bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
TEACHING BASIC QUALITY CONTROL TOOLS BY ANALYZING THE ELECTRICITY SECTOR
Authors: Dominguez-Vergara Nicolas
Published: July 2022

"There are many formidable and complex worldwide problems which can be analyzed using quality control tools that spark the interest of engineering students because they are currently important problems which impact their lives. Nowadays, there is a very important discussion on the phasing out of fossil fuels and the increment in the use of renewable energy sources to produce electricity. Solar and wind sources have the disadvantage that they are intermittent and on some days there may not be enough electricity produced from them. Therefore, the supply is reduced despite that the demand is constant or even increased during extreme weather conditions. In Mexico, there is a national debate about modifying several constitutional amendments to the Mexican energy reform of 2013 which allowed private generators to take over most of the electricity market. Among the main questions to answer in Mexico are: is it true that generating electricity from renewable energy sources leads to lower prices for the population? In the case of Mexico, why does the government complain about the electricity generation schemes legally allowed for private generators? The students must learn how to use engineering tools to reach the root of these problems and that there is also the need to search for hard data. The issues are so numerous and complex that a large part of the population is confused about who is right. In class the analysis is sketched, the students are very interested, and participate very actively in the discussion. However, the problem is not analyzed completely because of the time constraints. In this paper we show the analysis of these problems using industrial engineering tools. The objective is to answer these questions. An Ishikawa Diagram, a Decision Tree, a Pareto Diagram, a Quality Deployment Function and a reduced Failure Modes and Effects Analysis have been used to answer these questions. The analysis shows that despite the prices for generation of electricity from renewable energy sources the country does not benefit from most of the electricity businesses given to the private sector in Mexico. The quality control tools taught in engineering courses allow to analyze complex problems if used properly with the data needed for the analysis."
NARRATIVE INQUIRY ON THE SUBJECTIVITY CHANGE PROCESS OF LIFELONG LEARNERS IN PSYCHOLOGY
Authors: Kwon Joseph
Published: July 2022

"The interest in psychology in lifelong learning is increasing. So, how does psychology as lifelong learning actually affect lifelong learners? This paper analyzes the process of subjectivity change of a psychology lifelong learner as a method of narrative inquiry according to Lacan's subject theory that puts the purpose of psychology in subjectivity change. The participant is a English teacher who first encountered psychology in college and have been living as a psychology lifelong learner for more than 20 years. Through psychology learning, she was able to understand and accept her husband, who had a different personality from herself, to be able to care for her child's own career path, and to reconcile with her mother who had been fighting for her life. It is possible to form the self-subjective self, not the self as the approval and imitation of the other, and to move from the divided subject to the integrated subject. This study is meaningful in that it can show the effects of psychology as lifelong learning qualitatively and help design psychological lifelong learning."
ENGLISH SECOND LANGUAGE LEARNERS’ CHALLENGES IN COMPREHENDING PHYSICAL SCIENCES CONCEPTS
Authors: Shubani Maletsatsi , Mavuru Lydia
Published: July 2022

"Physical Sciences is a complex subject with many abstract concepts. This complexity is magnified by the learners’ lack of the linguistic capacity to comprehend the concepts and engage actively in the teaching and learning process. Previous studies have alluded to the fact that science is a language on its own, which therefore makes it even more difficult for learners whose home language is different from the medium of learning and teaching. Previous research indicated that learners who are English second language speakers perform poorly in Physical Sciences because the majority of learners particularly from townships and rural areas are only exposed to English in the classroom, and once they get out of the classroom, they start communicating in their home languages. It is against this background that the current study sought to determine challenges English second language speakers face in comprehending Physical Sciences concepts. In a quantitative and qualitative methodology, five grade 12 Physical Sciences teachers and 51 learners in their Physical Sciences classrooms were randomly selected from public schools in Johannesburg. To establish English second language learners’ challenges in comprehending Physical Sciences concepts, a questionnaire was administered to the selected learners. The teachers were interviewed using a structured interview schedule to explore how they assisted English second language learners to overcome language challenges when learning Physical Sciences. Quantitative data was analysed and descriptive statistics were obtained and a regression analysis was done to find the correlation between these learners’ marks in the subject English First Additional Language and their Physical Sciences marks. Qualitative data from teachers’ interviews were analysed using content analysis. Findings from the learner questionnaire showed that 78% of the learners indicated that language plays an important role in them understanding high school Physical Sciences concepts and as such they failed to meaningfully understand the Physical Sciences terminologies and jargon used for each specific topic. They also indicated that they perform badly in Physical Sciences assessments as they struggle to engage in meaningful classroom discussions due to their poor proficiency in English, the medium of instruction. The analysis showed a positive correlation between learners marks in English as a subject and their Physical Sciences marks. Amongst others teachers indicated that they mostly used code switching as a strategy to assist learners understand concepts. The findings have implications on South African education policy makers to consider the use of home languages in teaching and learning."
DESCRIPTIVE JUDGMENT IN ITALIAN PRIMARY SCHOOL EVALUATION
Authors: Tammaro Rosanna , Stasio Isabella , Scarano Roberta , Gragnaniello Deborah
Published: July 2022

"The pandemic situation has made it clear the limit of evaluation through decimal vote. It draws a measuring and classificatory logic. To overcome these limits, the Ministerial Order 172/2020 has introduced new procedure of students’ assessment: descriptive judgment. It replaces the decimal mark with an assessment through “learning level” that allow to monitor the evolutionary process of the student (Castoldi, 2021). Furthermore, the fundamental characteristics of descriptive judgment are: transparency and clarity. Therefore, it is necessary to involve pupils in the assessment process and provide them with continuous feedback on the progress made. The descriptive judgment also has negative aspects: it creates a gap between the disciplinary judgment and the judgment expressed based on the competence certification model. It does not pay attention to the peculiarities of the different disciplines: a single criterion is used for the evaluation without consider the differences between the various subject areas. Finally, the Ministerial Order introduced this change only in primary school and consequently a fracture is created with the lower secondary school. Despite the negative aspects, descriptive judgment represents a way that goes beyond simple performance but allows you to focus on the learning process from the perspective of lifelong learning."
THE EFFECTS OF TEACHER EDUCATION ON TECHNICAL VOCATIONAL EDUCATION AND TRAINING COLLEGE LECTURERS
Authors: Motsoeneng Molefi
Published: July 2022

"The aim of this paper is to analyse teacher training with regard to Content Knowledge (CK) and Pedagogical Content Knowledge (PCK) by universities in South Africa. The universities’ training of teachers does not cater for Technical Vocational Education and Training (TVET) college lecturers, who are thus required to teach courses in which they are not competent. At the beginning of democracy in South Africa, reform of teacher education was initiated. This reform was followed by a closure of the teacher training colleges which therefore shifted the responsibility for training of future teachers to the universities. Minimum Requirements for Teacher Education Qualifications (MRTEQ) were adopted as the policy document for admission into the teaching profession. The reforms, however, excluded the training of (TVET) lecturers. TVET College lecturer training has not changed and most of the problems regarding lack of Content Knowledge (CK), PCK, and Subject Matter Knowledge (SMK) have not been attended to. This has negatively influenced the quality of lecturers at TVET colleges and resulted in a poor quality of TVET education. Semi-structured interviews collected the data regarding training in relation to courses currently being taught, as well as measuring CK, PCK, and SMK in those courses. The findings revealed that the lecturers were not competent in the courses they taught. Thus, the study strongly recommends more teacher training of the continuous professional development."
THE USE OF IMPROVISED RESOURCES IN SCIENCE CLASSROOMS IN SOUTH AFRICAN TOWNSHIP SCHOOLS
Authors: Ramaila Sam
Published: July 2022

"A considerable number of schools in South Africa are under-resourced and this dilemma poses formidable instructional challenges which stifle teachers’ ability to foster meaningful teaching and learning in science classrooms. There is a critical need to circumvent general lack of resources in township schools by harnessing pedagogical affordances of improvised resources. In response to this key strategic imperative, the study examined the use of improvised resources in science classrooms in South African township schools. The study adopted a generic qualitative design and involved purposively selected science teachers from South African township schools as participants. Qualitative data was collected through semi-structured interviews and classroom observations. Key findings demonstrated that the use of improvised resources is central to coherent development of scientific literacy and sustainable inculcation of requisite scientific skills in science classrooms. Theoretical implications for pedagogic innovation are discussed."
EXPLORING THE ROLE OF TECHNOLOGICAL PROCESS IN CIVIL ENGINEERING AND CONSTRUCTION STUDIES AT TECHNICAL VOCATIONAL EDUCATION AND TRAINING (TVET)
Authors: Mokhothu Khojane Geoffrey , Masoabi Charles S , Makura Alfred H
Published: July 2022

"Civil Engineering and Construction studies are subjects that develop and promulgate knowledge and skills through teaching, learning and assessment. The aim of the study was to explore the perceptions of lecturers regarding the role of technological process in Civil Engineering and Construction Studies at TVET colleges in the Free State Province in South Africa. While the objective is to determine the perception role of technological process in Civil Engineering and Construction (CEC) studies during the teaching, learning, and assessment process, When the driving research question was: what is the role of technological process in Civil Engineering and Construction Studies at TVET colleges with regard to teaching, learning, and assessment? The mix method consisting of quantitative and qualitative elements was employed. A questionnaire and a face-to-face interview were used as instruments to gather data. Twenty-six (26) CEC studies lecturers from four (4) different TVET colleges in the Free State province in South Africa. The study revealed that all lecturers prefer technological process as their main teaching and learning methods, in particular for final assessment."
THE CHALLENGE OF THE INITIAL TRAINING OF MATHEMATICS TEACHERS: KNOWLEDGE, PRACTICE, AND IDENTITY
Authors: Pascual Mª Isabel , Martín Juan Pedro
Published: July 2022

"In this research we pretend to answer the question: how is the initial training of mathematics teachers in the field of geometry? We argue that it is especially relevant to examine the content of mathematics teacher training in order to improve training processes. For this, we have analyzed training tasks and their management by the teacher educator about polygons, the construction of the definition and different classifications. The results show the variety of knowledge that is combined in this stage, including professional knowledge, professional practices and professional identity, providing evidence of theoretical advances in the field."
THE PRE-SERVICE TEACHERS UNDERSTANDING OF FRACTION AND HOW AND HOW FUTURE INSTRUCTIONS CAN BE IMPROVED TO OPTIMIZE LEARNING
Authors: Libusha Azwidowi Emmanuel
Published: July 2022

"There is an ongoing debate on whether preservice teachers should be taught the mathematics content knowledge because they start their mathematics content courses believing that they know enough mathematics to teach at a primary school level. Previous research has shown that much of the preservice teachers’ knowledge lacks conceptual understanding. Consequently, the current study explored preservice teachers’ knowledge of fractions. The study focuses on preservice’ teachers’ knowledge when comparing sizes of different fractions. The study will identify what the preservice teachers know about the comparison of size when it comes to fractions. A better understanding of how student teachers understand mathematics will inform better teaching methods for future instructions. This is to inform better instructional design in future ITE courses. The needed data consisted of 90 preservice teachers’ activity scripts and a task-based interview of some students. The study was guided by the research question: What is the preservice teachers’ understanding of fraction comparison, and how can future instruction be improved to optimize learning? The study adopted a mix-method approach where preservice teachers' responses to activities items were analysed from a first-year module conducted at a university level. Content analysis of the data yielded important findings that showed that preservice teachers have some misconceptions when they must determine the bigger fraction between the two. This study may be helpful to academics designing initial teacher education courses for mathematics and teachers who are already teaching mathematics in primary schools."
ENHANCING BATHO-PELE PRINCIPLES IN THE CONTEXT OF SCHOOL ADMINISTRATION CLERKS: THE QUEST FOR PUBLIC SERVICE EXCELLENCE
Authors: Mohatle Seabata A. , Phori John R.
Published: July 2022

"The operational image of the Public Service is received and noted with a compromised image. It is still plagued with negative attitudes in terms of service standards, particularly customer service and ‘Batho-Pele’ principles as displayed by School Administration Clerks. There are further notable challenges underpinned on a quest for a coherent transformed, transparent, efficient and accurate responsible service delivery to the necessities of all citizens. The latter ideals are pertinently elucidated by Public Service Vision thus saying: “A better life for all South African citizens by putting people first”. The “White Paper in the context of the Public Service, articulates the following eight essential pillars, namely: Consultation on service rendered; specification of service standards in respect of quality to be rendered; unrestricted access to service delivery; courteous treatment of clients with integrity; Openness and transparency of Departmental operations and redress on failed quality standard rendered as well as assurance on the value for money within the constraints of financial budgets ‘Batho-Pele’ is a Sesotho adage meaning “people first.” This is the ideal since 1997, a government initiative to transform public service delivery to citizens enshrined on the eight basic principles alluded. The study engages the qualitative research Free Attitude Interviews (FAI) dynamics to gather data on the need for an inviting collaborative service delivery; the key points in delivering quality service; the challenges in respect of service delivery; the environment conducive to a progressive quality service delivery as well success indicators to arm inviting service couched in the eight Batho-Pele public service principles. The study composed of administration clerks at both primary and secondary schools who are male or female in gender. The base for the discussion in this study is informed by the Critical Theory as a theoretical Framework adopted. To fortify our service excellence through Batho-Pele, critical elements on both Nigeria and Botswana service chatters have formed reference base to this research argument on matters of positive human treatment for service distinction. The study concludes with the fact attentive customer listening; show of human respect; personal integrity; quality service standards and swift response to customer grievances enhance the quest for Batho-Pele service excellence. The recommendation is that clerks in new public entrance ought to be inducted in this service ideal with further research undertaken for both relevance and sustainability."
PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT NEEDS OF FOUNDATION PHASE TEACHERS IN IDENTIFYING LEARNERS WITH LEARNING BARRIERS AT PRIMARY SCHOOLS
Authors: Ntlhare Leetwane Anna , Mukuna Kananga Robert
Published: July 2022

"South African Department of Education like other countries adopted an inclusive education and Training System Policy in 2001 to improve access to quality education for vulnerable learners and those who experience learning barriers. Training and Professional Development programmes were offered to teachers. Policies and guidelines were reformed to determine how support could be appropriately implemented in schools. The training programmes were perceived as the opportunity for teachers to improve their teaching skills, knowledge, and competences in identifying learners with learning barriers in an inclusive classroom. Although policies were reformed and teachers’ received training, teachers still lack experience challenges in identifying learners with learning barriers in an inclusive classroom. Research shows that many professional development programs have failed to improve teaching practice (Birman, Desimone, Porter and Garet, 2000; Newmann, King, and Youngs, 2001; Armour and Yelling, 2004; Hofman and Dijkstra, 2010). The aim of the study is to explore how teacher training and Professional development can be improved in identifying learners with learning barriers in South African primary schools. Twenty-eight participants (N=28) were purposefully selected from four South African rural primary schools. A qualitative interpretive approach was adopted, and data were gathered through four focus group interviews with twenty Foundation Phase teachers (five from each school) and eight individual face-to face interviews with four support teachers and four subject advisors. Data were thematically analysed as suggested by (Babbie and Mouton, Leedy and Ormrod, 2015). Result demonstrated that training and professional development programmes were not effective due to the following aspects: the training focused mostly on reading not the identification of learners and teachers experience challenges in identifying learners with learning barriers in an inclusive classroom. Reports also indicate that teachers lack proper skills and knowledge to implement evidence-based inclusive teaching strategies and practices for facilitating the success and participation of all learners within the inclusive classroom. (Awad, 2016; Ghoneim 2014; Alkhateeb et. al., 2016). Due to ineffective of the training, the current study suggests rethinking of a new strategy for improving teachers training to meet the needs of the teachers and improve learners’ performance."
THE NEEDS OF WOMEN-MOTHERS WITH CHRONIC MENTAL ILLNESS IN THE FIELD OF SHARED CHILDCARE – A HEALTH LITERACY RESEARCH STUDY
Authors: Hájková Petra , Květoňová Lea , Hájková Vanda
Published: July 2022

"The study, which is presented in the contribution, is carried out with the support of the Charles University Grant Agency in the Czech Republic. Its objective is to identify the obstacles that arise when carrying out daily parental activities of women with chronical mental illness, caring for a child or children under the age of 7. The women admitted to this study are diagnosed with mental illness in category F 00-99, are aged 19 to 49, and have their child or children in their own care, whether in a complete or incomplete family. The comparative sample consists of women-mothers without a mental health disorder. Both groups of women with comparable demographic characteristics participated in a questionnaire survey, the results of which are presented in the contribution. Subsequently, 22 women-mothers with a chronical mental illness will take part in semi-structured interviews, and the corresponding demographic sample of 22 women without a mental health disorder will again be used for the comparison. The results of the study will contribute to the knowledge of the needs of a numerically significant minority of women - mothers with mental health disorders, which is currently growing not only in the Czech Republic. From a psychosocial point of view, the results will also contribute to the destigmatization of these women."
HIGHER EDUCATION STUDENTS’ KNOWLEDGE AND OPINION ABOUT GEOETHICS AND SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT
Authors: Cardoso Alexandra , Vasconcelos Clara
Published: July 2022

"Geoethics is a scientific area that has as its main concern the investigation of ethical conduct of humans with the Earth. Given that, geoethics has the potential to contribute to the achievement of the sustainable development. Geoscientists are professionals that investigate the Earth and have various professional responsibilities when performing their work. As such, geoethics started its emergency in the last decade and initially was focused on the geoscientists’ conduct. Afterwards, geoethics evolved to be concerned about every interaction of mankind with the Earth system, like mining, geoheritage conservation, and climate change. The present study aimed to understand students’ perceptions concerning geoethics and its relationship with Sustainable Development Goals of the 2030 Agenda of United Nations. The present study was developed under the scope of a Ph.D. thesis project with the aim to investigate and implement an innovative syllabus for teaching geoethics in higher education. Before the implementation of classes aligned with the mentioned syllabus, we conducted a survey that gathered data from 90 students studying geosciences higher education courses. Ages ranged between 18 and 58 years (mean=22.7) including 48 females and 42 males. The survey questionnaire comprised of 11 closed questions related to the importance of learning geoethics in higher education. The analysis of the closed questions’ answers allowed us to understand that students consider important to have and follow an ethical conduct (n=87, 96.7%) and think that geoscientists have responsibilities towards the planet (n=83, 92.2%). The majority of the participants assumed to have already heard the term geoethics (n=53, 58.9%). When confronted with the meaning of geoethics most of the respondents stated that its knowledge is essential to the future professional work (n=87, 96.7%), and gave importance to the teaching of geoethics in higher education (n=82, 91.1%). Concerning the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, the majority of the students showed having some knowledge about the goals and considered them relevant due to the current state of the world and the need for citizen intervention on society (n=83, 92.2%; n=68, 75.6%; n=77, 85.5%). Most of the participants assumed that geoethics can contribute to sustainable development (n=89, 98.9%) and were able to point out three Sustainable Development Goals that they considered as related with geoethics. As our main conclusion, we can say that the participants of the study appraised geoethics as a relevant matter to be learned in higher education and grant it as a path for planetary sustainable development."
Fostering young agronomists’ competencies through experiential learning: A pilot research in the Agricultural University of Athens, Greece
Authors: Skaltsa Ioanna G. , Kasimatis Katerina , Koutsouris Alex
Published: July 2022

"In the 21st century agronomy students need to take the responsibility of their career planning. Upon graduation, they are called to combine knowledge, skills, and values, in order to support as change agents, farmers’ decision making aiming at sustainable agriculture and rural development. To reinforce such a role it is deemed necessary to cultivate student agency, namely, a sense of responsible and active participation in society. Students need to be able to set achievable goals, collaborate successfully in order to solve problems, and act in-line with a professional ethos supporting the wellness of the community and the sustainability of earth. Hence, the need of competence-based education in our century is usually taken as granted. Higher education should adopt educational methods and tools that would support students’ competence development. Experiential learning, represented by Kolb’s Experiential Learning Cycle (KELC), is an essential part of such an approach and includes four stages: concrete experience, reflective observation, abstract conceptualization, and active experimentation. In this paper, we explore the effectiveness of experiential learning aiming at the acquisition and/or development of competencies on the part of Agricultural University of Athens (AUA) students. To attain such an objective, we carried out a pilot with 69 AUA students, in spring of 2021. Students were divided into three groups (A, B, and C). Each group, attended a 3-hour meeting, using different approaches (A=traditional lecturing, B=experiential learning based on KELC and C=investigative case-based learning). Furthermore, students were offered a participatory class regarding rural advisors’ profile and planet sustainability. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, online tools were adopted. Students participated in pre- and post-survey based on a questionnaire. Focus groups and observation methods were also utilized to further explore and validate quantitative data. In this paper we report the design and the quantitative and qualitative findings, particularly focused on the experiential learning approach."
TEACHING ENGLISH WITH A CHILLY FORMAT: THE GRAPHIC NOVEL!
Authors: Tammaro Rosanna , D’Alessio Anna , Iannuzzo Anna , Notti Alessia
Published: July 2022

"Recently, the term graphic novel is commonly used in the educational area, and it’s often associated with another term, which is ‘comic book ‘. In a typical perception, the graphic novel provides an interesting way to communicate language concepts with a number of characteristics that may help students learning in a more effective manner rather than traditional textbooks. Given that it has been introduced in school lessons, it has certainly represented an opportunity for teachers. However…what exactly is a graphic novel? It is a didactic tool. A graphic novel, as its name suggests, is a novel that tells a complete story via illustrations. A graphic novel will offer the type of resolution that one expects from a novel, even if it is part of a series. Effectively, this makes a graphic novel longer and more substantive than a comic book, which is a serialized excerpt from a larger narrative story. Humankind has long told stories via images, beginning, perhaps, with the cave paintings of ancient civilizations. It was in the twentieth century, that we witnessed the rise in the use of comic books, which experienced a golden age during the Great Depression and World War II with the ascendance of Marvel and DC Comics. The Cold War era saw comic books and novels emerge into what is now known as a graphic novel. The term “graphic novel” traces back to an essay written by Richard Kyle in the comic book fanzine Capa-Alpha (although to this day there is not one fixed definition of “graphic novel”). The term is thought to have become mainstream with the publication of Will Eisner's A Contract with God in 1978. The authors provide an overview of the graphic novel format and its use in school lessons. The work is aimed at describing the most important steps of this format, with its implications for teachers and students. and the theoretical base that highlights how and why it can be a useful tool to present content relevant for the current generation of students. The authors provide examples of how the graphic novel medium could be applied to English concepts and conclude with the future prospects of this studying/teaching tool."
EFFECTS OF INVOLVEMENT LOAD IN EXTENSIVE READING ON LEXICAL RELATIONS AMONG ALREADY KNOWN L2 WORDS
Authors: Aotani Noriko , Takahashi Shin’ya
Published: July 2022

"The effects of task-induced involvement load, evaluation and need in particular, in extensive reading on a change of the lexical relations that EFL learners perceive were investigated. Fifty-two Japanese university students were assigned to one of three groups. All groups were given the same reading material (an English passage of 319 words including 12 target words) but with different tasks. MCQ group answered multiple-choice questions about the contents of the passage. MCQ+FB group answered fill-in-the-blank questions in the passage as well as the MCQ. MCQ+Com group did a composition task using the target words as well as the MCQ. In addition, all participants judged the degree of relationship between target words three times, a week before the task, immediately after the task, and a month after the task. The mean of relationship score was calculated for each participant each time, and was used as a dependent variable that indicates the degree of deepening of the lexical network. Participants also answered questions asking about their intrinsic motivation for the task. The results showed, contrary to our hypothesis, that evaluation manipulated by the tasks nor need compared by the degree of participant’s intrinsic motivation did not affect the dependent variable. Next, we analyzed the data by using AMISESCAL (Asymmetric von Mises Scaling), a statistical model that visualizes asymmetric relations among elements on a two-dimensional map, and found that the relations among target words largely depend on the main target word (keyword of the passage). Although the present findings were generally negative in terms of the Involvement Load Hypothesis (Laufer & Hulstijn, 2001), it was suggested that carefully choosing appropriate reading material with target words is important for the future studies."
THE IMPACT OF SCIENTIFIC LANGUAGE ON THE TEACHING AND LEARNING OF GRADE 7 NATURAL SCIENCES
Authors: Msipha Mzwakhe , Mavuru Lydia
Published: July 2022

"Questions have been asked about whether science is more special than any other subject in being less culture bound, and less subject to the usual differences between languages. At so many angles scientific language has been viewed as difficult because of its academic, authoritative and impersonal nature which makes it difficult for both teachers and learners to understand. This is an unfortunate reality because learners ought to develop a strong foundational understanding of scientific concepts in order to comprehend scientific knowledge and processes. Previous studies have shown how language acts as a possible barrier to scientific concept formation. Consequently, the current paper reports on a study to determine how the nature of scientific language impact on the teaching of grade 7 Natural Sciences. Guided by the socio-cultural theory as a framework the study adopted a qualitative case-study research approach. From two different schools in Johannesburg, four Natural Sciences teachers and their grade 7 Natural Sciences learners were purposefully selected to participate in the study. Each teacher was observed twice while teaching Natural Sciences to grade 7 learners and the observations were captured using Reformed Teaching Observation Protocol (RTOP). Each lesson observation was followed by semi-structured interviews to accord the teachers an opportunity to explain some of the episodes observed in the lessons. Data collected was subjected to constant comparative analysis. The results showed that both teachers and learners struggled with writing, pronouncing and spelling scientific terminologies regardless of their proficiency in the language of teaching and learning. The teachers indicated that their learners failed to understand the scientific concepts and processes when they explain to them in English. The lack of fluency in English reduced the participation of learners during the teaching and learning process particularly where teachers had zero tolerance for learners’ use of home languages to answer questions. What came out strongly from the lesson observations was that whether learners were first or second English language speakers, the teachers’ abilities to scaffold learning was essential to ensure science concepts were comprehensible to the learners. Concepts were more accessible to the learners in classrooms where the teachers utilised different ICT tools which lowered the impact of scientific language. The findings have implications for both pre-service and in-service teacher professional development programmes to equip teachers with the knowledge and skills for making science more comprehensible to the learners."
PRE-SERVICE TEACHERS’ CONCEPTIONS OF THE INTEGRATION OF SOCIOSCIENTIFIC ISSUES IN LIFE SCIENCES TEACHING
Authors: Mavuru Lydia
Published: July 2022

"Debates have been going on regarding what the goals of science education are and how those goals could be achieved. Developing scientific literacy in learners has gained traction over the years among other goals. It has been documented that by engaging learners in socioscientific issues (SSIs) in the science classrooms learners acquire complex competencies and skills necessary for scientific literacy. Learners also get motivated to learn science and take up careers in science. The current paper reports findings from a qualitative case study which sought to determine pre-service teachers’ conceptions of the integration of SSIs in Life Sciences teaching and learning. A total of 50 third year pre-service teachers enrolled for a Life Sciences methodology course at a South African University, were selected to participate. After covering a theme on SSIs in Life Sciences teaching and learning, the participants were asked to document their conceptions of SSIs and how argumentation could be used to teach SSIs in specific Life Sciences topics. Their submissions were subjected to content analysis. Two themes emerged: 1. Teachers’ conceptions of the integration of specific SSIs when teaching controversial concepts in Life Sciences; and 2. Teachers’ conceptions of argumentation as a suitable strategy in addressing SSIs in some Life Sciences topics. In addition to the previously found benefits of integrating SSIs such as developing learners’ critical thinking skills, ability to make negotiations, and developing learners to make informed decisions, the pre-service teachers brought in a new angle. They showed how failure to teach SSIs could impact on the livelihood of humans as related to SSIs associated with the current COVID-19 pandemic and other diseases humans are grappling with such as cancer. Some brought in the role of SSIs in teaching the nature of science, an area neglected in many Life Sciences classrooms. Other participants mentioned how argumentation as a teaching strategy equips learners with life skills such as abilities to raise their opinions and stance in a world where most young people are failing to take criticism or challenges positively thereby resorting to suicide as an easy way out of challenging situations. The pre-service teachers’ conceptions were based on real life experiences considering that they were also still young. There were some who did not conceptualise integrating SSIs in the positive manner as they argued that addressing such issues in the classroom would be intrusive. These findings have implications for both pre-and in-service teacher professional development."
Factors Affecting Borrowers’ Intention in Peer-To-Peer Lending Platform in Mongolia
Authors: U Gerelt-Od , D Delgertsetseg , Yo Chimedtsogzol , B Oyundari
Published: July 2022

The current paper aims to examine factors that influence borrowers’ intention to borrow from Peer-to-Peer lending platform in Mongolia. This topic has been attracting researchers’ interest especially since 2008 when the 3rd round of fintech development starts over the developed countries. The most of those studies focus on investigating the factors that explain borrowers’ intention to borrow, and a few of them research this perspective from the investors’ side. It is hardly to find the study that explain intentions of parties to participate in a P2P lending platform in Mongolia. Our research tries to fill this gap by studying factors influencing borrowers’ intention in Mongolian fintech market. We have used the TAM model as a theoretical framework and have collected survey questionnaires from investors and borrowers from all fintech companies in Mongolia.  The result shows that borrowers’ intention is mostly driven by initial trust and perceived risk. Other variables, perceived ease of use and perceived security, have no impact on borrowers’ decisions to participate in P2P platform.
MUDANÇAS CLIMÁTICAS E A PRODUÇÃO DE CAFÉ CONILON NA MICRORREGIÃO CENTRO-OESTE DO ESTADO DO ESPÍRITO SANTO
Authors: Rocha Pinho Leandro Glaydson da , Lignani Bitencout Luciene , Soares de Souza Gustavo , De Andrade Silva Leal Érika , De Souza Lino Leandro , Gonçalves Alves Amanda , Luiz de Souza Washington , Lozer Martins Rafael , Elias Jhonathan
Published: July 2022

A produção agrícola no Brasil está relacionada a condições edafoclimáticas favoráveis ao cultivo de espécies tropicais, subtropicais e temperadas. O agronegócio brasileiro representa mais de 20% do Produto Interno Bruto. Entretanto a agropecuária, por ser influenciada por condições climáticas, está relacionada diretamente a ameaça das mudanças climáticas globais. As mudanças bruscas de ambiente sensibilizam as plantas em suas fases fenológicas, como crescimento, floração e frutificação, atuando diretamente na taxa fotossintética e consequentemente na produção. O café conilon, espécie de grande importância econômica para o Estado do Espírito Santo, especialmente para a microrregião Centro-Oeste, tem sido alvo das mudanças abióticas, como a exposição prolongada da planta a estresse térmico e hídrico. O presente artigo teve como objetivo analisar os efeitos das mudanças climáticas globais na produção de café conilon. Em termos metodológicos, fez-se uso da metodologia descritiva, a partir do levantamento e análise de artigos publicados nos últimos 20 anos. Os resultados mostraram que as mudanças climáticas afetam a produção de café conilon em importantes municípios produtores do Estado do Espírito Santo. Os principais parâmetros climáticos relacionados aos impactos negativos das mudanças climáticas para o desempenho e produtividade do café conilon foram o aumento médio das temperaturas e redução na disponibilidade hídrica. Dessa forma, como atividade mitigadora do efeito sugere-se investigar práticas agrícolas com potencial de redução da temperatura da superfície foliar do cafeeiro e adoção de práticas que preservem a água no solo e aprofundamento do sistema radicular das culturas.
ADJUSTMENT OF MATHEMATICAL MODELS TO DETERMINE QUALITY CHARACTERISTICS OF PINEAPPLE FRUITS VITÓRIA CULTIVAR
Authors: De Souza Oliveira Vinicius , Pires Andrea , Rangel Ferreira Thayanne , Fontana Silva Laís Gertrudes , Cerri Neto Basílio , Corrêa Lima Kayo Cezar , Fornazzier Brandes Marciely , Dousseau Arantes Sara , De Oliveira Arantes Lúcio , Tognere Jasmyn , Romais Schmildt Edilson
Published: July 2022

The objective of this study was to adjust and validate mathematical models to estimate physical and chemical characteristics of pineapple fruits (Ananas comosus L.) through their linear dimensions. For this purpose, 130 fruits of the cultivar BRS Vitória were used, produced at the experimental farm of the Capixaba Institute of Research, Technical Assistance and Rural Extension, located in the municipality of Sooretama, North of the State of Espírito Santo, Brazil. Of all fruits, the length (L), diameter (D), mass (M), titratable acidity (TA) and soluble solids (SS) were determined. For the modeling, the characteristics M, TA and SS were used as a dependent variable in function of L and D of the fruits, being adjusted the models of equation of first degree linear, quadratic and power. All equations were valid, thus obtaining the mean absolute error, root mean square error and Willmott d index. The diameter showed a better relationship with the physical and chemical characteristics of the pineapple fruit cultivar BRS Vitória, the equations being y = 0.0015(D)^2.7451, y = 1.076350-0.261046(D)+0.018081(D)^2 e y = 21.91682-4.58785(D)+0.31048(D)^2 more suitable for estimating the mass, titratable acidity and soluble solids respectively, in a simple, safe and without the need to destroy the fruits.
DESIGUALDADE SOCIAL E DESENVOLVIMENTO REGIONAL: UM ESTUDO DE CASO NA MICRORREGIÃO CENTRO-OESTE DO ESPÍRITO SANTO
Authors: De Souza Lino Leandro , De Andrade Silva Leal Érika , Souza Marques Ivana , Morandi Lóra Renata
Published: July 2022

O mundo possui uma opulência sem precedentes na história da humanidade e, ao mesmo tempo, convive-se com uma série de desafios antigos, tais como fome, doenças, carência de oportunidades e acirramento das desigualdades, os quais ainda não foram superados. Este artigo analisa as questões referentes à desigualdade e à pobreza na Microrregião Centro-Oeste do Espírito Santo. Em termos metodológicos, são analisados os indicadores de desenvolvimento humano, como o Índice de Desenvolvimento Humano (IDH), o Índice Firjan de Desenvolvimento Municipal (IFDM) e o Índice de Vulnerabilidade Social (IVS) para todos os municípios da Microrregião, os dados do CadÚnico, bem como o hiato médio de pobreza e de extrema pobreza. As análises desses indicadores são complementadas com entrevistas realizadas junto a moradores e a lideranças locais. Os principais resultados mostram que, apesar de se ter observado uma elevação nos indicadores de desenvolvimento humano na Microrregião nos últimos anos, em todas as variáveis que compõem tais indicadores há uma desigualdade latente entre os municípios, especialmente nos quesitos educação e renda. Dadas as desigualdades existentes entre os municípios e o agravamento da situação de vulnerabilidade social decorrentes da pandemia de Covid-19, as ações necessárias para combater a desigualdade, em todas as suas faces, eliminar a pobreza e garantir condições de vida mais dignas para a população devem ser muito mais efetivas e desafiadoras.
DESENVOLVIMENTO REGIONAL SUSTENTÁVEL: UMA AGENDA PARA A MICRORREGIÃO CENTRO-OESTE DO ESPÍRITO SANTO
Authors: De Andrade Silva Leal Érika , De Sousa Lino Leandro , Sousa Marques Ivana , Lora Morandi Renata
Published: July 2022

O mundo vive um período de fortes Transições Tecnológicas (TT´s). As TT´s são definidas como amplas transformações tecnológicas na maneira como as funções sociais, tais como transporte, comunicação, habitação e alimentação, são realizadas/alcançadas (GELLS, 2002). Nesse cenário, a sociedade já não quer conviver mais com a depredação do meio ambiente e com a extrema pobreza em todas as suas fases. Isso fica evidenciado no Acordo de Paris e nos Objetivos do Desenvolvimento Sustentável da Organização das Nações Unidas (ONU) que, entre outras ações, estabelecem comprometimentos entre os países signatários para a redução das emissões de gases causadores do efeito estufa, que são políticas do lado da demanda (IEDI, 2021), ao mesmo tempo que se espera dos Governos uma série de ações do lado da oferta. Nesse contexto, um dos desafios impostos trata-se do desenho e execução de políticas que levem ao desenvolvimento sustentável. Partindo de um Diagnóstico já previamente realizado para microrregião Centro-Oeste do Espírito Santo e de todo o arcabouço teórico que envolveu a construção dos 17 Objetivos do Desenvolvimento Sustentável, objetivou-se com este artigo construir um conjunto de diretrizes estratégicas para o desenvolvimento da microrregião Centro-Oeste.
AI-Integrated Proctoring System for Online Exams
Authors: Sridhar Arjun , Rajshekhar J. S.
Published: July 2022

Lately, remote education has been more popular. However, there hasn't been a legitimate outcome for academic exams. Several institutions have mandated remote proctoring, where an invigilator proctor continuously monitors student performance, while others have collected assignments that students can copy and paste from the internet, where an invigilator proctor keeps watching pupil conditioning. There must be a solution if the way we live is to become the new norm. We have proposed a methodology in this research to formulate a comprehensive system that is AI-based and can help avoid exam cheating. The system monitors for fraudulent activity and records the proof. This technology will be both affordable and secure.
CULTURAL SIGNIFICANCE OF ADIRE FABRICS FOR CONTEMPORARY NIGERIA INTERIOR DESIGN
Authors: Lasisi L.A  , Oligbinde S.R  , Akinyemi D.S  , Adetona S. A.
Published: July 2022

In Nigeria today tie- dyeing is very famous among the Yoruba which it is known as Adire. The most outstanding area is Abeokuta where it is still in practice. Other areas are Ibadan, Osogbo, Oyo, Maiduguri, Zaira and Kano. However, wedded wrought iron and production with local household needs is traditionally and culturally a way of life in Nigeria and some other African countries. It is the collection of different fabrics together that make those symbols that have been collected from various groups which are presented artistically through patterns of fabric decoration and design. Meanwhile, this study will examine the Cultural Significance of Adire fabrics for Contemporary Nigeria Interior Design; Interviewed with interior designers, interior industries will be conducted and asked about their journey so far in the industry.
Akal Pemimpin dalam Ungkapan Melayu oleh Tenas Effendy Dilihat dalam Teks Sulalat U's Salatin
Authors: Md Amin Farizan , Ismail Hashim , Mohd Balwi Mohd Taufik Arridzo
Published: July 2022

Menurut Tenas Effendy (2000), sebagai orang yang "dituakan", pemimpin haruslah berpengetahuan, mempunyai kebijaksanaan dan "akal" serta berada dekat dengan orang yang dipimpinnya. Beliau menjelaskan lagi bahawa pemimpin wajib memiliki "pakaian", iaitu "pakaian batin" dan keperibadian terpuji. Pemimpin perlu mempunyai ilmu duniawi dan ilmu ukhrawi supaya dapat memimpin berpandukan nasihat yang berguna dan bertepatan. Dengan ilmu ini, pemimpin tahu menilai dan mengadili pertelingkahan, atau apa-apa jua masalah yang timbul dengan arif dan bijaksana. Berpandangan jauh dan berwawasan juga ialah konsep kepimpinan yang ditekankan oleh Tenas Effendy dalam ungkapan beliau. Menerusi ungkapan beliau, kajian ini memperlihatkan aspek "akal" yang wujud menerusi teks Sulalat u's Salatin. Beberapa peristiwa dinukilkan sebagai dasar perbincangan. Terdapat 29 peristiwa penting yang dipetik daripada teks tersebut. Bagi setiap konsep "akal" yang dikupas, terdapat beberapa subkategori lain yang masih tergolong dalam konsep tersebut. Sebagai seorang Melayu yang sangat halus budi pekerti, setiap ungkapan yang ditulis oleh Tenas Effendy ialah suatu nasihat yang bernas. Dalam pada itu, susunan bait yang indah dan tulisan yang cermat tentang kedudukan pemimpin dapat dihayati menerusi ungkapan beliau. Akhirnya, kajian ini memperlihatkan kedudukan "akal" sebagai syarat utama yang perlu ada pada pemimpin apatah lagi dalam menakhodai sebuah empayar, terutamanya yang menjadi rebutan pelbagai pihak.