effects of Different Rater Training Procedures on ESL Essay Raters’ Rating Accuracy
Authors: Rethinasamy Souba
Published: December 2021

The study investigated the effects of three commonly employed rater training procedures on the rating accuracy of novice ESL essay raters. The first training procedure involved going through a set of benchmarked scripts with scores, the second involved assessing benchmarked scripts before viewing the scores. The third was a combination of the former and latter. A pre, post and delayed post-experimental research design was employed. Data were collected before, immediately after and one month after training. Actual IELTS scripts with benchmarked scores determined by subjecting expert IELTS raters’ scores through Multi-Faceted Rasch (MFR) analysis were used for the training and data collection purposes. Sixty-three TESL trainees were selected based on their pre-training rating accuracy to form three equally matched experimental groups. The trainees’ scores for the essays before, immediately after and one month after the assigned training procedure were compared with the official scores for the operational essays. Although the findings indicate that generally, rater training improves raters’ rating accuracy by narrowing the gap between their scores and the official scores, different training procedures seem to have different effects. The first training procedure significantly improved raters’ rating accuracy but showed a decreasing effect with time. The second training procedure showed immediate as well as delayed positive effects on raters’ rating accuracy. The third training did not lead to significant immediate improvement, but rating accuracy improved significantly after some time. This paper discusses the implications of the findings in planning efficient and effective rater training programmes.
Language Education for Orang Asli Children in Malaysia
Authors: Letchamanan Hema , Abdullah Nur Surayyah Madhubala , Fadzil Kamal Solhaimi
Published: December 2021

Literacy among Orang Asli children is found to be well below the national average. This paper explores the connection between language learning and meaning-making and its relation to the problem of language education among Orang Asli children. In so doing, the paper shows that language learning should be situated within their environment. This paper uses the findings from the observation made in an exploratory case study of Temuan children aged 7–12 in an Orang Asli village in Selangor and their struggles with language. Taking a critical view of the challenges faced by the children, this study surmised that a proper recognition of the Orang Asli community in language education is needed for effective meaning-making to ensure their genuine participation. The insight adds to the discussion within decolonisation of education on the importance of indigenisation of language education for Orang Asli children.
Teaching as a profession in Nigeria: problems and prospects
Authors: Okunloye Rotimi Williams
Published: December 2021

This paper examines the ranging controversy about the professional standing of teaching in Nigeria and the factors that contributed to the prevailing status and rating of teaching as a profession in Nigeria. It further examines the challenges and prospects of its becoming a highly rated profession of comparable standing to other well established profession in the future. The paper also proffers suggestions on how to effect a positive turn around in the professional status of teaching in Nigeria.
Introducing a novel chemotherapeutic drug for the treatment of oral ‎squamous cell carcinoma‎: Silver nanoparticles green-formulated by ‎ ‎Matricaria chamomilla
Authors: Yang Rui , Wang Mingguo , Ma Xiaoxia , Gao Qing
Published: December 2021

Introduction

In the present research, we formulated a modern chemotherapeutic drug by silver nanoparticles ‎‎(AgNPs) containing Matricaria chamomilla aqueous extract for the treatment of oral squamous ‎cell carcinoma.

Material and methods

Characterization of AgNPs was done by UV–Visible Spectroscopy (UV-Vis), Fourier ‎Transformed Infrared Spectroscopy (FT‐IR), Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM), and ‎Field Emission Scanning Electron Microscopy (FE‐SEM). For investigating the antioxidant ‎properties of AgNO3, M. chamomilla, and AgNPs, the DPPH test was used in the presence of ‎butylated hydroxytoluene as the positive control. To survey the cytotoxicity and anti-oral ‎squamous cell carcinoma effects of AgNO3, M. chamomilla, and AgNPs, MTT assay was used ‎on the HSC-4, Ca9-22, and HSC-3 cell lines. ‎

Results

DPPH test revealed similar antioxidant potentials for M. chamomilla‎, AgNPs, and butylated ‎hydroxytoluene. Silver nanoparticles had very low cell viability and anti-oral squamous cell ‎carcinoma properties dose-dependently against HSC-4, Ca9-22, and HSC-3 cell lines without ‎any cytotoxicity on the normal cell line. The best result of anti-oral squamous cell carcinoma ‎properties of AgNPs against the above cell lines was seen in the case of the HSC-3 cell line. ‎

Conclusions

According to the above findings, the silver nanoparticles containing M. chamomilla aqueous ‎extract can be administrated in humans for the treatment of several types of oral squamous cell ‎carcinoma. ‎
Schäden an Tragstrukturen für Windenergieanlagen.
Authors: Bellmer Horst
Published: December 2021

Mit der Energiewende und dem daraus entstandenen Boom für Windenergieanlagen mit immer größeren Dimensionen ist für den planenden Ingenieur ein völlig neues, sehr anspruchsvolles Aufgabengebiet entstanden. Hinzu kommt, dass - anders als bei üblichen Bauwerken des Hoch- und Ingenieurbaus - Türme und Fundamente für Windenergieanlagen nicht nur einmal, sondern in großer Stückzahl in Serienproduktion gebaut werden. Nachweise sind nicht nur für die Standsicherheit und Gebrauchstauglichkeit zu führen, sondern zusätzlich für die Dynamik und die Betriebssicherheit. Daher sind Windenergieanlagen schwierige Ingenieurbauwerke, bei denen sich Planungs- oder Konstruktionsfehler nahezu katastrophal auswirken können.

Der Autor stellt zunächst die konstruktiven Grundlagen wie Konstruktionsformen, Fundamentarten, Lastannahmen und Beanspruchungen sowie die zugehörigen Regelwerke vor. Er beschreibt die grundsätzlichen Probleme vor allem im Gründungsbereich und erläutert anhand von Schadensbeispielen die verschiedenen kritischen Elemente von der Verankerung der Türme auf unterschiedlichen Fundamenten über Eigenfrequenzprobleme bis zu Schäden an Fertigteiltürmen.

Das Buch wird so zu einem wichtigen Hilfsmittel für die Planung und Berechnung von Windenergieanlagen und bei der Beurteilung von Schäden und Risikopotenzialen.

Der Titel ist Teil der Fachbuchreihe Schadenfreies Bauen, in der das gesamte Gebiet der Bauschäden dargestellt wird. Erfahrene Bausachverständige beschreiben die häufigsten Bauschäden, ihre Ursachen und Sanierungsmöglichkeiten sowie den Stand der Technik. Die Bände behandeln jeweils ein einzelnes Bauwerksteil, ein Konstruktionselement, ein spezielles Bauwerk oder eine besondere Schadensart.
A Perspetiva dos Médicos sobre a Telemedicina em Portugal: Contributos do Marketing Digital para sua Expansão
Authors: da Cunha Márcio , Teixeira Sandrina , da Silva Amélia
Published: December 2021

A telemedicina é um conceito que emerge nos finais do século XX, no contexto da evolução das tecnologias da informação e comunicação (TIC). No entanto, com a evolução das tecnologias da saúde e com o surto da pandemia COVID-19, evidenciou-se a necessidade de estudar a importância da telemedicina em Portugal. Não obstante a isto, apesar da aplicação da telemedicina ser ampla, no que tange as consultas à distância, a mesma ainda é vista com restrições dentro da classe médica e sua aceitação é ambígua. Este trabalho teve como objetivo identificar as principais categorias relacionadas à telemedicina, sob o ponto de vista dos profissionais médicos, e compreender de que forma o marketing digital pode contribuir para a expansão da adesão da telemedicina. Da revisão da literatura emergiram como categorias: aplicações da telemedicina, benefícios, riscos, barreiras, evolução da telemedicina e marketing digital na telemedicina. Seguindo uma abordagem qualitativa, neste trabalho foram cruzados dados da análise documental com entrevistas semi-estruturadas realizadas a médicos. Os resultados indicam que a adoção da telemedicina está em expansão em Portugal em diversas especialidades médicas e com grandes benefícios para os pacientes, nomeadamente para aqueles que residem em zonas com maior carência de médicos. Apesar disso, observa-se que, por unanimidade, é relatado que nesta forma de medicina há significativa perda na relação médico-doente, não devendo substituir a consulta inicial de forma presencial, e que a prática tende a aumentar o número de diagnósticos incorretos. Não está claro para os médicos se as sociedades seguradoras fornecerão cobertura para atos decorrentes de consultas por telemedicina, porém evidencia-se que a idade e a privacidade das informações pessoais são barreiras para a adoção. Apesar das limitações e vieses inerentes à metodologia seguida, este estudo reveste-se de grande interesse para os gestores de unidades de saúde pública e privada, bem como para decisores políticos.
A comparison of two manipulative techniques in the treatment of sacroiliac syndrome
Authors:   , Reid Alan Roger
Published: December 2021

Sacroiliac syndrome is a painful, debilitating condition that may cause considerable discomfort (Haldeman 1992), it is a common condition causing low back pain (Mierau, et al 1984, Guo and Zhao 1994), it is also believed by Bernard and Cassidy (1991) to be a frequently overlooked source of low back pain. Between 9 and 19.5 % of all sickness absence days are due to low back pain (Andersson 1981)
A study of the effect of homoeopathic treatment on the food conversion, mortality rates and incidence of infectious coryza and related respiratory syndromes in broiler chickens
Authors:   , Pollock Jacqueline
Published: December 2021

During the six-week life span of broiler chickens, stress, vaccination reactions and disease may lead to poor feed conversion efficiency and increased mortality rates. The purpose of this study was to determine whether homoeopathic medicines would influence the feed conversion efficiency, mortality rates and incidence of infectious coryza and related respiratory syndromes in broiler chickens.
The efficacy of a homoeopathic complex (Cantharis vesicatoris 12CH, Equisetum hyemale 12CH, Sarsaparilla 12CH, Staphisagria 12CH,Uva ursi 12CH) in the treatment of nocturnal enuresis in children between the ages of five and eighteen years, residing in children`s homes
Authors:   , Lockyear Heather
Published: December 2021

The purpose of this randomised double blind study was to evaluate the efficacy of the homoeopathic complex (Cantharis vesicatoria 12CH, Equisetum hyemale 12CH, Sarsaparilla 12CH, Delphinium staphysagria 12CH, Uva ursi 12CH) in the treatment of nocturnal enuresis with regard to the number of wet nights per week. It focused on children between the ages offive and eighteen, residing at children's homes in the greater Durban area. It was hypothesised that the homoeopathic medication would reduce the weekly incidences of bed wetting and thus provide a, safe, viable and effective alternative to existing treatment options.
Complications of intravascular intrauterine transfusion for Rh alloimmunization
Authors: Alkhaibary Asma , Ali Mohannad , Tulbah Maha , Al-Nemer Maha , Khan Rubina M. , Al Mugbel Maisoon , Al Sahan Nada , Hassounah Marwah Mazen , Alshammari Waleed , Kurdi Wesam I.
Published: December 2021

BACKGROUND:

Intravascular intrauterine transfusion (IUT) is considered a safe procedure, but complications still occur, including fatalities.

OBJECTIVE:

Review the outcomes of Rh alloimmunization, including indications and possible complications.

DESIGN:

Retrospective cohort (medical record review).

SETTING:

Tertiary care center.

PATIENTS AND METHODS:

We retrieved the records for all mothers who had an IUT for Rh alloimmunization between January 2009 and August 2019. We collected data on complications, post-transfusion hemoglobin and antibody combinations.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE:

Complications of IUT.

SAMPLE SIZE:

119 mothers with 154 fetuses (154 different pregnancies).

RESULTS:

The 154 fetuses had 560 intrauterine transfusions. The median pre-IUT hemoglobin was a median of 8.0 g/dL while the median post-IUT hemoglobin 16 g/dL. Immediate procedure-related complications included fetal bradycardia in 2.7%, significant bleeding from the cord puncture site (for more than 2 minutes in 0.9%), and contractions in 0.9%. Eight (5.2%) were delivered by cesarean delivery due to IUT-specific complications such as post-procedure fetal bradycardia. Intrauterine fetal death complicated 8.4% of the pregnancies (13 fetuses). Phototherapy was required in 76 (49.4%), postnatal blood transfusions in 17 (11%), and exchange transfusion in 11 (7.1%). Neonatal death occurred 8 (5.2%). Data were insufficient to assess associations of complications with antibody combinations.

CONCLUSIONS:

Intrauterine transfusion is an effective treatment with high survival rates (around 90% for cases of Rh alloimmunization).

LIMITATIONS:

Case series.

CONFLICT OF INTEREST:

None.
Characteristics and outcomes of 974 COVID-19 patients in intensive care units in Turkey
Authors: Sungurtekin Hülya , Ozgen Cansu , Arslan Ulku , Saracoglu Kemal Tolga , Yarar Volkan , Sari Ahmet , Civraz Ayse Turan , Altunkan Ali Aydin , Ayoglu Hilal , Ozturk Nilgun Kavrut , Yuksel Nihal Bulut , Yelken Birgul , Bombaci Elif , Kilinc Gokhan , Akman Damla , Demir Pinar , Ayoglu Ferruh , Ciyiltepe Fulya , Caliskan Ahmet , Karaduman Simay
Published: December 2021

BACKGROUND:

In our previous report on Turkish COVID-19 patients requiring intensive care, the 24 patients in a single ICU were elderly and mortality was high. We extended our analysis to include patients admitted to ten ICUs.

OBJECTIVES:

Report the demographics, clinical features, imaging findings, comorbidities, and outcomes in COVID-19 patients.

DESIGN:

Retrospective.

SETTING:

Intensive care unit.

PATIENTS AND METHODS:

The study includes patients with clinical and radiological confirmed or laboratory-confirmed COVID-19 infection who were admitted to ten ICUs between 15 March and 30 June 2020.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES:

Clinical outcomes, therapies, and death during hospitalization

SAMPLE SIZE:

974, including 571 males (58%).

RESULTS:

The median age (range) was 72 (21–101) years for patients who died (n=632, 64.9%) and 70 (16–99) years for patients who lived (n=342, 35.2%) (
P
<.001). APACHE scores, and SOFA scores were higher in patients who died than in those who survived (
P
<.001, both comparisons). Respiratory failure was the most common cause of hospitalization (82.5%), and respiratory failure on admission was associated with death (
P
=.013). Most (n=719, 73.8%) underwent invasive mechanical ventilation therapy.

CONCLUSIONS:

The majority of patients admitted to the ICU with a diagnosis of COVID-19 require respiratory support.

LIMITATIONS:

Although the Turkish Ministry of Health made recommendations for the treatment of COVID-19 patients, patient management may not have been identical in all ten units.

CONFLICT OF INTEREST:

None.