bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Del marketing ecológico al greenwashing: una mirada en escenarios comerciales colombianos e internacionales
Authors: López-Rodriguez Campo Elías , Arévalo Luz Adriana
Published: November 2019

El acercamiento hacia las tendencias actuales del marketing ecológico por parte de las organizaciones del siglo XXI debe ser una prioridad en su direccionamiento estratégico y, más aún, con el alto grado de responsabilidad que las empresas deben evidenciar en sus actividades comerciales y operativas en beneficio del medio ambiente y de la sociedad. Sin embargo, ha venido apareciendo un fenómeno que está perjudicando no solo a los consumidores, sino también a las empresas, su branding y a la marca país, y es el denominado greenwashing. Desde lo anterior y por medio de un estudio de caso, en este artículo se analiza el comportamiento de organizaciones que han evidenciado prácticas tanto de marketing ecológico como de greenwashing, afectando tanto positiva como negativamente a los consumidores, a las empresas y a la sociedad en general desde un escenario comercial colombiano y otro de carácter internacional. Los resultados aportan elementos de juicio tanto a la academia como al sector productivo desde el paralelo entre lo que el marketing ecológico y el greenwashing significan para la sociedad y la industria contemporánea.
KRITIK JUBRAN KHALIL JUBRAN TERHADAP KONSTRUKSI AGAMA DALAM CERPEN “KHALĪL AL-KĀFIR”
Authors: Nurain Nurain
Published: November 2019

The material object of this paper is a short story written by Jubran Khalil Jubran, entitled Khalīl al-Kāfir. The formal object is Jubran's criticism of religious construction from the transcendentalist perspective. It aims to answer the question why Jubran criticized religious construction in his writing. As a migrant Arabic writer, who has the experiences of living in the Western and Eastern world, Jubran is able to critically read the construction of religion in the Christian tradition. His criticism is expressed in Khalīl al-Kāfir, which tells his protest and rebellion against the religious leaders as well as the exclusivity and formality of religion which eliminate its spiritual dimension as the soul of human mental enlightenment. The analysis shows that Jubran criticized the sacred authority of priests and monks because of his views that God is immanent and existent everywhere. The immanence of God implies that He is being a power in every human soul. Meanwhile, His existence everywhere emphasizes the over-soul of God's oneness with humans and nature, the oneness of God with all creatures in the universe.
SPEED ENDURANCE ENHANCEMENT IN TRACK-AND-FIELD ATHLETES FROM THE KOLA PENINSULA THROUGH BLOOD LACTATE CONTROL
Authors: Chaynikov S , Chunin A , Kuzmina L
Published: November 2019

Aim. The article deals with establishing the effect of the method for speed endurance enhancement in female track-and-field athletes from the Kola peninsula through blood lactate control at 11 mmol/l. Materials and methods. The study was conducted from November 2017 to April 2018. At the first stage, we created an experimental group of track-and-field athletes from sports school No 4 (Murmansk). All female athletes (middle-distance runners, n = 34) were 18–20 years old and possessed the first or the second adult category at the time of selection. 1 km test was conducted to establish speed endurance in participants. At the second stage, a 6-month experiment was conducted: all athletes had a 6-week interval training at a distance of 1 km with timekeeping, pulsometry, and blood count for establishing blood lactate immediately after each segment of the distance. At the third stage, a control 1 km test was conducted. The authors analyzed the results obtained using statistical methods (р ≤ 0.01). Results. It was established that the main methods for the development of speed endurance in female athletes are repetitive and interval methods. The main means of speed endurance enhancement are resistance running, running rhythm, and pursuit running. In the first two months of interval training, a significant increase in speed endurance, pulse values, and lactate (no more than 11 mmol/l) was registered. Stagnation of results was registered during the 4th, 5th, 7th, 11th, and 12th weeks of training. Conclusion. The data obtained can be used as a part of special physical preparation in female track-and-field athletes aged 18–20 years from Murmansk and Murmansk region.
THE ACUTE EFFECT OF RUNNING EXERCISE ON LIVER ABCA1 GENE EXPRESSION IN MALE WISTAR RATS
Authors: Tayebi Seyed Morteza , Khademosharie Mitra , Parsa Tayebe Amiri , Abaszadegan Mehdi , Saeidi Ayoub , Nenasheva A
Published: November 2019

Objectives. ATP-binding cassette transporters transfer a variety of substrates across the lipid bilayers in an energy-dependent manner. ABCA1 is a member of this family, which plays a crucial role in plasma HDL-C metabolism. On the other hand, the short-term effects of exercise training are less studied. The aim of this study was the effects of a single bout of exercise on liver ABCA1 gene expression in the male Wistar rats. Methods. Twenty four male Wistar rats were housed in a standard environment and randomly divided into two Control (n = 12) and Experimental (n = 12) groups. The exercise included running on a treadmill for 120 min (18 m/min). Immediately, 2 and 24 hours after exercise, rats were anesthetized, and samples were taken from the adipose tissue and liver. Liver ABCA1 was assessed by RT-PCR. Results. The results showed that liver ABCA1 gene expression had significant elevation immediately, 2 and 24 hours after exercise (p < 0.05). Conclusion. The findings of this study proved that acute exercise can increase liver ABCA1 gene expression.
PROVIDING INFORMATION ABOUT MOVEMENT TECHNIQUE USING COGNITIVE VISUALIZATION
Authors: Khramov V , Shirshova E , Matova E
Published: November 2019

Aim. The article deals with justifying the means of providing information about movement technique using cognitive visualization. Materials and methods. The following methods have been used for the study: the study and analysis of the psychological, pedagogical, and methodical literature; the synthesis of the advanced theory and practice of teaching movements; the synthesis of concepts and general provisions. Results. Cognitive visualization of educational information provides a better perception of complex knowledge. The principles of cognitive visualization can be effectively used in teaching movements to form in students a general idea about solving a movement task. The information about exercise technique in visual form implies the creation of such a mean which allows establishing key elements in the structure of the action studied (main positions, control movements, phases, cycles) and providing the students with information for a conscious and effective search for the most efficient movement. The effect of cognitive visualization is supposed to be achieved through the integration of the graphical elements into a video of the sports movement. One-hand throwing is used as an example of movement technique. Conclusion. Preparing the information about movement technique using cognitive visualization should be performed based on structured and visually treated information in dynamic form. The most optimal way of providing the knowledge on exercise technique is a video created with multimedia technologies.
PECULIARITIES OF THE DEVELOPMENT OF SPECIAL STRENGTH PREPARATION DURING THE WINTER MACROCYCLE FOR THE 800 m EVENT
Authors: Stoyanov H T
Published: November 2019

Aim. To study the dynamics of the development of strength and speed-strength characteristics in men’s 800 m training during the winter macrocycle of running preparation. Material and methods. Four middle-distance athletes were included in the study. Seven indicators characterizing the strength- and speed-strength development were assessed during seven mesocycles of winter preparation. Results. The total strength reached its maximum volume in the first and second mesocycles. We tried to achieve a balance between the development of strength and endurance. Using special running exercises and short alternate leg bounds in the second and sixth mesocycles proved to have a forming input on special running preparation. The development of strength endurance takes place in the first three mesocycles. Conclusion. The strength and speed-strength training of 800 m runners has great importance for achieving high sports results. The effectiveness of the training process depends to a great extent on the structural distribution of strength preparation among the different mesocycles.
EFFECT OF A WHEY-BASED BIOPRODUCT ON METABOLIC PROCESSES IN THE MICROCIRCULATION
Authors: Bruk T , Litvin F , Terekhov P
Published: November 2019

Aim. The article deals with the effect of a whey-based product on the metabolic processes, character, and local mechanisms of the microcirculation in athletes involved in track-and-field athletics. Materials and methods. 32 male athletes participated in the study. The microcirculation was studied with the help of the LAKK-M laser analyzer. The calculations were conducted by using a special software package (version 2.0.0.423, LAZMA, Russia). Results. It is established that a course of the MDX Multicomplex bioproduct increases blood perfusion in the microcirculatory bloodstream by 34% and erythrocyte fluctuation by 66%, which improve the efficiency of metabolic processes.  Bloodstream modulation is provided by the enhanced performance of the local active regulatory mechanisms. A statistically significant increase of 42% is registered in the endothelium-dependent mechanism, the increase of 32% and 23% is found in the myogenic and neurogenic mechanisms respectively. The contribution of the passive regulatory mechanisms reduces as a result of chest and heart muscle performance.  The physiologically active substances of the bioproduct are involved in the vasodilation of microvessels and redox reactions at the cellular level.  A 22% increase in NADH reduced coenzyme and a 9% decrease in FAD oxidized coenzyme indicate a decrease in mitochondrial activity in the absence of physical exertion and, indirectly, confirm the complete restoration of the energy reserves. Conclusion. The data obtained proves the optimization of metabolic processes in the microcirculation as an effect of the MDX Multicomplex bioproduct.
ColloCaid: a tool to help academic English writers find the words they
need
Authors: Frankenberg-Garcia Ana , Rees Geraint , Lew Robert , Roberts Jonathan , Sharma Nirwan , Butcher Peter
Published: November 2019

This short paper summarizes the development of ColloCaid
(www.collocaid.uk), a text editor that supports writers with academic
English collocations. After a brief introduction, the paper summarizes how
the lexicographic database underlying ColloCaid was compiled, how text
editor integration was achieved, and results from initial user studies. The
paper concludes by outlining future developments.
Re-orienting CALL through the lens of complexity theory
Authors: Godwin-Jones Robert
Published: November 2019

Complexity Theory (CT) provides a useful framework for understanding
Second Language Acquisition (SLA). Using an ecological model, CT studies the
dynamic processes of change and emergent outcomes over time, tracing back
how trajectories may have been affected by changes in and interactions among
multiple variables and subsystems. Language learners do not follow linear
learning paths, but rather their progress depends on a variety of
interlocking variables. Developmental trajectories will look different for
each learner. That is particularly the case for informal language learning,
in which learners co-adapt from a wide variety of resources, leading to
divergent outcomes (Godwin-Jones, 2018a). A CT approach emphasizes the
dynamics of the interplay between learner variables and the people,
artifacts, and services constituting the L2 learning system. It aligns well
with usage-based linguistics. Viewing language learning from a CT
perspective has a number of consequences for Computer Assisted Language
Learning (CALL) research, explored here.
Leveraging collaborative work for game-based language learning
Authors: Hansen Dirk , Arnett Carlee , Suñer Ferran
Published: November 2019

Over the past few years, language teaching has progressively evolved
from teacher-fronted classroom settings to more complex, learner-centered
scenarios, allowing learners to explore authentic contents, work
collaboratively, and create sophisticated and socially relevant products. In
addition, these processes foster language learning, increase learner
engagement, and support the acquisition of competences such as critical
thinking and democratic competence. In spite of these positive results,
previous research has not always suggested efficient ways to properly manage
classroom interaction and potentially enhance learning outcomes. Against
this backdrop, this paper explores the potential of cooperation scripts as a
means to leverage collaborative work and classroom interaction in complex
learning scenarios. In this paper, we report on the first phase of an
intervention study that was conducted with 17 university learners of German
at the B2-C1 level. Survey results show that most of the students found the
addition of the cooperation script to be beneficial when engaging in a
complex, game-based scenario.
Effects of HVPT on perception and production of English fricatives by
Japanese learners of English
Authors: Iino Atsushi
Published: November 2019

This study investigated the effects of High Variability Phonetic
Training (HVPT) on beginner level English as a Foreign Language (EFL)
Japanese learners’ perceptions and productions of the English fricatives
/f/, /v/ and /θ/. With the use of the computer program ‘English Accent
Coach’ (EAC, Thomson, 2017), two groups of participants were engaged in
learning the sounds in a two-syllable environment: target consonant + vowels
(CV) and target consonant + vowels + consonant (CVC). The perception
training with EAC was conducted for five weeks between a pre-test and a
post-test in perception and production. Production was measured in the form
of recorded reading aloud and was evaluated by native English speakers and a
Japanese teacher of English. The results indicated the advantageous effects
of CVC environments on perception as well as on production.
‘So close, yet so different’ – reflections on the multicultural course of
Slavic languages
Authors: Kyppö Anna
Published: November 2019

The complexity of language learning may be expanded to learning the
languages belonging to the same language family, for example, Slavic
languages. This paper reports on the reflection-on action research aimed at
the increase of learners’ multicultural competence and enhancement of
critical thinking at the interdisciplinary, blended course of Slavic
languages and cultures. The course organized in modules is implemented in
Moodle. Course content is designed by the teacher; however, Slavic languages
are presented by native speakers of these languages. Learners have an
opportunity to get familiar with Slavic languages, history, and culture from
the presenters’ perspective, what generally results in the increase of
learners’ multicultural competence and enhancement of critical thinking.
Learning experience is intensified through reflective learner logs, which
serve as a knowledge-sharing medium and cognitive learning.
MALL tools tried and tested
Authors: Lander Bruce , Morgana Valentina , Selwood Jaime , Knight Tim , Gettings Robert , Yamauchi Mari , Van de Vyver Julie , Delforge Carole
Published: November 2019

In 2013, Stockwell and Hubbard published an article on emerging
principles in Mobile Assisted Language Learning (MALL). In that article,
they mentioned three issues that could perhaps impede learning in the
domains of the physical, pedagogical, and pyscho-social. The physical issue
they imply, refers to the general size of screens, which at the time were
deemed small, or not big enough to have an impact on learning. The
pedagogical issue involved with MALL, according to Stockwell and Hubbard
(2013), is to ensure that tasks introduced with mobile tools are suited to
the affordances of the devices. They questioned the need for mobile devices
for language learning and whether tasks that were being introduced were
suitable and worthwhile and not simply replicating what could normally be
done without them, with pen and paper for example. The psycho-social issue
they refer to implies that the primary function of mobile devices is
generally regarded as one for “personal and social purposes, as opposed to
work or study purposes” (Stockwell & Hubbard, 2013, p. 4). In this short
paper, we would like to argue this point by introducing seven tools
currently available for free on mobile applications that can be adapted to
foreign language learning in several ways.
Understanding the complexities associated with conceptualising
pedagogical scenarios for online multimodal interaction between two
languages and cultures
Authors: Madden Oneil N. , Foucher Anne-Laure
Published: November 2019

The complexity surrounding the design of collaborative pedagogical
scenarios can allow foreign language learners to develop intercultural and
linguistic skills; however, careful consideration must be given when
conceptualising telecollaborative projects. Many research studies have been
conducted which led to significant discoveries, but only few studies examine
the intricacies of developing pedagogical scenarios for online multimodal
interaction and the outcomes of these complexities. This paper reports on a
Franco-Jamaican telecollaborative project, ClerKing, which took place in two
phases between Applied Foreign Languages (AFL) students of English from
University Clermont Auvergne (UCA), France, and Modern Languages students of
French from Shortwood Teachers’ College (STC), Jamaica. Each phase had a
different pedagogical scenario, with the first being restricted and the
second being more open. Using the exploratory method, various parameters of
online pedagogical scenarios were identified and examined with varying
degrees of granularity. Preliminary findings show that a less restricted and
more flexible pedagogical scenario allowed for students to develop language
and intercultural competencies, while strengthening negotiation
skills.
Assemblage theory: coping with complexity in technology enhanced language learning
Authors: Matthews Blair
Published: November 2019

Language classrooms are complex systems, but theory often simplifies these processes making researching effectiveness difficult. Assemblage theory – a theory of complexity in the social sciences – allows us to examine complexity in the language classroom. In this paper, I present an account of the language classroom that captures the complexity, subjectivity, and temporality of technology enhanced language learning.
Learners’ emotional response to a complex video-creation task
Authors: Meurice Alice , Henin Véronique , Van Reet Marie
Published: November 2019

We are three teachers of business English in higher education who have
developed a project for our second-year management students to co-create
their own video document, exploring a business question. Our intention is to
determine whether the complexity of our entire teaching sequence, and more
specifically the use of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) tools
for the co-creation of problem-solving content, allowed our learners to
experience positive emotions, i.e. enjoyment – vs. anxiety – in the process
of Second Language Acquisition (SLA), and whether they perceived the
usefulness of the project for their future personal or professional life.
Our project took place over the second semester of the 2018-2019 academic
year, after which the students answered a questionnaire in their mother
tongue with both Likert-scale and open questions. The current paper uses a
mixed-methods approach to analyse the results and report on the emotional
effect of the teaching sequence on the students.
Complexity and potential of synchronous computer mediated corrective feedback: a study from Sri Lanka
Authors: Udeshinee W. A. Piyumi , Knutsson Ola , Männikkö-Barbutiu Sirkku
Published: November 2019

This paper discusses a qualitative study which examines the complexity and potential of using Synchronous Computer Mediated Corrective Feedback (SCMCF) for adult learners in English as a Second Language (ESL) classrooms in Sri Lanka. Chat conversation was assumed as the medium through which the teacher provides corrective feedback to the students. Five ESL teachers were interviewed for the study. The data gathered were analysed qualitatively using an affinity diagram which is discussed under an inductive thematic analysis. Findings of the study suggest that there is potential for provision of SCMCF through chat conversations, for teachers believe that SCMCF will improve language skills of the students; moreover, this approach needs only a limited use of technology. However, it was revealed that there could be some complexities, mainly due to teachers’ existing workloads, some ethical aspects, and the low level of technology that is available in certain universities.
Defining teachers’ readiness for online language teaching: toward a
unified framework
Authors: Van Gorp Koen , Giupponi Luca , Heidrich Uebel Emily , Dursun Ahmet , Swinehart Nicholas
Published: November 2019

As part of a larger effort to support Less Commonly Taught Languages
(LCTL) instruction in the United States, the LCTL Partnership at Michigan
State University (MSU) and the LCTL Collaborative Partners initiative at the
University of Chicago (UC) are supporting online LCTL courses to be offered
to students across multiple institutions. As the initiatives were underway,
it became clear that LCTL teachers’ familiarity with online teaching ranged
widely. This is not surprising, especially considering that many LCTL
teachers have never participated in any kind of online learning experience –
let alone taught online. This paper reports on the first phase of a
collaborative project that aims to identify and define key competencies for
Online Language Teaching (OLT) and conceptualize a set of OLT readiness
can-do statements. In a next phase, this framework will be used to build an
assessment that gauges teachers’ readiness to teach language courses online
and provide these teachers with formative feedback.
Fostering cultural competence awareness by engaging in intercultural
dialogue – a telecollaboration partnership
Authors: Villalobos-Buehner María
Published: November 2019

This study measured changes in cultural awareness levels between two
groups of US students in their third semester of a Spanish class. One group
(experimental group) collaborated via Skype with a group of English language
learners from a Colombian university and the other group (control group) did
not. The experimental group met seven times during the semester to discuss a
variety of cultural topics such as health care and gastronomy. The control
group addressed the same topics by examining them among members of the same
class. Both groups answered a pre and post self-awareness questionnaire.
Mixed factorial analysis of variance (ANOVA) results showed significant
differences between the two groups. There was no change in scores from
pretest to posttest for the control group, but scores in the trained group
increased significantly. Students from the treatment group show substantial
gains in skills, knowledge, and awareness of themselves in their
interactions with others in one semester.
Piloting Netflix for intra-formal language learning
Authors: Alm Antonie
Published: November 2019

The expansion of the Netflix TV-network around the globe has made
foreign language films and TV-series accessible for formal and informal
language learning experiences. As students in educational settings are
starting to engage in informal second language (L2) Netflix viewing, it is
time that new pedagogical approaches support learners to optimise the
resource for successful language learning. This pilot study reports on a
project conducted with 12 intermediate level German students who watched
self-selected German TV-series. For three weeks, students described and
commented on each other’s viewing experiences in their weekly blogs. In a
final report, participants reflected on their affective and cognitive
engagement with the series. Findings of this study indicate that previous
informal exposure to Netflix series positively impacted on the participants’
willingness to engage in extensive out-of-class listening. The learning
experience in the formal context positively affected subsequent informal
L2-series watching.
First contact with language corpora: perspectives from students
Authors: Boulton Alex
Published: November 2019

Corpora are not the preserve of corpus linguists. In education, learners
and teachers can analyse almost any collection of text for linguistic or
non-linguistic purposes where regular reading is not efficient or feasible.
This paper describes students’ first contact with corpora in a distance
master’s degree where they are required to build a corpus on a topic of
their choice and complete a short research report. Following a brief outline
of the course, we turn to a description of 122 papers submitted over the
last 5 years, with particular attention on the Personal Feedback sections of
each among both high- and low-achievers. The opening sentences typically
reveal bewilderment on initial encounter with corpus linguistics, which
contrasts with growing mastery or sudden enlightenment. Further analysis of
the 30k-word corpus suggests that a corpus approach may not be immediately
easy, but most users can derive benefits with a little perseverance even in
adverse conditions.
Shouting in space: promoting oral reading fluency with Spaceteam
ESL
Authors: Cardoso Walcir , Waddington David , Kiforo Enos , Sénécal Anne-Marie
Published: November 2019

This study examined whether the pedagogical use of Spaceteam ESL
(English as a Second Language), a digital shouting game, could contribute to
the development of Oral Reading Fluency (ORF) among 71 English students in
secondary schools in Mombasa, Kenya. Following a mixed-methods approach for
data collection and analysis, we pre- and post-tested the participants on
their ability to read aloud efficiently (speed) and accurately (accuracy) in
three tasks: (1) phrases extracted from the game; (2) phrases not related to
the game; and (3) an anecdote. Our findings indicate that participants who
played Spaceteam ESL improved their ORF on all measures of speed, but no
significant differences were observed in terms of accuracy. Overall, these
findings corroborate our hypothesis that some of the affordances of
Spaceteam ESL (e.g. speed reading) would contribute to the development of
some aspects of ORF.
Data-driven learning in ESP university settings in Romania: multiple
corpus consultation approaches for academic writing support
Authors: Chitez Mădălina , Bercuci Loredana
Published: November 2019

Corpora are valuable technology-supported learning resources to be used
by autonomous language learners or during teacher-guided lessons. This study
explores the potential of corpus consultation approaches for the improvement
of English for Specific Purposes (ESP) students’ academic writing skills. We
investigated the effects of three types of Data-Driven Learning (DDL)
activities in a sample group of 29 first-year and second-year students
majoring in Geography for Tourism at a Romanian university, consisting of
writing tasks supported by: a Learner Corpus (LC), a Native-Speaker Corpus
(NSC), and a Web-based Corpus (WBC). The research methodology involves the
combination of quantitative and qualitative data, extracted from pre- and
post-intervention corpus analyses, with the results of a
learner-satisfaction questionnaire. The findings indicate a significant
differentiation in the complexity of the lexico-grammatical features used by
learners in consequent intervention stages and a better integration of
L2-related academic writing strategies into their written productions. The
study yields first conclusions on the integration of computer-processed
language databases in DDL strategies for ESP learners in the Romanian
university context.
Integrating a virtual reality application to simulate situated learning
experiences in a foreign language course
Authors: Christoforou Maria , Xerou Eftychia , Papadima-Sophocleous Salomi
Published: November 2019

Immersion through Virtual Reality (VR) gives the subjective impression
that the learner has a realistic experience (Dede, 2009). The pedagogical
potential of VR provides the means of enabling constructivist places of
contextualised learning. This paper aims to examine the potential the VR
application Mondly may have to maximise interactivity and aid learners in
proactively experiencing empirical conversations that emulate authentic
contexts. The research took place in an undergraduate course Italian I (A1,
Common European Framework of Reference for languages), offered by the Cyprus
University of Technology. The present study adopts a quasi-experimental
design to evaluate the impact of Mondly on Italian learning. Digital
material is incorporated into the lesson to promote contextualised learning.
An experimental group is subjected to learning through Mondly whereas a
control group is subjected to conventional lectures utilising the same
material as the experimental group.
A pilot study of Alexa for autonomous second language learning
Authors: Dizon Gilbert , Tang Daniel
Published: November 2019

Although initial research involving Intelligent Personal Assistants
(IPAs) for language learning have yielded promising results, no study has
examined their use in the context of Autonomous Second Language Learning
(ASLL). Thus, the main goal of this pilot study was to investigate the use
of an IPA, specifically Alexa, for ASLL. Two Japanese university second
language (L2) English students participated in a four-week study, which
involved the learners interacting with Alexa through the Echo Dot speaker in
their respective homes. Learner usage data was collected via the Alexa
website and the students’ attitudes toward the IPA for ASLL were evaluated
through a survey consisting of 12 Likert-scale items and four open-ended
questions. It was found that while the L2 students had positive opinions
toward the use of Alexa for ASLL, the learners did not make active use of
the technology.
The effects of an online learning management system on students’ academic
socialization: a qualitative study on a Chinese graduate course
Authors: Dong Liu , Cheng Li , Dong Shixin , Wu Guanzhen
Published: November 2019

Blended learning which combines face-to-face instruction and online
learning is increasingly important and pervasive in China. Guided by the
theory of ‘Language Socialization’, the researchers explored the situated
learning experiences of four Year 1 graduate students while they were
adapting to the new academic environment through the graduate course of
‘Second Language Acquisition’ at a university in Beijing. In this course, a
WeChat connected to the Blackboard learning system was used. Student-teacher
interactions on the WeChat and Blackboard, classroom observations, and
interviews were used for data collection. Results from four case studies
illustrated that academic adaptation was a complex sociocultural phenomenon
in which students gradually became competent members of the academic
community. Moreover, Learning Management Systems (LMSs) were of great help
for them in adapting to a new environment and developing negotiating
competence in their new academic communities.
Learner attitudes towards data-driven learning: investigating the effect
of teaching contexts
Authors: Forti Luciana
Published: November 2019

Concordance-based Data-Driven Learning (DDL) aims to help second
language learners infer language usage rules from language usage
regularities. A number of DDL pedagogical treatments have focussed on
phraseological units such as collocations, widely recognised as a central
component of second language learning. This study evaluates DDL effects from
an emic perspective, reflecting the learners’ perceived usefulness of the
approach, as opposed to etic perspectives, representing changes in language
competence as a result of the approach. It compares a group of Chinese
learners and a group of Belgian learners of Italian as a Second
Language/Foreign Language (SL/FL). The findings indicate that the Belgian
students seem to have gained familiarity with the approach faster than the
Chinese, though the latter seems to perceive greater long-term benefits of
the approach, and are more favourable to future mobile phone applications.
The study aims to shed light on possible learner-related differences in DDL
treatments and on the insightfulness of emic data in assessing DDL
effects.
The Structural Model of Problems and Prioritized Programs to Develop Village Enterprises in Jambi Province
Authors: Daulay Asnelly Ridha , Syaputra Rialdi
Published: November 2019

The number of village enterprises in Jambi Province until 2017 was only 320 of 1,551 villages. Need more village enterprises to be established in order to increase the economic independence of rural areas and their community. However, that is not easy since many existing village enterprises currently experience some difficulties. This study aims to analyze problems faced by village enterprises and programs prioritized to overcome the problems. The research conducted in three different locations that represent western part of Jambi, middle and eastern part of Jambi. Each of them had different core businesses, namely Dusun Dalam of Kerinci Regency (core business in processing of agricultural products), Lubuk Beringin of Bungo Regency (core business is tourism village), and Dataran Kempas of Tanjung Jabung Barat Regency (core business is the production of compost). Data collected by doing observation and focus group discussion and then analyzed by using Interpretative Structural Model (ISM). This study reveals that the main problems concerned with human resources even though they are expressed by stakeholders in each village enterprise with different narratives. Issues concerning capital also arise, but they are not in the top position of all problems faced. The programs they put in priorities are some training in area of leadership, accountancy, marketing, entrepreneurship and others that related to the development of human resources.
Acute and subacute toxicity evaluation of calcium carbide and ethylene glycol in Wistar albino rats
Authors: Bini Markose , Rajesh Bhargavan , Babu Thekkekara Devassy
Published: November 2019

Background

Naturally ripened fruits play a vital role in human nutrition. Under certain conditions, synthetic chemicals like calcium carbide (CaC2) and ethylene glycol (EG) are being freely used illegally in India and other countries for fruit ripening without serious concern on its toxic effects. This preclinical study evaluated the toxicity on different organs after the exposure of industrial-grade CaC2 and EG to the rats.

Methods

Acute toxicity was induced by the oral administration of a single dose of chemicals to the rats, and their morbidity and mortality were monitored. For subacute study, different organs of animals were analyzed biochemically and histologically after the exposure of low doses of chemicals for 30 days.

Results

At an acute dose of 5 mg/kg body weight of CaC2, 85% of the animals were found dead within 14 days; however, no mortality was observed following EG administration. At subacute doses, RBC and hemoglobin levels were found to be declined (p < 0.01), whereas total WBC and platelet counts, especially lymphocytes, were elevated remarkably (p < 0.01). Total protein, albumin, and urea were also found to be increased (p < 0.01). Histopathological observations support the toxicity in rats at higher doses of CaC2 and EG.

Conclusions

The study revealed that the artificial fruit-ripening agents like CaC2 and EG cause toxic effects on the internal organs of rats. The subsequent inflammatory response might have weakened the immune system. This in turn suggests the requisite for urgent measures to regulate the use of harmful synthetic agents in fruit ripening.
Relevant criteria for the selection of cryotubes. Experiences from the German National Cohort
Authors: Petersmann Astrid , Winter Theresa , Lamp Sophia , Nauck Matthias
Published: November 2019

Background

The storage of different biomaterials over long time periods is one of the main requirements of biobanking ensuring that modifications in the composition or any other change of the biomaterials have to be avoided. In the German National Cohort samples from around 200,000 participants are processed and stored long term.

Methods

A tender for cryotubes and racks was performed in 2013 setting up several characteristics that were judged against each other. Tubes and racks were evaluated regarding the performance and handling in connection with the main biorepository. With a 5-year experience using the selected tubes we are able to reflect some of the criteria of the tender.

Results

At the end of the decision, the former company FluidX, in the meantime taken over from Brooks (Brooks Life Sciences, Manchester, UK), received the order. The experience with the external testing of the tube was useful.

Conclusions

Overall, the experience with the cryotubes is good and their mechanical handling at the different sites is routine in the meantime. There are some aspects that we recommend for future tenders. Further research is necessary to learn more about the cryotubes and the labware in general in the field of biobanking to store our samples as safely as possible.
The Increment of Rights and Chinese Economic Reform— A Call for an Economy in Favor of the Subject
Authors: Zhang Lun
Published: November 2019

Zeng liang gaige (incremental reform) is the term used by some economists to define the characteristics of the Chinese reform. In my opinion, the real increment reform is the increase in people's rights in our times. The econmy should not be considered as a simple question of production and distribution of ressources, it should be an econmy of the subject both for China and the world

WU Jinglian, Dangdai zhongguo jingji gaige (Contemporary Economic Reform) Beijing, Zhongxin Editions, 2017, pp. 343–360.

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Application of exercised-based pre-rehabilitation in perioperative period of patients with gastric cancer
Authors: Jianjun Wu , Xing Wu , Guozhong Yao , Chuming Zhu , Jiang Yan
Published: November 2019

Objective

To analyze the difference between exercised-based pre-rehabilitation and postoperative rapid rehabilitation of gastric cancer patients.

Methods

The clinical data of 120 patients who underwent surgical treatment between 2016 and 2018 in our hospital with pathologically confirmed gastric cancer were retrospectively reviewed. According to the different treatments during the perioperative period, they were divided into exercised-based pre-rehabilitation group and postoperative rapid rehabilitation group. Factor analysis was used to analyze pre-rehabilitation and postoperative rehabilitation of patients with gastric cancer after stress response, nutritional status, insulin resistance, and inflammatory response in patients with gastric cancer, and to further evaluate the value of pre-recovery accelerated postoperative recovery.

Results

The postoperative stress response, insulin resistance, and inflammatory response in the pre-rehabilitation group were lower than the conventional treatment group. The nutritional status was improved faster than the traditional treatment group. Exercised-based pre-rehabilitation for the rapid recovery of postoperative gastrointestinal function in patients with gastric cancer surgery has significant value.

Conclusion

Exercised-based pre-rehabilitation has great significance for the accelerated rehabilitation of patients with gastric cancer during perioperative period.
Philosophie als absolute Vermittlung
Authors: Kiefer Julian
Published: November 2019

Für eine Verhältnisbestimmung von Religion und Philosophie unterzieht der protestantische Theologe Martin Wendte Hegels philosophisches System einer theologischen sowie einer philosophisch-immanenten Kritik. Das Beweisziel dieser Arbeit besteht im Nachweis, dass auch Wendtes philosophische Kritik nur haltbar unter offenbarungstheologischen Voraussetzungen, also gar keine immanente Hegel-Kritik ist. Der Grund dafür liegt in der Unwiderlegbarkeit Hegels, der bloß den notwendig absoluten Anspruch der Disziplin Philosophie ausdrückt; ein absoluter Anspruch, dem der der Theologie in nichts nachsteht.
Diskurstheorie und Aufklärung
Authors: Stengel Friedemann
Published: November 2019

Foucaults diskurstheoretischer Ansatz hat die Auffassungen von Aufklärung und Humanismus, von Wissenschaft und Rationalität, von Wahrheit und Ethos den Prozeduren des einen Diskurses unterworfen. Das hat für kräftige Debatten über das Verhältnis von Normativität und Historizität gesorgt. Der Beitrag zeigt, inwieweit Foucaults Ansatz auf der Basis sowie als Konsequenz der kritischen Philosophie Kants erarbeitet worden ist. Diskurstheorie beruht als Aufklärungsprojekt nicht auf normativen Voraussetzungen einer vermeintlich historisch greifbaren und im Kern einheitlichen Aufklärung, sondern verortet sich im „Zeitalter der Kritik“, in dem bei der Suche nach Erkenntnis immer nach den Grenzen von Erkenntnis und von Erfahrung gefragt wird: Rationale Deutungsansprüche werden streng in ihren historischen Kontexten betrachtet. Aus dieser Perspektive wird das Verhältnis Kant-Swedenborg-Oetinger betrachtet. Dabei wird deutlich, dass weiterführende Überlegungen aus den postcolonial studies, insbesondere Homi K. Bhabhas, zu noch schärferen Einsichten in die diskursiven Aushandlungsprozeduren und rezeptionellen Verhältnisse zwischen vermeintlich radikal gegensätzlichen Lehren und Personen gelangen. Auf das Verhältnis von Historiographie und Geschichtsphilosophie fällt im Sinne von Aufklärung als eines ethischen Projekts neues Licht.
Transforming Historical Objectivism into Historical Hermeneutics: From “Historical Illness” to Properly Lived Historicality
Authors: Tops Thomas
Published: November 2019

The present study analyses recent criticisms against the use of modern-historical methodologies in Biblical Studies. These methodologies abstract from the historical horizon of the researcher. In order to relate properly to the historicality of the researcher, historical objectivism needs to be transformed into historical hermeneutics. Recent developments in the historical methodology of biblical scholars are unable to reckon with the historicality of the researcher due to the partial or incorrect implementation of Gadamer’s views on reception history. I analyse the views of Nietzsche, Kierkegaard, and Gadamer on historicality and contend that the study of reception history is a necessary condition for conducting historical study from within the limits of our historicality. Reception history should not be a distinct methodological step to study the “Nachleben” of biblical texts, but needs to clarify how the understanding of these texts is already effected by their history of interpretation. The awareness of the presuppositions that have guided previous interpretations of biblical texts enables us to be confronted by their alterity. This confrontation calls for a synthesis between reception-historical and historical-critical methodology that introduces a new paradigm for conducting historical study in Biblical Studies in dialogue with other theological disciplines.
The mTOR pathway in reproduction: from gonadal function to developmental coordination
Authors: Correia Bibiana , Sousa Maria Inês , Ramalho-Santos João
Published: November 2019

Reproduction depends on many factors, from gamete quality to placenta formation, to fetal development. The mTOR pathway is emerging as a major player that integrates several cellular processes in response to a variety of environmental cues that are relevant in many aspects of reproduction. This review provides a general overview, summarizing the involvement of the two mTOR complexes (mTORC1 and mTORC2) in integrating signaling pathways, sensing environmental status, and managing physiological processes inherent to successful reproductive outcomes and pluripotent stem cell function. As a well-known governor of multiple cellular functions, it is not surprising that mTOR has a key regulatory role in determining cell quiescence or differentiation. In the gonads mTOR helps maintain spermatogonial stem cell and follicle identity and tightly regulates differentiation in both systems to ensure proper gamete production. The mTOR pathway is also known to prevent premature follicle exhaustion, while also controlling the blood–testis barrier in the male gonad. In stem cells mTOR again seems to have a role in controlling both pluripotency and differentiation, mirrored by its in vivo roles in the embryo, notably in regulating diapause. Finally, although there are clearly more complex systems intertwined in placental function, mTOR seems to serve as an early checkpoint for development progression and successful implantation.
Diş Hekimliği Eğitiminde Beceri ve Yeterliğin Değerlendirilmesi II: Değerlendirme Yöntemleri
Authors: AKALTAN Kadriye Funda
Published: November 2019

Diş hekimliği eğitiminde; yenilenen mezuniyet öncesi standartlarla birlikte, müfredat reformları fakültelerin esas teması haline gelmiştir. Müfredat değişiklikleri disiplinlerarası öğretim, entegrasyon, probleme dayalı öğrenim ve eleştirel düşünme uygulamalarını içermiştir. Bununla birlikte, değerlendirmelerimiz müfredat amaç ve hedeflerimizle uyuşmadığı taktirde, eğitmen olarak tüm çabalarımızın başarısızlıkla sonuçlanması kaçınılmazdır. Diş hekimliği eğitiminde çağı yakalayabilmek için, öğrencilerimizin pek çok yönden minimum yeterlik seviyesine ulaşmasını sağlamamız gerekir. Değerlendirmelerin yapılmasını istediğimiz alanlar; temel bilgi, davranışlar, beceriler ve yeterliklerdir. Her alanda doğru değerlendirme şeklinin seçimi; öğrencilerimizin başarısı için kritik önem taşır. Bu derleme çalışmasında; vaka sunumu, direkt gözlemleme, günlük puanlamalar, geribildirimler, akran değerlendirmesi, klinik yapılandırma sınavları gibi pek çok değerlendirme şekli beceri, yeterlik ve peformansların değerlendirilmesi için incelenmiş ve sonuçları tartışılmıştır.
Understanding social economy through a complexity lens: Four case studies in Northwestern Ontario
Authors: Nelson Connie , Stroink Mirella L. , Levkoe Charles Z. , Kakegamic Rachel , McKay Esther , Stolz William , Streutker Allison
Published: November 2019

Broadly described, the social economy refers to a series of initiatives with common values representing explicit social objectives. The roots of social economy organizations predate the neoliberal economy and are integral to the human condition of coming together in mutual support to address challenges that benefit from collective efforts. Drawing on a complexity science approach, this paper analyzes four case studies situated in Northwestern Ontario—blueberry foraging, Cloverbelt Local Food Co-op, Willow Springs Creative Centre and Bearskin Lake First Nations—to demonstrate key features of social economy of food systems. Their unifying feature is a strong focus on local food as a means to deliver social, economic and environmental benefits for communities. Their distinct approaches demonstrate the importance of context in the emergence of the social economy of food initiatives. In the discussion section, we explore how these case study initiatives re-spatialize and re-socialize conventional food system approaches.
From Euclid to BGL
Authors: Jenkovszky L.
Published: November 2019

The emergence of the new non-Euclidean geometry of Bolyai, Gauß, and Lobachevskii (BGL) and its impact on modern sciences is the subject of a series of biennial conferences. Below, I briefly review the history.
The Snyder Model and Quantum Field Theory
Authors: Mignemi S.
Published: November 2019

We review the main features of the relativistic Snyder model and its generalizations. We discuss the quantum field theory on this background using the standard formalism of noncommutative QFT and discuss the possibility of obtaining a finite theory.